First Order Stormtrooper Blaster

Like Star Wars fans all over the world I'm captivated with the new Stormtroopers. I was never a huge fan of Clonetroopers, and like a great many fans was cautiously optimistic about what Episode VII might have in store for us. But my doubts quickly evaporated the first time I saw the trailer. They have some pretty cool hardware too, like this new blaster by builder willgalb. I was also a proud owner of a toy blaster as a kid, back when you could buy one that looked like the ones in the movie. Then they got really weird colors for safety reasons. I guess that won't be a problem this time around.

Heropon Riki

I know next to nothing about this character, or the video game he comes from, Xenoblade Chronicles. But that doesn't mean I can't appreciate this build by lingonkart. Regardless of whether or not I've played the game, I find this guy compelling an absolutely bursting with character. And he appears to have some seriously handy hair.

Der Drehorgelspieler

This is an interesting MOC, made more so since it's a Japanese Model based on a German concept, so it's in two languages I don't speak. I don't have time to do any research, or translation, so I just have to blog about what I know: This is a lovely MOC by KMbricklab with fun and enchanting mechanical action, check it out

Marchitecture Begins!

A new month within the AFOL community usually brings new challenges and contests, and I am personally rather excited for this new offering sponsored by SLUG from Saskatchewan! Marchitecture challenges us to build a microscale version of a real world building, in the style of the official TLG Architecture sets. Full contest rules can be found in the Flickr group.

First prize is a copy of 20128-1 New York City, so get building!

Win Some Stuff, Shed Some Light

We're huge fans of Brickstuff. I've used their lighting products in many animated projects and they're the coolest company you'll ever do business with. Now you can score your own starter kit and all it takes is your email! Click here to enter and good luck!

Hungry?

I went to Japan once, it was in the late 90's and quite the adventure. It started simply enough, with some press junkets for Armageddon and lots of meetings. There was food too, lots of it, and it was sensational every where we went. And presented well, with pride and panache, like this bento box from nobu_tary. Then I got sick, asian influenza type two, and became quite familiar with my hotel room... for three long and brutal days longer than I planned to stay in the country.

RetroRod

This sweet hotrod by Tiler just showed up in my Flickr feed as I was considering being done blogging for now, so much for that. It doesn't even have a name on Flickr, so I'm calling it RetroRod. Something about the whilewall tires (how the heck did he do that?) and the copper/black color scheme feels nostalgic, but the rest of it just screams "eat my dust".

Darth Vader Car

These little Star Wars inspired Hotwheels hit the shelves a couple years ago, and while I've never purchased one (I really need to control myself, too much stuff at my house already) I always stop and look at them. This is one of my favorites, Darth Vader. Seeing it as a full size car at SDCC was a thrill, but I think seeing it built in brick form by Don't Talk to Robots is even better.

Dueling Motherboards

This Iron Builder round has been epic, with both builders cranking out a truly astonishing amount of top quality MOCs in a competition of perfectly paired players. And if it wasn't clear that these two are exquisitely matched, how about this: On the same day, by complete coincidence, both builders crafted motherboards, similar in style and color scheme. Great minds think alike, and great builders build alike.

Gamer

Here we see the modern gamer (homoerectus computariumludis) in his natural habitat thanks to the efforts of builder and exhibit curator Graham Gidman. The setting is tranquil at the moment, but be wary of any sudden outbursts, they indicate that something has not gone well in the current activity, and his temper may flair at any moment. Also in the event of loss of power or broadband please evacuate the area immediately to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Notice how the gamer has gathered objects of affection and role play around him, as well as decorating his environment in a pleasing manner, evoking memories of pop culture experiences. As you can see it's feeding time, so we caution you to keep your hands and feet well clear of his mouth.

Proteus Rover

FebRovery is almost over, but cool spacefaring rovers are still coming in, like this way cool dual driver model from builder TrapleS. There's a realistic quality to this rover, while still looking very slick. It reminds me of the rover in The Martian, which was based on proper research and consultation with NASA and JPL (with an added touch of Hollywood design of course).

The Afterburner

This month's LUGnuts challenge has certainly been eventful. It's not hard to imagine why since it's the 100th (!) and they're doing it up right. Builder Moritz drew "fire engine" and as you can see, he ran with it. Inspired by FDNY's iconic lime green engines, this beast looks as capable as starting as many fires as it puts out, but it would certainly be awesome to see in action.

Build This Earth, Moon And Sun Orrery!

Mechanical mad genius JK Brickworks is back with another fun project, and something that everyone needs on their desk, an Orrery. I'd call it simple, because it just has the sun, earth and moon, but as you can see in the picture and video, it's far from it. It's also surprisingly accurate in rotation and orbit, having cycles that are really close to the actual celestial bodies. And with instructions generously shared by the builder, you can make your own!

Don't Cross The Steams!

Like most people I am quite excited to see the upcoming Ghostbusters re-boot but imagine if the story was taken back into the Victorian Age and given a Steam Punk makeover. Thats what Cpt. Brick has done! With stories of Fish & Chip eating Eco-plasm and unfriendly Librarians the scene is well set. All thats missing is an Ecto 1 for the Phantom Catchers to rush through the street of Old London Town in. "I say old chap, be a good fellow and don't cross the steams!"

Rolls Royce Springfield Silver Ghost Playboy Roadster

Speaking of the contest on LUGNuts, my pal Firas Abu-Jaber drew #1 in a list of 100 predetermined cars.  Not only did he build an amazing replica, but he's also got the hood ornament and the external trunk to boot.  Check out the link to Firas' in-depth write up and tons of extra pics on MocPages. 

El Laxante!

This thing is just awesome.  Andy, aka D-Town Cracka, has come up with a seriously modified 1974 Chevy El Camino SS.  Apparently there's a contest going on at LUGNuts called the 100th Build Challenge.  This is #74.  Get it?  "Chopped, bored, jacked and tracked", this baby's got all the features you'd need at a monster truck show, Sunday-Sunday-Sunday!  Kids 12 and under enter free.

Commander Shepard

Builder Nick Brick is generally known for his awesome video game and movie inspired weapons and props, but as you can see from this excellent figure, he's got character chops too. Of course this lovely lady is from a video game as well, it's Commander Shepard from Mass Effect. And of course I only know this because I googled it, since I never get to play games any more.

The Beholder

This made my heart go pitter patter. Not just because I'm a fan of all things geek, but because it's from a dear friend who hasn't been building much lately (but has certainly been making lots of cool stuff!), and It always makes me happy to see the work of friends. Behold the Beholder, from Guy Himber. Making great use of those Mixel eyes and being all monstery, I dig it.

Lord of the Rings LEGO Pinball!

Okay, so we're throwing the "don't blog the same builder more than once a day" thing out the window.  Again.  Jonas has built this amazing and fully functional LOTR pinball machine for the Iron Builder contest on Flickr.  Naturally, it makes me think about how I'd build a Battlestar Galactica pinball, but that'll have to wait. Check out the video!

Super Volks

They were ridiculous, they were brash, they were driverless, they were the Zingers, model kits from MPC. Back in the 70's it seemed you couldn't get outrageous enough (just ask Chuck Barris or ABBA) and hotrods were no exception. Builder Mad physicist clearly understands this mentality and has recreated my personal favorite from this line, the Super Volks. Who cares if it doesn't actually have seats? Just imagine how loud and fast it is!