Sundale-Bren Pier

I don't know enough about cyberpunk to speak with much authority about this impressive diorama by vitreolum, but I can appreciate it on so many levels I don't care. In addition to a great deal of nods to Phillip K. Dick and William Gibson, there's also pop culture and Hollywood references galore in this. Click through to give this a proper look, it's totally worth it.

Rundale-Bren Pier

Sagrada Familia

I was unaware of this particular structure until this morning. One of the lovely benefits of being in a world-wide community of builders is learning about distant people, places and things. Construction started on this basilica in 1882, 100 years before I started high school, and it's STILL not done! For once a reference to the 80's that doesn't make me feel really old! Luckily this micro scale version by Swan Dutchman didn't take nearly as long.

Sagrada Familia

50's Tow Truck

For as long as there's been cars on the roads, there's been cars breaking down on the roads. And through those many, many years the means to rescue said broken cars has remained essentially the same, a tow truck. While there's been many types of tow trucks, of course the ones in the 50's had the most character, like this beautiful beast by redfern1950s2. It would almost be worth the repair costs just to see this baby in person doing what it was designed to do.

1950's COE Tow Truck
1950's COE Tow Truck

The End Is Nigh

Who builds the world? Perhaps the world is not built. Perhaps nothing is built. Perhaps it simply is, has been, will always be there…a MOC without an AFOL.
— Alan Moore, Watchmen (paraphrased)

Timofey_Tkachev has rung in the new year with a gloomy construction of Rorschach and the iconic Doomsday Clock of Watchmen. The gray-scale trees are a nice touch.

1 Rorschach New Year

Star Wars Midi Figures

Builder Miro78 is having way too much fun and kicking off this year right. For the past four days he has uploaded one of these brilliant midi scale Star Wars figures. Considering the absolute plethora of figures that have been produced he could conceivably be doing this for a VERY long time. I'm hoping to see these, and Miro of course, in person this afternoon at BricksLA.

Rebel Pilot Luke
Darth Vader Midifigure
Princess Leia - Midifigure Revival
The Mighty Chewbacca

Imperial Walkers On The North Ridge

The AT-AT is one of my favorite Star Wars vehicles, always has been. And as many times as it has been portrayed in bricks, it never gets old. This midi-scale version (and it's AT-ST counterpart) by Rogue Bantha not only look amazing, but are photographed perfectly. The low angle makes it look huge and imposing, and the composition is very cinematic (albeit pan and scan).

imperial walkers on the north ridge

Post Holiday Blues

Yes, Christmas is over. Sure some of the neighbors still have lights on their houses, and there's still presents that have yet to have found a place in the house, but it's over. But just like those couple of things that are always overlooked when you put all the decorations away (happens every year) there's always a few brilliant creations that didn't quite get posted before the unofficial cutoff of the season, New Years Day. But I don't mind sharing this lovely little MOC by _Tiler a few days "late". For one, the lighting is fantastic, and illustrates perfectly the importance of lighting when you photograph your MOC. But there's also some very clever building here, namely the edging on the carpet there. How the heck was that done?

"– Looks like you've got one too!"

D.A.R.C.I.

The king of prop weapons Nick Brick is back with another phenomenal reproduction. This is the D.A.R.C.I. (Data Analysis, Reconnaissance, and Cooperative Intelligence device) from Destiny 2, a sophisticated sniper rifle with some serious special features. The prop is over 43" and features a light up scope, moving trigger, sliding charging handle and removable magazine. 

D.A.R.C.I. - Destiny 2
D.A.R.C.I. - Destiny 2
D.A.R.C.I. - Destiny 2

A Powerful Medieval Vignette

The ~Maestro brings us this medieval vignette depicting feudalism in medieval Europe. For those unaware, feudalism combined customs in both military and legal matters hundreds of years ago between the 9th and 15th centuries. Hey, look at that! You looked at a cool LEGO creation, and learned a bit of history! That is one thing I appreciate about some LEGO creations that depict historical events: you learn more in a fun way! I think I'll wrap up this post, though, because those guys on the bottom are no doubt getting rather tired (not that the lord cares). 

Medieval European Feudalism (in plastic)
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Nathaniel Stoner

     My name is Nathaniel Stoner, and I am an very active LEGO builder.  I mostly build in the themes of castle and science-fiction, but I also dabble in other genres and create occasional random MOC's (My Own Creations). 

     When I was younger, I would get and build small LEGO sets for my birthday, but I was never really into them.  When they fell apart, I would become frustrated attempting to put them back together and would throw them in a box in my closet.  I couldn't stand them!

     Then, miraculously, I became addicted to the LEGO brick later in my teen years.  Ever since, I have continued to build up (pun intended) my collection of bricks and to expand my knowledge of techniques and building skills.  LEGO is truly more than a toy, its an art form and a way to express yourself.

     For the most part, I collect LEGO Star Wars (mainly the minifigs), which is probably my favorite LEGO theme.  I have a fairly decent collection, including some of the original 1999 sets, such as the Snowspeeder, X-Wing, and Naboo starfighter.  I also collected LEGO the Lord of the Rings when those sets first came out.  The minifigs are great, and the story remains one of my favorites ever. 

     My hope is to inspire other young (and perhaps even older) LEGO builders to unleash their inner creativity!  You can find me on my Flikr here

Happy New Year!

2017 was certainly a bumpy year, but overall a good one for BrickNerd. The blog audience has grown, we did several animation projects including three for TLG, we visited Portugal and attended Parades do Coura, went to BrickCon, met so many fellow LEGO enthusiasts and built the Millennium Falcon with Adam Savage and the team at Tested.com. Of course this was while the political environment in the US was in total chaos, the world has gone sorta bonkers and The Last Jedi made us go "huh". I think LegoKlyph has the right idea, and reminds us that 2018 is a chance for a fresh start. Here's to a fabulous new year! 

NYE2018

Off The Grid

I think everyone gets to that point where adulting becomes overwhelming, and fantasies of thumbing your nose at society and disappearing to the middle of nowhere seems like a decent option. Then you remember the convenience of flushing toilets and how good a Frappacino is once in a while and the whole thing sounds less appealing. But there are some that actually do it, and I think this MOC by Brick Surgeon sums up how things probably look pretty well.

27650622739_38fc043f9b_k.jpg

Rayman Legends

I was just thinking about Rayman last night (mostly I think because I looked at the icon for Rayman Run on my iPad) so to see him first thing this morning thanks to builder jaapxaap was a bit of a happy surprise. While we're on the subject, did anyone else out there think that the little sound byte in Mamma Said Knock You Out sounded a lot like one of the enemies in Rayman when they get knocked out? I've never discussed this publicly, but I think it's time.

CCC - Rayman Legends

Tiny Siege

Is it possible for a siege to be cute? I mean, we're talking about the use of military force to invade a city, the inevitable bloodshed, the shattering of lives, yet it's adorable. Sure you can argue that it's only because of the scale, the fact that it's built from a child's toy and the bright cheery colors that it's cute. But it's war, absolutely charming and delightful war from builder MarcelV.

Tiny Siege!