Blacktron Indigo Alpha

Blacktron came along a little late for me. When they hit the scene I was trying to break into the film industry, and stay alive, so I didn't visit the toy department much. But as an OG classic space fan I do have a fondness for the darker side of space. This station by builder I Scream Clone looks ready to defend itself with a seriously big laser cannon. It was built as part of a collaboration for Brickvention 2018.

Bohemian Living Room

I'm a sucker for a clean interior, and a sucker for retro style, so naturally this excellent interior by builder Heksu caught my attention. I like the additional detail of some buildings in the distance outside. The flat panel on the wall gives this away as a modern scene, but the styling is very retro.

Kalamanthi

This impressive reptilian-like creature is one part Technic, one part Bionicle and three parts awesome. Builder Technean7 says it's the protector of Koto's deep jungle, which makes me wonder what the real world scale of it would be, but really it would be impressive at any size.

Tiny Yamato

I'm totally loving this micro chibi Yamato by builder delayice. I'm sure the first instinct you'd have with this thing approaching in space is "awww", but as soon as it unleashed it's arsenal on you you'd quickly change your tune. But even in the panic you'd still be stifling a smile, it's just too darned cute.

Proto Man

If you've ever played the classic Mega Man series you might recognize this guy, it's Proto Man, Mega Man's "big brother". I was lucky enough to see this excellent MOC by Builder bruceywan (and Bruce himself) in person at BricksLA last weekend. I never played the game, but I sure enjoy the creations it continues to inspire.

Fill 'Er Up!

Since the first cars hit the road we've been on the eternal hunt for the fuel to make them go. I'm sure in those early days routes needed to be pretty carefully mapped out, because gas stations were a much more random and homegrown affair, much like this quaint MOC by Norton74. But back then I'm sure there was much more feeling of adventuring while out on the open road. "Getting there" truly was half the fun.

Typewriter

Builder Petersbror is "happy with the results" of this old typewriter, I share that sentiment. Yes, way back in ancient times (when I was a kid) this was how we searched google. I actually learned to type on a machine not too much older than the one that inspired this MOC, spent hours typing FFF, JJJ, GGG, HHH. Fun fact: the QWERTY layout of keys is the direct result of machines just like this, with temperamental mechanical workings. It was invented to make typing more difficult, to separate commonly paired letters and therefore slow the typist down so the machine didn't get all bunched up. Yes, we're all typing with a handicap.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Repair Bay

How could it possibly be that a monochrome empty room could be so compelling? That's the magic of primo building skills combined with excellent lighting and good photography. But then again I would expect nothing less from premiere space builder Legoloverman. I can't wait to see what will eventually occupy this glorious space.

Tiny Viper

It's really too bad there's never been any official Battlestar Galactica sets from LEGO, there's so many cool opportunities. Luckily the fans have been there to fill the void, sometimes big, sometimes small. Builder Davdup has built at many scales, this is the latest, a tiny Viper that's as cute as it is cool. 

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.

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).

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?

Steel Stallion

I tend to be an advocate for sorting by part instead of color, but then along come builds like Grantmasters' War Horse that make me reconsider. See how many different LEGO weapon parts you can find in it. I spotted at least 18, making this the most well-armed horse I've ever seen.

Crossing Swords With Robin Hood

I think I could use a good dose of swashbuckling, and after seeing this brilliant MOC by Eggy Pop I think I'm going to hunt down this 1938 Errol Flynn classic. The curved castle walls and clean construction really help this feel like an authentic reproduction of a large set from the golden age of Hollywood.

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. 

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).