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How to Make LEGO Technic Models

Building models with LEGO Technic pieces is pretty simple, and teaches you a lot about mechanics and how pieces interact with each other. You'll need to learn some basic terms and experiment a bit with the building process. There is a huge variety of models that you can make, and if you have some instructions or a manual for the pieces already, then you're best consulting them. However, if you don't, you aren't out of luck.

Things You'll Need

LEGO and Technic pieces
LEGO motor (optional)
Technic manuals

Instructions

- 1
  Design your model with pencil and paper, if you don't already have an idea of how it will work. You need to diagram not only the frame and outside of the machine, but also the working parts of the vehicle.
- 2
  Lay out the pieces. Separate the bricks that have Technic holes from those that don't, and the beams from the half-beams. A brick has studs along the top, while a beam does not. Separate the pegs by type: basic pegs, half-peg, half-rod and stationary pegs. Put the rods together. The rods are the long, plastic pieces shaped like a plus sign at the end. Separate the gears and wheels.
- 3
  Take a beam or brick long enough to hold the main mechanism. Attach a gear or wheel to a rod or peg, and insert that axle into the beam.
- 4
  Build your mechanism. Attach additional beams and bricks to the rest of the first brick, and attach the other gears that you'll need to the device. Test the mechanism by turning the various gears and making sure they work as needed. If you have a LEGO motor, now is the time to work it into the device with gears and bricks. Make sure the power lead is accessible.
- 5
  Build the frame around the mechanism. Follow your instructions or diagrams, and make the vehicle look as close to your intended design as possible.
- 6
  Attach any external working parts to the mechanism or motor. Test that it still works.

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