Now normally, when we feature LEGO creations on the Brothers Brick, we like to lead with some nice clear photos that really show a build off. But sometimes we have to make an exception, such as when the scene is set as fantastically as in Kyle Collard (LordofVador)’s colossal Mustafer diorama! This of course depicts Anakin and Obi-Wan’s duel at the climax of Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. The moody lighting and bright blue lightsaber blades instantly evoke that epic scene on Mustafar. But it doesn’t look half bad in daylight either! This was a heck of an effort by Kyle: over 26,000 pieces and close to 300 hours of building and re-building. It has real meaning, too. Kyle tells us that this same scene was the subject of one of his first MOCs, some 14 (!) years ago. So this build doubles as a showcase for his growth as...

Normally, I fill these pages with nerdy and hopefully useful topics related to LEGO trains. However, as I sat down to consider my next article, I was overcome with the usual anxiety of looming deadlines, jet lag, and was bereft of inspiration. But, it struck me that the reason for my predicament was in fact a good article candidate! That is, I spend so much time and energy building and growing Fx Bricks—why not explore a snapshot of my Fx Bricks life behind the scenes? As a disclaimer, this article is not intended to be a sponsored marketing spot for Fx Bricks. Everything stated here are my opinions, observations, and experience and are not representative of Fx Bricks. For those of you who are not aware of Fx Bricks, we are a small business based in Canada and Hong Kong. We design and manufacture products for the LEGO fan community such...

“Hi everyone! Welcome to my first YouTube video! My name is Caleb Adams, I'm 18 years old, and just graduated from the Kentucky School for the Blind! I've always wanted a YouTube Channel but my mom made me wait until I was 18 and had graduated high school. I hope you learn a little bit about me and that you'll stick around for future videos.” – Caleb Adams, July 2nd, 2023. If you are regular reader of BrickNerd, then it is likely that you have a passion for building with LEGO, either sets or your own creations. Now imagine also living with a genetic disorder that has been degrading your vision since birth, with the potential for becoming completely blind by the time you reach 20 years old. What would you choose to build with your limited time? How would you adapt? “My name is Caleb Adams.” Caleb Adams is a...

A few weeks back, we looked over the preliminary round for Bio-Cup 2025, and today we’ll take a peek at the results of Round 1. It was quite a turnout indeed! The theme for Round 1 was Mythic Beasts with 16 sub-categories. Get your bestiary ready, we’re gonna see if we can tame the monsters from each category! DRAGON: The Ceremony Hlebo Bas went with a really bold color scheme and a brilliant concept; it really paid off! A monster sacrificing someone to appease his dragon deity! The sacrificial platform uses the lid from a Piraka set turned around—even LEGO packaging is useful, eh? Poor lil guy Onto the monster, notice his teeth? Vidiyo box clips! Crazy, eh? The dragon god creature has an extremely intricate head design, incorporating numerous wacky elements. On the sides of its head, there are some Ben 10 Swampfire heads sandwiching some red big fig arms....

Everyone starts their LEGO building journey somewhere—but only the first person had to start at ground zero. The rest of us get to stand on the shoulders of the builders who came before us, imitating and improving. Techniques that today are ubiquitous were once the cutting edge of an innovative builder’s palette. Few techniques were created in a vacuum; for the most part, one builder’s technique becomes refined and refined again by those who come after. But when is copying another builder flattery and when does it become robbery? How can you give credit when you may never be able to trace the technique back to its first use or distinguish the original from later improvements? I haven’t got any magical formula or measuring stick that will solve the question forever. It will always be hard to remember exactly where all your ideas came from, and it will always take some...