Hi ! Philo426 ! !
You hit a Nerve ! I not only build LEGOS , but I Build Mega - Blox , Cobi and Brick - Tech models . I am the Standing Ambassador for life between the Local LEGO folks and My Rail-Road museum .
We even have LEGO build Tables on Kids Fun day on the first and third saturdays of every month , Weather permitting .We do for the little folks Duplo , which is another LEGO product !
I use the LEGOS for fine builds and the rest for regular stuff .One of the things is the " Clutch " power of the bricks . All are measured to the LEGO standard . Some come up short .
LEGO bricks , because of their very tight fit are great for making Mold boxes and other tool type stuff . I specifically use " Brick - Tech " for ship and model stands during construction . I use " Hot " glue ( one dot in four places and put the hull on the cradle shaped stand ). A craft knife breaks the bond when necessary !
I have used modified LEGO parts such as extendable hydraulic cranes on ship models to great success ! Other LEGO parts form bases for 1/96 Radars and other Mast components ! They make great engine and car stands in 1/25 too !