Building columns

Whilst I clear up the office to start on the next phase of the airport, I thought I'd answer an email I received. How did I build round(ish) columns in St Pancras?

Well, it's not actually that complicated when you know how. But there are two techniques to know about. The first is the plate to brick ratio. Simply put, 5 plates = 2 studs. So, a stack of 5 plates put sideways is the same height as 2 bricks. The second is that many of LEGO's SNOT* pieces have the studs at the top of the brick. In this case, particularly the 1x1 brick with studs on all sides.

So, two plates, plus one 1x1 brick with studs on all sides will support a stud stud vertical plate. Here's the clever bit (though not really that clever!). Add more plates on each side, to make the columns' radio wider - then offset each level. Hey presto you've turned a 4 sided column into an 8 sided column. At this scale, that's pretty circular.

See, simple when you know how! And remember, most of the 1x1 plates in this column can't be seen. So it's a great use for the weird coloured 1x1 round plates that you find in Pick'A'Brick!

*SNOT = Studs Not On Top ;-)