Dex's Diner

I find myself conflicted on this this MOC by cecilihf. My dislike of the prequels is well documented, and this is from Episode II. But it's one of the better scenes in my opinion, if for no other reason than it's such a novel location. I'm a big fan of diners too, I probably get that from my grandpa Chet, he lived in diners. As a MOC, it's a fantastic build, with clean lines and clever techniques. If it wasn't populated by silly, over exaggerated CGI aliens, I would totally eat here.

Mickey!

Like I said a couple days ago, I was supposed to be at Disneyland last weekend, and I've been pouting about it for three days. But this outstanding MOC put a smile on my face. I love Mickey Mouse, especially a retro "pie eye" Mickey like this one from my friend Bill Volbrecht.  

In The Hangar

I've always really hoped mechs would become a reality in my lifetime. With the recent sword rattling of robot builders in America and Japan, I think we're starting to make progress. I just want to see one of these giant robots in action, or even just step into a hangar like this awesome one by builder Benjamin Cheh and see one of these beasts in person, what a sight it will be.

Build A LEGO Lab Contest

Radleys, an international chemist equipment manufacturer, is running competition right now. They're inviting builders of all ages to create a LEGO laboratory. It can be any size you want, it just has to be 100% LEGO, the crazier the better. Winners in two age groups will win a £150 shopping spree at LEGO.com. Head over to their website for all the specifics and get building!

A Pretty Good Reason Not To Eat Out

If you knew what was going on in the kitchens at a great many restaurants you simply wouldn't eat there. In fact, you probably wouldn't set foot in the door. Luckily they are the exception (I keep telling myself that, I want to believe) but builder MinifigNick has a MOC of one of the places you don't want to be, before and after the arrival of the health inspector. I think I'll cook at home tonight.

Take Note

It took me a second to find the seed part in this latest Iron Builder MOC from One More Brick. And then after I spotted them, it took me another second to figure out how he built with them in this way. Not to mention the fact that from a thumbnail, you'd pass right over this picture, thinking it was real. That all adds up to a pretty impressive MOC.

Wall•E!

I'm super excited about the LEGO Ideas Wall•E set. It's a favorite Pixar character of mine, it's designed by my friend Angus MacLane and a completely awesome model. Well, my pals at The Brothers Brick managed to get their grubby little paws on one (don't ask me how, I don't know the details but I understand lemur sacrifice might have played a role) and have an exclusive review of it! Click through for your first peek at this amazing new model.

Smeeeee!

I was supposed to be at Disneyland this weekend, but I'm not (very sad face). But if I were, we'd be waiting not-so-patiently for the fireworks. I the mean time I'm sure we'd get a Dole whip, probably ride Pirates and Mansion, and maybe if the crowds aren't bad wait in line for Peter Pan. And of course we'd get to see Captain Hook and Tick Tock in their eternal struggle. Luckily i've got this fabulous MOC by 'rolli to give me just a little dose of Disney magic.

Brickstuff Coming To The UK And Europe

Scotland based Curious Minds has become the sole European and UK retailer for US based Brickstuff. This is great news for all my friends and fellow LEGO enthusiasts across the pond. I'm a huge fan of Brickstuff and it's founder Rob Klingberg. I've used their lighting products in every stop-motion short I've produced and will continue to do so.

Visit Curious Minds' website for more information and get your lighting on!

Cogsworth

It is always an absolute pleasure to see a character rendered with such accuracy and passion as this fantastic Cogsworth. And trust me it's not easy to build likenesses, even cartoony ones, but Swan Dutchman makes it seem effortless. And now my favorite duo from Beauty and the Beast are together, as it should be.

REDHED

Builder m_o_n_k_e_y is back with another fantabulous robot MOC. Meet REDHED, built between bottles and diapers (new babies certainly keep you on your toes) and ready for action. That's perhaps what I enjoy most about Aaron's creations, they look functional and always seem to be ready to leap off the screen. A great balance of practicality and aesthetic.

Star Wars: A New Hip

I'm old. I'm really old. But at least I still have vivid memories of seeing Star Wars in the theater (like every weekend for a year, plus many viewings during the summer, lost count). But the inevitable march of time means that everyone and everything involved in my favorite movie of all time is also aging. And Han & Leia are no exception as imagined by Pepa Quin.

Fantasy Characters

This is like a video game or fantasy movie that just hasn't been made yet. Builder Amida Na has crafted not only a collection of fantastic characters but has also developed those characters with back story and personality. Click through to see just who these wonderful characters (and more) are and get to know them a little better.

The Circle Is Now Complete

I love this, for a few reasons actually. First of course it's Star Wars original trilogy, so that's pretty much an automatic. Second, I can appreciate how difficult it was to do, lighting and photographing a super dark set with dark figures is really hard. And lastly, it's just a damn good shot, great lighting, great editing and great composition. Nicely done Andrew JN!

Back To School

Here at BrickNerd we like to look back from time to time, even at the end of summer. This MOCstalgia is inspired by Mrs BrickNerd, with the suggestion of "back to school". It's funny how at the end of the school year both parents and students are really ready for summer. I think we're just ready to not struggle to wake kids, make lunches and deal with homework (and kids just don't want to be at school). But as welcome as that first day of summer is, it's not terribly long until glances at the calendar get far more frequent with groans of "I'm bored" and parent's patience with endless video game play wears thin. So to celebrate the return to school I present to you this classic by Polywen, Pack up kids, and get out of the damn house.

He Wields A Mighty Hammer

It's not easy being a LEGO Community Manager. There's all the phone calls, travel and email. There's the continual complaining from the whiny AFOL community. And if one more person asks about monorail track, someone's gonna get hurt. Well builder Si-MOCs understands this anguish, and gave Kevin Hinkle a mighty hammer to wield, and wield it he did.

Doof Wagon

The discerning gentleman prefers to travel in style and comfort, surrounded by his favorite things. Perhaps those things are burled walnut, fine grade leather and a superior sound system. Then again maybe those things are a ridiculous sound system, a harness suspension system and a FLAME THROWING GUITAR! Builder Pepa Quin seems to prefer the later.

LL26 Seeker

I grew up with Classic Space, so I've been enjoying the almost daily re-imagined versions of the original sets.  But what's really nifty are the completely new designs, like this rover by Chris Perron.  First thing I noticed were those tires.  They look like the multiple airbag wheels actually used by the various space agencies.  Plus it looks wicked fast!