MOC: Venator

[Fallenangel]

I'm not even close to the level of accuracy-stickling that fallenangel327 is at. I do try to incorporate some aesthetic quality that takes precedence over accuracy. Mostly that's just in the cases of a little thicker or thinner for a better transition, some extra greebles, or doing something in SNOT.

And yes, if I ever do an X-wing, it will have SNOT wings...

I'm really not that much of a stickler for accuracy - compared to, say, this guy, I'm just pointing out the obvious. And as I've said, I try to calibrate to what can be achieved with LEGO (Because let's face it, even Gareth's models aren't much compared to, say,SMT kits - but that's because he's using LEGO as a medium). What really shocked me here was the number of AFOLs who have labeled some less-than-exemplary LEGO sets and MOCs as very accurate (this model, for example - there's nothing 'spergy' about noticing that there were no engines on this MOC, and to think I was the first to mention it!!!)

And I believe some degree of accuracy is essential for an MOC in capturing the feel of whatever it was based on. If the laser cannons on someone's custom X-wing are too stubby or skinny, their model suffers because some of the sleekness and elegance of the original concept is lost. I admit that since it is LEGO, you can be a lot less lenient about certain details than non-LEGO modelers such as the guy whose blog I posted a link to. But there is such a thing as too lenient. My main issue is when there are some really obvious errors. For example, this. I almost cried out in pain when I read the comments on this; it makes 4502 look perfect. (Granted, I'm not saying everyone's MOCs are this bad, I just needed an effective example.)

And even when it looks to be impossible in LEGO, there's nothing that says you can't try to achieve it. I used to think it was impossible to incorporate a sloped hull into a mini Star Destroyer and maintain a sleek look until I saw this (though that's not to say there aren't significant flaws in the work, but that's for another thread). I'm still thinking of a way to incorporate the upper sloping portion of the nose on my X-wing (since I was too lazy to try with version 8 and dateman's solution has that gap - if only I could achieve something like this...)

Besides, wouldn't you feel terrible if some 8-year old stumbled onto an MOC you've slaved away at for weeks and said something like "ha ha tehres no engin n00b"?

[Brickdoctor]

And even when it looks to be impossible in LEGO, there's nothing that says you can't try to achieve it. I used to think it was impossible to incorporate a sloped hull into a mini Star Destroyer and maintain a sleek look until I saw this (though that's not to say there aren't significant flaws in the work, but that's for another thread)

I actually built that solely from a piece of concept art in The Art of Revenge of the Sith, no real research or anything was done. (and the build process was nowhere even close to what I did to ensure that the T-47 was as accurate as I could make it without spending a fortune). Plus I haven't touched the design for over a year. I think I remember starting with the design for the turbolasers, and then building a Technic core to ensure that the dorsal bay could open. I created a design for the hull that would allow me to use what at that time was a rather meager selection of plating (and still is, but now I build almost entirely in SNOT), and just eyeballed it from there.

[Ceroknight]

I like it, its simple and instantly familiar