Poseable Possibilities: The Way of the Mech
/Fluidity of movement has become more and more possible in LEGO models throughout the years. Builder Keith Espinoza has successfully integrated some great articulation into his mecha builds and has created LEGO models with impressively mobile joints. Who would have thought that mecha could look so lifelike? We had a quick chat with Keith about one of his recent builds, the Bushido mech.
Inez: Hey Keith! Your builds are amazingly articulated. What makes them so posable?
Keith: Story mode on! This story goes back to my dark ages. I was into Gunpla (also known as Gundam models) kits back then. I love the whole process of building the Gunpla kits and how poseable they are once you get to finish the whole kit. When I got out of the Dark Ages (this was when Mixels was hot), I kind of wanted the same experience but with LEGO bricks. So whenever I build LEGO mechs, it’s as if I'm flipping an imaginary Gunpla kit instruction manual on my head.
Of course, LEGO is different. Unlike model kits, articulation comes with a price. It's either going to be loose or unbalanced. But I really wanted a highly poseable and sturdy build. I didn't have a lot of LEGO parts back then (which I think helped a lot because it made me look outside the box in terms of parts usage), and so I just developed the mechs at the same time that I was stacking up my inventory. The current poseable builds that I have right now are the results.
Inez: What pieces do you use for the joints? Or is that a secret?
Keith: Just a combination of basic pieces. Mainly just a sandwich of 1x3s and L shape bricks and the round cornered 1x2s and 1x4s. No secret with the pieces. The secret is how they were used. ;)
Inez: Okay, gotcha! :D Last question, what’s the inspiration behind this particular build?
Keith: My inspiration for Bushido mech is definitely my love for the whole samurai warrior theme.
Inez: Thanks, Keith! I really love your builds and I look forward to seeing more in the future!
How would you build a poseable joint for a LEGO mech? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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