Erling brick

The Bricks McGee glossary explains what Erling brick is.

Our glossary of LEGO terms, phrases and words provides definitions of words used in the LEGO fan community

The Erling brick, also known as the headlight brick, is a versatile LEGO element that has become a staple in advanced building techniques.

This part has LEGO Element Design ID 4070, and is named after its inventor, LEGO designer Erling Thue Dideriksen. This brick was first introduced in 1979 and has since revolutionized how LEGO enthusiasts approach complex builds.

Featured in over 2800 LEGO sets, the Erling brick is available in 37 different colour variations and widely used in both official sets and custom builds (MOCs).

Key Characteristics

  1. Design:
    • 1×1 brick with a stud on top
    • Additional stud on one side
    • Indent or hole on the opposite side of the side stud
  2. Official Designation:
    • LEGO Element Design ID 4070
  3. Dimensions:
    • Height: 6.4mm (without top stud)
    • Width: 8mm
    • Depth: 8mm

Functionality and Uses

  • Erling bricks enable Studs Not On Top building, allowing for sideways and inverted constructions
  • They create seamless transitions between different building directions
  • They are ideal for adding small details or creating texture in builds, outside of the standard LEGO building grids
  • Erling bricks can be used to reinforce connections between perpendicular sections

See also