Twisting is the first thing that pops into my head looking at this new ship by Kevin Murney (legorevolution). The prongs on the front of the ship are a fascinating new twist (pardon the pun) on the classic Vic Viper look. I’m also struck by the pod shapes on either side of the cockpit, which remind me of dandelion seed clusters.
These techniques are certain to inspire further creations down the road.
Looking at this space ship is like getting punched in the face! This Vic Viper by Kyle Slushey combines two bright colors to great effect. The green and blue contrast nicely, making the image pop in big way. He’s also included just enough patches of gray for the eye to rest on.
Many people have posted Vic Viper models recently. Most are meant for the fly-ins scheduled in tribute to the fallen builder Nnenn. Here’s one of my favorites, along with a reminder to look for the fly-in at whatever Lego fan convention you may be attending this year.
It’s a build by “The One And Only Mr.R” using my old favorite color, tan. It includes some nice compound angles, as well as an uncommonly compact shape. It also incorporates Nnenn’s favorite piece.
If you are attending Brickworld in June, you probably know that the theme for this year is space. More specifically, there are four collaboration displays designed to accommodate a variety of sci-fi creations. Here are the details:
The Modern Warfare display is a collection of infantry, vehicles, and combat-torn buildings set in a sub-apocalyptic world based on the Modern Warfare video game. If you’re interested, there’s an active Flickr group that has everything you need to know to participate, including details on how to receive a free contributor’s pack from BrickArms.
Lastly, a huge thanks to Tyler Clites for creating the graphics for the first three space displays.
Bisonfuehrer‘s Vic Viper for the Missing Man display at BrickWorld 2010 has pink bubbles that remind me of a bubble eye goldfish. It’s one of the most innovative space creations I’ve seen in a while; the use of the onion dome certainly tops the chart for creativity.
If I had to choose only one legacy to remember nnenn by, it would have to be Novvember. Novvember is the month of the Vic Viper, and surely no one can forget nnenn’s daily debut of a new VV in November 2008. When I interviewed nnenn on this project, I began to appreciate the beauty of variations on a theme. I asked him when he would stop building spaceships, and he told me he would keep going until he has exhausted every possible configuration. I didn’t think it was possible, but neither did he.
The other side of Novvember that I will remember is the community participation that took place. The VV map below of everyone’s contributions for Novvember 2009 shows the extent of its success. You can see more at the Vic Viper Flickr group.
To celebrate the life and work of nnenn, don’t forget that there will be Vic Viper fly-ins at all the major US LEGO conventions this summer and fall:
You can ship a VV to be displayed or bring one in person. Please contact Keith Goldman if you’re interested (Legomankeith AT aol DOT com).
Be sure to join us in sharing your own thoughts on Nate’s online eulogy.
This Vic Viper was the first that nnenn has shown us at the start of 2008. I had to learn that this starfighter came from the the 1985 Gradius games. The player controls a ship known as the Vic Viper in this scrolling shooter, which you can actually play here. Thanks to nnenn, just about every active Lego builder on Flickr now knows what it is.
Be sure to join us in sharing your own thoughts on Nate’s online eulogy.
Our third installment of interviews by Keith Goldman takes us into the mind of a builder that — let’s be honest — you either love or hate. Take it away, Keith!
This week’s builder is known as “nnenn,” and should need no introduction if you’re a fan of science fiction models, or a follower of any number of groups on Flickr.
Nnenn’s name has become synonymous with both great building and controversy, beginning with his debut on Classic Space forum, where he managed to rile up more than a few purists with his tape, knife, and clone-brand components.
I take special notice of any builder who has fan-boys, if nothing else to make sure their army isn’t larger or more rabid than my own.
I met nnenn, as per his rather specific instructions, at the Palm Springs Wind Farm in Palm Desert, California: I didn’t actually see him, but we spoke through a grating at the base of a windmill. There was no small talk, we just talked about LEGO.
Keith Goldman: You always have interesting backgrounds for your creations. How do you select the background color for each model, and what sort of lighting do you use?
nnenn: I shoot everything outside by hand; winter is a struggle and wind is my foe.
The background posters are chosen for contrast: first, in value (dark for a light model, and vice-versa) or second, in color (blue for an orange model, etc.) I approximate the original color when digitally imaging so the model’s reflectives don’t look odd.
KG: Like many sci-fi builders, you have mentioned that your models draw inspiration in part from the “Terran Trade Authority” series of illustrated books from the late 1970’s. Is there any other go-to creative reference you consider when designing a model?
nnenn: I’m influenced by many things (including other builds) but I don’t have a dominant source of inspiration, nor do I keep a ready reference bank. Because seeing the same thing repeatedly tends to dull the awe, I purposely avoid perusing my muses (which is why I don’t keep ‘favorites’ on Flickr, incidentally.)
Though I am rarely at a loss for ideas, I do become unmotivated from time to time, so a few quick glances does more to spark my competitive side than provide fodder for new content.
KG: Do you purchase clone-brand sets, or is there a Bizarro-World BrickLink? If the answer is sets, which theme if any do you prefer?
nnenn: I’ve wished many times for a way to get clones by the piece (I’ve even contacted MegaBloks about it) but no, I resort to purchasing whole sets for just a handful of unique parts… themes don’t really play a part in my acquisition decisions. I’m holding out for cost-effective 3D printers.
More of Keith’s interview with nnenn after the jump: Continue reading
In his latest Vic Viper, Peter Morris dispenses with minimalism in colouring and replaces it with all the gaudiness of a racecar. His ARX-02a Victoria’s Viper is loosely based on the 2009 Acura ARX-02a and the racing influence is a definite plus. It’s always a challenge to pull together this many colours but he’s managed with aplomb.
Andrew Lee is calling it the Raptor. I call them T-Rex parts. I expect that everyone will call it awesome.
I’m sure I’m going to have to do a round-up post at the end of the month with all my favorite Vic Vipers. In the meantime, I couldn’t resist posting one that I just saw.
Stefan (Brainbikerider) has a pretty different take on the Vic Viper shape. His ship is a lot less pointy than most, and barely has wings. It’s also great. He’s done some great color-blocking and used stickers impeccably.
Vic Viper VOAT Vinivious by Uspez Morbo
Space 2 by Tim Goddard (Rogue Bantha)
Eldorado Fortress Redux by Kris Kelvin
Once again I find myself with more neat stuff to blog and no time to do it all justice. At least I added names this time. Does anyone else find the new version of flickr really frustrating for obtaining image deeplinks?