Have you ever rebuilt a LEGO set into something else entirely? Congratulations, that’s an alt-build! We are getting a bit nostalgic here, but I’m missing those fun alternative builds on the back of old LEGO Boxes. While “MOCs” weren’t a thing yet back then, it did show how to be creative with the bricks without following the instructions.

Someone who really knows how to be creative with just one set is LEGO builder Dorian. When looking at one of his latest creations, you would think it’s just a great MOC—a stunning homage to The Mandolarian’s Razor Crest in beautiful red. But what makes this even greater and takes it to the next level, is that it’s made by only using parts from the 70615 Fire Mech.

It’s an impressive transformation, turning the mech into a complete spaceship. And by complete, I mean it has it all! Retractable landing gear, removable cockpit, a ramp at the rear for loading, posable engines, plenty of storage space, and even a fish grill. Keeping the playability—or improving it, even—is just so much fun! Dorian was so kind to give some insight on how he works on MOCs like this.

Marco: You've made quite a few stunning alternative builds! How do you approach an alternative build—did you see 70615 and think, "Hey this is a nice parts pack!"?

Dorian: Thanks! At first I started to make alternate builds to get more space in my shelves. Nowadays I buy sets with the intention to rebuild them, sometimes I already have an idea, sometimes I just like the set, or its colors or minifigures. I am also very guilty of buying sets just because of an included part which could have been BrickLinked easily. :)

Kai´s Fire Mech is a special set. In my early AFOL days, I was very inspired by the bricked cave´s alternate build(s) for it. After testing my cousin's fire mech during a family event, I knew it was an epic parts pack with infinite building fun. So one day I had to get it, with the intention to make an alternative build for it. It took some months until I had the right inspiration, mindset, and time.

Marco: Limiting yourself to only using the parts from the set, do you see that as a challenge, and is that why you like to build alternative versions?

Dorian: Yes! Exactly. Limiting yourself to one set and the included pieces is great for new creative solutions and ideas. I’ve built a very cool chair that wouldn´t exist otherwise. I really enjoy it, you find new connections, make compromises and building back and forth until it can´t be optimized anymore. The bigger the set, the more possibilities you have and that raises the amount of time needed extremely. Sometimes the challenge has infinite building options, sometimes you have a Speed Champions sets and you already know it´s likely not going to be a helicopter snail sub.

Marco: When using a set, do you have certain goals? Like you have to use as many pieces as possible, or just a selection of parts is fine?

Dorian: My holy religion is to use all the pieces! I can´t stand uncomplete alternate builds. ;) Not using all the pieces feels like you didn´t think hard enough if you just leave that 2x8 brick out. It feels like cheating. I have cancelled cool builds because not every piece was included and it just didn´t feel right. Of course, I have some MOCs with sub-builds and other stuff and sometimes you just have to make that compromise at the end. When pieces are left, I like them to have a purpose, as with a 2x8 grey plate which didn´t fit into the Avengers bike, but was useful as a minfig display for the outriders.

Marco: Do you start building digitally or with real bricks—or maybe a combination? If building digitally, which programs do you use and how much time does it take?

Dorian: I need bricks in my hands to build and to test combinations quickly. I have huge respect for digital builders. I love working with computers, but I can´t imagine testing stuff and building back and forth with a mouse and the arrow keys—time is too precious. My finished MOCs are digitalized after the fact in Stud.io by BrickLink.

To make build instructions, you build a digital copy of your MOC and during that you already organise the pieces in build steps. Building one of my premium models digitally takes a whole day at least and another whole day for the process of designing and organising the instructions. I have also done three digital builds in one day once, but those were very small vehicles. Usually, I plan a full Saturday for a MOC. Since I´m working full time, my free time is precious, limited and I wish I had more of it. I want this hobby to be my job someday—somehow I will make it work, stay tuned!

Marco: Would you say this is your favorite alternative version so far and why? If not what is and why?

Dorian: This is tough. I have my own love for my MOCs, but when a build is very famous, I like it a bit more. From my personal experience, the Red Crest hit really hard and people love it. I can´t separate its success from my feelings. I love the Razor Crest, I love Ninjago—at the moment I would say I have peaked with this build. It´s so cool, I have even allowed myself to have fragile landing gear! :) Picking only one favorite isn´t possible, so here´s my current top five:

Marco: Thanks for sharing your process with BrickNerd!

Dorian: Thank you very much for having me!

Are you inspired to do an alt build, and what set would you use? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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