Build Classes?

alaskaguy

Does anyone know if there exists such a thing such as Lego building classes that cover building things from scratch and designing things using software - specifically Technic-based projects?

I build even simple $20 Technic sets (42090, 42091) and think, "Jezuz, how would I EVER come up with even something THIS simple on my own?"  Let alone thing actually complicated. 

I've got thousands of dollars in Technics parts here and I doubt I could ever make from scratch anything that didn't look like it was put together by a 2 year old. In the meantime, people are making stuff like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oz88zGsHSeM

How do you DO that? Just making something TO SCALE is amazing to me. 

If no such classes currently exist, this could be a great opportunity for someone to do a Master Class or similar - if it were well done, they were articulate, professional, not cheesy, etc. 

Switchfoot55

It's definitely not what you're looking for, but I've learned a TON of stuff from Pinterest of all places. Tons of tutorials, unique designs, building techniques, etc... I haven't explored a lot on the Technic side, but imagine there is a wealth of information to pull from. 

Up until recently, I've largely stayed away from MOCing as I didn't feel my building skills were adequate enough. But the more I studied and learned, the greater that confidence became. Then I opened up Stud.io and started building. Low and behold, I've been able to build some pretty awesome stuff (at least in my mind) from those examples. 

Youtube also has a few things. A lot that is not so great, some that is awesome. It could be a less formal resource for what you're asking. 

As with so much in life, I think this is a skill that has to be developed through actually doing it. To your point, it's just nice when someone is there helping walk you through it!

Cymbeline

I never had LEGO bricks as a child. I started building sets post-retirement to bond with my grandson. At first I modified his sets to make them sturdier or bigger. Then I added MOC's to expand existing themes he had. But soon I was building just to please myself. I started recreating the inner city Toronto neighbourhood of my childhood. Along the way as my experience and skill grew I improved upon what I had built before. As @Switchfoot55 says "it's a skill that has to be developed through actually doing it". There is so much online to give you inspiration. I particularly like The Brothers Brick and New Elementary. JANGBRICKS city layout has been an inspiration as well.  

Fizyx

For Technic especially, I highly recommend The Unofficial LEGO Technic Builder's Guide.  It's very good at laying out how Techinic mechanisms are really working and how to design your own.