Tour de Force

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BrickNerd_MOCstalgia.jpg

Here at BrickNerd, we pay tribute to MOCs from days gone by, and from galaxies far, far away. When I was just diving into the AFOL scene way back when, and discovering Flickr as the gathering place for MOC photos, I discovered an amazing builder. Not only an amazing builder, but a real character, and soon a dear friend, Iain Heath. This series of Star Wars characters still makes me smile every time I look at them. 

Tour de Force

Land Ship Amagosa

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You can't look at this picture and not be drawn in. It's like an oil derrick, mechanical walker and shanty town in one. Can't you just imagine it, through a haze dust and heat distortion, rumbling toward you in slow motion?  It's a compelling piece in the still, but how about this, it's motorized and actually walks (see the video). Nice work Jason Allemann.

Land Ship Amagosa
“The sighting of a walker on the horizon was a cause for celebration, as it meant opportunity for trade and news from the outside world”
— Vehicles of the New World - James Bardridge

Skinsuit

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This ship's a beauty. Who would have thought brown, white and gold would go together so well? And the photography is top notch, which on a model like this isn't easy. See how the light plays on the canopy and contours the guns on front? What would otherwise have been very difficult to see against the dark background is instantly recognizable.  

skinsuit

Let There Be Light (painting)

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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

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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

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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

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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