Which was the LEGO goal by designing the upcoming TECHNIC Linear Actuator, that we see for example in the new Excavator (8294)? Develop a new part, to add functionality and new possibilities or does it aim to replace the Pneumatic Cylinders role in TECHNIC sets?
- FCorreia
The goal we set for the new linear Actuator was to be able to add new functions and possibilities together with the new Power Functions system. On top of that we also designed it so it can be used to add functions in models that do not include motors. It is not the idea that it should replace any of the pneumatic cylinders :-)
How many model prototypes or designs are rejected each year?
- Murcielago53
Whoa :) that's hard to say, but in general we will develop 3-5 different prototypes for each box that reaches the marked. On top of that we create a lot of concept models that never make it, so in total we probably reject about 30-40 models each year :)
How many TECHNIC elements are there?
We have close to 1000 different parts which are specific for TECHNIC, most of them come in a number of different colors.
Hi! Is it possible to download more advanced TECHNIC parts for LEGO Digital Designer? I’m looking for parts like suspension, pneumatics and bigger wheels (like the ones on the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano).
- Hein3G
At this point in time it's not possible to download more advanced TECHNIC parts, besides the ones that are already available. Hopefully this is going to change in the future:)
About how many different gear combos can you create and how you can use them?
- qw112
We have around 40 standard gear combinations, plus an almost unlimited number of 'non-standard' combinations which work, but we don't to use them. We can use the gears for gearing up and down in ratios between 1:1 and 1:40, both in inline and angle comfigurations.
Can you guys build a tank or a jeep?
- sounder
If you mean a military tank then sorry, no, we don’t do any kind of military vehicles or weapons. That’s a clear LEGO policy.
Best,
Anders
Is the TECHNIC team going to develop any large trucks in the future?? I would greatly like to see a large truck, similar to a half-ton pickup truck with working suspension.
- jbird0007
Sorry, can't tell you anything about future models! But a large truck or pickup truck definitely fits the LEGO TECHNIC concept.
Best,
Ricco
Do LEGO bricks actually fall out of the ceilling? PS can you mention any new models? Thanks!
- avak141
Hehe, wouldn't that be fun? Actually, they don't fall out the ceiling, we just made this as a funny feature for our film. Imagine us walking around in bricks up to our knees - how would we get to the couches for cake when need a break ;oD In real life, we have a big storage area where all our elements are stored. Regarding new models; I can't reveal anything about the models we are currently working on, but I can say that there are some very cool models on the way :) they will be in the shops in august.
Best,
Markus
What gave you the idea for the new Linear Actuators? Will they come in more sets in the future?
- Apologetic
The linear actuator is the perfect element to transform the rotation of our gears and motors directly into linear movements, like in hydraulic cylinders. The linear actuators work great together with our new motors on our power function platform. As the Power Functions platform was developed to be used in LEGO products for a long time, the Linear Actuator will definitely be included in more products in the future.
Best,
Markus
- inic178
There is no specific guide to becoming a LEGO designer. The most important talent you need is to be creative with LEGO bricks! Besides that, we usually hire people with an education that fits with the tasks in the different LEGO projects, e.g. industrial designers and engineers. So put those two together, and you're well on your way. Oh, and you would need to move to Denmark, too!
Best,
Ricco
Is there going to be a airplane model? Because if there is, I want it to be an Airbus A380!
- dutchkid123
The likelihood of seeing an Airbus A380 in LEGO TECHNIC is not very big. Planes have been part of the LEGO TECHNIC portfolio in the past, but in the last couple of years we have chosen not to launch any new ones. But I can only encourage you to build your own version and upload it to our Gallery!
Best,
Ricco
Do you have anything for girls?
- pandaparty
If your question is related to LEGO TECHNIC, I definitely see your point. LEGO TECHNIC is mainly targeted at boys between 7-13 years. We also have a big group of adult fans who appriciate an exciting, challenging and solid building experience. So in that sense, we are not planning any TECHNIC models aimed specifically at girls. But we do have some other LEGO lines for girls. in our DUPLO and BELVILLE lines, you can find some great products for girls.
Best,
Niels Henrik
How do you come up with the instructions?
- m.smithy
Once the design of the model is finalized, the Building Instructions Team takes over. First we build the model over and over again to find the easiest way to build it. Next we build each step for the building instructions in real bricks and spread them out on long tables. On the big TECHNIC models, this part of the process can take months of work and thousands and thousands of bricks. The next step is to draw the model and all the steps in our special LEGO 3D-software. Finally we prepare the building instructions for printing and test-build the model several times to be absolutely sure that you get the best possible building experience!
Best,
Jeppe
Do you ever make life size models?
- j8o7e6y5
Yes, sometimes we actually do make life size models for diifferent purposes. Especially for Christmas campaigns. Last year the #8275 Tow Truck was made and used as an in-store material in Germany. It was not 100% in size but mabye around 4 meters long. So still a pretty big model :-) I also remember that in our first Ferrari Launch back in 2004, a 100% Formula 1 car #8375 was made, and even further back, in the early 90s, the Supercar #8880 was made and showed in the different LEGOLAND Parks.
Best,
Niels Henrik
Don't you ever find that all those little bits just don't seem to want to do anything useful?
- salamalyon
Yep, absolutely – some days, models practically build themselves and some days you are ready to throw everything in the bin. Sometimes it helps to just leave the model building for a couple of hours, when you then get back to it, you see it with fresh eyes.
Best,
Anders
By the way, what does LEGO mean?
- piplup12125
As you probably know, LEGO is a Danish company. Ole Kirk Kristiansen, who founded The LEGO Group, came up with the name LEGO from the two Danish words "LEG GODT", ("play well"). At the time, Ole didn't know that LEGO also means "I assemble" in Latin! Pretty cool, right?
How long does it take to think of and then create a model?
- maffie440
Ooh, that's a good question... the whole process of developing a model, from the first brief to the final, approved model can take up to 1½ years. It depends how complex a model is. We spend a lot of time on research to make sure each model is as authentic as possible. If you haven't already seen the "Behind the Design" movie, you can go to our Movies section - it's a little easier for me to explain it there!
Best,
Markus
What's the best thing about being a TECHNIC designer?
There are a lot of things I love about my job. We do a lot of research for each of our products, as you have seen in the Behind the Design movie, and it's always so much fun to get to drive big machines - I think that's a dream we have all had when were growing up.
It's also a great rush when we have been struggling to find a solution to a problem for a while, and then, one day all the pieces just fall into place, and we have created something new and unique that we know a lot of people will enjoy.
The whole creative process from the initial first sketches to the complete model is always a new feeling. I hope I never grow too old to play with LEGO!