FAQ & Resources
FAQ
What does FAQ mean?
Frequently asked questions.
Is your Lego brick tattoo real?
Yes, yes it is.
What does LUG mean?
LEGO User Group.
What does AFOL (or AFFOL) mean?
Adult Fan of LEGO (or Adult Female Fan of LEGO).
What does ALE mean?
Adult LEGO Enthusiast.
Do you work for LEGO?
No, I do not, nor does LEGO sponsor or endorse my work, or this site.
Are all of the things you make or display sets or kits?
No, in fact the majority of items made or displayed are original creations known as a MOC (My Own Creations).
Are instructions available for these MOCs?
I do not have instructions for my MOCs. I can be commissioned to small sets with instructions for a special event.
As a rule, the majority of AFOL creations are just made up as they go along, basically trial and error. Although some hobbyist do CAD out their models prior (as part of the design process) or after (to record their creations) before dismantling them. A LEGO CAD can be turned into instructions by the model maker if they choose. Some free instructions found around the Internet are made by adult fans.
Where do you get all your brick?
Most of AFOL collections have been slowly collected over the years and in many cases decades. Purchasing brick directly from LEGO, retail establishments, online retailers and private sales just as any other consumer does. I tend to purchase a great deal of my collection from LEGO.com, Toy Building Zone and Bricklink and my collection does indeed span numerous decades. Although, the bulk of the purchasing has been done over the last 10 years.
We have old brick the kids grew out of, do you take donations?
If you are looking to get rid of LEGO, check your local school, library or shelters, as sometimes their funding does not allow for such well appreciated educational extras such as bricks. Failing that, I am always happily willing to take donated brick. Donated brick does not going into client projects, but is used for kids building programs or kids play tables at events I organize, or shared with other AFOL that have a use for them.
Would you be interested in purchasing my (or my kids) old brick?
People who have decided to sell off their LEGO collections make the most money if they rebuild their sets and sell each set individually on the various third market sites or pick out rare or desired pieces and sell them individually. Adult hobbyist usually have a large collection of bricks already, so normally they are not looking to pay top dollar for sets that are not rare or vintage. Personally, like many other AFOL, I only buy brick in bulk lots if the brick is from a private collection of sets which are clean and in good to excellent condition. If the lot has not been picked over nor does not contains clone bricks or other miscellaneous toys I am willing to pay the going rate of 10/lb, which does not include instruction manuals, boxes, or container weights.
Are your models for sale?
Some items are for sale, some have been sold, and some have been recycled into new designs. Please keep in mind, LEGO is an expensive medium and custom work just adds to that cost so if you are interested in purchasing something you have seen, please contact me for a price.
How much would it cost for you to make me a custom sculpture, mosaic or logo?
The cost of any custom LEGO creation extremely varies due to the rarity of colour and complexity of the design and finished size. There is a considerable price difference between renting a custom display vrs purchasing it outright as well as a table top display vrs a full size floor model. Please send an email with attached logo or design idea for a price quote.
Are your models glued?
No, I do not glue my models unless a client specifically requests it. This request will double the price quoted due to the extra labour and risks involved.
Why do many of your photos have black backgrounds?
When I am taking a studio photo of a finished work, I try to avoid busy backgrounds. The black is just a personal preference, many AFOL use white instead. I like the way the colours pop when the background is dark.
What do you use as your photography background?
I use cloth 100% polyester cloth cut straight from the bolt for both my photos and for public displays. It doesn’t wrinkle easily nor collect lint and dust the way that 100% cotton or cotton blends would.
Aren’t you too old to build?
One is never too old to be creative. Lego is a rewarding and enjoyable pastime.
Do you belong to any Lego Clubs or Groups?
I’m not only the Ontario Brick Builders founder, I’m also a member!
Wow, you must have a lot of spare time on your hands.
Wait, that is not a question! Honestly, many AFOL do not, but the spare time we do have is spent building LEGO instead of watching television or (insert your favourite activity here).
Resource Links
Official LEGO Site – LEGO
2nd Market LEGO Sales – BrickLink
Photos of Fans Creations – Brickshelf or Flickr and BrickBuildr
Forum for LEGO Discussion – LUGNET
LEGO Set Inventories – Peeron
LEGO Set Instruction Scans – Picsl
LEGO Set Instruction Search Engine – Br-eng