Top 17 of 2017

So I am a little late this year, but welcome back to the fourth annual Thirdwiggy awards: the Top 17 of 2017. During 2017, the Board of Trustees of Thirdwigg.com have found and judged the 17 best LEGO Technic MOCs of 2017. As with any list, the challenge is not what to include, but what to leave out. If you are interested, check out 2016, 2015, and 2014.

As a reminder, the criteria:

Was the MOC something unique?

Did it contribute a new build technique to the community? Did we learn how to transmit movement in a new and unique way?

Was it something I found myself returning to frequently? I build at lot, and others inspire my builds. Did I see something this year that I incorporated right away?

Was is visually appeasing? It takes work to make a Technic MOC look good. Granted, this is subjective, but I think my eyes are generally consistent with the eyes of others.

Again, thanks for visiting. We will be watching 2018 for great new builds. OK, here we go.

17. F-18 

Starting off is this fun little F-18. It’s a little rough around the edges, but every time I looked at it, I smiled. Check out the landing gear and doors with its creative movement.

16. Truck Excavator

I was thrilled when this little truck popped up on Eurobricks during the spring. The blue and dark bluish grey work well together, and the truck is packed with features. The pneumatic arm has great articulation, and the steering and front engine a perfect exercise in good planning. Trucks like this are the best.

15. The Unrollable

Leave it to Eurobricks.com to have a fun Technic contest every year. TC12 did not disappoint, and we got this fun little design. The car is simple, functional, and unlike anything else I saw during the year. It takes a lot of work to build in such a way that suspension works on both sides of the vehicle, and seat rolls depending on the orientation, all while retaining roadway clearance.

14. Stalin Tank

The tanks by Tommy Styrvoky keep getting better. The Stalin tank this year, was another great build by him, but this one stood out for me. First, the bodywork was stunning. The shaping on the turret is complicated, and show the great level of detail. Second, the internal mechanics are are just what is needed, and a two speed transmission take it a step above. Also building in the scale with all the internal mechanics, suspension, and fake V-12 engine is no easy feat.

13. Volcano RS

I find building cars frustrating. I love designing the suspension, driveline, and steering, but when I get to the body work, I struggle with getting the my vision into parts. Charbel jumped on the scene last year with his great Porsche 919, and this supercar is a great follow-up. It has all the parts needed for a car, and the creative bodywork is creative and unique. I like modeling a real car, but creating your own is tricky and this is a great example.

12. Freightliner M2 112

This small little build was something I kept returning to this year. The truck has all the features you want and need, and the bodywork, while simple, conveys everything needed for the common M2.Dominique Roy was a new builder to me, and I am looking forward to seeing more of their builds.

11. 8×2 Crane Truck

Another small Eurobricks truck that I loved, and another one by Ivan Moc. Using some of the great technics from the Excavator, like the steering and coloring, this truck was a little cleaner to my eyes, and had a greater level of function. The crane was complex, and the pneumatics to move the arm are placed well with clean routing.

10. F4U Corsair

As a three time large airplane builder, I have a deep fondness to large LEGO warbirds. The Corsair is one we all know, so I was excited to see the build get finished. Lots of functioning goodness is included in the build, and the dark blue is beautiful. Also hard to get. I hope I see more of these builds in 2018.

9. Police Car

Pipaseyoyo is a frequent Thirdwiggy award winner, and for good reason. I very much liked the Military 8×8 made this year, but it was this little police car that struck my fancy. Building the bodywork of a car is always hard, and this one is done well, particularly the black and white body work. I also love the steering axle running behind and through the manual transmission. Also it has a spike strip. Perfect.

8. DB 11 

I really cannot believe Jeroen Ottens has not be featured here yet. This DB 11 is stunning and was fun watch the build progress on Eurobricks. Its complex transmission is incredible, and the bodywork is stunning. Its a beautiful model of a beautiful car.

7. Efferman Excavator

Like Ottens, Efferman is a well known and accomplished builder. He joins Thirdwiggy fame with this little excavator. As is common with Efferman, the functions are extensive, and the size is only as big as needed. I love the integration of the system parts as the bodywork is flawless.

6. Liebherr LR 11000

Just look at the pictures in the Flickr album. This is massive, stunning, complex, and fills me with awe. The detail is incredible; just look at that lifting hook. The mechanics are complex; just think about the planning it would take to run all those strings.

5. Sherpa

The Sherpa blew up the internet sometime last spring, and all the immediate LEGO recreations were only so so. I was thrilled when I saw this perfect build of the cute little truck later in the year. The use of portal axles was great, the driveline is an effective way use two motors to easily control skid steering, and it’s orange and black. I also love the gentle two way sloping of the roof.

4. AW169 Helicopter

I love a good helicopter, and this one is very well done. I am a big fan of Steph77’s work for the simplicity of the designs, the topics chosen, and for the execution. This one is no exception. I like the full control of the flight surfaces, and the controls on the side are a great idea. The bodywork turned out great. I would like to see an airplane now…

3. Unimog

Like a helicopter, I also love a good Unimog. I don’t see many in my home country, so the LEGO community has to fill this itch. First, I think Blue is my favorite LEGO color. Second, the mix of the Technic and system parts is perfectly integrated with one another. Third, the driveline has all the needed parts like steering, four wheel drive, and suspension, but also included pneumatically locking differentials. Finally, this is what the Claas tires were made for. I love it. Bring on more Unimogs!

2. F-14

Sometimes I wish Jeroen Ottens would post more photos or more comprehensive videos of his builds.  The F-14 was shown this year, and I was floored with the complexity, and the functions listed. I just would like to see a little more about how it was built to make everything work. Take some time looking at this MOC, it has so many functions. And the 9 year old in me, loves that it is the F-14. Next time can you add some Jolly Rogers markings?

1.Rugged Supercar H

This one deserves its own post, hence the win. Watching this project come together on Eurobricks for the better part of 2017 was a joy. The Rugged Supercar H wins this years Thirdwiggy award for two reasons: the process, and the result. First, watching the feedback that happened on Eurobricks, and the response given by Didumos69 and the implementation of the suggestions was precisely what the internet was created: sharing and collaborating on ideas. Second, the result was flawless. The car, while a little, lets call it “framey,” looks unlike any other car I have see in the last couple of years, and has all the functions needed, and then some. Working with some of the finest builders I know, the car was build, improved, and perfected by the eyes and minds of so many. I hope to see more of this kind of building, because the results are perfect. Keep leading people to improve your builds Didumos69, we are all better for it.

Top 16 of 2016

For the third year in a row, Thirdwigg.com presents the Top 16 of 2016. From the start of 2016 the Board of Trustees of Thirdwigg.com have scoured the interwebs to bring you the top LEGO Technic MOCs of 2016. As with any list, the challenge is not what to include, but what to leave out. If you are interested in the past years, check out the winners for 2014 and 2015.

As in years past, here is the general criteria for selection.

Was the MOC something unique?

Did it contribute a new build technique to the community? Did we learn how to transmit movement in a new and unique way?

Was it something I found myself returning to frequently? I build at lot, and others inspire my builds. Did I see something this year that I incorporated right away?

Was is visually appeasing? It takes work to make a Technic MOC look good. Granted, this is subjective, but I think my eyes are generally consistent with the eyes of others.

Again, thanks for visiting, and keep making awesome stuff for 2017. We at Thirdwigg.com are watching, and ready to add your stuff to next year’s list.

16. Terex Crane

I try to frequent the French Techlug.fr forum frequently, even though my French language skills are lacking. At times, I find little gems like this crane or this Cargo Loader. This Terex crane caught my eye because of the unique vehicle, and prefect execution of the functions and general look. I think I would have made a small color change, but overall, well done.

15 Small Ural

I love a good trial truck, and the variety (size, makes, drivelines) I see is wonderful. This mid-scale Ural was just the right amount of Russian truck for me. Check out the driveline. I know Lucio’s 8×8 was pretty cool too, but felt myself wanting to play with this Ural more.

14 Small 5 Axle Crane

Technic cranes are becoming a dime a dozen, and 42009 didn’t help. So I appreciate finding another crane that is truly unique. This one was built by long time excellent builder Eric Leppen. It was a great size, had all the functions of 42009, and was manually operated. I love the planning required for a MOC with so many functions packed in a small space. The colors are great, as a little orange goes a long way. I also have to mention Eric’s stunning 4 Axle truck with Knucklebone, it was great, but didn’t make the top 16.

13 Lipko Telehandler

Lipko keeps getting better. He’s made some great designs over the years, and this year he had some knockouts. The Simple Supercar was stunning, and the TC10 Backhoe won a contest, but the Telehandler got my vote. Packing all the required features of a Telehandler is impressive. The leveling fork blades, the steering, the orange. All of it was great. Keep it up.

12 Porsche 919 Small

This year, LEGO did another Rebrick contest. There were many great designs, but this small 919 stood out to me. The 919 is well know, but this recreation in a small scale with a working sequential transmission, steering, and the white and blue coloring. It didn’t get a top ten in the contest, but thanks to the LDD file available, plenty of people should be building it. That is a win in my mind.

11 Compact Excavator

This Excavator was released among the fury of the Porsche Contest, so it could have been easily overlooked. The small design packed a number of power functions features. I liked the clamshell buckets, and the slewing of the arm in addition to the turntable. The overall dexterity of the arm was well displayed in the video. Well done again Anto.

10 Metrac Mower

I almost missed this. I was not attracted by the title, and the first pictures we nothing special to me, but after I gave it a little time, I started to see all the features packed into this little lawn truck. The driveline was complex with the various steering modes, and the four wheel drive. The PTO was a great addition with the implements lifts, and allowed for the mower attachment. The design was unique, and well executed.

9 Scania Crane Truck

Shinyu has come out with a lot of great designs recently, and he has not been around for very long in the community. I was impressed with this design, both tin the number of features of the truck, but also with the prevention. The stickers were tasteful, and the photography was effective. The crane was great as was the rear lift. Great job, we look forward to more.

8 Unimog 401

Tamas had a great year winning the Rebrick contest. And for good reason, but I fell in love with his Unimog. Basically I swoon for anything built in Dark Green. And I fall for any Unimog! Then he makes the first Mercedes-Benz Mog with working drive and steering, and all the details in the engine and chassis. I’m over the top. The steering wheel is fantastic, and the interior is just as sparse as the real thing. Great job!

7 Veyron

I’m a little bit of a Pippasseyoyo enthusiast. Let me restate that, I think Pipasseyoyo is the best Technic building working right now. So I watch closely when he finishes a MOC. I was again impressed when this Veyron was finished. The body work of the Veyron it difficult, but the execution in this MOC did it justice. The driveline was great with all-wheel drive, that huge engine, the transmission, adjustable suspension, spoiler, and steering. Also it was great to know that my ATS transmission inspired Pippasseyoyo’s design.

6 Jeep 

Not many Technic Model Team designs made the list this year, but again, Marat came in with this little Jeep. The driveline is compact, and only has what is needed. As it the case with Marat, the bodywork is over the top. Every detail is perfect, and the coloring makes it stand out. I appreciated the various picture that were taken with different tires and colors.

5 Dream Porsche

While I seemed like many of the Porsche entries were a 911 or a 919, I appreciated the designs that were an idea for what Porsche could have its lineup. Like James Tilson’s Mission E, this entry was unique, and well executed. The features were simple, but the body work was swoopy, and made me want to drive it. I liked the removable roof, and the rear lines.

4 John Deere 648L

I very much like forestry equipment, particularly fellers, but this skidder meets my expectations. Green is a hard color to work with, so the outcome was great knowing the constraints. Here again, we see a lot of functions in small MOC that makes you ask, “how does it all fit?” I love the rear claw. Now I want to see it with the new 42054 tires on it.

3 Porsche 919 Large

There were some weird aspects of the Porsche contest, one of which was the lack of notoriety of this design. The bodywork was a great rendition of the 919; such simple solutions were used to stunning effect. This was also the first MOC I built in a long time, and I was struck by the effectiveness of the transmission and changeover lever. The suspension was simple and effective. If you need a good build, give this one a go.

2 M4A2 Sherman

Every year Tommy gets a little higher in the list. To be fair, I’m a little bit of a sucker for tanks, and extra points for Shermans. But this design is complete. Working drive, turret functions, suspension, the fake motor, and so much more. His attention to exterior detail keeps getting better.

1 Volvo FH Crane Truck

I appreciate Steph77’s participation in the Eurobricks forums. He invites participation as he builds with the community in the forum. It allows for improvements as he moves forward with his designs. This one started simple enough, but kept getting more complex. Many functions are pack into this, and it’s not huge. I loved the rear crane, especially the retracting and extending final boom. The outriders were great, and the control with each function was great. Congratulations Steph77, you win the 2016 Thirdwiggy award!

Also this, this! Why was it not finished? It was looking so promising. Get back to it Sylvian, we’re all cheering for this.

Top 15 of 2015

Welcome back to the second annual Thirdwiggy Awards. Since I have my own website, I get to pick my favorite MOCs of the year. So, here they are. As with every list, the challenge is not in what to include, but what to leave out. As a reminder, this is how the Board of Trustees at Thirdwigg.com evaluate MOCs throughout the year.

Was the MOC something creative? Basically, was it something different than a red supercar, or a yellow truck/machine?

Did it contribute a new build technique to the community? Did we learn how to transmit movement in a new and unique way?

Was it something I found myself returning to frequently? I build at lot, and others inspire my builds. Did I see something this year that I incorporated right away?

Was is visually appeasing? It takes work to make a Technic MOC look good. Granted, this is subjective, but I think my eyes are generally consistent with the eyes of others.

And we are off to the races.

15. MAZ 537

Let’s start the year off with a biggie. I wondered how many people saw this based on the flickr views, but I love this. The size, the function of the crane, and all the sticks on the back. Plus, I know how hard it is to build with all that dark green. Plus a good brick exterior is great. Great job.

14.LMP1 

Nico71 needs no introduction. One of the things I like about him is the simple execution of complex functions. Because of his work, I now know how a loom works. The TechLug LMP contest this year had some great designs, but what stood out for me about Nico71’s design is the simplicity of the suspension. Designing a simple and functioning pushrod suspension is no easy task, and this LMP1 shows a great solution for the problem. The opening doors and panels, and those great wheel fenders set this MOC apart. Nico71, you have made some great cars. We look forward to more.

13.  Airport Crash Tender

This MOC received a lot of praise when it was released, and for good reason. It’s large, it functions well, has some great features, and the exterior is well polished. I loved the inclusion of the water tanks, and it has just the right amount of stickers. I have been impressed with the couple of builds Lucio Switch has made in a very short amount of time. Hopefully that will not end anytime soon.

12.  LMP1 

As usual, the French Techlug group, produces some great MOCs over the course of the year. They do a great job organizing some great contests, and 2015 was no exception. On the heals of the 42039 24 Hour Car, the LMP contest was a great idea. The contest produced some great cars. This one I liked because the lines were creative due to the way the panels interacted, and the door hinge was great. It was great to learn about BJ51 from this MOC. Great job.

10.  Mercedes E-Core

Without saying too much about the Rebrick 2045 Contest that makes me sound like a sore loser, there were some winning designs that were… simple. The winning Mercedes Phoenix was beautiful, but it didn’t make me think about the future in a new way and, I think, it only had one function. A contest like this should tell me how we will do things (transportation in this context) differently. The E-Core was beautiful, and used Technic elements well, and it got me excited about trucks of the future. I loved door and stair system. I loved the modular design with the different drivetrains for different loads. And each load would require a different addition; power, steering, etc. I could see this being helpful in a future where loads are more diverse, cities are more dense, and safety is paramount.

9.  Air Ambulance

I’m a sucker for helicopters, garbage trucks, and fellers. This MOC was just what I needed to see as I was slogging through my MD 600N. The styling on the bodywork was well planned, and functioned well. I appreciated the focus on the bodywork, and appreciated the builders inclusion of only a collective. I look forward to seeing more helicopters next year.

8. DAF

There are big MOCs, and then there is this. The size of this DAF is mind-blowing. After building the Spitfire and the Typhoon, I know the challenges of building MOCs this large. You have plan a lot from the begining, and you are constantly rebuilding to make the MOC support itself. Take a look at the video. It’s so slow, but so huge. I couldn’t help thinking, how many 8110 Unimogs were harmed during this build.

8.T34-85

Marat is one of the few builders I have actually met. He does not publish much, but the MOCs he does publish are top notch. Like the next tank, the T34-85 packed so many functions into a small and perfect body. The shaping of the turret, the turret ring, and the seamless meeting of many wedge plates are some of the details I love. All the needed functions of a Technic tank are there, and everything works great.

7.M4 Sherman Crab

I highlighted Tommy Styrvoky in last year’s list as someone to watch, and oh boy did he deliver in 2015. Tommy has tank bodywork in LEGO figured out. He recreates the shapes of many tanks well. The Sherman continued this trend, but added some complex mechanical functions. The mine flail on the front is easily identified, but the difficulty of packaging normal functions like drive and turret rotation, and complex functions like the gun elevation and the gearbox are less apparent. Also, explore how he created the suspension using internal pulley wheels; it’s stupendous. Great job Tommy, and we look forward to more builds. Maybe one in something other than Light Bluish Grey?

6.Sky Crane

I kept coming back to this build this year. It was another entry in a TechLug contest. The design is simple, colorful, and has a playful look that I long for in many MOCs that is often present in TLG sets. The functions of the lifting mechanism, rotor, and container grabber are well executed, and the integration of the motor is great. Plus it’s orange. How great is that?

5.  Predator

For the first couple of months after this car was published, I ignored it as another supercar. I was not very interested as I found the body stance a little too forward. I enjoy cars that have rearward stance (long hood/bonnet, short deck), which is why sedans works better for my eyes. Anyway. What turned me on to this car was discovered while reading a review of the MOC on Rebrickable.com. It was here I learned how the transmission worked. Getting a realistic moving 6 speed manual transmission in LEGO is hard. It took me 2 years to finalize the design in my ATS. The Predator linkage is smooth and simple, yet accomplishes the task. I am not sure why it has taken so long for someone to mount a transmission vertically in a car. The originality of this simple solution is excellent. Creative solutions to complex mechanics are great to see.

4.  Tractor 

Seriously, follow František Hajdekr on flickr. He is talented and builds fast. If you need lots of small ideas, go check out some of his solutions. I struggled with which creation of his to add (his Motorcycle gets an Honorable Mention; look at that engine), as so many builds are great. I had to pick one. I loved this little tractor. With a small working engine, steering, and pendular suspension, the MOC ticks all the right boxes for me. The playful aesthetics and a build size right up my alley, I am happy to include this on the list this year.

3. Feller Buncher

Feller Bunchers are my favorite machines. Something about the mechanical coordination of driving up to a tree, cutting it, lifting it, and then moving it to wherever it needs to go is so exciting for me. The size of this MOC is impressive, but the mechanics are what get it on the list. The tilt-able deck from the four way stand is complex, and it was fun watching it come together one Eurobricks. The cutting head is clean, and well executed. And it’s green. People, make more fellers.

2. GAZ 51

I loved these three cute little MOCs. They function well, do not have anything extra, and they have only what is necessary for this scale. More people need to build like this. I’m looking forward to the Eurobricks Technic Challenge 9 contest, to see if it produces similar MOCs. I love the little red one with the small bed. I challenge you to build something like this.

1.Hyster 32-12

Forklifts are common and simple machines, and yet, they are infrequently done well in LEGO. The fork part is hard, and to complete a working multiple stage lift mechanism takes a lot of planning and trial and error. TheItalianBrick recreation of a Hyster 32-12 is beautiful. The MOC is complex, huge, and finished to the tiniest of details (notice how those fork-width motor wires are routed on the right of the lift boom). The rear fenders are perfect. The running boards are so simple it hurts my head. The Unimog tires look great in this MOC. Congratulations, TheItalianBrick, you win the 2015 Thirdwiggy Award.

Top 14 of 2014

For the last couple of years I have done a recap of the year for my own creations. While this is a good way to reflect and to plan, it is also a little narcissistic. So to celebrate the MOCs of the community here the rundown of the Top 14 creations for 2014 as judged by Thirdwigg.com. Here is how I evaluated the MOCs:

Was the MOC something creative? Basically, was it something different than a red supercar, or a yellow truck/machine (even though there are a couple on the list)?

Did it contribute a new build technique to the community? Did we learn how to transmit movement in a new and unique way?

Was it something I found myself returning to frequently? I build at lot, and others inspire my builds. Did I see something this year that I incorporated right away?

Was is visually appeasing? It takes work to make a Technic MOC look good. Granted, this is subjective, but I think my eyes are generally consistent with the eyes of others.

Here we go.

14. TATRA 813

Madoca is well known in the community for his creative designs, compact functions, and accessible builds. As a lover of trial trucks, this build made me perk up. A classic truck, with all the functions needed, and a clean body. What else do you need? Instructions? Well those are available too.

13. Custom 4×4 Pick-Up

This one came out a couple of weeks ago, but should be added to this list. TLG has done some great work in recent years adding a number of technic parts that are a color other than red or yellow. This has allowed for some colorful MOCs. This truck uses white to great effect, and the yellow as a highlight on the truck is great. Also, that blower is done in a tasteful way. I am looking forward to seeing more from Lucio.

12. VW Bug/Bus

Another popular builder, Sheepo has created incredible works. What is attractive to me about this build is the amount of work needed to make two interchangeable cars. Granted, VW made this task more simple by creating the Bug and the Bus as fairly mechanically interchangeable, but still the work is great. And it’s the VW Bug, and the VW Bus. Who doesn’t like that?

11. Eurobricks Mini Contest

OK, this is not so much a MOC as a group of MOCs, so maybe I am cheating a little here. In addition to being a fiercely contested contest, this provided so many great ideas for small builds, tight solutions, and simple mechanics. I loved this build, and this build, and this build, and on and on. It forced me to build in a completely different way. I will be using great ideas from this contest over and over again. Eurobricks, keep it up, these are the things the make the community better.

10. Tiger

The community has a lot to owe Sariel; books, many MOCs, publishing tutorials, online tools and more. While everything he does is well done, only some of his MOC truly blow me away. I have a thing for WWII German tanks, and adding all the functions together takes a skilled builder. But what sets this MOC above of his others for me was the attention to detail on the bodywork. Look at that turret. How about those cooling fans? A Fabuland shovel !?! These are the kind of builds that make him great. Now I’m waiting for that promised Mustang to show up my Spitfire and Typhoon. Your move Pawel.

9. Hertz Rental Truck

I noticed Marat‘s creations last year, and I had the pleasure to meet him at Brickworld. At Brickworld he walked me though the build, the challenges he experienced, and the features of the MOC. Everything works seamlessly, all the features you would expect are there, and the build is truely stunning to behold. Seeing this picture makes me think I’m back in Chicago.

8. Impreza WRX

If you have not heard of Pipasseyoyo, stop living under a rock. First, it is a Supercar, and everyone like one of those. Second, it is not red. Third, the suspension is truly unique. Four, and this is what sets it over the top for me, try to find a part of this build that is parallel to the “LEGO Cube.” Not one part of the body is parallel to the X, Y, or Z axis. Everything is set off some axis; some at two; that part under the headlights is at three. Look at how those doors are canted upward. Look at that D pillar. How do you come up with that? Fascinating.

7. Saxo WRC

Beside being one of the more fun LEGO videos of 2014, this MOC portrayed a new approach to suspension design. The rear suspension lacks a differential, but manages to have a fully independent setup on the rear driven axle. All between 15 studs of width. In the increasingly motorized Technic community, this MOC prioritizes propulsion rather than appropriate wheel speed. You will notice the lack of a differential if you are wheeling your run of the mill 8081 on your house carpet, but if you want to make a small car run the trails outside your house with a buggy motor this is your setup. I liked it so much I used it once, and plan to use it again. It’s an amazing design. Try it for yourself.

6. Arado 196

I frequent the French Forum Techlug.fr frequently, and I’m happy I do. I catch great little builds like this. They seem to have a number of great airplanes that pop up frequently. It is hard to do an airplane build well, so when I see one that turns out great, I am stunned. This plane has working control surfaces, and working small bore radial, and is built in a moduler way. The yellow on this plane works great, and the working canopy screams well thought out design.

Photo Credit, http://www.techlug.fr/Forum/topic8904.html

5. TATRA 813

ATRX is one of my favorite builders. So many of my trucks have been built in response to a new technique he has developed. This led to this. This MOC is on this list, not because it is a TATRA, but because this is the first trial truck I have seen with a driveline build entirely of gears. Every component of the driveline is mounted laterally, from the twin XL motors, to the 3 speed transmission, to all four drive axles. It’s not as pretty as Madoca’s, but the unorthodox driveline give it a higher ranking.

4. Volvo FM 340 Refuse Truck

Another late addition; this one was added a few hours before this post, as I was sure it would not be finished before the end of 2014. This is what a Technic MOC should be. It has lots of functions, Power Functions, pneumatics, and a beautiful exterior. Another great entry from Lugpol. What can I say, I’m a sucker for a garbage truck.

3. Jeep Lower 40

I waited about three weeks watching Viktor post teasers of the MOC before it was revealed at Brickcon. I think it even made angry remarks about not showing the full model (Sorry Viktor). But it was worth the wait. While the driveline is basic and effective, it was the stunning body work that I enjoyed so much. True, not many creative or unique techniques are used, but that what make LEGO so interesting. Great design has been accomplished by both simple and complicated techniques used to an appropriate amount. It takes a talented builder to know what is needed for a build. Well done Viktor. We look forward to more builds.

2. McLaren MP-4

From simple techniques to complicated techniques. I said I was not going to post a red supercar, but it is the complicated details that add this car to the list. I watched this develop over some time on flickr, and with each update, I was stunned by the level of detail added, and smart use of simple parts. The engine was detailed, the transmission was stellar, the modularity was aggressive, and the bodywork identified the car immediately. If you are going to do a supercar, this is how you do it.

1. JCB 320T

This might anger some people out there, but my favorite build of the year was another MOC from Pipasseyoyo, and a loader at that. Maybe I like this one because I have been working on an arm for a JCB 32o for a couple months now. Maybe because I have a thing for tracked skid steers. Or maybe I like so much of what Pipasseyoyo is making these days. I found myself going back to this model more than any other MOC in 2014. The arm is robust, the tracks move at just the right speed, and the range of motion for the bucket is perfect. A great video helps us see what the Loader can do, and the pictures look great.

Congratulations Pipasseyoyo, your JCB 320 wins the 2014 Thirdwiggy Trophy.

I cannot include everything that was awesome this year; there are other better venues for that. I will say, I am watching with interest the development that has taken place with Tommy Styrvoky, and I am a sucker for a good Unimog. Also maybe next year, Pipasseyoyo will have a third or fourth on this list.