Kaneda's Bike

Akira, the landmark animated feature that introduced so many to the wonderful world of anime. And Kaneda's bike, everyone's favorite thing in that movie. There have been many, many versions of this built in LEGO, but few very successfully at Minifig scale. This one by Tiler is perhaps the most successful ever constructed. And now you can build your own because he shared some instructions!

Akira – Kaneda's Bike
Akira – Kaneda's Bike _13
Akira – Kaneda's Bike _14

Tis The Season

I was really ready for the holiday season this year. I love listening to the music, spending time with my family, shopping for presents, drinking spiced cider, opening my letters from Cards Against Humanity and generally being jolly. I also truly enjoy all the holiday themed MOCs that pop up. This one from Legonardo Davidy not only spreads some Christmas cheer, but serves double duty as a LUG collaborative build and his latest entry in Iron Builder, pretty nifty.

'Tis the season to be jolly!

MICROFLEET

I've kinda got this thing for rag-tag fleets, although this one isn't particularly rag-tag.  In fact ska2d2 has created a pretty cohesive style in spite of the variation in designs.  What I really like are the number of details he's packed into them, details you'd usually see in much larger ships.  I'm just waiting for him to build something with retracting flight pods

Singer

This is one of those times I refreshed the Flickr feed and stopped cold saying "whoa". This old time Singer by 6kyubi6 is perfect, just perfect. Yes, as I've revealed before I know how to use a sewing machine. I don't do it much any more, but at least once a year I'm breaking out the machine and stitching away. Mine doesn't look like this, but works in pretty much the exact same way.

Old Singer

Root Canal

As a dentist, I see people cringe when I say those words.  But when I saw this creation by Lab Synth, I had a different reaction.  Drawing inspiration from Venice, the scene is comprised of a tight succession of palaces along a canal named for the tree in the small plaza.  The owners are extremely competitive, not only with architectural styles, but construction materials as well.  I recommend the zoom feature to see all the intricate details throughout the build.  It's almost like having the magnifiers dentists use when drilling on teeth. 

Root Canal (MOC)

Bricks LA Is Coming

Did you know there's a LEGO convention in Los Angeles? it's true! Bricks LA is a fairly new con, having celebrated it's first one this year in May and he next one is just around the corner in January, so you better get hopin' (I better get hoppin' too!) The deadline to register as a VIB (very important builder, con attendee) is next week, December 12th so get your travel plans set. I'll see you in Los Angeles in just a few weeks!

- January 8-10, 2016
- Public Hours are Saturday January 9 and Sunday January 10 from 10am to 5pm
- Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, CA (300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101)
- Deadline to register as a VIB: December 12th, 2015
- Deadline to register MOCs for MOC cards: December 20th, 2015
- VIB Registration cost: $55
- Admission to public show is just $5, kids 5 and under are free.
 

We Have Winners!

The judges have weighed in, the votes have been counted and we have clear winners. But before I say anything else I have to say what an incredible group of MOCs from an incredible group of builders. Judging was supremely difficult this year not only from the sheer number of entries, but from the staggering quality, creativity and diversity of all those wonderful Nerdlys. I am blown away and while I wish I could give everyone a prize, there can be only three, so without further ado, the NERDvember 2015 winners...

1st place - Nerdogorth by Paddy Bricksplitter

One of my personal favorites (it should be noted I wasn't a judge) so it makes me happy this is first. A wonderful mashup between a classic Star Wars moment and Nerdly, love it.

The Nerdogorth

2nd place - Nerdly in carbonite by KOS brick

Another personal favorite. When this MOC was posted it gave everyone pause, and upped the ante. A brilliant concept perfectly executed and photographed.

Nerdly in Carbonite

3rd place - Nerdcrawler by Captainsmog

This entry will forever make me imagine that under those dark hoods, Jawas are wearing Nerdly glasses around those glowing yellow eyes.

NERDvember: NERDcrawler

Congratulations to all our winners, you deserve it. And a huge thank you to everyone that entered, you're all awesome. And of course I wish to thank all our sponsors this year, we couldn't do it without you. Until next year, build on and nerd out!

The Shard

This iconic building was still under construction when I was living and working in London in 2010, but even in it's half-built unfinished state it was impressive. It was completed in 2012 and while it had somewhat divided the public at first, it has since found it's way into the hearts and minds of Londoners and the world. It's a beautiful building, and this brick version by Rocco Buttliere is just as beautiful. Click through for more pics.

Standard Equipment

You know, I've never given much thought to the "mudflap girl". I grew up seeing her on nearly every 18 wheeler in the country, and since have seen her on hats and shirts and stickers and so on and so on. With a quick google search I discovered she's the product of Bill Zinda, who came up with her to promote his trucking products. And she's been going strong ever since. And now we can enjoy her curvaceous silhouette in bricks thanks to builder bricksnoir.

Mudflap Girl

Star Wars Evolved

Our pals over at FBTB have announced another awesome contest. Inspired by all the familiar but new ships we've already seen from The Force Awakens, they're asking you to pick a ship from the Star Wars universe and update, or 'evolve' it. Head over to FBTB for all the details. You have until January 16th to enter, which means you can even wait until after you see EP7 for more inspiration.

By the way, this is the coolest contest poster I think I've ever seen, nice job Don!

One Ends, Another Begins

I had the honor and burden of judging the last Iron Builder, in which CMaddisson emerged victorious. But no sooner does one end, than the next epic struggle begins. This round pits Legonardo Davidy against 6kyubi6, and what a round it will be. Both builders have unique and very different styles, and the seed part (the musketeer sword) should prove to be a challenge to both. Let's all sit back and enjoy the action.

Retro Television
You may feel a slight pinch...

Oh, and Spongebob Squarepants has always been a fixture in this house, in fact I hung a Spongebob ornament on the tree yesterday. So I would be amiss if I didn't post this awesome MOC of Gary

Meorw!