Sword

SHIPs are big, by definition. When your MOC gets to over one hundred studs you're naturally dealing with a build of decent scale. But in comparison with how big the vessel is supposed to be, for instance a colonist ship, they're tiny. So imparting a sense of scale is part of the challenge. This MOC by migalart shows how it's done. With a smart balance of panel and form to greebs, with implied structures and small details, and in this case with super effective use of stickers. The lighting and photo editing complete the illusion, and this thing looks absolutely colossal.

Yamato

SHIPtember continues and now that we're almost three weeks in we're starting to see a few completed SHIPs, like this magnificent rendition of the Space Battleship Yamato by builder Eínon. This would normally be the part where I confess I haven't seen the movie or series, but not this time! I've actually seen quite a bit, but it's been so long I can't remember much. I guess it's about time to revisit it.

Hh'alamand'ia

Behold the Space Squids Hive Mother SHIP!  Our old buddy Bob DeQuatre has really thrown down the tentacle, er, gauntlet for this year's SHIPtember contest.  There's even a video of the rotating eye and swimming squid action!  Bob says it's his first foray into the SHIPtember frenzy, too.  Welcome to the Fleet! 

ETNAK Class Frigate

Yes, SHIPtember is here. For the uninitiated among you, this is the time of year when you are challenged to build a SHIP (Seriously Heavy Investment in Parts), a space cruiser of 100 studs length (or more). It's the time of year when large space ships pop up every day and we can all collectively drool at some serious building skills, like this magnificent, multi-faceted frigate by builder FLAVIO, spectacular.

B-5 Manta

"Ghostrider, this is HQ, I have a new target for you"

"Copy HQ, go ahead"

"Grid 21-45, northwest corner of combat zone"

"Copy 21-45...wait, that's not in the combat zone"

"This is a covert op, proceed to target"

"Hey, isn't that the Megabloks factory?"

"That is on the need-to-know basis, proceed to target"

EVE Scorpion Battleship

And so the SHIPtember series of awesome builds continues... 

Pico van Grootveld has engineered this studio-quality model from the EVE online game.  Built on a double beam technic frame, Pico admits gravity was an issue for this 130X120X70, 22lb beast.  "Wouldn't want to be an ABS beam in there!"  No, I certainly would not...  Check out his photostream for close up shots and WIP pics. 

I asked him, as I often do,  if it's swooshable.   He says a swoosh video is in the works, so stay tuned!

And the SHIPs come rolling in...

With only two days left in SHIPtember, we're starting to see completed SHIPs pull in to dock. Some of them, especially this beauty by LEGOLIZE IT MAN, are making the rest of us look like amateurs. This gorgeous battlecruiser utilizes some wonderful oddball color combinations, and really looks like it could dish out some serious punishment. If you haven't finished your own SHIP yet - get to it! There's only a day and a half left...

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Fellow denizens of space, SHIPtember is finally upon us! Test your resolve and mettle in a 30 day, no-holds barred battle of the builders! Boys will become men! Men will become champions! Champions will rise! The chaff will be unceremoniously culled from the wheat! Feast your eyes upon this year's trophy!

For the uninitiated - SHIPtember is a yearly challenge for any builder to try his hand at a SHIP within 30 days. A rather daunting task, as SHIP building is fraught with peril, frustration, and crumbling battlecruisers. Visit The Shipyard for official rules. Go ahead. Try it. You know you want to.