Using Bricklink
Bricklink is an absolutely amazing resource for building original Lego creations.
Below are instructions available for download in PDF form. Each set of instructions includes a Bill Of Materials which will outline the complete list of parts needed to build the model. Bricklink includes a wanted list feature which allows users to create a list of any desired parts and then convert it directly into orders from their store.
Each model has a “parts list” file as well. This text can be copied and pasted into Bricklink’s “Upload XML format” feature to automatically create a wanted list for all needed parts. This feature can be found under the “Want” tab, and then select “Upload” and then select “Upload Bricklink XML format.” This is a great tool to also get an estimate of what the total project will cost.
FAQ: “I can’t get the parts list to upload to bricklink.”
Closely follow the instructions here and note the buttons in the picture above. This upload method isn’t the most intutive otherwise, but its the best way I can make the parts list easy to share. I’ve also have heard reports of this upload method not working correctly in certain web browsers other than Chrome, so try using Chrome if it doesn’t seem to act as expected.
Feedback
While I strive to make sure that all instructions are error-free, I’m sure there might be something I’ve missed. Please feel free to get in touch regarding any problems you find, as that will help me correct the problem for anyone else who wants to use the instructions in the future. I can be contacted at: hansenbricks20@gmail.com
Battletech: Catapult
An issue to be aware of is that part 4287 must be the “c” version to work correctly in the base build. You can see the difference here. Bricklink doesn’t differentiate between these versions, so the best approach is to only buy new versions of this part.
The cost to buy all parts for the Catapult runs somewhere around $300-400, but this will vary based upon location, price of rare parts changing, etc.
Borderlands: Loader Bot
Unfortunately, I couldn’t accurately make a Loader Bot model without using yellow, which a few unique pieces weren’t available in. For these I’ve used bright yellow spray paint to re-color specific pieces. In general, painting over lighter lego colors is best and takes fewer coats of paint.
The cost to buy all parts for the Loader runs somewhere around $250, but this will vary based upon location, price of rare parts changing, etc.
Battletech: King Crab Mech
An issue to be aware of is that part 4287 must be the “c” version to work correctly in the base build. You can see the difference here. Bricklink doesn’t differentiate between these versions, so the best approach is to only buy new versions of this part.
There is a bug in the parts list for the 1.2 version currently. I plan to fix this in the instructions when I have time, but until then, the following parts need to be added to the parts list: “2 reddish brown 2×2 plate,” “2 light bluish grey 2×3 plate.” (Thanks to Jason Kearney for reporting this issue!)
My photographed King Crab model has stickers applied from Lego Sets 75138, 75188, 75221, 70609, 8957.
The cost to buy all parts for the King Crab runs somewhere around $450, but this will vary based upon location, price of rare parts changing, etc.
Borderlands: Outrunner
I’ve created instructions in different base colors (Tan, White, Black, and Blue) so that the model can be built in a variety of color schemes. Please see the main Outrunner page for renders of the available color options.
I’d recommend the white or black base for the best building experience as well as cheapest parts options. The parts for these options run around $400 on Bricklink. The Blue options require a few part swaps (which are noted in the instructions) and the parts are more expensive, costing around $450.
The tan base unfortunately requires some pieces be painted, as not all required pieces are available in tan at the moment. Paint “Humbrol 103 Cream Matt” is an excellent match for tan. Paint “Tamiya Wooden Deck Tan” is an excellent match for dark tan. These pieces also cost around $450.
It is also worth noting that a cutting tool will be required for the hose pieces. As hoses are not available in all colors per length, long hoses are included in the parts lists, and will need to be cut to desired length.
My photographed Outrunner model has stickers applied from Lego Sets 75188 and 76142, which can be purchased as well.
Battletech: Uziel Mech
A note to anyone interested in building the Uziel: This was an earlier model of mine and I focused on visual accuracy rather than stability in the legs. As such it is capable of supporting its own weight, but will not be as stable to the standards of production lego sets. The model will likely sag if left constructed for display. While it is a (very) dirty fix, key pieces in the legs could have superglue applied to make it display worthy. I may come back to try to fix this issue properly, but for the moment I’ll be focusing on new model designs.
An additional issue to be aware of is that part 4287 must be the “c” version to work correctly in the base build. You can see the difference here. Bricklink doesn’t differentiate between these versions, so the best approach is to only buy new versions of this part.
My photographed Uziel model has stickers applied from Lego Sets 75259 and 60173, which can be purchased as well.
Battletech: Ryoken Mech
HansenBricks.com 