Lego questions by newbies, and not-so-newbies

[kup]

By limiting the search parameters to Australian stores only, I was able to put together the order. It was still a bit of work but that's understandable as this is a 'from scratch' somewhat large build.

There was a couple of odd things that I could only find in International stores so I also added a UK order. However most were from AU. I found Bricklink a bit overwhelming at first, specially with so many international stores that limit what you can order (one only limited you to multiples of 40 per part type) but now it's all done and I am a little wiser with using Bricklink.

Thanks for your help guys. I am awaiting invoices from the stores so hopefully everything will be alright and I can get on with the build

[Skullcruncher]

Any tips on cleaning old lego? Anyone used the same whitening technique used on G1 Scourges for off coloured bricks?

[kup]

Any tips on cleaning old lego? Anyone used the same whitening technique used on G1 Scourges for off coloured bricks?

My guess is that it would work but keep in mind that the plastic eventually yellows back. You don't cure it just reverse it.

[SuspectimusPrime]

Any tips on cleaning old lego? Anyone used the same whitening technique used on G1 Scourges for off coloured bricks?

I haven't tried this yet, but this technique looks simple and effective enough.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGagdufGvGM

[Skullcruncher]

I haven't tried this yet, but this technique looks simple and effective enough.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGagdufGvGM

Excellent thanks - now to find the time... and to have the motivation at that time

[Jetfire in the sky]

Excellent thanks - now to find the time... and to have the motivation at that time

Double dissolution!!

[SuspectimusPrime]

Are there any good guides out there for designing/Bricklinking your first custom?

I am considering building a custom TIE Fighter heavily based off the TFA mode - I'm thinking base frame + wing joint to keep things simple for myself, with colours heavily swapped out for shades of red. Looking for tips around:
* Going from ideation to LDD
* LDD to Bricklinking
* How to choose from Bricklink sellers etc. Maybe general weights/cost tables or calculator for different countries & perhaps delivery times (to save time researching into each country's national post website).
* Maybe a rule of the thumb number of spares as a % so the design is not royally screwed by a few missing critical pieces (I don't have disassembled sets to salvage from, so this project is do or die).
* Anything else a noob should be aware of?

Thanks in advance guys.

[kup]

Are there any good guides out there for designing/Bricklinking your first custom?

I am considering building a custom TIE Fighter heavily based off the TFA mode - I'm thinking base frame + wing joint to keep things simple for myself, with colours heavily swapped out for shades of red. Looking for tips around:
* Going from ideation to LDD
* LDD to Bricklinking
* How to choose from Bricklink sellers etc. Maybe general weights/cost tables or calculator for different countries & perhaps delivery times (to save time researching into each country's national post website).
* Maybe a rule of the thumb number of spares as a % so the design is not royally screwed by a few missing critical pieces (I don't have disassembled sets to salvage from, so this project is do or die).
* Anything else a noob should be aware of?

Thanks in advance guys.

I am putting the final touches on my own custom. It has taken me ages to do as it ended up much more complex that I first thought. I had to take it as a learning step bit by bit as I never found suitable guides. It was basically an evolution. As I went on building it, I kept revising the build based on functionality and vision of what I wanted to accomplish. There were a lot of compromises along the way too. Also structural integrity was a big concern, specially around moving or pressure parts.

Unless there is already something pre-existing that matches your custom build closely, you just need to get a basic design plan, order a few bricks and then begin with the foundation. As you build it, you will know what other parts you will require.