Typewriter

Builder Petersbror is "happy with the results" of this old typewriter, I share that sentiment. Yes, way back in ancient times (when I was a kid) this was how we searched google. I actually learned to type on a machine not too much older than the one that inspired this MOC, spent hours typing FFF, JJJ, GGG, HHH. Fun fact: the QWERTY layout of keys is the direct result of machines just like this, with temperamental mechanical workings. It was invented to make typing more difficult, to separate commonly paired letters and therefore slow the typist down so the machine didn't get all bunched up. Yes, we're all typing with a handicap.

Sundale-Bren Pier

I don't know enough about cyberpunk to speak with much authority about this impressive diorama by vitreolum, but I can appreciate it on so many levels I don't care. In addition to a great deal of nods to Phillip K. Dick and William Gibson, there's also pop culture and Hollywood references galore in this. Click through to give this a proper look, it's totally worth it.

Sagrada Familia

I was unaware of this particular structure until this morning. One of the lovely benefits of being in a world-wide community of builders is learning about distant people, places and things. Construction started on this basilica in 1882, 100 years before I started high school, and it's STILL not done! For once a reference to the 80's that doesn't make me feel really old! Luckily this micro scale version by Swan Dutchman didn't take nearly as long.

50's Tow Truck

For as long as there's been cars on the roads, there's been cars breaking down on the roads. And through those many, many years the means to rescue said broken cars has remained essentially the same, a tow truck. While there's been many types of tow trucks, of course the ones in the 50's had the most character, like this beautiful beast by redfern1950s2. It would almost be worth the repair costs just to see this baby in person doing what it was designed to do.

The End Is Nigh

“Who builds the world? Perhaps the world is not built. Perhaps nothing is built. Perhaps it simply is, has been, will always be there…a MOC without an AFOL.”

— Alan Moore, Watchmen (paraphrased)

Timofey_Tkachev has rung in the new year with a gloomy construction of Rorschach and the iconic Doomsday Clock of Watchmen. The gray-scale trees are a nice touch.

Repair Bay

How could it possibly be that a monochrome empty room could be so compelling? That's the magic of primo building skills combined with excellent lighting and good photography. But then again I would expect nothing less from premiere space builder Legoloverman. I can't wait to see what will eventually occupy this glorious space.

NERF or Nothing

Ah, the NERF gun. An icon of both childhood and the office. Pistach has made a fantastic rendition in brick. Orange Brick Separators, which seem largely useless aside from their intended purpose, are put to great use here. Now, where did I lose that foam dart...

Tiny Viper

It's really too bad there's never been any official Battlestar Galactica sets from LEGO, there's so many cool opportunities. Luckily the fans have been there to fill the void, sometimes big, sometimes small. Builder Davdup has built at many scales, this is the latest, a tiny Viper that's as cute as it is cool. 

BricksLA Here We Come!

As soon as I finish typing this I'm hopping in the shower and packing up the swag. It's time to head to BricksLA! I'm very excited that Mrs. BrickNerd is joining me this year (her first time). We'll see you there!

Star Wars Midi Figures

Builder Miro78 is having way too much fun and kicking off this year right. For the past four days he has uploaded one of these brilliant midi scale Star Wars figures. Considering the absolute plethora of figures that have been produced he could conceivably be doing this for a VERY long time. I'm hoping to see these, and Miro of course, in person this afternoon at BricksLA.

Imperial Walkers On The North Ridge

The AT-AT is one of my favorite Star Wars vehicles, always has been. And as many times as it has been portrayed in bricks, it never gets old. This midi-scale version (and it's AT-ST counterpart) by Rogue Bantha not only look amazing, but are photographed perfectly. The low angle makes it look huge and imposing, and the composition is very cinematic (albeit pan and scan).

Post Holiday Blues

Yes, Christmas is over. Sure some of the neighbors still have lights on their houses, and there's still presents that have yet to have found a place in the house, but it's over. But just like those couple of things that are always overlooked when you put all the decorations away (happens every year) there's always a few brilliant creations that didn't quite get posted before the unofficial cutoff of the season, New Years Day. But I don't mind sharing this lovely little MOC by _Tiler a few days "late". For one, the lighting is fantastic, and illustrates perfectly the importance of lighting when you photograph your MOC. But there's also some very clever building here, namely the edging on the carpet there. How the heck was that done?

Steel Stallion

I tend to be an advocate for sorting by part instead of color, but then along come builds like Grantmasters' War Horse that make me reconsider. See how many different LEGO weapon parts you can find in it. I spotted at least 18, making this the most well-armed horse I've ever seen.

Crossing Swords With Robin Hood

I think I could use a good dose of swashbuckling, and after seeing this brilliant MOC by Eggy Pop I think I'm going to hunt down this 1938 Errol Flynn classic. The curved castle walls and clean construction really help this feel like an authentic reproduction of a large set from the golden age of Hollywood.

URB-E Sport

Builder Polywen shares his passion for electric urban transportation with his rendition of the URB-E, a motorized folding scooter with a 16 mile range. I've seen these in person and they do look like a lot of fun. Check out the real deal here.

D.A.R.C.I.

The king of prop weapons Nick Brick is back with another phenomenal reproduction. This is the D.A.R.C.I. (Data Analysis, Reconnaissance, and Cooperative Intelligence device) from Destiny 2, a sophisticated sniper rifle with some serious special features. The prop is over 43" and features a light up scope, moving trigger, sliding charging handle and removable magazine. 

A Powerful Medieval Vignette

The ~Maestro brings us this medieval vignette depicting feudalism in medieval Europe. For those unaware, feudalism combined customs in both military and legal matters hundreds of years ago between the 9th and 15th centuries. Hey, look at that! You looked at a cool LEGO creation, and learned a bit of history! That is one thing I appreciate about some LEGO creations that depict historical events: you learn more in a fun way! I think I'll wrap up this post, though, because those guys on the bottom are no doubt getting rather tired (not that the lord cares). 

Happy New Year!

2017 was certainly a bumpy year, but overall a good one for BrickNerd. The blog audience has grown, we did several animation projects including three for TLG, we visited Portugal and attended Parades do Coura, went to BrickCon, met so many fellow LEGO enthusiasts and built the Millennium Falcon with Adam Savage and the team at Tested.com. Of course this was while the political environment in the US was in total chaos, the world has gone sorta bonkers and The Last Jedi made us go "huh". I think LegoKlyph has the right idea, and reminds us that 2018 is a chance for a fresh start. Here's to a fabulous new year! 

Off The Grid

I think everyone gets to that point where adulting becomes overwhelming, and fantasies of thumbing your nose at society and disappearing to the middle of nowhere seems like a decent option. Then you remember the convenience of flushing toilets and how good a Frappacino is once in a while and the whole thing sounds less appealing. But there are some that actually do it, and I think this MOC by Brick Surgeon sums up how things probably look pretty well.

Rayman Legends

I was just thinking about Rayman last night (mostly I think because I looked at the icon for Rayman Run on my iPad) so to see him first thing this morning thanks to builder jaapxaap was a bit of a happy surprise. While we're on the subject, did anyone else out there think that the little sound byte in Mamma Said Knock You Out sounded a lot like one of the enemies in Rayman when they get knocked out? I've never discussed this publicly, but I think it's time.