Claptrap-CL4P-TP

When I was a kid, I always thought it would be cool to have a pet monkey, you know, to fetch stuff I couldn't reach, throw excrement at people I didn't like, and such.  But now that I'm older, I've started thinking that a general purpose robot would be MUCH handier.  And less messy.  My old buddy Simon, aka Si-MOCS has built this nifty dude, Claptrap, from a video game called Borderlands 2.  You'll notice the high intensity greebling under the arm, and the well textured wheel.  But the use of the PAB cup as the eye cover is, at least as far back as I can remember, unique.  Darned clever!

Brickworld 2015 Exclusive Interview!

It's that time of year again, boys and girls--Brickworld 2015 is this weekend! I had the chance to sit down with Executive Director and Cofounder Bryan Bonahoom. Actually, we just spoke on the phone. He was driving his fully loaded rig to Chicago, obeying all local traffic laws, and using his hands free mobile device, of course.

But before I got into all the 'what's new' questions about Brickworld this year, I had a few other pressing issues to go over first. "So, Bryan, why no pics of any of the VLUG collaborations on the BW homepage? I mean, all the work we put into those displays, and not even a..." He knew where I was going with this question, seemingly prepared for it, in fact. "We've actually been using pics of the Odyssey for our promotional materials this year, not only for the Chicago event, but for our other venues as well." Nice.

I had another one for him. "I was reading through your list of the Brickworld Team, and noticed that Simon Liu is your SciFi Coordinator. Did you know he's a Canadian citizen? Is that even legal?" Turns out he did know. "Actually, the staff are all volunteers. They get free registration, special goodies, and a private forum where they can communicate ideas about BW. They also keep me in line." I always thought that was his wife Kathie's job...

Okay, so let's get to the nitty gritty. "What can we expect new and exciting at Brickworld Chicago 2015?" "Now, I got special permission from Kyle Peterson at BrickForge to tell you this. I can't say exactly what it is, but it's a new custom minifig that ties into this year's theme of Brick to the Future." Okay, folks, that's a Bricknerd exclusive!

"We've also got a screening of a soon-to-be-released Brickumentary.  The film was commissioned two years ago, narrated by Jason Bateman. It follows several AFOLs at various fan events, from start to finish, what they go through to create and display their work. I haven't even seen it myself, so, should be great. It's a big score to have this at BW." Awesome!

That just about covers it, gang, other than what you'll discover in the massive 66,000 square foot convention center, filled with mind blowing creations, large and small, from LEGO fans around the world.

Neo FX Star Patroller

I never get tired of Neo Classic Space, especially kick-arse ships like this one by Alec Hole.  It's got tons of pointy antenna bits all over the place, plus multi-tiered SNOT wings.  Very cool.  I like how's Alec integrated the engines into the aft section in contrast to the mongo nacelles in the middle.  Why not, right?  Just wish there were more pictures!  Hint hint...

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and Camper

Nothing says Summer like a classic American sports car or a camper in tow.  Our old pal Firas Abu-Jaber is kicking off the season with both, and a surfboard to boot.  Brilliantly detailed, the camper's got everything a smores-cooking, flip-flop wearing adventurer could want.  Except a V-8 engine.  So that's why you've got to have the Vette.  Based on the second generation of the iconic muscle car, Firas' version has it all, including the retracting headlight covers.  Time to crank up the Beach Boys.  Or Jimmy Buffet .

AZR Anunnaki

David Collins has gone all out with this massive project.  He started with minifig scale mechs, then a hangar big enough for three of them.  The next step was to build a ship big enough for the hangar.  So he ended up with this six foot monster SHIP!  "I've seen a lot of ships built over the years with hanger bays in them but it looked to me like frequently the hangar bay was an after thought and what goes in the hanger even more so."   Even without the hangar, it's an impressively detailed creation, plastered with cannons and yummy greebles that run all the way up and over the length of the ship.  He presented it at BrickSlopes 2015 where he took Best of Show, Best of Space, and Best original Spaceship.  Congrats, David!

Sun-Runner Y7

David Steeves has come up with this intimidating pirate escort fighter/interceptor.  Gotta love the flag, just so there's absolutely no question about who you're dealing with.  A classic pirate ship's mast as a mega blaster is a clever detail, too.  Seeing that there's only the one gun, I assume the ship can be configured depending on which side the pilot's eye patch is on...

Volvo EW205D

And you thought Volvo only made boring station wagons for suburban soccer moms.  Oh contraire!  They make some pretty cool excavation equipment, too, like this 1:11 scale beast by davy linden.  Gotta love the detail he put into this build, like all the little hydraulic hoses, and the tasty chrome accents.  Just one suggestion,  davy, take it outside and dig some real dirt!! 

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One Shall Stand, One Shall Fall!

Our old buddy Moko  has come up with a pair of killer Gen 1 chibi-formers: Megatron and Optimus Prime.  And better yet, they actually transform!  Wonderful details and poseability on each of these characters, plus a variety of weapons, just like the 80's action figures.  I know because I still have mine.  Awesome stuff, Dude!

ClassicSpaceOutpost

Stephan Niehoff has been a busy builder, as you can see, with this marvel of Neo Classic Space design.  Ship: check.  Rover: check.  Ginormous rocket and communications dish: check annnnnd check.  Plus a few orange space dudes- Nice! 

Lego Friends Animal Park

Anne Mette V and her son Lasse have created this massive and thoroughly detailed animal park, with a central fountain, balloon ride, and circumferential tram.  Check out their album for all the different venues.  Lions, Tigers and Bears, oh My! 

Kancolle Yamato

I love this guy's work!  Mike Dung has created another impressive character from a game I've never heard of.  Kantai Collection, also known as KanColle, is an online browser game in which one assumes the role of an admiral, assembles a fleet of kanmusu ('ship girls' based on World War II-era ships and submarines), & battles against fleets of unknown warships. (Courtesy of Kancolle Wiki).  Chicks with guns:  I've got to check out this game!

LEGO V-ROD

Based on the Harley-Davidson V-Rod, Henrik Jensen has created this highly detailed model.  Funny, this is the second bike I've posted this week, and other than cherishing my 1982 Honda 50cc minibike, I'm not a big motorcycle guy.  But the build quality and realistic proportions in this MOC really caught my eye.  Nicely done, Henrik!

High and Mighty

That's what Genghis Don calls his new GARC racer.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with this theme, GARC stands for Galactic Asteroid Rally Circuit.  Now, it's common knowledge that the possibility of successfully navigating an asteroid field is approximately three thousand seven hundred and twenty to one.  Yeah, yeah, never tell you the odds... But this thing looks pretty fast, so my money's on these guys!

AKIRA Kaneda's Bike

Yes, this is an awesome model of the bike from the classic anime movie.  But what's even MORE awesomer is the fact that it actually works.  Yeah, that's right, builder Sariel rigged with power functions! Check out the video highlighting all of the features.  Just couldn't believe he let the hamster drive it...

Hulkbuster Mech Suit

There's lots to be excited about with the premier of Avengers: Age of Ultron.  Who IS this Ultron guy?  Will our Heroes be victorious?  What kind of outfits will Black Widow be wearing?  And this:  The Hulkbuster Mech Suit!  Tankm has created a highly detailed, fully poseable, and kick-arse version of Tony's ultimate armor.  Check out his photostream for more nifty shots. 

I Have Been Trained In Your Jedi Arts...

Of course everybody remembers General Grievous from Episode III, with each of his four robotic arms wielding a deadly spinning lightsaber.  But Takamichi Irie (aka Legomichiiiiii ) has opted to create another of the General's fine attributes: that piercing stare!  You can almost hear the smoker's hack, too.  

Castle Black

Kris Kelvin, aka Mongomery Burns has created this stunning Medieval mountaintop fortress.  One can only imagine the nefarious creatures dwelling within.  The detailing and textural work are quite convincing, in addition to the overall architectural design. According to one Jon Snow, this castle is not as cool as the one near some big wall somewhere, but he knows nothing.

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Lego Marvel Chess!

Just in time for the May 1st premiere of the movie, Ryan Rydalch has created this action packed chess set: Avengers Vs Ultron.  It features all your favorite heroes and villains on the board, plus a few on the sidelines offering their encouragement.  I can see Hulk getting pretty fired up for a classic Lasker/Bauer combination.  Always a crowd pleaser!  'Nuff said!

Luxury Modern Townhouse

Premium condos available at Ridge, downtown Vancouver.  Modern amenities, open concept, fully furnished.  Balconies, spectacular ocean views, only three blocks from Rogers Arena.  Designed by renowned architect Paul Brickbaron.  Retail on street level, including Starbucks.  Starting at 2.5M (start saving your pennies).   

Don't Mess With The Bunny...

I'm not sure if she's about to lead an Easter Egg hunt, or an attack on a Rebel outpost.  Either way, gotta love this nerdly mix of Star Wars and the festive Spring holiday by InkBlotPhoto!  The depth of field, in addition to the pop of hot pink, makes for a great example of macro photography.  And you have to imagine the WTF expression under the helmet of that middle Stormtrooper.  So Happy Easter, to you here on Earth, and in galaxies far far away!