Tag Archives: Ramon and Amador Alfaro Marcilla

Arvo brothers bring Robocop to life with LEGO – I’d buy that for a dollar!

If you haven’t heard of the Arvo Brothers before, they’re Ramon and Amador Alfaro Marcilla, a pair of Spanish builders who are known for truly amazing LEGO sculptures. Their latest effort pays tribute to the 1987 classic, RoboCop. Standing around 2 feet tall, this towering figure is a dead-on recreation of Peter Weller’s portrayal of the titular character and is filled with intricate and screen-accurate detailing.

The first thing that becomes apparent is that there’s a level of articulation built into this sculpture. The shoulders, elbow, and head can all be adjusted to create a variety of bad-ass poses. The next thing that you notice is the spectacular part usage. There are just a few LEGO studs exposed, enough to let you know what he’s made of, but so few that you’re still required to really lean in to be sure. Curved tiles and slopes are everywhere, smoothing out the shapes and creating a perfectly streamlined set of armor.

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My friends all drive Porsches, I must make a LEGO Porsche 911 Targa

When it comes to designing jaw-dropping models engineered from LEGO parts with an insane level of detail, then the Arvo Brothers should be one of the first names that comes to mind. Spanish brothers Ramon and Almador have brought us iconic LEGO models like Kaneda’s Bike, the Alien Xenomorph, and their Vespa P200, and they have just taken their latest model for a spin. The Porsche 911 Targa drives on the line between a coupé and a convertible, and this model is a fantastic LEGO rendition of the luxury sports car. The smooth curves are beautifully captured with the usual high standard we have come to expect from the Arvo Brothers.

911 Targa

Not content with engineering a beautifully shaped model, the Arvo Brothers have also added some functionality with doors and a rear boot that open. Check the tan leather interior, its just calling you to jump in and go for a ride.

911 Targa

This is not the first Porsche 911 that the brothers have built; back in 2009 we covered their version of the Porsche 911 Carrera. It is interesting to see how the introduction of new parts and techniques have allowed that earlier Porsche model to evolve into something far more beautiful. If you want to build your own copy of the Arvo Brothers’ Targa, they are making the instructions available for purchase as a PDF.

LEGO chestburster from Alien is horrifyingly awesome

Back in 2007 we blogged an awesome LEGO creation by the Arvo Brothers which featured a chestburster emerging from some unlucky person, in a recreation of a scene from the classic Sci-Fi horror film Alien. Well not only have the Arvo Brothers now updated their build with a base and some new parts to improve the design, but they have also finally published instructions!

LEGO Alien Chestburster

The updated version has a white base similar to the base created for their recent Alien Project and changes to the teeth and nose area. The blood pool also has some fantastic sinewy arterial red parts that add to the horror and seem more anatomically realistic.

LEGO Alien Chestburster

The seeping blood spilling from the larger pool, through the base and onto the floor, is undoubtedly my favourite part. I hope this doesn’t reflect any morbid tendencies I may have! Building instructions are available by contacting the Arvo Brothers via email arvo@arvobrothers.com and should be on their website soon.

Alien Project by The Arvo Brothers [Review]

The Arvo Brothers (Ramon & Amador Alfaro Marcilla) have recently released their second book called Alien Project. It costs €26 + shipping and can be purchased via the Arvo Brothers website. The main bulk of the book contains detailed instructions for building their fantastic Alien figure and its base. There are also chapters explaining the inspiration behind the project and a rare insight into the development of a model of this calibre. Below is my review of the book.

ALIEN Project Book - Cover

Click here to read the full review

Kaneda’s Bike Book Review

The Arvo Brothers published a book on their masterpiece recreation of Kaneda’s Bike from Akira. This is a unique Lego book dedicated entirely to describing one creation while including a full set of instructions. The book is available for €19.99 + shipping and is sold directly from the Arvo Brothers, whom you can reach by email at arvobrothers[at]hotmail.com. Below is my review of the book.

book_01


Pros:

  • Meticulous details documenting building techniques, parts selection, and references to the original model
  • Includes commentary on steps in the instruction manual for an in-depth building experience
  • Includes a parts list and sticker sheet


Cons:

  • Almost impossible to recreate the model due to lack of availability of the x-pod lids used on the wheels.

This is a well-written book centered on one of the Arvo Brothers’ most iconic and beloved Lego creations. It is obvious that a lot of work went into designing the model and producing the book. It is a good read for fans interested in the minutia of the design process of a top-tier fan model. For those wanting to recreate the model, there is a full set of clear-cut instructions with supporting commentary for an in-depth experience on the build process. However, you will be disappointed to find out that a key element of the model is out of production and nearly impossible to obtain on the aftermarket even if you have money. Because of this detail alone, I hesitate to recommend the book because the majority of its content is dedicated to the instruction set. However, if you are still curious about the design process, this is a publication that will not let down your expectations.

Akira bike in Lego

The Arvo Brothers revamped an early version of Kaneda’s bike from the movie Akira. They plan to release a book later this month that describes the build process as well include instructions for the model. You can learn more about the book on their Flickr page.

book_01

Porsche 911 Carrera by Arvo

It’s always a treat see a new creation by the Arvo brothers. They’re known to build great cars, and this one is no different. The slanted hood and roof give the model its realistic shape. Check out the gallery on Brickshelf for pictures of the chassis that features working suspension.

Ford GT Le Mans by Arvo

The Arvo Brothers present their latest LEGO vehicle, a Ford GT Le Mans.

LEGO Ford GT Le Mans

It’s always hard to find only one thing to like about an Arvo creation, so beyond the obvious shapeliness of the car as a whole, I hereby pick the funky orange spiky bits in the wheels.

Thanks for the tip, Evo!

Arvo’s Doll revealed

It has been many months since we saw teaser pictures of the Arvo Brothers‘ Doll, and now the builders have finally uploaded a complete frontal shot of the amazing model.

Arvo builds Iron Man

I recognized the figure from the thumbnail, but passed it off as a shot of an action figure, but then realizing that it belongs to the Arvo bros‘ gallery, I had to check to make sure. Yup, I was wrong.

There currently aren’t any more pics available, as they tend to slowly update the gallery for some kind of suspenseful effect.

Giger’s Alien brought to life by Arvo

If you thought Arvo’s Chestburster sculpture was awesome, their newest work is just stunningly amazing. The Arvo brothers have created HR Giger’s Alien in its frightening entirety. This magnificent horror sends shivers even down my spine.

We hope Arvo will have more pictures uploaded soon.

EDIT (AB): And thanks to reader Carlos for sending us a link to the Hispalug thread announcing this fantastic new creation! Nannan just got to it before I did. ;-)

Arvo’s Chestburster from Aliens

The latest LEGO creation by the Arvo brothers features a chestburster emerging from some unlucky person, complete with pooling blood dripping off of the sculpture’s base.

Via Masoko Tanga and on Hispalug.