I’m loving this little tachikoma by Lord Dane. It’s another creative new use for the figure bases from the new Toy Story army men set. Even if it’s not quite as brilliant as the motorcycle we featured recently, it still looks good, and makes use of an otherwise useless part. Better still, this tachikoma is true to the inspiration from Ghost in the Shell, and can accommodate a minifig.
That’s right, it’s a new contest, over at classic-space.com. The challenge, put your brick where your mouth is. People love to talk about how they could do a better job designing a LEGO set than the folks at LEGO do. So here’s the challenge, DO IT! Build a great space set! Mark Stafford, a designer at LEGO, has graciously offered to serve as a judge for this contest, but it is NOT an official LEGO contest. LEGO didn’t put me up to this, and they won’t be taking any of your ideas and turning them into sets. There will be prizes, though, thanks to Steve Witt. Each size category winner will receive a space set of that size.
More details are here.
Fredoichi brings us a very cool mecha. While I’m not sure I can imagine something with such large feet running without tripping, I love the looks of this thing. I’ve been very busy lately, and waited more than a week to post about this sucker, but I think it’s worth the wait.
This is a small model, and it doesn’t use too many parts, but every one is purposefully placed. Also, in this model, the space between parts is a great source of detail. There are a few spots where a couple of small parts are used, rather than a single larger piece, resulting in more seams between parts, for an increased level of detail. Negative space people, it works!
Rodney Bistline (Busterr) can always be counted on for an interesting creation. His space ships usually tend towards the fun, cartoonish side. Today he’s given us something different, instead of a space action hero, it’s a ship from the dawn of man’s steps into the stars.
This thing is half space probe, half fighter. As such, the name is very appropriate, although the Trekkie in me might have preferred “V’ger.” This ship has a fascinating asymmetry, but still manages to feel balanced. I’m probably the only person who remembers the star fighters from the opening of Lost In Space, but this ship reminds me of them.
Yes please. I really like the shape of this new ship by Ed Diment (Lego Monster). I’m often a fan of forward swept wings, so that’s a plus there. The chunkiness of the nose is also pleasing, and seems to be in keeping with the general aesthetic of the old Futuron sets. The addition of a ground crew shows an extra dedication to the build that’s nice to see.
Will this be the first in a long string of creations? I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
T.Oechsner still has the Neo Classic Space bug, and now he’s spread the theme to a motorcycle. He’s captured the look perfectly. He’s used old school bubble shaped tires, managed to create a frame over fender look. He’s also managed to get the right chunky and functional look common to that theme. Also, the red just looks sharp.
In the meantime, I built a far less impressive rocketbike. I guess bike fever has different effects on different people.
Ok, so maybe this creation has nothing to do with the villains from GI Joe, but I still want to shout “Cobra!” when I see it.
This fantastic rendition of an automotive classic was posted on Flickr by _lichtblau_. He’s really captured the look of the racing icon. In fact, when I saw the thumbnail image on Flickr, I thought this was a die cast model. I never build copies of other people’s models, but I’m seriously tempted to do so with this.
Zach Clapsadle just posted this crazy looking ship. While I can’t approve of the painted canopy pieces, I’m letting it slide because of the shape of the ship. It’s just so interesting!
The shape is unconventional, and looks swooshable and fun. I’m always a fan of intakes on ships, and this thing doesn’t disappoint in that department. It also does a great job of mixing studs and studless construction. Each stud appears to have been placed with a thoughtful mind.
That’s right folks, it’s a sad day. LEGO is putting an end to their Window to the Community program, which allowed fans to install displays in LEGO Brand Retail stores. Fortunately, all is not lost, Steve Witt and others at LEGO are working on developing a new program for interaction between the stores and the fans.
Here’s the message from Steve:
Hey everyone,
I’m mailing you because your club is involved with the Window into the community. Many of you have probably seen the rumors that the Window into the Community are going to be removed from the LEGO Brand Retail stores. Well, I’m sad to say that its true, but it isn’t the whole story.
The Windows needed to come out because the stores are desperate for the space and on top of that we (upper management and me) have been looking for a way to morph the existing strategy for Club store interaction into something that creates a better experience for the entire Club instead of just one person at a time.
I want to assure you guys that just because the Window is leaving doesn’t mean something else isn’t going to take it’s place. I just wanted to make sure you guys had some information from me.
We have a basic plan ready to implement soon but we’re also still growing the ideas. If you have anything that you and your club would really desire to do in/with a store please respond to this email as all ideas will be considered as we try to grow the new version of AFOL/Brand Retail interaction into something even more interesting and fun than we’ve ever had before.
Steve
While this creation may not quite be Grimlock from the Transformers, it IS a robotic Tyrannosaurus Rex. Built by Alyse and Remi (or maybe only one of them, but it’s a shared flickr account) this creation really packs in the details. Plus, it’s got style.
I’m enjoying the mix of functional and decorative on this model. Many of the joints are geared, but there appear to be others used for visual effect. The various bar shapes lead to an image of a cage over the functional bits. Add in a perfectly expressive face (after all, a T-Rex should only have to look scary) and you’re left with a truly excellent creation.
Over on Flickr, Car_MP has just posted a great rendition of one of the more adorable pieces of Japanese culture. Although I’m more partial her boyfriend Dear Daniel, for obvious reasons, it’s hard not to be a fan of this creation.
This would also be great in the Big In Japan display that The Brothers Brick is organizing for Brickcon 2010.
Carter Baldwin has been busy building, or rather, he’s been slowly agonizing over this creation. I saw it as a work in progress way back at BrickFair in August of 2009. This thing has come a long way since then, with many more details being packed in, and a completely enclosed bottom.
This ship is inspired by those of the Homeworld games, like so many good space creations seem to be. This ship has some great areas of transition between angled sections, and there are plenty of nicely angled sections. Carter has also made good use of printed elements and brick-built details, in addition to the now-popular stickers.
