Tag Archives: Mill

This build’s a grind

Castles are nice, but there’s something I love about a tranquil domestic scene of medieval life, and what encapsulates that better than a stone mill and miller’s cottage? This lovely little diorama is the work of ZCerberus, and although the stonework is nice, and the round mill is great, some of favorite techniques here are more subtle. First, there’s the mixing of brown and dark red for the roof tiles, a subtle swap that helps give a lived-in nature. Similarly, the mixed olive green and dark tan for the ground makes a wonderfully earthy tone. And secondly is something so foundational it took me a minute to even realize it: this diorama has two bases, thanks to a black slab beneath the sculpted landscape. Usually, LEGO dioramas have one or the other, but I really love the presentation here.

MilgrathsMill

Mill with waterfall in a fictional LEGO world

We’ve covered the work of LEGO builder Ayrlego many times; Ayrlego has been developing vertical builds, some of which are connected to the fictional East Terran Trade Company (ETTC). The latest in this theme is focused around a guarded mill with a waterwheel inspired by Isaac Snyder. A lot of detail was put into the brickwork and vegetation, adding good visual interest to the tall scene.

The Crimson Mill, Westface

Hobbiton is more than just Bag End!

The excellent photography and advanced building techniques may be what drew my attention to this creation by Patrick B., but they are not the most interesting part to me. What is so unique about this creation is the accompanying description, crediting a handful of builders who inspired Patrick’s Sandyman’s Mill, either by building their own versions prior or as Patrick’s sources for some techniques used. It is normal for builders to both reuse previously discovered techniques and credit their sources, but I rarely see it like this particular example. It almost reads like a scientific publication!

Sandyman´s Mill

Click to see and read more about the build!