I am happy to announce that three new books are now available. First to mention is The 2012 LEGO Minifigure Catalog. On its 170 pages it contains more than 500 minifigures that were released in 2012. I have even been able to include photographs for the ultra rare Super Heroes ComicCon and Toyfair Minifigures (thanks Dan, Greg & Huw!).

Second, I updated The 2011 LEGO Minifigure Catalog. In this second edition, many corrections and addititions have been incorporated. The book has now 146 pages and also uses the new layout introduced in the 2012 catalog.

Last, I would like to mention the second edition of The Star Wars LEGO Minifigure Catalog. This second edition includes all the 2012 Star Wars Minifigures and I am proud to have a photograph for every minifigure. The book also contains a new name index.

All books are available immediately on CreateSpace and they will all soon show up on Amazon.com. I hope that you enjoy the books and I would like to thank everybody that helped creating them.

The 2012 LEGO Minifigure Catalog

My first model with LDD (LEGO Digital Designer)

It is sad that once I got to appreciate LEGO Digital Designer (LDD), it is already out of date. LEGO sill allows you to use it, but it is already a bit out of date. The new L motors are not in the database and it is unclear if they will ever be added. In any case, I build my RACE model in it and you can download the LXF file.

LEGO Off Road Car “RACE” Video

Here is a video demonstrating the power of RACE. This super fast LEGO off road car has one L motor per wheel. With its pendular suspension it can overcome even large obstacles. The all wheel drive allows it to turn on the point. A fast and robust rally car. The video uses slow motion for your viewing pleasure. Also, have a look at the extended development of this vehicle. It went through so many stages. Continue reading “LEGO Off Road Car “RACE” Video”

Building an off road car with LEGO Technic

It has long been a dream of mine to build a remote controlled LEGO car. LEGO has many Technic cars in their program that use the Power Functions to remote control certain functions, such as opening doors or lifting an arm. Power Functions use infrared light for communication between the sender and the receiver. In the past, LEGO also had remote controlled cars that use radio frequencies, which is much better, since it does not require a line of sight and has a much further reach.

Recently, LEGO released the 4×4 Crawler and it really triggered something inside of me. I ordered the set, but when it arrived I never put it together. I started to build my own cars right away. I looked for inspiration on the internet and found many great off road cars, trial trucks and multi purpose car technology. In particular the work Pawel “Sariel” Kmiec. Check out his book “The Unofficial LEGO Technic Builder’s Guide” or visit his website. LPE Power also has some wonderful instructions on how to build real car technology with LEGO. Continue reading “Building an off road car with LEGO Technic”