Archive for the 'Building Techniques' Category

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This is NPU

I freely admit to getting frustrated by the amount of ‘NPU‘ (Nice Part Use) I see thrown around LEGO models. The acronym was originally used for a part being used cleverly in a different circumstance. Both these examples feature such a use. Nowadays it seems to be used for just about anything. This, dear readers, Continue reading →

[April Fools'!] Analysis of a blogworthy MOC

When we choose to blog a creation, we look for the quality of the build, the clarity of the photography, and how well the creation appeals to our personal tastes. While there’s still much subjectivity in these parameters, we hope that this example will elucidate what we consider to be a blogworthy MOC. • Color: Continue reading →

Tablescrap Robbery

Most people are satisfied with simply uploading a bad picture of their LEGO tablescraps and adding them to their group. Nothing so simple was on the agenda for Brent (thwaak). He arranged, narrated, photographed and edited. And I’m glad he did.

Beautiful curves of the Phenix

Christophe Corthay‘s Star Trek inspired Vulcan ship called the Phenix has some of the craziest curves I’ve seen. They’re crazy because not only are there so many rings, but they are also textured by SNOT techniques. I can’t imagine the amount of strain in this model, which could make it explode at any moment. But Continue reading →

Big is beautiful but small is sexy

For his LEGO models Pierre A. Fieschi dispenses with minifigs and builds small. But you’d never know it looking at the thumbnails for his models. In the last two weeks he’s posted 6 models and I recommend checking all of them out (and anything further back). This, dear readers, is how you build small. EDIT: Continue reading →

Looking to add a bit of weather to your scene?

Sean and Steph Mayo have provided an alternate shot of their snow effect that shows fabulous ideas for using parts, and gives insight as to how they accomplished their scene. I’m particularly fond of the icicles and the snow on the tree!

Awkward Dinner

In this comical vignette, Kevin Wise (WisrthanU) presents one of the best uses of the dummy fig along with an effective application of forced perspective.

Circle is the new square

There was a time when circular towers were the latest innovation in castle building, now Tyler (Legohaulic) builds castle on a circular base. I only remember one other creation that features this technique, and that was built several years ago. Filling the circle is difficult with rectangular LEGO bricks, but Tyler finds an effective solution Continue reading →

And the winner is….

….Iain Heath’s “Tastes like Zebra”! The contest was grueling and the entries were hysterical. The judges were judgmental and the winner loathes minifigs. All in all, it was a great contest! Congratulations to Iain and many thanks to all who entered. It really was a lot fun to watch and it was the easiest contest Continue reading →

Highly detailed LEGO Cutty Sark

I’ve never seen work by Henrik Hoexbroe but I’ve definitely been missing out. His 1:50 model of the Cutty Sark is one of the most beautiful and accurate LEGO sailing vessels I have ever seen. Most notably his mixing of studs-out sculpting and other techniques to create fluid shapes is a textbook demonstration of what Continue reading →

Kyomachiya – “capital town house”

Brickshelf user midnightcat built a detailed kyomachiya townhouse complete with a fully adorned interior. The technique of building the roof with a combination of cylinders and tiles create a good effect.

What’s the difference?

Q: What’s the similarity and difference between these two camels? A: Both are dead and one is skinned! Thanks to Sam W. (-infomaniac-), I’ll never be able to look at Lego camels the same again.

Central Station in Barsinghausen

Brickshelf user legorianer built a minifig scale version of an old train station from the early 20th century. The roof technique is simple and effective. Check out the entire gallery for construction photos.

Two for the track

It’s obviously my lucky day as, in addition to Rodney’s new model, Carl Greatrix (bricktrix) has delivered not one but two excellent freight wagons. And before someone complains there is no glue on those crossbars, just cleverness.

In Clover

This bike, by Karwick, reminds me of one I had as a kid. I loved that thing and this one is pretty cool too.