18 November 2018

Old Elementary: Ralf Langer's Modulex MOCs

Posted by Elspeth De Montes
Ralf Langer is a German builder who seems to have a real knack for integrating Modulex into his LEGO® creations. This is the second article in a two-part series; read the first part detailing his Modulex-to-LEGO connections here.

Combining the techniques from my previous article, let's see some real life examples of MOCs that were not built simply to show off a single technique.


For this building, I used the linked tile bricks technique for the window arches. The rest of the window frame is made out of Modulex 1x3 tiles that are held by some Plate 1X1 W. Upright Holder. It has a really different look from what you can usually do with LEGO elements. Because of the gaps, the effect of wall bricks is enhanced. The green strip is built with 1x3 bricks that are stuck to 2x2 plates. Where is the gap below the Modulex? Well, the whole upper floor is modular and not fastened to the one below, so there is no gap.

I really like this window. It only uses techniques I discussed in my previous article. I tilted some bricks and also tilted the arch to give the curved shaping, just as I showed you with the traffic lights and tree builds in part 1.


I call this medieval-themed build 'A Close Call'. The ground is formed from Modulex 1x3 bricks stuck on Plate 1X1 W. Upright Holder to make use of the awesome Modulex colours and to achieve an irregular texture. In the left part of the ground the Modulex is not visible because there are 1x2 tiles on top. This is an example of how to integrate Modulex just as a building technique. The ground is really stable and you can easily bend the tiles in different angles.


In 'Drink atop scaffolding', the Modulex is used subtly. Initially I used only LEGO bricks for the Brick Yellow [TLG]/Tan [BL] roof framework on top of the tower but I wasn't happy with it and felt the appearance was improved with some Modulex pieces as cross beams. (Click/tap image to enlarge.) The point here is that sometimes it might be just a few pieces which make a difference to a creation.



So, what's next for me? 
I guess my next build will feature some Modulex again, since I have some design ideas I haven't tried yet. I think the bendable arcs will offer some nice ways of enhancing buildings. I would really like to build a dome with it but that doesn't seem to be simple.

I hope to see some crossovers from you in the future!


See more from Ralf Langer on Flickr.

All content represents the opinions of New Elementary authors and not the LEGO Group. All text and images are © New Elementary unless otherwise attributed.

6 comments:

  1. When I stopped by my parents' house the other day, they were watching some "history of toilets" episode, and in the section about chamber pots, they mention that this is why men traditionally escort a woman on the man's right arm. Horses and wagons traveled the center of the road, and pedestrians hugged the sides. When emptying chamber pots, you would fling the contents towards the center of the road, so by walking on a woman's left side, a man would shield her from any splash, and would be more likely to take a direct hit if the throw was weak.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Is that also why gentlemen used to wear hats more often? ;-)

      Delete
    2. @Purple Dave

      Man, you are everywhere! and you know so much, not just about Lego but about things in general. You're just too good, haha.

      (This is The anonymous Hutt by the way, I just can't put that as my name because I don't have an actual account.)

      Delete
  2. So does a 1x1 modulex brick fit into the antistud of a 1x1 system brick? The1x1s in the tiles are giving me inspiration...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd say maybe. I have attached 1x1 modulex bricks into anti-stud of clip plates. A bit of force is required though.

      Delete