Hero In A Brick Shell

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So what do you do if you're a teenaged turtle, who happens to be mutated...oh and a ninja, when you need that additional amount of firepower? Well, build a mech of course. This is Raphael's mech by onosendai2600. He's not just big and green though, this baby comes equipped with  laser sais, predator cannons, and pizza rama oven blaster!

Raph's Mecha Turtle E-frame
Raph's Mecha Turtle E-frame
Raph's Mecha Turtle E-frame

TRAC BALL

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I have fond memories of my formative years on Mango Street here in Lompoc. It was where I lived when I got my first movie camera, saw Star Wars, played lawn darts and (once those were determined to be the stupidest invention ever) TRAC BALL. These wonders from Wham-O are actually still around and allow you to throw a perfect curve ball despite having zero athletic ability. I will however caution against the attempt to catch a Stretch Armstrong thrown by your brother, it will break it (I speak from experience).

LEGO Trac Ball 2

Xenomorph

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I've always been a fan of HR Giger's imaginative nightmare the xenomorph. From the first time it scared the begeezus out of me in Alien to that time I previs'd hundreds of them ascending a mayan pyramid (true story). This version by LEGO Will captures it's biomechanical essence perfectly, but what's even more impressive is the photography. Shooting an all black MOC is very difficult, this shot is awesome. White background to clearly define the silhouette, just enough highlights to define the form, but not so much that it's overdone. And according to the EXIF, this was shot with an iPhone 6, making it even more impressive.

The Xenomorph

Kaneda's Bike

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Akira, the landmark animated feature that introduced so many to the wonderful world of anime. And Kaneda's bike, everyone's favorite thing in that movie. There have been many, many versions of this built in LEGO, but few very successfully at Minifig scale. This one by Tiler is perhaps the most successful ever constructed. And now you can build your own because he shared some instructions!

Akira – Kaneda's Bike
Akira – Kaneda's Bike _13
Akira – Kaneda's Bike _14

Tis The Season

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I was really ready for the holiday season this year. I love listening to the music, spending time with my family, shopping for presents, drinking spiced cider, opening my letters from Cards Against Humanity and generally being jolly. I also truly enjoy all the holiday themed MOCs that pop up. This one from Legonardo Davidy not only spreads some Christmas cheer, but serves double duty as a LUG collaborative build and his latest entry in Iron Builder, pretty nifty.

'Tis the season to be jolly!

MICROFLEET

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I've kinda got this thing for rag-tag fleets, although this one isn't particularly rag-tag.  In fact ska2d2 has created a pretty cohesive style in spite of the variation in designs.  What I really like are the number of details he's packed into them, details you'd usually see in much larger ships.  I'm just waiting for him to build something with retracting flight pods. 

Singer

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This is one of those times I refreshed the Flickr feed and stopped cold saying "whoa". This old time Singer by 6kyubi6 is perfect, just perfect. Yes, as I've revealed before I know how to use a sewing machine. I don't do it much any more, but at least once a year I'm breaking out the machine and stitching away. Mine doesn't look like this, but works in pretty much the exact same way.

Old Singer

Root Canal

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As a dentist, I see people cringe when I say those words.  But when I saw this creation by Lab Synth, I had a different reaction.  Drawing inspiration from Venice, the scene is comprised of a tight succession of palaces along a canal named for the tree in the small plaza.  The owners are extremely competitive, not only with architectural styles, but construction materials as well.  I recommend the zoom feature to see all the intricate details throughout the build.  It's almost like having the magnifiers dentists use when drilling on teeth. 

Root Canal (MOC)

Bricks LA Is Coming

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Did you know there's a LEGO convention in Los Angeles? it's true! Bricks LA is a fairly new con, having celebrated it's first one this year in May and he next one is just around the corner in January, so you better get hopin' (I better get hoppin' too!) The deadline to register as a VIB (very important builder, con attendee) is next week, December 12th so get your travel plans set. I'll see you in Los Angeles in just a few weeks!

- January 8-10, 2016
- Public Hours are Saturday January 9 and Sunday January 10 from 10am to 5pm
- Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, CA (300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101)
- Deadline to register as a VIB: December 12th, 2015
- Deadline to register MOCs for MOC cards: December 20th, 2015
- VIB Registration cost: $55
- Admission to public show is just $5, kids 5 and under are free.
 

We Have Winners!

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The judges have weighed in, the votes have been counted and we have clear winners. But before I say anything else I have to say what an incredible group of MOCs from an incredible group of builders. Judging was supremely difficult this year not only from the sheer number of entries, but from the staggering quality, creativity and diversity of all those wonderful Nerdlys. I am blown away and while I wish I could give everyone a prize, there can be only three, so without further ado, the NERDvember 2015 winners...

1st place - Nerdogorth by Paddy Bricksplitter

One of my personal favorites (it should be noted I wasn't a judge) so it makes me happy this is first. A wonderful mashup between a classic Star Wars moment and Nerdly, love it.

The Nerdogorth

2nd place - Nerdly in carbonite by KOS brick

Another personal favorite. When this MOC was posted it gave everyone pause, and upped the ante. A brilliant concept perfectly executed and photographed.

Nerdly in Carbonite

3rd place - Nerdcrawler by Captainsmog

This entry will forever make me imagine that under those dark hoods, Jawas are wearing Nerdly glasses around those glowing yellow eyes.

NERDvember: NERDcrawler

Congratulations to all our winners, you deserve it. And a huge thank you to everyone that entered, you're all awesome. And of course I wish to thank all our sponsors this year, we couldn't do it without you. Until next year, build on and nerd out!

The Shard

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This iconic building was still under construction when I was living and working in London in 2010, but even in it's half-built unfinished state it was impressive. It was completed in 2012 and while it had somewhat divided the public at first, it has since found it's way into the hearts and minds of Londoners and the world. It's a beautiful building, and this brick version by Rocco Buttliere is just as beautiful. Click through for more pics.