History of LEGO Transformers and BrickMecha Creations
LEGO transformers have a robusthistory within the LEGO builder community. While LEGO itself has never produced official transformer-style models that morph between vehicles and robots, passionate builders have been creating their own transforming LEGO creations for decades.
One of the most prolific and talented builders leading the way in LEGO transformers is a YouTube channel called BrickMecha. BrickMecha posts incredibly detailed video instructions for constructing your own LEGO transformers using commonly available pieces. Their designs display an intricate understanding of how to use ratchets, pins, gears and hinges to create smooth, believable transformations.
In the LEGO scene, BrickMecha has reached celebrity status for their transformer designs. Their YouTube channel boasts over 60,000 dedicated subscribers. BrickMecha transformers are now a right-of-passage build for intermediate to advanced hobbyists looking to level up their skills.
In this guide, we’ll be walking through BrickMecha’s instructions for constructing an awesome LEGO transformer comprised of two vehicle forms – a futuristic cybertruck and a combat helicopter. Let’s check out what pieces you’ll need to collect for this build.
Parts List for the LEGO Transformer Build
[insert image diagram of all parts needed, separated by section, with small thumbnail images of each brick/plate/tile etc.]Here are all the elements you’ll need to construct BrickMecha’s LEGO transformer in the original color scheme:
Transformer Front Section:
- 2 gray 1×1 round plates
- 1 blue 1×1 round plate
- 2 gray 1×2 round plates
- 3 blue 1×2 round plates
- 2 blue 1×4 round plates
- 1 blue 2×3 round plate
- 1 gray 1×3 round plate
- 1 blue 1×3 round plate
- 2 dark gray 1×2 brackets
- 2 gray connectors with axle holes
- 2 gray 1×1 plates with horizontal hollow stud
- 2 gray 1×1 plates with horizontal open O-clip
- 2 gray 1×2 plates with handles
- 1 gray 1×1 30 degree slope
Transformer Rear Section:
- 2 light grey 2×1 30 degree slope
- 3 light grey 1×1 round tiles
- 2 white 1×1 bricks with front stud hole
- 2 gray 1×1 bricks with 4 open studs
- 1 gray 1×1 30 degree slope
- 2 gray connectors with axle holes
- 2 blue 1×2 plates
- 2 gray 1×2 plates with handles
- 2 gray 1×2 plates with horizontal O-clips
- 1 gray 1×1 brick with 4 surrounding studs
As you can see, there are some fairly specialized parts used here like tiles, panels, brackets, and the all-important slopes. This allows the model to smoothy contour between the two vehicle modes. Let‘s look at some tips for sourcing these pieces.
Where to Find Parts for Custom LEGO Builds
Sourcing the parts for unique LEGO creations can be half the battle. While many pieces used in the transformer build are fairly common, some are harder to obtain. Here are some recommendations on where to pick up pieces:
Bricklink:
Bricklink.com is like eBay for LEGO – an online marketplace allowing you to buy almost any LEGO element direct from sellers around the world. This should be your go-to resource for specific bricks and colors when what you need isn‘t already in your collection. Expect to do some hunting and don‘t be afraid to purchase in bulk.
LEGO Pick-a-Brick:
LEGO‘s official Pick-a-Brick portal lets you buy individual pieces directly from their production inventory. Selection is limited but can be a great way to grab volume of common elements in the color you need.
LEGO Sets with Useful Parts:
Often the easiest way to obtain the specialty bricks for custom building is by purchasing LEGO sets focused on advanced builds. Here are some sets that contain useful pieces for transformers:
- LEGO Technic sets – gears, panels, pins, axles
- LEGO Creator Expert/Advanced Models – complex angles, hinges, tiles
- LEGO Star Wars – flashy accents, smooth tiles, decorative elements
Don‘t be afraid to cannibalize LEGO sets for parts – disassembling and rebuilding sets is half the fun!
Building the LEGO Transformer Step-by-Step
Now let‘s walk through constructing BrickMecha‘s transformer design from start to finish. We‘ll go section-by-section with photos illustrating each step along the way:
[show transformer WIP images for each major assembly section]Section 1 – Constructing the Front Vehicle Cab:
Begin by assembling the core of what will become the combat helicopter cockpit. This includes the blue 1×3 and 1×2 plates, gray mechanical elements like the O-clips and handle plates, and bracket connections.
Slide the gray connectors into place to allow the model to hinge open and closed. Then cap off the top with the printed round tiles to give the appearance of helicopter instrumentation.
Leave room in the center by not connecting the second bracket – this space will house the ratchet mechanism for locking the transformer modes.
Section 2 – Building Out the Truck Bed:
Now switch focus to what will become the cybertruck rear carriage section. Construct walls using the blue 1×4 plates and 2×3 baseplate. Attach supporting greebles like the handles, accessibility ramp, and 30 degree slope.
Be mindful of the hollow stud bricks protruding from the top – the helicopter will eventually perch itself here. Complete the truck bed for now by topping with additional plates. We‘ll return later to integrate the transformation functions inside.
Section 3 – Final Assembly and Decorations:
The final steps involve snapping together the front and rear vehicle sections using pins hidden within the ratchet mechanism. This central contraption is what allows everything to rotate, transform and lock in place.
With the basic functions assembled, take some time adding aesthetic details like tail wings, windshield tiles and exposed engine elements. The finishing touches make all the difference for bringing your LEGO transformer to life!
Take the model for a test drive by smoothly rotating between the three modes – helicopter, mid-morph, and cybertruck. The ratchets should hold positions firmly and prevent unwanted changes. After some practice, the transformation becomes intuitive muscle memory!
Customizing the Build with Your Own Style
One of the best aspects of LEGO is the ability to customize builds. Experiment with alternate color palettes, add-on features orvisual effects like custom stickers and paint details.
Some ideas for customizing this transformer build include:
- Using darker primary colors for a grittier, realistic military feel
- Adding interior brick-built figures to drive the vehicles
- Installing LED light bricks for headlights and engine glow
- Building battle damage or weathering for a worn alien robot appearance
- Expanding the model with bonus accessories like weapons or repair tools
The only limit is your imagination! Let the LEGO transformer become an extension of your builder personality.
Tips for Planning Your Own Custom LEGO Constructions
An expert LEGO creator doesn‘t just randomly piece together bricks and hope for the best. There is planning and structure behind complex custom builds. Here is some advice:
Sketch Out Concepts Thoroughly
Always start by writing down ideas and sketching concepts. Determine what functions your build needs to achieve. How will key features move or animate? Getting these elements mapped early is crucial.
Be Studious With References
Collect images of machines, vehicles, robots or anything relevant to gain inspiration. Study how real-world mechanics work to reverse engineer in LEGO form. Good builders borrow from reality.
Prototype With Test Frameworks
Before fully executing your custom build, prototype the moving sections first. Construct a skeleton that allows testing motion principles without needing to build surrounding visual details early. Validate function before form.
Gather Parts Before Starting
There‘s nothing worse than realizing you‘re missing a certain element mid-build. Compile all the pieces you‘ll need for the entire model using Bricklink/Pick-a-Brick before beginning construction. Save yourself headaches down the road.
Enjoy the Process as Much as the Result
Don‘t rush the building and only focus on the finished product. Take satisfaction in the entire creative process, from planning to prototyping to troubleshooting. Half the joy is in the journey of bringing your ideas to plastic brick reality!
More Transforming LEGO Robot Designs
If you enjoyed creating the BrickMecha transformer, check out these other stunning robot models that shift between alternate builds:
[show images of 2-3 alternate transformer builds]- Trirobot Optimus Prime by Brickvault
- Retracting Mech Robot by Brickitive
- Phantom Knight Walker by Abel Creation
Beyond LEGO transformers, consider exploring other LEGO mech/robot themes like power armor suits, futuristic drones or battle bots. The LEGO builder community creates an endless variety of mechanical models to provide inspiration.
LEGO Transformer FAQ
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about building the BrickMecha LEGO transformer:
How suitable is this build for LEGO beginners?
This transformer uses fairly advanced building techniques like ratchet joints and pinned hinges. I would recommend at least intermediate skill, along with familiarity constructing from studless elements. Look to easier mech builds to start out.
Can the transformer accommodate/interact with a mini-figure?
As designed, no – the model is quite compact in both robot and vehicle modes. With some serious modifications, you could potentially expand the central cavity to house a mini-driver. I would focus on nailing the basic build first.
How long does the build take?
Expect a good 5+ hours from start to finish. Rushing the process risks mistakes, so allocate ample build time without distractions. Play your favorite soundtrack in the background!
Will kids need help following the building instructions?
Kids around 10+ years old may be able to assemble a simpler version with adult guidance. Some of the more complex sub-assemblies involving rotation functions may prove tricky for younger builders. Stick to easier mech builds for younger ages.
I hope this guide has demystified the world of LEGO transformers and empowered you to bring your own heavy-duty battling robot designs to life! Let me know if you have any other questions in the comments. Now get building – and don‘t forget to share photos of your creation!
