Building Lego models without using the instructions...

[henrysunset]

Hello! I was wondering how many other people like to build their new Lego sets like I do - as a Puzzle using only the photo on the front of the box as a guide?

It's my favorite way to build models which are ~500 pieces or less, generally Architecture sets. I enjoy the challenge of building the parts that I can see well by looking for clues such as the gaps between bricks, then having to guess how to put those parts together and how the backside of the model should look.

I just posted an article on my blog describing my process for building models without the directions. I would be very interested to who else does this, and hear what approaches or tricks you use.

LINK: http://tomalphin.com/2013/10/lego-chall ... tions.html

(SPOILER ALERT: The blog shows details of how to build the now discontinued Architecture Series model of Sungnyemun, so be warned.)

[brickcollectors]

Very impressive! I don't build sets this way - it would drive me crazy if I got to the end and had pieces left over! I just looked at your blog and I'm enjoying your 30-day challenge with the Architecture Studio. Well done!

[Neo]

Normally - I can build any Lego kit with less than 100 pieces by visual inspection alone in a few minutes. The creations in The Lego Technic Idea Book Series[1] by Yoshihito Isogawa are premised on the reader being able to build each model just by looking at the photos of each creation. I have all three books as a visual reference but i've never tries to build anything . You can download volume 1 (simple machines aka Tora no Maki) of the three volumes at his website[2].

[1] http://www.isogawastudio.co.jp/legostud ... nomaki/en/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
[2] http://www.isogawastudio.co.jp/legostud ... nload.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I normally design MoCs using sub-assemblies which interlock onto each other based on crude drawings