Useful Pieces for Micro-Scale

Posted by benbuildslego, 07 Dec 2020 19:30

As a lover and designer of micro-scale MOCs, I often receive messages asking something like, “What are the best LEGO pieces to stock up on for micro-scale builds?” Since I mostly design digitally using Bricklink Stud.io, I have the advantage of nearly the entire LEGO brick catalogue at my fingertips.

Nevertheless, I have still found it useful to create and consult a file that contains the pieces useful when designing my MOCs. If you enjoy digital building, you can actually download this file here from the Bricklink Gallery for your future reference.

However, if you prefer building solely with physical bricks and you are looking to stock up on pieces for your own micro-scale creations, this article will cover my top recommendations!

Micro-Scale Landscaping

Posted by benbuildslego, 26 Sep 2020 12:00

LEGO bricks tend to be pretty square. Nature…not so much. This reality coupled with the challenges of building at micro-scale can make designing landscapes challenging.

In this article, I will describe some basic tips I have discovered while building my own micro-scale MOCs.

Micro-Scale Architecture

Posted by benbuildslego, 09 Aug 2020 12:00

Since their introduction in 2008, the Architecture series of sets has been a source of inspiration for LEGO builders of all ages. The official sets naturally inspired fans to build their own favourite landmarks.

While my previous articles focused on creating MOCs in the style of the Skyline series, I also enjoy designing MOCs in the style of the Architecture Landmark series. Compared to the micro-builds you find in Skylines, the builds for stand-alone landmarks are typically slightly larger and can contain more detail. In this article, I will provide you with some key tips I have learned so you can design your own favourite landmarks in micro-scale!

An introduction to micro-scale

Posted by benbuildslego, 13 Jul 2020 12:00

It is always awe-inspiring to see humongous LEGO builds, such as the massive Tree of Creativity at Billund’s LEGO House; however, I am often just as impressed with well executed micro-scale builds.

Micro-scale builds are those that are smaller than minifigure scale. What exactly minifigure scale is can make for lively debate given the wonky proportions of minifigure bodies. Essentially, if a minifigure would resemble a giant or even appear Godzilla-sized within a build, then you have entered micro-scale territory!

Designing Skylines, part 3

Posted by benbuildslego, 16 May 2020 12:00

In my previous article I discussed how to construct the base for your skyline and described how to choose which icons to include in your MOC. In this article I want to highlight some additional tips for when you actually begin constructing your own skyline.

Designing Skylines, part 2

Posted by benbuildslego, 29 Apr 2020 09:30

In my first article, I discussed my philosophy for designing LEGO skylines by forming basic silhouette shapes.

In this second part, I provide some important practical tips for designing your own skyline.

Designing Skylines

Posted by benbuildslego, 06 Apr 2020 12:00

While the LEGO Architecture series has been around since 2008, the Skyline sub-genre only made its first appearance in 2016.

Ever since then LEGO fans around the world have delighted in creating their own MOCs using the distinctive skyline style. You could probably say I’m one of those fans: to date I have created over 40 of my own skylines using Bricklink Stud.io.

Instead of depicting world-famous cities, my skylines mostly portray popular fictional worlds,including “Star Wars,” “The Lord of the Rings,” and “Harry Potter.”