Unique Brique Techniques

More (Awesome) ApocaLEGO

2007-08-24T08:17:00.000-04:00

Nathan Wells takes his turn at ApocaLEGO with his Checkpoint. Besides being absolutely amazing in general, this MOC incorporates quite a few unique uses of elements.

A few of the highlights:

Pirate ship mast used as electric pole, stack of upturned 2x2 dishes as....whatever those things are called, and the wizard lighting piece to shorted out connection!

Unique (SNOT) constructon of sandbags and greeblish barbed wire tangle using minifig hands, levers, and just about anything else small, black, and skinny.

Pirate hook-hands for the sniper rifle bi-pod. You can see this rifle in action in the previous picture.

Via The Brothers Brick.

Technorati tags: LEGO apocalypse apocalego Nathan Wells

Corner Post Office

2007-08-22T08:08:00.000-04:00

Check out this Corner Post Office by Brickmann! It is very well done, with tons of little details - here are two you definitely won't want to miss:

the simple yet effective SNOT construction of the stairway light...

and the use of wheel fenders for arches over the windows.

Technorati tags: LEGO Town Post Office Light Fender Brickmann

Techniques with the New Skeleton Torso

2007-08-20T08:56:00.000-04:00

Classic-Castle.com member earl-0 has recently hosted a building challenge to find out inovative uses for the new skeleton torso from the Castle 2007 product line. The results are quite facinating! Also check out this post for more info and links.

Technorati tags: LEGO Castle Space Fantasy Skeleton earl-0 classic-castle

Cape Blanco Lighthouse

2007-08-17T09:08:00.001-04:00

I stumbled upon this beautiful MOC on Brickshelf yesterday - a model of Cape Blanco Lighthouse by mrjasonvv. My favorite technique in this MOC is the construction of the roof. Yes, it is just ordinary slopes used like slopes usually are, but notice that they are all 1x2's - it gives a very convincing clay tile or shingle effect.

Notice the 1x1 round plates at the edge of the roof and the 1x2 curved bricks incorporated in the ridge pole. Oh, and don't miss the clever SNOT door!

EDIT: those are NOT 1x2 slopes, they are 1x2 tiles mounted on a 45 degree angle! How did he do that? Also notice the roof of the tower - it is constructed much the same way.

Technorati tags: LEGO THEME SUBTHEME TAG1 TAG2 BUILDER Flickr Brickshelf

Burrower

2007-08-16T08:58:00.000-04:00

This Burrower by BrickKenobi was recommended to me by Graeme Allen. Notice the binocs for the front feet and the pistols used in the construction of the back legs. I really like the minifig drill tool used in the front legs - it gives a nice beefy look to them. Well spotted, Graeme!

Technorati tags: LEGO Animal Scorpion Burrower BrickKenobi

More Motorcycles

2007-08-15T10:02:00.000-04:00

Motorcycles seem to be a popular subject right now. The great thing is that they all use one or another unique technique in their construction. Minifig hands and droid arms seem to be popular parts. Check out these new bikes by Noddy (WARNING: gallery contains some minifig nudity).

Technorati tags: LEGO Motorcycle Town Hands Droid Honda Noddy

Spiral Staircase by Nathan Proudlove

2007-08-10T08:37:00.000-04:00

Nathan Proudlove has come up with a unique design for a spiral staircase. See the detail picture here.

Technorati tags: LEGO Building Spiral Stairs Technic Nathan Proudlove Proudlove

Castle/Fantasy Weapon Techniques

2007-08-09T14:53:00.000-04:00

Today we are featuring older creations, but amazing just the same - Star's weapons! Every one of these little beauties uses one or another piece in an unusual way. Take, for instance, the bat used in the sword above.

This axe makes good use of the Count Dooku lightsaber handle and the new Castle 2007 scythe.

These swords are among my favorite for their overall elegance of design.

Be sure to check out the entire gallery!

Technorati tags: LEGO Castle Fantasy Sword Weapon Star

Microscale Tank Rides on Optics

2007-08-07T08:31:00.000-04:00

For this morning's creation we feature a microscale MOC - Kero40's tank! The most prominent feature is the use of fig binoculars for the tank treads. Very well done! Also notice that the entire body of the tank is built studs down (probably to attach the binoculars underneath). Other features of interest: the use of the 1x plates with track (what is their "official" name anyway?) and the 1x1 plates with clips to add texture to this MOC.

Technorati tags: LEGO Military WWII Tank Kero40

Post-Apoc Goodness

2007-08-06T13:09:00.001-04:00

Andrew over at The Brothers Bric k just posted Legohaulic's Post-Apocalyptic MOCs. Head on over and enjoy!

Technorati tags: LEGO Apocalypse Sludge Puppy Legohaulic

Village Joust by Dan82

2007-08-06T08:30:00.001-04:00

Here we are with another older MOC: Village Joust by Dan82. Besides being a well designed diorama, it has a few techniques worth mentioning.

In this picture, several techniques can be noticed. First of all, his method of texturing the ground, showing places where the grass has been torn down to stone or dirt. Also notice the construction of the lamps on either side of the doorway and the use of corrugated 1x2 bricks on the gables of the roof. And don't miss the shield - it's not that new of a concept anymore but is still worth a mention.

Also not to be missed: the drawer construction technique used in the cabinet of this room. Side thought: I wonder why he didn't use tiles for the bed?

Technorati tags: LEGO Castle Joust Lamp Dan82

Look up! It's a....MOC?

2007-08-04T10:59:00.000-04:00

This creation was brought to my attention by it's builder himself, Miles Flinn. I especially like the way he did the wings (with flags) and the use of the telephone pieces in the construction of the legs. There are a few other interesting concepts in his gallery.

By the way, Miles sent me the suggestion to blog his creation through the handy-dandy link I've provided over on the left hand side. I'm always looking for innovative MOCs, so if you find or build one, feel free to use this feature to give me a buzz!

Technorati tags: LEGO Animal Bird Flag Telephone Miles Flinn Muddy

Fatboy Tech

2007-08-03T15:26:00.000-04:00

Here we have another motorcycle, but this one is from Fat Tony. This one warrants some serious gazing. Ever time I look at it again I see something I missed before! Here are a few of many unique techniques: the KKII helm used as the front fender, the saw blade and closed wrench used in the back wheel support, and the pickax used for a kick-stand.

Technorati tags: LEGO Town Motorcycle Fat Tony Flickr

Hinge Used for....Protection?

2007-08-03T09:55:00.000-04:00

I love arrow slit techniques. Yes, I am a Castle-head. But even those who rarely build in castle can benefit from some of the techniques devised in the service of the almighty arrow slit. The latest of these techniques is brought to us by Alan, and it is awesome!

Here you can get a better idea of the Technic construction. Check out the gallery for more techniques!

Technorati tags: LEGO Castle Arrow Slit Wall Defense Alan Brickshelf

Unique Technique Creatures

2007-08-02T09:12:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure how old this is, but it is so awesome I'll post it anyway. Moko used some amazing techniques in his Fantasy Castle creatures. Take, for instance, the Bone Warrior above. Notice the fig hands and horns in the chest.

My personal favorites are these warriors. Notice the viking helms used as the hammer heads and the axe heads used in the construction of the legs.

Technorati tags: LEGO Castle Fantasy Creature Moko Brickshelf

Imperial Fort

2007-07-31T17:38:00.000-04:00

Marian, from Classic-Castle.com, has just posted a pretty amazing little fortress. Hang on to your hats, because there are a ton of Unique Techniques in this one.

The first thing that caught my eye was the use of minifig legs in the curved wall of the tower. Also notice the 1x2 hinge bricks. If you go to the linked picture, you can also see the great use of half arches.

Now notice the incorporation of the lever pieces in the lantern. Another picture can be found here. Also pay attention to the curved steps - more on that next.

Here we have a better photo revealing the construction of the curved steps. It seems to be using 1x1 clips attached to a rod which allows the steps to be constructed using SNOTed 1x bricks. EDIT: Marian said this about the construction of said steps: "The curved steps are made from Tile 1 x 1 with Clip on top of Slope Brick 75 2 x 1 x 3 with two 1x3 bricks, attached to Antenna 4H."

More interesting pictures - the techniques are pretty self-explanitory:

Notice the steps in the middle of the photo constructed using 1x4 fence pieces.

Suitcases used for drawers and classic capes for fireplace curtains...

...and more suitcases used for steps!

Check out the table legs!

And, finally, the construction of yet another set of stairs.

Happy building!

Technorati tags: LEGO Pirate Fort Prison Marian Brickshelf

Motorcycles by Noddy

2007-07-27T16:10:00.000-04:00

Relatively recent Brickshelf user Noddy has some pretty amazing motorcycles in his gallery. Notice especially his use of minifig hands and lever bases in the above pictured bike and the blue flames used as splashing water in his Motorcrosss Rally bignette.

Noddy also has a few great ideas in this little desk MOC. For instance, notice the chair construction and the combination of a headlight brick and a corrugated 1x2 brick for the computer.

Take the time to browse his gallery - it's worth it.

Technorati tags: LEGO Town Motorcycle Bike Noddy Brickshelf

Battering Ram

2007-07-26T08:14:00.001-04:00

Here we are with the first post for rejuvenated Unique Brique Techniques! This is Battering Ram by Kelderic.

Although a well-designed little MOC, there's not much very out of the ordinary about it until you look closely at the crossbeam. Waddayaknow - it's a barrel!

Have fun and "play well"!

Technorati tags: LEGO Castle Seige Battering Ram Kelderic Flickr Brickshelf

Back Again!

2007-07-25T20:44:00.000-04:00

Hello to one and all! This blog was laid to rest almost a year ago because of all the time school was taking for both Nate and myself. However, been there, done that, graduated! Now I have time for my favorite hobby: LEGO! Which means I'll be blogging regularly again. I've got a few creations bookmarked, so look forward to new techniques coming your way very soon!

That's all for now,

Dale

Technorati tags: LEGO Announcements Techniques Blog

All aboard the SNOT train!

2006-09-26T23:43:00.000-04:00

Brickshelf user dagealka has created a neat little train car that is chock full of SNOT that castlers, spacers and other trainheads could really find useful:

Technorati tags: LEGO Trains Passenger Car dagealka Brickshelf

There's always a bigger fish...

2006-09-21T21:32:00.000-04:00

Megan Rothrock returns with a great new creation:

Note the clever construction of the mouth and the use of Clikits parts. Also, don't miss Megan's latest podragon, Phergy.

Technorati tags: LEGO Clikits fish dragon Megan Rothrock LUGNET Brickshelf

Curved Roof

2006-09-09T15:30:00.000-04:00

Each year Brickfest produces a roomfull of awesome new creations, and this year was no exception. It's going to take me a while to go through all of the pictures to pick out cool new parts usage and building techniques, but this house by Taylor Pluzak caught my eye:

That smooth, curved roof is created by building a wall of 1x2 bricks and bending it slightly. Because of the natural flex of LEGO bricks, the wall bends. The longer the wall, the bigger the curve. I wish I knew how the roof was attached, and how smoothly the walls meet up with the roof. Special thanks to Bill Ward for taking pictures of many cool creations at Brickfest, including this one.

Technorati tags: LEGO Town house curve roof Taylor Pluzak Flickr Bill Ward

Castle Wall Offsets

2006-08-31T22:25:00.000-04:00

The "Coolest New Unique Brique Technique Award of the Month" goes to Ben Ellermann, creator of this beauty:

The UBT may not be obvious at first, but check out this awesome article by Ben for more info and step-by-step instructions.

Technorati tags: LEGO castle offset

Carney's Castle

2006-08-28T14:11:00.000-04:00

Bob Carney is well know for his large, historically-accurate and massively gray castles. Torre de Belém is his 110th castle, and while it's size and grayness is impressive as usual, it also features some clever parts usage. The fancy railing of the balcony is made out of the bases of 2x2 turntables.

Technorati tags: LEGO castle balcony railing

Q*Bert!

2006-08-25T15:08:00.000-04:00

Nelson Yrizarry has created a very interested vignette depicting Q*Bert the classic video game character in all his glory. Check out the use of a carrot as Q*Bert's snout and the SNOT construction of the cubes.

Technorati tags: LEGO vignette Q*Bert cubes

Various SNOT Techniques

2006-08-18T23:08:00.000-04:00

Today I'm going to bypass creations that use great building techniques and just focus on the techniques themselves, such as Studs Not On Top. Check out these classic techniques presented by Chris Malloy:

Technorati tags: LEGO techniques

Squigs

2006-08-16T14:17:00.000-04:00

Classic-Castler TJ has created some orcish creatures called Squigs. It's a pity they're mostly black, since it's hard to see how they were built, but if you squint you can spot some clever connections:

Technorati tags: LEGO fantasy creature beast

SCHMOOOOVE

2006-08-14T16:28:00.000-04:00

There's only one word to describe this bike by Brickshelf user arvo: sexy. Just check out that smoothness! In my opinion larger-than-life LEGO models are few and far between and way too under appreciated.

Technorati tags: LEGO bike motorcycle smooth

That's no moon...

2006-08-12T18:48:00.000-04:00

It's a freakin' huge exhaust port by Flickrite Jon Palmer! Check out the use of blue skateboard ramps and the round shape.

Technorati tags: LEGO space exhaust round ramp

Brick-Built Onion Dome

2006-08-06T14:21:00.000-04:00

The LEGO company already provides a large prefad onion dome piece, but it's size and color solution is limiting. Kevin Blocksiege has created a brick (or rather plate) build onion dome that could easily be expanded to fit any size:

Technorati tags: LEGO dome building

Nelson's Cookin' Up A Storm!

2006-08-03T13:24:00.000-04:00

I declare Nelson Yrizarry the LEGO Vignette God. I mean, just take a look at his vignette Brickshelf folder! Recently, Nelson has posted a new series cooking-themed vignettes. All of them are awesome, but two in particular are perfectly suited for UBT.

Dinah, while being both a funny and jibbly MOC as the same time, also uses the arms of a dino from the Dino Attack line for the monster.

First Megan Rothrock used Clikits hair clips in a MOC, now Nelson has incorperated a LEGO egg timer into his PizzaMan vignette! Awesome.

Technorati tags: LEGO vignette cooking chef pizza

Duplo Castle

2006-08-01T00:31:00.000-04:00

Well, I feel lazy, so I'll just show off an old MOC of mine that uses -- of all things -- a Duplo brick to make a castle wall:

Technorati tags: LEGO Duplo Castle

Sporty SNOT car

2006-07-25T22:17:00.000-04:00

At first glance, this sports car by LUGNETer and Flickrite Derek Schin doesn't look very impressive...but then, examine the photos. Check out the half stud- offset on the already SNOTty car hood:

Also check out the impressive SNOT on the rear:

It's a pity there isn't breakaway pictures.

Technorati tags: LEGO LUGNET Flickr car

Chick Brick

2006-07-12T14:43:00.000-04:00

Go girl power! Megan Rothrock's recent batch of critter creations are colorful, creative and cartoony in a cool sort of way.

Urple the purple podragon uses a light blue and trans-purple X-pod container as a stomach.

Clickit-Nessie uses hair clips and Bionicle kraata as fins. I mean, Clickits hair clips? Awesomeness.

Finally, the Clickapillar's whole body is made up of X-pod lids, Bionicle claws and Clickits bits.

Thanks to Bruce Heintbrink for posting these on Classic-Castle.com.

Technorati tags: LEGO creatures animals sculpture dragon Clickits Bionicle X-Pod

LEGO Art

2006-07-07T12:25:00.000-04:00

Well, if you're a regular visitor of fellow LEGO blogs The Brothers Brick and VignetteBricks, this post may seem like a broken record to you, but I just had to feature it. Annie Preston has recently posted some vignettes that recreate the works of Mondrian, Picasso and Pollock in LEGO. Check out that SNOT!

Technorati tags: LEGO vignette art Mondrian Picasso Pollock

"Holy Spider-vigs, Batman!"

2006-07-06T14:50:00.000-04:00

Wait...wrong comic. Nevermind. Anyway, Nelson Yrizarry has recently blown away the LEGO fan community by posting 16 -- count 'em, 16 -- Spiderman vignettes featuring our favorite web-head battling classic villians. This is an impressive feat in itself, but Nelson has also used some particular clever building techniques and parts in some of the vigs.

Check out Madame Web's snaking dress:

And the microscale buildings that create and excellent forced perspective.

Technorati tags: LEGO Spiderman vignette microscale

Say it ain't so!

2006-07-03T12:51:00.000-04:00

I never saw this coming. Ben Ellermann, founding admin at Classic-Castle.com, has made a space MOC!

After I got over the shock, I had to admit the SNOT on this thing was pretty cool.

Technorati tags: LEGO spaceship space cruiser

Bows and Goats

2006-06-29T12:45:00.000-04:00

Classic-Castler Nathan "Sly Pig Enigma" Cunningham has created another vignette illustrating a scene from the Book of Mormon. Check out the use of Viking horns and a lightsaber as a (broken) bow. Also check out the goat, which Nathan says is based upon a design by Brickshelf user schlimps.

Technorati tags: LEGO vignette Mormon bow archer goat

Brick-built ATV

2006-06-25T00:36:00.000-04:00

The LEGO Company already makes a one-piece ATV for minifigs, but Classic-Castler lego2000 has built an ATV out of bricks that's ten times cooler. I only wish there were more pictures to examine. Note the was the front mudguards are attached and the use of the Technic gears as hubcaps.

Technorati tags: LEGO vehicle ATV

Berger Strikes Back -- Part 3

2006-06-24T12:07:00.000-04:00

Recently master of brick-built beasts Micah Berger has posted a huge load of new creations, most of them already featured here at UBT.

It took me several viewing to spot all the great brick construction techniques used in Grotesque, not to mention the unique usage of parts. Check out the minifig wrenches as knees, Doc Ock claws, minifig hooked hands and revolvers as hands, and minifig hands as claws and ears on the face. Also note the pecular hip connection.

Next is an odd creature Micah calls Thumper. According to Micah, Thumper is a...wait for it...elephant-hippo-dog-gorilla-bunny monkey, or elehipogoribunkey. Uhm, right. Anyway, check out the plethora of parts used in Thumper: lever bases, turntable tops, minifig helmets, minifig flippers, and various droid parts.

The last creature for this edition is my favorite. The Ork is short, squat, and totally menacing. Check out that huge chin and teeth made out of minifig hands and minifig neck brackets. Also note the connection of the arms.

Technorati tags: LEGO creature beast fantasy gargoyle ork orc

It's been a good month for figures!

2006-06-23T12:58:00.000-04:00

I was browsing fellow LEGO blogger Sean Mykael's BrickBrick today and I ran across this awesome figure feature in the sidebar. Flickrite stuartimmonen's Mighty Atom figure is impressively smooth (look at all those tiles) while still managing to be very posable. I'm having some trouble linking directly to pictures on Flickr (help!), so please just click the link above. Note the use of minifig wrenches as elbow hinges in the arms, and battle droid torsos in the legs.

Technorati tags: LEGO figure Flickr

Moko's Sculptures: More Than Meets The Eye

2006-06-22T12:15:00.002-04:00

Brickshelf user Moko has recently posted pictures of two new anime-style sculptures. When one first looks at the thumbnail pics, they look like a pair of plain old sculptures. But when one looks at the big pictures --

WOW! Check out that SNOT -- or, rather, STEWW, a term coined by BrickTales meaning STuds Every Which Way. Note especially how the arches and tiles fit smoothly into the head to make eyes, and the use of minifig chairs as the girl's skirt. Moko was nice enough to include some construction shots:

Special thanks to BrickTales for pointing these out to me!

Technorati tags: LEGO figures anime sculpture boy girl

Berger Strikes Back - Part 2

2006-06-21T11:07:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm back from my vacation. I had a blast, but I'm also now healing recuperating from sunburn, bugbites and allergies. Fun.

But enough about me. This blog is a cool building techniques, and so I'll continue from where I left off: Micah Berger's latest batch of sweet brick built beasts:

The Sneak once again uses the lever-and-skeleton-arm connection technique, but I particually like the incorperation of the Green Goblin mask from the Spiderman line. The twisted grin and big eyes suit this troublesome creature perfectly.

This unnamed creature is once again an example of pieces being used in ways I don't think the original designers and molders ever envisioned. Check out especially the connection between the black Doc Ock claws and the binoculars.

Lastly for this blog post, there's the Vargouille, a flying head. Uhm, yeah. Interesting use of Green Goblin mask and handlebars.

Stay tuned for more creations from Micah Berger!

Technorati tags: LEGO fantasy creature beast sneak head

Berger Strikes Back!

2006-06-12T23:23:00.000-04:00

The Master of Brick-Built-Beasties, Micah "The Green Knight" Berger, has recently displayed another motherlode of great creations, and every single one is a showcase of interesting building techniques and unique parts usuage.

First off is a crab. Note the connection between the minifig hands, skeleton arms and levers.

Next is an Ibixan. This ax-wielding creation uses minifig hands, levers, binoculars and various clips in ways I'm sure the original molders never intended.

Micah's third creation comes from the land of Narnia. Puddleglum the Marshwiggle uses the same technique as the crab for it's legs, but really stands out is the use of a pirate hook, minifig hand and two levers to make a hauntingly expressive face.

Dang, I've out of time, and Micah's still got a ton more critters. If you can't wait for my follow-up posts (I'll be gone all this week on vacation), check out Micah's thread on Classic-Castle.com.

Technorati tags: LEGO beasts creatures fantasy crab ibixan Puddleglum Marshwiggle Narnia

LEGO Bloggers Code

2006-06-12T12:39:00.000-04:00

Back when Unique Brique Techniques was first started up, there were very few LEGO blogs out there. But check out the lists on The Brothers Brick and VignetteBricks! There's over 130 LEGO-related blogs in English, Japanese and a smattering of other languages. Sean Mykael of the blog Brick Brick has proposed a LEGO Bloggers Code. Head over to Brick Brick and discuss!

Technorati tags: LEGO Blogger Blogging Blogs Code

Motorbike Mecha

2006-06-11T00:15:00.000-04:00

Sugegasa's latest mecha uses some new Catwoman motorbike pieces in unusual ways to create a funky but cool looking mecha:

Yeah, yeah, I know I totally ripped this off from the recently renamed The Brothers Brick. Sue me. :P

Technorati tags: LEGO Mecha Motorbike Catwoman

Gnome

2006-06-07T12:49:00.000-04:00

Made in the style of Micah Berger, Classic-Castler wunztwice has created a great little gnome:

Note the use of various clips and the minifig hand for a nose. It's a pity a pictures are so dark, because it's a little hard to see how this little fella was put together.

Technorati tags: LEGO gnome fantasy figure

"Borrowing" from Dunechaser

2006-06-03T21:16:00.000-04:00

If you are also a reader of the soon-to-be-renamed Dunechaser's Blocklog, this post may seem redundant, but these creations are not only cool but use some really good brick techniques:

Tac's Unit Level 032

BaronSat's Crocodile:

And Mark Stafford's Silverfish:

They all use odd parts in interesting and new ways, and they also have some impressive building techniques.

Technorati tags: LEGO Mecha Steampunk Space Alien Vehicles

Roll Cage

2006-05-29T14:41:00.000-04:00

Classic-Castler lego2000 has created a very cool roll cage concept out of minifig hands and technic pins:

Technorati tags: LEGO roll cage minifig hands technic pins

Implementing Technorati

2006-05-29T13:57:00.000-04:00

Unique Brique Techniques is going modern. ;)

Following the lead of the soon-to-be-renamed Dunechaser's Blocklog, UBT is going to start including Technorati tags in it's posts. You can learn more about Technorati here.

Technorati tags: LEGO Technorati

A Cross and a Moon

2006-05-26T00:38:00.000-04:00

Classic-Castler wunztwice has put two interested parts to good use. Check out the use of this part as a Christian crusifix, and a minifig wrench as an Islamic moon.

Green Antique Truck

2006-05-25T15:46:00.000-04:00

Wunztwice built this beefy antique truck. Notice especially the mirrors, the back bumper, and the suspension for the rear wheels.

Oh, and by the way, this truck is way to nice for Joe Vig. ;)

One of the best LEGO blogs out there gets even better!

2006-05-23T15:07:00.000-04:00

I would like to take a moment to welcome Classic-Castle Moderator and all-around cool guy Josh Wedin to the LEGO Blogosphere. Josh has joined Dunechaser's Blocklog, and together they will strive to continue to feature cool LEGO creations. Dunechaser is now looking for a new name for his blog. Check out this thread and post suggestions!

Again, welcome Josh!

And now back to our reguarly scheduled program...

Some stunningly simple SNOT

2006-05-22T23:50:00.000-04:00

Check out this latest SNOT technique presented by Didier Enjary and be amazed:

The Stadoerfla Station

2006-05-21T08:41:00.000-04:00

I checked Brickshelf for the first time since last fall (school has been voraciously gobbling up my time since) and what did I find on the front page but this wonderful, SNOT-crazy Stadoerfla Station!

The first thing that I noticed was the slanted timbers, created with tiles and 75 degree slopes. Nifty, huh? Also notice the SNOT doors, corners, and other decorations (such as the ones around the window) in the same picture; and check out the roof support and edge created with brown hinges. How did they attach the slanted beam to the wall?

A ramp of radar panels

2006-05-18T01:56:00.000-04:00

Linus Bohman's Space-Ninja vignette includes a clever ramp made out of these parts.

Special thanks to Dunechaser for bringing this vig to my attention, and another thanks to Nathan "Sly Pig" Cunningham for indentifying the mystery piece (I sure couldn't figure it out).

Skele-Suit

2006-05-15T15:25:00.000-04:00

Brickshelf user izzo's Bone Suit is a neat little powersuit, and it's use of the prefab pirate skull piece is quite cool.

gasp

2006-05-06T17:06:00.000-04:00

Yes. Bionicle parts do have their uses. And sometimes they can look wicked cool. Check out Gary McIntire's palm tree, which uses Bionicle Kraatas for fronds.

Special thanks to Linus Bohman, who came up with his own use for kraatas, for pointing this out to me!

Some Smooth Spacey SNOT

2006-05-05T17:23:00.000-04:00

Jamie Neufeld's Gunraven features some impressive SNOT-work. Pity there's no construction pictures.

Freaky

2006-04-24T15:09:00.000-04:00

Check out this Little-Shop-Of-Horrors-ish creature by Brickshelf user Nabii. That's some impressive SNOT. If only some construction pictures were available.

Some Serious SNOT-Work

2006-04-22T18:20:00.000-04:00

There is some impressive SNOT lettering on Mark Staffa's great train MOC:

Fender-Bender

2006-04-21T14:18:00.000-04:00

Deborah Higdon's Patio V-Pod uses the new vehicle fender part in two effective and unexpected ways. It works great for both legs for a table and armrests for chairs.

What's up, doc?

2006-04-18T17:53:00.000-04:00

LEGO sculpter Felix Greco's Rabbit is full of both unique parts usage and SNOT techniques.

Who says Space and Trains don't mix?

2006-04-17T11:32:00.000-04:00

Check out Donut Express, a new spaceship by Chris Giddens. Note the use of the train-nose in the front, and light gray castle barrels in the back.

Mmm...donuts...

Grillin'

2006-04-03T11:40:00.000-04:00

LUGNETer Didier Enjary has just presented a really cool new building technique using only one type of piece: the top of a 1x2 hinge brick. Thanks to The Brick Rat of Classic-Castle.com for pointing this out to me.

Fenders to lintels

2006-03-14T16:58:00.000-05:00

Jonathan Lopes recently posted a great new creation on LUGNET. It's building that uses a new fender/mudguard part for window lintels. Also note the stud offset.

No horses in church!

2006-02-27T13:00:00.000-05:00

BuilderQ has created a very nice vignette that uses many parts in unexpected and cool ways. Note especially the use of a yellow rubber boat:

By the way, I'm really sorry about not keeping UBT up-to-date. College has been really zapping my time. Golden Shpleem hasn't been updated since Feb. 7, so ha!

Dino Attack, meet Sea Monkeys

2006-02-03T17:03:00.000-05:00

Now if this isn't the best example of using a seemingly useless part, I don't know what is. Allister McLaren's amazing Space Seahorse is built around a Dino Attack dinosaur body:

Michael Jasper Strikes Back!

2006-01-27T23:23:00.000-05:00

Michael Jasper never ceases to amaze. Check out these figures, all made with un-modded LEGO Parts:

"Blog it. It's destiny."

2006-01-17T23:15:00.000-05:00

Those are the words of Kevin Heckel, AKA Jonesy of Golden Shpleem fame. He linked me this awesomely cool truck. It uses old-style garage doors to make the tank.

COLTC Expo - 2005 at Columbus, Ohio

2006-01-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

This folder of photos from the Central Ohio LEGO Train Club is amazing and abounding with techniques! Here are some sweet goodies:

A brick mansion with TONS of the slotted 1x2 tiles

A SNOT-walled log cabin

What is that blue Technic brick doing in the front gable?!

And this building (hotel?) is just plain awesome!

Parts Bot

2006-01-10T16:18:00.000-05:00

This little bot build by Derek Schin uses several parts in interesting ways, including the Auqazone helmet, oil cans and skeleton arms:

Woody

2006-01-03T17:38:00.000-05:00

Brickshelf user misterzumbi brings us a cute little woody! It has some great SNOT on the front end, good use of jumper bricks to make it five wide, and not necessarily to amazingly innovative, but at least worth notice is the little minifig back thingies for the headlights.

One more thing: we've made the big ten; over ten thousand hits! Thanks guys, I hope you have benefited from and enjoyed this blog.

Fuzzy Man

2005-12-30T08:08:00.000-05:00

Micah Berger made a cute little ogre! Notice the teeth (fig hands) and the system for the shoulder hinge joint.

Classic Car

2005-12-29T11:20:00.000-05:00

KillerMoth26 gives us a genaric, and nearly completely SNOT, Classic Car.

Check it out!

Cogs galore

2005-12-28T17:34:00.000-05:00

Check out these three medieveal trade cogs, all of them CCC3 entries, by Carl Nelson, Lomero and Kenn Oldham:

Stealth Bomber

2005-12-26T08:20:00.000-05:00

Ladies and gentlemen, I present a Mini Stealth Bomber! It doesn't have much more than a SNOT job to recomend it (and a spankingly good one, at that), but it's still unique.

Victorian House

2005-12-24T12:09:00.000-05:00

Here is a little Christmas Eve treat: a full-fledged victorian house with plenty of SNOT! There are so many creative things that I love about this house that I could bore you with a twenty page tour, so thank me for not doing so; the temptation is great. Here are a few of the best:

Great SNOT bay windows:

SNOT brickwork:

The little round window with SNOT arch and a piece of fence:

Railing detail:

Merry Christmas!

Mini Starship

2005-12-21T22:02:00.000-05:00

Two posts in a row - I'm on a roll! Actually, it's more like Christmas vacation. At any rate, here is a-tree again with a mini starship.

You've gotta love the angle on the back end. If I'm not mistaken, it is accomplished by hinging on the "T" pieces that also connect to the light-saber handles. Clever!

Guns Museum Deluxe

2005-12-19T20:34:00.000-05:00

There isn't much there yet, but I am really looking forward to more from a-tree and his gun gallery. I already love what is there and I'm sure the gun-lovers among us will draw much inspiration from this gallery if he continues the project.

A simple SNOTty snowflake

2005-12-19T13:12:00.000-05:00

Anthony Sava has recently built several cool Christmas tree ornaments, including this snowflake that employs some nifty SNOT:

Why are they called "bardings" anyway?

2005-12-17T17:52:00.000-05:00

Classic-Castle.com is the online home of many great builders and a treasure house of ideas. Recently, C-C user Boses posted this brick-built barding on his Brickshelf gallery and I think it is downright cool.

Notice the stocking-cap as a buckler.

Details, details, details...

2005-12-13T23:14:00.000-05:00

If you ever want to find some LEGO buildings with awesome detail, check out a train layout. Here are some tasty treats:

SNOTty Steampunk

2005-12-13T12:34:00.000-05:00

Kevin Heckel's Scuttler Steampunk Mecha includes some complex SNOT work and uses a castle helmet and a Rock Raider's dump bin in interesting ways:

Harley

2005-12-09T10:49:00.000-05:00

Derjoe has created a wonderful Harley in his Comicshop scene.

Also notice the brick used as a crate and the SNOT sign.

Harry Potter stairs in a whole new light

2005-12-02T01:23:00.000-05:00

Josh Wedin's Dragonsbane Siege, an entry into the 3rd Colossal Castle Contest, uses the Harry Potter spiral stair piece in a unique new way:

Pope's hat and staff

2005-12-01T19:34:00.000-05:00

Johannes Koehler has created a new vignette. It uses a tire and this part to make a creative Pope's hat. Also note the use a mecha hinge part for the staff:

Clikits go heavenly

2005-11-28T12:17:00.000-05:00

Check out these miniland-scale angels by Brickshelf user MisaQa:

Crazy Creatures

2005-11-26T13:50:00.000-05:00

Micah Berger has wowed us again, with four new fantastical creatures. His gargoyle and minotaur use minifig hands and levels in interesting ways. Check 'em out!

SNOTty car

2005-11-24T16:48:00.000-05:00

Check out this black car by Brickshelf user Moko that is filled with SNOT techniques:

Shields as shells

2005-11-11T23:14:00.000-05:00

Brickshelf user Megs (Megan Rothrock, an new member of the AFOL online community) has a new creation: Smergle the Turtle. It makes great use of the Knight's Kingdom II mega-fig shields and of several Bionicle parts:

Thanks to Bruce for pointing this cool creation out!

Space Gallery

2005-11-11T17:27:00.000-05:00

Check out Legodrome's space gallery. It contains tons of SNOT and some great techniques.

Tragon

2005-11-11T14:45:00.000-05:00

Megan Rothrock's Tragon is as impressive as it is colorful. It also uses some odd parts in cool ways. Check out the Viking horns, leaf pieces and elephant trunks.

Tree Mosaic

2005-11-08T13:42:00.001-05:00

BrickTales' new Tower Hall in the Tower of Ecthelion features, in addition to the Classic-Castle.com Admin Team, a cool SNOT tree mosaic:

Guns, guns, and more guns

2005-11-08T00:45:00.000-05:00

Brickshelf user a-tree has a gallery full of minifig-scale guns. A lot of them use interesting parts in new ways:

Candles

2005-11-04T23:14:00.000-05:00

Justin Harvey has come up with a cool way to make a candle (look to the left on the wall):

Happy (belated) Halloween!

2005-11-01T01:35:00.000-05:00

Check out this creative vignette by Brickshelf user modelgal. Note especially the use of the new 1x1 slopes for the roof and pumpkin:

SNOTty Studless Space Ship

2005-10-28T13:50:00.000-04:00

Brickshelf user Legohaulic has created a super-slick purple and white ship. Check out all the SNOT!

March Of The Penguins

2005-10-26T17:24:00.000-04:00

Penguins of all shapes and sizes have begun to pop up on Brickshelf. Here are three new ones, built by

Johannes Koehler,

Moko,

Michael Jasper,

And one can't make a post about penguins without mentioning Adam Silcott.

Another desk and chair from Jojo

2005-10-25T12:39:00.000-04:00

Johannes Koehler has returned with another unique desk and chair. Check out his use of the pith helment for the lantern and the brown technic parts that make up the chair: