Answers.Body: <p>The easiest way to start out with Power Functions is to get an official LEGO set that comes with Power Functions. This will allow your child to really understand how Power Functions works. </p>
  
  <p>If he is more into traditional LEGO building with standard LEGO System pieces, one of the LEGO City Trains with Power Functions would be the best options. They include all the Power Functions elements needed to operate the train, and he can also reuse these parts in his own custom LEGO creations once he understands how they work.</p>
  
  <p>If he is into advanced mechanical builds, the LEGO Technic line is a great option. Some LEGO Technic sets come with Power Functions already included, but they tend to be large and expensive. Others do not come with Power Functions, but alternate instructions for adding Power Functions are made available either in the instruction booklet, or at LEGO's website.</p>
  
  <p>Some LEGO Creator Expert sets also have alternate instructions with Power Functions added. The #10257 LEGO Creator Carousel and the #10247 LEGO Creator Ferris Wheel are some examples. Again, with these sets you have to purchase the Power Functions elements separately, but it is made very clear what is needed and how to install the parts. (LEGO Power Functions components are available individually at LEGO's Online Shop.) </p>
  
  <p>Please note that currently there are two LEGO Power Functions systems on the market, and they are NOT compatible. One is the original LEGO Power Functions system (now referred to as LEGO Power Functions 1.0), and the other is LEGO Powered Up (also referred to as LEGO Power Functions 2.0). The new system has similar components, but they are not interchangeable, and they cannot be mixed. The new system works with Bluetooth wile the old system uses IR. The new system can be operated either by a traditional remote or an app. The old system only works with a remote.</p>
  
  <p>So, it is a good idea to make a decision right now which system you want to invest in, and pay careful attention that sets and components you buy are compatible with the system you choose. In general, you can power LEGO sets with either systems, even if it calls for the other system, although some features may not work, or not work exactly the same. The components have a similar size and shape (i.e. you can install the new Power Function system in sets that were designed with old Power Functions in mind).</p>
  
  <p>As far as resources for custom Power Functions projects, I found YouTube to be the most helpful. Power Functions can be a bit complex, so seeing exactly how something is installed can be very useful. Once your son learns the concept of how Power Functions works with an official set, he will start to have his own ideas of what he wants to power. At that point, he can do a search on YouTube, and will probably find someone who already worked on a similar project. </p>
  
  <p>One of the most well-known and respected LEGO Technic and LEGO Power Functions builders is Sariel. His YouTube channel is full of tips, tricks, custom builds, and reviews of official LEGO Technic and LEGO Power Functions sets. His channel is professional and child-friendly: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/searme/videos" rel="noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/user/searme/videos</a> </p>
  
  <p>To give you an idea, here is a video by Sariel with some more advanced tips and tricks for using LEGO Power Functions: <a href="https://youtu.be/vfIBGIIleCI" rel="noreferrer">https://youtu.be/vfIBGIIleCI</a></p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2019-01-10T19:17:31.507Z
Answers.Text: Wow, incredible information, thank you so very much for taking the time to write a detailed response. I need to do some more homework for sure, to figure out what makes sense for my guy before investing. I can see what you mean about the various language used... when I called a local Lego store this morning to ask about all of this, the guy told me there's not a lot in production right now for Power Functions, that they're bringing out a new version so I guess that is what the Bluetooth enabled Powered Up type must be about. Okay, more searching and reading to do, thanks again!!
Answers.UserDisplayName: jact
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2019-01-10T19:19:02.130Z
Answers.Text: You're very welcome. If you have any other questions in the future, just come back and someone can answer them for you. There are lots of knowledgeable LEGO fans here. :)
Answers.UserDisplayName: TheBrickBlogger
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2019-01-10T17:39:02.920Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2019-01-10T17:39:02.920Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: TheBrickBlogger
Answers.Body: <p>I can suggest to look into <a href="https://rebrickable.com/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Rebrickable</a>. There are lots of unique designs as well as modified sets. All come with some sort of instructions.</p>
  
  <p>As a bonus you can add all your sets and parts as an inventory and later check against a model you wish to build. It would provide you with the list of missing bricks.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2019-01-10T21:48:29.310Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2019-01-10T21:48:29.310Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Alex
Body: <p>My 11-year old son wants to add power to his creations but neither of us know quite how to start this new adventure. He doesn't have any Technic or Mindstorms sets. </p>
  
  <p>Looking through sets online, it seems the best approach might be to purchase the Power Functions Motor Set 8293, along with a Technic set of some sort. He will need instructions to figure out how it works, and then might be ready to build his own creations using the parts he has. (If you can recommend some fan sites appropriate for 11-year olds, that have good instructions, that would be helpful too.)</p>
  
  <p>Appreciate any advice! </p>
  
Tags: <technic><power-functions><instructions>
Title: Advice on Power Functions for an 11-year-old?
UserDisplayName: jact
ThreadText: # Advice on Power Functions for an 11-year-old?
  
  (Asked by: username_0 on 2019-01-10)
  
  My 11-year old son wants to add power to his creations but neither of us know quite how to start this new adventure. He doesn't have any Technic or Mindstorms sets.
  
  Looking through sets online, it seems the best approach might be to purchase the Power Functions Motor Set 8293, along with a Technic set of some sort. He will need instructions to figure out how it works, and then might be ready to build his own creations using the parts he has. (If you can recommend some fan sites appropriate for 11-year olds, that have good instructions, that would be helpful too.)
  
  Appreciate any advice!
  
  **Tags:** technic, power-functions, instructions
  
  
  ---
  
  ## 2 answers
  
  ### Answer by username_1 on 2019-01-10. Score: 7
  
  The easiest way to start out with Power Functions is to get an official LEGO set that comes with Power Functions. This will allow your child to really understand how Power Functions works.
  
  If he is more into traditional LEGO building with standard LEGO System pieces, one of the LEGO City Trains with Power Functions would be the best options. They include all the Power Functions elements needed to operate the train, and he can also reuse these parts in his own custom LEGO creations once he understands how they work.
  
  If he is into advanced mechanical builds, the LEGO Technic line is a great option. Some LEGO Technic sets come with Power Functions already included, but they tend to be large and expensive. Others do not come with Power Functions, but alternate instructions for adding Power Functions are made available either in the instruction booklet, or at LEGO's website.
  
  Some LEGO Creator Expert sets also have alternate instructions with Power Functions added. The #10257 LEGO Creator Carousel and the #10247 LEGO Creator Ferris Wheel are some examples. Again, with these sets you have to purchase the Power Functions elements separately, but it is made very clear what is needed and how to install the parts. (LEGO Power Functions components are available individually at LEGO's Online Shop.)
  
  Please note that currently there are two LEGO Power Functions systems on the market, and they are NOT compatible. One is the original LEGO Power Functions system (now referred to as LEGO Power Functions 1.0), and the other is LEGO Powered Up (also referred to as LEGO Power Functions 2.0). The new system has similar components, but they are not interchangeable, and they cannot be mixed. The new system works with Bluetooth wile the old system uses IR. The new system can be operated either by a traditional remote or an app. The old system only works with a remote.
  
  So, it is a good idea to make a decision right now which system you want to invest in, and pay careful attention that sets and components you buy are compatible with the system you choose. In general, you can power LEGO sets with either systems, even if it calls for the other system, although some features may not work, or not work exactly the same. The components have a similar size and shape (i.e. you can install the new Power Function system in sets that were designed with old Power Functions in mind).
  
  As far as resources for custom Power Functions projects, I found YouTube to be the most helpful. Power Functions can be a bit complex, so seeing exactly how something is installed can be very useful. Once your son learns the concept of how Power Functions works with an official set, he will start to have his own ideas of what he wants to power. At that point, he can do a search on YouTube, and will probably find someone who already worked on a similar project.
  
  One of the most well-known and respected LEGO Technic and LEGO Power Functions builders is Sariel. His YouTube channel is full of tips, tricks, custom builds, and reviews of official LEGO Technic and LEGO Power Functions sets. His channel is professional and child-friendly: <https://www.youtube.com/user/searme/videos>
  
  To give you an idea, here is a video by Sariel with some more advanced tips and tricks for using LEGO Power Functions: <https://youtu.be/vfIBGIIleCI>
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_0**: Wow, incredible information, thank you so very much for taking the time to write a detailed response. I need to do some more homework for sure, to figure out what makes sense for my guy before investing. I can see what you mean about the various language used... when I called a local Lego store this morning to ask about all of this, the guy told me there's not a lot in production right now for Power Functions, that they're bringing out a new version so I guess that is what the Bluetooth enabled Powered Up type must be about. Okay, more searching and reading to do, thanks again!!  
  > **username_1**: You're very welcome. If you have any other questions in the future, just come back and someone can answer them for you. There are lots of knowledgeable LEGO fans here. :)  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_2 on 2019-01-10. Score: 3
  
  I can suggest to look into [Rebrickable](https://rebrickable.com/). There are lots of unique designs as well as modified sets. All come with some sort of instructions.
  
  As a bonus you can add all your sets and parts as an inventory and later check against a model you wish to build. It would provide you with the list of missing bricks.
  
  
  ---
  
  