LEGO SET 40817 - Alternate build | Yellow Travel Suitcase
Unlocking Big Creativity in a Small Suitcase
Travel sets often hide the most delightful building surprises, and 40817-1 Yellow Travel Suitcase is a perfect example of how a compact parts selection can punch way above its weight. With a sunny palette, a mix of brackets and plates, a few expressive tiles, and just enough clips and hinges to get clever, this little suitcase invites you to think modularly. The parts encourage quick transformations—hinge connections become poseable limbs, bracket stacks become micro-architecture, and a splash of yellow keeps every model feeling playful and vacation-ready.
When approaching alternate builds with a pocket-sized set like this, focus on multi-function pieces and symmetry. Pairs of parts can form mirrored arms or legs for tiny characters and mechs; plates-with-clip can become tool holsters, roof racks, or even micro-robot joints. Consider color blocking too: locking yellow and light neutrals into bold sections creates instant readability from a distance—great for mini vehicles, micro landmarks, or compact creatures.
Another pro tip: lean into storytelling. Because the set’s theme is travel, think of each alt model as a scene from a trip—airport robots, luggage loaders, micro taxis, compact scooters, or even a backpacker’s camp vignette. Use small leftover tiles as props to tell your story. A (1x1) round plate can be a camera lens; a clip can be a selfie stick; two slopes become a tent. With just a few tweaks, you can design models that transform or reconfigure, turning one idea into three with a couple of part flips.
Below you’ll find a gallery of alternates built only from the parts in 40817-1. Have fun exploring, reverse-engineering techniques, and mixing your own variations. If you like a model, grab its instructions and start building!
Alternate Builds Gallery (Built Only from 40817-1)
Suitcase Mech Suit
Designer: eric_nunya
Get the instructions: https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-234087/eric_nunya/suitcase-mech-suit/
