Trees are hard to build. They're fragile, finicky and difficult to make convincing, or at least interesting. Even more rare than a good tree is the instructions on how to build it. Well builder Full Plate is providing just that, a tutorial on how to build this tree which uses a novel methodology of axes and droid arms. Head on over to this tutorial hosted by our pals at Eurobricks. How ironic, a tree built from the very thing designed to chop them down.
I've never actually seen a pyramid, and to tell the truth I've never actually felt the need to. It's not that I don't appreciate ancient engineering, or have anything against the cultures that created them, it's because I'm from the central coast of California. This means I don't do hot, I don't do cold, and I don't do humidity. And it seems that everywhere pyramids are, that's what's around them. Just look at this marvelous jungle pyramid by builder MassEditor. You can practically hear the bugs, feel the sweat dripping down your back and smell the damp jungle air. I think I'll stick to The Jungle Cruise at Disneyland as a suitable substitute (then grab a Dole Whip, because it gets hot in Anaheim too).
While I haven't seen the movie yet, or had even heard of it until this morning, the animated feature Your Name just might be on my watch list. Before posting I thought I'd do a little research on it, and it sounds fascinating. This MOC by MikeVd recreates the movie poster to great effect, right down to the poses and tone, and the ominous comet in the background.
Zipper up, it's getting cold outside! Both Takamichi irie and Dead Frog Inc. have individually created interesting zipper designs in the past month. Both designs are very different from each other, and it should be noted that Dead Frog's (the second zipper) was involved in a competition, while Takamichi had a choice in the parts he used. Dead Frog was participating in InnovaLUG's ABS Builder Challenge, which involves using a specific element in creative ways. For his creation, Dead Frog was limited to the light blue element that you see making up the zipper. Both look fairly watertight, so they should be prepared!
Builder Mark of Falworth is back with another brilliant castle, and it's pretty epic. Measuring about 20 square feet and weighing in at 110 pounds, it's a show stopper. If you're going to Brickfair Alabama or Brickfest Atlanta I envy you, because you'll get to see this stunning MOC in person.
Yes, 2016 is finally about over. It's been a year of ups and downs, struggles and loss, but we keep on keeping on. It was a pretty good year for BrickNerd, with growth in readership, great cons and some good times in the name of LEGO devotion. As we ring in the new year, the year of the Rooster as illustrated by nobu_tary, we look forward to some more good times and brick mischief. Thanks for taking this ride with us.
For those who don't already know, that's Klingon for "Success!" And that's what my pal Kevin J. Walter must have exclaimed when he finally finished this awesome Bird of Prey. It's his all-time favorite spaceship, and the project took him six years to complete. The goal was to have it finished by the end of the year for the Star Trek 50th Anniversary. Just in the nick of time, Kevin, you old Targ!
Have you ever tried a Rubik's Cube? Did you think it was hard to solve? Well, imagine one that's actually a robot that transforms. Joe Perez has created "Rubikron," the next installment in difficult puzzle solving. Now you might have to fear getting the solution wrong. A very creative idea!
Creative character builder Djokson has an intense bodyguard. Don't even try to steal any of his LEGO elements. In all seriousness, the builder executed a menacing aspect incredibly well. This demon-like creature is something you'd only see in a nightmare. When I was younger, I collected Bionicle figures (I still have a large box under my LEGO desk). However, I have no talent for creating my own. Seeing models like these always impresses me. I'm getting a little bit of a Makuta vibe off this guy, only I think I'd rather fight Makuta than this one.
The Boy Wonder has a wonderful Batman-themed source of entertainment. Unlike Batman, Robin is not limited to only black and very very dark gray. With the release of the upcoming LEGO Batman film, Dark Knight creations are slowly popping up more and more. LEGO 7 has created a diorama for the movie release, similar to what he did earlier this year for Star Wars. The builder has filled this scene with little easter eggs and familiar Batman items, including some of the new superhero Microfighter figures. How many can you pick out?
Flashback to 1981. I could be seen dropping a piece of cardboard, slipping on some fingerless gloves, zipping the pockets of my parachute pants, inserting a mix tape of RUN DMC, Twilight 22, Art of Noise and Newcleus into a boom box not dissimilar to this one and poppin' and lockin' like there was no tomorrow. Thanks for a dose of nostalgia J.B.F!
This brilliant study interior is the culmination of 5 years of vignettes by builder workshysteve covering the life and times of Harry Paget Flashman. They start when he's a schoolboy and lead to this MOC, where he's reflecting on an eventful life and writing his memoirs. If you've got some time I recommend checking out the series, they're really well done and have a level of commitment rarely seen.
This trike by builder ianying616 instantly caught my eye. Black models are notoriously difficult to photograph, but this looks absolutely gorgeous. It's beautifully lit and shot (with a phone no less!) and the construction is top notch. I've never ridden a trike before, and most of the time I think they look a little silly, but not this one.
Yes, I'm drinking my tea while I'm posting about this tea train. Of course, mine is PG Tips, and this is Tetley, but we'll give it a pass since it's so brilliant. If this wonderful scene by BrickBaron looks more like a whimsical illustration than a MOC, that's because it's inspired directly by an illustration. The bright colors, masterful construction and humor naturally draw you in.
My absolute love for Star Wars is no secret, I wear it (quite literally) loud and proud. I was nine years old when the film came out, the perfect age to be warped for life. It's what sparked my love of film, filmmaking, sci-fi, model building and so many other creative aspects of my life. It also sparked one of the first crushes of my young life, a certain strong-willed, no-nonsense princess who defied an empire and saved the galaxy. I'm deeply saddened by the loss of Carrie Fisher, my heart is broken.
I don't know how I missed this yuletide artillery MOC by nobu_tary when it was originally posted. And while Christmas may be over, the tree is still up, presents are all over the living room and I'm all hopped up on sugar so why not? I didn't realize Santa had a new "weapon" in his arsenal this year, which looks pretty exciting. I suppose the reindeer might have gotten upset for being underutilized, but at least they got a show.
Does anyone else hear medieval minstrel music when they look at castle MOCs? I mean, the moment I looked at this wonderful blacksmith's shop and tudor house by Sylon-tw, I heard music right out of Excalibur (not the Mozart stuff, the minstrel music). I realize that music shapes and colors my creative world, but I have to wonder if I'm alone in this phenomenon.
They're huge, they're menacing and they're armored...not to mention they walk! They're Imperial Walkers, and you really don't want to see them advancing on you. This is the AT-ACT, a cargo hauling variation seen for the first time in Rogue One. And while their primary function is to move things from one place to another, they can certainly hold their own in battle. This version by Forgotten Days looks like it's ready for some stompy stompy pew pew action.
While it's not the only criteria I look for (far from it) but for me one of the hallmarks of a great MOC is it doesn't look like LEGO at first. I know this seems at odds with a love of the bricks but let me explain. One of the things I find most fascinating about building with LEGO is the fact that is is transformed into something else. Each element is like a stroke from a pencil, a pixel on the screen or a thumbprint in clay. Individually just fragments of a larger idea, but It all comes together to become something else entirely. And when is it is so successfully transformed that those individual fragments disappear altogether, it's magic. This alley scene by builder LEGOMINDED just looked like a photograph of an urban scene from the thumbnail, I almost scrolled right past it. Beautifully conceived, built and photographed...transformed.
After I was done opening my presents yesterday I looked around and realized just how big a Star Wars fan I am. I was wearing Star Wars sleep pants, a Han and Chewie shirt, a jedi robe. In my pile of presents was a Stormtrooper helmet, model kits of R2-D2 and C-3PO, SW collector cards, a SW checkbook cover and more. And they all made me happy as could me. You'd swear Santa Yoda, depicted here by M<0><0>DSWIM, was the one that came down the chimney this year.
From sketches to superglue, see how this custom LEGO motorcycle earned its street cred. We chat with Jean-Yves about the design, prototyping, and even heat resistance of his LEGO customizations, taking them from prototype to the pavement.
October has arrived with a fresh selection of LEGO contests and challenges. Don’t miss your chance to build a MOC and maybe even win some awesome LEGO prizes. With a new LEGO Speederbike Challenge, and a Halloween contest or two, there’s plenty of inspiration to be found!
What makes your eye land on one part of a LEGO build before another? In this month’s Conversation Piece, we explore focal points, visual weight, and how builders can guide a viewer through a composition.
LEGO Speeder Bikes are back with a new community building challenge inspired by Citizen Sleeper. Build an airbike, create its messenger, and see what you can squeeze into just three studs wide.
Ahoy, me hearties! It be Talk Like A Pirate Day! Are you ready to set sail on an adventure through the history of classic LEGO Pirates? Where did it begin, what was it all about, and where has the theme showed up since? Join us on a treasure hunt through history!
Take a seat as we explore clever LEGO chair techniques that will leave you sitting pretty. From boat studs to bucket handles, here are some simple ways to design your own stylish chairs.
Identifying individual LEGO parts from bulk second-hand purchases can be challenging, so what are the most common elements that people want to know, “What is this!?”
BrickNerd is your source for all things LEGO and the LEGO fan community
Like what we're doing? Become a patron to show your support, get early access, exclusive swag and more. Or leave a one-time donation by hitting the yellow button. Everything is appreciated!
BrickNerd is not associated with The LEGO Group.
Opinions shared on this site are our own and not the opinions of LEGO or The LEGO Group.
LEGO® is a trademark of The LEGO Group which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site.
Copyright © 2013 - 2026 BrickNerd. All Rights Reserved.
Contact Us
LEGO adventurers need somewhere to unwind between quests. We talk with Sleepy Dragon Inn designer Marin Graux about classic Castle, medieval hospitality, and how his design evolved for the BrickLink Designer Program.