One of the best things about the LEGO community is that we can learn from one another.  Here at BrickNerd, we like to share techniques that we see from builders all around the world. . . This week I actually wanted to share one of my own techniques. I recently came into possession of more treasure chests, and I happened to be working on a creation that needed a uniquely textured wall. For this technique I removed the treasure chest lids and only used those. By connecting lids together with tiles, they came together to form columns (as seen below). The lids do not connect together from the inside, so this can be a bit fragile at first. The small hole you see half way up the column is not large enough for a bar attachment, which is a downside. There is no way to get rid of it, because half...

Another fine addition to many AFOL's recreations of the new U-Wing from Rogue One. Inthert created his own replica of the Rebel transporter, yet it's still unique compared to other designs. Of course, the function of the wings works and looks very nice, lining up with the large engines. Make sure to check out the builder's photos for views of the cockpit controls and cargo hold! Original linkOriginal author: Nathaniel Stoner

LEGO and Overwatch video game enthusiast Nick Brick has done something many builders don't -- build something that is completely wearable! Known for making weapon props from pop culture, that is certainly not the same as what Nick has accomplished here. His latest creation is Tracer's Chronal Accelerator, complete with even the character's goggles (with LEGO lenses)! With this creation being complete, Nick now has Tracer's complete arsenal. Original linkOriginal author: Nathaniel Stoner

I've seen many excellent custom LEGO guitars, and I think this instrument by Vitreolum should certainly be on that list. The model speaks for itself, being well-crafted and using simple parts to great effect. Even the shaping of the guitar was accomplished using common elements, while not being too crazy with the curves. Complete with a guitar stand, the only thing missing from this MOC is a case! Though that may have taken up a lot of parts. . . Original linkOriginal author: Nathaniel Stoner

Though dinosaurs may be extinct, their presence is still used to great advantage. Moko took it upon himself to strike fear into the enemies of these soldiers by building them a raptor mech, one that is clearly ready for action. It may be mechanical, but the essence of the powerful spirits of dinosaurs is represented well here. Two pilots, two legs, one larger turret, and no doubt plenty of other combat abilities. Original linkOriginal author: Nathaniel Stoner

What an absolutely beautiful creation by none other than Koen. Completely recognizable, excellently detailed, and even fitted with a wonderful scene to surround the highlight of this model. The Disney castle has recently come to life in LEGO form with the recent release of the set's design. However, this is the first microscale recreation that I have personally seen, and easily even one of the best microscale castles! It's hard for me to put into words how much I appreciate this little display. It's truly magical! Make sure to visit Koen's photostream for more photos (and angles) of this magical MOC! Original linkOriginal author: Nathaniel Stoner

This build appears to me to be demonstrating an effective way to recreate a nicer looking Vulture Droid compared to the original LEGO model. By using similar parts, Inthert made his own model that is a simple cross between old and new. According to the builder, this Vulture has lots of articulation, including each leg and the ability for the head to pop up and rotate for more poses. Inthert also explains that it is very fragile (though it doesn't look it) due to the extra articulation, but I think that's a worthy sacrifice. I'd still have several of these in a Clone Wars diorama. Well done! Original linkOriginal author: Nathaniel Stoner

It looks like there are piece counts for the upcoming LEGO Star Wars: The Last Jedi sets coming from an online German shop. We already have information about the pricing from a previous post a few months back. Although it doesn’t tell us that much info, it does give us a feel of how large the set will be. The sets will be available at Force Friday II on September 1. System Sets 75176 – €39.9975177 – €59.99 – 554 pieces75179 – €79.99 – 630 piecesBB-8 (75187) – €99.99 – 1,106 piecesResistance Bomber (75188) – €109.99 – 778 piecesFirst Order Heavy Assault Walker (75189) – €139.99 – 1,376 piecesFirst Order Star Destroyer (75190) – €149.99 – 1,416 Buildable Figures 75526 – €19.99 – 94 pieces75528 – €24.99 – 85 pieces75529 – €24.99 – 92 pieces75530 – €34.99 – 179 pieces **Via PromoBricks** The post LEGO Star Wars: The Last Jedi Reported...

A few days ago, The LEGO Group announced that it is extending their partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). It is an effort to reduce CO2 emissions with their manufacturing and supply chain operations by 2020. The partnership with WWF is to also promote global action on climate change. LEGO joined with WWF’s Climate Savers Programme in 2014 and has since exceeded all it’s climate targets including: – Balancing 100% of energy use with renewable sources through investing DKK 6 billion in two offshore wind farms– Research and development of more sustainable materials– Improving energy efficiency of producing LEGO bricks by more than 12% The continued partnership with WWF by TLG has committed to the following by 2020: – A further 10% increase in carbon (CO2) efficiency per LEGO brick produced– Continuing to ensure 100% of energy consumption is balanced by production of renewable energy sources– Further engaging...

As I mentioned before in my previous post, The LEGO Batman Movie Batman Battle Pod (5004929) is now available at Toys R Us. There is a promotion going that you can get it for free with purchases of $30 or more in TLBM sets. Some stores may allow you to purchase it individually for for $5.99 each. If they don’t, they’ll be available for purchase when the promotion ends at the end of the week, if they have any left over. Minifigure The version of Batman in this set is the tiger suit variant. The torso is orange with black stripes on the front, back, as well as on the arms. There’s also a white inside shirt with a black bow tie. He does have a double-sided head that we’ve seen before with the confident smile and angry expression. Build There is some building on the 6×6 round plate that is...