Observatory

During an afternoon when I had nothing to do, I decided to build something technical with lots of gears using LEGO. And what could be more technical than a proper observatory that could be angled to look at different constellations? 

One side of the observatory displays the set of gears that I used; it looks simple and satisfying. This section of the observatory is simply used to angle the radio dish up and down and the gears at the side merely serve the purpose of slowing down the motion. 

The observatory's other side is covered by a plate that shields most of the machinery from wind and rain. The plating on the back of the observatory is placed at an entirely different angle; it is achieved by using SNOT bricks that are connected to the white section. 

The plate at the front and the entire back section can be removed for maintenance purposes. The front plate slots into the Technic axle that protrudes out of the front, whereas the backplate clips on a Technic-Lego connector at the back. 

The observatory's interior consists of all the machinery that is required. Here, I'm using a modified differential gearbox with a bevel gear connected to the middle differential gear to add extra motion. This way, I can achieve two different outputs around a central axle. 

A video of the motion.

Thank you for reading my blog. 

 

Crimson Lightning

 During one of my building challenges with my dad, I was tasked to build an emblem. Instead of going with a standard pattern arranged on a plate, I decided to use a different way. Hence, Crimson Lightning was created. 

The entire model is built without studs facing forward, instead, it combines different angles to get the lightning shape correct. I'm quite happy with this because it uses slopes and curved parts to achieve the wraparound grey background for the lightning. 

After removing a key connector, the entire model can be split into three parts. From this partly disassembled image, you can see the studs facing in all directions. 

Back view. I had to use all different kinds of pieces because of space problems. Still, the back looks quite unique and can be used too!

Thank you for reading my blog. 

The SoundMech

My newest creation: The SoundMech! Pretty much the biggest and most advanced mech I've made, this LEGO marvel is packed full of advanced weapons and plenty of building techniques. Read more to find out!

I actually made a mech before in this post: http://www.lokejuin.com/2021/09/mech.html. But I wasn't very happy with the design and thought I could do better. So, I challenged myself to make a full-LEGO mech. To do this, I used some unconventional joints (the arms are actually a smaller mech's plastic fists!) to form this new mech. 

First; the head. (front and back view) I took inspiration from Aaron Newman's post: https://www.aaronbrickdesigner.com/iron-man. This is actually the simplest head I've ever built. Still, I think its' simplicity lends a somewhat ominous look to the mech!

Next; the legs. Note the yellow 1x1 dots arranged in pairs, those are actually missile launchers. On the other side of the missile launchers, there are engines (to help the SoundMech take flight!)

Third; the right hand. I was somewhat daunted by the task of making two hands, so I just turned to this rather blocky gun arm as a solution. The two nozzles (fire and ice) can be flipped too according to the situation (refer to the video below)

Simple, and effective. 

The left arm, with the hand, just had to be created. I gave it my best shot and I'm quite happy with the bend in the middle. Also, note the elbow blade; another nice touch that adds a weapon to the hand (this mech has no hand-held weapon)

Actually, the hand can actually hold a Technic axle (there's a bracket inside), but I couldn't design a proper weapon that wasn't too heavy. 

The special feature that forms the mech's name; the entire chest plate opens up to reveal a huge speaker. Feel free to watch the video above. It's the newest advancement in sound technology and can be used as a weapon (and host big parties)!

Charged and ready for battle!

Thank you for reading my blog. 

Mech

Building a mech has been one of my dreams for a long time. I actually improvised with some KRE-O joints but it would be nice to have more special joints. I modified the Bumblebee set into this model:

OK, so it doesn't look so good. In my personal defense, this was actually my first half-built mech, and I was still learning the tricks of the LEGO trade. The mech in general is actually quite sturdy (tapping into the inflexibility of the KRE-O joints) and can grasp a boomerang in its hand. 

Well, this is the model that the big mech was based on. Can see the similarities? Unfortunately, the amount of complexity needed for a bigger mech didn't cope well with this simple design, so I altered the features a bit. Colour was naturally a problem, but I think it still looks nice enough!

This is the back of the mech. Pretty simple in my opinion, but it has a slot there where the small mech can clip into. Great for climatic appearances, don't you think? Also, you can see that many of the parts are still from the KRE-O set from the back. Rule of my creations: never look behind!

This is a view of both mechs together. The similarities can be seen, but the green markings are missing and the legs aren't blocky enough. Maybe an improvement for next time? Stay tuned!

Thank you for reading my blog. 

Plight of the Mad Scientist

This is one of my favorite creations. I call it "Plight of the Mad Scientist". Because of how this model was built, the post will be told in "story form", with notes about the building process along the way. Enjoy!

The Mad Scientist has achieved what everybody thought was not possible; he built a teleportation machine! It consists of a portal frame with a generator. The other side opens up to the wide sea (it's the mad scientist's idea) and there's a rock with some greenery on the other side. (just to create a seamless transition from land to sea; didn't work out too well)

Note:

This is the generator. It took quite a long time to make and I'm really happy with it. The grey side (on the right of the picture) uses a technique called greebling. That's using lots and lots of random pieces of the same color on one surface to add detail to it. 

The other side: Mainly red-hot grilles to give an engine effect, but there's an on button partially hidden by the angle. Now, back to the story...

Unfortunately, the government has heard of the Mad Scientist's invention (how? I have no idea-) and wants to seize it for safekeeping. 

So, the government has sent one of their best officers (uh oh, he looks angry) in his high-tech sub to secure the portal that the Mad Scientist has created. He has pulled out his radio and is either reporting his status or calling for backup; we'll never know!

Note: The submarine turned out pretty nice (it was modified from one of my earlier scrapped builds, a mini battleship) and I've used curved and sloped pieces to give it a techy look. The green windscreen looks amazing too. (note that one missile is missing!)

But the Mad Scientist isn't going to let that happen and he's sent his faithful robots to deal with the government official. They wield unlikely weapons such as drills, dynamite, and even a fire extinguisher!

Who will win the battle and take control of (or keep) the Mad Scientist's amazing invention? It's up to you to find out!

 

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! :)

 

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)