Arecibo Message in Mosaic and 4D

Here's my latest building self-challenge - render the arecibo message in LEGO form.

A basic mosaic (at left) wasn't much of a challenge. 23 rows by 73 columns is small for one of my mosaics, and the image itself is as basic as you can get. I decided to follow the Wikipedia article's lead and add some color to help showcase the various portions of the message.

Sure, it's interesting enough as projects go, but why stop there? I spent some time trying to think of a new way to show the message.

Eventually I realized that if I build the message studs-to-the side I could show the image two ways - in the 23x73 grid, but also as a continuous stream of data, allowing the viewer to walk along the length of the message and view it as it was beamed into space...one bit at a time. I would capture the dimension of time...and show the message in 4D!

The first step was to rebuild the mosaic.

I used trans-clear plate for the "zero" bits - mainly because I had a ton of them on hand.

I decided to keep the false colors seen in the flat mosaic for the "ones". It adds a touch of visual interest to the long string...and also helps show where in the message you are. The proportions are bit squashed - LEGO plates aren't in a 1:1 aspect ratio. But The image is still legible, particularly with the studs-out mosaic next to it for comparison.

As you can see in this photo, you can disassemble the "compact" version of the message into the original data stream. The rows can be reconnected end-to-end.

This photo shows the start of the code. You can follow the full message by walking along the length of the model.

1679 LEGO plates were used to depict the message - each 3.2mm tall. The total length of the 4d-configuration is 5.37 meters, or 17.6 feet.

To see more photos, check out the full set on Flickr.

Arvo's LEGO Polaroid

The nice thing about LEGO creations is that if you like someone else's, you can usually make your own copy.

Case in point: I had a friend lusting after the Arvo Brother's LEGO Polaroid MOC. With a bit of luck (and leveraging the fact I have a metric ton of brick on hand) I was able to come pretty close to duplicating their build to make a gift of it.



Trying to figure out the techniques used to make this model was a decent challenge, and I dare say I learned a few new tricks in the process.

You learn by doing, sometimes.

LEGO Stained Glass Octopus

Ever have one of those ideas you just *have* to get out?
I was inspired to build something like this on December 22nd - took a couple of days to design it, and put the final bricks in place this morning.

Click on through for higher res and other angles.

From Brick to Doozer in 24 hours

Every now and again I find I have a bit of time to actually create something. Usually it's not a lot of time - particularly in December when my website and work responsibilities reach a fever pitch.

So I've started playing around with "24 hour builds" - less than a day from idea to finished model. This is my first real attempt at it.

It's a Doozer from the Fraggle Rock show! You can click the pic to go to the set on Flickr.

I was inspired by a friend's surgery - I wanted to do something to help, but I live several states away and she already had family to look after her. So, while fretting, I decided to build a little guy who is always "doing something."

She's recovering nicely, and now I have a little workshop helper. It's win/win.

LEGO: Owlship V3

I finished my revamp of the Owlship. This time it's closer to scale with the comic version, with a bit more accurate styling.

I also found a solution for the window issue - lots and lots of robot arms from the Exo-Force line and dishes from Belville. It'll do until better parts come along.

Brickshelf Gallery here, when moderated. I've also updated the build review here at Reasonably Clever.

LEGO: The Owlship From WATCHMEN

My part order came in - the build is done (for now). Check out the full 7-page photo review of my latest little time waster, the Owlship from WATCHMEN.

Click to read more!

Steampunk: Entry Grid

Due to technical issues (like, oh, my not confirming you could post images in blog replies...) we've had to tweak the entry process for the Steampunk in 50 Bricks contest.

The only change is that I dropped the "post a sample photo" requirement. All you need to provide commentary and a link to your photos in the entry thread - I'll be taking care of making up a grid of contest entries as I've done for other Reasonably Clever contests in the past. If there's a photo you want to be sure I use as your sample, please make sure I know. (And if you need changes to the way things are displayed on the grid, also just drop me a line.)

It looks like it's going to be a very tough competition - I've just compiled the first 23(!) entries.
You can take a look at them on the Official Entry Grid.

If you've entered and I didn't include your creation, please email me again - I don't think I missed anyone, but it's been a busy couple of days.

Remember: You have until the 15th to post or email me with your entry!

Steampunk: Post your Contest Entries Here

This is it, gang! The time has come to share your Steampunk in 50 Bricks creations! Check the rules by clicking on the logo if you're unsure of what you need to post. If you're having problems, you can also email me and I'll help you get things entered.

Workbench: The Bean There, Done That

This week's comics let me take advantage of a setting I built years back for the Cups Suit of the LEGO Tarot. For today's strip I had to add on a new section (with a door).

I thought some of you might be interested in seeing the whole layout, so here it is:



If you click on the image, you'll open up a new window with a much larger view.

The yellow tabs along the top of the wall are joins where I can remove sections of the outer wall for easier photography.

Workbench: Scout thingie

I was inspired by the engine on the 7672 Rogue Shadow and thought I'd try my hand a a "vertical half circle drive". This build is about 60% complete - at this point I consider the basic shape roughed in, but all the detail work needs serious help. Plus, I need to build an actual cockpit. Still, I did say I'd post my workbench in-progress photos from time to time, so here you go.

Rear view showing the drive design copied from the RS. Of course, I'm using a larger half circle, so the styling isn't quite the same. The side engines are for atmospheric flight - I may ditch them as they really ruin the thin saucer shape I was going for.

Side view.

3/4 view - you can see the pilot is just sort of stuck to the floor. Controls will be added soon...

The cockpit does open, though.

A better look at the Stage Set

By request, here's a better look at the full "Stage" set from the new story arc in Reasonably Clever's Reasonably Clever Web Comic.

Click the picture above for a very huge version that lets you see a lot of the detail.

I'll take some more supporting shots later this week.

Snack Size Serenity: Version 3

I had to spend some serious time in the workshop this weekend just sorting through the piles of stuff that had accumulated. I parted out a couple of sets, cleaned off the workbench, and generally tried to get things back into a mode where I could get some actual creative building done.

One thing I did find time to do was to tweak the design of the Snack Sized Serenity model a bit. Ever since LEGO introduced the new turbine-style jet engines I've wanted to incorporate them into the model. Here are the results:

I have to say, I like these better than the X-wing engine mounts I had been using. I also replaced the plain grey radar dish on the top of the midsection with a pre-printed version from a Spider-Man set. (It was originally the front of a vault that Doc Ock was breaking into.)

Here are a couple more shots of the tweaks. Don't know if I'll bother to update the building instructions - it's a fairly easy change to the side engine mounts and a complete replacement of the side engines...nothing too complex.

(But still enough to call this a new version!)

December Transformation Challenge: DETAILS!

All the details are up for the December Challenge. Click here to see the page, or just read about it here.

Holiday Transformation Challenge
The final Reasonably Clever Challenge of 2007 is here!

Your job? Build a Holiday Themed Transformer out of LEGO bricks!

Maybe you'll make a Decpticon tree that changes into a robot. Maybe you'll create an Autobot Santa who is also his own sleigh.

Use your imagination, or just watch all those sappy Christmas movies that are on constant rotation on TV these days and drink heavily. It's all the same to us!

Whatever you build, you need to send (CLEAR!) photos of it, along with a short text description to bat_hero@hotmail.com by
Midnight, December 31st!

Entries will be judged on three criteria:

Holiday Mode (25 points)
Robot/Alternate Mode (25 points)
Coolness (50 points)

Enter as often as you like, international entries are welcome.

Why bother? Because you might just win...

1st Prize: LEGO set 6208: Star Wars B-Wing Fighter!
(no box)

or one of THREE 2nd prizes of a Bionicle Inaka 8727 -Toa Jaller

What are you waiting for? Time's running out...go BUILD!

Oh! And here are a couple of Wallpapers for your desktop. Each is at 800x600. Click to open.

Holdiay Transormation Challenge

Details will be up tonight, but I wanted to announce this latest Challenge before time got away from me...



The basic premise is to build me a holiday themed item that transforms somehow. Maybe a Santa who becomes a sleigh, or a tree that turns into a robot. Be creative!

Entries due by December 31st - that gives everyone a chance to build with any new LEGO bricks they get for the holidays...

Anyway, watch the Blog for more details tonight!

Mars Re-Mission: Contest is Closed!

Well, the deadline for entires has past - the Mars Re-Mission contest has come to a close.

We had seventeen entries from a total of thirteen different builders. A pretty decent turnout, and some amazing models.

The last three entries were:

• Jordan Cross' Third entry, a combination of his past two with some extra features. Makes me think of the larger Mars Mission sets - they're pretty much just combos of the smaller sets as well.
  
• Dene Quest presents what happens in the daylight hours while people are waiting for the discos to open with his Space Race set.
  
• Finally, Doug7172 shares his Space Limo Cruiser - a ship with a pleasingly different look from the other models submitted.
  

* *

Click on the pictures or links to see the individual entries.

Winners will be announced on November 22nd. Do you have a personal favorite? Discuss it in the comments!

Mars Re-Mission Entry: DISCO Robot

I wasn't sure there were too many themes left to explore in the Re-Mission contest. Still, I was hoping that I'd get a few last-minute "didn't want to give anyone else ideas" type entries might arrive...and sure enough...

Check out this awesome DISCO Robot from master builder Chris Edwards!


(As always, click on the image to view the full entry page.)

Mars Re-Mission: The Final Days

Remember, friends, the deadline for entries to the

contest is this Sunday, November 18th! (Click on the logo above to learn more!)

Mars Re-Mission Entry: Disco Platform

Jordan Cross is back with another moving entry to the Mars Re-Mission contest.

This time, Jordan has come up with a giant Disco Platform.


(As always, click on the image to view the full entry page.)

My only concern? Jordan is only 12 and he's putting Pole Dancers on the wings of his ship. Ah, youth, where have you gone?

Jordan also submitted a short video of his first entry in motion - I need to compress the size a bit, but I'll be posting that shortly.