LEGO STAR WARS MINI SETS 30004 30005 AND 30006 WITH INSTRUCTIONSLego Technic is a Lego based technology that includes a combination of totally new kinds of Lego pieces and fancy technology that lets you build some amazing things. You can get kits that range in cost and sophistication from the LEGO 8514 Technic Power Roboriders a sort of motorcycle for robots that costs tens of dollars to a Motorized Bulldozer that will set you back nearly $700. Actually, I think there may be Techno kits that cost way over $1000. The modified Lego pieces include the techno “brick” which comes in many forms that have holes in them through which specially shaped parts can be inserted, to have an armature that does not rotate, an axel, or some sort of pivot. Some of the tecno Lego parts seem to converge on Erector Set pieces, but without the annoying little nuts and bolts. Then there are gears and pullies and all that stuff, and on top of that, electronic doohinkeys. You can get electric motors, you can get a differential, and clutches.
You can get lights. There is even a pneumatic system. Actually, there’s two different ones, a legacy system and an updated system. With enough parts and some good design, you might actually be able to design a Lego Technic machine that does something useful. Like one that brings you a beer or scares away solicitors at the front door. I’ve got this book that seems to be the book to have if you are going to start messing around with this Robotic Technology: The Unofficial LEGO Technic Builder’s Guide. If you know someone who is planning to play around, er, I mean engage in DIY hobbyist activities, with this form of Lego, do them a favor and get them this book so they can mix and match and design their own stuff rather than buying those expensive kits. Some details from the publisher: The Unofficial LEGO Technic Builder’s Guide is filled with building tips for creating strong yet elegant machines and mechanisms with the Technic system. Author Pawel “Sairel” Kmiec will teach you the foundations of LEGO Technic building, from simple machines to advanced mechanics, even explaining how to create realistic to-scale models.
Sariel, a world-renowned LEGO Technic expert, offers unique insight into mechanical principles like torque, power translation, and gear ratios, all using Technic bricks. You’ll learn how to: Create sturdy connections that can withstand serious stress Re-create specialized LEGO pieces like casings and u-joints, and build solutions like Schmidt and Oldham couplings, when no standard piece will do Build custom differentials, suspensions, transmissions, and steering systems Pick the right motor for the job—and transform its properties to suit your needs Combine studfull and studless building styles for a stunning look Create remote-controlled vehicles, lighting systems, motorized compressors, and pneumatic engines The The Unofficial LEGO Technic Builder’s Guide, being unofficial, is not a catalog or sales pitch, but rather, a very well organized and clear guide to getting the most out of your new toy, er, hobby. Start at the beginning, work towards the end, and you’ll be an expert modeler and maker of things Lego-Technic.
Nothing that flies, though. But a lot of stuff that drives.Recently I contacted the LEGO Group by email to find out what it takes to become a LEGO designer and what are the required qualifications. I asked them due to the fact that I will soon have to decide which direction to go with my education and I would really like to work for LEGO. I figured I’m not the only one with this question, so I thought to share with you their reply that I received in only a couple of days after my initial inquiry. Dear Robert (my real name), Thanks for getting in touch with us. Being a LEGO Model Designer is a lot of fun: you get to work all over the place and meet new people. One day you might be building a huge castle at LEGOLAND® and the next you could be building hundreds of tiny fish to swim in the moat. Can you imagine a better job? LEGO Model Designers usually go to college and study 3D Arts. Some have also studied architecture, industrial design, theatre design, carpentry and even sculpting.
If you’re interested in becoming a designer the best thing to do is play with LEGO sets as much as you can. Try making something as realistic as possible: when we meet people who want to become designers, we often ask them to build a small head out of LEGO bricks in four hours. It’s not as easy as it sounds. Once you’ve been realistic, try combining unlikely combinations – a flying car, a bouncing house… become comfortable thinking the idea through – the good bits, the bad bits and how you make something better. Try to make your ideas into a piece of music, a story, a movie, a picture. The more things you try to master, the richer the ideas. Mathematics is good for engineering (how things work), English is good for explaining why your idea is important, business skills are good for working out if your idea will help you retire as a rich millionaire or not… Pretty much every class can help you think of ideas. When you’re ready and feel prepared, you can check out what jobs we currently offer at jobs.L
Thanks again for getting in touch. We’re always pleased to receive feedback from LEGO fans! Please let us know if you need anything else. Nice response, isn’t it? LEGO really got awesome customer service! As far as what is required to become a LEGO designer, it looks like you just need to be an experienced LEGO builder. So that’s what I’m going to do; pnd if you would like to become a LEGO model designer too, I encourage you to do the same. 😀 For more specific information and to check out currently available positions at the LEGO Group, here are some links that you may find useful: Main LEGO Jobs Site, Currently Available Jobs at LEGO, How to Apply for a Job at LEGO, FAQ About LEGO Job Applications. One way to perfect your skills is to give yourself LEGO building challenges similar to the ones I have been sharing with you in my own MOC Challenge Series (links at the end of this post, and more coming). You can also participate in LEGO contests at various LEGO events run by LEGO itself or by LEGO fan-sites. As