THEN AND NOW

CLUB CREATIONS

Comunidade 0937

Ricardo Prates is a member of Portuguese LUG Comunidade 0937 who has a rich heritage of creating stunning vehicles but his rendition of the famous domestic Portuguese UMM Alter II jeep impressed the LUG so much, they selected it as this month’s Club Creation.

NAME: RICARDO PRATES (A.K.A. BICZZZ) LUG: COMUNIDADE 0937

“MANY STILL USE AND KEEP THESE CARS, WHICH RESULTS IN SOME INTERESTING REACTIONS”

How long have you been a member of the club and what creations are you best known for?

I have been a member of my LUG for ten years and was one of the first members, registering a few days after our online forum opened. I would say that some of my most recognisable creations from recent years are the Shelby Cobra, Honda RA272 and hot rod, Gold Dust.

What is your preferred style of build?

My build style is heavily inspired by the old Model Team theme, as I like to build vehicles and machines and this style fits perfectly. It all started with the 5550 Custom Rally Van set, which was my first and only Model Team set. The mixture of Technic and System parts is excellent for creating detailed models with some nice functionalities. Every model I build is to be as realistic and detailed as possible, even when they are my own designs.

What inspired you to build this?

After many years of building cars, I decided the rare Portuguese vehicles needed some love too. The UMM Alter II, although barely known outside Portugal, is one of the most famous ones. They are no longer produced but can still be seen on our roads. Many were used by the military, police and firefighters. Making something recognisable by the audience at our events was also a big motivation for it. Many prople still use and keep these cars today, which results in some interesting reactions at events.

How long did the build take?

In total, it probably took a month or two but it was not a consecutive build. I started planning this MOC around September 2014, first with real parts and then in LEGO Digital Designer. Due to a lack of time, I made small advances every now and then, until I finally found some free time and support from my LUG to finish it this summer.

Does it have any moving parts?

It has some functionalities but it was never meant to be motorised. The main one is that every door opens without sacrificing

Every month, we will bring you the best creations from selected recognised LEGO User Groups, as voted for by their members

any detail and without tricks. There are no noticeable gaps between them and the body and this was accomplished by using panels in key places. For instance, the side pillars are built upside-down to put a 1x1 corner panel in a place where a simple 1x1 brick would jam the door. Also, the rear door is built with SNOT in order to replicate the door from the original and also uses panels to let it move freely. Besides the doors, it has steering controlled from the steering wheel and very simple rear suspension that makes it look better in photos and displays.

Is there anything you would change?

Originally, it was supposed to be yellow but I couldn’t find some parts in that colour. Some still aren’t even available in white, so I would like to replace them one day. Some details may not be completely accurate, as the real car has many versions and I could not find a good set of photos of this version. A real slick suspension with springs and little more resistance would also be an improvement.

Is there a particular technique that you used that was vital to this build?

Not a particular technique but many details, offsets and angles were created with hinges, clips, bars and brackets. First I created the shapes, then I used these parts to keep everything in place. The hood is a perfect example; it keeps its angled shape even when opened.

What are you planning to build next?

I’ve already built my next one, the Sherp ATV, which is an awesome Russian allterrain vehicle. Unlike the UMM, this was built in two or three days and is motorised.

How can we see more of your work?

You’ll find more on Comunidade 0937’s online forum and gallery, on Flickr at flic. kr/ps/f9JbU, on Brickshelf at brickshelf. com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?m=Biczzz and there are also some videos on YouTube at youtube.com/user/Biczzz.

THEN N W

‘CONSTRUCTIVE COMPLIMENTS’

1966 Apparently, this new building was going to be a display of contemporary architecture but Doris wasn’t entirely sure she should accept the wolf whistles as contemporary compliments.

THEN N W

BY ELSPETH DE MONTES

2016 As the demolition boss briefed her team before erasing another Brutalist building, Doris realised that this was the perfect moment to attempt her first ‘selfie’.