I got back into Lego after a 20-year hiatus. The new pieces are really quite fascinating and open up a lot of new built options, particularly the SNOT (Studs Not On Top) brackets.
These are the result of a few months' of casual building. Lego isn't as affordable as I wish it could be, but there are KO brands available, and the Lego company actually makes it quite easy to order specific pieces.
I haven't named these models yet. I'm hoping to eventually have a series of multi-coloured mecha which resemble industrial, exploratory, or scientific models, retro-fitted for combat (The People's Revolutionary Mecha Force). They'll face off against another series of B/W/greyscale combat models (The Corporate Fascist Oligarchy). (Names pending).
- Mining mech with inspiration from Ripley's loader. The backpack is removable.
- Combat/law enforcement model. Heavy inspiration from Patlabor.
- I didn't develop the frame for this one (instructions located here), but I did the plating myself.
- This model was my first mecha attempt, and has now been dismantled since I've learned some new building techniques and acquired a much larger parts budget.
- Another early attempt with a more Mechwarrior feel.
Kind of getting a front mission vibe from them, smaller mechs with only enough room in the cockpit to squeeze in.
That's a great comparison! I've only played a bit of any of those games, but it's apt - bipedal mecha with fully enclosed pilots, but no larger than necessary for this condition.
Having to squeeze in a minifig complicates building but I feel like it adds life to the end result.