Monthly Archives: June 2012

Quite a lovely LUV

Let’s be honest here, on any given day there is nearly an endless supply of military models posted on fan sites. As a result I am sure that many brilliant creations are overlooked while quickly browsing through the mass. But every now and again you are pleasantly surprised with little gems like Andrew Somer’s Sandcat LUV.

'Sandcat' LUV

Andrew says that he is kind of ‘iffy’ on the camo scheme. I couldn’t disagree more. This really has to be one of the most polished patterns I have seen in some time. Paint job aside, the thing that really stands out to me is the amount of fun details that Andrew integrated (something he always seems to do so well).

So moral of the story folks: Next time you see yet another LEGO tank…click that thumbnail, it just might put a smile on your face :)

Planet of the Apes

I am probably showing my age here… but this scene from Moritz  (Nolnet) is just a perfect representation of an iconic scene from a classic movie.

Planet of the Apes

As soon as I saw the Lady Liberty in the minifigs series I knew this needed to be done… and nolnet “finally really did it”… the maniac ;-)

EDIT:  It would seem that we have another builder going Ape… Sean Jensen (Steadibrick , yes the guy who did the Steam Tie Fighter) just posted this prior to displaying it at Brickworld:

You Maniacs!

It is great to see two completely different styles used to achieve the same effect.  Personally I think they are both brilliant.

New Gears of War gets the custom treatment

Some may already know me but I am Jas (Jasbrick on Flickr) and I have an unhealthy obsession with mutilating ABS plastic.  I promise that this fixation will not divert me from highlighting unadulterated creations, but I thought it fitting that my first official post involves customisation… and what better way to start than with pure brilliance:

Gear Project Update

Andrew (Pecovam on Flickr) is a talent that I have been watching closely over the last year and this image of his Gears of War project is all the reason you need to see why.  This project combines all the best aspects of the customisers art, with flawless sculpting, painting, combinations and even an MOC by Legohaulic to just add the cherry to the cake.

There are more pictures of his work on Flickr and any aspiring customisers can use this to see how it should be done… and us Gearheads can just drool at the COG goodies he is working on.

Happy days in Atlantis

I have much respect for Paul Hetherington (Brickbaron) and his highly detailed dioramas that often include elements in motion. This whimsical envisioning of Atlantis features dancing mermaids, moving statues, and a surprise in the giant clam.

P1040734

The Rumblings Within

Flickr user Deus Otiosus has been building some really terrific castle dioramas lately, and his newest caught my eye in particular, with its extraordinary rock sculpting, which is a technique I’ve never seen used on that scale before. Also worth mentioning are the lovely dragon wings.

To see Anselm Castle

It’s just a slice, a small portion of the bigger picture, but it’s beautiful. Mark has posted a portion of the wall and inner city for Anselm Castle, a collaborative build between he and his brother. I definitely encourage you to take a look at some of the exquisite detail!

HURRY... HURRY... HURRY...

Brickfete

Janey “Red Brick” Gunning asked us to share this message about Brickfete :)

Last chance! Don’t delay. This means YOU!
You have just one week to register for the biggest and best (and only) CANADIAN AFOL Convention!

Aside from seeing all the cool LEGO creations and meeting all the
awesome builders… attending Brickfete gets you so SO MUCH MORE!!
Including access to all our games and activities!!!

You can look forward to our Auction, Build Challenges, Brick Trivia,
Various Contests (such as Sugar Pie, Pimp My Moose, Custom Fig,
Miniland Figure, Cube Dude, Life of George, Speed Build, Speed Sort
and Heroes), plus Dirty Brickster and his dirtier little brother,
Dirty MOCster.

You are invited to play in the “Look What I Made!” free build area or
enter (or watch) our Mindstorms & IR/RC Games (such as Fire Fighting,
Pit of Despair and Techball).

But THATS NOT ALL… we have raffles at both Opening & Closing
Ceremonies, presentations, our very own keynote speaker (Waves at
Kevin.)

Plus if you act now! Your very own Brickfete engraved brick and other
event bag goodies.

Don’t delay in booking, operators are standing by now!
www.brickfete.com/AFOL/event

Home Insurance Building

My friend Gordan Grguric just finished his long term project – Home Insurance Building in Chicago. Built in 1884, it is considered to be the World’s first skyscraper – you can read more on the topic on Wikipedia. As the building was demolished, Gordan used old photographs and postcards to reproduce it in LEGO bricks.

Model counts more than 80.000 bricks, and is completely modular – separates into 60 segments for easier transportation. It will be displayed on Brickworld in Chicago for the first time, so if you’re near, be sure to visit.

If it’s too close to be blasted apart, we’ll squish it ‘neath our treads.

A solid day’s work fruited this MOC, and I’m decently satisfied with it to share on the blog. It started as an idea to use the new dark brown treads on a tank mech, but I didn’t have any so I substituted black ones. Seeing as they complement the other colors well and especially the black neck collar, I decided to keep them.

Bruiser Tactical Tank Mech

Spunky Little Roadster, Rumble Bee

Thirdwigg, inspired by using his F1 wheels, created this spunky little 3 wheeled, remote controlled Power Function Roadster.  He packs the battery pack, receiver, and self centering steering into a compact frame.  Notably, he mounted the XL Power Function Motor in the hub of the drive wheel.  Check out the video.

The Trinity is 3 kinds of cool.

If you are familiar with legoalbert then you know that you can expect lots of colours and interesting shapes from his creations. He certainly makes that apparent with his latest model, The Trinity.

The Trinity

By utilizing an asymmetric colour scheme, subtle but effective stickering, and a creative shape, he makes a very interesting little spacecraft. He describes it as a shuttle for a cyberpunk thug, and I think that is a perfect description. Also gotta appreciate working landing gear at this scale :D

New LEGO Exclusive – Monster Fighters 10228 Haunted House

This new addition to the Monster Fighters theme is due out from LEGO Shop at Home in September, and, frankly, I can’t wait. This model looks great! I bet you could plop it down next to the Cafe Corner series of buildings, and it’d fit in perfectly (though it might bring neighboring property values down). Not only is it a cool design, but it looks chock full of great parts, including zombie heads on the columns!

10228 NA 6012520.indd

Without further ado, here’s the text from LEGO:

10228 Haunted House
Ages 14+. 2,064 pieces.
US $179.99 CA $199.99 DE 149.99 € UK 119.99 £ DK 1499 DKK
Enter the Haunted House at your peril!
The crooked Haunted House is home to the scariest ghosts and monsters. Tremble in fear as you open the gate, go weak at the knees as you step onto the porch and gasp in horror at the fireplace, kitchen, office, folding staircase, bedroom, potion room, music room and collection of other creepy objects. Dare you enter the Haunted House?!
• Add to your LEGO® Monster Fights Collection with the first officlal LEGO® Haunted House!
• Includes 6 minifigures: 2 glow-in-the-dark ghosts, Vampyre, Vampyre’s Bride, Zombie chef and butler
• Features unique ‘crooked’ design featuring boarded up windows and working front gate.
• Haunted House opens to reveal detailed interior with 3 floors.
• First floor features fireplace that swings open and displays a ship in a bottle on the mantle.
• Cook up a ghoulish meal with the Zombie chef in the kitchen complete with old-style stove, jars and table.
• Write letters from the Vampyre’s haunted office.
• Pull the lever hidden in the chimney to release the drop down staircase and access the top floor.
• Top floor features gramophone, records and newspaper LEGO® elements.
• Customize the Haunted House with new stickers for wall hangings, spider webs and curtains.
• Measures 15.4” (39cm) high, 9.4” (24cm) wide and 7.5” (19cm) deep