Dining in style on the Orient Express

Henrik Hoexbroe tends to build highly detailed minifig scale models. His latest model is a dining coach as used in 1919 as part of the famous Orient Express, which used to connect Paris with Istanbul.

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A single train coach may not sound like a particularly interesting subject, but this one is a bit special. For understandable reasons, most train builders build to minifig scale and guys such as Carl Greatrix and Andrew Harvey (to name just two examples) manage to pack a surprising amount of exterior detail into fairly small train models.

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Henrik has built his coach to a much larger scale, however, and this allowed him to go a step further. This is visible in the detail on the outside, but it really shows in the interior.

Deadlier Than Thou: Miss Ruby Rose

Anime-style figure sculptures have become something of a trend these days, and Ruby Rose by Mike Dung is exemplary among them.  The key to good figure sculpting in this scale is to balance creating details with merely evoking them. Ruby’s face, for instance, is nearly as simplistic as possible, while the bodice is quite intricate; both, however, meld to create a fantastic sculpture.

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Mike’s not a one-hit wonder, though. Check out his other sculptures, such as Snow Miku.

Snow Miku 2014

Viking Short House

I’m not sure of the historical authenticity of the build, but I can tell you for sure that Dwalin Forkbeard built a cute little viking house:

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He’s done a great job with shaping the roof and adding the right amount of details on the side of the building. But what what really makes this moc great for me is the little landscaping – the irregular shape, the carefully placed plates and tiles, and the fantastically balanced fence.

Lego Star Wars Jabba’s Sail Barge 75020 [Review]

Lego Star Wars Jabba’s Sail Barge was released in August 2013 and contains 850 pieces. It retails for $119.99 and is available on Amazon. Below is a video review and my remarks regarding the set.


Pros:

  • Overall sleek design of the sail barge makes it a great display model
  • Includes iconic and unique minifigs such as Max Reebo and Ree-Yees


Cons:

  • Model is very small for the price
  • The jagged slopes on the front of the barge looks weird, may be better if plates were used instead.

LEGO’s second version of Jabba’s Sail Barge is a neat little model that carries a big price tag. It’s an iconic Star Wars vehicle well deserving of some shelf space. I wouldn’t pay the full price on this model, and luckily Amazon currently has it on sale, and 26% off is a good enough deal. The model’s interior can be fully exposed to allow easy access, but there’s not much room after accounting for Jabba’s presence. The barge rolls on inconspicuous wheels underneath and also features a concealed cannon in the front that’s a hassle to fire. Overall, I recommend this model at a price tag less than $100.

LEGO Marshmallow Peeps

Recently, some of us here at TBB participated in a live unveiling of the Iron Builder piece, which Sean and Steph Mayo (Siercon and Coral), along with Tyler (Legohaulic) and Michaela Clites (littlehaulic), are using for their competition.

All of the entries have been fantastic–and this one is particularly well timed. Also, it made me laugh. These might be the only Peeps I actually like.

Lego Bunny Peeps

Happy Easter, everyone!