Tips and Tricks #10
Posted by Catarino,
Hello everybody, Tiago here with yet another Tips and Tricks!
Today we're all over the place with the tips, that hopefully could find their way into your LEGO builds somehow.
Have you been building any of my mini-models? Let us know in the comments, and as always find the part lists and video instructions in the links provided.
Phone booth
Maybe an almost extinct city item that barely exists any more, but I still remember having cards to use these to make phone-calls back in the day!
Credits needed to be used smart, and there was really no time to waste! Your minifigures without cellphones can now call their loved ones!
Arcade machine
I always go back to LEGO sets I designed looking for inspiration and this one, is one of such examples. 31080 Modular Winter Vacation had an arcade machine in the earlier versions that had to be cut during development.
I still managed to make one for the alternative model, and here is a different one so you can start building your gaming corner!
Desk
What I like most about this is actually the chair, using only 4 LEGO elements! A very IKEA stylish design, complete with computer and a small flower pot for decoration, perfect for your LEGO houses or offices!
Get your bricks out and start Building Something Fun Today!
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15 comments on this article
Beautiful minimodels as always, but a vase of water next to the computer? Eek, big no-no! That's an accident waiting to happen!
Nice! But I think this Tips & Tricks entry should have been called retro-themed. Monitors that would be represented with a 2*2 tile are about as extinct as the aforementioned phone booths (and arcade machines aren't exactly a modern thing either). In the widescreen age, 2*3 is the minimum!
@Baldarek said:
"Nice! But I think this Tips & Tricks entry should have been called retro-themed. Monitors that would be represented with a 2*2 tile are about as extinct as the aforementioned phone booths (and arcade machines aren't exactly a modern thing either). In the widescreen age, 2*3 is the minimum!"
Ah retro-themed! That’s why i want to make these by the dozens!
Btw if Tiago has an idea how to make a basket for a lego bike E.T.-style. I would be pleased to see it
@Catarino You have just made my day with that desk swivel chair and arcade machine.
I don't even have a Lego city and I am building tons of those chairs!
These are lovely! The Captain Marvel polybag (30453-1) has me nostalgic about phone booths already and your build is very elegant.
For the computer desk, consider also a Mixels tooth (6131655) as a mouse!
Great way to adapt that huge phone piece. Seems almost a regular one.
I'm so happy you do this series!
It looks like your arcade machine was eventually used in 31081 Modular-Skate-House, together with a racing car machine. I find it funny how the telephone has reappeared in a few of the Star Wars models as external pipework.
It looks like your arcade machine was eventually used in 31081 Modular-Skate-House, together with a racing car simulator. I find it funny how the telephone receiver has reappeared in a few of the Star Wars models as external pipework, e.g 7778.
The arcade cabinet looks very similar to the one in 71712 Empire Temple of Madness. I love these little builds. I have a few set aside to try.
Wow, I love the desk.
I really love the simplicity of the plant-in-vase at just two pieces ... but it's definitely more of a dining table accessory, than computer workstation accessory.
@Brickodillo:
I did that a few years ago. It's _really_ simple:
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=970c00&idColor=7
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=973p13c01&idColor=5
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=30381&idColor=5
Pick a head to suit your tastes for Eliot. I have no idea what head I used, but it has a childlike demeanor (it looks similar to the Grandma Visitor head, but with black eyebrows, no freckles, and no girly eyelashes).
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=4719c02&idColor=5
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=15573&idColor=1
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=32064&idColor=1
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=3069b&idColor=1
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=43093&idColor=1
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=27956pb01&idColor=150
It's important to use the newest jumper plate, because it doesn't rock as badly on the bicycle headlight mount. To mount it, I prefer to use one of these...in clear (hurry, there's one left!):
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=2397T=C
Alternately, you can easily get away with using one of these:
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=99784&idColor=12
The only problem with using these is figuring out how to attach the bicycle. You can pin the kickstand between the two studs, but that limits your ability to attach the other end. I did find that the kickstand will also fit into a hollow stud, so another option I use in some instances is to put a clear headlight brick on the single stud, and then (because they're cheaper to replace) a 1x1 round brick on the front-facing stud of the headlight brick. _Carefully_ insert the kickstand into the hollow stud, and be just as careful extracting it. I'd advise not leaving it attached during storage, and realize that it absolutely will chew up the inside of the stud.
@legolover777 said:
"I love the arcade machine.
"
Me too, gives me prime empire vibes