Let There Be Light (painting)

I know what you're saying, "Hey, that's not a MOC, that's the LEGO Technic Supercar!". You are correct, but this post is not about the build, it's about the shot. Flickr user Jon Bradbury used a very cool method of multiple light passes to capture this shot. The model and camera are locked off and multiple exposures are made with lighting from different angles. And get this, it's lit with an iPad. The different shots are then combined into this final stunning image.  It's essentially the same technique used in visual effects to layer multiple passes in CG. It goes to show what can be accomplished with a little prep and patience. Excellent work Jon.

The Right Weapon For The Job

Creatively lighting a MOC for photography can be tricky, very tricky. It's usually hours of trial and error and continual camera tweaks trying to get the right exposure, depth of field and light control. So when I see a picture like this I can appreciate what went into it. That, or it's a couple flashlights and pure luck (but hey, I appreciate that too). Regardless, this is a nice shot, and it's funny.

Seeking the ultimate weapon

Star Wars Days At LEGOLAND California

If you're in southern California this weekend be sure to head on down to LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad for Star Wars Days. There will be loads of activities, characters and intergalactic fun. While there be sure to check out the worlds largest LEGO model, the life-size X-Wing just landed. Also be sure to check out the displays by my friends at SandLUG and LUGOLA, they've been in a building frenzy for this weekend.

Xwing5.jpg

Coruscant Graffiti

I wouldn't normally post a digital model, but I'll make an exception for this baby. I know that the designers took direct inspiration from hotrods when designing the speeders for EP1, so it seems fitting that it should come full circle. Or as Vader would say "the circle is now complete". I can see this parked in front of Mel's, waiting for a milkshake to be delivered by droid.

Speeder Rod - Star Wars Episode II

Review - Liteup Blocks

Review - Liteup Blocks

Every once in a while you need to shed light on a MOC. There are several options for this including light bricks, Power Functions and fiber optics from LEGO (for you purists), LifeLights for more complex (and expensive) options, and assorted other third party light up bricks. Liteup Blocks is a new option that brings light options to your MOC without breaking the bank.

Read More

It's Getting Steamy In Here

Steampunk is probably one of the most difficult to define, and master, genres of building. Some MOCs you look at and instantly think "steam", others fall short. And it's usually not really apparent why. You can't just say "should have more _____ and it would work". This MOC caught my eye, it's got great posture, excellent lines and wonderful detail. And there's no doubt about it, she's steamy.

Steampunk Qwena: The new outfit

Avengers Assemble(d)

I've never been all that much into comics, but there were certainly specific characters I enjoyed as a kid. Iron Man and Spiderman were my favorites. But I was always a bit baffled when characters from different comics were mashed together, I just didn't get it. For instance Justice League left me wondering why the hell Aqua Man was there. It wasn't until I saw Avengers that I understood how that union could really work, and work it did. Now Joel Baker has assembled (get it?) his own team in CudeDude form.

Avengers Heroes Cube Dudes