Posts by Matthew Kay

A terrific tower of Amsterdam

Located in Amsterdam, the A’DAM Tower is more than just a simple office block. Sitting atop of the office block is the A’DAM LOOKOUT, an observation deck featuring a restaurant and an “over the edge swing” among other attractions. Originally opened in 1971 as the headquarters of Royal Dutch Shell, the tower’s observation deck and other new features opened in 2016.

According to the builder, Flickr user Erwin te Kortschot, this LEGO model was constructed as the result of a commission by Dutch company Kawneer Netherlands. As in real life, this LEGO model places the central mass of the structure at an angle when compared to both the base and the observation deck. As any LEGO builder knows, building at angles with rectangular bricks can be a challenge. This model serves as an example of what is possible though.

ADAM tower (Polyclose 2)

LEGO classic space meets classic video games

Of all the two-dimensional fixed shooter games out there, Space Invaders is probably the most well known and well loved. Considering Space Invaders came out in 1978 and classic LEGO space sets like 487-1 Space Cruiser started coming out that year, it only makes sense to fuse two, and dario minisini has done just that.

Featuring some rather deft usage of various minifig parts, this build is incredibly tiny but it packs a punch and does its job of transporting us back to a time when the sideburns were longer and the internet less… in existence. Be sure to spot the usage of syringes and flippers on the spaceship and minifig hands as the “aliens”.

Retro and Red [Instructions]

What’s retro, red, super spiffy, and something that you can build with conveniently downloadable PDF instructions? Chris McVeigh‘s latest LEGO range and refrigerator models, of course! Chris is well-known for his LEGO renditions of real world things. Like his lineup of retro technology building kits, for instance. His rendition of a retro range and refrigerator lives up to his reputation for clean, sleek lines and wonderful parts usage.

Retro Range, Refrigerator

Find links to instructions to build these models after the break!

Perfectly pieced together

Every LEGO build starts somewhere. In the case of “Reverend Frantic” by Eero Okkonen, everything started with the chest. Eero notes on his blog that the build began with the inspiration for the chest, which is composed of two red big-fig arms. It’s a very curious piece to use as the chest of a figure, however the curvature of the element really adds fantastic visual interest to this build.

From the use of skeleton arms as fingers, to turning the 4-way lug wrench piece on the chest into what appears to be a cross when combined with a lightsaber blade holder… there’s quite a bit going on here the more you look.

Reverend Frantic

A terrific and terse temple

Meriamm-Webster says that terse means “using few words : devoid of superfluity” or alternatively “smoothly elegant”. Andreas Lenander’s temple creation is a terse LEGO build if I’ve ever seen one. Not one piece is wasted and not one piece seems to be out of place or excessive. What could be described as a minimum viable amount of rock work composes the base, and dark red leaves on the very bottom add a nice flourish and help to soften the rocky edges as they meet the monochromatic grey background.

Temple in the sky

Mesmerizing LEGO Kinetic Art with Video [Instructions]

Kinetic art is fascinating to me for both the seemingly impossible nature of its function as well its ability to evaporate a similarly impossible amount of time from the lives of those who are awestruck watching it. This video of a LEGO kinetic sculpture by aeh5040 is sure to entrance anyone who dares press play.

If you’d like to make your own copy of this piece of LEGO kinetic art, you’re in luck. Check out instructions and related materials for this build over on Rebrickable.

A whimsical world with a waterfall

Whether in person or through the tubes and pipes of the internet, looking at a LEGO castle diorama has always been somewhat akin to viewing a renaissance painting in an art gallery for me. Like many great medieval artworks, there’s always so many things happening, and so many visually foreign and intriguing things occuring all at once — so much to take in. Brickwielder‘s latest build is filled to the brim with fun details and nifty building techniques. From the waterfall to the winding staircase, the bridge, or even all the foliage, there’s enough here to get lost.

The Summerset Isles- Brickvention 2018

“I just get inspired by LEGO bricks” — 10260 Downtown Diner designer video [News]

The latest addition to the range of modular sets, 10260 Downtown Diner, features some new and unique design elements not seen in earlier sets in the series. With the recently released designer video and the glimpse it gives to the designers behind the set, it’s pretty easy to see why. Mike Psiaki and Carl Merriam are two well known builders from the fan commmunity who now work as official LEGO designers, and it’s great to see their talents being put use on sets like the Downtown Diner.

While the video is full of fun moments and insights, one line from Mike probably resonates with all LEGO builders out there:

“Honestly it sounds it sounds silly to say, but I just get inspired by LEGO bricks. I start to look at things around me and I just think ‘oh man that you know the the 1×6 sloped brick inverted bow – it would be perfect to recreate the back of that bus.'”

10260 Downtown Diner will be available from LEGO Shop at Home starting on Jan. 1 for $169.99 USD. Add it to your wishlist now in their US store as well as their UK one.

Harmonious holiday brick baubles

Acclaimed LEGO builder Markus Rollbühler is no stranger to making neat brick Christmas ornaments. We’ve covered some of his previous exploits in the genre before, and this year he’s back with an adorable new batch of ornaments that all make touching nods to the LEGO sets of yesteryear.

Iconic LEGO Set Christmas Ornaments

From the photo’s description, we learn exactly what set each ornament (from left to right) depicts…

1. 396 Thatcher Perkins Locomotive (1976)

2. 6285 Black Seas Barracuda (1989)

3. 6973 Deep Freeze Defender (1993)

4. The sub from 6195 Neptune Discovery Lab (1995) and 6135 Spy Shark (1996)

5. 5571 Giant Truck “Black Cat” (1996)

6. 8480 Space Shuttle (1996)

7. 6098/6091 King Leo’s Castle (2000)

A sleigh to avoid dismay

In justin_m_winn‘s latest build, it seems that Santa is having a bit of a tough time tending to all of his obligations this time of year. What will the children of the world do? Have no fear, Benny is here! With the help of some jet-powered reindeer and a spiffy Classic Space sleigh, he should be able to make sure that everything is ok.

Santa's Little Helper, Helper, HELPER!

 

A never before seen santa scene

Santa is usually found at the front of a sleigh piled high with presents, racing across the sky – not slumped out on a bench with some treats scattered around and a wad of cash in his pocket. DOGOD Brick Design‘s take on jolly old Saint Nick conforms to the latter version of events though.

nEO_IMG_01

While we might not be able to give insight into Santa’s mental state in this scene, we can very easily appreciate how thoughtfully designed this build is. From the shaping of the santa figure, to the look of the bench, to the wonderful upscaled light post – there’s a lot to appreciate here.

The wonderful world of warehouses

Warehouses are one of those things that make modern life go around. They’re also one of those things that most people will never step inside but could not live without. If you’re among the warehouse curious, Norton74‘s recent build is just for you. From the shelving, to the pallets, to the equipment – this build incorporates all the quintessential elements of a warehouse.

Warehouse Life | loading/unloading

After studying this model for a while, one thing that immediately stands are the variety of different forklift models shown. Considering this whole build was a commission for a forklift truck company, that’s not entirely surprising. Exploring other photos from the builder reveals some additional forklift and hand truck models that didn’t make it into the the scene above.

Warehouse Life | forklift and pallet truck full range