September is one of my favorite times of year… not just as the start to cooler weather, leading to the best season of all, Fall; but also for the month-long LEGO building challenge known as SHIPtember. The goal is to build a spaceship that measures at least 100 studs in any dimension: length, width, or height. Or even diagonally (like a Borg cube). The only other constraint is that you must complete your ship within one month. The SHIP in SHIPtember stands for Seriously Huge Investment in Parts, and it shows in the final ships, which can stretch beyond the minimum into the 200-300 stud range. Having participated in SHIPtember for the last 10+ years, I can personally attest to both the challenge and the satisfaction in pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone as a LEGO builder, not to mention the incredibly supportive and collaborative community of SHIP builders around the world.
This year, the Brothers Brick will be taking a closer look at SHIPtember in the coming weeks, checking in with builders and sharing starships in progress before rounding up the SHIPs that launch for the stars at the end of the month.
Before we start our week one coverage, I should mention that some SHIPs are already done, as some builders, like college students, may not have full access to their collections during September, and start their SHIPs in August. As long as the builds stick to the 1-month requirement, they are every bit as eligible as those under construction now. I will also be sharing my own SHIPtember progress each week, at the end of each feature. With that out of the way, let’s jump into SHIPtember 2025 week 1!
The first week includes a lot of concept art or sketches to show what builders hope to accomplish, or where they are taking inspiration. Once the building starts, one of the key engineering problems to be solved is how to support the weight of your SHIP. Many builders start with a frame, which also serves as a measurement to ensure their final ship will meet the size requirements.
SHIPtember veteran Shannon Sproule started with one idea, and jumped right in on a frame… but when faced with the reality of their ambitions, quickly shifted to plan B. I really like the way Shannon documents progress with humor, a resource in short supply as the month draws on.
HUIB is working on 5-pointed SHIP modeled digitally, which at first glance looks to be a modest scale, but when you look at the size of those 5 wings, it’s practically 5 SHIPS in one. There is some serious engineering going on with that ship so far, and I’m loving it.
RevanBricks chose a sleek dagger-shaped ship concept art for their inspiration, and they have made some really good progress so far. One of the hidden features is a mechanism that will swing the wings from their forward position to the side to gain that 100 studs limit, similar to the U-wing from Star Wars.
Andre Odyssey is making great use of some green panels from the long-retired Football theme (soccer in the US) to build an Octan transport. That cockpit is looking like the perfect design for a fuel transport, giving tugboat in space vibes.
Sometimes unforeseen circumstances can lead to a SHIP build stalling out, but that didn’t stop Deus Otiosus from bringing back an older design to the shipyards to make its maiden voyage this year.
Martin Spunkt is starting with a pretty unique shape for their SHIP this year, with angled sections that have a very organic, shell-like look to them that reminds me of the Ohmu from Nausica of the Valley of the Wind. Off to a great start so far!
Long-time SHIP builder Yodamann started this year’s SHIP with a full-length triangle-shaped hull, making up almost the entire 100-stud requirement, and there is still engines and a cockpit left to go.
Umbra-Manis returns for a fourth SHIPtember with an ambitious plan to build a multi-hulled SHIP, and they’re off to a great start. Like many builders these days, they’re starting with a digital build, which is a great way to plan out a SHIP and then order any needed parts directly from Bricklink.
Well, if you ever wondered what a flying whale skeleton would look like, wonder no more, as this very unusual vertical SHIP by H, another first SHIPtember build, answers the question. The ship is built in and around the bones of a giant space whale. Another fantastic entry!
LegendKeeper has joined the SHIP builders guild with a freshman entry that is quite impressive. So far, the side view reminds me of a Nubian hyperdrive combined with the Milano from Gaurdians of the Galaxy. Great job on your first SHIPtember so far! I’m looking forward to seeing the engines that power this beast.
For my ship this year, I want to build essentially a flying wing, similar in shape to Snoke’s flagship, but at minifig scale. I’m challenging myself to create a frame design that sets the ship at a downward-facing angle, like it is just starting a bombing run. This will be my 12th year participating and my 15th SHIP. Each year I try to push myself beyond my comfort zone as a builder, and the community has always been supportive and encouraging.
We’ll be back soon wih progress reports and new entrants during another exciting SHIPtember!