Tag Archives: Iron Builder

This map took a lot of control to build

Let’s see. I should start this off with something topical, right? Hrm. Well, for a change how about I try something topographical instead? Something like this amazing map from Eli Willsea, perhaps. Sure, it’s not particularly practical if you want to fold it up and take it with you; some of the pieces are just sitting on the surface of the build. But who cares about that. Look at those mountains, trees, and tents made from 1×1 triangle tile! The little bridge made from a curved slope! The “North” indicator made from rods and tile. Oh yeah, and let’s not overlook that compass and map calipers. They make use of a really unusual part: The 9V Track Switch.

As that control switch is the seed part in the latest round of Iron Builder, I think it’s a safe bet we’ll see a lot more from this part in the future. Personally, I’m looking forward to whatever Eli builds next.

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Get abs like bricks

Looks like someone is still trying to fulfil their new year’s resolution. Kosbrick has created a perfect brick-built gym scene for his current Iron Builder contest, and the use of the paint roller handle is genius.

On his blog, Kos explains the build was a reminder of official modular builds, and I’ve got to say it does. It also reminds me that I do have to hit the gym really soon!

These men of steel

Another exciting bout of the Iron Builder contest has just concluded over on Flickr. Brazilian builder Gilcelio Chagas and Indonesian builder Kosmas Santosa battled it out to see who could make best use of the chosen seed part: dark blue half domes. Kosmas ultimately triumphed, but both builders churned out some great MOCs during the month-long contest. Below is just a small sample, in no particular order. Can’t wait to see who they match up for the next round!

Straight to the Heart

Gil is churning out great builds, one after the other, in the current Iron Builder challenge. This set of medical equipement is disturbingly life-like. Those pills are especially well made. It makes me want to eat my apple a day and keep the doctor away!

Unlocked

This one tricked me. Gilcelio built this very realistic padlock and hasp, put it on a lovely brick-built chest, and I didn’t realize it was LEGO until after I clicked on it. Very impressive. I love realistic, full-size recreations of everyday objects.

E.T. phone home

Love him or hate him, you gotta admit Steven Spielberg has had his moments, and the classic movie E.T. the Extraterrestrial was definitely one of them. Despite how crazy the alien in this movie looked, there pretty much wasn’t a dry eye in the house when [32 YEAR LATE SPOILER ALERT] he died. I still remember the little girl in the seat next to me balling her head off, and teenage me trying very hard to keep it together! And a killer soundtrack by John Williams? Oh, too much… This build by Jimmy Fortel brings that super slice of Eighties-ness flooding right back:

Just remember, don’t get him wet, and don’t feed him after midnight ;-)

Socket to me

The Iron Builder contest traditionally involves a lot of smack talk from its competitors. But when the camaraderie is expressed through the builds themselves, things can get really interesting. Such is the case with the round currently in progress between Jimmy Fortel and Andrew Lee, which seems to have become part rap battle, part “punning bee”. And since our players are clearly not the physical type, they even crafted warrior women to do their fighting for them!

The “seed” parts for this round are the awesome new Mixels ball and socket joints. Check out the other entries in the contest to see some pretty inventive uses for these parts!

Enemies and water not included!

We’ve seen some great smack-talk between competitors in past Iron Builder contests, but the ‘Haulics have really taken it up a notch – no, no, I’d say they’ve probably notched it up a scootch – against the Mayo‘s with this hilarious video featuring a brick built NERF SOAKER…

I thought they couldn’t top their earlier video of a working LEGO chainsaw but I guess I was wrong. This contest has already produced an insane number of one-upping builds, and I can’t wait to see how it plays out!

#MindBlown

LEGO Marshmallow Peeps

Recently, some of us here at TBB participated in a live unveiling of the Iron Builder piece, which Sean and Steph Mayo (Siercon and Coral), along with Tyler (Legohaulic) and Michaela Clites (littlehaulic), are using for their competition.

All of the entries have been fantastic–and this one is particularly well timed. Also, it made me laugh. These might be the only Peeps I actually like.

Happy Easter, everyone!

The Carolers in the Cold

As much of North America is bracing itself for an extremely cold week (forecasts call for temperatures in the 30s in sunny Florida, even), Matt De Lanoy (Pepa Quin)’s posted this darling scene of carolers out in the blistery cold. I do hope for their sakes the temperatures, if in the single-digits, are at least on the positive side of zero.

A Pirate’s Paradise

Mark and Steven Erickson (AKA Mark of Falworth and Brother Steven) have concocted a lovely little pirate lair. The rock work is crisp and I especially like the different trees and foliage. Definitely a nice bit of work on the part of the brothers. I am wondering what is hiding behind the big boulder in the middle. Inquiring minds must know!

LEGO Macaw takes flight in a burst of iridescent plumage

Sean and Steph Mayo (AKA Siercon and Coral) have gained lots of altitude with their latest creation. The Macaw itself is incredible but the studio setting they have created highlights it very nicely. I also really love the signature in the bottom left corner of the “painting” and you have to admit that the Pick-a-Brick cup full of water is nice touch. My only questions is whether or not the cup is filled with official LEGO water…