Giger's Workshop

You just never know what the seed of inspiration will be. Sometimes it's a figure, sometimes it's a new way of connecting, sometimes it's a new part. Builder Grantmasters thought Starlord's weapon looked sort of like the derelict ship in Alien, and an entire MOC evolved around it. Now it's a ship in the middle of H.R. Giger's workshop, and it's a detailed, NPU eye feast.

The Derelict

Blue Bull

When I think of builder Norton74, I think of hotrods, cars and crazy detailed garages. But now I'm going to add classic space to that because check out this MOC! This WWI inspired big blue tank has been flash forwarded to the future. It features a long range gun and has a rotating turret and a crew of three. The maintenance hangar is a thing of beauty too, so much spacy goodness.

"Blue Bull" Space Tank at the maintenance hangar
"Blue Bull" | S-class Space Tank

The Exorcist

I made the awful mistake of watching The Exorcist when I was about 12 years old, roughly the same age as Regan in the movie. It scared the crap out of me, I was traumatized for days. Then again, I also developed a crush on Linda Blair, so sorta a double edge sword I guess. This little vignette by vitreolum recreates one of the more disturbing scenes, and I'm sorta having flashbacks. Despite the questionable subject matter, there's actually a lot of really cool and subtle techniques being used here, like the wall molding achieved with jumpers, and the paneled door. This is spooky good.

The Exorcist

Pay Attention Class...

Of course LEGO astronauts go to space academy, they have to learn the ways of space somewhere. And of course there's lecture halls at the academy, they're perfect for group learning. So why we've never seen a space academy lecture room before now seems baffling. Thankfully builder justin_m_winn came along to fix this oversight. Three cheers for higher education!

Space Academy - Lecture Room L15a

Welcome Foolish Mortals

You all know what a Disneyland nerd I am, and no trip to the Magic Kingdom is complete without a visit to our favorite spooky attraction, the Haunted Mansion. This MOC by kjm161 not only captures the look and feel of the exterior of my favorite residence of New Orleans Square, but it has a fully detailed interior. The inside is absolutely packed with details and homages to the attraction, from madame Leota to the hitchhiking ghosts, to the rest of the 999 happy haunts. Now, look alive, and click through for many more pictures.

haunted mansion 1
Haunted Mansion Organ
Madame Leota
Haunted Mansion Hearse

Leonardo's Workshop

Nobody would dispute the contributions of Leonardo Da Vinci to the art, science, design and medical worlds, as well as others. The man was an absolute genius and changed the world forever. This MOC by MolochBaal imagines what his workshop might have looked like, and it's how I always imagined it. I love the fact that many of the disciplines Leonardo practiced are present, from war to fine art.

Leonardo Da Vinci's workshop

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.

Gamer's Room

Ski Chalet

I'm not a skier, I haven't been skiing in 30 years, and I wasn't good back then, in fact I was terrible. But one of the things I did enjoy about the experience was sipping hot chocolate in the warm and cozy lodge after the day freezing and face-planting on the slopes (I won't go into details about the rescue sled incident, but it wasn't pretty). I doubt I'll ever strap on skis again, but seeing this wonderful chalet by builder SEBASTIAN-Z sure makes me crave hot chocolate and a warm fire while the snow falls outside. Meanwhile I'll enjoy the 81º weather here in California.

Ski Chalet (Lego MOC) 1
Ski Chalet - first floor 3
Ski Chalet (Lego MOC) - Interior Collage 2

Adventure's End

I instantly thought of two things when I saw this absolutely brilliant MOC by Paddy Bricksplitter, the old Adventurer's Club at Disney's Pleasure Island in Orlando (kungaloosh!) and one of my favorite all-time jokes which I won't tell here (it really needs to be heard, not read). There's so much to love here I don't know where to start, I'll just invite you all to take in all that detail and backstory, there were some excellent adventures indeed.

Adventures End

Counting Down

Now that we're past my first countdown of December, we can start counting down to Christmas. This lovely interior by sanellukovic sets the mood perfectly. You can practically hear the clock ticking, Sleighride playing softly in the background, the fire crackling and sound of wrapping paper giving way to excited children's hands.  I hope there's some LEGO under that tree.

Merry Christmas to every one!

Nautical Bedroom

I love this interior by Littlehaulic (and the rest of the house it's in). It's got so many little details and subtle techniques that it almost looks like just a photograph of a room and would be right at home in a Ralph Lauren catalog. I have to assume there's a TV on the fourth wall (the one we're looking "through") otherwise how are you going to watch Star Wars in bed?

Coastal Breeze 03
Coastal Breeze Beach House

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!

Epic Fallout 4 Diorama

Feast your eyes on this (and I hope they're hungry, it might take a while). Builder Pierre Import / T1MEK0DE has put together a truly colossal and stunning interior inspired by Fallout, and you're going to love it. Even if you haven't played the game (guilty) there's so much to like here it's worth the time to check out all the pictures. And if you're having a hard time judging the scale, find the minifigure hiding in there.

entire set
Nuka cola and the radio

The Elephant Building

Craftsmanship seems to be all but forgotten these days. When a new building goes up it's generally pretty boring, and in no time at all very dated and falling apart. We just don't build like we used to, with care and pride. Unless we're talking about LEGO buildings of course. Sure there's the usual police stations and houses, but occasionally we get spoiled by something like this absolutely wonderful structure by Sheo. It's not only gorgeous on the outside, it's fully decorated and furnished inside. Click through for more pictures from all it's excellent levels.

Elephant Building
Bookshop

Reactor

It's weird how a lifetime of filmmaking has altered the way I look at the world. When I see a scene like this I'm not thinking "wow, cool use of (insert part here)" or "cool, a space MOC". I'm hearing the thrum of the space station, slowly trucking in as the crew enters the scene, listening to the french horns as they play a subtle scene intro sting and watching the visual effects of the energy coursing through the reactor core. Thanks for the spacy, cinematic moment Bricking It.