Best of BrickNerd: Weekend Highlight — Article originally published November 2, 2021. Although the sunset of the 9V train era has long passed by in 2006, it is encouraging to see many LEGO train fans still using the superb and much-missed metal rail track from this era. Also encouraging is the potential renaissance of metal rail track with both DIY modifications and 3rd party commercial products keeping the dream alive. One of the benefits of metal rail track is its durability and long life. However, metal rails also perform one other critical function; delivering electrical power to a train motor. Thus, the rail forms a vital part of an electrical circuit and is therefore vulnerable to the effects of dirt, contamination, oxidization (“rust”), and other environmental threats which affect the electrical performance of the rails. Fortunately, LEGO (and incidentally Fx Bricks) have adopted the use of Nickel-plated Copper Beryllium (Ni-BeCu) alloys...

Happy November! (And Nerdvember!) Here in the United States, this month we celebrate Native American Heritage. We honor the many First Nations cultures that live and thrive in the area. Indigenous cultures in the Americas are represented by many First Nations – from Ojibwe, Iroquois, Cherokee, Comanche, Sioux, Dine (Navajo), Ute, Hopi, Paiute, Crow, Salish, Blackfeet, Cree, Shoshone, Mayans and many others. Each First Nation has their own culture that is honored year around and even more so during the month of November. LEGO has represented Native American/First Nations cultures several times throughout its years. Since the “Spaghetti Western” forms gained popularity in the 1950s, the LEGO Wild West has had some indigenous representation. As with most businesses, the Native American culture is generalized, however, LEGO has tried to fix that over the years. As a disclaimer, I feel as part of this article, it should be known that I’m part Ojibwe/Anishinaabe, from the...

There is a race track (or more specifically, a drag strip) in the UK called Santa Pod. I wonder if that’s where Sergio Batista‘s festive hot-rod is headed, to spread some festive cheer worthy if its name! It certainly wouldn’t be out of place. The custom chrome pieces, while not completely purist, really complete the look, particularly with that red-and-gold combination. It’s probably not the most subtle way of delivering presents – you’d definitely hear Santa Claus coming, looking at the size of the exhaust. I imagine it’s still fairly rapid though. What’s the conversion from horsepower to reindeer-power again? The post Milk and cookies? No, engine oil and gasoline, please appeared first on The Brothers Brick. Original linkOriginal author: Theo Spencer

I’ve earned a reputation in my LEGO circles for introducing fellow builders to a certain indie video game through one of my creations. And while I was building to express my love of Stardew Valley, NikiFilik is all about the equally-excellent Untitled Goose Game with their latest construction. This may look like a standard water fowl to the uninitiated, but the nameless goose was instantly recognizable to me from its head shape, simple color palette, and malicious gaze. The use of the plane fuselage for the bill is spectacular, as is the complex network of white slopes and wedge plates to nail the bust’s overall shape. Villagers beware, this bird is out for blood! The post The Untitled Goose Game build you didn’t know you needed appeared first on The Brothers Brick. Original linkOriginal author: Kyle Keller

Silly turkeys were on the menu for a recent Fun Friday group build, and Tommy Frost took his contribution into orbit. This Neo-Classic Space themed turkey mech is suitable for navigating alien terrain or walking the Macy’s parade route on a cold November morning. Bonus points for the red space suit getting an upgraded helmet, thanks to the Collectible Minifigures Series 23. The post We give thanks for this galactic gobbler. appeared first on The Brothers Brick. Original linkOriginal author: Norm Harper