"Anyone Using LEGO Parts To Design 15mm SF Buildings?" Topic

Another crazy experiment, out of the blue . . .

I recently got hold of about 50 LEGO window frames. They have a 75 degree slope on one side:

auction

They are all LEGO Part 2352 – Windscreen 2 x 4 x 3 Frame*. In metric, each one of those frames is 16mm deep at bottom (8mm at top), by 32mm wide, by about 28mm tall.

Today I sat down in front of the TV and decided to experiment and use only those frame pieces to design what could pass as simple SF dwellings with angled walls.

Well, these are the three I came up with (one L-shaped, one large rectangular and one small rectangular):

More pics:

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So, what do you think? Do they have the appropriate height and exterior footprint for small colonial dwellings?

Thanks,

ADHD Dan
* rebrickable.com/parts/2352
bricks.argz.com/part/2352/Yellow
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I have thought about using lego for making buildings. Mot sure I would survive the wrath of my boy when he discovered I'd stolen his favourite toys though.

We have started playing Star Wars games using lego. It's great for getting the kids into the hobby without risking the paintjobs on my metal minis.

I think they would do fine for off world dwellings. Good find.

LOL

No, no, no. Not planning on making the buildings themselves out of Legos. Instead, I'm hoping that the Legos can help me come up with similar configurations but using cardstock or styrene as the building material.

Dan

I've used Lego to make them.

This building is sitting on a base of lego 'concrete blocks'

John T

Nice shout Dan.

Can't bring myself to do it… I couldn't look at a building with Lego underpinnings and see anything but Lego blocks. Although John T's example is pretty darn nice.

Plus, Lego blocks are more expensive than most of the building materials that I use.

-Chris K.

Nah. As I said, the Legos are only there for getting the correct dimensions and to copy the configurations. Basically a pattern only.

The actual models would NOT include Legos.

Dan

Nice Idea! I like the square ones, not to sure about the "L" shape one, something about the inside corner, but seeing what you come up with I'm sure what ever it will be it will be great

Well after seeing John's building in the flesh it looks great (and does shout Lego) and Dan I think the non L shape buildings would make a great base for a building :) (with or without the blocks)

Cheers Matt

Btw have you tried a two story building with them yet ?

Matt (Comstarhgp): "Btw have you tried a two story building with them yet?"

I haven't yet. Is there anything specific you want to see? I guess that, if I continue that 75 degree slope up another level, I will need to increase the footprint quite a bit.

Dan
PS. Can you tell I never really grew up playing with Legos? :)

Matt,

How's this?

link

Thoughts?

Dan
PS. With those close-ups, it's obvious that I should have dipped the Lego frames in some sort of cleaning solution when I got them in the mail a couple of days ago!

Mmmm colony prefabs?, or just a basic unit with add ons or exspantion units

Dan they look cracking :)

I definately go with the two story buildings, perhaps straight panels on the ends insted of the windows?

Those windows do work well for 15mm I may have to get some.

Cheers Matt

Guys,

I apologize. I really wish I could draw. But, for the life of me, this is the best I could do. I tried to create a pattern of the exterior surfaces, as if I were to make a paper or styrene version – my real goal behind this whole crazy Lego experiment:

The top one is the "large" one-story building, as is. The bottom sketch is the same building, but with flat ends. I think that 5 squares equals 32mm.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Dan
PS. If only there was someone capable out there, who could make a proper outline!

Damn it Dan! I am just out of the Hospital after a month and you're giving me expensive ideas….

I have considered Lego frequently, cost has always been the issue. Though I have a collection of Lego Bits and Bobs I use for building other models.

LOL

Well, here are 3 basic modules that I plan to duplicate using Styrene sheets and bits:

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The white roof on the modules is only there to keep the angled sides in proper alignment, while I measure and cut the styrene sheets for my duplication work. The height I'm aiming for is only up to the top of the angled yellow pieces.

Hope it inspires more gaming and terrain-making.

Dan
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Okay, What's your plan for all those legos when your done?
If the answer is "nothing" then glue them to a base and just cover them.

Hey, wait a minute! Glue them????

I never played with Legos as a kid, so I'm trying to make up for it now. :)

Dan

It was only a suggestion, go ahead and play with your legos, use them as a template on paper, the only thing I can think of is cut an fold untill you have what you want, might take a few trial and errors

Yes! Let go of my Legos. :)

Dan

Well ….

Maybe this is what I should have read first, before buying all those Legos:

link

link

And:

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The only difference is that their corners are plainer than the ones in my Lego layouts. But that would make them easier to make too.

Dan

Yes, But I like the look of the lego walls and the corners, like prefab panels, put one inplace and bring in the next, one size makes ALL! Figure if your going to make a colony you would do it with a standard panel/wall, for the fact of fast setup and to one's needs, plus the packing factor as well, a few pallets and you have a small colony