There is a very interesting LEGO fan group on flickr that I became aware of through the LEGO Ambassador Forum. It’s called the LEGO Reverse Engineering Challenge. The idea is to figure out how small but complex LEGO creations were built. Once a challenge is posted, members submit their solutions, which are then shared in the group for everyone to see, discuss and critique. 🙂

The group was started by LEGO fan and graphic designer Ryan Howerter (a.k.a. eldeem on flickr), and has over 400 members who participated in previous challenges. While there are no contests posted currently, the group’s gallery is a smorgasbord of very interesting ideas and techniques. I find it particularly fascinating how many ways there is to solve a problem. The group has strict rules to keep the solutions “purist” – meaning no stickers, rubber-bands, cutting elements, and any other unconventional techniques are allowed.

If you like to doodle with LEGO pieces, learn unusual building techniques, or have a dream of becoming a LEGO designers, this group can be a great resource. You can also browse the gallery to find solutions to problems you face while working on your own LEGO models. In addition, the challenges can give you ideas to use during LEGO club meetings and other LEGO related events and get-togethers.

Ryan also shares that he is working on a book, which will contain lots of LEGO reverse engineering puzzles similar to what was used in the online challenges. Whether this will actually happen and when is not known at this point, but I’m definitely going to keep an eye on it. LEGO puzzles are fun!

What do you think? Do you like to solve LEGO building problems? Are you comfortable with using advanced building techniques with LEGO? Did you eve come up with a solution that you are really proud of? Feel free to share and discuss in the comment section below! 😉
And you might also like to check out the following related post: