LEGO and War

On my cycle ride, stopped at the showroom of Brickmania, a Minneapolis company specializing in LEGO-compatible military parts and model kits they’ve created based on real-world military designs. Some kits were over $1,000. Brickmania also accepts commissions to build huge LEGO military models. The LEGO Company itself doesn’t manufacture sets based on real-world military conflicts.

Categorized as LEGO

Introducing Beest Één

Today I made a one-minute video to introduce my first Strandbeest, Beest Één, an 8-legged walker built with LEGO Technic. I was inspired by the massive Strandbeests of Dutch kinetic artist, Theo Jansen. This particular model is largely based on a design by DIY Walkers. Click through to watch the movie.

Strandbeest Construction Zone

Grouped LEGO beams for five legs of my strandbeest. Having built three legs already, I’m now looking to maximize the efficiency of constructing the remaining ones.

Categorized as LEGO

Unwinding the Mystery of Strandbeests

Dutch kinetic sculpture artist Theo Jansen’s wind-powered strandbeests are the inspiration for my next LEGO project. From 1990 onwards, he has taken these strand (Dutch for beach) creatures through twelve periods of evolution. Inspired, I want to build thematically similar creatures using LEGO.

Ready for Takeoff

The LEGO gantry crane is no more; all its constituent parts are now carefully stowed, awaiting the takeoff of a yet-to-be-determined new project.

LEGO Crane Hams It Up

Another subzero day. Rode the exercise bike to nowhere while watching my soapie, and shot video of my LEGO gantry crane prior to dismantling it. With the camera running, the crane sometimes took this as an opportunity to act up.

Scandinavian Bounty: IKEA and LEGO

After walking with a friend around the vast Mall of America, popped into IKEA to return a lamp because it’s not dimmable. After meatballs and mash, got lost in a labyrinth of merchandise, feeling oddly guilty for not purchasing a $1.49 Bolmen (toilet brush). Eventually found my way back to the light rail station via the LEGO Store.

Categorized as Eat, LEGO

LEGO Snow Village

Kicked off the decorating with LEGO gingerbread houses designed and built by Dwight. Decorating the tree can wait for another day.