September 21, 2016

Review - LEGO Architecture United States Capitol Building

September 21, 2016/ Tommy

I've never been to Washington DC, but it's always been some place I'd like to see someday. Among all the structures in the heart of the US political center the Capitol Building is among the most impressive. It's gleaming white columns, overall size and magnificent dome evoke classic roman architecture, and it stands to this day as a symbol of American democracy. Now LEGO has an Architecture version of this iconic building, and it's a very impressive set.

September 14, 2016

Review: The LEGO Christmas Ornaments Book

September 14, 2016/ Tommy

I love the holidays. Christmas carols, yummy treats, time with family and friends, practically daily viewings of A Christmas Story and of course LEGO under (and on) the tree. I don't know about you, but there's always several LEGO Christmas ornaments on our tree, and this year there's going to be a few more thanks to this new book from No Starch Press and author Chris McVeigh

September 09, 2016

Review: LEGO Collectible Minifigures Series 16

September 09, 2016/ Tommy

Yes, LEGO Collectible Minifigures Series 16 is finally here, with all the banana guy action you can take. I did an overview of the entire collection yesterday, and they're pretty awesome. This video however is just as terrible as most of my YouTube channel...You've been warned.

September 02, 2016

Volkswagen Beetle Review

September 02, 2016/ Tommy

The first Type 1 sedans rolled off the line in the early 1940's, and the world was captivated by it's practically, price and unique appearance. My family had a beetle when I was a kid, my first real car was a beetle and I drive a newer convertible beetle now (but I wish I still had a vintage one). This new version by LEGO is as much fun as you'd think,

LEGO Creator Expert Volkswagen Beetle 10252 Building Kit

LEGO

If you'd like your own copy of this fantastic set (and you know you do) please consider supporting BrickNerd and purchasing it using this link.

July 25, 2016

Review: Tiny LEGO Wonders

July 25, 2016/ Tommy

Micro scale building and mini models have always been a favorite of mine. Getting the detail needed and shapes required to convey something recognizable with a minimal number of pieces at a tiny scale is a skill many builders take for granted, or simply don't appreciate. I love scrolling through my Flickr feed and finding something appealing, only to discover upon closer inspection it is an order of magnitude smaller than I had first thought. That moment of "wait, that's only three studs wide?" always makes me smile. Well now No Starch Press and author Mattia Zamboni have assembled an entire volume of such tiny builds, and there's pleasant surprises on every page.

May 31, 2016

Review - LEGO Technic Porsche 911 GT3 RS

May 31, 2016/ Tommy

It's been a long time since I've built a Technic set, at least a big one, but it was worth the wait. The Technic Porsche 911 is a phenomenal set, and I could go on and on about it. But I just shot a video instead. Check it out!

April 19, 2016

Birds From Bricks

April 19, 2016/ Iainy Scott

One of my friends is into birds, big time! His name is Thomas Poulsom. You might recognise the name from the Lego Ideas set 21301, Birds. Well he has written a book showing how you can build another 15 different birds from all around the world. And I have been lucky enough to have been sent a copy to review.

I was totally amazed by the original birds Thomas made and so when I heard that there was going to be a book full of bird instructions I was very excited. The book arrived recently and as soon as I opened it up I was blown away by how clear the instructions are laid out. Each bird has a parts list so its easy to get the bits together before you start. The steps are small and the sometimes complicated SNOT techniques are clearly explained. The book is in full colour and there is even a colour key for each bird.

I thought I would build a bird and see how easy it is to follow the instructions in real life. I chose the Canary (Serinus Canaria), collected up all the parts and built it. It was easy to follow and didn't take too long to finish!. Here is where I found a couple of weak points in the construction. However by adding a couple of plates I was able to strengthen the bird considerably. More an oversight than a fault. Overall the bird looks stunning. The half a stud connections in the wings are delicate but as this is a display model, thats not too important.

I can recommend this book not only if you are into birds but also if you like Creator style builds and are looking for more realism in the finished model. I plan to build a few more birds in the future. The book is published by Quarry and has a retail price of $24.99/£15.99/$29.99 CAN. Its available at Amazon (use the link on this page!) and is even available as a Kindle download. Nice work Thomas, now where are the instructions to that Hedgehog?

April 13, 2016

Review: LEGO Ideas Maze

April 13, 2016/ Tommy

I can't say I was surprised when LEGO Ideas announced that the Maze was coming as a set. Builder Jason "JK Brickworks" Allamann is continually amazing us all with his clever mechanical builds. I used to play with one of these classic toys back when they were made of wood and used metal marbles. Now I get to play with one build from my favorite toys, LEGO bricks.

March 09, 2016

Review: Collectible Minifigures Series 15

March 09, 2016/ Tommy

Series 15 of LEGO's insanely popular collectible Minifigure line is here, and TLG was kind enough to send us a box to review. Like the many series before it, this is a wild blend of characters from all walks of life and from fact and fantasy, let's meet them...

February 12, 2016

Review - LEGO Architecture Venice 21026

February 12, 2016/ El Barto

A few weeks ago, Tommy asked if anyone on the Bricknerd Team wanted to do a review of one of the new LEGO Architecture sets. Yes! I volunteered for Venice. My wife and I went to Venice on our honeymoon, and I had been there a few times before. Tommy informed me that I should be on the lookout for a box from Billund, so I waited anxiously by the mailbox. But since it’s February in Vermont, my wife suggested I come inside. Good thing too, it was almost two weeks before it arrived.

January 28, 2016

Review - Awesome Minds, The Inventors Of LEGO Toys

January 28, 2016/ Tommy

The story of Ole Kirk and the LEGO company origins has been told many times. In fact, here at BrickNerd we told the story with animation for the LEGO Brickumentary just last year. But I don't know that it's ever been told with such charm and accessibility as this new book by duopress, Awesome Minds: The Inventors of LEGO Toys.

November 11, 2015

Review - Small Scenes From A Big Galaxy

November 11, 2015/ Tommy

I get a kick out of all LEGO inspired books. It's a product and company I love. I also find just about anything Star Wars endearing (except maybe those stupid coffee creamers, what the heck?) So when you combine the two, you have my attention. Now add in the fact that this is the product of the imagination and creativity of an AFOL and fan, well this is a perfect storm of LEGO, Star Wars, imagination, creativity, photography and fandom, I'm smitten.

September 23, 2015

Review - Beautiful LEGO Wild!

September 23, 2015/ Tommy

Artist, author, designer and builder Mike Doyle is back with another Beautiful LEGO book. Nature and animals are the focus in this third book of the excellent series. Mike has built some splendid creations, and curated MOCs from all around the world and from builders from all walks of life. All put together in a lovely presentation by No Starch Press. It's LEGO eye candy of the highest order, in a quality book that would look great on any coffee table.

August 28, 2015

Review - The LEGO Adventure Book - Volume 3

August 28, 2015/ Tommy

Megs and Brickbot are back for more building adventures in The LEGO Adventure Book volume 3, the latest of this quirky and fun series from No Starch Press. I'm so happy for my friend and author Megan Rothrock for getting to do what she loves, and when you read one of these books you can sense that love. She brings together a unique combination of top notch builders from around the globe, building instructions for awesome models and fun story telling that appeals to all ages. All presented in a comic-book like narrative featuring caricatures of the builders and a host of other characters.

August 16, 2015

Mrs BrickNerd - Review: Olivia's House

August 16, 2015/ Tommy

It's a rare Saturday that I am at home. Usually I share my Saturdays at work with Joe Public, so you can imagine my excitement to have a Saturday off. Yesterday however, my Saturday off coincided with a BrickNerd workday (lets face it, every day is a BrickNerd workday, but I digress) so, what to do? Raid the BrickNerd archive shelves, that's what!

August 15, 2015

Wall•E!

August 15, 2015/ Tommy

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.

January 03, 2015

Review - LEGO Architecture The Visual Guide

January 03, 2015/ Tommy

LEGO Architecture has earned a loyal following over the past few years, and with the growing interest in the theme it's no surprise that it has spilled over into other areas as well. Now there is a pretty spectacular coffee table book available from DK, and like the sets it's big on style.

December 15, 2014

Review - Steampunk LEGO

December 15, 2014/ Tommy

Steampunk is one of those things that's easy to appreciate but difficult to describe. You can look at a costume, a prop or MOC and say "oh, that's steampunk", but you may struggle to explain why. Sure you can throw some brown and brass together, and add a gear or two and call it steampunk, but you may find others do not agree. At it's core, steampunk is a reimagining of technology and lifestyles from the mid to late 19th century. Juxtaposing modern advances with a Victorian aesthetic. When it's done right it's magical, and you find yourself transported back in time. Guy Himber, the author of this book, does it right.

November 26, 2014

Review - Brick Loot

November 26, 2014/ Tommy

There's a monthly subscription for just about every area of interest now, from beef jerky to quilting. But until recently, there was nothing for the LEGO fans out there. Well, now there's Brick Loot, a new company promising monthly boxes of LEGO goodness. They were kind enough to send me a sample box and I'll share the contents with you.

November 13, 2014

Review - Brick Flicks

November 13, 2014/ Tommy

My love of movies is well known, and you're reading this on a LEGO fan site so my love of the bricks is also pretty obvious. So when something comes along that combines the two you've got my attention.

Enter Brick Films, a book by Warren Elsemore. It promises 60 iconic movie scenes and posters to make from LEGO. Barron's was kind enough to send me a review copy, and I'm happy to share my thoughts about it.