I’ve blogged before about the enormous minifigure scale aircraft carrier (USS Nimitz) which has often appeared on Brickshelf. Recently, the creator finished it, and it’s a big sucker, but I never knew it could float, too. Shit.

I’m impressed.

Make me wish my apartment had a balcony. I’d love to be out, sitting in a lawn chair, feet propped up against the sagging metal railing, a well worn oft-folded book in one hand, a tall glass of o.j. in the other. It’d almost be enough reason to consider finding a new apartment, except of course moving is such a huge pain in the ass (and I’ve got a lot of crap). Anyway. Tippy’s sunning herself on the window ledge, Guy is sleeping under Hogwarts, and I’m watching Rent and waiting for my laundry to finish.

How do I always waste holiday weekends?

Defined by Wikipedia as “a small piece of detailing added to break up the surface of an object to add visual interest to a surface or object”, the online encyclopedia even has a section detailing the use of greebling in Lego: “Greebles are used by many people who build structures, especially spaceships, out of LEGO bricks. These are similar to greebles used in movies such as Star Wars, except they are made only with LEGO. This presents a challenge, as it can be hard to create a “greebly” look with regulation bricks but the use of grilles, antennas, and clips help. LEGO bricks are also “naturally” greebled thanks to the interlocking studs, which can also help achieve a greebled look if used properly.”

I’m not planning on using a lot of greebles on Zeus, but when I do, I want to make sure it looks good. My favorite description of the proper use of greebles came from a long-lost website describing someone’s construction of a Millennium Falcon (his own design, not a set). Paraphrasing, “It’s important for greebling to look integrated to the design, not just applied to the surface.”

I spent some time last night working on some experimental greebling plates. Before I begin construction, I’d like to pre-prepare sections of greebling which can be incoporated into the design as construction commences. Some quick examples of greebling incorporated into a design:

On Chris Giddens’ Doulos.
At the rear of Dan Jassim’s Dragonstar.

I’ve had two consecutive nights of awesome sleep and I don’t want to get out of bed, it’s so comfy. Yesterday the only reason I got out of bed was that I had to be at work ten minutes after I woke up. So. Today I don’t have to be at work until five. No motivation, y’know?