When writing for BrickNerd, I like to highlight things I personally like—that way I add only good things to the internet! I like LEGO, and I love 10,000-piece builds as much as anyone else, but a well-executed small build really gets me excited. (Also because I’m an AFOL with a modest supply of bricks and I like a good dose of whimsy.) However, I have to be honest Western-themed things aren’t my jam. But this Tex Wrangler by Matt Goldberg is fantastic enough to overcome any anti-Western bias because it checks all of the “things I like” boxes.

I dare say Matt goes past the realm of NPU to whatever comes next! (Awesome Parts Usage? Nah, APU is already a thing… Fantastic Part Usage? Hmmm, FPU… no, something is off with that.) In this model, the sheriff’s hat is a neckpiece from the Ben 10 line. Using the column topper swirl piece (design brick 1x1x2) as the trigger on the pistols is also superb!

Another reason Matt gets a thumbs up for me is that he sites his inspiration. So often we put pieces together and we wind up riffing off someone else’s work without realizing it. Yes, it happens, but when we know we borrow a technique, giving someone credit shows real class. (Check out Kingmashy’s and Dviddy’s work that inspired Matt.) Tex was also inspired by Nick Vas’ Hero Factory concept work from a decade ago as well as a brand new month building theme: HeroFebruary.

While I personally may have grown up on a steady diet of Sci-Fi and Fantasy—and only later in life grew to love “Bat Durston” stories—I learned to enjoy a good space Western too. Firefly, Mandalorian, Coybow Bebop and Thrilling Adventure Hours’ Sparks Nevada!? Now there’s some good entertainment!

I reached out to Matt and he was kind enough to field some questions about the good sheriff:

Michael J: Bionicle, Hero Factory and Constraction is definitely your wheelhouse. What appeals most to you about that style?

Matt Goldberg: I think the thing I find most appealing is working with the very interestingly shaped pieces from the figure themes. It’s very satisfying to discover new seamless combinations between unlikely combinations of elements.

MJ: Any advice for someone interested in starting building in this style?

MG: Fan discussion about the recent LEGO Ideas anniversary vote has revealed lots of people to be less than fond of Bionicle! Maybe folks who consider these parts lesser might easily part with them, moving them into the hands of those who would better appreciate Constraction. ;)

MJ: I personally only have a few Constraction sets since 1999-2010 was the end of high school, college, and early career years when funds were limited. I get where some feel that Constraction isn’t “LEGO” enough but at its core, it is still very “LEGO” in its methodology and play. I was surprised by some of the extreme negativity the vote brought up. Anyway getting back to Tex, was any part of the build particularly rewarding or challenging?

MG: This was a relatively straightforward build, so no huge challenges to it. Most rewarding was probably the discovery that the hand design could fit the butt of the revolver snugly by friction alone, giving a natural look.

MJ: I love it when things like that come together! What is your favorite piece to use as a greeble or detail?

MG: The Exo-Force robot arm is a wonderful part not only for fingers as in this build, but also for detailing in general and connections too (such as in the spurs).

MJ: That piece does have so many uses. Thanks for talking with us!

What are the pros and cons of LEGO Constraction figures? Should LEGO bring them back? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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