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Atlas

madbillyblack — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:05:20 CDT

ATLAS is the latest and greatest of my Mechs. It's a direct descendant of both the HEPHAESTUS and the POSEIDON. The swept back design of the shoulders, coupled with added pivot points in the shoulders and wrist, give the Atlas's arms a full range of motion. Also the turntable at the base of the torso is pitched slightly forward, giving the Atlas a certain lifelike charm. The pictures above show Atlas upon its initial construction shortly before Christmas, 2007. The pictures below show Atlas with all its finishing touches, including a wrist pivot in its right hand, a fully sealed cockpit, and two retractable rocket pods mounted on the shoulders.

Poseidon

madbillyblack — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:45:31 CDT

The POSEIDON is the second generation in my Mech development. It basically has the same arm design as the HEPHAESTUS, but with an added pivot point at the elbows. This allows the Poseidon to extend its arms forward toward any targets or obstructions.

The Poseidon also features a similar cockpit design as the ARES, allowing the pilot to wear it like a suit.

M-P

madbillyblack — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:32:15 CDT

Brickiwiki Glossary: M - P

To add more terms, simply click on the "EasyEdit" button and make your contribution.

A - D | E - H | I - L | M - P | Q - T | U - Z

Mecha - (also Meka or Mechs) - Sci-fi vehicles that 'walk' on mechanized legs. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but are most popularly armored bipedal military vehicles. They can range all the way from insect-like walkers with numerous legs, to distinctly humanoid vehicles with utility arms and head-shaped cockpits

Mindstorms - Robotic elements, based on Technic, but with a programmable controller module.

Minifig - Short for Mini-Figure, a small LEGO person or animal. Approximately 2 inches tall with rotatable arms and legs. Heads, torsos, arms, and legs are all interchangable.

MOC - An acronym for My Own Creation, something built without instructions or a specific kit.

POOP - Acronym for Pieces [that can or should be made] Of Other Pieces. This refers to moulded pieces that should probably be built of other pieces. See also Brick-Built.

Plate - These are the thinnest of the simple LEGO pieces. It takes three of them to match the thickness of a brick. A plate can be any number of studs in length or width, usually in even numbers. The only exception to this is in lengths of one or three studs.

Plate/Modified - A modified plate is any plate that has a special purpose. Examples include snap-hinges and claws.

Primo - Brick system for babies. Bricks don't interchange with other sizes.

LEGO Mecha

madbillyblack — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:27:50 CDT

Mecha or mechs are vehicles that are propelled by mechanized legs. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but are most popularly armored bipedal military vehicles. They can however range all the way from insect-like walkers with numerous legs, to distinctly humanoid vehicles with utility arms and head-shaped cockpits.

Atlas Class Mech

MECH LEGS
The greatest challenge in building a LEGO Mech is in constructing the legs. One struggles to reach a balance between cosmetic appearance and functionality. One of the most tried and true methods of building mech legs involves a series of turntables. Newer pieces have given rise to other methods. The Exoforce series features mechs with ratchet hinges in their legs, making the mechs more posable.

MECH ARMS
Not all Mechs have arms, but for humanoid mechs and armor suits they are essential. Mech arms are usually either utility claws or weapon platforms, but frequently they serve both functions. There's a variety of hinges, pivots, and ratchets that can be used in building an arm for your mech, but often a combination of several different pivots can yield a greater range of motion.

Poseidon Utility Arm

More to come soon!!!

LEGO Microscale

almaxr — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:55:05 CDT

Microscale is a style of lego building which allows you to create extremely small versions of very large things. It works well when you are attempting to replicate large buildings such as the Empire State Building or the pyramids, but it can also be used to create aircraft, huge spaceships and space installations etc.

When working with minifigs, you are building to a scale of roughly 1:48. In microscale, it can be anything, depending on how big the subject is; while a plane might be 1:128 (like the size of a plastic kit model) a huge building could be as much as 1:1250!

Because you are working with limited space in all dimensions with a microscale model, it helps to use unusual and innovative building techniques to create something which looks good. Even with a small number of bricks it is still possible to have a lot of detail - just check out these examples:

An elegantly constructed microscale jet fighter (click photo to see more)

A colourful "futurama-like" city made in microscale (click for more pics)

As microscale models tend to be small and use few pieces it is not always possible to include every detail of the subject, so the main aim is to recreate the general shape of the object in miniture. For example, if you were to build a model of the Empire State Building you would not be able to include every window, but you could build the general shape of it and use a pattern of bricks to give the impression that there are windows.

Using microscale is great for lego builders who don't have a limitless collection, or who don't have enough space to store a minifig scale empire state building!

Okay, so this guy did have enough bricks to make a super huge Empire State Building, but notice that even he did it on a scale much smaller than minifig 1:48! Just shows that not all microscale models have to be tiny.

LEGO SteamPunk

Green-Arrow — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:29:42 CDT

SteamPunk is a style that takes 19th-century, Victorian England technology and reimagines it into a pseudo-science-fiction genre, very much in the spirit of the works of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells.

Some of the more common characteristics of SteamPunk technology:

steam-powered engines
lots of copper and brass and bronze
propellers
smokestacks
exposed gears
spoked wheels
balloons
canvas wings
levers and wheels as controls
pressure gauges
steam plumes
noisy, clanking apparati
goggles and leather caps
monocles and twirly mustaches

Above: The Nautilus from Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea.

Left: The title gadget from H.G. Wells's The Time Machine.

Below: The Wizard's control panel in The Wizard of Oz.

A SteamPunk podracer, built by Linus Bohman for FBTB's Steam Wars contest

LEGO Moonbase

Green-Arrow — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:11:41 CDT

The Moonbase project was first organized in 2002 by a group of LEGO Space enthusiasts who wanted to create modular, connectible, interchangeable sections of a larger space layout. The idea was for everyone to build their own modules which could then be brought together and assembled into one gigantic layout (much like model railroaders have done for years).

They developed a simple set of standards to which all Moonbase modules needed to conform in order to fit together, and left the rest to the imagination of the creators.

Since then, creators have been bringing their own Moonbase modules to shows and gatherings across the country and assembling huge and impressive layouts, complete with rail systems.

Moonbase standards: The basics

All Moonbase modules are centered on a gray 48x48 baseplate.

No ground-level construction is permitted within a 4-stud margin of the baseplate's edge (so that when two modules are joined, there is an 8-stud-wide "thoroughfare" that allows pedestrians, moonbuggies, aliens, etc. to pass through).

A Moonbase module should have at least one, but as many as four elevated corridors that can be connected to other modules.

Moonbase modules may be elevated, may rest on the ground, may be several stories high, or may consist of nothing more than a single connecting corridor spanning the width of the baseplate — anything goes, as long as the above standards are met.

Example of a basic Moonbase module with 4 connecting corridors
Zemi.net

Moonbase standards: Corridors

Corridors connect one Moonbase module to another, and must adhere to these standards to ensure correct alignment:

The corridor floorplate must be elevated 10 bricks high from the baseplate.
A standard corridor is 6 studs wide and 5 bricks high.
At the end of each corridor, there should be a 2-stud-deep "connection ring" (like an airlock) that is 8 studs wide and 7 bricks high (plus 2 plates for the floor and ceiling), with sloped corners (see image).
Two holes, centered on the left and right side of the corridor midway up, allow the module to be connected to other modules usingTechnic pins.

For more details on how to configure Moonbase corridors, consult the instructions on Zemi.net.

The proper construction of a basic connecting corridor
Zemi.net

Examples of Moonbase modules

Tony Hafner's Monorail Terminal
A fairly simple module done in Classic Space theme. This one nicely incorporates two 1st-level connection corridors, ground-level access (via stairway), and a third, 2nd-story connection story on the tower. It also connects to the Moonbase Monorail system.

Keith Goldman's Iron Reich Mech-Bay
A functional and somewhat oppressive/ominous one-corridor module with a clean exterior, highly-detailed interior, and giant sliding bay doors that allow the mechs within to deploy to the moon surface. Note how there is plenty of space around the module to give the mechs room to move.

Todd Trotter's Apollo Lunar Module Historical Site

This inspired concept connects a single corridor onto an observation platform so that Moonbase residents can visit the historic landing site of Apollo 11. The site is well-preserved — even Armstrong and Aldrin's footprints are still there!

Bram Lambrecht's Luna Tower

This impressive spire towers over the Moonbase landscape and includes four connection corridors, an elevator, and an observation deck. Makes a great centerpiece to any Moonbase layout.

Jamie Neufeld's Spaceman Dan Used Ship Lot

Some of the best Moonbase modules are Earth-locales reimagined for a space setting: post offices, 7-11s, Starbucks, police stations, schools, and, of course, used car lots.

Joe Meno's Cross-Themed Modules

There's no rule limiting Moonbase modules to the blues and grays of Classic Space — modules can incorporate any theme or style, including Castle or Ice Planet, as we have here.

LEGO Indiana Jones

scape1127 — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:40:38 CDT

In 2008, LEGO released the first four sets in its newest franchise: the spectacular adventures of Indiana Jones.

Although LEGO altered some of the particulars for these sets (downplaying potentially touchy subjects such as religious iconography and Nazis as toys), in most of the details these sets are remarkably faithful to the original films.

Most gratifying of all, of course, is the introduction of the Indiana Jones minifig (making Harrison Ford hands-down the most minifigged man in history*) — complete with Indy's trademark fedora, bullwhip, satchel, and whiskered smirk.

*subject to debate

Temple Escape

The granddaddy of the first four sets recreates the first set piece in Raiders of the Lost Ark.

The LEGO designers managed to cram nearly every trap and pitfall from the South American temple into a corridor comprised of only five 12x12 baseplates.

They're even laid out in (almost) the correct order:

on the way in —

the carved entrance to the cavern
the giant spikes that fly out of the wall (complete with the impaled skeleton of Forrestal)
the spider web (which in the film was the first obstacle encountered)
the pit
the booby-trapped approach to the idol room (w/ darts that shoot from the walls)
the very sinister idol room

and on the way out —

the idol room falls apart
the stone wall on the far side of the pit comes down
the giant boulder comes rolling down out of the ceiling
and finally, waiting outside to swipe the idol from Dr. Jones is Belloq

They've even included Indy's getaway plane, complete with pilot Jock, his fishing pole, and his pet snake Reggie.

Indiana Jones™ and the Lost Tomb

Clearly this is supposed to be the Well of the Souls, resting place of the Lost Ark. Even though they toned down the name, the LEGO designers didn't hold back on the snakes.

"Asps. Very dangerous. You go first..."

They also included a simple but unmistakable Ark of the Covenant:

Race for the Stolen Treasure

What seems strange about this set is that they substituted the Ark of the Covenant for a generic box of jewels, even though they did decide to include the Ark in another set (see above).

The truck and jeep are nicely done, though, and if combined with the motorcycle and sidecar (see below), plus several more Nazis, you practically have the whole convoy from the desert chase scene.

The trick here, of course, was to include Nazi minifigs without overemphasizing the fact that they're Nazis. After all, these are supposed to be to ys aimed at a young audience.

Luckily, the baddies in the movie mostly wear generic military fatigues (except for the officers, who all wear uniforms replete with eagles and swastikas, which may explain why they don't appear in these sets).

At any rate, the end result is generic bad guys free of politically unpleasant markings.

Indiana Jones™ Motorcycle Chase

LEGO gave Temple of Doom a skip for the first release and decided to give Indy and Papa Jones some attention.

Not a terribly exciting set, especially when there were so many more grand set pieces in both Temple of Doom and The Last Crusade. But definitely the one to get if all you're after is the Indiana Jones minifig.

Scape1127's gallery

scape1127 — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:39:56 CDT

Here is where all my creations.

Level 2 Contributor Galleries

scape1127 — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:37:52 CDT

This is the home of the mundane... those galleries that do just enough to get by. Should a contibutor step up their game, they may elevate their gallery...raise it to the next level. I challenge you, oh you followers. Come out from the rear and take charge!

Brickman	Brunurb	CrazyJoe
Katmax	The Linkanater	J3nnyeatworld
	Scape1127

LEGO Floating Rocks

alexanderTM — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:12:23 CDT

Some examples of floating rocks.

Floating rock homes have to get their mail some way.

Floating rocks are rocks that are floating. :)

These very creative MOC's take much time

and effort. The usually come to a rocky point

at the bottom, with clear lego bricks to support it.

[More info on the way]

U-Z

BrandonE — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:27:22 CDT

Brickiwiki Glossary: U - Z

To add more terms, simply click on the "EasyEdit" button and make your contribution.

A - D | E - H | I - L | M - P | Q - T | U - Z

Utensil - An item that fits into a minifig's hands.

Vignette - A small LEGO creation, that may contain a couple of minifigs, and gives entertainment.

Window - A opening, usually with a clear plastic pane inserted.

Windscreen - A clear piece that is often bent into a sloped shape.

Wing - plate with a non-rectangular shape.

WIP - An acronym standing for Work In Progress.

07_JUL-2008

BrandonE — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:24:20 CDT

July 2008 Challenge

Judged by Almaxr

Create a LEGO vignette

This month's challenge is to build a small lego scene of any theme which is called a vignette.

There is a $25 Gamestop voucher up for grabs this month if we can get enough entries!

Vignettes are generally funny, use clever building techniques and ideas, or can be just plain disturbing!

Usually they would consist of a small base, and involve minifigs doing various activities, but they can be any scale and any size (but the small ones tend to be the best). They are sort of like small dioramas. Think of it like a picture in a comic book except it's made out of solid 3 dimensional lego.

You can make a vignette depicting any scene, e.g. from a movie or book or like last month's challenge - a scene from history. You could even do a sequence or series of them. Completely random vignettes can be quite successful though.

Entries will be judged by:

Creativity and originality
Use of innovative building techniques
How entertaining it is

CHANGE TO DEADLINE - THE DEADLINE IS NOW 25 JULY

If you are looking for inspiration you should check out these links:
vignettebricks.blogspot.com
vignettes from the board game cluedo/clue
C-3PO vignette
Global Warming

I hope you enjoy this challenge and I look forward to seeing some great models!

Star Wars Table Tennis

Microscale Hangar

Raising the Flag at Iwo Jima

Please post your entries below:

-------------------------------------------

Vignette Entries

by DocHolliday

OK, I got carried away and ended up with more than one vignette, and might end up making even more because now I'm in a viggin' sort of mood. For simplicity's sake I'm posting them all here... don't know if that violates the terms of challenge rules. If so, I will gladly select one of these vigs as my official entry prior to the deadline:

Builder's Block

DocHolliday hits a mental wall when trying to figure out what the heck he's going to build...

-----

I drink your milkshake!

Sluuuuurp...

-----

Did you hear something?

Coulda swore I heard something...

-----

DocHolliday photographs his vignette

You're a handsome little devil, ain't ya?

-----

Mud Pit

by Jen-Mo

*These are 2 people hanging on to a bar, until one falls off into a mud pit.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Execute Order 66"
~BrandonE


The Order Begins Coruscant; Mace Windu, Kit Fisto, Darth Sidious	Escape from Kashyyk Kashyyk; Yoda, Tarkoff, Clone Troopers (2)
Obi-Wan and Grievous Utapau; Obi Wan Kenobi, Gerneral Grievous, Clone Troopers (2)	Bail Organa escapes from the Temple Jedi Temple; Bail Organa, Zett Jukassa, Clone Troopers (2)
Plo Koon ambushed by boths sides Cano; Plo Koon, Clone Trooper, Droids (2)	Ki Adi Mundi shot down Mygeeto; Ki-Adi-Mundi, Clone Troopers (2)
Some Jedi about to get pwned by troopers :)

Iceberg ahead!

by Green-Arrow

BY MJJR23

Bulls Stadium, Bulls making a freethrow during the championship game. The ball is on the about to go through the hoop. The Bulls can be identified by their outfits and hands in the air. The cameraman is getting the perfect shot for ESPN and the fans have megaphones. The trophies up for grabs are proudly displayed above the
court.

LEGO Vignettes

BrandonE — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:18:02 CDT

Vignettes

"Raising the Flag at Iwo Jima" ~Almaxr	When building LEGOs, some people like to use vignettes. Vignettes are small LEGO creations, that maybe a couple of minifigs, and gives a little entertainment in many ways. Most LEGO sets, are more 80% Creation & 20% Minifig. Vignettes are more 50%+. I (BrandonE) like to use vignettes to include some of my custom LEGO Minifigs. Anyone can do whatever they want to their vignette. As you can see to the left and right, some users have their share on vignettes.	"I drink your Milkshake!" ~DocHolliday
"Some Jedi about to get pwned by troopers :)" ~BrandonE		"Iceberg ahead!" ~Green Arrow

LEGO Subthemes

JeremyLego — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:13:24 CDT

LEGO Moon Base	LEGO Vignettes
LEGO Floating Rocks	LEGO Mecha
LEGO SteamPunk	LEGO Microscale
LEGO Dark Fantasy	LEGO Cave Racers
new subtheme here	new subtheme here
new subtheme here	new subtheme here

LEGO Cave Racers

JeremyLego — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:58:54 CDT

There is no abstract available for this page revision.

LEGO Dark Fantasy

JeremyLego — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:57:43 CDT

There is no abstract available for this page revision.

Stachel's Scorpion Army

madbillyblack — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:14:23 CDT

The Scorpion Army is my largest and most organized army thus far. Per usual, I assign particular shields for different knights and soldiers. Pikesmen carry large rectangular shields reminiscent of Roman legionnaires. Cavalry carry the tall rounded kite shields better suited for mounted combat, and the swordsmen use the smaller classic shields, for added agility. I'll be honest: I mixed in the wolf shields, just because the colors match.

The Army of Denmark

madbillyblack — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 23:51:15 CDT

"The Army of Denmark" is my first organized unit of soldiers (or perhaps not, but it's the oldest of what I've got). I do have to say, I much prefer the old school Lion logos to the later ones with happy smiling lions. The earlier ones look more medieval. These knights earned their title, "The Army of Denmark," when they appeared in a Hamlet spoof I videoed for my High School Shakespeare class. Hopefully I will post this video one of these days.

Since the Army of Denmark, I've always tried instilling a rhyme and reason to my armies: The positioning of different knights, their weapons, the types of shields they carry. I almost always use the small shields for swordsmen (and in this case for the lord). The swordsmen and archers stand behind a front line of pikesmen, who use larger kite shields. In my more recent armies I've used the large rectangular (almost Roman) shields for the pikesmen, and kite shields for calvary (as seen in the Scorpion Army).

The Legion

madbillyblack — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 23:32:39 CDT

The Army of Denmark	The Ale Wagon
Stachel's Scorpion Army