Hello, folks! Welcome to another Builder of the Month segment here at Nothing But Brick. It's been a while since we've had this segment and I truly apologize for that. Like I said, I've been pretty busy the past couple of months that's why I didn't have the time to write more for the blog. I'll try to do better this time around. Anyway, I missed out on several months worth of Builders and I plan to make up for that by still writing the Builder of the Month entries for March, April and May. As always, thanks for sticking around!
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| Nothing But Brick's March Builder of the Month Gerald Cacas (Photo courtesy of Gerald Cacas) |
One of the local builders whose builds caught my attention is automobile enthusiast, Gerald Cacas. Currently based in Singapore, the Man has proven to be an amazing all-around builder who has a great eye for detail as can be seen with his vehicle MOCs. He also explores various themes such as mechs and spacecrafts which showcases his amazing talent in greebling. As the admin for the Lego MOCcers Paradise Facebook page, Gerald has inspired both local and international Lego MOCcers to share their work and be part of the growing online community. Check out some of his MOCs below:
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| (Photo courtesy of Gerald Cacas) |
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| (Photo courtesy of Gerald Cacas) |
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| (Photo courtesy of Gerald Cacas) |
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| (Photo courtesy of Gerald Cacas) |
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| (Photo courtesy of Gerald Cacas) |
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What is your earliest memory of Lego?
As I remember, 5 or 6 years old ata ako noon, may isang box ako ng Lego bricks noon tapos nagbabatuhan kami ng mga 2x4 at 2x2 na bricks. Ang codename pa namin sa Lego noon e 'Binubuo' ... 'Tara laro tayo ng Binubuo!'. May picture ako dati, mga 3 or 4 years old ata ako, nilalaro ko yung blue na jack Lego Part 4629c01 - Minifig Jack. That is around 1980's pa.
[As I remember, I was 5 or 6 years old. I had a box of Lego bricks and me and my playmates would throw 2x4 and 2x2 bricks at each other. Our codename for Lego then was 'Binubuo'. 'Tara laro tayo ng Binubuo!' There's a photo of me at around maybe 3 or 4 years old playing with the blue Lego jack part. That was during the 80's.]
How long have you been collecting bricks?
30 years na siguro. Pero syempre initially I only collect what I received. Starting 2007 or 2008, nakita ko uli yung Lego ko. Naalala ko pa isang box na lang siya ng sapatos. Ganun na lang kakaunte. During that time ang daming nagbebenta ng mga used Lego sets sa Baguio, sa mga black market. Nagsimula ako sa isang box ng Model Team na F1, tapos sunud-sunod na.
Biglang dumami pa yun nung may nagbenta sa kin ng kanyang mga Lego na isang kwarto ang dami for just PHP10,000 (roughly USD200)! Di naman ako nahihiya na most of my Lego bricks are 2nd hand kasi halos bago pa ang condition at authentic. Hindi siya K.O. Nakatulong din yung pagbili ko sa black market kasi ang daming K.O. din na binebenta. Dun nadevelop yung skills ko paano ma-spot ang peke sa orig.
[Probably around 30 years. Initially, I only collect what I receive. Starting 2007 or 2008, I found my Lego again. I remember finding them inside a shoebox. That's how few were left. During that time, there were lots of sellers of used Lego sets in Baguio at black markets. I started collecting again with the F1 Model Team set.
My collection grew further when someone sold me his Lego, a roomful's worth for just Php10,000 (roughly USD200)! I'm fine with most of my Lego bricks being secondhand since these are in mint condition and authentic. These are not knock-offs. It helped when I buy from the black markets that sell tons of knock-offs. It taught me how to spot the fakes from the genuine stuff.]
[Probably around 30 years. Initially, I only collect what I receive. Starting 2007 or 2008, I found my Lego again. I remember finding them inside a shoebox. That's how few were left. During that time, there were lots of sellers of used Lego sets in Baguio at black markets. I started collecting again with the F1 Model Team set.
My collection grew further when someone sold me his Lego, a roomful's worth for just Php10,000 (roughly USD200)! I'm fine with most of my Lego bricks being secondhand since these are in mint condition and authentic. These are not knock-offs. It helped when I buy from the black markets that sell tons of knock-offs. It taught me how to spot the fakes from the genuine stuff.]
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| (Photo courtesy of Gerald Cacas) |
Which Lego theme is your favorite?
Currently, Creator, Friends at Elves. Creators kasi mababa ang price per piece niya at usually andun mga parts na gusto ko gamitin for MOCcing. Magaling yung nagdesign ng Volkswagen at Ferrarri F40. Marami matutunan lalo na sa SNOT technique. Instead na bracket, rod and clips ang ginamit. I think mas maraming NPU (Nice parts usage) sa Creator sets kesa sa iba.
Sa Friends and Elves, siyempre yung mga makukulay na parts na usually wala na sa ibang sets. Dun ata may pinakamaraming pearl gold color na parts.
Previously, Model Team. Nung bata pa ko, mga gusto ko na hindi ko makuha kuha noon, puro Castles ang binibigay sa kin kasi hehe Kaya hanggang catalogue lang ako noon.
[Currently, Creator, Friends, and Elves. Creators since the price per piece is very low and usually it has the parts I like to use for MOCcing. The designers of the Volkswagen and Ferrari F40 are really good. I learned a lot from them especially about SNOT technique. Instead of using brackets, rods and clips were used. I think there are more NPU in Creator sets compared to others.
For Friends and Elves, it's definitely the colorful parts that are usually not available in other sets. They might have the most pearl gold colored parts.
Previously, Model Team. It's what I've always wanted when I was a kid but never had the chance to get since I'm usually given Castles sets then. hehe I'm fine with just having a look at the catalogue.]
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| (Photo courtesy of Gerald Cacas) |
What is the first Lego set you acquired?
First ko ay yung Model Team 2556 na F1 Racer. 2nd hand pa. Naalala ko PHP200 lang ata bili ko dun. Noon puro bigay lang sa akin ang mga Lego ko. Nung nabili ko yung set na yun, dun na uli ako bumalik sa pagle-Lego.
Recently yung Volkswagen 10252. Aside sa malupit niyang built design, medyo nakakatuwa din kasi yung story nun. Before yung official release ng set, gumawa ako ng chibi version niya at kung hindi ako nagkakamali, yun ata ang may pinakamarami kong natanggap na 'likes' sa FB at 'faves' sa Flickr. Tapos naibenta ko pa.
Nung lumabas naman yung set, medyo depressed ako noon, at napabili ako ng set ng wala sa plano. Bumalik uli spark na mag-MOC ako kaya nabuo ko yung Caterham na MOC gamit lang Volkswagen 10252 na set. Parehos na blog yun ng TBB (The Brothers Brick), yung chibi at yung Caterham. Ironically, ginawa ko yung chibi kasi ayaw ko bumili ng set kasi mahal. Pero bumili pa rin ako, kaso Caterham naman nabuo ko. hahaha
[My first set was the Model Team 2556 na F1 Racer. It was second hand. I remember I bought it for around PHP200 (roughly USD 4). Almost all my Lego were given to me. When I got that set, that's when I started collecting Lego again.
Recently, it's the Volkswagen 10252. Aside from its awesome built design, it also has an amusing backstory for me. Before the set was officially released, I made a chibi version of it and if I'm not mistaken, it got me the most 'likes' in FB and 'faves' in Flickr. I was also able to sell it.
I was a bit depressed when the set was released so I bought one impulsively. The spark to MOC was rekindled which made me build the Caterham MOC using only the Volkswagen 10252 set. Both were blogged by TBB: the chibi and Caterham. Ironically, I built the chibi because I didn't want to buy the set since it's too expensive. I still got it though but built the Caterham instead. hahaha]
Ferrari F40 10248 - bigay sa kin ng TLG. May dalawang set pa yun na kasama. Isang Friends at isang Nexo. Kung bakit nila ako binigyan e isang matinding lihim na itatago na lang natin para sa susunod na kwentuhan. hehehe
[Ferrari F40 10248 - this was given to me by TLG. It also has two sets with it: a Friends a Nexo (Knights). The reason why they gave me those sets is controversial so let's just talk about that next time. hehehe]
[Ferrari F40 10248 - this was given to me by TLG. It also has two sets with it: a Friends a Nexo (Knights). The reason why they gave me those sets is controversial so let's just talk about that next time. hehehe]
How do you manage funding your hobby as a Lego collector/builder? Where do you get your bricks?
Bilyonaryo are parents ko, kaya di ko na kailangan mag-work. 'Di joke lang!
Different period of time, iba din ang sources ko eh.
Age 3 to 13: Bigay lang ni Tatay everytime na umuuwi galing abroad.
Age 13 to 24: Dark age.
Age 24 to 28: Binili sa black market. Bigay ng pinsan ko from U.S.. Sa Toy Kingdom. Tapos ang nagparami talaga sa collection ko e nung nabili ko yung Lego nung isang guy na buong kwarto ang dami (promise!) na worth Php10k lang.
Age 28 to present: Bumibili pa rin ako sa black market ng mga 2nd hand. Marami dito sa Singapore yung bibili ng set tapos kukunin lang ang minifig then ibebenta yung remaining parts ng half the price. Bumibili din ako sa mga mall kapag naka-20% off ang presyo. Tsaka Bricklink pala.
Nowadays, nagbebenta ako ng mga MOC ko, yung chibi for example. Pati yung instruction binebenta na rin. Kasama ko si Wacky Benedicto, siya gumagawa nung mga instructions. Tumatanggap din ako ng mga commissioned MOCs. So yung mga napagbentahan, e pambili na rin ng bagong parts.
Sumasali din ako sa mga contest, kahit naman di manalo e may freebies. Kung swertehin e Lego set din yung price. Meron din yung mga exhibition na sponsored nila yung mga parts. After ng show e ibibigay naman na nila yung parts.
[My parents are billionaires that's why I don't need to work. Just kidding! I had different sources per time period.
Age 3 to 13: I got them from Dad everytime he comes home from abroad.
Age 13 to 24: Dark age.
Age 24 to 28: I bought from the black market. Also, some were given to me by my cousin from the U.S. I also bought sets from Toy Kingdom. The biggest lot in my collection is from the guy who sold me his roomful worth of Lego at just PHP10,000.
Age 28 to present: I still buy 2nd hand stuff from the black market. Here in Singapore, there are plenty of sellers who buy sets just to get the minifigs and sell the remaining parts at just half the price. I also buy sets from the mall if there's a 20% discount. And from Bricklink as well.
Nowadays, I sell my MOCs like the chibi. I sell the instructions as well. I collaborate with Wacky Benedicto who does the instructions. I also do commissioned MOCs. I use the proceeds to buy new parts.
I also join contests even if I don't win since there are freebies. If I get lucky, the prizes are Lego sets. There are also exhibits with sponsored parts. The organizers give us the parts after the show.]
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| (Photo courtesy of Gerald Cacas) |
How do you address the hobby's requirements for storage space?
Dito sa Singapore, limited talaga yung space, kaya ang bumili ako ng bunk bed from Ikea, tapos sa taas ako natutulog. Yung ilalim, dun ang man-cave ko ng Lego hehe. Naka-tupperware box lahat ng parts para pwede i-stack anytime. Tapos nakalagay sa cabinet.
Sa Pinas naman, nakalagay sa ziplock, tapos nasa pahabang plastic box na pwede i-slide sa ilalim ng kama. 6 na box yun kaso wala naman ako dun. Tapos may mga nakahiwalay sa mas maliit na box uli. Yun ang nilalaro ng anak ko habang wala ako. Tapos may 8 stacks ng cabinet din.
[Here in Singapore, there's really limited space that's why I bought a bunk bed from Ikea. I sleep on the top then the bottom serves as my Lego man -cave. hehe All the parts are in stackable plastic containers and are placed in cabinets.
In the Philippines, they in ziplocks and are placed in long plastic boxes I slide under the bed. I have 6 boxes although I'm not there. I also put aside small boxes which my kid plays with when I'm not there. There are also 8 stacks of cabinets.]
[Here in Singapore, there's really limited space that's why I bought a bunk bed from Ikea. I sleep on the top then the bottom serves as my Lego man -cave. hehe All the parts are in stackable plastic containers and are placed in cabinets.
In the Philippines, they in ziplocks and are placed in long plastic boxes I slide under the bed. I have 6 boxes although I'm not there. I also put aside small boxes which my kid plays with when I'm not there. There are also 8 stacks of cabinets.]
What storage and sorting methods can you recommend?
Habang dumadami, nagbabago din yung sorting system ko eh. For example, 5 lang ang DBG parts ko, so naka-sort yun per color. Kung nadagdagan at naging 100 na, i-sort ko na by type. Standard sorting ko ay:
a. Transparent parts - nakahiwalay sila sa mga normal bricks. As much as possible, hindi dapat nagbabanggaan yung mga transparent para maiwasan yung scratches
b. Tiles at bricks - separate din sila para ma-minimize yung scratches
c. Wheels - plastic bag
d. Ridiculously Huge Useless parts - nakahiwalay din para hindi istorbo
e. Pearl Gold - nasa isang box lang para jewelry box ang effect hehe
f. Chrome and pearl gray - magkasama, usualy gamit ko para sa detailing ng engines at greebling
g. Irregular shapes - kasi madalang gamitin
h. Minifigs - madalang ko lang kasi sila gamitin
[My sorting system changes as my collection grows. For example, if I have 5 DBG parts, I'll sort them by color. If it becomes 100, I'll sort them by type. Here's my standard sorting policy:
a. Transparent parts - separated from normal bricks. As much as possible, these should not be closely packed to avoid scratches
b. Tiles and bricks - separated as well to minimize scratches
c. Wheels - plastic bag
d. Ridiculously Huge Useless parts - separated as well to not be a bother
e. Pearl Gold - in a container just like a jewelry box hehe
f. Chrome and pearl gray - in the same container, I usually use these to add details to engines and greebling
g. Irregular shapes - I seldom use these
i. Minifigs- I seldom use these]
What made you start building MOCs?
Nung bata ako, wala naman ibang pwedeng gawin sa Lego noon kung di buuhin ng ibang model. Nung tumanda naman ako, pang-release na lang ng stress at bonding na rin namin ng anak ko.
Naging seryoso lang ako nung nakita ko yung mga MOC ng Japanese builders. Kakaiba e basta gawang Japan e. Pati presentation nila maganda. Nung nakita ko rin yung mga kotse ni Firas, dun ako na-inspire gumawa ng mas malaking MOC.
[When I was young, the only thing I could do with Lego is build other models. When I got older, it became a stress reliever and a way to bond with my kid.
I started to become serious when I saw the MOCs of Japanese builders. MOCs made in Japan are really something. Even the presentation's amazing. I also got inspired to build bigger MOCs when I saw the cars of Firas.]
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| (Photo courtesy of Gerald Cacas) |
Describe your building process.
Kung vehicles ang MOC ko, ganito assembly process ko:
a. Acquire blueprint at sangkatutak na pictures at video as reference
b. Gagawan ko ng scaling based sa wheel size na gagamitin
c. Build ng prototype
d. Assess the parts kung kailangan mag-purchase
e. Final building kasama na color-blocking at highlights
f. Photo-session na.
Sa kotse, ganito yung sequence:
a. Dummy base - para makuha ko lang yung scale
b. Front panel muna then rear
c. Doors and roof
d. Interiors and other details
e. Last yung engine
Kapag wala sa ganyan order, magkakandaloko yung design ko. Kasi kapag inuna ang makina, hahabulin sa exterior shape ng body hanggang sa mawala na sa correct scaling. Ang interior susunod lang naman sa body yun. Sa hood dapat balance ang internal structure sa volume ng space para sa engine.
Yung front ang inuuna ko kasi yun ang unang nakikita so kahit kuha yung lahat ng parts pero yung harap e hindi, 70% nung MOC wala na. Pinag-aralan ko din paano actual manufacturing assembly ng model car. Mas maiintindihan ko kasi kung para saan yung mga minor details tulad ng diffuser, flaps, intake, etc. pati yung mechanism ng hood, trunk, doors, etc.
Other themes, wala masyado plano. Kung ano lang maisip ko, ano trip ko that time, at mood. Yung mood pinakaimportante e. Madalas kapag wala ako sa mood 2 hours na ko nakatitig sa WIP ko na isang brick wala pa ako ginagalaw e. Pwera biro. Parang trial and error.
Kung commissioned work naman, mas systematic. May schedule, budget, profiling at real-time update sa customer: parts count, testing, final modification at pricing. Kasi iba yung requirements. As much as possible, matibay dapat lalo kapag lalaruin. Pero kung pang-display lang, mas madali. Sa mga repeat orders, pwedeng iba yung internal structure, pero dapat parehas ang external. Kaya ginagawan ko din ng instructions para next time may reference na ako at mas mabilis na ang assembly time. Ganito yung usual na assessment ko bago project kick-off:
a. Concept idea
b. Budget
c. Purpose (for display or for play)
d. Size
e. Detail intricacy
f. Parts usage
On top of that, importante may music or movie na kasabay habang nagbi-build ako. Para relax lang. Chill lang ba.
[If I'm doing vehicles, here's my assembly process:
a. Acquire blueprint and lots of pictures and videos as reference
b. Determine the scale based on the wheel size I'll use
c. Build the prototype
d. Asses the parts if purchase is needed
e. Final build to include color-blocking and highlights
f. Photo-session
If I'm building cars, here's the sequence:
a. Dummy base - to figure out the scale
b. Front panel then rear
c. Doors and roof
d. Interiors and other details
e. Lastly, the engine
If I don't follow this order, the design will be chaotic. If I start with the engine, I'll have to adjust the body's exterior shape which may compromise the scale. The interior just follows the body. The hood's internal structure should be balanced in such a way there's enough space for the engine.
I don't usually plan for other themes. I build what I think of or what I'm into or my mood at that time. The mood is really important. Most of the time, if I'm not in the mood, I just blankly stare at my WIP without moving a single brick. No joke. It's like trial and error.
For commissioned works, the approach is more systematic. There's a schedule, budget, profiling and real-time update for the customers including parts count, testing, final modification and pricing. The requirements are different. As much as possible, it should be sturdy especially if it's for play. It's easier if it's for display. For repeat orders, the internal structure may be different but the external's the same. This is the reason why I build instructions so I have a reference moving forward and the assembly time is faster. Here's my usual assessment before I kick-off a project:
a. Concept idea
b. Budget
c. Purpose (for display or for play)
d. Size
e. Detail intricacy
f. Parts usage
On top of that, it's important to listen to music or watch movies while I build. To relax. To chill.]
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| (Photo courtesy of Gerald Cacas) |
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| (Photo courtesy of Gerald Cacas) |
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| (Photo courtesy of Gerald Cacas) |
How long does one project usually take?
Kung minor build (vignette, micro-scale, etc.), usually 2 to 4 hours. Kapag malalaki per hindi naman major, usually 1 week. Kapag major naman, usually 3 to 4 weeks. During this period, gumagawa ako ng mga 2 to 4 minor builds para hindi nakaka-umay. Kapag commissioned MOC, depende sa target schedule ng customer. Pwedeng 1 week to 3 months.
[If it's a minor build (vignette, micro-scale, etc.), usually 2 to 4 hours. If it's big but not a major project, usually 1 week. If it's a major project, usually 3 to 4 weeks. During this period, I build 2 to 4 minor builds so it wouldn't get bored. If it's a commissioned MOC, it depends on the customer's target schedule. It could be 1 week to 3 months.]
What indicators/benchmarks do you use to measure your satisfaction with the quality of your work?
Usually sa mga major MOC, like Koenigsegg or Huayra, hindi ako tumitigil hangga't di ko nakukuha yung mga small details ng actual model. Kung 30 degrees yung angle, dapat nasa 25 to 35 lang. More or less than that parang di na ko mapakali.
Tsaka depende sa reaction ko siguro. Kapag di satisfied, gusto ko ibalibag yung MOC ko hehehe Hangga't may naiisip akong ibang paraan para gawin yung section or detail nung MOC, di ako nakukutento.
[Usually for my major MOCs like Koenigsegg or Huayra, I don't stop until perfect the small details of the actual model. For a 30 degree angle, 25 to 35 degrees is acceptable. Anything more would make me anxious.
It also depends on my reaction. If I'm not satisfied, there's a strong urge to smash my MOC hehehe I'm not satisfied until I come up with a way to perfectly build a section or detail of the MOC.]
Where do you get inspiration for your MOCs? Who/What are your influences?
Ang Lego MOC parang art na rin eh, at Lego bricks ang medium ko. Depende sa emotion ko at the moment, mas inspired ako gumawa ng MOC kapag masaya ako. Usually, sa mga concept art ako nai-inspired.
Ang naalala kong mga earliest influences ko e sina Firas, Greatrix (Caterham) at Andrian Florea. Actually hindi sila taga-Earth, taga ibang dimension sila, pumunta lang dito para i-inspire tayo mag-MOC ^_^
[For me, a Lego MOC is like art with Lego bricks as my medium. It depends on my emotion at the moment and I'm more inspired to build MOCs if I'm happy. I'm usually inspired by concept art.
My earliest influences are Firas, Greatrix (Caterham) and Andrian Florea. They're actually not from Earth. They're beings from another dimension who went here to inspire us to MOC ^_^]
What are the challenges you have encountered as a MOCcer and how have you dealt with them?
Aside sa usual na 'walang parts', kapag may personal problems ako, dun ang hirap mag-MOC para sa 'kin. Kapag masaya ako, dun lumalabas yung good vibes na nagta-translate sa clear-mind at ang resulta e mas nakakapag-isip ako ng mga ideas.
As much as possible, reresolbahin ko muna yun bago ako mag-MOC. Yung parts kasi pwede ka naman bumili, o kaya gumamit ka ng parts na meron ka. Or ihinto mo na lang tapos gawa ka ng kaya mo i-MOC. Sa unsorted parts, e di i-sort. Pero kapag personal problem na wala talaga, di ako makapag-MOC.
[Aside from the usual lack of parts, I usually have a hard time MOCcing when I have personal problems. If I'm happy, the good vibes gives me a clear mind allowing me to think of ideas.
As much as possible, I try to resolve it first before I MOC. You can buy parts or use the parts you have if you lack them. You can also build another MOC instead. For unsorted parts, just sort them. If it's a personal problem, that's it, I can't MOC.]
What do you think are the necessary skills/attitude/characteristics a MOCcer must possess? How do you think these could be acquired or improved?
For skills, of course may advantage yung mga technical background like architecture and engineering. Mas aware kasi sa scaling, detailing, structure at functionality yung mga fields na yun. Pero depende pa din sa kung anong theme ang target MOC. Familiarity sa mga parts is also a good skill to have. Kasi mavi-visualize mo kung paano gagawin yung ganitong shape at pano yung connection niya. Let's say wala kang T-bar, pwede gamitin yung dulo ng fire hose na T din yung shape. O kaya wala kang hinge parts, pwede ka gumamit ng bar and clips for diagonal connection.
Sourcing of parts, sa tingin ko skill din yun. Tulad ko, either sa black market or sa official store ako bumibili. Meron din yung mga individual sellers na malaki discount. Sumama din ako sa mga contest na may freebies.
Sa attitude, perseverance ang #1 para sa kin. For example, yung Pagani Huayra na MOC ko, yung front bumper almost 7 types ata ang prototype ko, so kung sa pang-anim e nag-give up na ko, di ko matatapos yug MOC.
Sa tingin ko para ma-improve ang pagma-MOC, maganda na exposed sa iba't ibang creations ng iba't ibang group or individual. Kung paano nila ginagawa yung certain concept, pano ang execution, building process at presentation.
[For skills, builders with a technical background like architecture and engineering have an advantage. They're more aware with scaling, detailing, structure and functionality. It still depends on the MOC's theme. Familiarity with parts is also a good skill to have. You'll be able to visualize how to use a certain shape and how it could be connected to other piecs. For instance, if you don't have a T-bar, you can make use of the end of a fire hose, which also has a T-shape. If you don't have hinge parts, you can make use of bars and clips for diagonal connection.
I think sourcing of parts is also a skill. Like me, I buy either at the black market or at the official store. There are some individual sellers with big discounts. I also join contests for freebies.
For attitude, perseverance is #1 for me. For example, the front bumper of my Pagani Huayra MOC has almost 7 prototypes. If I gave up on the 6th, then I wouldn't have finished my MOC.
For me, getting exposed to the creations of other groups or individuals helps to improve your MOCcing skills. You can learn how they come up with a certain concept, its execution, building process and presentation.]
What is your biggest accomplishment as a MOCcer?
Personally, kapag masaya akos a finish product ko, yun na yung achievement ko. Kung magustuhan ng iba e bonus na yan. Kung may bumili e dagdag pambili Lego din. Kapag na-blog e ok sa alright syempre.
Nanalo na rin ako sa mga MOC contest noon. Tapos siguro yung may mga nagpapagawa sa akin na mga MOC, ok din yun. Na-blog din ako ng TBB, kapag na-blog kasi dun parang accomplishment na rin.
[Personally, I consider it an achievement if I'm happy with the finish product. It's a bonus if other people like it. If somebody buys it, then I'll use the money to buy more Lego. If it gets blogged, all the better.
I also won MOC contests before. It's also okay when people ask me to do MOCs. I also got featured by TBB, which is already an accomplishment in itself.]
What would be your advice to budding builders?
Influence the people around you about Lego. Si Misis, anak, kapatid, magulang, etc. May time kasi na kahit 10 tao ang manglait sa 'yo e wala kang pake. Pero kapag isa sa pamily mo ang nagsabi na para ang bata kasi naglalaro ka pa din ng Lego, nakakainis yun minsan eh. Yun ang nakaka-discourage, and eventually igi-give-up mo na ang pagma-MOC.
Naalala ko noon tinatanong ako ng nanay ko kung bakit ang tanda ko e naglalaro pa din ako ng Lego. Ganun din misis ko. Pero ngayon sila na ang nage-encourage sa kin kasi nakita nila na passion ko na yun. At tinatanong ko sila, 'Ano gusto niyo, magbisyo ako? Mag-yosi? Uminom? Magsugal? Mambabae? O mag-Lego?' Tumatahimik naman sila hehehe.
[Influence the people around you about Lego. The Wife, your kid, sibling, parent, etc. There are instances when you don't care if 10 people bash you. It gets annoying sometimes when one of your family members tell you you're immature because you still play with Lego. It's discouraging and could eventually make you give-up MOCcing.
I remember my mom asking me why an adult like me still plays with Lego. My wife also asked me the same question. Now, they're the ones encouraging me since they see that it's my passion. Then I ask them, 'Do you want me to do vices? Smoke? Drink? Gamble? Womanize? Or play Lego?' That usually silences them hehehe]
There you have it, folks! Let's hear it for our March Builder of the Month. Stay tuned for more Lego stuff here at Nothing But Brick! Till next entry!
Kung minor build (vignette, micro-scale, etc.), usually 2 to 4 hours. Kapag malalaki per hindi naman major, usually 1 week. Kapag major naman, usually 3 to 4 weeks. During this period, gumagawa ako ng mga 2 to 4 minor builds para hindi nakaka-umay. Kapag commissioned MOC, depende sa target schedule ng customer. Pwedeng 1 week to 3 months.
[If it's a minor build (vignette, micro-scale, etc.), usually 2 to 4 hours. If it's big but not a major project, usually 1 week. If it's a major project, usually 3 to 4 weeks. During this period, I build 2 to 4 minor builds so it wouldn't get bored. If it's a commissioned MOC, it depends on the customer's target schedule. It could be 1 week to 3 months.]
What indicators/benchmarks do you use to measure your satisfaction with the quality of your work?
Usually sa mga major MOC, like Koenigsegg or Huayra, hindi ako tumitigil hangga't di ko nakukuha yung mga small details ng actual model. Kung 30 degrees yung angle, dapat nasa 25 to 35 lang. More or less than that parang di na ko mapakali.
Tsaka depende sa reaction ko siguro. Kapag di satisfied, gusto ko ibalibag yung MOC ko hehehe Hangga't may naiisip akong ibang paraan para gawin yung section or detail nung MOC, di ako nakukutento.
[Usually for my major MOCs like Koenigsegg or Huayra, I don't stop until perfect the small details of the actual model. For a 30 degree angle, 25 to 35 degrees is acceptable. Anything more would make me anxious.
It also depends on my reaction. If I'm not satisfied, there's a strong urge to smash my MOC hehehe I'm not satisfied until I come up with a way to perfectly build a section or detail of the MOC.]
Where do you get inspiration for your MOCs? Who/What are your influences?
Ang Lego MOC parang art na rin eh, at Lego bricks ang medium ko. Depende sa emotion ko at the moment, mas inspired ako gumawa ng MOC kapag masaya ako. Usually, sa mga concept art ako nai-inspired.
Ang naalala kong mga earliest influences ko e sina Firas, Greatrix (Caterham) at Andrian Florea. Actually hindi sila taga-Earth, taga ibang dimension sila, pumunta lang dito para i-inspire tayo mag-MOC ^_^
[For me, a Lego MOC is like art with Lego bricks as my medium. It depends on my emotion at the moment and I'm more inspired to build MOCs if I'm happy. I'm usually inspired by concept art.
My earliest influences are Firas, Greatrix (Caterham) and Andrian Florea. They're actually not from Earth. They're beings from another dimension who went here to inspire us to MOC ^_^]
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| (Photo courtesy of Gerald Cacas) |
What are the challenges you have encountered as a MOCcer and how have you dealt with them?
Aside sa usual na 'walang parts', kapag may personal problems ako, dun ang hirap mag-MOC para sa 'kin. Kapag masaya ako, dun lumalabas yung good vibes na nagta-translate sa clear-mind at ang resulta e mas nakakapag-isip ako ng mga ideas.
As much as possible, reresolbahin ko muna yun bago ako mag-MOC. Yung parts kasi pwede ka naman bumili, o kaya gumamit ka ng parts na meron ka. Or ihinto mo na lang tapos gawa ka ng kaya mo i-MOC. Sa unsorted parts, e di i-sort. Pero kapag personal problem na wala talaga, di ako makapag-MOC.
[Aside from the usual lack of parts, I usually have a hard time MOCcing when I have personal problems. If I'm happy, the good vibes gives me a clear mind allowing me to think of ideas.
As much as possible, I try to resolve it first before I MOC. You can buy parts or use the parts you have if you lack them. You can also build another MOC instead. For unsorted parts, just sort them. If it's a personal problem, that's it, I can't MOC.]
What do you think are the necessary skills/attitude/characteristics a MOCcer must possess? How do you think these could be acquired or improved?
For skills, of course may advantage yung mga technical background like architecture and engineering. Mas aware kasi sa scaling, detailing, structure at functionality yung mga fields na yun. Pero depende pa din sa kung anong theme ang target MOC. Familiarity sa mga parts is also a good skill to have. Kasi mavi-visualize mo kung paano gagawin yung ganitong shape at pano yung connection niya. Let's say wala kang T-bar, pwede gamitin yung dulo ng fire hose na T din yung shape. O kaya wala kang hinge parts, pwede ka gumamit ng bar and clips for diagonal connection.
Sourcing of parts, sa tingin ko skill din yun. Tulad ko, either sa black market or sa official store ako bumibili. Meron din yung mga individual sellers na malaki discount. Sumama din ako sa mga contest na may freebies.
Sa attitude, perseverance ang #1 para sa kin. For example, yung Pagani Huayra na MOC ko, yung front bumper almost 7 types ata ang prototype ko, so kung sa pang-anim e nag-give up na ko, di ko matatapos yug MOC.
Sa tingin ko para ma-improve ang pagma-MOC, maganda na exposed sa iba't ibang creations ng iba't ibang group or individual. Kung paano nila ginagawa yung certain concept, pano ang execution, building process at presentation.
[For skills, builders with a technical background like architecture and engineering have an advantage. They're more aware with scaling, detailing, structure and functionality. It still depends on the MOC's theme. Familiarity with parts is also a good skill to have. You'll be able to visualize how to use a certain shape and how it could be connected to other piecs. For instance, if you don't have a T-bar, you can make use of the end of a fire hose, which also has a T-shape. If you don't have hinge parts, you can make use of bars and clips for diagonal connection.
I think sourcing of parts is also a skill. Like me, I buy either at the black market or at the official store. There are some individual sellers with big discounts. I also join contests for freebies.
For attitude, perseverance is #1 for me. For example, the front bumper of my Pagani Huayra MOC has almost 7 prototypes. If I gave up on the 6th, then I wouldn't have finished my MOC.
For me, getting exposed to the creations of other groups or individuals helps to improve your MOCcing skills. You can learn how they come up with a certain concept, its execution, building process and presentation.]
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| (Photo courtesy of Gerald Cacas) |
What is your biggest accomplishment as a MOCcer?
Personally, kapag masaya akos a finish product ko, yun na yung achievement ko. Kung magustuhan ng iba e bonus na yan. Kung may bumili e dagdag pambili Lego din. Kapag na-blog e ok sa alright syempre.
Nanalo na rin ako sa mga MOC contest noon. Tapos siguro yung may mga nagpapagawa sa akin na mga MOC, ok din yun. Na-blog din ako ng TBB, kapag na-blog kasi dun parang accomplishment na rin.
[Personally, I consider it an achievement if I'm happy with the finish product. It's a bonus if other people like it. If somebody buys it, then I'll use the money to buy more Lego. If it gets blogged, all the better.
I also won MOC contests before. It's also okay when people ask me to do MOCs. I also got featured by TBB, which is already an accomplishment in itself.]
What would be your advice to budding builders?
Influence the people around you about Lego. Si Misis, anak, kapatid, magulang, etc. May time kasi na kahit 10 tao ang manglait sa 'yo e wala kang pake. Pero kapag isa sa pamily mo ang nagsabi na para ang bata kasi naglalaro ka pa din ng Lego, nakakainis yun minsan eh. Yun ang nakaka-discourage, and eventually igi-give-up mo na ang pagma-MOC.
Naalala ko noon tinatanong ako ng nanay ko kung bakit ang tanda ko e naglalaro pa din ako ng Lego. Ganun din misis ko. Pero ngayon sila na ang nage-encourage sa kin kasi nakita nila na passion ko na yun. At tinatanong ko sila, 'Ano gusto niyo, magbisyo ako? Mag-yosi? Uminom? Magsugal? Mambabae? O mag-Lego?' Tumatahimik naman sila hehehe.
[Influence the people around you about Lego. The Wife, your kid, sibling, parent, etc. There are instances when you don't care if 10 people bash you. It gets annoying sometimes when one of your family members tell you you're immature because you still play with Lego. It's discouraging and could eventually make you give-up MOCcing.
I remember my mom asking me why an adult like me still plays with Lego. My wife also asked me the same question. Now, they're the ones encouraging me since they see that it's my passion. Then I ask them, 'Do you want me to do vices? Smoke? Drink? Gamble? Womanize? Or play Lego?' That usually silences them hehehe]
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| (Photo courtesy of Gerald Cacas) |
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Learned and laughed a lot in this blog. Gerald, you're the man
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