Yearly Archives: 2012

When awesome inspires more awesome...

I think one of the best things about the online LEGO fan community is the amount of inspiration we give each other. I can think of countless times where upon seeing a model by another builder, I was inspired to have a crack at something similar.

A perfect example of this is Chandler Parker’s 1/100 scale AH-64D Apache, which he posted last week. The amount of detail he achieved at such a small scale is quite frankly amazing.

Upon seeing Chandler’s Apache, Mike Yoder (Phat Mike el Fabricante) decided to build a few for himself. But then in typical Mike fashion he has since gone on a run of building and has now also made a squadron of A-10 Warthogs and some tanks to blast to smithereens.

I am very much looking forward to where Chandler’s influence on Mike takes him next. I think he mentioned something about an AC-130 Spectre Gunship…which would make me a very happy boy :D

EDIT: Just realized I should also point out that Mike’s tanks were somewhat inspired by Pierre E Fieschi’s…this just keeps getting better and better!!

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The Steam is Strong with this One

Sean Jensen follows his terrific Steampunk X-Wing fighter with a brilliant take on that ubiquitous Imperial workhorse, the TIE Fighter. Giving Star Wars vehicles and characters a Steampunk makeover is nothing new, but Sean has nailed the precarious, ramshackle, and gilded style quite well. The chains governing the wings are quite a nice touch.

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.

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.

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:

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:

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.

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.

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.