The moc´s from Designer-Han are part of a range of techniques that require attention. Not only building techniques but it also show us the detail and feature that I so cherish, TECHNIC constructions.
This is the type of constructions that differ from many others that exist and therefore worthy of attention.

Hi Han.
I’m very happy you’ve accept this challenge.

What’s your name, where do you live, how old are you and other stuff like you without Lego?

HC: My name is Han Crielaard (42 year) and I live in The Netherlands. And yes, there are others like my wife who isn’t addicted to Lego. However my little daughter loves Duplo and Technic models. Actually she is one of my kid-proof ‘testers’, together with the kids of my friends and family who are always willing to play with my models. I guess that’s why they like visiting us.

- Did you had a “Dark-Age”?

HC: Yes, quite a long period. As many children I started to play with the Lego ‘Legoland’ cars. I was about 10 years old when the first Technic sets were launched which I got as present for my birthdays.
However, during my high school I lost focus on Technic, mainly because sports and music (DJ) took a lot of my time. But, I never lost the interest in Technic completely and did follow the launch of new sets occasionally. It took till 2004 before my attention was really raised again. With the launch of the 8436 Lift Truck I noticed that Lego made a firm step forward in building and appearance. This was confirmed with the launch of 8421 Mobile Crane. I decided to buy these two sets, just to figure out what Technic was all about in the 21^st century.

- What makes you move, or whatever it takes you to build with LEGO?

HC: The main reasons are: a) the variety of – and improved – Technic parts which enables you to make complex, realistic operating models, b) the existence of Cad/Cam computer programs like MLcad, LDview and others, together with the contribution of many Lego fans who keep the parts-library up to date, c) the ability to create professional building instructions, so that I’m able to rebuild my models again… as well to share these instructions with many others around the globe (www.designer-han.nl/lego).

-Always look to build real models?

HC: Yes, mostly the models are based on existing real vehicles. I got my inspiration from many places. For instance, the Prinoth Leitwolf project was born during one of my ski-holidays. The Dump Truck 10×4 during the many hours of traffic jam due to the reconstruction of the A2 highway (3 to 5 lanes) in The Netherlands.
And, I do design the models with a realistic appearance. That’s why I like to mix Technic with a little bit ‘Creator’.

- The average time spent to build?

HC: Depends on private life, work, sports, etc. Mainly the time is found during the long winter evenings. Average time spend is 1-2 evenings per week. But, sometimes – when a model is just in ‘start-up’ phase – it can keep me busy for weeks.

- You invest more time to build or to seek ideas and techniques?

HC: Each can take quite some time. Especially, figuring out the techniques can be time consuming. For example, the 3^rd axle lift mechanism with ‘auto-center’ function of the Dump Truck 10×4 took 2 weeks (about 10 hours).
Searching on the internet for the right technical documentation and vehicle dimensions is not always that easy, and do take time as well.
And don’t underestimate the time it takes to design the model in MLcad and generate professional building instructions.
Summarized, I think that building and all other related tasks are about 50%-50%.

- Would you like to have more time for the LEGO and dedicate yourself as if you were a designer?

HC: That depends. I don’t have the ambition to be a Lego designer.
At the other hand, I’m fully convinced that TLC (The Lego Company) will leverage the ‘freelance’ designing power of many Lego AFOLS in the near future. I noticed the last years that many people do want to rebuild my models, but that they don’t own all the necessary parts and are not always able to get them via websites as Bricklink.
Today, the Lego Factory website gives you the opportunity to upload your own developed models and TLC will send you in return (after payment ) a nice box with the appropriate parts. Unfortunately the parts library does not included all existing part, probably because the order picking process in the TLC warehouses is manually done.

Thus, if TLC is able automate this process for all existing parts; it will be possible to upload more complex models like my Prinoth Leitwolf model. And this is where it becomes really interesting for freelance designers because you can share your models really with everyone.

So, to answer the question: I like to have Lego as a hobby, but like to share my models in an easy way, which means ‘pre-packaged’ with all the necessary parts included. But, I don’t want to make packaging and shipping a profession by myself. That’s where the strength of TLC comes into account.

- If you had the chance to launch a set, what kind would it be?

HC: No doubt, that would be my personal flagship ‘Prinoth Leitwolf’ snow groomer. This fully remote controlled model is powerful in driving (even in real snow, see youtube), uses the new Technic Treads in parallel, has a working V6 engine, a track tension mechanism, a pneumatic system for height adjustment and a drum-winch.

- LEGO for you is a haven from the hectic life or is it?

HC: hmm, it is not haven, but close… No, there are many other things that keep me busy and occupied in live. But, designing complex models is a challenge for your brains (which I like), and enables me to be creative. It is a hobby that does no cost me a lot (I don’t buy each set), and can be done just within the living room from my lazy chair.

- I’ve noticed that you are also DJ. When you are making a new MOC listening to music or prefer the silence to be focused?

HC: I don’t have a preference, silence is okay, television as background no problem, but listing to a good ‘groove-to-club-to-trance’ mix is of course perfect. A recommendation is ‘Seven Cities – Solar Stone, on Hooj Choons’, or ‘Independance – Jonesey, on ‘Caged Records’. Both golden oldies, but very nice.  ))

Thanks a lot !!!

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