Hauptmann Jäger

With the last embers of SHIPtember fading away we are now in the slightly more eclectic embrace of the Ma.Ktoberfest. For those unfamiliar with the Ma.K (Maschinen Kreiger) universe, its a world ravaged by nuclear war. The forces that remain operate all manner of mecha, hardsuit and flyers.

Calin has revisited the iconic hardsuit that most people associate with the Ma.K aesthetic having built one previously in 2012. The red colouring is a slight departure from the usual greens, greys and olive colours but for me that just adds to its appeal.

The builder has skilfully integrated the minifigs head into the MOC with an open cockpit. This for me  is truly what differentiates and elevates it above builds of its kind. Fans of Ma.K will applaud the use of the star wars pilot helmet as it really resonates with the pilot models used in the original kits from the 80's.

Teddies Vs Nightmares

Ah the teddy bear, steadfast defender of children for over 100 years, and into the future. Builder Si-MOCs shows us just what goes on behind the scenes as hard suit and mecha teddies fearlessly battle nightmares in their ongoing struggle. 

A Suit Piloting A Suit

In a distant, bleak future, hard suits and mechs will do battle on war torn urban battlefields. But the guy that wears a suit and then wears another suit will pretty much own the place. I like to imagine the pilot dressed in a smart three piece by Armani. You know, a suit within a suit within a suit.

"Hatchet"

This little baby is called the T.A.H. MK II "Hatchet" Multipurpose Tactical Construction Hardsuit, which is a bit of a mouthful so I'll just call it awesome. The color combinations and construction are very clean, it really looks like an official set. I love the slight asymmetry to it as well, gives it a more utility feel.

Funky And Chunky

No that's not their names (although, I have to say it's kinda fun) that's just how their built. Well, that and full of awesome. These stout little hard suits are from Mechanekton, and they're wonderful. 

Fatcat

This hardsuit would terrify any enemy on any battlefield. Unless of course those big tanks on the back are filled with maple syrup or beer. Then it would be welcome.

An Unstoppable Force

How would you like to be minding your own business on the outskirts of a battlefield and look up to see this bearing down on you? As hardsuits go, this is one of the beefiest, chunkiest and seriously intimidating I've seen. I love the little touches of back story too. 

Menacing Hardsuit

This hardsuit (I'm assuming it's a hardsuit, there's no description) by Tsan-Nien looks ready for action.  I really like the arms on this thing, very cool. I don't know if it's a happy accident, but the photo on this one has a grungy immediacy to it, with blurred vignetting and barrel distortion adding drama instead of flaw, I dig it.

S7-D "Charon" - Desert Marauder

This awesome little hardsuit comes to us from Flickr user LowestForm0fWit. There's a lot of very clever part use going on in a very small space. Those hands, Minifig armor, the thighs, battle droid heads, the feet, droid bodies. There's even a pair of bucket handles on the knees. Being a bit of a purist, I do take exception with the sacrifice of droid arms for fingers, but I do wish we had similar parts from LEGO for this very purpose. And it's posable too, a very clever build indeed.