LEGO Technic Non-Electric Models: Simple Machines

Master builder and LEGO luminary Yoshihito Isogawa helps you build more than 100 creative, non-electric models with LEGO Technic parts. Part of a two-volume set.

This book in the LEGO Technic Non-Electric Models series features 141 motor-free devices for you to build and operate. Each project includes full-color photographs from multiple angles and illustrated Technic parts to help you follow along. The models range from basic mechanisms that showcase the power of gears and rotation to moving vehicles that demonstrate linear, oscillating, rotary, and reciprocating motion.
 
The Technic models in Simple Machines require no electric elements or sensors. Instead, they operate with cranks, chains, cams, rack-and-pinion gears, rubber bands, weights, and flywheels. As you explore these projects and develop your building skills, you’ll be inspired to create your own mechanical marvels.
 
This Technic guide is part of a series, and the brainchild of master builder Yoshihito Isogawa. Each book in the series is filled with vibrant photos of Isogawa’s unique non-electric models, which will fire up the imaginations of LEGO builders of all ages.
 
Imagine. Create. Invent. Now, what will you build?
Yoshihito Isogawa is a LEGO luminary with over fifty years of building experience. In addition to running Isogawa Studio, Inc., he regularly holds LEGO workshops, lectures at schools and science museums, and creates LEGO models for events and exhibitions. He is the author of the popular LEGO Technic Idea Book series, The LEGO Power Functions Idea Books, The LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Idea Book, and The LEGO BOOST Idea Book (all No Starch Press), as well as other Japanese-language LEGO titles.

About

Master builder and LEGO luminary Yoshihito Isogawa helps you build more than 100 creative, non-electric models with LEGO Technic parts. Part of a two-volume set.

This book in the LEGO Technic Non-Electric Models series features 141 motor-free devices for you to build and operate. Each project includes full-color photographs from multiple angles and illustrated Technic parts to help you follow along. The models range from basic mechanisms that showcase the power of gears and rotation to moving vehicles that demonstrate linear, oscillating, rotary, and reciprocating motion.
 
The Technic models in Simple Machines require no electric elements or sensors. Instead, they operate with cranks, chains, cams, rack-and-pinion gears, rubber bands, weights, and flywheels. As you explore these projects and develop your building skills, you’ll be inspired to create your own mechanical marvels.
 
This Technic guide is part of a series, and the brainchild of master builder Yoshihito Isogawa. Each book in the series is filled with vibrant photos of Isogawa’s unique non-electric models, which will fire up the imaginations of LEGO builders of all ages.
 
Imagine. Create. Invent. Now, what will you build?

Author

Yoshihito Isogawa is a LEGO luminary with over fifty years of building experience. In addition to running Isogawa Studio, Inc., he regularly holds LEGO workshops, lectures at schools and science museums, and creates LEGO models for events and exhibitions. He is the author of the popular LEGO Technic Idea Book series, The LEGO Power Functions Idea Books, The LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Idea Book, and The LEGO BOOST Idea Book (all No Starch Press), as well as other Japanese-language LEGO titles.

Three Penguin Random House Authors Win Pulitzer Prizes

On Monday, May 5, three Penguin Random House authors were honored with a Pulitzer Prize. Established in 1917, the Pulitzer Prizes are the most prestigious awards in American letters. To date, PRH has 143 Pulitzer Prize winners, including William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, Josh Steinbeck, Ron Chernow, Anne Applebaum, Colson Whitehead, and many more. Take a look at our 2025 Pulitzer Prize

Read more

Books for LGBTQIA+ Pride Month

In June we celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual + (LGBTQIA+) Pride Month, which honors the 1969 Stonewall riots in Manhattan. Pride Month is a time to both celebrate the accomplishments of those in the LGBTQ+ community and recognize the ongoing struggles faced by many across the world who wish to live

Read more