G
in response to bunkerbarge,
the models we build are constructed in a fairly normal manner !-
the start of the process is to design the model, - obviously we dont have instructions to make a winston churchill head so we need to design and draw up our own, - we do this by drawing up plans on squared graph paper... each square is the same size as a LEGO brick, you draw the item you are designing in both plan and elevation on the squared paper..... if the shape is complex ( and they usually are ) you break down the shape into contours ( not unlike a map and contours upon it ) you then translate the contours on the paper into 3D sections with LEGO bricks.....this is easy as the squares ion the paper are the same size as the bricks....
we still draught all plans by hand - the reason for this is most models are dispalyed outside- as a result they are exposed to UV light and after about 6 - 8 yrs they need to be replaced as the bricks become faded and the structure weakens and becomes brittle......especially during winter months and the freeze thaw action !, - as we all know IT and software moves on, at least with paper plans we can get the plans back out 8 yrs later and remake the model.....
we always start at the bottom and work upward, - like making a sandwich ! after building up layer by layer you eventually end up with a 3D model.
each brick is bonded with a solvent cement, this is painted on to the top surface of each brick, the solvent cures in about 45 seconds, if you stick a part in the wrong place then we need to use chisels or razor saws to remove it, so we try and make any errors on the paper not on the finished glued model !- we rarely make a practice model we usually go from the plans straight into the final exhibition model..this is due to the timescales involved, if the model is very complex then we may do a quick mock up fist.....
all the models are generally hollow, not completely solid... every LEGO part used is a standard part, these parts are available from one of the sets offered for sale in the shops, We HAVE NO SPECIAL PARTS ! every model is just built up of 1000's of small parts.....
the models are hollow as each model is costed on the hours it took to build and the weight of bricks used....and we try and use the bricks to make models people can view rather than making solid models containing loads of bricks inside that no ne can see....
if the model is to 'move' then they often feature an internal stainless steel structure- this framework is designed to mount the motors or the pneumatic cylinders, it is not support the LEGO,
one drawback of making a big LEGO structure and then exhibiting it outside is the damm health and safety factors !
many non moving big models also have a framework insode to prevent the elements and wind and similar from damaging the structure or blowing it over- if members of the public walk under a LEGO structure then this also dictates an internal metal structure too...... safety is paramount......and so it should be !
any metal structure we have at LEGOLAND is also inspected annually for fatigue and all welds, joints and bearings are inspected also,
currently we are working on a new ' miniland ' area of LONDON, so busy building huge models of the lloyds building, canary wharf, the gherkin, BT tower, covent garden, and the houses of parliament.....
this exhibit covers 322 square meters, and the cost of designing and building this is huge- many bridges open and close allowing boats through, buses and cars travel down the streets, we have tower cranes that operate, we even have a fully working london underground and escaltors, lifts and so on....
we also have the eurostar that travels through the south of england to france
our modelmaking tasks cover 2 disciplines, one is miniland, a model village based on real buildings and places, the other discipline is 'show and event' models- these can be charachters, dragons, or giant formula one cars- no hjob is ever the same and every challenge is massively different- which is why i still enjoy and do my job after 13 years of LEGO brick sticking !
i run the department and we have 8 full time model builders and 4 specialist animators ( these guys are hydraulic/ pneumatic /coded welders/ motion control experts) but between us all there has never been a model we have not been able to design and make so far.......but i suppose there is always a first !
but at the end of the day its a very rewarding job, - i get paid to play !
but the serious side is safety and the comercial awreness of it all, we have tight budgets and deadlines to stick to and safety criteria to comply with, but it sure does beat any office job !
over the 13 years i have worked with LEGO bricks i have built all manner of stuff, from lifesize motorbikes to dragons, and then tiny little ravens for the tower of london in the model village area.....
as isay i could bore you all with morei mages,
but if anyone wants to set a challenge and ask a question or if we have ever built a certain item in LEGO then go ahead as we may well have done !
- the one thing the LEGO company has never asked us to build is anything connected with warfare, the company has strong ethical policies so we have never buil warplanes, tanks or aircraft carriers.......( but it does not stop the modelmaking team knocking one up after working hours !)
the models we build are constructed in a fairly normal manner !-
the start of the process is to design the model, - obviously we dont have instructions to make a winston churchill head so we need to design and draw up our own, - we do this by drawing up plans on squared graph paper... each square is the same size as a LEGO brick, you draw the item you are designing in both plan and elevation on the squared paper..... if the shape is complex ( and they usually are ) you break down the shape into contours ( not unlike a map and contours upon it ) you then translate the contours on the paper into 3D sections with LEGO bricks.....this is easy as the squares ion the paper are the same size as the bricks....
we still draught all plans by hand - the reason for this is most models are dispalyed outside- as a result they are exposed to UV light and after about 6 - 8 yrs they need to be replaced as the bricks become faded and the structure weakens and becomes brittle......especially during winter months and the freeze thaw action !, - as we all know IT and software moves on, at least with paper plans we can get the plans back out 8 yrs later and remake the model.....
we always start at the bottom and work upward, - like making a sandwich ! after building up layer by layer you eventually end up with a 3D model.
each brick is bonded with a solvent cement, this is painted on to the top surface of each brick, the solvent cures in about 45 seconds, if you stick a part in the wrong place then we need to use chisels or razor saws to remove it, so we try and make any errors on the paper not on the finished glued model !- we rarely make a practice model we usually go from the plans straight into the final exhibition model..this is due to the timescales involved, if the model is very complex then we may do a quick mock up fist.....
all the models are generally hollow, not completely solid... every LEGO part used is a standard part, these parts are available from one of the sets offered for sale in the shops, We HAVE NO SPECIAL PARTS ! every model is just built up of 1000's of small parts.....
the models are hollow as each model is costed on the hours it took to build and the weight of bricks used....and we try and use the bricks to make models people can view rather than making solid models containing loads of bricks inside that no ne can see....
if the model is to 'move' then they often feature an internal stainless steel structure- this framework is designed to mount the motors or the pneumatic cylinders, it is not support the LEGO,
one drawback of making a big LEGO structure and then exhibiting it outside is the damm health and safety factors !
many non moving big models also have a framework insode to prevent the elements and wind and similar from damaging the structure or blowing it over- if members of the public walk under a LEGO structure then this also dictates an internal metal structure too...... safety is paramount......and so it should be !
any metal structure we have at LEGOLAND is also inspected annually for fatigue and all welds, joints and bearings are inspected also,
currently we are working on a new ' miniland ' area of LONDON, so busy building huge models of the lloyds building, canary wharf, the gherkin, BT tower, covent garden, and the houses of parliament.....
this exhibit covers 322 square meters, and the cost of designing and building this is huge- many bridges open and close allowing boats through, buses and cars travel down the streets, we have tower cranes that operate, we even have a fully working london underground and escaltors, lifts and so on....
we also have the eurostar that travels through the south of england to france
our modelmaking tasks cover 2 disciplines, one is miniland, a model village based on real buildings and places, the other discipline is 'show and event' models- these can be charachters, dragons, or giant formula one cars- no hjob is ever the same and every challenge is massively different- which is why i still enjoy and do my job after 13 years of LEGO brick sticking !
i run the department and we have 8 full time model builders and 4 specialist animators ( these guys are hydraulic/ pneumatic /coded welders/ motion control experts) but between us all there has never been a model we have not been able to design and make so far.......but i suppose there is always a first !
but at the end of the day its a very rewarding job, - i get paid to play !
but the serious side is safety and the comercial awreness of it all, we have tight budgets and deadlines to stick to and safety criteria to comply with, but it sure does beat any office job !
over the 13 years i have worked with LEGO bricks i have built all manner of stuff, from lifesize motorbikes to dragons, and then tiny little ravens for the tower of london in the model village area.....
as isay i could bore you all with morei mages,
but if anyone wants to set a challenge and ask a question or if we have ever built a certain item in LEGO then go ahead as we may well have done !
- the one thing the LEGO company has never asked us to build is anything connected with warfare, the company has strong ethical policies so we have never buil warplanes, tanks or aircraft carriers.......( but it does not stop the modelmaking team knocking one up after working hours !)