Begginer tips to start MOC

[robbigkid]

Hello 

I have started building lego around a month ago and have done 5 sets, whilst researching on YouTube i have discovered  the section of the MOC hobby.

Some of the stuff I have looked at looks better than any produced lego set i have seen. I am wondering how one would start to design and go about getting what's required to do such builds. clearly so much thought and preparation goes into this type of work so I know I can't just sit down with a few bricks and wing it.

Does any one have any begginer tips on how to go about doing these types of things  ? do I need software ? how do i get required bricks ? any advice that can be offered i would greatly appreciate.

I'm going to a lego store today 

many thanks 

[jakbar]

Everyone has his own technique, methods and preferences. It depends of Your style. Some like to have everything sorted and planned before building and others (me!) prefer to rather improvize. Howewer, regardless of Your preference, You should have some idea of what do You want to build and to think about bricks You might need.

For example if You would like to build some winter scene You should check first if You have enought blue/white bricks and buy them before beginning. There is nothing more frustrating than having to stop a project beacause of having not enought bricks. Trust me

If You need bricks I strongly recommend BRICKLINK. I my opinion it is the best place to buy bricks.

Personally I started by trying to modify/merge some sets You have. Thats how I started at least.

[dr_spock]

I think starting off with small MOCs and working your way up towards bigger and bigger MOCs might be less frustrating and daunting. 

I found LEGO Store Pick A Brick wall the inexpensive way to get bricks in some quantity.  Their selection can be hit or miss.  But it can be a fun challenge to work with what you got,  When our LUG used to display in the Store's Community Display Window, I built my MOCs based on the PAB Wall.

 

 

[Bricked1980]

I was in a similar situation to you and have just completed my first MOC modular building.

As this was my first attempt I decided to start with a fairly small building that was made up using parts I already had in my collection. So this MOC was basically made up from only the parts found in 3 of my sets.

I designed it using LDD (lego digital designer) which can be downloaded for free and is really good and pretty easy to use in my opinion.

I would also recommend following this topic by @LegoModularFan

 

This is mostly focused on designing modular buildings but it is a great topic where some of the top experienced MOC builders on eurobricks share their tips and advice. I found it really useful when planning my first MOC.

Anyway good luck with your first ventures in to MOC building. It is a very rewarding and fun side of the lego hobby. I must say after completing my first design I enjoyed the process very much and am already underway on creating my second MOC. 

[LegoModularFan]

Welcome to the Lego world, @robbigkid! 

Some topics I found that may help you:

Becoming a Better Builder by @Mesabi

How do you plan a build? by @Pumbledor

I hope coming later here with more contributions!

Cheers! 

Thanks for the mention @Bricked1980 BTW! Can’t wait to see your next modular! 

[3797]

Keep in mind that buying large amounts of bricks can cost you a ton of money. Your collection of parts with grow over time, so start with small projects and work your way up. Also, you will need to figure out how and where you want to store all of this stuff.

[anothergol]

On 07/04/2018 at 9:52 AM, robbigkid said:

do I need software ? how do i get required bricks ? any advice that can be offered i would greatly appreciate.

1. install the Lego Digital Designer, get used to it, take your time
(there's also Stud.io that isn't that usable, but good for renders, and also Mecabricks if you're a true masochist)

2. only once you're done with your first design, buy the needed parts on Bricklink & Bricks&Pieces

After some time, you will start to know what kind of parts you use, & sart stocking them a little.

I wouldn't recommend "playing with bricks". That's what kids do, but obviously if you don't have a very large amount of parts, your stuff just won't compare to MOCs out there. If you start to make compromises just because you don't own the part that would fit best, it's gonna suck.
It's also much much easier to do stuff in the LDD.

I also wouldn't recommend buying sets for parts, you will quickly understand that even if you buy something on sale & you get parts at 5cts each, it's not worth it if 80% of the parts are stuff that you're never gonna use.

Edited April 8, 2018 by anothergol