Category Archives: Building Techniques

Not sure what SNOT is? Want to learn innovative new ways to create awesome LEGO models of your own? Peruse our posts about LEGO building techniques to pick up tricks & tips from the best.

A Priory Brick

Now here’s a gorgeous bit of medieval architecture by Paul Vermeesch. Paul says this lovely seaside monastery was inspired by his deft modding of Bombur’s hair into a tonsure. The white and medium-dark flesh tones of the building give a wonderfully refreshing feeling that’s different than the gritty, disheveled look so many castle builders aim for, and the stone-work on the cliff is a mastery of the technique. Paul even took a shot of his concept sketch for the diorama, showing us a bit of his thought-process.

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LEGO underground train with working platform and train doors. And more.

As though making a very nice looking cutaway street scene with an underground Metro (subway for our US readers) train wasn’t enough, serial genius Esben Kolind has gone several better. His Metro train and station uses NXT, technic and a load of smarts to feature sliding doors which open when the train hits the station. But wait there’s more. Not content with just having the train doors open, the station doors open at the same time, preventing minifig suicide, and impressing the pants off onlookers. And to lift (excuse the pun) his game, Esben also adds a working elevator.

Tiny Delights

These tiny space planes by Griffin! are fantastic models. At micro scale, every piece used counts, and this builder has made sure to choose carefully. Every element used in this creation appears to have a purpose, represents an important part of the ship, and contributes to the overall aesthetic. I think my favorite detail may be the binoculars as intakes, but the minifig skis as the fuselage are also fantastic.

A Clever Presentation

This castle display by The Brick Time Team is a pretty attractive display. There is a lot of detail, and the edges of the display are decorated quite nicely. What really sets it apart however, is its modular nature. With this configuration, the builders can quickly convert this display into a variety of options. I think there’s a lot of potential here for expansion.

High School Girl Sculpture

Moko has, in my not entirely humble opinion, dominated the world of competitive LEGO sculptural figure making. Which is, to say, that he does them well, and this one is no exception. I’m pretty sure this one needs a “kawaii!”.

You Don’t Have to Build Big

You don’t have to build big to build awesome. This sweet ride by Brian Kescenovitz is a marvel of cool techniques used at an incredibly small scale.

Happy Valentine’s from TBB

Here’s wishing you a Happy Valentine’s day from us here at The Brothers Brick, featuring this fantastic shadow heart by Ben Pillen.

Would you like an olive?

The range of parts in the new olive green colour is pretty limited. But that appears to be no setback at all for Chris (Ironsniper) who, it looks like, used the constraints to inspire the design of his Honda カメレオン. I’ve tagged this one into building techniques too as ‘cladding’ in a rare colour is a useful technique for anyone.

Sine Mora Aircraft by Peter Morris

Peter L. Morris was commissioned by Digital Reality to build LEGO examples of some of the aircraft from their XBOX Live game Sine Mora. Peter’s unique starfighter style translated very well for both of these planes. Big congrats to Peter on the commission, and a job well done!

You can download instructions if you would like to build your own copies.

Ouch! Quit pulling my beard.

Michael Jasper (mijasper) is no stranger to TBB. His creative uses of odd-ball parts are always elegant examples of what can be done with LEGO. His latest desk makes brilliant use of the printed 1×1 plates from the Minecraft set as well as the new ice cream cone from Friends…not to mention the lipstick usage!

Making Time: LEGO Ball Clock by Jason Allemann

Here’s a really gorgeous piece of horological gadgetry. Not satisfied with those giant LEGO minifigure digital clocks, Jason Allemann has built a mechanical timepiece worthy of any classy desk. Better yet, he’s made a video showing it in motion and given lots of details on how it works.

Zizy Madness

Anyone interested in mecha and unfamiliar with Zi zy‘s work should remedy that now by going carefully through his photostream. He is one of the original, and still best, masters of the small mecha. His latest offerings are no exception, ranging from ‘standard’ mecha like below, through to transformers in the same scale. Hot stuff.