I see curved forms in large and complex Lego models, but in general it’s a medium with a fixed global “grain” (the vector field defined by the studs), right? The only way grain can change direction is the few 1dof/2dof joints, or rare parts with studs on orthogonal surfaces. Am I missing something?

Delver at contraptions.venkateshrao.com, running summerofprotocols.com, host of /gloom ☀️

I don’t get how this dragon sculpture curves so smoothly. Do the “scale” pieces have more play somehow? Its not curving in 90 degree turns

I don’t get how this dragon sculpture curves so smoothly. Do the “scale” pieces have more play somehow? Its not curving in 90 degree turns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bM0Lax0a0w

I guess it’s a very particular hack using the Harry Potter glasses frame piece and the 1dof joint. Not a generic technique for curved forms but good for tubular forms.

As a kid I would also join parts by wedging the edge of one flat piece between two rows of studs on another, creating a 90 degree turn, but though I think this possibility is deliberately enabled, it feels like a bad pattern. Structurally weak and messy.