Orcs can be beautiful, as Dr. Zarkow demonstrates in his Warcraft-inspired Orc Burrow. Everything here, from landscaping details to the building itself is well-executed. The use of cheese slopes to create the impression of rough stonework on the hut is particularly brilliant. If you’d like to see how he achieved this technique, he has been kind enough to share a photograph of how it was done. There are also some really playful details, including the pig hitched to a cart filled with wheat. Seeing that made me squeal with excitement! The post “Storm, earth and fire, heed my call!” appeared first on The Brothers Brick. Original linkOriginal author: Matt Hocker

If you go to the beach this summer, you had better watch your step. If you don’t, you might just trigger a painful pinch from PaulvilleMOCS’ little hermit crab! If you’re wondering why the shell looks so real it’s because it is. While it may not be a brick-built solution, it works quite well and makes the LEGO hermit crab look delightfully authentic. In addition to this, the sandy scenery makes this little crustacean all the more believable. The post Take away the shell, and you will make this hermit crabby appeared first on The Brothers Brick. Original linkOriginal author: Matt Hocker

We’ve seen our fair share of massive LEGO castles. The effort put into these creations is always impressive, but here’s one whose styling makes it stand out from the rest. Amenk Sachio has created a beautifully distinctive fortress whose appeal goes way beyond simply being big. Soaring towers, buttresses and bridges, balconies and balustrades — this stunning castle has it all. The surrounding landscaping is suitably epic, with the odd burst of plant life and tumbling waterfalls to break up the rockwork. Things might have benefitted from a bit of action, but even without any minifigures to bring the scene to life, this is an amazing LEGO creation. This close-up view of the main door gives a nice look at the level of intricate detailing which has gone into the model despite its massive scale. I love the sand green steps, and the unusual crest above the entranceway. The use of...

When it comes to channeling a chunky 50s-retro vibe in LEGO bricks, nobody does it better than Martin Redfern. His latest creation is a brilliantly beefy-looking dispatch bike, complete with twin seats, leather pannier bags, a chunky engine, and wonderfully-curved fuel tank and mudguard. The large scale employed allows Martin to use the golden angel’s wing as a logo down the side of the fuel tank — a nice touch of detail. As an added treat, Martin has put together an “Afrika Korps” version, complete with side-car and machine gun. Great stuff. The post Dispatch rider’s dream ride appeared first on The Brothers Brick. Original linkOriginal author: Rod

It isn’t every day you see historic Ukrainian landmarks in LEGO-form, but flambo14 has risen to the challenge with his delightful version of the Vinnytsia Water Tower. The structure served as a water tower from its construction in 1912 until 1920, was used as a watchtower during World War II, and was transformed into a museum by 1985. My favorite aspect of the build is the use of hinged angled plates to recreate the shape of the gray masonry on the first floor.   The post Veni Vidi Vinnytsia! appeared first on The Brothers Brick. Original linkOriginal author: Matt Hocker

I don’t know exactly why, but a villain playing a violin just seems so much more intimidating! Whatever the reason, Leonid An seems to agree, giving a violin to a Bionicle bad guy that is classic in all meanings of the word. Although the builder photographed a number of poses for this villain, named Teridax, this particular photo is what makes it so unique. The model relies heavily on constraction armor elements, but what they hide is a more complicated skeleton than one would expect, supporting the tuxedo and smaller bits that hide the gaps. The inverted tyres add a nice sense of flow to the figure, and there are just enough little details to break up the black monochromy, most notably the keys on Teridax’s belt and a ring on his finger. The infected Hau mask in the fireplace is an integral part of the photo, giving the Makuta an...

Drones are becoming an everyday occurence in our society, as touched upon earlier either to take pictures, or in more tragic examples lives. Considering the progress of drone technology, it is somewhat strange that we still mostly see manned space fighters in science fiction, both LEGO and otherwise. This much needed variation is provided by Marcin Grabowski with his Paladin class Space Drone. My eyes have been trained to see a microscale capital ship in this, but the weapons add a sense of scale that does not correspond with that initial impression. The spacecraft really does have a very drone-like appearance with a smooth front without a cockpit. Marcin achieved this shape by using a large inverted ship hull piece. The element is blue with a dark gray lining which dictates the colours the builder had to use, although he managed to masterfully combine different grays, black and even a touch...

“Swooshable” is one of the finest compliments that can be paid to a LEGO aircraft or spacecraft model. Does it make you want to lift it up and swoosh it around the room whilst making engine noises? This cracking air racer from Red Spacecat could serve as some sort of dictionary definition of the term. The smooth lines, the rear-mounted contra-rotating prop, the colour blocking and stickers — all magic. Couple all that with a folding undercarriage and a touch of Octan sponsorship, and you’ve got an absolute belter of a little LEGO plane… The post Swoosh it – swoosh it real good appeared first on The Brothers Brick. Original linkOriginal author: Rod

Back in 1957, LEGO was making various plastic and wooden toys, some of which were licensed by Chevrolet. Among LEGO’s Chevy products were an array of 1:43 scale plastic trucks, but the holy grail of this partnership would probably be the 1956 model year Bel Air convertible. Considering the toy was advertised in 1957, it is curious as to why LEGO did not represent the 1957 model year vehicle. It’s a shame because the 1957 Bel Air has become one of the most popular and iconic collector cars of the 1950s, which is probably one of the reasons why  Robson M decided to make this sporty red convertible. Robson has done a great job capturing the iconic Bel Air look, right down to the chrome hubcaps, three tiny hood louvers on each side, and the interior upholstery and trim. The doors and trunk are hinged to open. Opening the latter reveals the wheel wells. Robson’s convertible even features folding...

The Orca is the largest of the dolphin family, one of the planet’s top predators, and a majestic sight. Ken Ito has put together an excellent LEGO model of one of these amazing creatures breaching the surface. The model is nicely shaped, particularly those fins, and I like the restrained use of a custom sticker for the white facial marking. The upsurge of water around the orca’s flanks is well done, as is the spattering of white and trans-clear pieces — it creates a sense of movement, and of the rest of the creature’s bulk just beneath the surface. I’d love to have this oceanic treat on my desk at work. The post A beautiful killer appeared first on The Brothers Brick. Original linkOriginal author: Rod