Duplicated Building Steps

JBricks27

When you see that dreaded "2x", or "3x", "4x", ..., do you build simultaneosly or do you build one at a time? Do you think it's quicker to build simultaneously to save time on finding the same parts again? Do you think it's quicker to build one at a time because you already "know" what the next step is on the second or third time around building the same thing? Is it merely too frustrating and boring to build the same thing repeatedly?

I'm in the middle of a tower bridge build and opted to build the two towers simultaneously. I am thinking I should have constructed one at a time in order to make the build seem longer and feel like Im getting more for the money.

CCC

I'd go one by one. Maybe one on one day, one on the next. Spread it out a bit.

alldarker

I usually build the dreaded 2x, 3x, 8x etc. simultaneously to stop myself from getting bored with the build. And yes, it also does seem to be quicker. Even the part-builds that are mirror images of each other (for example, the hull on the 10030 ISD), I often build at the same time, for the same reason.

Renny

Depends on how big the x2 part is. If they are ballpark under 50 parts or so then I will do them simultaneously.

Bosstone100

I always grab all of the parts for each section to make sure they are all there. Then they are within easy reach so doing them simultaneously or seperately doesn't really change the time it takes.

LegoFanTexas

Tower Bridge is a great set to build with a friend/spouse/child, because the whole thing is one huge 2x build.

davee123

You'll probably build faster simultaneously:

- For multi-page sub-models, you don't have to re-flip the pages.

- You're likely to find the parts for each step once, which will probably save you time. Physically locating pieces with your hands is often one of the most time-consuming parts of the assembly process.

- Humans are just generally more efficient when we're repetitive. Switching from one task to another takes slightly more brainpower, and slows you down. That's why assembly lines (with one worker assigned to one task) are faster than having the same amount of workers doing ALL the tasks independently.

So, if you want to enjoy the building process for longer, don't build simultaneously. If you want to go faster (and maybe if you don't want to get bored-- in the case of the dreaded 8x or 16x), build simultaneously.

DaveE

pantboy

My son and i love 2x, 3x etc. because it means a race, we get all the pieces for the build in one pile and...on your marks, set, go.........

Sometimes i even let him win.

caperberry

LegoFanTexas said:

Tower Bridge is a great set to build with a friend/spouse/child, because the whole thing is one huge 2x build.

That's what I did...only downside was we couldn't help racing one another, and being an AFOL I kept beating him! Bit demotivating

hoyatables

I sometimes like to build the second one without the instructions, just based on memory/the constructed version of the first one.

LegobrandonCP

hoyatables said:

I sometimes like to build the second one without the instructions, just based on memory/the constructed version of the first one.

Same here! But for the duplicated steps, I enjoy building them simultaneously.

BlueMoonUSA

hoyatables said:

I sometimes like to build the second one without the instructions, just based on memory/the constructed version of the first one.

If you did that with Tower Bridge, I'd be impressed to say the least :)

NeilCrosby

I've actually kind of ended up doing that with Tower Bridge after it exploded in my hands and I was left with a whole bunch of 5-10 piece constructed bits. It was pretty fun.

JBricks27

Kind of unrelated to this discussion:

-Oh man, I dropped my helms deep the other day. Epic. Pieces everywhere. Wish I took a pic.

LegoFanTexas

jvdrummer182 said:

Kind of unrelated to this discussion:

-Oh man, I dropped my helms deep the other day. Epic. Pieces everywhere. Wish I took a pic.

Easy solution, rebuild it, then drop it on the floor again, take a pic... solved...

:)

CCC

pantboy said:

My son and i love 2x, 3x etc. because it means a race, we get all the pieces for the build in one pile and...on your marks, set, go.........

Sometimes i even let him win.

^ I also say that when I lose.

fitzyfitz

^^Classic

woony2

On a similiar vein I tend to build the left and right hands of symmetrical models at the same time. For example Mini-figure 3723, Darth Maul Bust 10018 and R2-D2 10225. I get all the bits for that stage and then put the opposing pieces on with each hand at the same time.

LegoFanTexas

^ Speaking of #10225 - R2-D2

I've actually changed my mind and decided I like numbered bags now. Why? Because my son and I were able to easily build this one together, he started with bag 1, I started with bag 5 or 6, with 3 manuals, we could build this together, at the same time, then put our builds together.

Very fun, and great father/son bonding time.

BuriedinBricks

I loved the build on R2 and I am certainly going to package the different parts by section if/when I ever take him apart. It made the whole process so much easier.

It's one of the reasons why the modulars are so cool. Multiple floors means you could have up to three people working on the set and no fights over who gets to do a certain step.