Nike and LEGO are two iconic companies in their own right that have long inspired us to learn, play, and create. So, when the two brands decided to collaborate to give kids a world where sports and creative play always win, there was nothing more fascinating for even the adults to appreciate. There have been rumors of what’s coming out in the collaboration, but the wait is finally over. The first result of their partnership is here: the fully co-branded Nike Dunk x LEGO Set.

An inspiring set that celebrates imagination, sneaker culture, and the spirit of basketball in the same breath was dropped on July 1, 2025, for an amazing $99.99 tag. It’s an electrifying display of colors, elements, and playfulness that kids above the age of 10 will enjoy rebuilding and displaying at home. However, I’m sure the crazy Dunk fans are not going to miss their chance to get home the memorabilia, even if it means hosting an ardent LEGO builder friend for a sleepover. Arguably, this is the hottest LEGO build of the season. The creation is not just a toy, it’s a unification of culture and imagination at its pinnacle.

Designer: Nike x LEGO

“Kicks, bricks, and a whole lot of hype” come together in the Nike Dunk x LEGO Set, which doesn’t include the Nike Dunk as the main element by default. The choice is to celebrate the iconic status and the cultural relevance that the silhouette has enjoyed once on and off the court, and how it is making a resurgence among kids of late. The set, predominantly in blue and white colorway, comprises 1,180 pieces and is designed “for kids to build, rebuild, and display. The almost real brick-built Nike Dunk in blue and white remains on display, accompanied by a rotatable brick basketball (not intended for play), the Dunk logo in 3D letters, and a minifig wearing Nike Dunks.

The minifigure with an orange basketball head (and its eclectic elements) is outfitted with its own Nike Drip and Dunks. The Jersey sports number 32 on the front – a nod to the number of years the LEGO Group has been entertaining us – and number 72 on the back, which is a reference to the number of years it’s been since Nike released its first shoe. The minifig can either stand guard at the bottom of the display or hide inside the secret compartment in the LEGO Dunk (which is revealed by pulling the heel back or lifting the tongue upward). While the blue and white colorway looks cool, if you want the Dunk in your build to look a little different, you can pull open the toe and bring out the faded green laces to replace the blue ones instantly.

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The podium at Silverstone has witnessed countless iconic moments over Formula 1’s 75-year history, but Sunday’s British Grand Prix delivered something entirely unprecedented. As Lando Norris hoisted his winner’s trophy above his head, the familiar weight of silverware had been replaced by 2,717 meticulously arranged LEGO bricks forming a perfect replica of the legendary RAC Trophy. The Danish toy giant had pulled off what might be the most audacious trophy design in motorsport history, transforming childhood nostalgia into championship hardware that somehow managed to honor tradition while completely reimagining it.

This wasn’t some corporate stunt masquerading as innovation. LEGO designer Samuel Liltorp Johnson, a lifelong F1 fanatic, had spent months perfecting a design that could survive the chaos of champagne-soaked celebrations while maintaining the gravitas befitting motorsport’s most prestigious silverware. The result stands as a masterclass in functional design that happens to be built from toys.

Designer: LEGO

The engineering challenge here was genuinely fascinating. Creating a 59-centimeter trophy that weighs over 2 kilograms using nothing but standard LEGO elements requires serious structural thinking. Johnson and his seven-person build team invested 210 hours into ensuring these trophies could withstand the inevitable post-race mayhem without crumbling into expensive plastic confetti. Every brick came from LEGO’s regular catalog, meaning theoretically any dedicated fan could recreate Norris’s trophy at home, though good luck sourcing 2,717 gold-colored pieces without bankrupting yourself. The technical specifications read like a love letter to both precision engineering and childhood wonder: each trophy incorporates a miniature F1 car mounted on the front face, crowned with a golden brick that serves as both aesthetic flourish and structural keystone.

What makes this collaboration genuinely brilliant is how it respects the RAC Trophy’s 75-year legacy while injecting playful irreverence into F1’s often stuffy traditions. The original RAC Trophy carries the engraved names of every British Grand Prix winner since 1950, from Giuseppe Farina to Lewis Hamilton, making it arguably F1’s equivalent to the Stanley Cup in terms of historical significance. Johnson’s LEGO interpretation captures every curve and proportion of that iconic silhouette, proving that homage doesn’t require slavish imitation. The second and third-place trophies feature red and blue detailing respectively, while the constructor’s trophy sports dark blue and gold accents, creating a cohesive family of awards that photograph beautifully under Silverstone’s podium lights.

The timing couldn’t be more perfect for both brands involved. F1’s ongoing mission to attract younger audiences aligns seamlessly with LEGO’s recent push into adult-focused collectibles, evidenced by their increasingly sophisticated Architecture and Creator Expert lines. This partnership builds on LEGO’s earlier F1 initiatives, including the driveable brick cars that caused such a sensation at Miami earlier this season. For a sport sometimes criticized for being too corporate and sanitized, handing drivers toys as trophies represents a refreshing embrace of pure joy. Watching Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Nico Hulkenberg genuinely delighting in their brick-built hardware reminded everyone why we fell in love with both F1 and LEGO in the first place.

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You’d think the world had run out of challenges for LEGO builders. After all, we’ve seen ‘functional’ lawnmowers, instant-photo Polaroid cameras that spit out LEGO “photos,” and even a ‘working’ rotary phone, all meticulously engineered, all somehow feeling like they’re right at home in the pantheon of LEGO absurdity. Yet, every so often, a builder comes along who ups the ante and rewrites the rules of what counts as “functional.” This time, that crown goes to a Rubik’s Cube, the kind that actually works. Not a blocky facsimile or a fidget toy with half-hearted spin, but a LEGO-built, fully twistable, color-matching, soul-crushing 3×3 Rubik’s Cube that might just be the most precise and satisfying “MOC” (that’s “My Own Creation” for the LEGO uninitiated) you’ll see this season.

Precision is the name of the game with Rubik’s Cubes. Every speedcuber, every fidgeter worth their salt, knows that the difference between a good cube and a mediocre one is measured in microns. A single click or jam, and your whole solve is toast. So making a functioning cube out of LEGO, with its famously not-quite-millimeter-perfect clutch power and those tiny mold-parting lines, feels like tempting fate. Yet here it is, spinning with the kind of smoothness that would make Erno Rubik himself do a double take. The builder, whose project recently surfaced on the LEGO Ideas platform, didn’t just aim for “works in theory.” They built a full-size, color-accurate cube that moves with the same crispness and tactile feedback you expect from a real puzzle.

Designer: Kragle Dog

The mechanism underneath those glossy 3×3 tiles? A clever lattice of LEGO Technic and system bricks, ingeniously stacked and interlocked to mimic the familiar spindle-and-corner arrangement of the original. It’s a feat that takes patience and an obsessive eye for tolerances, because even a fraction of a millimeter’s error can mean the difference between a cube that spins and a cube that simply locks up.

Size-wise, this thing’s a beast. Scale it against a standard Rubik’s Cube, and you’re looking at a puzzle that’s roughly four times the volume of the pocket original, clocking in at 15.6cm or over 6 inches per side. That extra space isn’t wasted, though. It gives the mechanism inside room to breathe and function, letting each axis rotate independently and with minimal play. The outer tiles are color-matched to classic Rubik’s specs, with red, blue, green, yellow, orange, and white plates snapping into place like a proper 80s icon. The result is a cube that looks like it was plucked directly from the world’s nerdiest toy store and dropped onto your desk, ready for a scramble.

“The Rubik’s Cube truly is an iconic toy, shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of the LEGO brick,” says LEGO builder Kragle Dog. “So, being a fan of both LEGO bricks and Rubik’s Cube, I decided to try a new challenge and combine those two legendary toys into one epic idea.” The resulting build uses a staggering 2,216 bricks (that’s just the cube, not counting the base or the Rubik minifigure).

What really gets me is how this project manages to bridge the gap between playful creativity and mechanical purism. Most LEGO MOCs err on the side of whimsy, sacrificing accuracy for charm. Here, though, the builder’s gone full engineer, wrangling LEGO’s sometimes-fussy tolerances into something that actually works. That’s no small feat. The prototype reportedly holds together under repeated twists and turns, resisting the kind of catastrophic blowouts that plague less robust builds. There’s sheer genius in how each piece interlocks, trading the usual friction-fit for a system that’s both sturdy and forgiving. It’s the kind of object that makes you want to pick it up, scramble it, and maybe even try to speedsolve just to see if it can keep up. And no, you’re not allowed to use a Brick Separator to ‘solve’ the cube, even though that’s technically possible.

The flex doesn’t stop at the cube itself. The builder included a custom 357-brick display stand, elevating the puzzle into the realm of functional sculpture. There’s even a minifigure of Erno Rubik, the Hungarian architect who kicked off the global cubing craze back in 1974, complete with his signature hair and a tiny cube of his own. It’s a wink at the history and the culture surrounding the puzzle, and a reminder that behind every great invention is a designer obsessed with the details. The stand’s got just enough visual heft to make it a centerpiece on any shelf, while the figure adds a layer of narrative that most LEGO MOCs skip over in favor of pure form.

If you do want to see this project come to life, it just requires you to vote for it on the LEGO Ideas forum – a platform created for LEGO enthusiasts to share unique creations and vote for their favorite builds. We’ve covered hundreds of MOCs at this point, and I for one continue to be surprised by the kind of ingenuity LEGO builders possess, even after covering this beat for over 10 years!

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The two iconic movies of all time – Back to the Future and Jaws – are celebrating their 40^th and 50^th anniversary this year. To make it a celebratory occasion, Hot Wheels wants to jump into the party and offer fans something they’ll love. Yes, you already know where we are going. Hot Wheels is going to have a collectible set for both these cult favorites, with first glimpses to be spotted at Comic Con in San Diego this month.

Nick Karamanos, senior vice president of Mattel Creations & Entertainment Partnerships, “These movies have left an indelible mark on pop culture. We worked closely with our creative teams to make sure every detail celebrates the spirit of these iconic moments.” He believes it’s priceless to make fans connect with the stories they grew up with. Interested fans can get their hands on these collectibles from July 34 onwards at Mattel’s Comic Con booth or MattelCreations website.

Designer: Mattel Creations

The Hot Wheels Back to the Future Time Machine set brings back memories of the iconic scenes from the first movie, released on 3 July 1985, where the Doc’s GMC Value Van (with true-to-life graphics) and the Time Machine are revealed. This set depicts the outer box for unfolding the ramp from the side so that the user can slide the 1:64 diorama from the side. This apparently is the first ever temporal displacement set, making it special in its own right.

Attention to detail is paramount here as the interior window packaging shows off the Twin Pines mall parking lot scene – scene-the same place where Doc’s science experiment turns into a time-traveling odyssey. The DeLorean gets the signature rear-mounted vents, gull-winged doors, flux capacitor and plutonium-fueled nuclear reactor to complete the intriguing details. Both the Time Machine and the DeLorean feature a die-cast construction and Real Riders wheels. This set with both vehicles will be priced at $32, which makes it a must-have for collectors.

The other limited edition set themed on the 1975 Jaws movie depicts the deadly shark chasing Captain Quint’s vulnerable Orca boat. Again, this is a 1:64 die-cast set that relives the nostalgic memories of the blockbuster movie when it rocked theaters back in the good old times. The boat has a weathered look, emulating the one featured in the movie, and a miniature version of the Chief Brody on the back, as he puts chum in the water. The scene is incomplete without the shark, so Mattel created a die-cast shark attacking the boat in all its raging fury.

This diorama recreates the scene in the water, where the elements can be taken out or placed in the desired place. The set is packaged in a period-correct color scheme and can be opened up by flipping the outer flaps. The Hot Wheels 50th Anniversary Jaws set will also be up for grabs for a price tag of $32. Collectors better get their hands on this one.

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Few toys capture the quirky charm of the late ’90s quite like the Tamagotchi, a tiny plastic egg that demanded more attention than some houseplants. Decades after the original craze, these digital pets continue to inspire creative souls, and the latest tribute comes from Hairo Satoh, known as TamagoniHAI, whose inventive touch has turned nostalgia into a playful piece of tech wizardry. This time, the familiar Tamagotchi shell is hiding more than a pixelated creature.

Instead of feeding, cleaning, or scolding a needy blob, Satoh’s modded Tamagotchi invites you to capture your world in miniature. What looks at first glance like a regular virtual pet is actually a mini camcorder, cleverly fit into the iconic egg-shaped frame. It’s a delightful twist that makes the device feel both futuristic and retro, the kind of gadget you imagine finding in a toy store run by time travelers.

Designer: Hairo Satoh

Getting a peek at this DIY marvel, you quickly notice that Satoh didn’t just slap a lens on a childhood favorite. The transformation preserves the signature look, right down to the chunky buttons and tiny screen, while hiding an actual camera within. The device snaps photos or records short videos, offering a new way to play with what once was just a digital companion. It’s the sort of modification that could only come from someone who knows the Tamagotchi’s every beep and boop by heart.

Fans have been buzzing on social media, especially Instagram, where glimpses of the Tamagotchi camera have drawn wide-eyed admiration. There’s a real sense of wonder in seeing something so familiar get such an unexpected upgrade. For many, it’s a reminder of how the best tech mods walk the line between preservation and reinvention, taking the charm of the past and giving it a surprising new purpose.

The project also highlights the appeal of DIY culture, where old gadgets are more than relics gathering dust. Satoh’s creation fits right in with a broader movement of makers breathing new life into retro tech, showing that a little imagination can turn even the most humble device into something extraordinary. The Tamagotchi camera feels like a tribute to creativity itself, an example of how design and delight can go hand in hand.

It’s easy to picture this quirky camcorder brightening up a shelf or popping out of a pocket, ready to spark conversations with anyone who spots it. Whether you’re a die-hard Tamagotchi fan or just love seeing classic designs reimagined, Satoh’s camera promises a smile and maybe even a little inspiration to tinker with your own favorite gadgets. Sometimes, all it takes is a new perspective to bring a beloved icon back into the spotlight.

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Cracking cheese has never looked so blocky. The unmistakable claymation charm of Aardman’s most famous duo has found its way into the LEGO universe through an incredibly detailed Ideas submission that transforms Wallace, Gromit, and their friends into brick-built sculptures. There’s something wonderfully meta about recreating characters who were originally handcrafted in plasticine using another tactile medium like LEGO bricks. Nick Park’s fingerprints might be visible on the original characters, but builder “Gummybrickss” has managed to translate that handmade quality into a completely different medium while preserving the essential personality that makes these characters British cultural icons. The characters who normally move through stop-motion animation, one painstaking frame at a time, now stand frozen in plastic, yet somehow retain all their expressiveness.

The transition from malleable clay to rigid ABS plastic seems impossible on paper, yet this collection pulls it off with aplomb. Wallace’s toothy grin, Gromit’s expressive brow, Shaun’s woolly texture, and Feathers McGraw’s cold, calculating stare have all been captured with remarkable fidelity using nothing but existing LEGO elements. The build techniques employed create organic curves where LEGO typically offers straight lines and right angles. The color palette perfectly matches the somewhat muted, homey tones of the original animations, avoiding the sometimes garish primary colors often associated with LEGO sets. Each character comes with its own display stand and features clever articulation points that allow for customizable posing, making this not simply a static display piece but something that can be adjusted to capture different moments from the beloved series.

Designer: Gummybrickss

The star of the show is undoubtedly Wallace himself, standing tall at 33 centimeters (13 inches) and comprising approximately 750 pieces. The builder has nailed Wallace’s distinctive wide grin and oversized head, complete with his characteristic bow tie and sweater vest. The attention to detail extends to his functionality, with articulating arms, hands, and even individual fingers that can move. His legs and shoes can rotate as well, allowing for various poses that capture Wallace’s eccentric personality. The proportions feel spot-on, with the slightly gangly limbs and oversized features that give Wallace his immediately recognizable silhouette. One can almost hear Peter Sallis’s cheerful voice exclaiming “Cheese, Gromit!” when looking at this brick-built version.

His faithful companion, Gromit, stands at a more modest 18 centimeters (7 inches) and uses around 330 pieces. Despite being the silent member of the duo, Gromit has always been extraordinarily expressive through his body language, particularly his eyebrows and ears. The LEGO version cleverly incorporates adjustable ears and a rotating head that allow builders to recreate his signature skeptical looks and reactions to Wallace’s latest invention gone awry. The builder has managed to capture Gromit’s soulful eyes and distinctive snout with remarkable accuracy, using a minimal number of pieces to maximum effect. The simple color palette of tan bricks perfectly evokes Gromit’s plasticine original, while subtle shaping techniques give him the rounded, organic feel that defines the character.

Shaun the Sheep, the breakout star who earned his own successful spin-off series, measures 14 centimeters (5.5 inches) and consists of approximately 280 pieces. The woolly troublemaker is instantly recognizable with his distinctive black head and legs contrasting against his fluffy white body. The builder has cleverly used textured elements to suggest Shaun’s woolly coat, creating the illusion of fluffiness with rigid plastic bricks. Like his counterparts, Shaun features a rotating head that allows for some personality in posing. His proportions perfectly capture the stocky, compact nature of the character, with the slightly too-large head that gives him his adorable appearance. The simplicity of Shaun’s design belies the technical skill required to translate his organic, woolly form into the geometric world of LEGO.

Rounding out the collection is the villainous penguin Feathers McGraw, the silent antagonist from “The Wrong Trousers” who remains one of animation’s most memorable villains despite never uttering a word. Standing at 20 centimeters (8 inches) and built from 370 pieces, Feathers comes complete with his iconic disguise gimmick. The model features a rotating head, movable arms, and even includes functional levers on his remote control, referencing his nefarious plot involving the mechanical trousers. The builder has perfectly captured Feathers’ cold, calculating stare and sleek black and white design. The slightly sinister silhouette immediately brings to mind one of cinema’s most unlikely yet effective criminals, whose methodical heist planning and deadpan demeanor made him an instant classic character despite appearing in just one short film.

The claymation quartet currently exists as a fan-made build on the LEGO Ideas website – a forum where LEGO lovers share their MOCs (My Own Creations) and vote for their favorites. The top-voted builds get reviewed by LEGO’s internal team and are considered for being turned into retail kits (a fan-made LEGO Godzilla build just got approved for an official retail box set). If you want to see Wallace, Gromit, Shaun, and Feathers come to life in real LEGO form, head down to the LEGO Ideas website and give the MOC your vote! (It’s free, of course)

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A well-chosen LEGO set can do more than just decorate your desk—it can express your personality, spark conversations, and keep your favorite fandoms close at hand throughout the workday. Fandom-inspired LEGO builds bring a playful yet sophisticated energy to your workspace, merging iconic pop culture moments with creative design.

You could be a fan of fantasy, science fiction, classic sitcoms, or superhero adventures; there’s a compact set that turns a functional desk into a celebration of what you love most. These builds are more than just eye candy; they’re a daily reminder of the worlds and characters that inspire you, making even the busiest day a little brighter. We’ve curated five special LEGO sets, each inspired by a beloved franchise and perfectly sized for display. Make your pick!

1. LEGO Buffy The Vampire Slayer

For fans of supernatural adventures, the LEGO Buffy the Vampire Slayer set is a stunning tribute that brings the drama and camaraderie of Sunnydale High straight to your workspace. This build is packed with thoughtful details, from rows of book-laden shelves to the iconic central study table where so many pivotal moments unfolded. The model strikes a balance between nostalgia and minimalism, making it a subtle conversation starter for your desk.

With minifigures of Buffy, Giles, Willow, Angel, and Xander, you’ll be reminded daily of the show’s enduring wit and warmth. Each character carries their signature accessory, ready for mini battles or research sessions. This set is more than just a display piece—it’s a daily reminder of resilience, teamwork, and the power of a little humor in dark times, making it an uplifting addition to any fan’s workspace.

2. LEGO Central Perk

The LEGO Central Perk set is a must-have for fans of classic sitcoms, bringing the vibrant atmosphere of everyone’s favorite coffee shop to your desk. This compact build captures all the charm of the original set, from the signature orange couch to the intimate stage where Phoebe serenaded the group. It offers just the right amount of detail to be eye-catching without overwhelming a workspace.

It includes the minifigures, all six main Friends, and Gunther, allowing you to relive your favorite scenes or simply enjoy a daily dose of nostalgia while you work. The removable seating area makes it interactive, so you can rearrange your favorite characters for endless fun. It’s a perfect, cheerful tribute to the enduring friendships and laughs that defined a generation.

3. LEGO Marvel Mini Bust Collection

Flaunt your superhero side with the LEGO Marvel Mini Bust collection, featuring both the Iron Man MK4 and the Iron Spider suit renditions. These sleek, modern builds instantly command attention on any desk, bringing the exciting flair of the Marvel Cinematic Universe into your workspace. The Iron Man MK4 bust boasts rotating parts, retractable missile launchers, and striking metallic details, while the Iron Spider bust opts for a more flamboyant interpretation with its memorable Avengers: Infinity War suit.

The Iron Spider model, a bit smaller than Iron Man’s, is especially loved for its dynamic design, complete with two movable mechanical arms and nanotechnology details, capturing the suit’s on-screen superpowers. Both busts come with matching minifigures that can be displayed on their own or paired with other Spider-Man or Iron Man LEGO sets.

4. LEGO Talking Sorting Hat

Bring a bit of Hogwarts magic to your workday with the LEGO Talking Sorting Hat. Standing just under 10 inches tall, this buildable hat includes a sound box that randomly recites phrases from the beloved films, sorting you into a Hogwarts house with every press of the tip. The movable hat tip and eyebrows make it interactive and fun, adding whimsy to any workspace.

Displaying the Sorting Hat on your desk is a perfect way to celebrate your Harry Potter fandom in style. The detailed base features all four house crests, making it a subtle yet meaningful nod to the Wizarding World. It’s sure to spark conversations and maybe even a little friendly house rivalry among coworkers or visitors.

5. LEGO Barad-dûr Tower

If you’re a fan of epic fantasy, then this LEGO Barad-dûr set will bring the dark majesty of Sauron’s tower to your desk. Despite its imposing inspiration, this build offers modular sections—prison, armory, throne room, and kitchen—allowing you to display just a portion or the full imposing tower, depending on your space.

The crowning Eye of Sauron is a dramatic detail that captures attention without overwhelming your workspace. Complete with Nazgûl and Fell Beast minifigs, this set adds a sense of adventure and lore to your daily routine. It’s perfect for Lord of the Rings enthusiasts who want a piece of Middle-earth’s grandeur in miniature form, making each workday feel a little more epic. Albeit this set is a bit on the larger side, and would be suitable for spacious desks with more room to spare, not recommended for cramped workspaces!

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When LEGO released their Black Pearl set back in 2011, fans got exactly what they expected from a mid-tier Pirates of the Caribbean tie-in: a perfectly adequate 779-piece approximation that captured the ship’s basic silhouette while missing virtually everything that made Jack Sparrow’s vessel legendary. The original set served its purpose as a movie tie-in product, but felt more like a decent pirate ship cosplaying as the most feared vessel in the Caribbean than the real deal.

Fast-forward to 2025, and LEGO Ideas creator Tobnac has submitted a Black Pearl MOC that makes the original look like a dinghy by comparison, delivering the kind of epic, display-worthy interpretation that the legendary ship deserved from the start. This 4,590-piece behemoth represents everything the original set should have been: a true homage to the ship that launched a thousand pirate fantasies and made “savvy” part of our everyday vocabulary.

Designer: Tobnac

Where the 2011 version gave us a basic black hull with minimal detailing, this monster stretches an impressive 107.8 centimeters in length and towers at 94.5 centimeters high. The sheer scale difference tells the story perfectly: the original’s 779 pieces now seem almost insulting when faced with this monument to proper LEGO ship building that weighs in at nearly 5 kilograms.

The visual impact starts with the rigging, where countless black strings create the complex web of lines that any proper sailing ship demands. Those iconic black sails, while not fabric in this iteration, are represented through a sophisticated rigging system suggesting the Pearl’s supernatural speed that made her “nigh uncatchable” according to Barbossa himself.

The hull maintains that signature all-black aesthetic, but here it’s executed with sophisticated part usage creating genuine depth and texture rather than just slapping black bricks together. Looking at the stern section, you can see the intricate gothic details that made the Pearl feel like a floating cathedral of piracy.

Brilliant touches like using basketball net elements for the distinctive lanterns show the kind of creative part usage that separates exceptional MOCs from mere brick piles. These details would have made Hector Barbossa proud enough to stop eating apples for a moment to admire the craftsmanship.

The modular design allows for easy access to different sections of the ship, from the gun decks bristling with cannons to the various crew quarters. You can see multiple levels of internal detail that create genuine play value alongside the display appeal, addressing one of the biggest shortcomings of the original set which felt more like a hollow shell.

The captain’s quarters showcase a level of detail that would make Jack reach for his rum, complete with navigational equipment, personal effects, and the kind of lived-in authenticity that brings the space to life. I can almost smell the sea salt, leather, and that peculiar Jack Sparrow aroma that Elizabeth Swann once found so objectionable.

Cannon ports line the hull with military precision, suggesting the Pearl’s formidable firepower that could match any Navy vessel when the situation demanded it. Each section feels purposeful and authentic, creating the sense that this version actually could house a crew for months of Caribbean piracy, treasure hunting, and running from the East India Trading Company.

The original 2011 set now sells on the black market for over $700 USD sealed, proving that demand for a proper Black Pearl has always existed. This new interpretation finally provides the scale, detail, and authenticity that fans have been craving for more than a decade. Tobnac’s MOC (My Own Creation) currently exists as a fan-submission to the LEGO Ideas forum, an online portal where enthusiasts build, share, and vote for community-made MOCs. If you want to see this particular build come to life, head down to the LEGO Ideas website and give it your vote! If it does hit the 10,000 vote mark, the MOC gets officially reviewed by LEGO’s internal team and ‘potentially’ turned into a retail box set!

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The clacking of marbles against plastic, the agonizing wait as your ball teeters on the edge of a trap, the trash talk between friends gathered around a tabletop game. Remember that? The “Tricky Traps” LEGO Ideas project bottled that exact feeling, transporting us back to the days when entertainment didn’t require a charging cable. Created by LEGO enthusiasts BRICKUP and JodyPad, this 600-piece recreation of the classic 80s Tomy game has already captured over 1,000 supporters on the LEGO Ideas platform. Nostalgia sells, but this project goes beyond mere sentimentality. The creators have meticulously designed each piece to function exactly like the original, resulting in a LEGO set you’ll actually play with long after building it.

I’ve always had a soft spot for LEGO sets that do something after you’ve snapped the last brick into place. The company has quietly built an impressive portfolio of interactive builds over the years. The playable chess sets let you stage epic battles between minifigures. The LEGO Mario sets transform your living room floor into a real-world platformer with electronic sensors and sound effects. Even the Ideas Maze set from 2016 brought genuine gameplay to the LEGO experience, with a tilting labyrinth that challenged your steady hand. “Tricky Traps” continues this tradition, blending the satisfaction of construction with the thrill of competition.

Designers: BRICKUP & JodyPad

The original Tricky Traps captured 80s kids’ hearts with its devilish obstacle course for marbles. Players navigated through moving platforms, sudden drops, and precarious pathways, all while racing against opponents and the clock. This LEGO recreation maintains that essence while adding the unmistakable texture of brick-built design. Each of the approximately 600 pieces serves a purpose, creating a 1:1 scale model that doubles as a fully functional game. The designers incorporated Technic elements to recreate the motorized aspects of the original, ensuring that this isn’t just a static display piece. The attention to mechanical detail shows a deep understanding of both LEGO engineering and what made the original game so addictive.

LEGO shines brightest when it pushes beyond static models. The grand piano that actually plays, the Nintendo Entertainment System with its scrolling TV screen, the functioning typewriter with its satisfying key action. “Tricky Traps” belongs in this category of builds that reward you twice: first during construction, then every time you play with it. For a generation raised on instant digital gratification, there’s something revolutionary about a toy that demands patience, skill, and physical presence. If this set makes it through the LEGO review process, expect to see adults hogging it at family gatherings, reliving their youth one marble at a time, while introducing a new generation to the analog joys of mechanical gaming.

The project still has 589 days to gather the 5,000 supporters needed to reach the next review milestone, but its early momentum suggests a hunger for tactile, interactive play experiences. With enough support, it could potentially become a retail box set that all of us can assemble and play with. If you want to see that happen, i.e., if you love tactile games over doomscrolling displays, go ahead and give the Tricky Traps your vote on the LEGO Ideas website here!

The post LEGO’s ‘Tricky Traps’ Promises a Hands-On Experience That Will Captivate All Ages first appeared on Yanko Design.

LEGO creations have long blurred the line between toy and art, with builders recreating everything from classic cars to full-scale architectural icons. For Richard Paules, it was a childhood passion that turned into an extraordinary pursuit of miniature realism. After winning attention for his detailed LEGO model of Dulles International Airport, Paules has now unveiled his most ambitious build yet: a stunning replica of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, constructed from approximately 150,000 LEGO bricks.

The massive model is set to go on display in the ticketing area of Terminal 2 next week, just before the TSA checkpoint. Weighing nearly 120 pounds, the replica showcases the airport’s unique architecture, from the domed ceilings and expansive skylights to the multi-level arrivals and departures layout. It even includes a realistic baggage claim area, gate seating, jet bridges, and signature airfield markings. Every detail, down to the exact floor patterning, has been meticulously replicated with plastic bricks.

Designer: Richard Paules

Paules spent nine months designing and assembling the model, calling it the most challenging project he had ever undertaken. Compared to his previous Dulles build, this one pushed his skills further due to Reagan National’s complex structural features and curved rooflines. As a solo builder, Paules had to manage both the creative vision and the physical logistics, including how to transport such a large and fragile piece safely to the airport. The project, now complete, reflects not only his technical skill but his deep fascination with aviation and public spaces.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority worked closely with Paules throughout the process, helping coordinate installation and display logistics. Airport staff were reportedly stunned by the model’s accuracy, with one operations manager noting how the LEGO version captured the character of the terminal almost perfectly. The model is currently hidden behind a curtain on the ticketing level between doors three and four, and will be unveiled to the public next Monday.

This installation continues a growing trend of using public art and interactive displays in transit hubs to enhance the traveler experience. Instead of rushing past generic hallways, passengers at Reagan National will now encounter an unexpected moment of creativity—one that offers both nostalgia and inspiration. The display also serves as a conversation piece for both aviation buffs and casual travelers, giving them a chance to appreciate the complexity of the airport in miniature.

Following the success of his Dulles model, Paules has again demonstrated how LEGO can transform familiar infrastructure into works of art. His Reagan National build is not just a tribute to architecture or transportation, it’s a celebration of patience, precision, and play. For many who pass through Terminal 2, this impressive creation will likely become an unexpected highlight of their journey. For LEGO enthusiasts, well… it’ll be another build to take inspiration from and come up with something equally stunning.

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