LEGO® Fan Plans — MOD University (12-Unit Course)
Who it’s for: young builders learning safe, legal LEGO® MOD techniques. Outcome: a large MOD diorama you’ll complete in the Capstone.
Course Syllabus
- Lesson 1: Widen a Doorway (4→6 studs)
- Lesson 2: Hinge-Open Roof
- Lesson 3: Stiffer Floors
- Lesson 4: Window Swaps & Transoms
- Lesson 5: SNOT Columns & Corners
- Lesson 6: Sidewalk Upgrades
- Lesson 7: Hidden Technic Tie-ins
- Lesson 8: Signage & Facade Tiles
- Lesson 9: Interiors: Stairs & Counters
- Lesson 10: Lighting-Ready Cable Paths
- Lesson 11: Colorway & Part Substitutions
- Lesson 12 (Capstone Prep): Combine modules for the diorama
Lesson 1 — Widen a Doorway from 4 Studs to 6 Studs
Goal: expand a 4-stud doorway to 6 studs using legal half-stud offsets (jumper plates), a stiff 3-plate lintel, and a reinforced threshold. Beginner-friendly and stress-free.
Step 1 — Remove the 4-stud assembly
- Lift out the door frame and the old lintel above it.
- Sort saved parts: tiles, plates, frame.
Tip: if a clip is tight, wiggle side-to-side—don’t pry.
Step 2 — Build a strong 6-stud lintel
- Make a 3-plate sandwich spanning 6 studs (e.g., 1×6 + 1×4 + 1×6); stagger seams.
- Wobble check: hold both ends and flex—aim for ≤ 1 plate of flex.
Budget tip: hidden parts in bley, tan, or black are common and affordable.
Step 3 — Create centered ½-stud offsets
- Place 1×2 jumper plates on both jambs to widen from 4→6 studs.
- Mirror left/right so the opening stays centered.
Why jumpers? They give legal half-stud geometry without stressing bars or clips.
Step 4 — Reinforce the threshold and reinstall
- Add a hidden 2×6 plate beneath the threshold as a stiffener.
- Tile the step; reinstall the 1×4×6 frame and cap with your lintel sandwich.
- Checks: lintel level, equal reveal left/right, wobble ≤ 1 plate (add a plate if needed).
Variants: Cheaper (two 1×3 tiles instead of one 1×6). Premium (add a trans-clear transom with 1×2×2 panels). Color swap (dark tan doorway, reddish-brown trim).
Parts You’ll Need (Grouped BOM)
- Plates: 1× 2×6 (threshold), 2× 1×6, 2× 1×4, 2× 2×2
- Tiles: 2× 1×3 or 1× 1×6; 2× 1×2
- Jumpers/Brackets: 4× 1×2 jumper; 2× 1×2–2×2 inverted bracket (optional)
- Door: 1× 1×4×6 frame + door leaf
Where to Get Bricks
- BrickLink Marketplace
- LEGO® Pick a Brick
- Local LEGO Store
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