Today’s guest article comes from Noah Hennings (h2brick).

Yup, we’re doing a Star Wars MOC Spotlight, but I promise this build really shines!

Today we are featuring an action-packed battle scene built by Thomas (aka LegionDude on Flickr). Thomas is one of the original creators of the 253rd Elite Legion. Originally a Flickr-based RPG, the main concept centers around members’ clone units led by their own sigfig. These clone squads are then implemented in builds which are then accompanied by logs that detail the events of missions that are given out in the official RebelLUG Discord server. This group has been running for over five years and, as they recently announced, the story will be reset upon the completion of their 20th mission which is currently being hosted as a larger event in the RebelLUG Discord server till the end of February.

When talking to Thomas about the inspiration and ideas that helped shape this build, one was the concept of having a hidden base or underground loading dock in a cave. Personally, I’m a big fan of the colors he used for the rockwork, and I think from concept to execution, he really pulled it off. Additionally, the splashes of color from the plants growing off the side and dark red running down really help give it a more vibrant look.

He goes on to mention that instead of the MOC itself, which he assembled in two or three days, the first thing he worked on was the B3 battle droid seen in the right corner. For him, having a vehicle or component like this is important to get right (which is the same thing he says about the small details). Here is part of the RPG logs that inspired the build.

“The B3 jumped down on the platform and unleashed its deadly arsenal upon my men. The two men closest to where it landed were engulfed in flames. We all scrambled for cover amidst the containers and crates that littered the dock. When it had jumped, the metal underfoot had dented slightly, but now it groaned and buckled.”

At first glance, it might not seem like it, but the most difficult section of the build was the platform. He commented on how specific details like the arrow incorporated into the tiling as well as other SNOT-built sections resulted in making multiple attempts to get it all to click in. Further, when starting the build, he worked on the rock formations and back wall first to get a better idea of how the platform would fit in. The end result? Spectacular!

To see more of Thomas’s work, you can find him on Flickr and Instagram.

What details in this battle diorama stood out the most to you? Have you ever participated in a LEGO RPG? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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