Varian TrueBeam Linear Accelerator

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No, gang, it's not a fancy gizmo in Dr. Crusher's sick bay on the Enterprise, or even something you'd find in secret laboratory at CERN.  In fact, it's a LEGO replica of a machine used for radiation therapy.  Built by Nannan Zhang, it's used to explain treatment to children with cancer.  Check out the video where he demonstrates all of the mechanical features.  Great idea, Dude!

Varian TrueBeam Linear Accelerator

Rainbow Dash

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My Little Pony is one cartoon I never got around to watching, but that won't stop me from being in awe of this character model. Andrew Harvey has done a remarkable job creating a perfectly organic figure of Rainbow Dash. If you squint, it almost looks like a frame of animation. Just look at all the layers of jumper plates in that eye! It's amazing.

LEGO Rainbow Dash

The Tiniest Robots in Disguise You Will Ever See

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There are mixed reviews and opinions about the latest Transformers movie, but there certainly can be no mixed reviews of this tiny Optimus Prime and Bumblebee! Consistent of so few pieces, these little guys will make any old Transformers fan squeal. There isn't much I can say, simply because the image you see before you speaks to all Transformers fans in volumes. One thing that I do have to point out, which is possibly one of the best uses for brick separators I have ever seen. . .  Wonderful job, Grantmasters!

Sentient Beings
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Nathaniel Stoner

     My name is Nathaniel Stoner, and I am an very active LEGO builder.  I mostly build in the themes of castle and science-fiction, but I also dabble in other genres and create occasional random MOC's (My Own Creations). 

     When I was younger, I would get and build small LEGO sets for my birthday, but I was never really into them.  When they fell apart, I would become frustrated attempting to put them back together and would throw them in a box in my closet.  I couldn't stand them!

     Then, miraculously, I became addicted to the LEGO brick later in my teen years.  Ever since, I have continued to build up (pun intended) my collection of bricks and to expand my knowledge of techniques and building skills.  LEGO is truly more than a toy, its an art form and a way to express yourself.

     For the most part, I collect LEGO Star Wars (mainly the minifigs), which is probably my favorite LEGO theme.  I have a fairly decent collection, including some of the original 1999 sets, such as the Snowspeeder, X-Wing, and Naboo starfighter.  I also collected LEGO the Lord of the Rings when those sets first came out.  The minifigs are great, and the story remains one of my favorites ever. 

     My hope is to inspire other young (and perhaps even older) LEGO builders to unleash their inner creativity!  You can find me on my Flikr here. 

Pour the Tar!

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This medieval scene by Graham Gidman is everything you could want in a vignette. The Summer Joust 2017 medieval building contest is challenging its participants to create a captivating scene on an 8x8 stud base, with minimal overhang. There has been a steady flow of submissions for the category, but this one made me stop and look more than any other. Not only is it just a plain good scene, but its design is executed very well by Graham. There's emotion captured by the minifigures, the action is clear and amusing, and there's just the right amount of detailing here to really make you feel that it's part of something bigger. I also appreciate how the rock formations aren't built in a simple way, rather they have just the right amount of angling to look organic and disturbed. A small build that speaks volumes, for sure!

An All-Encompassing Siege
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Nathaniel Stoner

     My name is Nathaniel Stoner, and I am an very active LEGO builder.  I mostly build in the themes of castle and science-fiction, but I also dabble in other genres and create occasional random MOC's (My Own Creations). 

     When I was younger, I would get and build small LEGO sets for my birthday, but I was never really into them.  When they fell apart, I would become frustrated attempting to put them back together and would throw them in a box in my closet.  I couldn't stand them!

     Then, miraculously, I became addicted to the LEGO brick later in my teen years.  Ever since, I have continued to build up (pun intended) my collection of bricks and to expand my knowledge of techniques and building skills.  LEGO is truly more than a toy, its an art form and a way to express yourself.

     For the most part, I collect LEGO Star Wars (mainly the minifigs), which is probably my favorite LEGO theme.  I have a fairly decent collection, including some of the original 1999 sets, such as the Snowspeeder, X-Wing, and Naboo starfighter.  I also collected LEGO the Lord of the Rings when those sets first came out.  The minifigs are great, and the story remains one of my favorites ever. 

     My hope is to inspire other young (and perhaps even older) LEGO builders to unleash their inner creativity!  You can find me on my Flikr here. 

The "AT" Stands For All Terrain

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Whether it's the classic AT-AT or the newer AT-ACT, or the other Imperial walking vehicles, the AT stands for All Terrain, and they mean in. We've seen these things walk through everything from snow to forest to tropical paradise, and keep those pesky rebels on their toes. These positively adorable micro scale walkers from builder Grantmasters show just how versatile these machines really are.

Enemy at the Gate
We Will Fight Them on the Beaches

Technique Tuesday - Gothic Text Galore!

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One of the best things about the LEGO community is that we can learn from one another.  Here at BrickNerd, we like to share techniques that we see from builders all around the world. . .

This week, we're making you read. Well, I suppose you already are doing that, huh? Lisqr has developed this awesome Gothic font style out of some new LEGO elements. It truly can be deceiving when looking at it -- sometimes it does not even appear to be our favorite plastic bricks in the slightest. The style of the letters is so creative, and really well done. I wish I could type any and all of my assignments in this font...

 

Lego Gothic font
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Nathaniel Stoner

     My name is Nathaniel Stoner, and I am an very active LEGO builder.  I mostly build in the themes of castle and science-fiction, but I also dabble in other genres and create occasional random MOC's (My Own Creations). 

     When I was younger, I would get and build small LEGO sets for my birthday, but I was never really into them.  When they fell apart, I would become frustrated attempting to put them back together and would throw them in a box in my closet.  I couldn't stand them!

     Then, miraculously, I became addicted to the LEGO brick later in my teen years.  Ever since, I have continued to build up (pun intended) my collection of bricks and to expand my knowledge of techniques and building skills.  LEGO is truly more than a toy, its an art form and a way to express yourself.

     For the most part, I collect LEGO Star Wars (mainly the minifigs), which is probably my favorite LEGO theme.  I have a fairly decent collection, including some of the original 1999 sets, such as the Snowspeeder, X-Wing, and Naboo starfighter.  I also collected LEGO the Lord of the Rings when those sets first came out.  The minifigs are great, and the story remains one of my favorites ever. 

     My hope is to inspire other young (and perhaps even older) LEGO builders to unleash their inner creativity!  You can find me on my Flikr here. 

Jumpspeeder

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LEGO itself has released many of their own Imperial speeder bikes, but that does not stop the flow of custom designs throughout the LEGO community, all of which seem get better as they come. The latest addition is this sleek design by Graeme.Straughn, who has been producing many incredible Star Wars creations over the past few months. Mixing simple elements creatively, and in excellent positions, he has truly created a master bike design. Some many not appreciate the "illegal" connection points, but I for one do appreciate them, especially on such a small, but intricate vehicle design. May the swooshing be with you!

74-Z Imperial Speeder Bike
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Nathaniel Stoner

     My name is Nathaniel Stoner, and I am an very active LEGO builder.  I mostly build in the themes of castle and science-fiction, but I also dabble in other genres and create occasional random MOC's (My Own Creations). 

     When I was younger, I would get and build small LEGO sets for my birthday, but I was never really into them.  When they fell apart, I would become frustrated attempting to put them back together and would throw them in a box in my closet.  I couldn't stand them!

     Then, miraculously, I became addicted to the LEGO brick later in my teen years.  Ever since, I have continued to build up (pun intended) my collection of bricks and to expand my knowledge of techniques and building skills.  LEGO is truly more than a toy, its an art form and a way to express yourself.

     For the most part, I collect LEGO Star Wars (mainly the minifigs), which is probably my favorite LEGO theme.  I have a fairly decent collection, including some of the original 1999 sets, such as the Snowspeeder, X-Wing, and Naboo starfighter.  I also collected LEGO the Lord of the Rings when those sets first came out.  The minifigs are great, and the story remains one of my favorites ever. 

     My hope is to inspire other young (and perhaps even older) LEGO builders to unleash their inner creativity!  You can find me on my Flikr here. 

Set Clear! Lights, Camera. . .Action!

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Aaron Newman, the director of this film-in-production, has shown us the set that he has created. The question is, what is being filmed here?! The next Star Wars film? Another Marvel, or DC superhero film?! What is this new film?!?! Needless to say, this behind the scenes LEGO shot is truly done to near perfection. Even the little details such as the director's chair, the large lights, and the camera on the custom track look very realistic.

Where the Magic Happens
Film Equipment
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Nathaniel Stoner

     My name is Nathaniel Stoner, and I am an very active LEGO builder.  I mostly build in the themes of castle and science-fiction, but I also dabble in other genres and create occasional random MOC's (My Own Creations). 

     When I was younger, I would get and build small LEGO sets for my birthday, but I was never really into them.  When they fell apart, I would become frustrated attempting to put them back together and would throw them in a box in my closet.  I couldn't stand them!

     Then, miraculously, I became addicted to the LEGO brick later in my teen years.  Ever since, I have continued to build up (pun intended) my collection of bricks and to expand my knowledge of techniques and building skills.  LEGO is truly more than a toy, its an art form and a way to express yourself.

     For the most part, I collect LEGO Star Wars (mainly the minifigs), which is probably my favorite LEGO theme.  I have a fairly decent collection, including some of the original 1999 sets, such as the Snowspeeder, X-Wing, and Naboo starfighter.  I also collected LEGO the Lord of the Rings when those sets first came out.  The minifigs are great, and the story remains one of my favorites ever. 

     My hope is to inspire other young (and perhaps even older) LEGO builders to unleash their inner creativity!  You can find me on my Flikr here. 

Nathan Sawaya Throws The First Pitch...In Bricks

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In celebration of Tampa's grand opening of The Art Of The Brick last week, world renowned brick artist (and guy I'm proud to call friend) Nathan Sawaya threw the first pitch at the Tampa Rays vs Cincinnati Reds game. And of course the baseball was brick-built. If you're in the area check out his exhibit.

"The Art of the Brick" Exhibit: Tampa, FL
Free admission, brought to the Tampa community from the Vinik Family Foundation
Open: June 23-September 4
Location: 802 East Whiting Street
Details: Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM-6 PM, Free Parking

*Tack Tack Tack Tack Ding Swish Clunk*

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Listen up you young'uns, you don't know how good you have it. When I was in high school this is what we learned to type on, a typewriter. OK granted there was a computer lab right next door, but they still had a load of these antiquated devices and they were hellbent on using them. So this lovely and clean little MOC by cmaddison stirs up a weird combination of nostalgia and post typographic stress disorder.

Typewriter

King Triton And Ariel

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Mrs BrickNerd is a huge Little Mermaid fan, so this one instantly caught my eye. And while it's a departure from the Disney aesthetic I really like builder LEGO 7's take on the Sea King and his princess daughter. The complex layering of multiple LEGO systems gives this MOC a curious combination of solidity and fluidity, something you'd expect from a strong undersea character.

King Triton and Princess Ariel
King Triton mecha and Princess Ariel

International Harvester Ice Cream Truck

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Check out this tricked-out Metro van by our old pal Firas Abu-Jaber.  It has all the features you'd expect, like a flip up window, opening back door, sliding side door, and removable roof.  But what you might not expect in such a vehicle is that it's sits on some seriously wicked rims.  It's also been lowered in the front, like it was designed for a drag race...  So, Firas, what's under the hood? 

International Harvester Metro

The Return of a Knight in Shining Armor

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A very popular knight is returning home, to his wonderfully crafted village built by Guy Smiley. We love seeing beautiful and complete LEGO scenes here at BrickNerd, and this scene fits that category. This scene seems to show so much, yet little at the same time. It's very nicely designed and captured by the builder. It also showcases simple techniques to create realistic medieval structures and details. Nicely done!

A Triumphant Return
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Nathaniel Stoner

     My name is Nathaniel Stoner, and I am an very active LEGO builder.  I mostly build in the themes of castle and science-fiction, but I also dabble in other genres and create occasional random MOC's (My Own Creations). 

     When I was younger, I would get and build small LEGO sets for my birthday, but I was never really into them.  When they fell apart, I would become frustrated attempting to put them back together and would throw them in a box in my closet.  I couldn't stand them!

     Then, miraculously, I became addicted to the LEGO brick later in my teen years.  Ever since, I have continued to build up (pun intended) my collection of bricks and to expand my knowledge of techniques and building skills.  LEGO is truly more than a toy, its an art form and a way to express yourself.

     For the most part, I collect LEGO Star Wars (mainly the minifigs), which is probably my favorite LEGO theme.  I have a fairly decent collection, including some of the original 1999 sets, such as the Snowspeeder, X-Wing, and Naboo starfighter.  I also collected LEGO the Lord of the Rings when those sets first came out.  The minifigs are great, and the story remains one of my favorites ever. 

     My hope is to inspire other young (and perhaps even older) LEGO builders to unleash their inner creativity!  You can find me on my Flikr here. 

We Have A Landing

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An appropriate time for a recreation of a lunar module, done by Sad Brick. I think what I love about this overall scene is the terrain. It's not just studs, or SNOT bricks. Using 1x1 round tiles adds such a nice texture. The module itself is also wonderfully done, and stands out amongst other models I have seen. Quite a nice view in this photo!

The Lunar Module
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Nathaniel Stoner

     My name is Nathaniel Stoner, and I am an very active LEGO builder.  I mostly build in the themes of castle and science-fiction, but I also dabble in other genres and create occasional random MOC's (My Own Creations). 

     When I was younger, I would get and build small LEGO sets for my birthday, but I was never really into them.  When they fell apart, I would become frustrated attempting to put them back together and would throw them in a box in my closet.  I couldn't stand them!

     Then, miraculously, I became addicted to the LEGO brick later in my teen years.  Ever since, I have continued to build up (pun intended) my collection of bricks and to expand my knowledge of techniques and building skills.  LEGO is truly more than a toy, its an art form and a way to express yourself.

     For the most part, I collect LEGO Star Wars (mainly the minifigs), which is probably my favorite LEGO theme.  I have a fairly decent collection, including some of the original 1999 sets, such as the Snowspeeder, X-Wing, and Naboo starfighter.  I also collected LEGO the Lord of the Rings when those sets first came out.  The minifigs are great, and the story remains one of my favorites ever. 

     My hope is to inspire other young (and perhaps even older) LEGO builders to unleash their inner creativity!  You can find me on my Flikr here. 

Virtual LUG Game of Thrones Display

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Brickworld 2017!  This year, the VLUG crew conspired to produce a LEGO version of the hit TV series Game of Thrones, or, as we call it, Brick of Thrones.  I was informed that there are also books.  Anyway, the basic inspiration for the collaboration came from the map of Westeros, featured during the introduction to each episode.  As you scroll through the pictures, you'll see various landmarks, characters, and even the famous Battle of Blackwater Bay.  From the Red Keep, to Castle Black, to white walkers, there's a lot to enjoy for fans of the show, and even for those who've never seen it.  And no, for the umpteenth time, that's not Elsa.

Wookie Bowcaster

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To quote Han Solo, "I like this". It's one of the more unusual weapons of the Star Wars universe, the wookie bowcaster. And while it's very unconventional (is it a crossbow? what does the cable fire?) it's always been a favorite of mine, if only because it's what Chewbacca carries, and Chewbacca is awesome. A stellar prop recreation by builder Lego Admiral.

My Lego MOC of Chewbacca's Bowcaster
My Lego MOC of Chewbacca's Bowcaster
My Lego MOC of Chewbacca's Bowcaster

The Eastern Air Temple Rises

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Hacim Bricks has taken it upon himself to recreate the Air Temples from the world of Avatar. Though I am not all that familiar with the story, I can recognize an excellent creation layout. After having previously completed his projects of the Northern and Southern Temples, and now this replica of the Eastern, Hacim hopes to finish the project by designing the Western Air Temple by this time next year. According to the builder, the majority of this build was done in just two days! Though it's not clear exactly how long this build took, that is still impressive. Well done!

The Eastern Air Temple
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Nathaniel Stoner

     My name is Nathaniel Stoner, and I am an very active LEGO builder.  I mostly build in the themes of castle and science-fiction, but I also dabble in other genres and create occasional random MOC's (My Own Creations). 

     When I was younger, I would get and build small LEGO sets for my birthday, but I was never really into them.  When they fell apart, I would become frustrated attempting to put them back together and would throw them in a box in my closet.  I couldn't stand them!

     Then, miraculously, I became addicted to the LEGO brick later in my teen years.  Ever since, I have continued to build up (pun intended) my collection of bricks and to expand my knowledge of techniques and building skills.  LEGO is truly more than a toy, its an art form and a way to express yourself.

     For the most part, I collect LEGO Star Wars (mainly the minifigs), which is probably my favorite LEGO theme.  I have a fairly decent collection, including some of the original 1999 sets, such as the Snowspeeder, X-Wing, and Naboo starfighter.  I also collected LEGO the Lord of the Rings when those sets first came out.  The minifigs are great, and the story remains one of my favorites ever. 

     My hope is to inspire other young (and perhaps even older) LEGO builders to unleash their inner creativity!  You can find me on my Flikr here.