3 minute read
Ben Vijle: Belgian Brick Builder
Building
The XM-2 Reginleif.
ZIO Chao is a builder who was spotlighted in the previous mech-themed issue, and has also built other impressive models. For this issue, he was able to talk about his most recent build: the XM-2 Reginleif mech from the popular anime show “86” (reference link: https://86-eighty-six. fandom.com/wiki/XM2_Reginleif). He always enjoys recreating the models from his favorite animations, movies, or games, especially with sci-fi themes. And it is a lot of fun for him to have the subjects reproduced in LEGO.
Mech Spotlight: ZIO CHAo xm-2 reginleif
Article and Photography by ZIO Chao
Building
I have always enjoyed building dioramas for my mechas but have not been able to find time to create a new one because of my busy schedule. Last year, an invitation to display at Singapore Brickfest 2021 gave me the impetus to build one. However, the timing was less than perfect as I was in the midst of moving and my new house was not ready. I had to lug my bricks to my temporary residence and build my robot there. Looking back, it was truly by God’s grace that I managed to build AMS BI09 Blauer Teufel Imperator (“The Blue Devil”) and its home in time for the event.
THE FIRST STEP – 0 HouR
The event organizers required the piece to be 60 bricks high and to be able to fit into three 32-stud base plates. It was sort of a blessing in disguise as I had wanted to make something bigger, but that would be a bigger logistical challenge given my situation at that time. After confirming important details like the set-up date, I wasted no time in sketching my designs and gathering the parts I needed. It was a very time-consuming process that involved many calculations and much trial and error. First, I built the diorama floor in the dimension that was required, and once I decided on a pattern and style that I was comfortable with, I replicated it for the rest of the floor. Each floor of the required dimensions took me roughly five hours to build. I emphasize a lot on details— especially for the floor and the walls of my diorama, because these little details help to create the overall feel. I really dig triangle tiles, which can be useful in creating a direction.
THE THIRd STEP – 18 HouRS
Once the floors were settled, I proceeded with the wall design which is always a challenge for me. For a sturdier build that will not break easily under pressure, I used Technic parts for the walls. I like to add in the “X”pillar— one of my signature features. I like how it acts as an additional support that prevents the wall from falling over. I also like to add pipes to my diorama, as I imagine them to transport gas and energy throughout the scene.
