Modulex

Class 4

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Modulex
Years	1963 - 1965 (split into separate company after 65)
Related themes	Architecture

Modulex was a building system that was designed for adults. It was developed by The LEGO Group at the same time as their Modulex sets were produced from 1963 until 1965, and were exclusively available in parts packs by colour. The LEGO Group made Modulex a separate company in 1965, and the text "LEGO" was removed from the studs and replaced with "M".

Description

The Bricks

Comparison shot. On the left, Modulex, on the right, a System brick.

Modulex bricks were formed with a cube type 5 to 5 width/length ratio, meaning that, unlike nearly every product produced by The LEGO Group, they were not compatible with LEGO bricks, which have a 6.5 to 5 width/length ratio.

History

Origins

The idea for the Modulex brick came at an unknown time in the early 1960's, when Godtfred Kirk Christiansen was attempting to create a model for the house he was building out of LEGO bricks. To his surprise, he found he was unable to do ot accurately, as LEGO bricks had an aspect ration of 6:5, rather than the European standard of 1:1. Rather than build his model out of scale, Godtfred had a uniquely sized line of parts moulded for him, that would allow him to copy his plans more exactly.
After some thought, Godtfred realized that LEGO bricks in this size developed specifically for architectural planning and modeling might actually be a successful and commercially viable product, and so Modulex was born.

Architecture

Through a unique coincidence, at the same time when Modulex was being designed, the Architecture System of sets such as 750 Hobby and Model Box, 751 Hobby and Model Box, and 752 Hobby and Model Box were released. Despite the similarity of premise and release date, there is no real proof of a connection between Modulex and Architecture.

Initial Marketing and The M20 System

First off, LEGO created a subsidiary company, Modulex A/S (although the name is reported to vary), specifically to sell Moulex products, the first of which, the "M20 System", was released in 1963.
The system consisted of a series of bricks including everything from windows to simple 2X4s and slopes, in addition to several more unusual items, such as unique baseplate foil, foil combs and cutters, and, uniquely for LEGO, solvent-based glue to stick models together after construction.
The line was intended for building in 1:20 scale (hence the name M20).

Modulex Brick Colors

Common Colours

• Blue
• Dark Blue
• Dark Grey
• Dark Green
• Green
• Orange
• White
• Yellow
• Red

Rare and Unique Colours

• Buff
• Clear
• Grey
• Lemon
• Pastel Blue
• Pastel Gray
• Pastel Green
• Pink
• Terra Cotta
• Violet

Gallery

A display of the Modulex product