The Unofficial Lego Technic Builder’s Guide

The Unofficial Lego Technic Builder’s Guide
By Paweł "Sariel" Kmieć
Published at no starch press

About the book

The LEGO® Technic system opens a new realm of building possibilities. Using motors, gears, pneumatics, pulleys, linkages, and more, you can design LEGO models that really move.

The Unofficial LEGO Technic Builder’s Guide is filled with building tips for creating strong yet elegant machines and mechanisms with the Technic system. Author Paweł “Sariel” Kmiec will teach you the foundations of LEGO Technic building, from simple machines to advanced mechanics, even explaining how to create realistic to-scale models. Sariel, a world-renowned LEGO Technic expert, offers unique insight into mechanical principles like torque, power translation, and gear ratios, all using Technic bricks. You’ll learn how to:

• Create sturdy connections that can withstand serious stress
• Re-create specialized LEGO pieces like casings and u-joints, and build solutions like Schmidt and Oldham couplings, when no standard piece will do
• Build custom differentials, suspensions, transmissions, and steering systems
• Pick the right motor for the job—and transform its properties to suit your needs
• Combine studfull and studless building styles for a stunning look
• Create remote-controlled vehicles, lighting systems, motorized compressors, and pneumatic engines

This beautifully illustrated, full-color book will inspire you with ideas for building amazing machines like tanks with suspended treads, supercars, cranes, bulldozers, and much more. Your Technic adventure starts now!

Who is Paweł "Sariel" Kmieć ?

Paweł "Sariel" Kmieć is a LEGO Technic enthusiast based in Warsaw, Poland. A prolific blogger and model builder, Sariel’s LEGO creations have been featured in many magazines, the world’s most popular LEGO blogs, and even prompted the LEGO company to use his help in developing some of its products. Sariel is a guest blogger for the official LEGO Technic website and is a 2012 LEGO Ambassador for Poland. He is YouTube’s most viewed LEGO Technic builder. Check out his models and more at http://sariel.pl/.

My Thoughts

Here’s a book that any major fan of Lego will enjoy.    With clear explanation and colorful images, you will have the opportunity to create interesting contractions with Lego.  

The table of contents will tell you more about what the book covers.

Part 1: Basics
Chapter 1: Basic Concepts
Chapter 2: Units
Chapter 3: Studless or Studfull?
Chapter 4: Joiners and Fasteners

Part 2: Mechanics
Chapter 5: Gears
Chapter 6: Pulleys
Chapter 7: Levers and Linkages
Chapter 8: Custom Mechanical Solutions
Chapter 9: Pneumatics
Chapter 10: Pneumatic Devices
Chapter 11: Reinforcing Builds

Part 3: Motors
Chapter 12: Motors
Chapter 13: Power Functions System

Part 4: Advanced Mechanics
Chapter 14: Wheeled Suspensions
Chapter 15: Tracked Suspensions
Chapter 16: Gearboxes
Chapter 17: Adders & Subtractors

Part 5: Models
Chapter 18: The Matter of Choice
Chapter 19: Scaling
Chapter 20: Modeling Process

My boys loves to build new things with Lego.   We do have a couple of Lego Technic at home but I suspect that more will enter this house because of this book.   I even have one child who would love to create and invent things with Lego.    I mean seriously who wouldn’t want to build things like these?

Part of me wish I could help my kids develop their passion more.  With books like this one, I know that they will have plenty opportunities to experience and create with Lego.    They will also learn more about the different types of bricks and gears that can be used to build fun creations.   This book could even be a class in itself as the kids learn the engineering and mechanics of new constructions.    When they enjoy something and learn at the same time, it’s the best way to ensure that the lesson stick to their brain.

If you have a die-hard fan of Lego in your family who loves to learn more about building with them, I think The Unofficial Lego Technic Builder’s Guide would be a great reference book for him or her.

The Unofficial Lego Technic Builder’s Guide is available at a bookstore near you, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

     

The book is also available on Kindle.

Disclaimer: Thanks to no starch press for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.