Monthly Archives: March 2012

May the odds be ever in your favor!

For this LEGO scene from The Hunger Games, Brian (Âtin) takes his inspiration not from the movie due out later this week but from what he imagined while reading the book. Effie Trinket announces the tributes from the coal-mining District 12 in “Grim Reapings.”

Grim Reapings

*SPOILERS FOLLOW*

(I haven’t quite figured out what to think about The Hunger Games, which I admit to reading recently. Is it a classic like Lord of the Flies or another Twilight — which my wife and I read together for the lulz? Personally, I liked the characterizations and plot of the first book, and I think the overall story arc has potential within a truly unique fictional universe, but I set the trilogy aside partway through Catching Fire when one of the primary points of conflict appeared to be poor Katniss Everdeen’s tough, tough choice between two boys who like her. Team Gale! Team Peeta! Meh. Still, I’ll finish the trilogy at some point and might even consider checking out the movie.)

Transforming LEGO Game Boy & Tetris + bonus Super Mario 3 Fireflower level

Though we’re a tad behind the interwebs on this one, we wanted to make sure to highlight this excellent transforming Game Boy by Julius von Brunk.

LEGO Game Boy Transformer

Read more on Julius’ blog and check out lots more pics — including the tiny transforming Tetris — on MOCPages or deviantART.

Of course, we’d be remiss in our blog duties if we didn’t also highlight Julius’ carefully rendered LEGO version of the “Fireflower” level from Super Mario 3:

LEGO Super Mario 3 Fireflower level

The tiny photo doesn’t do the massive model justice, so click through for all the details.

The magic of Merlin

It was very hard choosing a shot of this beautiful Merlin HC3 chopper by Simon T. James. Every picture shows off something new and lovely about this angled masterpiece. And it’s constructed in dark green too making the shaping challenge that little bit harder.

Merlin HC3: a hard day at the office 4

Thanks to TR for the tip.

Dazzling Lego DeLorean

Alex Jones’ (“Orion Pax”) Back to the Future DeLorean looks like an actual diecast model rather than a Lego creation. Despite the spray-painted hull, it’s still a legit build due to the skillful customization job.

DELOREAN

Nausicaä leads the Valley gunship into battle

One of my favorite vehicles designed by Hayao Miyazaki is the gunship from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. This LEGO version by Jon Hall captures all the iconic details, from the rounded, swept-back wings to the unique landing gear.

Valley Gunship 01

RAILBRICKS 11 Released

The latest edition of RAILBRICKS has just been released and, as usual, it’s chock full of good articles for LEGO train fans and AFOLs in general. You can get a low resolution copy here or follow the picture below for more options.

A monument for all time

The technique that I used for the pillar in this creation is a new variation of the SNOT round tower technique, which is described in detail in John Boozer’s tutorial on MOCpages.

The Pillar of Flesh

Plants vs Plumbers

Enjoy this mashup of Plants vs Zombies and Mario by Chris McVeigh (powerpig).

Plants vs Plumblers!

Towering ruins

Kevin Fedde (Crimson Wolf) rebuilt his original La Isla de los Tiburones and the improvements are obvious. The elevation of the tower above the rocks makes the MOC more interesting to look at.

La Isla de los Tiburones

The Grey Havens from The Lord of the Rings

Sam W. (-infomaniac-) created an incredible forced perspective shot of the scene from The Lord of the Rings depicting the departure from Middle Earth. The reflection of the sun in the water is simply brilliant.

The Grey Havens

The Cult of Lego book available in French

The French version of The Cult of Lego book is scheduled to be available in June, but the publisher needs your support to fund its publication by pre-ordering a copy. It would be nice to see a strong showing from the French Lego community.

10225 UCS R2-D2 – new LEGO Star Wars exclusive [News]

LEGO has just officially unveiled the newest addition to their Ultimate Collector Series of LEGO Star Wars models, the opinionated astromech droid we all know and love, 10225 R2-D2. Artoo ships in May 2012 for 180 USD and includes 2,127 parts.

10225 R2-D2 (1)

Tons more pictures showing off details and functionality in the photoset on Flickr.

Here’s the full press release:

10225 R2-D2™

Ages 16+. 2,127 pieces.
US $179.99 CA $229.99 UK 149.99 £ DE 179.99 € DK 1499 DKK

Presenting the Ultimate Collector Series R2-D2™ – the best-loved droid in the Star Wars galaxy!

Presenting the iconic R2-D2 as you’ve never seen him before! Everyone’s favorite droid from the Star Wars galaxy is now part of the Ultimate Collector Series and features fantastic detailing, such as retractable third leg, front panels that open to reveal a universal computer interface arm and a circular saw, rotating head and 2 fold-out front spacecraft linkage control arms. With the included fact plaque and R2-D2 minifigure, this diminutive model is the perfect addition to your LEGO® Star Wars™ collection!

  • Ultimate Collector Series R2-D2™!
  • Features retractable third leg!
  • Front panels open to reveal a universal computer interface arm and circular saw!
  • Features realistic rotating head!
  • R2-D2 features 2 fold-out front spacecraft linkage control arms!
  • Includes fact plaque and R2-D2 minifigure!
  • Measures over 12” (31 cm) high and 7” (18 cm) wide!

Available for sale beginning May 2012

only at shop.LEGO.com, LEGO® Stores or via phone.

Here’s the designer interview video: