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.

A good Martian makes do with the LEGO parts he’s got

Proving once again that all LEGO pieces are created equal, F@bz constructed this stunning vehicle which showcases the packaging cannister from the old LEGO Creator Sets. But this time he’s built a lovely rover instead of a big rig truck.

F@bz’s grey and gold rover has just enough metallic accents and space-age apparatus to perfectly balance out its wide-set wheels and large canister body. And the use of two Super-Adaptoids (sans wings) as the futuristic Martians is simply genius. Not to mention, that dog-sized mini-rover is adorable.

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Rose in a dome for a loved one on Valentines day! [Instructions]

With the release of the LEGO Ideas 21313 Ship in a Bottle, many builders have taken a creative approach to using the transparent parts to create something unique. This build of a rose within a ‘glass dome’ is quite the exquisite and elegant idea executed by Chakhei Mok. He made sure to share a bit of his creative process – remember, Valentine’s Day is here, and if you’re behind time on your shopping list and have a Ship in a Bottle on hand, there’s still hope with elements that you have on hand to gift this gorgeous flower to your loved one!

Click for the instructions to build your own Rose in Glass

Touch of lime makes for a refreshing mech

Well here’s a LEGO mech model which breaks the mould — it’s not grey for a start! Jayfa‘s creation is a creative mix of Technic parts, “Constraction” big-fig pieces, and regular LEGO, and it looks awesome. The hunched over shoulders and the “face” lend it an appealingly sinister aspect, and the lime green highlights provide impressive visual pop. A closer look reveals a wonderful depth of detail within the black greebling, giving the whole thing a Giger-esque, techno-organic styling — further enhanced by those demonic legs and cloven hooves. Nice flamethrower too!

Mining minerals on Mars in a mech

The Life on Mars theme seems to be mostly forgotten by most LEGO fans, its nostalgia overshadowed by the more memorable early Star Wars and Bionicle sets. Some people, including Henry F., still seem to remember this lost jewel and give it the publicity it deserves — because it really was an imaginative theme with a positive message, unlike the loose reboot known as Mars Mission.

I love how elegant and compact the exo-suit is, with just enough exotic Technic pieces to give some texture while keeping the build clean. A few splashes of orange help the build catch the eye, and the tan used for tool-hands is a nice touch. A Martian figure fits in snugly and the lazy-looking alien looks like he is quite comfortable. It should also be noted that the use of the reddish background really helps create the feel of the red planet.

An actual LEGO locomotive that distributed LEGO bricks

A Köf or Klienlokomotive literally means a “small locomotive”and, in the 1980s, LEGO utilised a yellow Köf at their German LEGO distribution center in Hohenweststedt. As a huge fan of the classics, builder Faust Chang has built a scaled replica model of the Hohenweststedt train, with details right down into the dashboard and engines. I’m sure for train fans and aficionados alike, it’s pretty cool to know that there’s a tiny train out there that once was run and operated by LEGO. Sadly in 2002 the Köf was sold by LEGO and was painted red by its new owners.

Click to see more details

Motorized Technic Bus opens its doors to LEGO passengers [Instructions]

Builder HallBricks blends the functional with the beautiful in this Technic Motorized Bus. I watched this video several times in awe of its clean lines, compact design, and marvelous engineering. This model exhibits many design features that blend SYSTEM brick and Technic parts to form elegant curves. The rear pillars and roof combine Technic panels with SYSTEM rounded slopes for a smooth, semi-oblate shape. On the outside, the model’s headlights and tail lights consist of multiple translucent tiles for a multi-faceted effect.

Click here to see more interior views

Gather up your bricks to summon Dark Souls’ Faraam

The Faraam character/armour set that was used extensively in the marketing of Dark Souls II has now found its way to LEGO thanks to this build by robbadopdop. It’s a very heavy, layered brick build that could easily pass as a stone monument piece if you switch out all the colours for grey. The fine detailing on the shield is particularly impressive, and the shaping of the cloth and fur elements should be commended too.

Another interesting point on this build is that the picture above isn’t a Photoshop of a single build. Instead, the builder made two (one as a commission and one to keep) so we get a rare double-sided view.

Space squirrels take to the slopes

So this LEGO scene by Miro Dudas apparently depicts Space Squirrels competing in a bobsleigh event on the Neptunian moon of Triton. Nope, me neither. Genuinely no idea what’s going on here. But it’s still a fun little creation. Those Olympic rings are nicely done, and the surrounding scenery creates a good sense of a wider landscape. This isn’t the most complex model we’ve ever featured, but it made me smile. Swooshing down an ice track in a tin can at 70 kilometres an hour? Those squirrels must be nuts.

A new take on the old Samus Aran

There have been been many attempts to recreate Metroid‘s Samus Aran in LEGO before, with each one bringing something new to the table. This version by Logey Bear forgoes System bricks for a combination of Technic and “constraction” figure pieces. The obvious standouts here are the comically oversized pauldrons built with Duplo pieces, and the striking teal arm cannon which is built up on a Robo Riders wheel piece.

The day when Anakin turned into Darth Vader

There are a few epic scenes in the Star Wars prequels, and Darth Vader’s transformation is certainly one of them. LEGO has featured it twice, firstly back in 2005 in set 7251, and then more recent 75183; the later was a huge step up in terms of parts and playability. Then there’s the fan-made version by Korean builder Korion which has 1900 parts and a model I’d classify as UCS (Ultimate Collectors Series). The amount of detailing is breath-taking and features a transformation chamber that Palpatine would approve of.

Click to see more details

Find your link to nature

How do you create a tree using chains? It seems an unlikely element to form the organic branches of a bonsai tree, but in this creation by Tim Schwalfenberg, each of the connected links forms a knot on the gnarled bark. The result is highly original and undeniably striking. Tim doesn’t say how many chains he used, but it’s certainly more than you might expect, if my own experiences with LEGO chains are anything by which to judge.

Tim hasn’t stopped with just this one tree, though. He’s actually created a series, each explore different techniques.

Continue reading →

Swan Lake ballet automaton built from LEGO

Automata built from LEGO always amaze and inspire me. Growing up, my favorite ballet was Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, which I had the privilege to see performed by the Bolshoi Ballet at the height of their skill in the late 70’s when they toured Japan. Pixeljunkie has built a LEGO automata with a music box inside that plays the theme from the ballet while a minifigure dancer twirls around the top.

The video showcases the music box feature, as well as the way a group of dancers can also be attached to the mechanism to dance on the stage.