tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35209805996886448072024-03-12T17:36:59.992-06:00Young Spacers Association BlogSPACE Lego But In SPACE.erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00042390121683451976noreply@blogger.comBlogger805125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520980599688644807.post-58624337697907533652014-06-01T15:12:00.002-06:002014-06-01T15:13:35.759-06:00This is a LEGO model<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jerac/14136914698/in/photostream/"><img a="" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5238/14136914698_ebee8973f3.jpg" width="400px" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jerac/14343768603/"><img a="" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5111/14343768603_80e4483f27.jpg" width="400px" /></a>
yup. some technique. i don't even like shoving tiles into clips but this is aight. erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00042390121683451976noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520980599688644807.post-72950502808007271682014-02-08T13:11:00.003-07:002014-02-08T13:11:37.386-07:00Give it up<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spacie-11/12389245533/" title="Rumble Rover VX by Huib V., on Flickr"><img alt="Rumble Rover VX" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3751/12389245533_72ee665789.jpg" height="" width="400" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spacie-11/12389256833/" title="5 by Huib V., on Flickr"><img alt="5" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7400/12389256833_e96f4bc91b.jpg" height="" width="400" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spacie-11/">Huib Versteeg</a> everybody.erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00042390121683451976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520980599688644807.post-87120289372374061302013-12-26T17:46:00.001-07:002013-12-26T17:46:45.006-07:00<a href="http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=535777" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/Riki/neuspotter/01.jpg" width="400px" /></a> <br />
It's not often that I browse the recent uploads on Brickshelf, and it's certainly more rare that I blog about it. Brickshelf user Riki's LEGO interpretation of the "Neuspotter" from the MaschinenKrieger universe is the kind of model I like. It is a relatively small model that makes smart use of parts.
<a href="http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=535777" imageanchor="2"><img border="0" src="http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/Riki/neuspotter/04.jpg" width="400px" /></a>
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Compare <a href="http://www.geocities.jp/getter1988/makneuspotter.htm">to this model</a>. The exposed, specialized LEGO parts, e.g. the scuba gear, do well to suggest the intricate details on the model kit.
erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00042390121683451976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520980599688644807.post-29885910982791310692013-12-24T21:36:00.001-07:002013-12-24T21:36:08.150-07:00seven month itch<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55943031@N02/11501307013/"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3833/11501307013_fd14ef4e52.jpg" width="400px" /></a> <br />
<iframe src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fateheart/11536703935/player/f5418e1724" height="500" width="388" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe>
_tiler and fatehearterikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00042390121683451976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520980599688644807.post-21953540027889406832013-06-10T12:06:00.001-06:002013-06-10T12:06:45.553-06:00You know some space stuff for a space blog<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lazerblade/8978916428/" title="UNES Odyssey 21 by Lazer Blade, on Flickr"><img alt="UNES Odyssey 21" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8116/8978916428_2b3127c44e.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jerac/8985367460/" title="Hades Starfighter by Jerac, on Flickr"><img alt="Hades Starfighter" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5467/8985367460_09cd2e7d59.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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Courtesy of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lazerblade/" target="_blank">Kyle's</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jerac/" target="_blank">Jerac's</a> photostreams. Jerac does wonderful things with wedge plates, and the use of a pair of 3787 <a href="http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=3787" target="_blank">mudguards</a> as a laserport is inspired. erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00042390121683451976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520980599688644807.post-6170032494418800932013-06-05T15:47:00.002-06:002013-06-05T15:47:59.772-06:00Flight of the wedges<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29247143@N03/8952196911/" title="Arrowhead by legodrome, on Flickr"><img alt="Arrowhead" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3827/8952196911_57a4a55c39.jpg" width="400" /></a>
I've always enjoyed Legodrome's creations. They're made of fairly austere geometry, but the builder uses the large surfaces of his starships and aircraft as a canvas for thoughtful detailing.
I particularly like the trio of bulbs made by the cockpit and the four wedges on either side just behind it. I think it's neat that both the older <a href="http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=6069" target="_blank">6069</a> and the newer <a href="http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=64225" target="_blank">64225</a> are used; the combination of straight and curved slopes suggests a tear-drop shape.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nabii/8950825865/" title="SSL-Multishot by lego_nabii, on Flickr"><img alt="SSL-Multishot" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7360/8950825865_bc628d8532.jpg" width="400" /></a>
Mark Stafford's space freighter is based on a Peter Elson illustration. It's actually an old creation, he originally posted in back in 2006. It's still has vivid as it was when I viewed it as a MOCpages lurker, so check it out. erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00042390121683451976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520980599688644807.post-16178319920623593172013-05-18T08:03:00.001-06:002013-05-18T08:03:24.533-06:00We're gonna take a break from life's demands and give a well-deserved shoutout to Jeremy's tight little mecha:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/95732744@N06/8742482939/" title="E. Honda by Marchides, on Flickr"><img alt="E. Honda" height="" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7290/8742482939_6cef3b7fbe.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/95732744@N06/8750745736/" title="Saturn Revival by Marchides, on Flickr"><img alt="Saturn Revival" height="" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2838/8750745736_c4ab693f7b.jpg" width="400" /></a>erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00042390121683451976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520980599688644807.post-28882290048436475252013-04-10T18:05:00.001-06:002013-04-10T18:08:22.770-06:00Not bionicle <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jerac/8638977498/" title="Menagerie by Jerac, on Flickr"><img alt="Menagerie" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8254/8638977498_5c4dc4d17f.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Some of the more creative part use action I've seen in some time comes from Jerac. There is an interesting fusion of organic shapes and mechanical details; the end result could be nightmarish but the models still retain a whimsical look. Many LEGO-brand elements, such as the parrot from the Pirate line, have an iconic look to them. But when used out of context, the familiarity is lost, and very un-LEGO-like appearences is possible. Jerac seams to have figured this out and uses familiar parts to surprise us, the minifigure arms prolifically so in this case. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jerac/8637873891/" title="Spiderdemon by Jerac, on Flickr"><img alt="Spiderdemon" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8522/8637873891_268f459f65.jpg" width="400" /></a>erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00042390121683451976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520980599688644807.post-84804433073962289862013-04-02T19:43:00.001-06:002013-04-02T19:44:22.670-06:00(olive) Green machines <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fredoichi/8608717259/" title="Giiruu VT5 - Assault Runner by Fredoichi, on Flickr"><img alt="Giiruu VT5 - Assault Runner" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8122/8608717259_1c6932c1d4.jpg" width="400" /></a>
There is yet only a small selection of parts available in LEGO's new olive green color. It lends itself well to military-themed creations, although anyone who follows <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lemon_boy/8514274640/">my own creations</a> elsewhere knows that I could care less for realistic drab color schemes. Above, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fredoichi/" target="_blank">Fredo</a> does a nice quadruped. I like the cylindrical shape he has made with the <a href="http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=93273">1 x 4 curved double slopes</a>. Given the squareness characteristic of the medium, the model's curves seem surprising although it is is hardly a departure from with Fredo's previous work. Below, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/carterbaldwin/" target="_blank">Carter</a> uses the new color for a landmate. It has good feet. I can imagine the little auxiliary arms reloading the bullpup-style weapon. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/carterbaldwin/8606871266/" title="C733 'Daimyo' Landmate by [Carter], on Flickr"><img alt="C733 'Daimyo' Landmate" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8606871266_abec73c3be.jpg" width="400" /></a>
Here's another quadruped/humanoid mecha combo with a relating color scheme, via <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/curtydc/" target="_blank">Curtis</a> and <a href="http://cyclopicbricks.blogspot.fi/" target="_blank">Pate</a>:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/curtydc/8609347768/" title="Kani カニ by curtydc, on Flickr"><img alt="Kani カニ" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8531/8609347768_90d9be5dc7.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://cyclopicbricks.blogspot.com/2013/03/moc-lady-liberty-3000.html" title="Lady liberty 3000 by Pate-keetongu, on Flickr"><img alt="Lady liberty 3000" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8121/8605357007_4a342187ae_c.jpg" width="400" /></a>erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00042390121683451976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520980599688644807.post-455032153612331462013-03-22T21:11:00.003-06:002013-03-22T21:12:13.541-06:00Blok-head<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/m_o_n_k_e_y_s_t_u_f_f/8581916536/" title="MDI69_Blokhead by m_o_n_k_e_y, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8250/8581916536_ed544640d6_z.jpg" width="400" height="" alt="MDI69_Blokhead"></a>
Aaron Williams is fast becoming my favorite mecha builder. His textures are superb, as are the destails. He's really found a way to make LEGO elements look functional.erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00042390121683451976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520980599688644807.post-900311055061121312013-03-13T21:42:00.000-06:002013-03-13T21:57:42.789-06:00Post-Bloc<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nate_daly/8556453098/" title=""Hephaestus" by nate_daly, on Flickr"><img alt=""Hephaestus"" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8087/8556453098_5c12152046.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Here's one of those instances where size is something to be appreciated. I normally find small weapons on large ships tacky, and I was about to overlook the Hephaestus' armaments, but their integration into the hull with 1 x 6 x 2 arches is quite a feat. The textures Nathaniel puts to uses are smart, too:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nate_daly/8556467296/" title=""Hephaestus" by nate_daly, on Flickr"><img alt=""Hephaestus"" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8531/8556467296_85f690f0cc.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=191402" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/Big-X/Porphyrion/porphyrion_008.jpg" width="400px" /></a><br />
This blue guy by Danny Rice is one of the best examples of large-scale LEGO spaceship-building. See it on <a href="http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=191402" target="_blank">Brickshelf</a>. Notice how both these ships are a color other than grey! Colors, folks!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nate_daly/8379166780/" title="Gaia [Racer Varient] by nate_daly, on Flickr"><img alt="Gaia [Racer Varient]" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8468/8379166780_d6e8bb5218.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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At Young Spacers, we love racers. This space racer is another great model by Nathaniel. The bubble canopies on both of Nathaniel's works featured here are a nice nod to the PCS and Eastern Bloc <a href="http://www.lugnet.com/~1763/faction">.SPACE factions of yesteryear</a>. erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00042390121683451976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520980599688644807.post-54333002624408318152013-03-07T18:54:00.001-07:002013-03-07T19:00:30.557-07:00Where've ya been<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10755528@N08/8536841791/" title="Weaver2 by mondayn00dle, on Flickr"><img alt="Weaver2" height="400" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8230/8536841791_9d3205057c.jpg" width="" /></a>.
I recognize <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10755528@N08/8536842131/">Brian Kescenovitz's</a> style has being characteristically "chunky", but his latest mecha looks to have a lot of air between its panels and plates. I think it's great—thanks to the low volume-weight ratio, the model can bear an intimidating silhouette while looking nimble.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10755528@N08/8536842131/" title="WEAVER Heavy Combat Armor by mondayn00dle, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8239/8536842131_d6c99092dd.jpg" width="400" height="" alt="WEAVER Heavy Combat Armor"></a> erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00042390121683451976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520980599688644807.post-75053841068226421432013-02-27T09:06:00.003-07:002013-02-27T09:06:38.794-07:00Time for tanksAleksander Stein is a favorite on this blog; I think you would be hard-pressed to find a more authentic LEGO military modeller. His models forgo artistic embellishment, focusing realism and functionality. The vehicles themselves are extrapolations of specific present day combat vehicles. Some of the examples in the following photos are near-future derivatives the Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank and the Stridsfordon 90 Infantry Fighting Vehicle. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/aleksander_se/8510314047/" title="Desert Patrol by Aleksander Stein, on Flickr"><img alt="Desert Patrol" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8518/8510314047_567ca77cc6.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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I like to judge things over content rather presentation, but Aleks has graduated from the plain poster board school and has stepped up with digital backdrops for his models. This isn't always done well, but I like how Aleks has done well not to make any post-photography additions look to obtrusive; it is clear that the focus is on the models.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/aleksander_se/8511419634/" title="High ground by Aleksander Stein, on Flickr"><img alt="High ground" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8389/8511419634_2538234be3.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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Camouflage is not easy to do with LEGO parts, but Aleks pulls off convincing enough patterns.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/aleksander_se/8510203365/" title="CV-100A3 Bayonet IFV by Aleksander Stein, on Flickr"><img alt="CV-100A3 Bayonet IFV" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8086/8510203365_532b7ebdcf.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/aleksander_se/8510214981/" title="CV-120A3 Charger light tank by Aleksander Stein, on Flickr"><img alt="CV-120A3 Charger light tank" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8513/8510214981_222a8be888.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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This blog supports modularity!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/aleksander_se/8511420328/" title="Spadroon chassis modularity by Aleksander Stein, on Flickr"><img alt="Spadroon chassis modularity" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8517/8511420328_bbecf2a8d5.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/aleksander_se/8355486778/" title="Variations on a theme by Aleksander Stein, on Flickr"><img alt="Variations on a theme" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8236/8355486778_b7bfa7f86d.jpg" width="400" /></a> <br />This isn't a photo re-color, each of the four models here is a unique construction. erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00042390121683451976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520980599688644807.post-73323742291068224812013-02-16T19:54:00.004-07:002013-02-16T19:54:53.599-07:00This is pretty much just a mecha blog, now.I started following Waka's mechs sometime last year. His style is reminiscent of the work of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10755528@N08/">Monday Noodle</a> (Brian Kescenovitz), who has been out of the picture for a while. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/legorobo/8467282473/" title="Cynomys_02 by legorobo:waka, on Flickr"><img alt="Cynomys_02" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8373/8467282473_26e028c8ae.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
I like the shapes on Waka's most recent mech; normally I find that too
many slopes kills form but Waka's model is large enough that it still
looks pleasing. In the same way that I judge people by their footwear, I've taken to judging LEGO mecha by their feet. The separated heel and toes totally satisfying. The arched form looks like it actually handles shifting weight; there's something anatomical about it. The largeness allots for a good amount of detail, check out the ammunition belt and fuel hose:
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/legorobo/8467282261/" title="Cynomys_05 by legorobo:waka, on Flickr"><img alt="Cynomys_05" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8110/8467282261_72b2c253c1.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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In addition to his <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/legorobo/">Flickr photostream</a> he has a <a href="http://legorobo.com/">Japanese website</a>. Also, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/legorobo/8380036292/in/photostream" target="_blank">Catbus</a>! erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00042390121683451976noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520980599688644807.post-72922314311733353632013-02-15T23:38:00.002-07:002013-02-15T23:39:23.869-07:00Ski feet and rocket car<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kwi-chang/8478327488/in/set-72157632779134836/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8368/8478327488_4c0c7afdde_z.jpg" width="400px" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kwi-chang/8477236503/in/set-72157632779134836/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8101/8477236503_e33423b228_z.jpg" width="400px" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kwi-chang/8478327810/in/set-72157632779134836/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8108/8478327810_0c995444a5_z.jpg" width="400px" /></a></bf>
Exceedingly handsome mecha by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kwi-chang">Ryuhei Kawai</a>.
Also, a cute rocket rover by Bartosz:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29418589@N06/8476163423/" title="Rocket Engine Rover by the oneman, on Flickr"><img alt="Rocket Engine Rover" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8513/8476163423_fe00a0b50c.jpg" width="400" /></a>erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00042390121683451976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520980599688644807.post-90268088446532973512013-01-24T18:01:00.001-07:002013-01-24T18:01:55.689-07:00Flashy and well-presented<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shamisenfred/8172356027/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8172356027_034ca08a4c_c.jpg" width="400px" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shamisenfred/8409415166/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8372/8409415166_9396b0efb2.jpg" width="400px" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shamisenfred/8231667323/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8231667323_0afdcc21e2.jpg" width="400px" /></a>
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By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shamisenfred/" target="_blank">Frederic</a>, a native of France currently residing in Denmark, designing for LEGO. <br />
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Also, it's fun to see LEGO enthusiast Jon Hall on <a href="http://conceptships.blogspot.com/2013/01/lego-ship-concepts-by-jon-hall.html" target="_blank">Concept Ships</a>.erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00042390121683451976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520980599688644807.post-16126001179396097012013-01-13T21:17:00.004-07:002013-01-13T21:17:48.674-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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TLG spilled the beans on SNOT yall!!!</div>
Lukas Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09479631199250591570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520980599688644807.post-53606521609226764312012-10-11T08:24:00.000-06:002012-10-11T08:26:52.114-06:00A Million Little Bricks & The Brick Bible; Two Short Book Reviews<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Howdy readers. I need to do better at this blogging thing.<br />
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I recently got two books on our favorite multicolored plastic subject: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Million-Little-Bricks-Unofficial-Illustrated/dp/1620870541/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349907723&sr=8-1&keywords=a+million+little+bricks">A Million Little Bricks</a> by Sarah Herman, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Brick-Bible-Spin-Testament/dp/1616084219/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349907731&sr=8-1&keywords=the+brick+bible">The Brick Bible</a> by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/12247552@N08/">Brendan Powell Smith</a>.<br />
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Let me preface by saying that both books are beautiful. High-quality glossy paper and quality color prints. Don't get the kindle version, kids. Feel the heft of those dead trees in your hands. Mmmm. Delicious.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2P_BnEgp6uv1YZDH9aDj0OTgKS23611Dthar8VuyWSJAX9niWYHeWfbIsnwWfNlN_lZQQEzDSaRSJa67a-HZYXHQj_mXc7eHWPNXvOjzAsUli5YXHBZkkRe6xMC46kRCWMvMbcIrBVws/s1600/IMG_1472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2P_BnEgp6uv1YZDH9aDj0OTgKS23611Dthar8VuyWSJAX9niWYHeWfbIsnwWfNlN_lZQQEzDSaRSJa67a-HZYXHQj_mXc7eHWPNXvOjzAsUli5YXHBZkkRe6xMC46kRCWMvMbcIrBVws/s320/IMG_1472.JPG" width="320" /></a>A Million Little Bricks is, unlike <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Cult-LEGO-John-Baichtal/dp/1593273916/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1349964710&sr=8-10&keywords=lego+book">The Cult of LEGO</a> (also great), a history of the company and the toy—NOT the fan community (although a short 10-page section does mention it, various conventions, and fan projects like BrickJournal). Any readers who can identify sets based on part number will geek out, and anyone interested in knowing detailed stories behind the progression of various LEGO themes, marketing to girls, and a more textured description of the company history and leadership will have a happy read. It's dense reading, but, well, what else are you going to read anyway? This blog?<br />
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And the dedication of the book is the cutest: "For Ian—because you love me enough to let me build your Unitron Monorail set 6991)". Collective <i>awwwwww.</i><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">The Brick Bible is more or less what you would expect, but it's not a complete Bible at all—that would be quite a bit longer than the 270 full-bleed glossy pages—. The selected scenes are recreated quite literally (sometimes very humorously, sometimes gruesomely, always plasticky) in LEGO. I'm a dirty non-believer, so I enjoy the book mostly as a talking point, but I imagine if you want to engage people with the word of god etc, this is a good way to do so in a more fun format. I'm not sure how seriously one should take it, but I've never met the author face-to-face. </span></div>
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Lukas Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09479631199250591570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520980599688644807.post-79445000582600068002012-10-06T18:54:00.001-06:002012-10-06T20:14:52.969-06:00Talk too much but not enough its a real cool thing a real cool thing yeah<h3 class="post-title entry-title">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brainbikerider/8059015234/" title="Vega-3 by Brainbikerider, on Flickr"><img alt="Vega-3" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8309/8059015234_86cc7f5527.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
There are many good things going on with Stefan's latest starfighter. Of
note is a great balance between curved and angular wedge pieces; the
form doesn't come across first as bulbous or edged. The <a href="http://www.peeron.com/inv/parts/2507px1" target="_blank">obnoxious transparent neon colors</a>
that I grew up with in previous decades were of hues difficult on the
eyes; they have been phased out, thankfully, and Stefan employs a
trans-orange canopy of recent production. It works better than anything
with the sand blue and dark tan colors.<br />
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The incorporation of the unforgiving canopy element is also a success.
Some might stray from using it and others like it because of their
unfamiliar contours and the lacking aesthetics of their <a href="http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=47843" target="_blank">accompanying molds</a>.
I think Stephan's success is due in part to the notching on the long
blue slope pieces. The notches allow compatibility with parts that might otherwise
have intersecting studs. At first they might seem to hinder aesthetics,
although here, visible from the front view, they break up the
straightness of the wedge just
enough to permit a transition from a strait edge to a curved one.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brainbikerider/8059013364/" title="Vega-3 by Brainbikerider, on Flickr"><img alt="Vega-3" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8454/8059013364_9cfa3a1f69.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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The rear view reveals simpler geometry, which lends itself to being
interpreted as serving mechanical function.The angles of the four
auxiliary do good to echo the four wings. When viewed from the rear,
faces of the angular dark tans wedges form four triangular shapes,
highlighted here by the lighting. The longest legs of these seem to come
close to tangent to the round thrusters and near parallel to the fins
of <a href="http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=47456" target="_blank">47456</a>,
forming an imaginary diamond. The triad slits in the sockets Stefan
uses for thrusters also hint at this geometry. The one thing that stands
out of form are the 8 square insets of <a href="http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=41862" target="_blank">41862</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brainbikerider/8059016271/" title="Vega-3 by Brainbikerider, on Flickr"><img alt="Vega-3" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8175/8059016271_e7dc2122ac.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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The cockpit canopy protrudes from the fuselage, visible in the profiles.
The orange shape is complemented by a similarly shaped protrusion on
the underside. The detail is barely noticeable but it is enough to suggest symmetry.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brainbikerider/8059016639/" title="Vega-3 by Brainbikerider, on Flickr"><img alt="Vega-3" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8175/8059016639_368f476e33.jpg" width="400" /></a>
Loads of fun, Stefan.
erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00042390121683451976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520980599688644807.post-52139970950108649802012-10-01T13:21:00.000-06:002012-10-01T22:12:25.820-06:00October is Ma.K-toberSpreading word here of Tromas' Lego Maschinen Krieger building challenge. The parameters of last year's starfighter contest have opened up to include just about anything appropriate for Kow Yokoyama's imagined universe.<br />
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This is a fantastic start, I love the presentation:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lego_robots_7/8043675589/" title="rika_smoke by LEGOLIZE IT MAN, on Flickr"><img alt="rika_smoke" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8173/8043675589_ff003e57cf.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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Tromas' <a href="http://www.brothers-brick.com/2012/09/30/release-the-hunds/">announcement on TBB</a><br />.
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"<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1614654@N24">Ma.K bricks</a>", the Lego Maschinen Krieger flickr group.
erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00042390121683451976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520980599688644807.post-71227134023890700632012-08-27T09:54:00.000-06:002012-08-27T09:56:31.565-06:00<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53458657@N04/7869452940/" title="Wisp - Inter Atmospheric Fighting Pod by SuperHardcoreDave, on Flickr"><img alt="Wisp - Inter Atmospheric Fighting Pod" height="" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7248/7869452940_3ef189d793.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53458657@N04/7869452940/">Dave Steeves</a>. Two familiar images contrasting here: the yellow accents and caution striping hint at something industrial and mechanical, while the form appeals to some sort of insect. Both themes are familiar enough, but at the same time frightening. The probe at the front is delightfully violative.
This LEGO advertisement for the 1998 Insectoids theme was before my time, as I was then at the primo stage in life, but relevant:
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="370" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qEa2GDQ3CUU" width="400"></iframe>erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00042390121683451976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520980599688644807.post-84056697156360058102012-08-25T08:53:00.000-06:002012-08-25T08:53:41.209-06:00Shoot them before they shoot you<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thepaleman9/7851876438/" title="Locust by Genghis Don, on Flickr"><img alt="Locust" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8425/7851876438_2f04eedd17.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Both the design and the rendering, executed by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thepaleman9/" target="_blank">Genghis Don</a>, are superb. It looks like an elongated version of this fighter craft seen in <i>Cowboy Bebop</i>:<br />
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<img src="http://media.animegalleries.net/albums/cowboy_bebop/ships/cb_ships0002.jpg" width="400px" /><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jed_september/7850950438/" title="WTo-06B Gunbastard by Malcolm Craig, on Flickr"><img alt="WTo-06B Gunbastard" height="" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7254/7850950438_e504e528b5.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
More <a href="http://mobileframezero.com/mfz/">Mobile Frame Zero</a> designs from Malcom Craig. This one is delightfully chunky.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61006341@N04/7808031780/"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7272/7808031780_af9f292ced.jpg" width="400px" /></a><br />
The two-tone, patchwork color scheme on flickr user <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61006341@N04/" target="_blank">imaginationDUCK</a>'s mech works well to inspire urban camouflage. It definitely calls to mind <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spook0114/3844790534/in/photostream">Spook's work</a>, who has been prolific as of late.erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00042390121683451976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520980599688644807.post-80038386746682006492012-08-16T09:19:00.000-06:002012-08-16T09:30:23.148-06:00Concept-inspired LEGO design<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dryvvall/7793774846/" title="Nidhogg Dropship by Dryvvall, on Flickr"><img alt="Nidhogg Dropship" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8439/7793774846_7be177bc3f.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Flickr user Drywall created this dropship. His LEGO rendering is inspired by artwork done by <a href="http://ukitakumuki.deviantart.com/" target="_blank">Ukitamkumuki on deviantArt</a> for a Role Playing Game, called "Space Vagabonds", in 2009.
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<a href="http://ukitakumuki.deviantart.com/art/Space-Vagabonds-Nighthound-146427634?q=boost%3Apopular%20%28%28space%20vagabonds%29%20AND%20%28by%3Aukitakumuki%29%29&qo=5" target="_blank"><img src="http://th05.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/f/2009/345/9/8/Space_Vagabonds__Nighthound_by_ukitakumuki.jpg" width="400px" /></a>
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There's a lot of good things going on with Drywall's model. The exposed studs do good to break up the awkward texture created by the slightly beveled edges of tiles. The three color rule is used with some reservations. The aesthetics of the source artwork really comes through, even if the LEGO model is a bit boxier. Fun details include the believably minimal chin and tail armaments, as well as the landing gear.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dryvvall/7793985618/" title="Nidhogg Landed by Dryvvall, on Flickr"><img alt="Nidhogg Landed" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8286/7793985618_23fec270fe.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Gotta love his choice of coloring on the figures as well. The cardboard backdrop is actually pretty effective. <br />
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<a href="http://ukitakumuki.deviantart.com/gallery/?q=space+vagabonds#/d2f6fmi" target="_blank"><img src="http://th07.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/f/2009/345/e/7/Space_Vagabonds__Battlesuit_by_ukitakumuki.jpg" width="400px" /></a><br />
These armored suits, also part of Ukitakumuki's Space Vagabonds series, remind me of the biosuits from a Niell Blomkamp short that saw popularity during the time that District 9 was being hyped. <a href="http://tweeaffect.blogspot.com/2009/08/that-popping-sound-you-hear-thats.html" target="_blank">Twee Affect, on that</a>. erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00042390121683451976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520980599688644807.post-37914203608663105692012-08-07T10:08:00.000-06:002012-08-07T10:08:09.025-06:00So that's what that feels like<a href="http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=507665"><img src="http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/Tiler/TheTumbler/TheTumbler/tumbler01.jpg" width="400px" /></a>
<a href="http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=509624"><img src="http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/Tiler/MiniTumbler/MiniTumbler/mini_tumbler_01.jpg" width="400px" /></a>
Brickshelf user Tiler has created both these figure-scale and mini "Tumblers" as seen in the Dark Knight Trilogy. Click the pictures for the corresponding galleries, as well as instructions. Check them out!erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00042390121683451976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520980599688644807.post-65377577226612849942012-07-10T05:52:00.000-06:002012-07-10T05:52:31.948-06:00<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28825145@N04/7541800012/" title="SaberStar-a8 by Daniel Jassim, on Flickr"><img alt="SaberStar-a8" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8152/7541800012_54a6415903.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
It's nice to see something from Dan Jassim. The negative space pattern present on both the fuselage and the engines is a good touch. The 3 x 3 cones fill in the cavity of those awkward canopy bodies.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53458657@N04/7513310430/" title="Mad Hawk - 1 by SuperHardcoreDave, on Flickr"><img alt="Mad Hawk - 1" height="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8292/7513310430_f82065d030_z.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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I believe that is a hovercraft corner piece that Dave Steeves is employing as a cockpit on this battletech-inspired mech.erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00042390121683451976noreply@blogger.com0