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8 tips for building custom LEGO models

If you’re thinking of buying a personalised LEGO model, check out these tips for building personalised LEGO models and make this design something truly unique.

Reproducing a building, a house or any other object with LEGO pieces requires adapting its shapes to the building possibilities of these pieces. It is not always possible to copy every detail perfectly, so it is worth thinking carefully about the design before getting started. These tips for building custom LEGO models will help you organise the project and achieve a result that matches your idea.

Tips for building custom LEGO models

When creating a model from scratch, you need to make decisions about the design, dimensions and pieces you are going to use. These tips will help you work out the most important aspects before and during assembly.

1. Use photographs as a reference

If you want to reproduce a building, a house or a monument, look for photographs that allow you to see its main features. Images from different angles help you identify elements that might go unnoticed in a single photograph, such as the shape of the roof, the arrangement of the windows or the details of the façade.

2. Adapt the design to the size of the pieces

LEGO constructions have their own limitations, so it is not always possible to reproduce every shape of a real object exactly. Before getting started, think about which elements are essential for making the model recognisable and which ones you can simplify. This way, you can make better use of the available pieces without making the design too complicated.

3. Choose the colours before assembling

Colour has a significant influence on the result of a custom model. If you are reproducing a building, for example, it is worth paying attention to the colours of the façade, windows and roof. Look for pieces that come as close as possible to those colours and check how they look together before moving forward with the entire construction.

4. Check the dimensions of the construction

Before you start placing pieces, decide how big the model will be and calculate the proportions of its main parts. This is especially important when you want to reproduce a real object, as a façade that is too wide or a disproportionate roof can significantly change the result. The design does not need to be complicated, but its elements should maintain a coherent relationship with one another.

5. Build the main parts first

Start with the base and the structure that will give the model its shape. Then move on to the most important elements, such as the walls, roofs or parts that make the object being represented recognisable. Leave the windows, decorations and other small details until the end. This way, you can check whether the design works before spending time on the finishing touches.

6. Try different pieces to work out the details

When creating a custom construction, the first piece you choose might not be the most suitable for representing a particular shape. Try different combinations until you find a solution that fits the design. This is especially useful for reproducing corners, reliefs, windows or decorative elements that cannot always be represented in just one way.

7. Make changes during assembly if necessary

It is normal to have to modify some parts when you start assembling a model designed from scratch. A window might turn out to be too large, an area might need more support or a colour combination might not work as expected. Instead of continuing with a solution you are not happy with, review that part and try an alternative before continuing with the construction.

8. Check the result against your original idea

When you finish, place the model next to the photographs or design you used as a reference. Check whether it maintains the proportions, colours and most characteristic shapes of the original model. You can also check the stability of the structure and correct any remaining details. This final check helps you identify small mistakes before considering the project complete.

Build custom LEGO models

Custom models allow you to represent specific buildings and objects using LEGO pieces. Unlike models with a fixed design, these projects start with an idea that needs to be adapted to the characteristics of the pieces and the desired result. They can be used to reproduce buildings, houses, monuments and other constructions with a design of their own.

At Madeofbrick, we work with LEGO MOC constructions and offer options for those looking for different models. In our LEGO MOC online store, you can find designs across different themes and discover alternatives to expand your collection. You can also enquire about the possibility of developing a custom model based on your own idea.

If you have a specific construction in mind, at Madeofbrick we can review your proposal and assess how to bring it to life using LEGO pieces. Contact us to find out more.