Progress journal for the creation of General Grievous' command ship, the Invisible Hand.
About this creation
The idea with this page is to keep something of a journal for the construction of my first large scale MOC, General Grievous' Invisible Hand. Looking at others' creations, I often find myself wondering how long it took, how difficult it might have actually been, and the steps involved. So I thought it might be fun to post some "progress reports" as this lengthy, and expensive creation trudges along...we'll see if I survive the process! (Also, there's always the hope that it may serve as a personal reminder to me never to attempt something so ludicrisly elaborate and difficult ever again. Although I tend not to listen to myself when stirred by some creative delusion of grandure!
So anyway, here goes a bold attempt at what may amount to nothin'. But then again, as Ferris Bueller said..."Only the meek get pinched. The bold survive!"
November 15, 2007
Howdy folks, and welcome back. I know you've all been waiting with bated breath, so we'll get right to it...the winner for this installment's theme is: "How to Go Broke on Bricklink!" (add perfunctory applause) Although there is light at the end of the tunnel, with luminosity just a skosh brighter than a Black Hole, the number of orders to Bricklink have been approaching ludicris, and I'm once again hippity-hop off to Guido the loan shark!
Yet I remain undaunted. Yes, I'm completely without daunt. No money, No daunt. Anywho, since the last installment, I've worked along the center section, finishing out the Ground Forces Command Section, Maintenance Decks, Conning Tower, and Observation Deck. (Actually I have no idea what I just wrote, but that's what the book says and it sounds good.) So here are some recent shots...
With one side of the upper rear hull section completed, it was just a matter of creating a mirror image for the other side and getting them both in place. Got to admit this is one section I'm really happy with. The curves are fairly smooth and nicely immitate the same section on the actual ship. Yup...I like 'em curvy and immitated.
This is a newer version of the Bridge portion. After working out a prototype of the Conning Tower and Observation Deck, I realized the width of the Bridge Corridor, by comparison, was too thin. I also realized that I had the capacity to speak in tongues ("Awe...son of a @*%!, stupid #*&%@!, rim-tuggin' #*&%!"). Despite the swearing, the newer version actually looked better to me, and allowed for the addition of some extra detail in the form of escape pods.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch...Here we've got a shot of the completed Ground Forces Command Center, or as I like to call it...the "dark gray thingy that's sort of on top and toward the back, but in front of the really tall light gray thingy"
...okay, I can't get far enough back to get a good shot of this stupid thing.
...Oh look, more sensors! Guess I'd better stop harrassing Mr. Young about all of those grills he's hoggin' for Shannonia. Looks like I've cornered the market on tiles and levers.
...the Conning Tower and Observation Section. The prototype for the tower was actually created months ago, and was waiting for the rest to catch up. A few changes were needed, but the basic design's the same, complete with Turbolift Shaft and Point-defense Laser Cannons. The one thing I'm quite happy with here is the receding width of the tower as it progresses towards the Observation Deck. The Deck itself was a really enjoyable section to build, and incorporated some newly discovered building techniques to create the curved panels in the front...always more to learn!
...and finally a shot from straight on. Until now, the moc hasn't undergone any real physical stresses, as it's sitting firmly on the table. I've continued to pick it up occasionally to weigh it, check for stress points, and pray to the Lego Gods for guidance and mercy, as the plan is to eventually hang the completed moc from above. That will either be the moment of triumph, or...God help me...the biggest pile of Lego bricks I've ever laid eyes on. We shall see!
Well, that'll do it for now. One or two more of these entries, and we should be there...see ya next time. Same Bat-time, same Bat-channel.
Comments
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April 20, 2012 |
AMAZING MOC!!! |
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I like it |
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August 17, 2011 |
Wow this is really cool. The ship is very detailed. I like it. |
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May 29, 2011 |
Just love it! |
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September 20, 2010 |
I was forced to rate far below the correct level (2.75 million) I love this. And this isn't even my favorite ship. Can you build a Republic Venator Class Star Destroyer next? The two would look great next to each other!
P.S. So that's where all the tiles went. |
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April 21, 2009 |
Thanks Mark, that helped me alot! |
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I made it |
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April 21, 2009 |
Quoting kody bricen
Hey Mark, I love your ship it is great. I was also wondering what is the piece that is under the satilite disk on the front bridge? I am also building one myself and i would like to know what it is. Great ship love it thanks please get back soon bye.
Just a plain radar dish, 6 x 6. That color is rare, but Bricklink might have one if you need it.
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Hey Mark, I love your ship it is great. I was also wondering what is the piece that is under the satilite disk on the front bridge? I am also building one myself and i would like to know what it is. Great ship love it thanks please get back soon bye. |
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November 11, 2008 |
Wosme bast invisible hand I have ever seen. I made a pit droid. Come see it |
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October 15, 2008 |
the best lego cration i have ever seen by a lot |
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August 23, 2008 |
cool i would rate it 4.5 but it is stil sweet. it is really awesome. |
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August 6, 2008 |
WOW> that is all i can say. anyone who rates this lower than 5 can go to &^%%. pardon my language. this is just so awesome!!! every detail is soooo perfect!! |
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July 7, 2008 |
wow i am speechless this is amazingly breathtaking |
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June 16, 2008 |
nice... have you ever thought about making like a republic ship with arc 170's in it and with troopers or maybe a collision with a CIS ship and a Republic ship and then clones are boarding just like on the clone wars |
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May 1, 2008 |
this is the best ship i have ever ever ever seen it's the biggist thats for sure e male me back i want to see what your reaction is
p.s
do you like halo 3 |
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March 31, 2008 |
100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000/5.ammmmmaaaaaaaazzzzzzinnnnnnggggggg!my entire family couldn't build anything better then that!(i have 3 sisters and 5 brothers and we all like LEGO
U Rock! |
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March 16, 2008 |
dude you should team up with that Erik Varszeg guy who made the republic crusier it would be sick they would go good together,
rock on |
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January 27, 2008 |
Two things I love: Big and cool. |
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January 11, 2008 |
Hmm... I can't tell... Is it minifig scale?
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December 4, 2007 |
This is just gorgeous. Excelent work Mark! Can't wait to see it finished. |
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November 29, 2007 |
It's enormous... much like the faeces resiting in my undergarments after realising the scale that it has, and will become, and you wish to hang it from the ceiling?! My god, You know that means you will have to build the second tower which is on the bottom! The curvature is a beautiful thing to lay eyes upon, The sheer studlessness is something that is only talked about through fairy tales, but you've made this.. this Goddess of a MOC. I so very much look forward to seeing it finished. As always, good luck, and fanbrilliastic work! |
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November 26, 2007 |
Please dont be offended by this but... ever thought of using GLUE on the model to keep it strong? Really helps. Did it on my UCAV "Armadillo" tank, check it out sometime! |
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November 20, 2007 |
I can't wait to see it finished!!! |
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November 18, 2007 |
You must have an absolutely gimongous stockpile of pieces to accomplish even a fraction of this amazing feat of Lego engineering! I cannot even fathom this with my limited reserves, however. |
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November 17, 2007 |
never thought legos could be put together in such a beutiful way *sniffles* I'm speechless. totally cool. |
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November 16, 2007 |
one word ................ AMAZING!!!!
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November 16, 2007 |
This is incredible, keep it up! -Chris |
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November 16, 2007 |
There is a very easy way to find out when your SHIP is large enough. That is when you can't discern single pieces on sharp photos, or when your money runs out. Am I right if I say both are applicable? This creation is unique on the MOCpages, and perhaps on the Internet. The tiny windows are my favorite detail, as well as the bridges (both) Amazing! |
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November 16, 2007 |
Invite that Master Builder guy over to your house with his Republic Destroyer when it's done. Have a massive epic Brikwars battle for six hours, and rip each other's creations to shreds. :P |
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November 16, 2007 |
Hey Mark.
Finally caught up with your progress on MOCpages and I can safely say that my strictly British 'flabber' has been well and trully 'ghasted' at the sight of this monolithic beauty taking shape!
A most inspiring piece of work that has prompted me to consider embarking on a large scale 'Enolean' Starcraft. (nothing on the grandeur scale of the Invisible Hand, mind you, but your work is certainly inspirational.....)
Tis' 'Fabuloso' Mr Kelso!! ;) |
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November 16, 2007 |
"How to Go Broke on Bricklink"... Yes, that has a familiar ring to it. As a recovering Bricklinkaholic, I can safely say I know that tune all too well. Can't wait for that final pic of this beast hanging from the ceiling -- or the one of it on the floor in a million pieces, whichever the case may be! |
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Heather Braaten November 15, 2007 |
Good God Man!! Are you trying to get a Mark Kelso wing dedicated to you at BrickLink? This is absolutely awe inspiring. You've inspired major awe. awwwwe. |
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November 15, 2007 |
Setting aside the shear vastness of this creation, the depletion of tiles on Bricklink, and the just plain coolness of it - the efforts made in problem solving various elements leaves me speechless (as I work on my longest run-sentence ever). I picture you crouched over those glossy pages hands working vigorously to get the job done ;-) The curvy and immitated, would that be Palmela Handerson in this case? Sorry had too. Well for a guy that is speechless I am writing too much. I am amazed and humbled by your work and problem solving abilities. Regards, Lee. |
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November 15, 2007 |
FLIPPIN' SWEET! This is coming along quite nicely. I'm really looking forward to the finished product. |
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November 15, 2007 |
Its coming along. I can't wait to see the final product. PS-If it gets too much larger, I wouldn't worry about the ship falling.... I hope you have a well constructed ceiling... |
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November 15, 2007 |
My God in Heaven!!! This thing's really starting to come together! Some killer detail on the tower and observation section. I'm getting to the point where I look for these entries like a magazine subscription. Can't wait for the final issue! |
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November 15, 2007 |
First post!!! It's looking great as always. |
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