When Tommy asked me if I'd like to review one of the new landmark sets from the Architecture series, I jumped at the chance. Having never built a Architecture set before but having an interest in Micro Scale I was keen to see if I could pick up a few new techniques and being able to build somewhere I've visited on several occasions I couldn't wait for my parcel from Billund to arrive.
Read MoreThe first Type 1 sedans rolled off the line in the early 1940's, and the world was captivated by it's practically, price and unique appearance. My family had a beetle when I was a kid, my first real car was a beetle and I drive a newer convertible beetle now (but I wish I still had a vintage one). This new version by LEGO is as much fun as you'd think,
If you'd like your own copy of this fantastic set (and you know you do) please consider supporting BrickNerd and purchasing it using this link.
Micro scale building and mini models have always been a favorite of mine. Getting the detail needed and shapes required to convey something recognizable with a minimal number of pieces at a tiny scale is a skill many builders take for granted, or simply don't appreciate. I love scrolling through my Flickr feed and finding something appealing, only to discover upon closer inspection it is an order of magnitude smaller than I had first thought. That moment of "wait, that's only three studs wide?" always makes me smile. Well now No Starch Press and author Mattia Zamboni have assembled an entire volume of such tiny builds, and there's pleasant surprises on every page.
Read MoreFor the past few years the LEGO Group has released LEGO VIP exclusive sets available at LEGO stores or at their online shop for free to customers who spend a certain predefined amount. The past two sets have included modern takes on the classic Space and Pirate themes including the Classic Spaceman Minifigure and Classic Pirate Minifigure sets respectively. This year's set fits into the classic Castle theme and is aptly named Classic Knights Minifigure.
The Castle theme has been an evergreen series for LEGO ever since the original castle set was released back in 1978...
Read MoreI used to play quite a fair bit of Minecraft. I still play it once in a while when a new update releases, but back before I had a full time job, I would easily clock in at least 6 hours a day on it. Someone on Twitter said Minecraft is like a personal zen garden, which feels pretty accurate. It's relaxing to turn off your brain for a bit and just build stuff. Not unlike a certain building toy readers of this site would be familiar with...
Read MoreIt's been a long time since I've built a Technic set, at least a big one, but it was worth the wait. The Technic Porsche 911 is a phenomenal set, and I could go on and on about it. But I just shot a video instead. Check it out!
One of my friends is into birds, big time! His name is Thomas Poulsom. You might recognise the name from the Lego Ideas set 21301, Birds. Well he has written a book showing how you can build another 15 different birds from all around the world. And I have been lucky enough to have been sent a copy to review.
I was totally amazed by the original birds Thomas made and so when I heard that there was going to be a book full of bird instructions I was very excited. The book arrived recently and as soon as I opened it up I was blown away by how clear the instructions are laid out. Each bird has a parts list so its easy to get the bits together before you start. The steps are small and the sometimes complicated SNOT techniques are clearly explained. The book is in full colour and there is even a colour key for each bird.
I thought I would build a bird and see how easy it is to follow the instructions in real life. I chose the Canary (Serinus Canaria), collected up all the parts and built it. It was easy to follow and didn't take too long to finish!. Here is where I found a couple of weak points in the construction. However by adding a couple of plates I was able to strengthen the bird considerably. More an oversight than a fault. Overall the bird looks stunning. The half a stud connections in the wings are delicate but as this is a display model, thats not too important.
I can recommend this book not only if you are into birds but also if you like Creator style builds and are looking for more realism in the finished model. I plan to build a few more birds in the future. The book is published by Quarry and has a retail price of $24.99/£15.99/$29.99 CAN. Its available at Amazon (use the link on this page!) and is even available as a Kindle download. Nice work Thomas, now where are the instructions to that Hedgehog?
I can't say I was surprised when LEGO Ideas announced that the Maze was coming as a set. Builder Jason "JK Brickworks" Allamann is continually amazing us all with his clever mechanical builds. I used to play with one of these classic toys back when they were made of wood and used metal marbles. Now I get to play with one build from my favorite toys, LEGO bricks.
Read MoreWhen Tommy asked me to provide a set review, I initially met it with trepidation. Outside of the occasional Star Wars UCS or Ideas set, I don't purchase sets to build the model within. I much prefer to salvage them for the delicious parts within. However, upon completing 21027 I was quite pleased with the experience. (Side Note: Receiving a package direct from Billund was a hell of a treat.)
Read More21031 Burj Khalifa is one of the newest sets in the LEGO Architecture line. It's LEGO's second attempt at replicating the tallest building in the world (their first attempt was...unimpressive, to say the least. Unless you really, really, REALLY like 1x1 round bricks). How does this new one stack up?
Read MoreSeries 15 of LEGO's insanely popular collectible Minifigure line is here, and TLG was kind enough to send us a box to review. Like the many series before it, this is a wild blend of characters from all walks of life and from fact and fantasy, let's meet them...
Read MoreFor many LEGO fans, the Architecture series is the perfect marriage of love of the brick, and love of buildings -- but on a much smaller scale than the Creator Modulars. The first few models in this theme had included two New York City landmarks -- the Empire State Building (at 77 pieces and a $20 MSRP, probably the most insultingly priced of all LEGO sets) and Rockefeller Center, and later on, the Flatiron Building. Now, with what I'm calling the Skyline series, LEGO Architecture is growing up and giving multiple models in one set. #21028 contains five of them: a microfig-based Statue of Liberty, new versions of the aforementioned Empire State and Flatiron Buildings, the Chrysler Building, and One World Trade Center.
Read MoreA few weeks ago, Tommy asked if anyone on the Bricknerd Team wanted to do a review of one of the new LEGO Architecture sets. Yes! I volunteered for Venice. My wife and I went to Venice on our honeymoon, and I had been there a few times before. Tommy informed me that I should be on the lookout for a box from Billund, so I waited anxiously by the mailbox. But since it’s February in Vermont, my wife suggested I come inside. Good thing too, it was almost two weeks before it arrived.
Read MoreThe story of Ole Kirk and the LEGO company origins has been told many times. In fact, here at BrickNerd we told the story with animation for the LEGO Brickumentary just last year. But I don't know that it's ever been told with such charm and accessibility as this new book by duopress, Awesome Minds: The Inventors of LEGO Toys.
Read MoreI get a kick out of all LEGO inspired books. It's a product and company I love. I also find just about anything Star Wars endearing (except maybe those stupid coffee creamers, what the heck?) So when you combine the two, you have my attention. Now add in the fact that this is the product of the imagination and creativity of an AFOL and fan, well this is a perfect storm of LEGO, Star Wars, imagination, creativity, photography and fandom, I'm smitten.
Read MorePublishing powerhouse DK is no stranger to LEGO fans. Every year we can expect numerous publications from them, and this year is no exception. Especially with the holidays upon us it seems everywhere I go I'm spotting DK LEGO books on the shelves (yesterday at Michael's for instance). As the years have passed one thing has changed the way I look at these books, the talented writers and artists that provide the content in them have become familiar, even friends.
Read MoreArtist, author, designer and builder Mike Doyle is back with another Beautiful LEGO book. Nature and animals are the focus in this third book of the excellent series. Mike has built some splendid creations, and curated MOCs from all around the world and from builders from all walks of life. All put together in a lovely presentation by No Starch Press. It's LEGO eye candy of the highest order, in a quality book that would look great on any coffee table.
Read MoreMegs and Brickbot are back for more building adventures in The LEGO Adventure Book volume 3, the latest of this quirky and fun series from No Starch Press. I'm so happy for my friend and author Megan Rothrock for getting to do what she loves, and when you read one of these books you can sense that love. She brings together a unique combination of top notch builders from around the globe, building instructions for awesome models and fun story telling that appeals to all ages. All presented in a comic-book like narrative featuring caricatures of the builders and a host of other characters.
Read MoreIt's a rare Saturday that I am at home. Usually I share my Saturdays at work with Joe Public, so you can imagine my excitement to have a Saturday off. Yesterday however, my Saturday off coincided with a BrickNerd workday (lets face it, every day is a BrickNerd workday, but I digress) so, what to do? Raid the BrickNerd archive shelves, that's what!
Read MoreWith some big, expensive releases in recent months -- Ferris Wheels, Helicarriers and Tumblers, oh my! -- I've found some comfort and, well, joy in the "smaller" sets, and in particular the licensed ones.
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