Thursday, 26 August 2021

Hidden World

There are often hidden worlds in places you would never think of.

As an example, who would have thought that a hidden dimension lies almost within their reach? Well, almost nobody! But a team of scientists have set themselves on the path of finding out. 


This was the old location of Project Hidden World. Unfortunately, the efforts of the team proved fruitless and they were forced to end the search. But did they ever think that a different hidden world (but not lacking in complexity and beauty) lay beneath their feet?


In simpler terms, the very thing you're looking for is often right beneath you. Just as a curious boy found out when he looked around for traces of his old childhood toys, the bridge actually nestled an interesting and awe-inspiring secret.


But, in a more lego tone, the bridge. This was the first time that I actually endeavoured to use Brick Bending to make a build. Brick Bending is simply using LEGO bricks in such ways that they have not been intended. 

For example, this bridge. It utilises one of the most simple way of Brick Bending: not completely connecting bricks, instead allowing them to rest at an angle; this is what gives the bridge its smooth curve. 



The bridge is surrounded by carefully crafted vegetation; the best greenery I ever made. Well, it only consists of bamboo and a few plants. Note the gradually lightening colours used on the highest bamboo stem. This brown is used to add liveliness, while a tree stump is nestled on the other end for the same purpose. 


Well, this is it! "Hidden World". After removing the bridge, it revealed a stunning landscape consisting of the old childhood toy, animals and twisting vines that the young man only glimpsed with a flashlight. The mushroom at the side is one of my rather peculiar touches, I don't know why I was so obsessed with it!


From another angle:

If you look very closely you can see a spider lying in between of the mushroom and the ship. Also notice the rust and moss on the ship, its subtle angle and depth colouring for the water. There's a rat / mouse too, looking for shelter from the unforgiving, torrential weather. 


The spider's home. Unfortunately, colourful bricks had to be used for the underside because I simply didn't have such a vast LEGO collection to fulfil the black and grey tones used on top. Simple clips are used to anchor the "webs" into place. 


Video of the bridge removal. This is simply a slot-in function; nothing complicated there. 


A front view of the underside. 

Lastly, this model tells us that sometimes, we don't have to look very far to find hidden worlds; there's nothing more beautiful than nature and little touches of humans interposed in it. 

Hope you enjoyed my build and the explanation. 
Thanks for reading my blog! :)

 

Wednesday, 11 August 2021

Secret Agent Car

 This is my Secret Agent Car. It was a jeep at first but I found that the dark colors, rugged and mysterious look were perfect for a secret agent. Read further for notes on the building process, secret weapons, and a special feature at the end!

Color scheme: greyscale with dark blue at the front. I'm really happy with how the windscreen turned out. It's anchored by a clip at the back.


Secret weapon #1: Tyre shredders. These are used for the purpose of shredding the target's tires, disabling the vehicle. Concealed using the grey at the back, the metallic look of these shredders really makes them shine.

Secret weapon #2: Cannon behind the radiator. This needs no explanation.

Also, note the boosters at the bottom of the car. Those are used to reduce damage if the car is falling. 


Lastly, the 3rd secret weapon and the special function. I'll just let you watch and conclude later.


So, in addition to the missile rack hidden in the ceiling, the entire back wheel section can be detached to become another vehicle! The front portion can still drive, due to the hidden wheels below it (check the upper picture)

Worthy of a secret agent? (Thank you for reading my blog)



Tuesday, 3 August 2021

Robodog

 One day, I decided to make an animal. Due to my lack of experience in animal models, it didn’t turn out exactly like what I pictured it, but I’m still happy with my effort.


This is my animal creation (a dog). Originally, I intended for it to be in natural colors like brown or black but as I attempted to build further, I realized that I just didn’t have the colors to do that. The joints were only available in grey and dark grey anyway.


The face was a challenge. I wanted to insert a downward facing snout and also big floppy ears. I ended up using SNOT (Studs Not On Top) and a double cheese slope for the snout. The eyes are 1x1 round pieces. 


The tail is mounted on a clip and can be maneuvered up and down. It’s actually a teeth/fang piece. The straight slope on the back was not the best idea, but it was the easiest to achieve.


The dog has many joints which allows it to be posable. Watch the video above to see all the joints.
*The back legs can also be posed, but I couldn’t move them in the video.


Surprisingly, the joints allow the dog to lay down on the floor. Woof woof!

Thank you for reading my blog.