Tag Archives: Power Functions

Tow with a pro

LegoMarat brings you some remote-controlled action tonight with his rendition of an Illinois Department of Transportation International 4400 tow truck. Not content to merely nail the shaping for the exterior, he also packed in a working front and rear suspension, opening doors, 6 motors, 3 IR receivers, and a battery box to bring it all to life. This model brings out the Tonka-Truck loving little kid in me and I want to take it out to the sandbox.

Description

The rugged model also features a working fork that is capable of lifting a 2kg load. Don’t believe me?…check out the handy instructional video that highlights all the wonderful power-function driven features of the IDOT wrecker.

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The Unofficial LEGO Technic Builder’s Guide [Review]

No Starch Press recently sent us a review copy of their latest Technic offering, The Unofficial LEGO Technic Builder’s Guide by Paweł “Sariel” Kmieć.

The Unofficial LEGO Technic Builder's Guide

I found the book to be full of very useful information. I am not an expert Technic builder by any means and when I first thumbed through the book I was overwhelmed by the amount of detail that the book offers. However, when I actually started reading the book, I found that the way Paweł presents the information made everything very clear. He starts with basic concepts and then builds upon them throughout the book in a very clear and concise fashion. I think any adult LEGO fan will be able to follow this book and incorporate the techniques into their own creations. But this book is not for young builders. Many, if not most, of the techniques are quite advanced and would lead to frustration for younger builders.

The Unofficial LEGO Technic Builder's Guide

The book consists of 333 pages divided up into five parts: Basics, Mechanics, Motors, Advanced Mechanics and Models. The first three sections give you the groundwork needed to understand the Technic system and how the majority of the parts work. I found this to be very helpful. I have used many Technic pieces over the years but wasn’t clear on the functions of each and every part. These first three sections are a great reference of Technic pieces and their functions, as well as being vital in introducing the terminology used throughout the rest of the book. I highly recommend reading these sections in depth and not skipping ahead.

The Unofficial LEGO Technic Builder's Guide

The fourth section, Advanced Mechanics, teaches you how to design and build transmissions, steering systems, suspensions for wheeled and tracked vehicles along with other concepts and ideas.

The fifth and final section instructs the reader in designing and planning their own models.

Overall, I would recommend this book for any adult builder who is interested in becoming more familiar with Technic and using Technic in their own creations. The book is well-laid out and the information is presented clearly. It is definitely an asset that deserves a place on the shelf.

Visit No Starch Press for this and other LEGO-related books. is also available on Amazon.com.

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Enter the FUN HAUS! A celebration of life ... through death!

Continuing our coverage of great LEGO models debuted at BrickCon 2012, Paul Hetherington just posted his FUN HAUS! building, which won “Best in Town.” (Paul has a serious winning streak going — he also won Town trophies in 2010 and 2011, and won our “Best Apocafied Building” prize during Zombie Apocafest 2009 for his Turns at Midnight carousel.)

FUN HAUS!

Paul’s funhouse was inspired by the Mexican Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) celebrations, as well as the work of artist Pooch. The building features moving cars as well as letters, so the video is well worth a watch.

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Motorized Tumbler and The Bat

The latest creations by the power functions mastermind Peer Kreuger (mahjqa) hail from The Dark Knight Rises.

The Bat & Tumbler

Check out the video to see the Tumbler tearing up the streets with The Bat “flying” above.

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Elemental Attack on Avalonia

ZCerberus sure knows how to build a nice castle village scene. The elemental monster is also a cool creation by itself. But, what really caught my attention on this MOC is the ingenious use of Power Functions on the scene. Both the moving tentacles and the leaning tower are what makes this creation really great.

Watch the video on YouTube.

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Sneaker Freaker Big Foot

Orion Pax (Alexander Jones) builds this impressive power functions truck for a Sneaker Freaker event in Zurich. He used the simple and effective chassis for monster trucks designed by mahjqa.

This is also Alex’s first model featured on his new website.

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Happy days in Atlantis

I have much respect for Paul Hetherington (Brickbaron) and his highly detailed dioramas that often include elements in motion. This whimsical envisioning of Atlantis features dancing mermaids, moving statues, and a surprise in the giant clam.

P1040734

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Spunky Little Roadster, Rumble Bee

Thirdwigg, inspired by using his F1 wheels, created this spunky little 3 wheeled, remote controlled Power Function Roadster.  He packs the battery pack, receiver, and self centering steering into a compact frame.  Notably, he mounted the XL Power Function Motor in the hub of the drive wheel.  Check out the video.

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Motorized for battle

The Japanese builders know their mechs, and this one by Legorobo is a prime example. Beyond looks, the mech features remote controlled movement and more. Check out the video below:

AFC4-01

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Motorized Kenworth Road Train

Paul (Sariel), one of the greatest Technic builders, seems to achieve the impossible by building a remote-controlled Lego truck capable of hauling a load of almost 20 pounds. Don’t believe it? Take a look at the video below.

Thanks for the tip vmln8r!

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1:17 Scale Kenworth W900 Dump Truck

It’s big, shiny, and powered. Mark Markiewicz‘s 1:17 scale Kenworth W900 Dump Truck is a sight to behold. As he mentions on MOCpages, the goal for this creation was a fully IR controlled dump truck. I think he succeeded.

Watch it move:

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Motorized Lego Tachikoma

Peer Kreuger (mahjqa) brings the finest examples of the wonders achieved with Power Functions. His Tachikoma think tank from Ghost in the Shell not only walks but also rolls and steers. In addition it features moving eyes and arms, all packed in a compact and beautiful design. Visit Flickr for more photos including pictures of the chassis.

Hi!

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