Monthly Archives: March 2013

Mad about LEGO

Completing a new model and posting the first pictures online is always a bit exciting. Seeing the model being blogged here is even more exciting. Now imagine getting the opportunity to contribute to this blog yourself.

It is with great pleasure that I introduce myself as the newest writer for TBB. I am a Dutchman and live in the Netherlands, but I spent several years living in the UK, where I was and still am an active member of The Brickish Association. Regular readers may know me as Mad physicist. I have been mad about LEGO since I could first put two bricks together and have built many different things, but nowadays I primarily build scale models of vehicles: cars, trucks, aircraft and helicopters.

For Model Show Europe (a show for scale models of heavy haulage and earth-moving equipment) that I attended yesterday, together with fellow Lowlug-members, I recently built this Dutch MAN truck with a step-frame trailer and a JCB backhoe.

With my aircraft building, I am currently having a bit of a Seventies kick and recently completed a US Marine Corps F-4 Phantom II in the bright markings that were typical for the period.

I will post about my own work now and then, but I am looking forward to seeing all the wonderful stuff all of you are up to, picking my favourites and sharing them with the world.

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A Different Kind of Pop-Up Book.

Mr. Tumnus leaps off the ABS page in this striking model by Noah McClung, or Glory Forever as he is known on Flickr. Noah picked just the right wintery scene to make the most of the book as a foundation.

The Sun Never Sets On The Mighty Jeep

Tonight’s TBB broadcast is brought to you by Jeep and the Jeep Grand Cherokee, all new for 2013. Built by Rolands Kirpis, better known as Rolic, the Grand Cherokee comes standard with working doors, hatch-back, and hood. I think one of the comments on Flickr, by TechnicNick, sums it up best: “An ordinary car done extraordinarily well.”

“A scoundrel, a liar, a cheat, a thief, a coward—and oh yes, a toady.”

Sir Harry Paget Flashman is a fictional hero created by author George MacDonald Fraser and a big inspiration for builder workshysteve. In this latest installment, Flashman finds himself in America circa 1858 and in the company of abolitionist John Brown just before his raid on Harpers Ferry. This shack is a good example of Steve’s ability to make the series-standard 14×14 base look twice as big.

Steve is up to 12 scenes and says that he is only about halfway through Flashman’s adventures in LEGO, so that means we have some great models to look forward to.

Build your own Tumbler and The Bat [Instructions]

I recently discovered two excellent models of the Tumbler and The Bat made by a Taiwanese Lego fan who goes by velociraptor. What interested me were the photo instructions he provided for both models, which you can view on Brickshelf (click on photo below) or Pockyland (Tumber and The Bat).

Flakpanzer!

Specifically the Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind SdKfz 161/4, by A. Bellón, A.K.A. Panzerbricks. Enjoy tonight’s slice of WW2 history, and check out the builder’s website if you’re interested in more of his work.

Swiss Army Knife

The Iron Builder throw-down between Simon Liu and Andrew Lee continues to produce great models, despite a challenging seed part. This time onosendai2600 draws blood with a clever rendition of perhaps the world’s most famous pocket knife / multi-tool.

Always bet on Blaq

Cole Blaq returns to the ivy covered halls of The Brothers Brick with this quadripedal pseudo-tachikoma simply called “daW.-G”. The builder would like to draw your ever inquisitive eye to the “working like radius and ulna”. My eye was drawn to this rarely used Wedge 4 x 2 x 1 1/3 with 1 x 4 Base.

Hey Becket, think fast!

James Pegrum or peggyjdb just posted a very immersive diorama called “Be careful what you wish for…” depicting the final moments in the life of Saint Thomas Becket. The setting for the recreated murder is Canterbury cathedral, which the builder has captured effectively with a variety of techniques.

James has been on a roll lately with these one shot historical scenes, former topics include: Margaret Thatcher moves into 10 Downing St., the death of Lord Nelson and a precedent setting case in English law.

Save $32 on LEGO Star Wars 9516 Jabba’s Palace

Amazon.com has discounted 9516 Jabba’s Palace, down $32 from $120 (27% off). With free shipping and no sales tax in most states, it’s a pretty sweet deal.

(Via FBTB.)

And if you’re still looking to complete the current Tatooine collection, 75005 Rancor Pit is also 13% off.

LEGO Bicycle

Flickr user Silva Vasil (Silvavasil_LEGO) takes a different approach than Chris did on the subject matter of bicycles. He has created a delicate and extremely elegant road bike where the vivid colours combined with the creative parts usage makes for a very pleasing model to view.

There are a few other views in the photoset on flickr

Set Zorcher to Shake’n’Bake

Blake Baer (Blake’s Baericks) created this scene for the ongoing MOCathalon. I am sure most people are like Blake (and myself), in that Spaceman Spiff is their favourite Calvin & Hobbes character. Well Blake not only did the intrepid space explorer justice, he also did a wonderful job of creating a beautiful alien landscape full of exotic flora.

Be sure to check out this full size image to to see all the amazing details.