LEGO SET 71806 - Alternate build | Cole's Earth Mech

May 29, 2025

LEGO Set 71806-1 Cole’s Earth Mech isn’t just a single build—it’s a toolbox of parts and possibilities waiting to be reimagined. While the official model shows off Cole’s powerful elemental mech, builders around the world have used the exact same 249 pieces to create everything from nimble vehicles to fearsome creatures. Below, we’ll explore what makes 71806 such a versatile set, share some tips for designing your own alternates, and then present eight standout MOCs drawn directly from the PDF you provided.

Why Alternate Builds Matter

Maximize Value: With 249 specialized elements—like trans-green armor plates and Earth-elemental details—71806 lets you go beyond a single mech. Alternate builds turn one set into multiple models.
Creative Challenge: Constraints breed innovation. Limiting yourself to the set’s inventory forces you to find clever connections and part uses.
Community Exchange: Sharing your MOCs online (for example on Rebrickable) lets you inspire others and get feedback on new techniques.

Tips for Designing Your Own Alternates

Inventory First: Lay out all parts and photograph them. Group by color, shape, and function.
Thumbnail Sketches: On paper or digitally, sketch 3–5 quick silhouettes—focus on distinct forms like vehicles, creatures, or architecture.
Focus Features: Identify one or two standout parts (e.g., those large green claws or the hinge plates) and make them central to your design.
Modular Submodels: Build small subassemblies—cockpits, turrets, limbs—that you can swap between sketches.
Iterate in Software: Use Studio 2.0 to test part connectivity without risking your physical pieces.

Alternate Builds Gallery

Whether you’re a Ninjago fan or simply love clever engineering, these alternate builds show how one set can fuel endless creativity. Grab your 71806-1 and see what new form you can unleash!

Back to blog