Making Ma.K while the sun still shines

LEGO Ma.K SAFS by .Tromas on FlickrA new super-ship by Pierre is a tough act to follow, but here goes anyway!

I find it incredibly challenging both to build on a deadline and to build within someone else’s aesthetic — I’ve managed to avoid both over the years. I’d admired LEGO creations inspired by Maschinen Krieger for a long time, and I’m reasonably sure I ran across the original Kow Yokoyama kits in hobby shops back in Japan in the 80’s, but I’d never tried my hand at the theme.

At the end of September, I decided it was time to seek my fortune in greener pastures (yup, I’m available!), taking a few weeks off to look for a new gig. Thus, with more “LEGO time” than I normally have, the Ma.Ktoberfest build challenge organized by TR and Pascal seemed like the perfect opportunity to participate.

Faced with a big pile of curvy bricks, I got into the Ma.K spirit by pumping out a few variations on TR’s wonderful SAFS (Super Armored Fighting Suit) design. As much as I love all the hyper-detailed suits at larger scales, I think TR’s design is absolutely perfect for minifig-scale.

This “Wolverine” anti-air unit is based on an original design by B. Kreuger of Maschinen Krueger, where I found quite a lot of inspiration and reference.

S.A.F.S.F. Wolverine Air Defense Unit (1)

But building a few small hardsuits wasn’t what I set out to do; reproducing one of Maschinen Krieger originator Kow Yokoyama’s designs was high on my list of Ma.Ktoberfest priorities. Perhaps a big curvy hovertank might’ve been simpler than the fiddly bits in this automated reconnaissance robot, but I’m fairly pleased with my “Neuspotter”.

Ma.K NS465 Neuspotter (1) Ma.K NS465 Neuspotter (3)

Ultimately though, I wanted to create an original design of my own that still felt like it could be from the Maschinen Krieger universe. My “Kookaburra” incorporates pneumatic tanks underneath a sand-green cowling. Oddly, I’m proudest of the detailed base and crew…

Ma.K "Kookaburra" (1)

Here’s the Kookaburra on patrol with another variation on TR’s SAFS design, a space-based electronic warfare version I’m calling the Growler.

Kookaburra & Growler on patrol

You can see all of my Ma.Ktoberfest contributions in my photoset on Flickr.

So, having overcome two of my building blocks — deadlines & others’ aesthetics — I think it’s time to treat myself to that Ma.Ktoberfest T-shirt that TR designed!

3 comments on “Making Ma.K while the sun still shines

  1. Detroitika

    You know, MaK is certainly a very cool style and inspiration material that makes for lots of excellent models–With yet more talent shown in this post. Forgive me, but is it possible we could see a bit more of other things? This is the FIFTH many-creation’d MaK post in the last week. I understand the interest, and the theme interests me, but not to the point of 23 photos of similarily-styled stuff on the front page of one of the best Lego blogs. Just a little, not very urgent request for only 1, maybe 2 more MaK posts, thanks! :)

  2. Detroitika

    Oh I realize, I was just hoping for a few other highlights. And I know how Novvember is, I remember when Nnenn pretty much owned the front page on any given day :)

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