You don't need to group the build if it's just consisting of one element. I group things when the group itself can be set up in another way. For example the tail of the squirrel and the monkey would be a group if I would build it, just because the tail can be in another way presented to the user. It's kind of flexible. And if users want to change that for the ideal render, then they can just click the group, snap the pivot and rotate all parts easily. Obviously, it's sounds a quite dumb example here as the tail just consists of a few parts. But if it's around 100 parts that can be rotated in another way, it's quite a present if there's a group. I'm not sure if it really helps, because I've never rendered before.

As for 2, yes, if a part is symmetric, then the back does look the same as the front. 😉 It doesn't really matter. The part must be 'visually' be good aligned.

If I have a look at your models, then they are quite fine already. Experience you did yourself is the best experience you can get. 😉

Sounds good, thanks!

I have a similar/related questions.

What about Lego Sets that are missing parts....

Should the voids be filled in with similar or filler parts?
Should missing minifig parts be replaced with similar looking (i.e. a similar face, or similar pattern torso), or solid color blank parts?
Should minifig tools/weapons be filled in with similar tools or left out (i.e. Indiana Jones Coiled Whip)?

@Lttlcheeze There aren't any good answers currently. I think I will create a new thread that summarises what is required in order for a model to be flagged as official. What do you think the rule shall be for missing parts and decorations?

Not sure...

For Minifigs, I have been adding in a part that looks similar, but it could be confusing if someone doesn't realize that isn't the exact part. So it would probably be best to put the correct shape part (i.e. Head, or Torso), but in a base or odd color.

For building parts (Bricks, Plates, etc.) I have been filling in the voids with overlapping parts or what ever is necessary to get a similar shape. Mainly so I have snap points etc. to build onto them. But I make sure I change them to a color that the model doesn't currently use, and one that stands out. And in my bigger builds I have also been adding them in separate groups labeled "Missing" with the correct part numbers.

For Functional Elements (Motors, Gears etc.) I do similar by adding a similar part, changing the color, and grouping.

I'm not saying that is the best practice tho, cause leaving them out would definitely remove any confusion when it comes to Parts Inventory List.

I'm going to go ahead and go back into my models that have Minifig Parts that are incorrect, and change them to Solid Color Parts. Rather than having them as "almost" correct Decorated Parts.

Personally, whatever be the choices relative to the missing parts, i think the most important thing to do is to always note, inside the description, the references bricklink of the missing parts and if a replacement is done always indicate the references used.

@Thoril +1

@Thoril +2 😃

So has our fearless leader 😃 made a decision about the best practices for Official Lego Sets?