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.

Malaysian cultural icons featured in exclusive mini-builds [News]

A collaboration between LEGO and the fan community in Malaysia has inspired brick-built versions of cultural icons representing everyday things that locals can identify and appreciate as something to remind them of home. The four builds come packaged very much like standard LEGO sets with instructions and a box, and are offered as part of a Gift With Purchase promotion in Malaysia for the month of June.

As part of the community engagement process, candidate fan designs were first shortlisted by LEGO, then the chosen builds received design input from Nicholas Foo, a LEGO Certified Professional based in Singapore, before finally going into production. Continue reading →

The Brothers Brick is funded by our readers and the community. Articles may include affiliate links, and when you purchase products from those links, TBB may earn a commission that helps support the site.

What are the three rules of owning a LEGO Gizmo?

(1) Keep your Gizmo away from bright lights, (2) don’t let him get wet, and of course (3) never feed him after midnight …no matter how much he begs. If you can stick to these rules, then you might be ready to build your very own 1980’s furball. Or it might just be safer to admire John Toulouse‘s adorable LEGO Mogwai (complete with a stylish wooden box). Yeah, that’s probably your safest bet.

An exotic bird of a heavenly blue colour

There seems to be a persisting presence of bird builds in the LEGO community, more so than other animals. Now Paul Lee joins the fun with his recreation of a Hyacinth Macaw. It is one of my favourite kinds of parrots personally, but I never expected it to be the bird of choice for nearly anyone else. While the legs are simplistic (still realistic), the facial detail and feather texture more than make up for it.

Pirates and ninjas and... robots?

Considering how successful LEGO’s Ninjago line is – with sets, cartoons and soon even a feature film – there is a surprising lack of fan creations under this theme. James Zhan defies this stereotype with his latest build of a roadside battle. The temple walker is a very interesting build, with great technical, robotic details at the bottom, and just as carefully chosen pieces for the temple’s architectural decoration. But this is so much more than just a walker on a road, the excellent minifig action makes the scene look alive.

Hong Kong LEGO stores offer limited edition space-themed mini builds [News]

It’s great to see how collaboration between LEGO and the AFOL community can bear fruit. In conjunction with the Hong Kong LEGO User Group (HKLUG), LEGO has produced an instruction booklet and promotional giveaway models to coincide with the launch of the 21309 NASA Saturn V. Buyers of the Saturn V will receive the limited edition booklet and bricks to build of one of five designs contained within it.

See all of the Hong Kong mini-builds after the jump

The best way out is always through

The struggle of man and beast against nature is depicted movingly in this captivating scene by Australian builder aido k. The imagery here is sublime thanks to the exquisite posing: the man, desperately clutching his cloak to provide some relief from the biting wind, pulls his reluctant steed through the blizzard in hopes of reaching warmth and comfort before his dwindling supplies are finally exhausted. The scene is full of subtle details (such as the grass bending in the wind) which enhance its sense of realism, no doubt felt by all who look upon these two weary travellers.

Dodge Challenger 440 big block built in real blocks

I can almost hear the ponies roaring inside this painstakingly detailed LEGO rendition of a 1970 Challenger R/T by Senator Chinchilla. Where to begin on this exquisitely detailed model? Well, for starters, the subtle shaping around the front wheel fenders and engine cowl are both clever and delightful. The back end is quite lovely too and uses a wide assortment of SNOT techniques to accurately recreate the Challenger’s lines.

The use of an antenna part for the “Challenger” logo on the front grill is nothing short of genius:

The doors and engine compartment also open to reveal lots of little details like A/C vents, a complete set of foot pedals, and even a working glovebox:

If you liked this beautiful model, then make sure to check out another eye-catching LEGO Challenger we featured a short time ago.

Moana’s pet rooster Hei Hei struts his stuff

If you haven’t seen Disney’s charming Moana, you may not recognize Hei Hei, the Pacific Island princess’s dim-witted and comical but seaworthy companion. I love how LEGO 7 has captured the quizzical head tilt of the foolhardy rooster. The colorful design staged against the pale blue looks exquisite. Take note of the minifig flippers for the plucky poultry’s wattle and the dark green round corner elements as tender chicken wings, although I am sure Maui would probably still say he needs fattening up.

Catch Yanni or Vangelis at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a theater on the Acropolis in Athens, which still hosts concerts, plays, and other events today. George Panteleon has recreated this ancient Greek structure in LEGO, with a central stage, a ring of seating, and the original backdrop against which both modern and ancient artists wowed the crowd.

The technique George used for the sloped seating is quite interesting, and worth a closer look. Clips connect slopes set on their side to achieve the classic bowl shape of theaters.

Apple-esque speeder bikes in white [Instructions]

Though never seen in any Star Wars movie, white speeder bikes always seemed appropriate for Scout Troopers, perfectly matching their armor. One could almost imagine them patrolling a cold, icy planet like Hoth. This build by James Shields gives us a visual delight as it seems quite simply a natural color for them to be in.

A tiny build at only 44 parts, yet with amazing detail, if you like them as much as I do, get your bricks out and start building because instructions and parts can be found over at Rebrickable (also available as a PDF for non LDraw users).

Time stands still in a picturesque scene in a kampung

A kampung is the definition of a village in parts of Southeast Asia. Malaysian builder Ng Wen Yeh recreates an astounding and accurate dwelling frequently seen in rural communities, with some inspiration from life and memories of yesteryears. This beautiful build shares a typical day around a family and community life in simpler times.

Click to see more of this wonderful build

TBB cover photo: June 2017

Our cover photo for the month of June is this scene by Ben Tritschler depicting a medieval version of a counting coup challenge. Eye catching textures abound in this nicely staged build which is just a little reminiscent of that memorable moment from Mission Impossible. Now all our brave thief has to do is decide which of those shiny objects to take!

Want to see your own LEGO creation featured across TBB social media for a month? Then read the submission guidelines and send us your photo today.

Keep up with the Brothers Brick by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter or Pinterest. And for occasional extra goodies, follow us on Flickr or subscribe to us on YouTube.