RBBL Challenge Week 4: Microbuilds
Small builds with big character!
This week’s build is meant to help you look at the little things in life. Although micro-builds seem simple, they also require plenty of creativity and innovation in order to bring your dream landscape to life.
As pieces can be used in an unlimited number of ways, builders will need to think outside of the box in order to find unique uses and attachments for their pieces.
Getting another perspective
With micro-builds, parts will look and act a lot differently than they would have on a regular sized build- so it’s important to think outside of the box. Grills can be become skyscraper windows, binoculars can be turned into blasters, cones can be used as colorful rooftops or peaceful trees, and houses can be made out of just 1 or 2 bricks. SNOT (Studs Not on Top) bricks are also great for attaching small details, or make great windows on their own. One of the most exciting things about micro-building is that you can put a lot of thought into each piece, so don’t be afraid to spend extra time testing out different pieces or trying unique connections!
Think about your scale
One of the most important parts to starting your micro-build is to pick your scale. Whether you base it off of microfigure size or a small part of your build that you’ve already started, keeping a consistent size will help your build become lifelike and easily recognizable! If a piece feels too large or doesn’t look quite right, test out pieces you wouldn’t normally use. Bricks can be swapped for plates and tiles, larger slopes can be swapped out for cheese slopes, and 1x1 plates (studs) can be used for just about everything!
The MILS Standard
The Modular Integrated Landscaping System is a set of rules and guidelines created to help builders create and connect large dioramas in an organized way. While the MILS standard is not required, we do encourage it, especially if you’d like to join more than one build together. Even if you’d like to write your own rules, the MILS link down below provides many great examples of different landscapes and textures!
For these 16x16 builds, we suggest a 2x2 bricks on the corners, followed by 1x2 technic bricks as shown here. But feel free to get the general idea and use whatever works best for your build.
And don’t forget the spaceships!
Our favorite spaceships are usually quite large, but in microscale, you can still build them with your own bricks and include them in your build.
*The Bulk Brick boxes won't have everything you're likely going to need to complete the build. But if you get stumped, post your WIP (Work In Progress) on the FB group and we'll help you work through it. Or, just post your WIPs because we love seeing how builds come together and suggesting new techniques :)
This week’s prizes are anything but micro!
This week’s Bulk Brick Boxes will contain one 16x16 baseplate as well as an exciting mix of small pieces to start your build! Each Bulk Brick Box has a unique set of colors meant to add a fun surprise to your landscape. Whether you get pieces for an arctic wonderland, an exciting lava lair, a daring mountain side, or any other thrilling combination, you’ll surely be in for a small treat!
Per usual, Boxes will $15 and available on Wednesday from 11-7. You can reserve a box by replying to our post in the Facebook Group, emailing Build@RogueBrick.com, or calling the store at 817-720-3330 (we’ll be open Monday and Tuesday 10-2). You do not have to purchase a Box to participate in the challenge. All builders that post their builds on the Facebook Group or with #roguebrickbuilders, will get a free Day Pass for their hard work whenever we reopen the buildspace.
RULES: All ages welcome to enter a build. The RBBL Team will collectively pick their favorite build based on presentation, story (whether written or implicit with the build), and creative use of parts. Photography is very important since we can't see it in person, yet. Photography is very important since we can't see it in person, yet. Try to use natural light (cloudy days are great) and keep your camera steady.
Submit as many entries as you want, but one day pass per builder. We'll keep a list of day pass winners and give them out with your next purchase or whenever we see you next.
Our favorite build will receive the Lincoln Memorial (Set 21022, used, $50 value)! Deadline is Tuesday April 29 at 11:59pm.