The Brothers Brick

Two of Nnenn’s recent creations highlight the functional form in LEGO microspace. His most recent work, a cargo carrier called PX4-320b Ittadyma, is a carrier that displays colorful cargo containers, which are attached and detached with small helper crafts.

Another unique project highlights modular microscale ships. Click on the picture below to see all the combinations of ship parts, resulting in numerous variations.

The latest microscale creation from Matt “monsterbrick” Armstrong covers the whole globe, or at least large swaths of it.

Here’s just a small section of the many panels in this series of creations:

I love this whale:

Check out lots more in Matt’s Flickr photostream. Via MicroBricks.

I came across the works of Brickshelf user Devastator today, who has a taste for the bizzarre and macabre ranging from torture chambers, minifig executions and hangings, the gratuitous use of tentacles, and sheer randomness like mecha Pikachu. You may be making some connections at this point, but it is unlikely this builder and I cross-referenced each other’s works because his gallery predates mine while I’ve not known about him until today. So my question to ponder is: how does one’s mind get wired like so?

Check out Devastator’s most recent work called the Delirious Diorama. The beautifully crafted and accurate Chinese character means “bathroom.”

Hmm, bathroom.

Ochre Jelly writes, “I found a minfig magnifying glass the other day, and could only imagine one possible use for it!”

From a deathglider inflicting some serious damage to mighty British Columbian evergreens, OJ’s scene is truly complete:

Indeed.

David Simmons‘ BuzzHawk is an sleek and stylish ship that went through quite an extensive process of evolution. I really like the engine thruster pods and the fact that they swivel to increase maneuverability.

Mike Psiaki (pronounced like “psyche”) updates his Republic Gunship with the new look of version 2. Besides the mastery craftsmanship, it’s interesting to note the balance between studded elements and tiled elements that results in the varied texture of the ship.

Jordan Schwartz’s latest creation is the oil tower from the movie There will be Blood. The construction of the structure is fascinating when considering how all the angles came together nicely in the final product. Way to strike it rich Jordan!

Meanwhile, there’s a clip showing that the oil derrick is amazingly functional.

I haven’t built anything in awhile and I’ve been frightfully busy, but here is a little something I worked up this weekend.

Eurobricks member Dunamis has posted detailed pictures and reviews of the new upcoming space sets, obtained from the LEGO store in Glendale, California. Click on each of the pictures below to see and read the review.

Via Eurobricks

Aaron (Darkspawn) enters the CC battles contest with an impressive entry. None shall pass the gate into the Dwarf’s mines, not even when a Necromancer with an army of skeletons and winged beasts.

Dear readers. Today I’m allowing myself a little indulgence in nostalgia. I hope it might prove interesting to some of you.

Two and a half years ago I made a model of a locomotive. A Queensland Rail Class 2800 to be precise. Yesterday I got the urge to redesign it from scratch and see what I could do. It’s interesting (to me anyway) seeing just how much I’ve improved in certain areas but also how many things remain almost unchanged. Maybe in another two and a half years I’ll have another shot at it.

Mark Stafford’s invention of the theme called science fantasy looks like a combination of castle, steampunk, and science fiction. The result is a city called Sproket. The scene depicts the city plaza under invasion by pirates while guards and citizens respond in defense.

Check out the two walkers from the scene.

Jas Nagra has celebrated the best safety video ever with this series of scenes involving Klaus, co-workers and a forklift. Remember, kids, safety is paramount.

Jarek’s Swiss forces now has a powerful ground vehicle in its military dispersal called the Jormangund battle tank. The construction of this model is so articulate, as is Jarek’s style in general. The tank accomodates two minifig operators.

I’m sorry to say that my series of minifig heroes ran out of steam a couple months ago, mainly because writing up all those mini-bios was surprisingly time-consuming. Lame excuse, I know.

Well, I had all of the minifigs built and photographed, so I thought I’d go ahead and share them here.

Dorothy Day and the Dalai Lama:

Chief Seattle and Chief Joseph:

César Chávez and Barney Frank:

From Gandhi to Rosa Parks, see all the previous entries in this series on Flickr.

Contrary to popular (or at least my) belief it would appear that greater LA does have a public transport system. Peter Norman (Swoofty) has recreated a Metrolink locomotive in his usual highly detailed style. The old-school ‘pony ear’ technique of tiles between studs makes for a really effective window and the snazzy use of textures on the door is just delightful.

Dave Lartigue (Flickr) puts some experimental weapons in the hands of the Undead, with devastating consequences for the Crown Knights.

Now witness the firepower of these fully operational Dyna-Gloves!

See more great action shots on Flickr.

Here’s the latest (and final) communication from LEGO about 9-volt trains, RC trains, and the future Power Functions trains:

Dear all,

As promised in the second communication from the 6th of December last year, we will give you the latest information and decisions regarding the development of the new train system based on LEGO Power Functions.

We are still working on the final details and doing a lot of testing of the new Power Functions elements; however, we are again able to give you some more details.

First – we will not change the gauge of the rails so there is no need to be afraid that the L gauge will disappear.

On the rechargeable battery box we have been working to get the best compromise between size and power. It has been decided that we will use a powerful Lithium Polymer battery and the size of the box will be 4 studs wide, 8 studs long and 4 studs high – this should fit in most of the trains.
The already existing standard LEGO transformer will be used to recharge and as the power supply.

The existing Power Functions RC Receiver already has integrated speed control. To enable the use of this we will make a newly designed RC handset with speed control capability.

All the above new Train related Power Functions items as well as the current battery train motor (with cross axles and wheels) will be available separately through LEGO Shop@Home before the Summer of 2009.

As you know we arranged a train workshop in November 2007 where ten AFOLs from around the world: Denmark, USA, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and United Kingdom participated, built with the prototype elements and also looked into ideas and possibilities for new train designs using the Power Function elements. Based on the outcome of this workshop and all the other fantastic input we got from the AFOL community over the last 6 months, our designers worked on the first train set using the new Power Functions system. This set will be truly aimed at the AFOL community to acknowledge the importance of the adult LEGO hobbyists in the LEGO train world.

This communication will be the last one regarding the transition from the 9V train system into the new Power Functions train system. Due to all the very valuable AFOL feedback we are far down the road with the development of the new elements and also the new train set. We appreciate all your efforts through this transition which we expect to be fully executed in 2009.

Stay tuned for the new LEGO train system coming in 2009.

Tormod Askildsen, Head of LEGO Community Development