# Question
Title: What are all the different accessories that I can get for an NXT?
Pretty simple...What are all the different accessories that I can get for an NXT? I know this could turn into a list, but this will be a helpful list, I think.

# Answer
## Power

### 9798 Rechargeable Battery

## Connectivity

### LEGO 8528 Conversion Cable

Supports connecting sensors and motors from older LEGO® MINDSTORMS® RIS 2.0 (#3804) to new MINDSTORMS NXT Intelligent Brick.

### LEGO 8529 Connector Cables

Enables connection of sensors and motors to your LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT.

### LEGO 9847 Bluetooth Dongle

Allows remote control of the NXT instead of using cable.

## Sensors

### MS1048 RF ID Sensor

Manufactured under licence by Codatex. Reads 125 kHZ transponders of type EM4102. Various additional transponders are also available.

### HiTechnic NAA1030 Angle Sensor

Manufactured under licence by HiTechnic. Measures axle rotation position and rotation speed.

### HiTechnic NAC1040 Acceleration / Tilt Sensor

Manufactured under licence by HiTechnic. Measures both acceleration and tilt in three axes.

### HiTechnic NBR1036 Barometric Sensor

Manufactured under licence by HiTechnic. Able to read both atmospheric pressure and temperature. Can be used as part of a weather station or to measure altitude changes.

### HiTechnic NCO1038 Colour Sensor

Manufactured under licence by HiTechnic. Detects an extended range of more than 15 target colors.

### HiTechnic NEO1048 EOPD

Manufactured under licence by HiTechnic. The EOPD (Electro Optical Proximity Detector) uses an internal light source to detect the presence of a target or determine changes in distance to a target.

### HiTechnic NGY1044 Gyro Sensor

Manufactured under licence by HiTechnic. Accurately measures direction and amount of rotation.

### HiTechnic NIL1046 IRLink Sensor

Manufactured under licence by HiTechnic. Uses Infrared signals to communicate with trains, Power Functions Motor controller and the Mindstorms RCX.

### HiTechnic NIR1032 IRReceiver Sensor

Decodes commands from a Power Functions Remote Control.

### HiTechnic MS1034 Compass Sensor

Manufactured under licence by HiTechnic. Able to measure the earth's magnetic field to determine direction in which it is facing. Has a built-in calibration to help reduce magnetic interference from other sources.

### HiTechnic NMS1035 Magnetic Sensor

Manufactured under licence by HiTechnic. Detects magnetic fields that are present around the front of the sensor in a vertical orientation.

### HiTechnic NSK1042 IRSeeker V2

Manufactured under licence by HiTechnic. Detects infrared signals from sources such as the HiTechnic IRBall soccer ball, infrared remote controls and sunlight.

### LEGO 9846 Ultrasonic Sensor

### LEGO 9845 Sound Sensor

Can measure sound pressure levels up to 90 dB.

### LEGO 9844 Light Sensor (**Output:** can also be used for as Lamp)

Can distinguish between light and dark

### LEGO 9843 Touch Sensor

Detects when it is being pressed by something and when it is released again.

### LEGO 9749 Temparature Sensor

Can measure both temparature -20°C to +120°.

### LEGO 9694 Color Sensor

Acts as a Colour Sensor distinguishing between six colours; as a Light Sensor detecting light intensities, both reflected light and ambient light; and as a Colour Lamp, emitting red, green or blue light.

### LEGO 9799 Vernier NXT Sensor Adaptor

Allows you to integrate Vernier sensors with the Intelligent NXT brick and the NXT Software.

## Motors

### 9842 Interactiv Servo Motor

Can also be used as a rotation sensor.
> 16 votes

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Tags: nxt
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# Question
Title: Is there a web service showing me the LEGO set with the most parts?
I'm interested in a challenge building a set with very much parts. I thought of the Unimog U400. But is there a webservice, where the sets are sorted by number of parts?

# Answer
Brickset has a data mining page which sorts sets by certain factors including new sets, unreleased sets, most minifigures in a set, best/worst price ratio and best British pound to American dollar exchange rates.

The sets with the most pieces can be found here. As of December 2018, the set with the most parts is the Star Wars 75192 Millennium Falcon, with 7541 pieces.
> 9 votes

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Tags: set-database
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title: Inverting voltage to PF motor

text:
# Question
Title: Inverting voltage to PF motor
I often use separate PF motor for each driven wheel. Sometimes the most interesting design of mechanism requires opposite polarity of power supply to motors. Is there any simple non-destructive way to invert voltage to one of motors?

# Answer
Have you looked into the Power Functions Control Switch at all:

This allows you to switch the direction of a motor.
> 7 votes

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Tags: power-functions
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# Question
Title: When did LEGO stop producing Technic action figures?
I recently got interested in LEGO Technic again. The last set I own is maybe 15 years old, so my knowledge is a little bit outdated.
Back then some of the Technic sets had action figures included, like the (1990) 8830 Rally 6-Wheeler:

And if I remember correctly they used seats for those figures in many Technic sets.
Both, seats and figures, seem to have disappeared from recent sets.

When (and why) did LEGO discontinue making the LEGO Technic action figures?

# Answer
The Technic minifigures last from 1986 to the year 2000. As far as I'm aware LEGO haven't released a statement on why the figures were removed. Minifigures are expensive and using them limits Technic sets to a certain scale.

Having a dynamic sense of scale allowed Lego to create the £9.99 ($10.90) 8045 and the £61.65 ($89.99) 8295, two variations of the same model. One basic and affordable, the other focusing on realism.
> 9 votes

# Answer
As for the why, I imagine that LEGO consider a number of factors.

First, as Ambo100 has said, the figures introduce limitations into the sets that can be removed if they are removed.

Second, I suspect that one reason is that LEGO will have done a lot of market research and testing of their products, and have discovered that in the target market for Technic sets, customers are not especially interested in them, possibly because older children and AFOLs spend less time with make-believe play but are more interested in the engineering apects of the product.
> 6 votes

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Tags: technic, history, discontinued
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# Question
Title: What is the difference between nxtG and nxt 2.0?
I'm familiar with NXT 1.0 and 2.0 but I've also seen reference (program samples, etc.) to NXT G. What's the difference?

# Answer
> 3 votes
NXT-G is the graphical programming software that comes with NXT 1.0 (8527) and 2.0 (8547).

The NXT-G software has been improved for the second version of the set which also comes with a few different bricks (including different tyres) and a different box design.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I seems like NXT-G *is* version 1.0. According to the Wikipedia article on the Lego Mindstorms NXT:

> NXT-G v1.0 is a graphical programming environment that comes bundled with the NXT.

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Tags: nxt, mindstorms
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# Question
Title: Why does my NXT colour sensor not recognise colour on my iPhone?
If I point the colour sensor to my iPhone it does not recognise it, but if I point it to a piece of paper, it does.

Does anyone know if there is a solution for this? I found some documentation online, and saw this video, he's doing pretty much what I want.

# Answer
> 7 votes
The robot in the video has a custom light sensor, a more advanced HiTechnic color sensor V2 which can detect an extended range of 15 colours. The stand colour sensor can detect six (white, black, red, blue, green and yellow).

> The sensors are based on different principles. LEGO sensor uses a RGB LED, and successively shines red, green and blue light on the object. Reflected light is collected by a light sensor sensitive to all wavelength. HiTechnic one has a white LED, and a specialized color sensitive chip. This chip has three sensitive areas covered by red, green and blue filters. **An added advantage of HiTechnic method is that it can detect the color of light sent on it (in passive mode, with the white LED shut off).**

\[Source\]

A direct LED light against an iPhone's screen will reflect the light back into the sensor, making it difficult for the sensor to detect colour.

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Tags: nxt, ios
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# Question
Title: Are the older (hollow underneath) brick elements considered "collectable"?
I know. I know. All LEGO elements are collectable. I mean are the older, tubeless bricks valued above and beyond the fact that they are still viable pieces to build with?

# Answer
Browsing through the price guides available for the various classic colors of the 1x2 Brick Without Tube part on Bricklink it would appear that the answer is generally yes. The Average US sale price in the last 6 months is about double for the classic 1x2 Brick Without Tube vs the modern 1x2 Brick (with tube) with the exception of Yellow which goes for a bit more then it's modern counterpart.

Avg 6mo Sale Price in US$ for 1x2 Brick Without Tube

Avg 6mo Sale Price in US$ for 1x2 Brick (with tube)

Do note however that just because a brick does not have tubes doesn't mean that it is absolutely older. The LEGO Group still produces bricks without tubes but generally only in the transparent colors. The transparent colors also tend to become cloudy with time which factors heavily into their price and can be harder to judge from a text listing. It's probably also worth noting that despite the slightly higher prices there are a couple of orders of magnitude fewer sales so older parts may take longer to sell if that is your aim.
> 6 votes

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Tags: piece-information, history
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# Question
Title: How do I add a light to the Red Cargo Train?
I want to add led light to the front (and probably back) of the Red Cargo Train but the shape of the light is making me wonder what brick I should use to hold the light. I've never seen these lights used anywhere. I'm thinking I'll need something from a Technik set.

# Answer
These light fit in a regular Technic hole, and thus have the same diameter as a stud.

I would recommend fitting them in the so-called "Erling" brick; after all, one of its regular (aka "boring") names is "Brick, 1 x 1 with **headlight**":

.

The only problem you'll have is that the light extends quite a bit at the back, but you can easily solve that by using a panel of some sort, for example:
> 6 votes

# Answer
I used a grey 4 stud Technic brick with 4 holes because didn't have two grey 1 stud 1hole Technic bricks. The LED are about 1.33 units high so I had to raise the black platform height to accommodate the width of the LEDs. When I added lights to the Train Engine Operator cabin - I had to create more room inside so the train engine became a bit less sturdy. You can see photos and a video of my solution below.

http://www.mocpages.com/moc.php/302348
> 4 votes

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Tags: trains, lighting, set-modification
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# Question
Title: Rebuilding the Millennium Falcon 7965 with unsorted bricks?
After a week of building the Millennium Falcon 7965, we were nearing the end. My son became excited and literally started jumping for joy. As a result, he accidentally landed on the model and thus caused major portions of the super-structure to pop out of place.

I attempted to reinsert the bricks but found myself having to gently stretch out a section of the hull in order to snap the brick into place correctly. Of course this action caused more bricks to pop out. Of particular difficulty is the 'girdle section' that encircles the outer hull.

Now it seems I have been left with a very expensive pile of gray, dark gray, and yellow Lego bricks and a very fragile super-structure into which they should go. We threw the bags away, and don't know at which construction stage the various pieces belong to. Of course we have the manuals.

I was minded to consign the whole project to the rubbish bin, but this would create a heart-broken child...

For those with experience in this sort of thing, what is a recommended strategy? Are we talking about a reboot from square 1 without the bags as a sequential guide?

# Answer
Only ever throw out LEGO that has sustained actually irreversible damage, bricks that have been bent beyond repair or snapped. It so rarely happens that I can find a suitable picture. In this case, I would assume the longest plates and tiles would be more likely to be damaged.

I'd go through the painful process of dismantling the model and starting again, replacing any broken pieces (if any) or at least starting again from the last significant building stage. Many large models are build independently and combined at a later stage of building. These independent 'building stages' often match a numbered set of plastic bags.
> 8 votes

# Answer
I will suggest you carefully dismantle sections of the construction so that you can see all the bricks and can recognize the hidden parts against the instructions. Then build up different sections with the aid of the instructions.

If there are larger parts of the construction that are not damaged, you can keep these intact, and just take apart sections that need to be re-built to get the structure stable.

And lastly: NEVER THROW AWAY LEGO BRICKS THAT ARE NOT PHYSICALLY DAMAGED! These are building bricks that can be used to build anything - not just part of a model. The joy of LEGO is the ability to tear down and build something else when you get bored of the original model. Some LEGO sets come with instructions for 3 different models that you can build with the same bricks.
> 6 votes

# Answer
In addition to the excellent answers given here, I will add this one, which was learned the painful way and now given in hindsight...

DON'T BUILD A COMPLEX MODEL ON THE FLOOR.

Use a table or other elevated space. Building it on the floor with an excited child around is just asking for trouble.
> 6 votes

# Answer
The most important is to sort out the technic beams and plates as these really restrict doing any search on smaller pieces.

I have been rebuilding this set with "unsorted" bricks a couple time. Something that works really well for me is to simply keep the brick sorted in a traditional way, using ziploc bags... (So, I'm suggesting that you first sort your unsorted bricks, then build)

See this post about a proper sort method.
> 2 votes

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Tags: star-wars, sets
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# Question
Title: How much does the Luke's Landspeeder (8092) weigh?
I am considering buying Luke's Landspeeder (8092).

However, because I will be traveling soon, I would like to know the set's weight first. LEGO.com doesn't list the weight, only the piece count and size, neither of which are too important to me.

So, including the minifigures if possible, what is the weight of the Luke's Landspeeder set?

# Answer
> 9 votes
Bricklink's set database keeps track of weight and dimensions. The weight listed includes packaging.

Luke's Landspeeder weighs 272 grams.

# Answer
> 14 votes
I just put the box on my balance, and the weight is 275.26 gr. Yes, I have this in my shop.

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Tags: sets, star-wars, weight
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# Question
Title: How many themes have been released by LEGO?
I would like to know the various themes, current & discontinued, that LEGO has released in brick/element form.

# Answer
In much the same way we had with the question on categorising bricks, I think this is something better handled by other sites out there:
> 3 votes

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Tags: sets, history
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# Question
Title: When I connect my Samantha Module to my NXT, the NXT shows the wrench icon
When I connect my Samantha module to my NXT, it shows the wrench icon instead of the USB icon.

I have tried updating the firmware, to no avail.

The blue light does not turn on. It sees the WiFi network just fine, the white light flashes, but it will not connect to the NXT.

Any ideas?

# Answer
You can try http://thenxtstep.blogspot.com/2006/06/nxt-problems-post-problems-and.html Some of the info is a little old, but the site appears to be active.
> 0 votes

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Tags: nxt
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# Question
Title: Which sets currently contain pneumatic LEGO equipment?
When I was younger my dad bought me 5218-1, a technic-based pneumatics set, which, combined with the old motor system to provide a mini compressor system created quite a bit of entertainment and it got adapted into various other builds, including a sliding pneumatic bank door.

Now, as far as I can tell, the only kit like this nowadays is the Lego Education Pneumatics Add-On Set, 9641-1, which comes in at around £39.99, for 31 pieces.

While I could add this to the Lego Education Simple & Powered Machines Set that's not cheap either, at around £100 for a more reasonable 390 pieces.

Ultimately, is there a list of all the technic (or lego) sets that include pneumatic kits, and, ideally, are any of them still avalible, apart from the ones I've previously listed?

# Answer
In the UK shop, there are currently two sets:

The Unimog U 400 \[set:8110\] which uses the motorised "compressor" to supply the power (as opposed to the manual sprung pump).

And the Tractor with Log Loader \[set:8049\] which uses the manual pump:

The other sets that look like they have piston arms (such as \[set:8043\]) are actually using "linear actuators", which work with an internal screw thread to lift up the piston, powered by Bevel Gears or Universal Joints:

\[part:61927c01\]

These provide a much finer level of control over the Pneumatic sets, which is probably why they are being used in more and more sets.

The issue with locating the pneumatic sets is that there have been a few subtle changes to the elements over the years, as well as different lengths in various sets, so tracking them reliably isn't easy:

BrickLink search for Pneumatic Pumps
> 14 votes

# Answer
The set that had the most pneumatic cylinders was the Lego Technic Backhoe, with something around 10. Unfortunately, this set is discontinued. You can, however, buy it on Bricklink.

It is, by far, the coolest pneumatic Lego set ever released.
> 8 votes

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Tags: technic, sets, pneumatic
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# Question
Title: How do you store your built models for long-term display?
My wife and I recently started to re-enjoy Lego and had a lot of fun building the Grand Emporium and a few other pieces but now they're collecting dust and we're lucky enough to have a few spare rooms about the place to keep them in.

What sort of thing do you guys use to cover your built models?

I've found one company that's local that'll make custom clear-plastic covers (well five-sided boxes really) but they're a little expensive, just thought I'd ask the experts!

# Answer
> 14 votes
This may sound odd, have you considered using an upside-down fish tank? I've actually seen this used in the past after the former occupant died. It was only a smaller model on a baseplate, but the width of the glass for the tank managed to fit inbetween the studs on the baseplate and worked quite well. Granted, stacking them could produce an issue, and you might want to try plastic tanks instead of glass ones but depending on the size they might start quite cheap.

Something like this (but upside-down, and not containing fish): Image from http://www.flickr.com/photos/nigelguy/4208026780/in/pool-lego/

# Answer
> 12 votes
I don't keep my Lego under glass, but the IKEA DETOLF glass cabinet is the go-to shelf for 1/6 scale figurine collectors and I can't imagine it'd be any different for Lego.

They are 43x37cm, 1.6 meters high (16"x14" and just over 5 feet). All four sides are enclosed with glass (though there are small gaps at the corners), and they give a 360° view of the contents. At ~$65 they are one of the cheapest ways to get that much tempered glass, and since it's IKEA it's easy to get as many as you need, and easy to get more matching ones later.

LEGO's official dimensions for the Emporium are 25x25cm, so it should easily fit.

# Answer
> 3 votes
Whatever you do, keep in consideration light will discolor your bricks put in display. I had a little A-Wing model standing on a computer for a couple year and surfaces exposed to sun light discolored. The exposure doesn't need to be direct.

see this article about the topic

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Tags: storage
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# Question
Title: What set is this brown (wall?) element from?
While sorting out some old Lego finds, I stumbled across this piece:

I have *absolutely* no idea what this element could be for other than some kind of wall part, and even then I have never seen anything like it before. It is the same colour as some "wooden" elements I have,but I honestly have no clue.

Any information about the piece and any set(s) it was present in would be great.

# Answer
It looks like this piece; Door 2 x 5 x 5 Swivel, Flat Base.

In this case it was part of LEGO Set 6089, Stone Tower Bridge.
> 10 votes

# Answer
This piece has also been used recently, in some of the Harry Potter sets.

Here, in the gaudily-coloured "Gryffindor" Set (4722-1) with the portrait of the Fat Lady.

And also here, in "The Final Challenge", (4702-1) where it appears as The Mirror of Erised.
> 6 votes

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Tags: part-identification
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# Question
Title: Of what fell beast did this olive drab carcass come?
I think I have assembled the remains of *some* dread creature:

I'm pretty sure that I wouldn't have enough elements to reassemble this, but I would at least like to know what it looked like in it's prime.

# Answer
> 10 votes
It looks like you have SandGreen parts from probably two different sets...

The dinosaur head (x158), 2 tail sections (40396 and 40379), 2 sloped pieces (3039), and black Technic brick (3700) are likely the remains of a Baby Ankylosaurus/Young Ankylosaurus:

The wedge plate (2419) and curved brick (6091) are likely parts from a Red Planet Cruiser (also in the Alien Discovery set):

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Tags: set-identification
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# Question
Title: Which computer games came in jewel cases with LEGO studs?
Two LEGO computer games I've owned since the late 90s or early 2000s, LEGO Rock Raiders and LEGO Creator Knights' Kingdom, came in big boxes like most other PC games at the time. In the boxes were these CD jewel cases lined with 14 studs along their spines:

Of course, these studs are compatible with any LEGO SYSTEM bricks and minifigures. You can also stack these jewel cases on top of one another, as there are tubes along the respective side on the bottom of each case.

Which other computer games came in these special LEGO jewel cases, or at least which era were they from? I think LEGO designated categories for these video games too, but I can't really remember.

# Answer
> 8 votes
Wow, I remember these. Certainly takes me back! These versions of the cases I believe were used right back in about 1997-1999 when Lego first started releasing PC games. Exact information is hard to come by, but I personally still have (in a box in my cupboard) the cases for Lego Chess, Creator, Racers, and Loco, some of the first PC games released, all with the studded case.

My brother's later version of Creator: Harry Potter (2001) came in the much less exciting standard cases:

A lot of the early early games came in a chunky box that had a compartment for the game, as well as a small section for a lego toy.

I know this was the case for Loco, and I believe (if memory serves) was the same for Creator.

Ahh, I remember stacking the studded cases in different ways while I waited for the games to load...

# Answer
> 5 votes
I had/have a collection of the first set of Lego games. The ones I had with a studded case as are as follows (will attempt to get pictures).

* LEGO Creator (Standard, non Harry Potter or Knights Kingdom)
* LEGO Loco
* LEGO Chess (never managed to beat the final game...)
* Legoland
* LEGO Stunt Rally (4 players on one computers was, and still is, rare. And squishy)
* LEGO Alpha Team
* LEGO Creator: Knights' Kingdom.

Here's the two games I can currently find, Creator and Alpha Team.

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Tags: video-games
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# Question
Title: Which subtheme did the "Space Monorail" sets come under?
Many years ago I remeber attending a model railway exhibition and one of the railways was a Lego monorial that looked very "space" based. I've found 6990 (Monorail Transport System) and 6991 (Monorail Transport Base) but I can't find out what sub-theme they came under.

# Answer
> 11 votes
BrickSet lists 6990 under the Futuron space sub-theme and 6991 in the Unitron space sub-themes.

There was also a Monorail sub-theme of City.

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Tags: sets, theme, space, monorail
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# Question
Title: Were there any non "misson-x" sets from the LEGO Alpha Team Range (as in with the PC Game)?
In the LEGO Alpha Team Range, there's "Mission: Deep Sea" and "Misson: Deep Freeze", but were there any sets in the same "theme" as the computer game (and the same characters)?

# Answer
I think the original Alpha Team sets are the one's you're looking for, including the LEGO Alpha Team Secret Mission Collectors Pack which includes:

* \[bs:6771\] with Ogel
* \[bs:6773\] with Dash
* \[bs:6774\] with Cam and Flex

There are also:

* \[bs:6772\] with Radia
* \[bs:6775\] with Charge, Crunch and Tee Vee (a robot)
* \[bs:6776\] with Ogel and two minion commanders.
> 3 votes

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Tags: video-games, theme
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# Question
Title: Is this a fleur-de-lis hood ornament, or something else?
I came across this interesting piece:

Now, I'm not sure it is a hood ornament, but I would like to know *what* it is. Any help would be appreciated.

# Answer
Looks like a minifigure headgear accessory, specifically a feathered headdress plume (no. 6029b):

It's appeared in a number of sets, most with pirate, castle, or western themes and sometimes as an extra part. It's sometimes packaged in a "Plume Wheel" (i.e. still in a circular runner with some cattle horns), and is typically used for islander minifigs:
> 11 votes

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Tags: part-identification
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# Question
Title: What are all the different third-party accessories that I can get for an RCX?
What are all the different third-party accessories that I can get for an RCX?

# Answer
> 4 votes
About 8 to 10 years ago there was more RCX-compatible sensors makers on the web. Today, I don't think we'll find them unless we dig into the Internet Archive.

It looks like Techno-Stuff is still making some RCX-compatible components. Also, Mindsensors was making RCX-compatible components also but I couldn't find links to them through their website main page (It might be discontinued). You can probably still buy some through eBay. Here are two of their RCX compatible products:

# Answer
> -2 votes
My favorite third party accessory is the Playstation 2 controller interface for the NXT.

http://www.trossenrobotics.com/store/p/5709-Sony-PlayStation-2-Controller-interface-for-NXT.aspx

Also you can check out their entire listing here:

http://www.trossenrobotics.com/store/Search.aspx?searchTerms=nxt&submit=true&type=AND

They have some really great third party accessories that are not that expensive.

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Tags: rcx, 3rd-party, accessories
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# Question
Title: Which pre-2000 set had a mobile crane with lights?
I had a set similar to this when I was younger (I am fairly sure this was before the year 2000), although:

* The model was red, rather than yellow.
* The model was more of a breakdown truck, rather than a cargo lorry.
* The model used a cleveryly hidden 9V battery to power a winch and flashing lights.
* There were no supporting "arms" coming out the side like in the model below.

Can anybody help me find what set it was?

# Answer
I believe the set you're looking for is the F1 Hauler (item no. 6484-1):

Here are the details:
> 10 votes

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Tags: sets, 9v
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title: Whose Head is this?

text:
# Question
Title: Whose Head is this?
I've found this kind of cool looking minifigure:

Apologizes for the poor picture. :(

But after some research, I think I have determined that this *body* would have come from set 6584 - Extreme team challenge.

The thing is I don't think the head is right for the body:

So now I have no idea as to what set this head came from.

Where did this head come from?

# Answer
This is the "Moustache Red, Headset, Red Eyebrows Pattern" minifigure head:

It appeared in two different minifigures.

The Explorien Chief minifigure featured in three sets from the Explorien theme:

And "Aquaraider 1 with hook" featured in two sets from the Aquazone theme:
> 14 votes

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Tags: minifigure-identification
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# Question
Title: Is it possible to add the power functions to Western Train Chase?
I recently got the Red Cargo Train and it's a great Lego set but a Cars themed train going around my Christmas tree would be even better.

Has anyone gotten the power functions to work on the Western Train Chase set? Are the trains compatible with the normal Lego tracks? Is the "magnetic car connector" at the same height and compatible with the connector on the Red Cargo Train?

# Answer
According to the product description on the LEGO® webn site, the LEGO® Power Functions Train Motor 88002, can be used to motorise the Western Train Chase.

The train wheels normally fit directly to this motor, so I'm sure that this train can be used on normal LEGO® tracks.

Looking at the instructions for both the Red Cargo Train and the Western Train Chase, I'd say that the magnetic couplings are the same height.
> 11 votes

# Answer
We tried motorizing our Western Train Chase with the Power Function box as suggested on the LEGO site. It doesn't work. Their isn't even enough power for it to pull the engine by itself. The battery box itself is really heavy. I wrote my complaint to Lego. On top of this problem, we also don't have enough curved track (despite the purchase of 3 boxes of track) to make a continuous circle. They apparently only offer enough curved tracks with their $130 plus City sets... I already had a train, so was hard-pressed to buy another when all I need is curved track. Sadly disappointed in Lego, they are usually awesome.
> 4 votes

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Tags: trains, power-functions, set-modification
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# Question
Title: Where can I find the LEGO fire dept. logo in high resolution or in vector format
I want print a high resolution version of the Lego fire department shield (the shield with three flames that is used on all Lego fire trucks). When I search with Google, I find mostly low resolution images.

The best would be a vector image (like SVG) or a high resolution bitmap image (PNG or the like). Has anyone created a high resolution image like this?

# Answer
Going on advice from InkBlend I converted the logo to a vector graphic from a sticker sheet scanned in for the 7945 Fire Station set on BrickLink.

I used VectorMagic to convert the file and automaticaly create paths. The SVG vector file can be downloaded here. If you don't have an image editor that supports vector editing, you can also download a high-resolution PNG graphic (267.33 kB).

You could also try scanning in a sticker sheet from a set that has the sticker. With Illustrator, Photoshop or any other similar image editors, trace around the design using a pen tool and fill in the colours. Using the scanned image as a reference.

If you're having trouble finding a suitable image, I would also recommend looking at the LEGO City product page for wallpaper downloads and illustrations.
> 14 votes

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Tags: city
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# Question
Title: How can I blow a stream of air for up to two minutes at a time?
I'd like to be able to blow a constant stream of air for up to two minutes. The purpose of this blowing element would be to play a harmonica, using holes punched in a roll of paper/film to expose certain notes. The film will be mechanically propelled in one direction by a motor.

Would pneumatic pieces be required? (I have had a very limited experience with pneumatics)

**Key Points:**

* I would prefer to use as few non-LEGO pieces as possible.
* The blowing element must be able to reach all notes 1-10 evenly. Each hole in the harmonica is 5x5mm with 2mm in between each note for a total width of 68mm lengthwise.
* The sound created by the blowing device must not exceed the sound produced by the harmonica.
* Optional Bonus: The device can also be adjusted to suck air to create a different sounding note.

# Answer
> 4 votes
I think whether the official pneumatics parts would work for this project would depend on how much force and pressure is required to sound the particular harmonica that you are considering. I did find someone who has figured out what the pumps are capable of producing however I can't seem to find a reference for what the tubing systems are capable of supporting.

As a previous answer mentioned, an LA would be unlikely to be able to change notes fast enough so it would be much simpler to put a tubing endpoint at each one of the holes and then control which are active using switches and toggles. However if you do plan on powering multiple end points (which I understand is pretty common in typical harmonica playing) you'll have to think about whether you'll be able to supply enough pressure for all of the notes at the same time or not, and may require multiple compressors.

I would think that the design would end up being something like an M motor based compressor connected to one or more air tanks feeding a manifold with enough outputs for each harmonica hole and then adding a switch inline on each of those outputs.

# Answer
> 4 votes
You might consider building a Centrifugal fan; they are capable of creating pressure. I built one once and was surprised by how well it worked for moving air, and that was with only 6 radial blades that were 8 or maybe 10 studs wide. Using standard slopes and studs-up construction worked well enough, though a smoother interior would likely improve the results. I think mine was roughly about a foot tall... less than a cubit anyway.

# Answer
> 2 votes
The pneumatic compressor (I believe it's \[partlink:x191c01\]) can be used with a motor to produce a continuous stream of air for as long as your batteries last.

You'd still need to find a way to either move the hose or direct air through different paths - as was shown in the points question, linear actuators could be used to move the hoses with precision, however they may not be fast enough to play the harmonica:

However, if you are looking for a more manual process you could use \[partlink:4694b\] Pneumatic Switch which allows you to direct air flow through one or other of the two holes, with air being provided to the lower, central input.

# Answer
> 0 votes
How about a varient of Sariel's Rocking Compressor, (YouTube) and extend it as nessecary to provide the amount of outflow as needed. You could chain a few air tanks togteher as well which may store enough air for two minutes's worth of pressure.

I do not know how much air pressure is needed to make a note from a harmonica, are you sure it could be done with Lego? Also, if Pnueumatics were used you'd have to find a way of sealing against leakage, such as attaching hoses to the harmonica using Blu-Tack, plasticene or Play-Dough (or other local equivalent).

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Tags: technic, design
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# Question
Title: What is the difference between the NXT 1.0 controller and the NXT 2.0 controller?
I've tried to look this up but I can't find anything. As far as I can tell, the controller bricks (the white ones w/ buttons and a screen) are exactly the same and the only difference is NXT 2.0 comes with different sensors, parts, and software.

Is this correct?

If so, are NXT 2.0-generation sensors compatible with NXT 1.0? Can the NXT 1.0 be upgraded to run NXT 2.0-compiled software?

http://thenxtstep.blogspot.com/2009/07/nxt-20-vs-original-nxt-which-one-to-buy.html

# Answer
> 13 votes
There are a few subtle differences in internal hardware between the NXT 1.0 and 2.0 bricks. The most notable one is that the 1.0's screen would give out over time due to stress being put on a capacitor when the buttons are pressed, but the NXT 2.0 is engineered such that this does not occur. But, none of these differences affect what hardware the bricks are compatible with.

Externally, the NXT 1.0 and 2.0 intelligent bricks are physically identical. You can update firmware of NXT 1.0 controller with 2.0 firmware (download the most recent version here). Once this is done, your NXT will be able to use the LEGO color sensor that comes with NXT 2.0 box, and to run NXT 2.0-compiled software.

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Tags: nxt, mindstorms
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title: Where are LEGO parts made?

text:
# Question
Title: Where are LEGO parts made?
Are all LEGO parts made in a single factory, or are there multiple factories? Where abouts is it/are they? If there are several, are there different factories for different pieces/sets, or do all factories produce all parts?

# Answer
LEGO moulds bricks in the following plants: Billund in Denmark, Nyíregyháza in Hungary and Monterrey in Mexico.

In addition, it has another facility in Kladno, Czech Republic, that handles painting and packaging for some of the bricks produced in Denmark and Hungary.

The headquarters in Denmark is still where the most of R&D and product development happens.
> 22 votes

# Answer
The National Geographic Channel has a series called Ultimate Factories. As it happens, the episode that aired tonight was all about the LEGO factory in Billund. The show also looks at the LEGO manufacturing process, product development, and distribution network. If you want to know more about where and how LEGO parts are made, you couldn't do much better than to watch this episode. I'm sure they'll show it again sometime soon -- check you local TV listings.
> 3 votes

# Answer
LEGO is made and has been made in a number of Countries. Denmark, Hungary, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, Poland, Indonesia, Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, China and Mexico :)
> -2 votes

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Tags: manufacturing, lego-group
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# Question
Title: How do the train wheels turn so smoothly?
After assembling a train or its companion wagons, I'm always impressed at how smoothly the wheels glide over the track.

When putting them together, it's just a metal axle with two wheels on each end inserted into the slot of the wheel holder.

Is there a special coating on the axle to limit friction? What makes it so smooth?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Physicist Richard Feynman explains how train wheels work on this Youtube video. It's not necessary to coat the wheels, applying a generous amount of coating may decrease, traction which will effect the trains performance.

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Tags: trains
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# Question
Title: What different series are or have there been designed primarly for girls?
My daughter loves to play with LEGO sets but she is really wants to play with pink or 'girl' LEGO. I have ordered a few of the new LEGO Friends sets but I was wondering what other LEGO themes' have been primarly designed for girls?

# Answer
As you've seen, the LEGO Friends sets are the latest theme aimed primarily at girls, however there are a number of current, and even more historical themes.

Other themes have included:

* The Powerpuff Girls (2018 - ) - Uses Minifigs with custom heads, based on the popular Powerpuff Girls license
* Elves (2015 - 2018) - Uses Minidolls similar to the Friends sets and continues the pastel colour themes (as of December 2018 all sets listed in the LEGO store are "Retiring Soon").
* "Disney Princesses" now just Disney (2014 - ) - The sets based around the Disney Princess licenses use Minidolls as well, with a similar colour palette to Elves and Friends.
* Belville (1994 - 2008) - used many standard LEGO bricks, but the figures were much larger than Minifigures.
* Clikits (2003 - 2006) - a range of jewellery that can be used with LEGO System elements.
* Disney Princess (2012) - a sub-theme within DUPLO based on the popular Disney Princess range, featuring some of your favourite Disney characters.
* Friends (2012) - based around the LEGO System elements, however the Mini-dolls are slightly larger than Minifigures.
* Homemaker (1971 - 1974) - a very early theme based on LEGO system elements but before the minifigure
* Paradisa (1992 - 1997) - a sub-theme of Town, using standard minifigs.
* Scala (1979 - 1981, 1997 - 2001) - the original theme used LEGO System elements and was jewellery based, but the more recent theme bears very little resemblance to LEGO System elements, although some plates and other bricks are occasionally used.

Set/Box images from Brickset
> 17 votes

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Tags: sets, theme
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# Question
Title: What method do you use to safely remove creases from fabric sails from the Pirate sets?
I have creased sails. Is it safe to iron them, or is there a better method?

# Answer
> 10 votes
A very, very low-heat iron should be fine, although you will have to bear in mind that some of the sets of sails have stickers on. I would advise either going around the stickers (the heat could cause them to melt or peel off) or ironing the back of the sail.

I guess the material for the sail is the same as the part from 6091 - King Leo's Castle - which has been surprisingly resiliant to wear and tear over the years.

Another option would to be place the sail under a stack of heavy books for a few days.

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Tags: cleaning
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# Question
Title: What happens to the portions of large glued displays that aren't retasked into a different display?
When LEGOLAND dismantles a glued display, is it recycled into something other than LEGO, or do they have to be thrown away? I know certain portions of a display might be utilized again in a different display, like some cars and trailers from the now defunct Speedway at LEGOLAND California were, but what happens to the rest of the model?

# Answer
> 7 votes
In most cases they would be reused in other parks, donated to LEGO retail stores, auctioned for charity or hidden away from park visitors. As a last resort, LEGO models can and will be recycled to create new bricks.

The LEGO auction site, Bricklink has a fairly hidden place to trade glued models and retail displays.

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Tags: history, glue
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# Question
Title: How to calibrate NXT motors to travel the same distance?
The motors included with the NXT are not all created equal - when given the same input power level, they do not always go the same distance or turn at the same rate.

I measured this by creating a small program to turn two motors at the same speed, and measure their rotation. The results showed differences of over 100 degrees within less than a minute of driving.

Is there any way to either mechanically calibrate the motors, or easily account in the program for the difference in their powers once it has been determined? Given that the NXT can detect how far each motor has rotated, is there any way to have it automatically adjust the speed of one of the motors when it detects that it's "falling behind"? (Note that I'm using LabVIEW 2011 for programming this, but I would accept an answer that is just a code concept, if it could potentially be implemented in LabVIEW.)

# Answer
> 6 votes
After looking around a bit in the NXT IO palette in LabVIEW, I found a few functions which will sync the motors while driving the robot. The "drive distance" and "steering on" VIs will both sync the motors appropriately to make the robot drive straight.

The "motor on" and "motor reverse" blocks, which are the default options if you don't go down into the complete listing, do not sync the motors. As such, in order for the motors to work together, one should use either the "steering on" or "drive distance" VIs.

# Answer
> 7 votes
You can't calibrate the motors, neither mechanically or in software. There is however several methods in the software to account for this.

The standard NXT firmware contains a synchronization mode which attempt to keep the two motors aligned. In NXC you can do this by using the function OnFwdSync like this: OnFwdSync( OUT\_AC, 75, 0 ); First parameter is the motors to sync, the second is the power and the third defines the difference in speed between the motors (used for the tribot).

This article tells how to do the same in RoboLab: How does NXT motor synchronizing work in ROBOLAB?

In NXT-G I think synchronization is on per default in the move block, correct me if I'm wrong.

I don't know how to do this in LabView. However I have heard there is some blocks to do this in the "NXT I/O»NXT Native I/O»Output" palette, try looking there.

---

You can make your own controller by looking at the rotation value. Calculate the difference and set the speed like this:
```
Motor A = power + weight * difference
Motor B = power - weight * difference

```

The weight is how much the difference should affect the motor speed, you will need to experiment a bit to find a good value here. You might also want to take the 100% limit in account. If the power for one motor goes over 100%, do this:

```
if( Motor A > 100 )
   Motor B = Motor B - ( Motor A - 100 )

if( Motor B > 100 )
   Motor A = Motor A - ( Motor B - 100 )

```

# Answer
> 6 votes
The difference in speed can't be avoided. Even if the motors themselves were carefully paired, differences of friction on the axles or weight unbalance of the robot would result in speed mismatch. I am not used to LabVIEW, but the NXT firmware has a way to synchronize two motors, this functionnality should be available in LabVIEW.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Here is a simple method to help you match up your motors as well as possible: http://www.techbrick.com/Lego/TechBrick/TechTips/NXTCalibration/

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Tags: nxt, programming, labview
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# Question
Title: Which Lego board games come with minifigures instead of microfigures?
Of all the LEGO board games that have been produced so far, which ones come with minifigures instead of microfigures?

# Answer
> 11 votes
Various minifigures are in included in:

**LEGO Chess Sets:**

**LEGO Tic-Tac-Toe Sets:**

**Other LEGO Games:**

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Tags: minifigures, sets, lego-games
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# Question
Title: Which official LEGO sets are micro-scale versions of existing sets?
The **10230 Mini Modulars** set is based on the existing modular series:

As well as the **4695 Mini Harry Potter Knight Bus**. Have there been other micro-scale sets released by LEGO based on existing sets?

# Answer
> 14 votes
(M) = Microscale

### Harry Potter

* 4841 Hogwarts Express, (M) 40028 Mini Hogwarts Express
* 4755 Knight Bus, (M) 4695 Mini Harry Potter Knight Bus

### Modular

### Pirates of the Caribbean

* 4184 The Black Pearl, (M) 30130 Mini Black Pearl

### Star Wars

* Various TIE Fighter, (M) 3219 Mini TIE Fighter
* Various Millennium Falcon (M) 4488 Millennium Falcon and (M) 75030 Millennium Falcon
* Various AT-AT Walker, (M) 4489 AT-AT
* 7675 AT-TE Walker, (M) 20009 AT-TE Walker
* 8098 Clone Turbo Tank, (M) 20006 Clone Turbo Tank
* 7163 Republic Gunship, (M) 20010 Republic Gunship
* 7674 V-19 Torrent, (M) 8031 V-19 Torrent
* Lots of Mini's in the Advent Calendars, 7958 2011, 9509 2012
* 10019 Rebel Blockade Runner, (M) 10030-1 Imperial Star Destroyer contains micro version

### Technic

* 8053 Mobile Crane, (M) 8067 Mini Mobile Crane
* 8275 Motorized Bulldozer, (M) 8259 Mini Bulldozer
* 8295 Telescopic Handler, (M) 8045 Mini Telehandler
* 8069 Backhoe Loader, (M) 42004 Mini Backhoe Loader

### Creator

* 31003 Red Rotors, (M) 30184 Little Helicopter
* 31004 Fierce Flyer, (M) 30185 Little Eagle
* 31020 Twinblade Adventures, (M) 30189 Transport Plane
* 6743 Street Speeder, (M) 6910 Mini Sports Car

### Misc.

* 10226 Sopwith Camel, (M) 40049 Mini Sopwith Camel
* 10220 Volkswagen T1 Camper Van, (M) 40079 Mini VW T1 Camper Van

### Possible

* 10194 Emerald Night, (M) 31015 Emerald Express
* 8110 Mercedes Benz Unimog U 400, (M) 9390 Mini Tow Truck

# Answer
> 2 votes
There's also a mini hogwarts express:

And you probably can count the Liberty Statue in the Skyline factory set:

Most other minis are indeed from Star Wars, but I'm not sure which ones have bigger versions.

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Tags: sets, micro-scale, modular-buildings
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# Question
Title: Can custom content be imported into LEGO Creator?
I was reading this Wikipedia article that states:

> Some people have uploaded custom (Lego) model creations for others to download into their version of Lego Creator. Tools used include LDraw, LegoDigitalDesigner and other LCA model format model software.

Is this possible, and can custom shaped or coloured bricks be imported?

# Answer
> 6 votes
Unfortunately, that's not a factual statement. I contacted the Wikipedia user who added that content, and he informed me that that statement was in error. You can add custom models, but not directly from LDraw, LDD, or similar tools.

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Tags: video-games
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title: Making a hexagon with plates

text:
# Question
Title: Making a hexagon with plates
Do any of the wedge/wing shaped plates have the right angle to make a true hexagon or equilateral triangle?

If not, is there any way to make a regular hexagon using plates?

(I know they can be made with Technic struts and connectors, see this BrickEngineer post for some good examples.)

# Answer
None of the existing wedges have such angles as they are based on integer numbers for the sides. The closest angle you'll find is probably the 2x4 one:

But even that one is about 3° off (63,43° if I remember enough math), so if you place the 2-length sides of 6 of them on a nice hexagonal shape, there will be noticable gaps at the corners.

In short, if you want to build an hexagon-shaped surface without gap, it probably won't be possible.

However, if you want an hexagonal frame for a particular structure, you can use plates the same way you would use Technic beams and get the same results.

Also, the following modified plates could help, as they feature proper angles:
> 13 votes

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Tags: building, shapes
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# Question
Title: Replacement power cable for Mindstorms RCX
I have an old Mindstorms 1.5 RCX.

The plastic on the power cables has degraded, and they short out and don't work well.

These look like they would work as replacements, but I'm not exactly sure. I contacted the seller but they didn't respond.

Will these work as replacement RCX power cables?

# Answer
The cables you point out are newer Power Function cables and are ill-suited for 9V usage such as with the original Mindstorms kits. Technically, you could daisy-chain two of them and it would work, but that's probably not the best solution.

Here is a bigger illustration of the cable, courtesy Philo:

You can clearly see that only one end of the cable has a 9V connector on the bottom.

I would advise you to check Bricklink instead, you should find plenty of seller there, possibly in your own country.
> 8 votes

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Tags: rcx
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# Question
Title: Mindstorms 2.0 can't download to NXT brick with error 142023
Using Mindstorms education 2.0 on a Windows 7 computer I can't seem to get the program to see the NXT via USB or bluetooth dongle.

When connected by USB nothing appears in the NXT window with device turned on. When downloading a program, error code: -142023 is thrown. Cannot connect to NXT device

When connected by bluetooth the NXT device shows in the NXT window as available until I try the connect button. The standard serial over bluetooth is created and a COM is opened but then the error code: -142023 is displayed. Cannot connect to the NXT device

Other things I have tried:

* NXT works with multiple cords on other computers but not on one other windows 7
* Computer security settings have been decreased to allow devices to talk to programs
* removing and reloading program

# Answer
I believe that you need to run the Mindstorms Education program in Compatability mode.

The easiest way to do this is to:

1. Right click on the Mindstorms shortcut on either your start menu or desktop and select "Properties".
2. Switch to the "Compatability" tab.
3. Check the "Run in Compatability mode", and from the drop down that is then enabled select "Windows XP (Service Pack 3)".
4. Ok out of the dialog.

That should solve your problem.
> 4 votes

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Tags: nxt, mindstorms, programming
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title: What is LEGO Cuusoo?

text:
# Question
Title: What is LEGO Cuusoo?
Can anyone explain the origins of LEGO Cuusoo project? There isn't a lot of information on the site. It seems to have started in Japan as a way of suggesting ideas for sets but is officially recognised by the LEGO company as some of the ideas have apparently been made into purchasable sets. Does anyone have any more information?

# Answer
In 2008 The LEGO Group partnered with the Cuusoo Social Creation Platform as a way for (initially) the Japanese market to suggest new LEGO sets for development and sale in that region.

This resulted in two products making it into production - The Shinkai 6500 and The Hayabusa.

In October 2011 the site was opened out to the rest of the world, and it looks like the next set or even theme to come into production through this site is going to be based on Minecraft which achieved the requisite 10,000 votes and has now passed LEGO review.

Unlike previous sets that were designed by fans, or sets created through Design byME, LEGO Cuusoo offers a 1% royalty to the designer for sets that are produced through the scheme - full guidelines are available.

When voting on a suggestion, users are also asked to suggest a price range they'd be willing to spend on sets based on the project.

CUUSOO, which means 'imagination' or sometimes ‘wish’ in Japanese, has been developed with CUUSOO SYSTEM, a subsidiary of Japan-based Elephant Design that has worked with open innovation and crowd sourcing for more than 10 years.

The first two models only required 1,000 votes to get into the review stage while the site was limited to Japan, and took 420 and 57 days to reach the threshold. When the site moved into the global beta the threshold was raised to 10,000 votes. The Minecraft project took just 48 hours to reach that goal.
> 17 votes

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Tags: lego-group
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# Question
Title: Why does my RCX programmable brick have no power socket?
My RCX has no power socket, I don't know why. it seems that all RCX 1.0 over #300000 have no power adapters. My ONLY link is Google pictures. why?

# Answer
The LEGO Group removed the power adaptor on RCX bricks included in the Robotics Invention System 1.5 onwards - These are often referred to as 1.1 or 1.5 bricks.
> 6 votes

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Tags: rcx
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# Question
Title: Are there any theoretical works about possiblity of self-replication of LEGO systems?
Are there any theoretical works about possiblity of self-replication of LEGO systems? (constraints on the size etc., computer simulations)

Here are some relevent links:

Bartlab.org: PDF Document

Techi.com: Mad Scientist Dooms Us All With Self-Replicating Lego Menace

Wikipedia: Clanking replicator

# Answer
It really depends on the level of self-replication you desire, and your willingness to introduce additional non-LEGO components to the process.

First off, assuming a pure solution, there is no way for LEGO blocks to produce more LEGO blocks. You can't make a mold for making an ABS plastic part out of parts made from ABS plastic.

Even if you could produce the parts, you'd still run into some problems. If you were just assembling brick by brick, you could easily replicate such creations. But as soon as you need to assemble components using technic axles or pins, there'll be some difficulties. LEGO just doesn't have pieces that are small enough or precise enough to maneuver axles and pins with any precision.

Obviously, this is simply speculation, but I fail to see a way in which LEGO elements could both manufacture and assemble all the elements to create more self-replicating systems.
> 6 votes

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Tags: building, robotic
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# Question
Title: Can the RCX connect to infra-red on a computer?
Can the RCX connect to a laptop with a IR reciver on it? I want to program my RCX on my computer, But i have no db9 (Lego RCX connecter for 1.0 tower) seriel connecter nor a converter.

# Answer
> 3 votes
As far as I remember, the protocol LEGO uses is incompatible with standard IR protocols used in PCs (not even the same frequency, if I remember correctly).

The NQC FAQ has some more explanation on why it's not possible, but their short explanation says it all:

> Quite simply, these protocols are incompatable. *(sic)*

You may have some success using a NXT brick and the IRLink sensor, but I'm not sure how far you can go (for example, I'm not even sure you can upload a firmware, and you need to be able to do that).

The easiest way is to stick with the IR tower, and in addition of the serial-to-usb converter mentionned by Zhaph, don't forget there's a USB version of the IR tower available on Bricklink (see here or here).

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Tags: compatibility, rcx
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# Question
Title: Bluetooth will not connect Error code: -142016
NXT 2.0 Error code: -142016

The Bluetooth does connect. I am not having these issues with any of my other Bluetooth devices running off of the same dongle.

Where do I find the meaning of any other error codes that I may encounter for the NXT?

# Answer
LEGO's Bluetooth support page has a limited amount of support for Bluetooth errors. It mentions further Bluetooth support can be found in the user guide on:

* Pages 36-45 for NXT 2.0
* Pages 28-37 for NXT 1.0

Where can I find instruction booklets?

You may also get in contact with LEGO's customer support.
> 2 votes

# Answer
Your NXT may need to be reset, then the Bluetooth may work. I've found with other devices that sometimes helps. Or maybe you'll need a new NXT. Sadly they are very expensive.
> -1 votes

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Tags: nxt, mindstorms, bluetooth
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# Question
Title: Is this element some kind of Technic connector?
I am thoroughly confused about an element I have come across:

I have never seen a piece quite like this.

It's unlike any Technic connector I've seen, so I doubt if that is what it's for.

The two facing holes on the sides are standard stud diameter, but the tube on the top has angled faces, and doesn't look like any standard Lego width.

I'm starting to wonder if it might be part of some missile launching set, but if not, what kind of piece is it?

# Answer
Hooray, I get to answer a question!

This is *not* a piece for launching missiles. It's actually part of an old steering assembly from some late 80s and 90s Technic sets.

Here's what the whole thing looks like:

And a view of the piece in question:

And an example of how it is meant to be used:

The teeth on the outside of the piece help lock it into one of several different inclinations, so you can vary the angle at which the steering column exits the assembly.

Here is the piece on BrickLink: http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=2790 (ooooo four digit part number!)

Along with the bottom assembly: http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=2792

The main rack: http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=2791

And the steering arms: http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=4261
> 33 votes

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Tags: technic, part-identification
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# Question
Title: Why are minifigure head studs now hollow?
Comparing my childhood minifigure heads to my post dark age ones, there is now a hollow stud at the top vs the solid ones I grew up with. At what point did this change happen and what was the reason for the change? Up until recently I didn't think it had a functional difference, but I have seen at least one hair piece that takes advantage of the hollow stud to hold it in place (CMF4 punk rocker). Was that a motivating factor for the change?

# Answer
> 18 votes
Part (or mould) changes have numerous reasons, the main ones being:

* decrease mould complexity and thus production cost (for example to )
* decrease plastic quantity used and thus production cost (for example, look at the bottom of several 1 x n bricks — the new ones have hollow tubes)
* increase part sturdiness (for example to — honestly, how many of these did you break as kid?)
* add functionality (I have no example in mind, but considering the cost of new moulds, they probably do that only when it has to be replaced, or they treat it as a new part altogether).

Making sure a part fits better into the system is a huge factor in new part creation nowadays, and designers will get a new part produced easier if the part plays nice with the other parts, mainly in terms of connection possibilities, but also of existing similar parts. In the past, things were way less rational.

I'm not so sure it influences part redesign, but it could. At the time the hollow stud appeared on the minifig heads, however, functionality was certainly not the main interest, so I would bet on mould complexity. Of course, since it added functionality anyway, you can count on designer to use it. So it's a bit of a chicken-and-egg problem: did the designer ask for the new functionality first, or did the mould change first? In this case, I would say the latter.

EDIT: Even if I answered the "full stud" against "hollow stud" part, I was intrigued by the "anti-choking" argument of having not only a hollow stud, but even one which was fully hollow, that is, you could see through it. So I asked Jan Beyer, LEGO community manager, about it and it turns out the "non-choking" reason was indeed correct. Here is his answer:

> Fast answer:
>
> This is correct, previous the hole was made in the element due to product safety if the element was swallowed. These regulations changes from time to time, and it has been evaluated and decided that the hole is no longer needed due to safety regulations.

# Answer
> 14 votes
One theory I've read online is that this change was made to increase safety in case of choking.

This reason appears in a Gizmodo article:

> We added this hole on the top of the head just in case any kids got one of the heads stuck in their throat. That way they would be able to keep breathing.

The article, though formatted as an interview, is a compilation of reader questions asked by the writer on a tour, so it is not clear if these are the exact words of Lego staff.

The same rationale is discussed in a Brickset post:

> ...there's a book that LEGO came out with in Japan, called "LEGO Book Museum" (volume 1). This guy gave a review of it, which is unfortunately lost to the internet ether. The response indicates that his review indicated an "anti-choking" reference relating to minifigs, but apparently wasn't specific, leading people on LUGNET to speculate that they were referring to the hollow-stud head.

The writer provides a translation and concludes that the book seems to just point out the design change itself:

> So, I haven't found anything about choking on the page...

# Answer
> 3 votes
A hollow head stud allows to connect a 4140303 lightsaber blade sticking out the top. (in case you ever wanted to do **that**)

It's probably used to save plastic. For every 100 hollow-studded heads, Lego probably saves several heads worth of plastic. In the long run, that saves much material.

# Answer
> 2 votes
More a comment as I don't know the real answer, but I wonder if it in part had to do with the small vacuum created when you connect to a body piece. Pulling apart tight heads usually made an audible popping noise, especially if the pieces were wet or dirty.

However, I'm sure the friction from grimy pieces had more to do with the tight fit than the vacuum.

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Tags: minifigures
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# Question
Title: Can you build accurate models using 100% LEGO elements by following Megablocks instructions?
I shudder when I find errant MegaBloks in my LEGO elements, but admit to admiring certain in-the-box models offered by them. I know the pictures depicted on the MB boxes are not actually photos of a completed MB model. They are computer enhanced images of what an ideal model would look like if MB pieces actually fit together correctly. Is there a link with images of any 100% LEGO element models built using MB instructions? If there isn't a link, can someone please post an example?

# Answer
Not necessarily.

It really depends on what you mean by "accurate." Most (probably 90% or more) of Mega Bloks elements have identical, or at least functionally identical, LEGO elements. However, there are a number of Mega Bloks elements that you can only approximate with LEGO elements. For example, Mega Bloks hinges rotate around the center of mass through 100+ degrees center at the vertical, whereas LEGO hinges rotate through 90 degrees from horizontal to vertical. Also, Mega Bloks has a SNOT piece with studs on both sides that LEGO unfortunately does not have.

If you are willing to slightly modify the instructions and accept a slightly different model, then yeah, you can reproduce anything made by Mega Bloks using LEGO elements. But if you want the models to be 100% accurate, then no, not all Mega Bloks sets can thusly be reproduced.
> 7 votes

# Answer
Yes - I remember as a child, I built the USS Kittyhawk (a set that is an absolute nightmare to build with Mega Bloks) out of LEGO parts. All of the pieces, aside from the stickers, have either an exact or pretty close LEGO equivalent. You will also need to do the deck with plates instead of the large MegaBlok plates, but this allows for much more detail and a more realistic looking carrier deck.

http://www.amazon.com/MEGA-BLOKS-PROBUILDER-USS-KITTYHAWK/dp/B00004TRZY

Unfortunately, it was so long ago that I can't find any pictures of what I built. I do remember that you need a lot of gray bricks. I would recommend this set above all the other MegaBlok sets for replication in LEGO, as its a massive build and especially fun when built with pieces that actually stick together. And its a lot more fun to plan out all the LEGO pieces you need and salvage them from the Internet than to get them all in neat little bags.
> 1 votes

# Answer
You could conceivably do it, but the flat Megablock bricks are thicker than Legos, so the Lego creation may seem long and flat.
> 1 votes

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Tags: building, compatibility, instructions
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# Question
Title: What is the name of this Lego Blacktron anime/cartoon?
Once upon a time, in a distant past there was a Lego Blacktron series:

The Lego Blacktron series has a logo/symbol, it's a yellow triangle with small black triangle inside.

Now my question is: about 15/20/25 years ago there was a cartoon or anime series in which one of the faction (bad one I think) wears the same symbol as Blacktron series units, do you know the name of that cartoon?

# Answer
> 13 votes
*Maybe this question would better fit the Science Fiction & Fantasy or MovieStack Exchange, as it's more about the tv-series you're looking for than about LEGO, which just reminds you of that symbol.*

## *Zelda*

It absolutely looks like the Triforce of the video game series *Zelda*. There also was a *Zelda* cartoon in the late 1980s / early 1990s. To this point, it seems to fit to your memory — but sadly there's no connection to spaceships, so I assume you where thinking of something else.

## *Starcom*

I found something else: *Starcom: The U.S. Space Force*. It's an animated series from the 1980s, which totally looks like what you're searching:

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Tags: sets, history
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title: Adapting charger for NXT 9798 battery

text:
# Question
Title: Adapting charger for NXT 9798 battery
I have an old style 9798 NXT rechargeable battery pack 7.2V 1400MnAh, but no charger. Can I adapt a spare non lego 9v 200mAh charger for this? Or is voltage too high? can anyone read the output voltage from their old charger? As I will need to add a new connector plug to the charger, can anyone tell me if the battery charging socket centre pin is positive or negative? Also what size of plug do I need as it slightly larger than current version for current battery? Thanks

NB I have looked at my newer charger lego element 94165 10v 700mA for the current battery and it is a positive centre hole (for centre pin in battery case) and a negative outside (measured with red lead of multimeter in the centre hole of charger plug and black lead on outer tube showing +10.5v)

# Answer
> 2 votes
The two batteries and chargers are very different, in that the new one is 10V DC whereas the old one is AC (while it's supposed to be 9V, I think the transformer was actually 10V too).

As it's AC, the polarity doesn't matter, but I don't think using DC current is recommended (even if in theory the rectifier circuitry in the old battery should be able to accommodate it).

You should be able to buy a spare fairly easily though, whether at a local LEGO event or directly on BrickLink. Note that it's the exact same that came with 9V trains, so you may want to look for the complete transfomer + regulator as well, which may sometimes be cheaper to find.

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Tags: mindstorms, nxt, battery
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# Question
Title: How hard is it to convert the new(ish) RC/PF trains to 9V?
I have a HUGE investment in 9V trains (think many thousands of USD) and was wondering how difficult it is to convert the newer RC/PF train systems over to 9V motors? Do the 9V motors fit? Does the base have space for the trucks? Is it even worth it (keep in mind, I hate batteries)? Converting the 12V trains to 9V was rather easy.

I haven't ventured out to purchase a set yet (even though they've been out for a few years now -- I'm lazy and cheap I guess) because they're all rather expensive (as we know), so I have not been able to check myself.

# Answer
The PF train motor has the same size and shape as the previous 9V Motors, and a lot of people are happily substituting one for the other.

The Emerald Night, however, doesn't use that motor, so there your job will be much more tricky. Usually people change the tender to add two 9V motors there, but the wheel train of the engine tends to derail fairly easily if pushed that way (I strongly suggest you read RailBricks issue #7 for tips on how to make it run smoothly)
> 4 votes

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Tags: trains, compatibility, 9v
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# Question
Title: How to find out if an element is out of production
Is there a way to know if Lego has officially stopped making a certain Lego element?

As an example, from the 580 Lego set, I haven't seen this conveyor belt (along with those wheels and the "Legoland" stamped brick, etc) since the 1970's, so I assume it's out of production:

But is there any official word from Lego that certain elements are no longer in production?

# Answer
> 7 votes
If a part hasn't been included in a set for some time, there's always a chance it may be in a future set. It's unlikely that a part that was last seen in a set over 30 years ago would still be in production. Bricklink will list the years the part was included in a set.

* Certain elements may have been replaced by a superior mold for one more reasons. The old round 1x1 brick was replaced with a brick of the same name which had an open stud.
* In some cases an element (a faulty piece of electronic equipment/pneumatics) may be recalled by The Lego Group and replaced with an updated part. Lego would no longer product a part that was hazardous or faulty. A list of currently recalled products can be found on LEGO's customer support site.

# Answer
> 7 votes
I don't know about *official* word, but according to BrickLink, that Conveyor Belt hasn't been included as part of a set since 1975, so I think it's safe to say that it's not in production any more.

However, if you're looking to buy one, people are selling them.

# Answer
> 4 votes
The best way to get an authoritative answer would be to contact the LEGO customer service and ask if you can get a replacement for the part. They do have the necessary software to check if a part is available or not, but you'll need to describe the part as unambiguously as possible. Also, they may not always make a distinction between different versions of a part if there is no functionnal difference.

I believe LEGO certified professionals may have access to that information too, but if they do it's extremely likely that they are bound by a non-disclosure agreement about it.

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Tags: piece-information, discontinued
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title: How can I build a LEGO heart?

text:
# Question
Title: How can I build a LEGO heart?
In the spirit of Valentine's Day...

How can I build a two-dimensional LEGO heart? Here is an example of the shape I'm looking for.

Perhaps the model should be built from the bottom upward? I would prefer that some Red Slope 45° 2 x 2 bricks (and their inverted counterparts) be used to achieve this.

The size of the finished model should not be much bigger than one's hand.

# Answer
> 11 votes
If you live near a LEGO store you might have enough time to pick up the seasonal Valentines set 40004-1: Heart:

If you're short on parts, you can build a basic heart out of 2x2 and 2x4 bricks for a truly brick-style:

You can always smooth out the edges with red 2x2 sloped tiles and a few cheese slopes:

# Answer
> 15 votes
Super simple one:

# Answer
> 6 votes
I came up with the following design:

Using the following parts:

1x \[part:2341:4\]
2x \[part:2449:4\]
1x \[part:3005:4\]
2x \[part:3024:4\]
2x \[part:3040:4\]
1x \[part:3070b:4\]
3x \[part:3622:4\]
2x \[part:3623:4\]
2x \[part:3665:4\]
2x \[part:54200:4\]

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Tags: building
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title: How to fix my XL motor?

text:
# Question
Title: How to fix my XL motor?
I used the XL motor near water. Now it stopped working. Can someone tell me what I can do to fix it?

# Answer
> 5 votes
You may want to contact the LEGO customer service which will usually provide a replacement motor free of charge.

# Answer
> 4 votes
It seems encased. You can try to open it up, expect a short happened internally. Your best bet is to probably buy a new one. at 10$, it isn't so bad don\`t you think?

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Tags: power-functions, repair, motor
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# Question
Title: How many degrees can you flex an arm of a lego minifig?
How flexible are the arms of Lego minifigs?

# Answer
> 13 votes
Within the shoulder socket, a minifigure's arm has full 360° rotation, however the hand needs to positioned correctly to allow it pass the head, and it puts some strain on the joint:

Note that most accessories will block this rotation.

As the arms are made of the same ABS as standard LEGO bricks they aren't flexible, and so without heating (and permanently changing them) they don't bend or flex.

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Tags: minifigures
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title: LEGO-compatible suction cups?

text:
# Question
Title: LEGO-compatible suction cups?
I'm looking for suction cups that are compatible with the LEGO pneumatic system. I've seen people who have built things with them (on YouTube videos, etc), but haven't found anything on eBay or BrickLink. Short of drilling a hole in a normal suction cup and popping a pneumatic tube into it, is there anything out there I could buy?

# Answer
From the post about Vertigo (the precursor to Rory's answer), TrilogyGlenIvy (the creator) stated:

> Suction cup hangers were easily located in stores. Drilling a small hole and inserting a short section of copper tubing (1/8 “ or ~3 mm diameter) along with some vinyl glue produced the feet that I used.

Basically they are usually found in DIY/Home stores as metal or plastic hooks wrapped around a transparent suction cup so you can easily affix them to tiles or windows.

There is also a picture showing three variants that were tried, with the preferred option being those in the bottom left I think:

Depending on the weight of the model you've got you may also need to invest in some additional custom air bellows:

> An internet search finally pointed to a “Climb@tron Vertibug” toy that contained two air bellows (~23 mm in diameter). I bought one of the toys, removed the air bellows, and designed a “worm gear slider” system using NXT parts to stretch and compress them. The vacuum system was then installed in Vertigo and has worked reasonably well.
> 7 votes

# Answer
Definitely Vertigo III \- superb build project
> 1 votes

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Tags: 3rd-party, pneumatic
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title: Do LEGO stores sell bricks in bulk?

text:
# Question
Title: Do LEGO stores sell bricks in bulk?
I've seen these pictures of LEGO stores, but have been unable to work it out: Are they are plastic bubbles on the wall that you can dig youe hand into and buy LEGO bricks in bulk, or are they just for decoration? Do the high-street LEGO stores offer a bulk-brick-buy option, or do they just sell sets and games?

# Answer
> 10 votes
You can indeed take bricks and purchase them. I've listed the main types of Pick-A-Brick in this answer:

> The LEGO retail outlets house a matrix of bins, each filled with a certain type of brick. The bricks used tend be excess bricks from LEGO's own factories and some bricks of the same kind may be included in more than one bin. Bricks are packed into small or large plastic cups, you pay for getting as many bricks as you can in one cup.

The top few rows of bins are generally just decorative, it would take a fully grown adult on a kickstool/ladder to reach the top bins.

Other products unique to LEGO retail stores include:

* Exclusive and limited edition sets (which can also be bought from Lego.com)
* You can build and buy minifigures which consist of torso, legs, head, helmet/headpiece and accessory.
* Events, such as the monthly mini-builds. Models you can build in-store to take home. Subject to age restrictions.

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Tags: shopping, lego-store
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# Question
Title: How versatile are the parts in a lego pirate ship set?
I am looking at buying one of the pirate ship sets, such as 6285-1: Black Seas Barracuda, however, I am concerned the parts in the set are too specialized, and could not be easily adapted to make custom creations. The three main parts are: the pieces of the ship's hull, the masts, and the sails. Are there any uses for these parts outside of making other pirate ships?

# Answer
> 7 votes
(promoting this from comment to answer, since it now has pictures)

In my experience, they're not that useful. I have a mast and rigging from 6270: Forbidden Island, and more rigging from 6261: Raft Raiders. The mast from 6261 is more useful (and has been in 20 sets) because it also has the two finger hinges, which make it a bit more versatile than the two mast pieces of 6270 (first part \[8 sets\], second part \[3 sets\]). The mast platform is quite reusable, given its generic shape.

All the pieces apart look like this:

And you can combine the small rigging and mast platform to make a rudimentary TIE Fighter:

# Answer
> 11 votes
ALL parts can be used for something other than the original theme.

Here's an example of a use for the boat hull by Flickr user 2 Much Caffeine:

There's also a rather humorous saying that goes: "All parts are space parts". It's equally applicable to any other theme.

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Tags: sets, boat
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# Question
Title: How should I remove a Hinge Tile, especially in the middle of a plate?
I've recently had some trouble removing a 1x4 hinge tile from the middle of a plate:

Even when they are on the edge of the plate there isn't a lot of areas you can use to gain the traction to remove the hinge plate. Unlike the modern jumper plates these don't appear to have been "upgraded" with a groove.

I want to avoid breaking the fingers, especially on some older elements that I own.

# Answer
> 10 votes
Often in these cases, I have been able to flex the plate the piece is on a little. This allows you to get a fingernail or small tool under the lip of the thing in the middle of the larger plate. If you don't flex too much, you won't do any permanent damage to it.

# Answer
> 8 votes
In most cases it's best to to pry a brick by it's length (the bricks longest side). The base of the hinge brick can be removed with a crowbar. The crowbar brick can be found in many sets (particularly CITY Police sets) but I consider it to be the most versatile.

There are many other minifig utensils that can be helpful in removing different types of bricks:

* Screwdriver: + Small, with a flat edge, - Flexible
* Pickaxe: + Works well in tight spaces, - Pick head is too thick for most bricks
* Axe: + Can also be used in tight spaces, - Poor leverage
* Oar: + Long with a flat side, +/- Flexible
* Shovel: + Handy for removing Plate, Round 1 x 1, - Not much use for other bricks

Any minifig utensil or non-LEGO tool made of plastic would be better then using a knife or a screwdriver made out of metal which cuts into LEGO like hard butter.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I have used the nail cleaner tip on my Leatherman pocket tool in similar situations.

Update: Like Grandpappy says, you may have to flex the larger plate ever so slightly to get started. Once you've created a tiny opening, you can get a tool in there to pry the pieces apart.

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Tags: tools, disassembly
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# Question
Title: What part is this grey keyhole shape and what set(s) is it from?
I've recently found this grey keyhole-shaped piece - there are a fair number of them that stack together to form a circular staircase. There is what looks like a part number on the bottom but it is unreadable and faint. There is also a number beneath the part number, 201.

(images were made smaller but bigger ones can be added if needed).

# Answer
> 12 votes
Bricklink lists it as "Stairs Spiral Step" (Part# 40243). It first appeared in 2001 in the initial series of Harry Potter licensed sets.

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Tags: part-identification
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title: What is the average price per piece?

text:
# Question
Title: What is the average price per piece?
Some LEGO pieces are probably more expensive than others, but what is the average price per piece of LEGO pieces, when sold as part of a kit? Is there any place containing statistics or graphs about the prices, showing the range of smaller and larger pieces?

# Answer
A brief search led me to a very thorough blog post by Ruth Suehle on GeekMom, which includes the data and a Graph:

> Does It Feel Like Lego Bricks Just Keep Getting More Expensive?

In her findings, she found that average cost per piece in 2011 is about US$0.12, down from a high in the '80s of about US$0.40 - these prices were adjusted for inflation, etc.

Prices tend to be most affected by the price of oil, as that's a key component in plastic manufacture, so we might expect to see prices starting to creep up again.

Interestingly the licensed sets (Star Wars, Harry Potter, etc.) don't seem to have *much* of an impact on the price of the sets, it's just that they are often bigger sets, so have higher price tags - For example the Super Star Destroyer with a retail price of $399 had 3152 pieces working at $0.13/piece - although yes, an extra $0.01 multiplied over 3000 bricks does seem to add an extra $30 to the set.

There doesn't appear to be much data on weight or type of brick.
> 13 votes

# Answer
Brickset has information on individual sets, and has some interesting data in its Data Mining section. Towards the bottom of that page they list

* *Best price per piece in the UK*
* *Worst price per piece in the UK*
* *Best price per piece in the US*
* *Worst price per piece in the US*

amongst other data.
> 6 votes

# Answer
The average price per brick value for all the sets ever sold is going to be unhelpful. The prices of sets are influenced by the exclusiveness of the set, product licence (I.E. Star Wars), year of production, etcetera...

I don't think a statistical representation exists for that reason.
> 3 votes

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Tags: sets, shopping, piece-information
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# Question
Title: Why doesn't LEGO bring back old series as they were "in the day"
As many of you probably can tell, LEGO has been rehashing old series and giving them a new twist (eg. Rock Raiders -\> Power Miners, or whatever its called). Why doesn't LEGO actually make some of those old sets again, without modification (or very little)?

The sheer amount of nostalgia that would come from that would be insane.

# Answer
First, LEGO **did** at some point reissue some sets (the "legends" series), but then stopped doing so, and it's likely they found out it was not really that interesting to do.

The reasons why would be pure speculation, but at the very least building techniques and available parts do evolve in a way that older sets wouldn't be able to compete with recent ones. As Zhaph mentionned, horses are a very good example.

Also, don't forget that LEGO is producing toys and that kids are their main target audience. Ask a kid what's cooler, the new Kingdoms Joust or the yellow castle? Or even any cool castle set of the eighties? Why do all minifigs have the same stupid fixed smile? Why don't they have alternate faces on the back of their heads? Where are the animals? Granted, it's a bit of an exageration, but still.

They do take adults into account now, yes, but the "sheer amount of nostalgia" generated by re-issuing older sets may not be that big a market as we would believe. Even adults tend to be more in awe at newer sets (modular houses). I did buy the re-issue of the USS Constellation, and to be honest... I find nostalgia to be a bit overrated.

Then there's the whole problem of parts which are simply not in production any longer, and for which the cost of reproducing them would offset the potential benefits of reissuing sets. (In other words, don't expect monorails to be reissued ever).
> 12 votes

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Tags: sets, history, theme
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# Question
Title: What are the new elements released via the LEGO Friends sets?
What new elements did the release of the Friends sets add to the LEGO element parts palette?

# Answer
As well as the new colours (two new shades each of blue, purple and green), there are actually quite a few new parts in the friends sets. I think this is the complete list, but it's possible I missed one or two. (Let me know of any corrections. It's a big list!)

**Accessories (44)**

**Animals (9)**

**Flower/Fauna (5)**

**Other Parts (2)**

**Printed Parts (11)**

**Total: 71, (non-printed parts): 60**
> 11 votes

# Answer
I underestimated just how many new parts were produced for the Friends line when I tasked myself with finding out. Excluding the stickers and Mini-Dolls there are a huge number of new piece, the majority of which are either utensils, accessories or pets.

**New parts**

The microphone and custard pie parts have been included only once before in the Collectible Minifigure series. They feature for the first time in a set in the Friends line.

**New printed parts**

I hope this answers your question!
> 4 votes

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Tags: sets, friends
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# Question
Title: Do LDraw files describe models, bricks, or both?
Sorry if this is kind of a dumb question, but do LDraw files describe models (with translation and rotation values with references to bricks contained in other files), or do they describe the bricks themselves (such as the individual vertices, lines, polygons, etc.)? Or do different LDraw file types work in different ways?

# Answer
> 5 votes
Both, often in the same file.

If you take a look at the .ldr file format specification you can see that each file is made up of an number of different types of "line", one of which is a Subfile Reference where you can specify the colour, position, rotation and scale of the model.

Other lines can then be added to describe Lines, Triangles, Quadrilaterals and Optional Lines, which are specified by their individual vertices.

For example, the 1x1 Brick \[part:3005\] has the following non-comment lines (I've added comments to show what it's doing):

```
0 Author: James Jessiman
0 !LICENSE Redistributable under CCAL version 2.0

0 // Meta line, causes the next line to be drawn "inside-out", to make
0 // the inside of the brick.
0 // Followed by a subfile reference for a "box with 5 faces".
0 BFC INVERTNEXT
1 16 0 24 0 6 0 0 0 -20 0 0 0 6 box5.dat

0 // Draw 4 quadrilaterals to fill in the edges of the base of the brick
4 16 10 24 10 6 24 6 -6 24 6 -10 24 10
4 16 -10 24 10 -6 24 6 -6 24 -6 -10 24 -10
4 16 -10 24 -10 -6 24 -6 6 24 -6 10 24 -10
4 16 10 24 -10 6 24 -6 6 24 6 10 24 10

0 // Draw another 5 sided brick for the outside of the brick
1 16 0 24 0 10 0 0 0 -24 0 0 0 10 box5.dat

0 // Draw a stud on the top using the "stud" subfile.
1 16 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 stud.dat

```

Common subfiles include the studs and tubes on bricks.

When you save a model in MLCad or similar as an .ldr file it's basically all Subfile lines.

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Tags: software, cad, ldraw
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# Question
Title: What sites are available to sell original boxes?
A couple of years ago, I stumbled across a site (not Ebay) where LEGO fans buy and sell items. I have some large boxes for various sets to sell. All my son's LEGO collection is in plastic boxes, and I don't think he has any interest in keeping the boxes. I also have all the original instructions, and noticed somebody talking about some really high prices.

Can any of you refer me to a good site for selling, other than Ebay?

I do sell on Ebay (going through closets and such as awe downsize), but I figured these would be more interesting to LEGO collectors.

# Answer
> 12 votes
You probably came across **BrickLink**.

They sell pretty much anything LEGO related, including original boxes and instruction books.

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Tags: shopping, vintage, value, trading
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to display large text on an NXT using LabVIEW?
In RoboLab and using RobotC, it's possible to write LARGE text to the screen of the NXT. In RoboLab, this can be done by just typing `[\big]` at the beginning of a string constant which is wired into a display VI. For some reason, this doesn't seem to work when programming with LabVIEW, and I can't seem to find any documentation on how to do this. It appears that the larger font is built-in to the NXT's firmware, so there should be *some* way to achieve this. How can I display large text on the NXT's screen using LabVIEW?

# Answer
I am not used to LabVIEW... but RIC image files, supported by NXT firmware, can also be used by LabView I guess. So nxtRICEdit may help. See also RICfont utility, more information (though targetted NXC/NXT-G, should be useful) here.
> 3 votes

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Tags: nxt, mindstorms, programming, labview
---


# Question
Title: What is the name of the Technic pieces that snap together to make a track?
We have these little black Technic pieces that connect together; they make a track that fits over the gears (sort of like wheeled-belt-track on excavators or tank track).

Can you tell me the name of these pieces? The kids love them, I'm hoping to buy more in the Pick a Brick.

# Answer
> 7 votes
There are three types of chain/track that are similar to what you describe, none of which are currently available through the official Pick A Brick, though all are fairly common on BrickLink.

There are also several belt styled tracks that might fit your description, but it sounded more like you were referring to the modular parts.

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Tags: technic, part-identification
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# Question
Title: Technic axle corrosion? What happened here?
I got my LEGO from storage from when I was a kid (1980s) and while almost all bricks are in good condition, the Technic axles are in a pretty bad shape. They seem to have corroded(?). Please see the attached picture. This has happened to almost all the axles but with different degrees of severity. None of the other bricks, technic or not, black or not, has suffered this.

Any idea what might have happened and how to prevent this?

**EDIT:** They were stored in plastic bags sorted by color (one bag per color) inside a larger canvas bag in a non-lit, dry environment (garage). All other bricks seem to be fine, regardless their color. Stickers that had been applied survived very well (bright colors) and still hold strongly. Once I got the collection back I mixed the bricks and ran them under warm tap water and let them dry on a towel on the floor for a day. These were the only bricks that were affected.

# Answer
> 11 votes
It appears from the photo that there may be some "blooming" where the axles have changed color? You say you rinsed them, but I wonder if you noticed whether the axles felt oily or sticky at all beforehand?

This would be consistent with the kind of deterioration that is common with Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), a kind of plastic that was once common in toy manufacturing. I don't know for certain that these early axles were made from PVC, but I do know that LEGO did formerly use PVC for some non-brick pieces, and I have seen similar deterioration on other PVC items. This is a known problem with Barbie dolls, for example.

PVC typically has a plasticiser added to it to make it flexible, usually dibutyl phthalate. This plasticiser gradually "leaks" out of the plastic, leaving it discolored and vulnerable to deterioration and creating gasses (like hydrogen chloride) that will attack other PVC and hasten the process. Heat and light will accelerate the breakdown, and you indicate that these were stored together in a plastic bag. That might have contributed, as the gasses and plasticiser were trapped in contact with the pieces.

Phthalates are toxic and are now regulated in the US, EU, and many other countries. LEGO no longer uses PVC except in some limited applications like the insulation for electrical wiring. LEGO was one of the first companies to begin phasing out the use of PVC, in the 1990s.

To slow the deterioration of PVC, keeping it away from heat and light will help, as will keeping it ventilated to remove the harmful gasses produced by the plasticiser.

# Answer
> 6 votes
That would not happen naturally. I have Technic (actually, Expert Builder, to give you an idea of how old they are) axles that are probably 25-30 years old and look like they were purchased yesterday. At times they have been stored in a hot, humid attic in New York City, reaching temperatures over 120 degrees F.

What maybe happened here is some oil or other non-plastic-safe lubricant was applied to the axle in whatever model it had been made into, and perhaps cleaned off but not entirely, and over time, the lubricant destroyed the plastic.

# Answer
> 5 votes
Technic axles aren't known to naturally deteriorate as described. The most probable cause for corrosion would be influenced by the way it's been stored. The bricks may have been subjected to a powerful chemical (perhaps used for cleaning?).

# Answer
> 5 votes
Where do you live and how the bricks were stored?

I see 2 hypothesises.

1. Chemicals affecting the axle plastic. If they are made of a different recipe than the usual ABS, it could explain why only them were affected.
2. On high enough temperature (in a car, on a summer sunny day would be enough to affect lego bricks). If the bricks were exposed to light. it could explain why black axle were affected? Maybe they are small enough to warp while other bricks aren't. I would check if the other brick still fit, you might be in for some surprise?

Let us know..

# Answer
> 4 votes
Do you remember having put oil or other kind of lubricant on the axes when you were a child? The "corrosion" seems to be in very localized parts of the axes, and oil can penetrate plastic easily (to make an idea: it's similar to the way hands cream penetrates into our hand's skin).

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Tags: technic, storage, cleaning
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# Question
Title: Which Duplo bricks have practical uses in System building?
Traditional 2x4 and 2x2 Duplo bricks can be used to bulk out models and provide a structural support for landscapes, but have there been any other uses for Duplo bricks of all shapes and sizes in System scale MOC's?

I can find two examples, one of a Duplo barrel being used for a water tower and another that uses a Duplo crown to form the pinnacle of a structure.

# Answer
> 5 votes
Check out these links:

# Answer
> 2 votes
I remember reading an article where someone stated that they used the Duplo 2x4 bricks to build up height for large models. The Duplo was then covered and surrounded by Lego, but that the Duplo added a lot of strength for the weight.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Generally, I would say that it's only the big, strangely shaped ones that have decent uses.

Obviously you would very rarely use any of the small ones, and system is much better at this. (Only exception I can think of is a piece shortage (heaven forbid!))

I personally have never come across a MOC using DUPLO pieces in large scale, and I doubt you'll find a proper LEGO set using them either.

I would always recommend using system bricks if you can (you probably already know this).

DUPLO bricks do allow you to be lazy though!

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Tags: building, piece-usage, duplo
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title: How can I catalog my LEGO pieces?

text:
# Question
Title: How can I catalog my LEGO pieces?
I have a fairly large LEGO collection, but not large enough that I can build anything and everything, given instructions. It's already organized quite well, but how can I catalog the pieces I have so I can easily tell whether I can build something?

# Answer
> 7 votes
Rebrickable.com offers the ability to add sets as well as individual pieces to your account.

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Tags: organisation
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# Question
Title: What kind of plastic are LEGO bricks made of?
It’s rather obvious that Lego bricks are made from plastic, but there are many kinds of plastic.

Is the recipe for LEGO bricks plastic secret?

# Answer
> 30 votes
Actually, it depends on the part.

Most parts are indeed ABS as it's a very sturdy plastic, but sometimes it's not suitable, or downright impossible to use. I've seen a presentation on quality issues given by a LEGO employee in LEGOworld a few years back, and as far as I remember there were between 10 and 20 sorts of plastic in use. The ones I remember are:

* ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) for most regular bricks
* PC (polycarbonate) for transparent bricks, as ABS can't be made transparent. Polycarbonate parts on the other hand have too much friction when in contact with other polycarbonate parts, making them extremely hard to disassemble. LEGO designers are forbidden to have some PC parts put together in models.
* Rubber for tires and rubbery things - that's kinda obvious
* A less sturdy plastic (can't remember the name) for parts which are more subject to being bent, for example studless technic beams.
* As of 2018 plant elements will be made from a polythylene sourced from sugar cane.

And the list goes on. I know the presentation hadn't been made public, but some people took pictures, so if I ever find it back I'll add a link.

EDIT: still can't find it, but I know it was given at LEGOworld in 2006 by Bjarke Schønwandt who was Global Quality Manager at LEGO at the time (he may still be, I have no idea).

# Answer
> 10 votes
According to a letter from a LEGO representative posted at this site:

> Tires and elastic materials found in some LEGO sets are manufactured from Styrene-Butadiene Styrene (SBS), a material commonly found in vehicle mud guards and shoe soles.

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Tags: manufacturing, plastics
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