Category Archives: Models

This is what we’re all about. We scour the web for the best custom LEGO models to share with you. From castles and spaceships to planes, trains, and automobiles, you’ll find the best LEGO creations from builders all over the world right here on The Brothers Brick.

Rugged rover ready for a dust-up

Now here’s a technique we haven’t seen before… using chalk on your bricks. Stephan Niehoff‘s armoured personnel carrier has a wonderful dusty and stained feel. The added weathering pulls all the grey together into a cohesive whole and ensures the brighter-coloured elements fit in by muting their tones. It looks great, but at first glance I thought the bricks had been drybrush-painted like a scale model kit. However, working with chalk means the bricks can be dusted down and re-used. I’m still not sure it counts as a “LEGO-purist” technique, but it certainly adds a level of realism and visual interest to the model.

There are some other nice details on display here beyond the use of chalk. Don’t miss the cut tubing around the hatches at the front, and those Technic “half-pipe” connectors poking up along the sides at the rear. I’m also a fan of the functional-looking hatches, and the rear lights — too many builders don’t consider the practicalities of regular driving when they build things like this. After all, even the most rugged-looking rover needs to obey the rules of the road on its way to the battlefield.

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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.

Headz up for more Rebel heroes

I have a feeling that the BrickHeadz series still has a pretty long lifespan with the amount of flexibility and simplicity of its appeal to the masses, reinforced by the upcoming 41597 Go Brick Me customization kit. The Star Wars franchise is no stranger to this trend, and we see a healthy amount of creativity that stands out, including these BrickHeadz of Admiral Ackbar, Biggs Darklighter, and Leia Organa. Tom Vanhaelen designed this trio, and really hit the nail on the head with that ‘stash. That printed moustache tile has “I belong to Biggs” written all over it.

Living room design ideas for minifigures

If I were a minifigure living in a LEGO world, I’d hire Finnish builder Heikki M. right off the bat! He has a knack for building realistic-looking indoor scenes that could fool you if you didn’t look close enough, and this is yet another of his amazing constructs. The trick seems to be to keep the lines clean and void of studs (except as intentional texturing) and to include everyday things to make it look as homely as possible. I think I even spotted an Eames Lounge chair with an ottoman with a slightly altered base!

Microscale multi-purpose cargo shuttle

LEGO dropships are a favorite subject for many sci-fi fans of both movies and video games. While this particular model by Oscar Cederwall is original, it does seem to take some inspiration from the dropship featured in Aliens, which also includes a deployable vehicle.

The craft features some heavy-duty thrusters, along with great color accents like the orange stripes. A mini-drone, cargo, and a vehicle with some nice details like steering, round out the scene. Some Modulex pieces make great stand-ins for cargo pods.

Poseable Micro Millennium Falcon [Instructions]

One can never have too many versions of the Millennium Falcon be it official LEGO sets or fan-made ones. Here’s another one to add to your collection made together with a poseable stand designed by elemental_lego. This tiny Falcon build requires 57 parts in total and captures the essential details. We pretty much would guess Chewbacca’s approval on this tiny piece of junk. In his own words, we’re pretty sure he’d give us a “Rawrrr Rawrrrrrrrr” and two furry thumbs up.

Millennium Falcon Build

Parts and Finished build

Click here for the instructions

LEGO monorail returns...in microscale

LEGO’s infamous monorail system has been the source of many questions about it’s potential return over the years. In fact, when I spoke with ex-CEO Bali Padda last year he said one of the most common questions he faced from fans was “when will LEGO bring back the monorail?“. While the monorail system is increasingly expensive to buy on the secondary market, Julius von Brunk has created a microscale version that is both easier on the wallet and adorable. The introduction of curved tiles has made this type of build cleaner and perhaps a little easier, but there’s a lot to admire in this instantly recognisable mini version.

This is an illegal exit, you must return to the grid!

While we so anxiously wait for the official Ideas release of the Tron Legacy Light Cycle later this year, this might be the next best thing to hold us over. Even though Grantmasters makes this tiny creation with only about 10 elements (not counting the base), the transparent orange and blue ‘jetwall’ makes this classic instantly recognisable. While it may look simple, Grantmasters says that it took over 100 photo shots to get the right lighting and effect he wanted. Talk about dedication to the art!

All the key locations are present in huge Ninjago diorama

There a lot going on in this huge Ninjago diorama. At 145×95 studs in size and made up of more than 11 separate sections and locations, it’s no suprise it took about six months to complete. The build is a collaboration between brother and sister, Robert4168/Garmadon and Kai NRG/Geneva, with the right and left side being t by each sibling respectively. The diorama stays true to the essence of the Ninjago theme with plenty of character in the buidings that include Temple of Airjitzu, Birchwood Forest, Sensei Wu’s tea shop and Dareth’s Mojo Dojo .

Click to see detailed views of the different buildings

Take up launch positions. Thunderbirds are go!

The form of puppetry used to create Thunderbirds back in 1964 is unique and memorable even by today’s standards, let alone pulling it off with technology back then. This LEGO replica of the launchpad on Tracy Island is detailed and shows what a huge fan monstrophonic must be. Thunderbird 3, as depicted in this scene, is the single-stage-to-orbit spacecraft and one of five vehicles piloted by the Thunderbird brothers.

I kinda think its cute that the sofa from their home is the very same one that gets loaded into the spacecraft. I guess you’ll never miss home in space when you have your favourite couch to keep you company!

Click here to see more views of this great build

An architectural wonder of a sinister looking establishment

I must admit, when I first saw this building, I had chills run down my spine. It really reminded me of the heads of Nazgûl or wraiths from Lord of the Rings. This iconic structure built by Erwin te Kortschot is actually where one of the largest research centres to date in Russia built back in 1968. One can only imagine the kind of dark secrets that may have once filled the dark rooms of this enclave. It does seem to have a sense of an architectural uniqueness that embodies what goes on inside.

Click here to see more…

Sharpen your LEGO bricks with class!

I like to see everyday things recreated in LEGO and this one is no exception. The sound of the crank and the aroma of pencil shavings just takes me back to decades of exams and homework. that really seems a lot easier thinking back now. While it’s a perfect representation by Legobyleaves, the way to make it even more awesome is a little modification can be made. Just imagine if the studs drop out only after the crank turns! Remember kids, stay in school as long as you can! Work ain’t fun as you think it may be!

Click to see the pencil sharpener in action