Build

The title of each creation featured on this page links to a file in the LDraw format, visit ldraw.org to download the LDraw System of Tools including a parts library and software appropriate for your system (Windows, MacOS, Linux) to view and edit such files. I currently use MLCAD 3.51 and Sticker Generator 3.1, both for Windows. These files can also be imported into the Studio program available (for Mac 10.9+ and Windows, 32- and 64-bit) from LEGO® BrickLink.

A New Flyer XE60 bus serving DASH Bus in LEGO elements.

New Flyer XE60 DASH

I say articulated, UK-based pals say bendy. A 2021 New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE NG battery-electric bus I built in 2022 after taking apart the Neoplan. Flickr album. Modified from two copies of my instructions for the XD35 using BBEdit as a bridge.

An Orion I bus serving DASH Bus in LEGO elements.
An Orion I bus serving Fairfax Connector in LEGO elements.

Orion I DASH

At least partially modeled on the 1990 #28 preserved by the Commonwealth Coach & Trolley Museum of Roanoke, Virginia, and indebted to my previous work on the Orion V. Flickr album. I’m ready for WamaLTC displays set in the period subsequent to the transit system’s launch in 1984. Revised to fix missing parts and add stickers. Also available as an Orion I Fairfax Connector in honor of the 1991 model I photographed at the Pentagon.

A Ford L9000 CustomFIRE apparatus from 1987 and seen in the city in 2012.

Alexandria (Virginia) Fire Department 1987 Ford L9000 CustomFIRE Pumper

The challenge of an old apparatus on the streets of Alexandria in 2012 got me building. Flickr album. The chief’s tweet back then suggested a 1986 model, but I’ve changed that based on information I’ve learned about the history of the apparatus prior to CustomFIRE’s loan to the city and subsequently. Revised for current part number on ladders.

United States Postal Service Grumman LLV

My previous try at the long-life vehicle was yellowing after almost two decades, when a fellow builder in Wamalug posted (on Flickr, on Instagram) I saw an opportunity and challenged myself to rebuild it using the often-unloved 52036 Car Base 4 × 12 × ⅔. My instructions appear here by kind permission of Anthony Radzimoski. Flickr album. Revised to change color behind headlights.

Neoplan AN460 Articulated DASH

They arrived from Westchester County, New York early in 2019 still wearing the barely-disguised colors of Yonkers-based Liberty Lines Transit, much higher demand for bus trips was anticipated while the subway stations in Alexandria were to be closed that summer for extensive rehabilitation. By the time of the Alexandria Transit Company’s 35th Anniversary celebration, they’d gotten a wrap for the DASH look. Flickr album. They were unreliable and by 2022 had been scrapped, sold, or stored, so I disassembled this to build an XE60.

Orion VII 3G HEV T.A.G.S.

A tiny local transit agency, but after the Transportation Association of Greater Springfield replaced its truck-based shuttle buses late in 2016 with six short 2012 Orion VII buses (at the time) owned and operated by Wmata which had been made over with a distinctive single-color scheme, I built this (in 2019) using Sand Green parts and discovered differences of detail from earlier models. Flickr album. Revised for roof detail and to update part references.

Continental Trailways Silver Eagle

The tub of bus models is not yet exhausted, this is a vintage intercity bus roughly matching the era of (and stretching) my previous Greyhound MC-8 model that I built in 2010. Flickr album.

United States Postal Service Tractor Trailer

A long-overdue addition to my collection of postal vehicles when built in 2010 (based on a prototype I’d seen 2 year earlier) but also a relic of the days when I built them with antique spoked wheels. A few minor amendations in creating the file. Flickr album.

Alexandria (Virginia) Fire Department Spartan MetroStar Side-Mount Pumper

A 2015 Spartan MetroStar Side-Mount Pumper by CustomFire (as delivered) used parts from a previous creation. It was time to (slowly) catch up with the black-topped scheme that had been in use about a decade. Flickr album. Revised for minor adjustments.

Wmata MetroAccess Ford Transit paratransit van

Spurred by excellent four-sides coverage of the 2018 purchase by Wmata I switched the ProMaster’s body to a passenger configuration and altered other details adding a double-trapezoid grille I’d worked out on an Alexandria Police Department Ford Police Interceptor a month earlier with mixed results (the amber clearance lights are too high, for example). Flickr album. Revised to change a filename.

United States Postal Service RAM ProMaster Van

United States Postal Service RAM ProMaster Van, We Deliver For You. From freehand 1:1 sketch to sticker-ready in less than a day. Flickr album. A two-module (stud) stretch to depict local defunct Landmark Mall’s main user, an Amazon Prime RAM ProMaster Van. I also built a long-wheelbase “Michael & Son Services” van in Earth Blue and a short-wheelbase van in Bright Red. Revised to correct a misplaced part (on the delivery version).

Gillig Low Floor Diesel DASH

The local transit company was dissatisfied with the performance of the hybrid models it had purchased, so in 2018 their purchase came with a strictly diesel propulsion: Gillig Low Floor Diesel DASH Bus. Flickr album. Revised to change a filename. I built a similar bus used by the PRTC OmniRide in a commuter version lacking a back door.

New Flyer XN40 CNG Wmata Metrobus

New Flyer XN40 CNG Wmata Metrobus as seen regionally since 2015. Flickr album again shows my evolving understanding of the appearance of the model’s roof since its construction in 2018 (or maybe different model years had different rooftop arrangements). Other participants in WamaLTC displays had moved first in tackling this challenge, I got started catching up by basing a New Flyer XN40 CNG ART bus on a single image in a report at ARLnow and posted a teaser image to Instagram while waiting for parts ordered on BrickLink. Revised to change a filename.

New Flyer DE42LFA BRT Wmata Richmond Highway Express

Catching up with the 2010 New Flyer DE42LFA BRT Hybrid bus with Medium Lilac and Bright Yellow representing the colors of the Richmond Highway Express operating between the King Street-Old Town Station and Fort Belvoir. Flickr album. Revised to change a filename.

New Flyer XD35 DASH

A 2019 New Flyer Xcelsior XD35 diesel bus as observed at the DASH Bus 35th Anniversary celebration in March of 2019 and first displayed with “Friends of LEGO” at a show the next month. Flickr album shows the evolution of my knowledge of the roof details as the year went on. This popular midsize model also available as the New Flyer XD35 Fairfax Connector bus. Revised to change filenames.

Railroad Crossing Gate

A manually-operated, semi-counterbalanced railroad crossing gate. Built in 2019 after a quick image search, with modest goals: cover only one lane of baseplate road, don’t droop when lowered, stay balanced when raised. The result operates smoothly but cannot hold an arbitrary angle. Flickr album. Revised to edit Author field.

Wmata Metrorail 7000-series cars

The local subway’s most recent procurement of rolling stock was sufficiently different from the previous look as to deserve a new build. Flickr album. Built in 2013 based on photographs from the factory, revised with the starburst logo seen at the 2014 unveiling. This construction is studs up but an odd width, these were rolling before the transit system was able to deploy the real thing. Revised to change a filename.

CSX 9729 MOW GP40

A CSX Maintenance of Way locomotive I built in 2009 based on a prototype I’d seen the previous year. Flickr album. Originally B&O 4001, so it’s fitting to have displayed it in the railroad museum’s roundhouse. It’s mostly orange. Revised to change filename.

GG-1 (Amtrak 4909)

A GG-1 locomotive in Amtrak livery as found in service in 1980 on The Broadway Limited from Union Station in Washington, D.C. Flickr album. Heavily reliant on the design of Bob Hayes. Also available as GG-1 (Amtrak 4902) in the all-black ex-Penn Central scheme. Revised to change filenames.

Gillig Low Floor Hybrid DASH Bus (2011)

Alexandria Transit started purchasing Gillig Low-Floor Hybrid Buses in both 35-foot and 40-foot lengths. Flickr album. The first year’s delivery had windows that slid open. Also available as the next year’s Gillig Low Floor Hybrid DASH Bus (2012) which had windows that tilted open. While they might have represented the 35-foot length earlier, when I rebuilt these in 2018 to widen the doors they now correspond to a 40-foot length. Revised for minor corrections to part sequence and position.

Virginia State Police CVPI

An update of my earlier model of the Virginia State Police in new colors to represent a later CVPI vehicle. Flickr album. This model awaits a Plate 4×6 without Corners (32059) in Dark Blue to be complete. Revised to rename a file, adjust one part’s location, and update part references.

Virginia Railway Express locomotive built in LEGO elements.
Virginia Railway Express locomotive built in LEGO elements.
Maryland Area Rail Commuter locomotive built in LEGO elements.

Virginia Railway Express MP36PH-3C

A locomotive for pulling (or pushing) commuter trains in the service of the Virginia Railway Express. Flickr album. First built in 2009 prior to delivery based on a post on VRE’s Facebook Page, the handrail color and the tiles at the front have been revised since then. I use sticker paper to continue the stripes around the Arch pieces at the nose. Also available in a Power Functions variant still with unofficial parts and as rebuilt in the livery of the MARC, Maryland’s commuter rail. A decade after initial construction, I realized that the height needed to match that of the Sumitomo coaches. Revised to add VRE initialism stickers.

F.H. Furr Truck

A box truck employed by the regional home service company with “Call the Guy on the Back of the Truck!” as their slogan. Flickr album. While stickers should not be the raison d'être of a Moc and should complement rather than overwhelm, this was a long-standing request and when I built one with a 6-wide cab I’d hoped the requester was happy (I disassembled that version in 2019). This version with a 4-wide cab was a follow-up I took on as a challenge after I declined a commission from the then-creative strategist in marketing, it was originally designed to be built solely from parts available in the Pick a Brick selection online. Revised to update part references.

KFC

The KFC at 6227 Little River Turnpike in Lincolnia was also square, I rebuilt it based on additional on-site research. Flickr album. Removable roof and semi-detailed interior, research into the food preparation area was weak. The model has proven sturdier than the prototype, as the roof’s peak is just a tent and it ripped! Revised to update part references.

Springfield Tower

The Springfield Tower at 6320 Augusta Drive has been a prominent landmark alongside the interstate since 1972. Flickr album. I built this in 2011 as part of a skyscraper race that participants in WamaLTC displays had been pursuing. This is not even close to being the tallest contender, but the proportions and details of the original are fairly well caught in my opinion (I have left off the ground level parking area for now). The file depicts a 2016 redesign (primarily for an easier split atop the lobby) and is incomplete to the extent that I have not shown the use of LEGO® String with End Studs at the antenna level. Revised to remove unofficial part and update part references.

IHOP Restaurant

The IHOP Restaurant at 6206 Interparcel Road in Springfield was already square and the fire control diagram helped with the interior layout. Flickr album. Semi-detailed interior and removable roof. Revised to remove unofficial part and update part references.

Ruby Tuesday

The Ruby Tuesday at 2002 Fruitville Pike in Lancaster, Pennsylvania might not have been a typical design for the chain, but the roof looked like something I could build. Flickr album. There’s an interior, but I haven’t been inside this location (too busy post-noon on a Saturday in 2010). Revised to update part references.

“Forever Young” McDonald’s

The McDonald’s at 3510 Duke Street underwent an existing tenant remodeling in 2012 which removed the roof and stripped the structure to its masonry finally bringing the eyebrow to the municipality. Flickr album. Removable roof and semi-detailed interior. I leave a tile for the wordmark in front but don’t bother with it, this was recognizable even before the Golden Arches “M” stickers were applied. Revised to update part references.

Orion VII CNG 40-foot bus (Metrobus Local)

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metrobus) replaced some of its fleet with buses powered by compressed natural gas. Flickr album. Also available in the Express scheme. Revised to update part references.

New Flyer XD40 Fairfax Connector

A 2011 New Flyer XD40 Xcelsior diesel bus in the service of the Fairfax Connector especially as seen initially in the Reston area. Flickr album. An earlier version of this file (from 2014) used opaque parts. Revised to change part selection, add stickers, and update part references.

Howard County Police Dodge Charger

A Dodge Charger in service with the Howard County Police Department, reverse engineered from the Police Charger of Spencer Rezkalla posted to MOCpages. Flickr album. Revised to update part references.

Land Rover SWB Series III

A short wheelbase Land Rover Series III based on a military Moc by Chandler Parker. Flickr album. Revised to update part references.

New Flyer DE40LFR bus (MTA Maryland)

The Maryland Transit Administration New Flyer DE40LFR is part of a transition to an all-hybrid bus fleet for the Baltimore region. Flickr album. Revised to update part references.

Chooser Cruiser

The nonprofit Washington Regional Alcohol Program had a “ Chooser Cruiser ” made from a donated Red Top Cab Ford Crown Victoria to look like the front half of an Arlington County Police vehicle and the back half of a Yellow Cab of indeterminate suburban origin to promote their Sober Ride service. Flickr album. I started this file in Bricksmith and revised part references, adjusted part colors, and applied stickers in MLCad. Revised to update part references.

CVS/pharmacy

The prototype for this CVS/pharmacy has a typical look for stand-alone locations in the area but with extra dentil. I did not provide an interior, but later rebuilt the entrance (to use a new doorway part) without changing the file. Flickr album. Revised to update part references.

McDonald’s

The prototype for this McDonald’s restaurant had a classic corporate look (of the time) at a location in use since 1964. Flickr album. Features a removable roof, semi-detailed interior, and bonus trash container. Revised to update part references.

Burger King

The prototype for this Burger King restaurant offered a classic corporate look at a location in use since 1968 (it’s since been remodeled). Flickr album. Features a removable roof and semi-detailed interior. Google Maps was used to detail the roof. Revised to update part references.

Alexandria (Virginia) Fire Department American LaFrance Eagle 110′ Mid-Mount Truck

Tower 203 is a 2004 American LaFrance Eagle 110′ Mid-Mount ladder truck. Flickr album. Steps fold down, platform swivels, ladder tilts and extends. The bucket with the nozzles is separately hinged. I rebuilt this in 2020 for the “new” black-topped scheme without changing the file. Revised to fix colors, supply missing parts, and update part references.

Alexandria (Virginia) Fire Department Light & Air Truck

Light & Air 207 is a 2005 Freightliner M2. Flickr album. Lights detach. This got a mild refresh in 2020 to substitute parts in Stone colors without changing the file. Revised to fix colors and update part references.

Alexandria (Virginia) Fire Department Hazmat Team

The hazardous materials handling team included a 2003 Crimson Gladiator with Command Area (Hazmat 202) and a 2003 Ford F450 (Support Unit 202). The awnings are depicted rolled-up and are not operational. Flickr album. This got a mild refresh in 2020 to substitute parts in Stone colors and alter the pickup truck’s bed without changing the file. Revised to fix colors and update part references.

Sumitomo Gallery Control Cab Coach

After repeated complaints on Flickr that the VRE had sold its Kawasaki Bi-Level cars, I built a representation of the passenger coaches currently in service in both control cab and trailer coach versions, some with a gray panel to represent the bathroom. Flickr album. Passenger doors open and close. Revised to adjust part positions.

Alexandria (Virginia) Fire Department 1995 Simon/LTI Tractor-Drawn Aerial Ladder Truck

Tower 208 served as the municipality’s primary aerial ladder. Flickr album. Platform swivels, ladder tilts and extends. Accepts two drivers and a passenger. Revised to update part references.

HMMWV (6-wide)

My subtle adaptation of Ralph Savelsberg’s 6-wide HMMWV. Flickr album. When making clones in 2020 I was able to improve the structural integrity at the back slightly, subsequently I tried to match his revised version from earlier in the year. Revised to match more exactly Savelsberg’s 2020 revisions.

Virginia Railway Express F40PH (V31)

Inspired by the F40PH by Bob Hayes, a locomotive for pulling commuter trains in the service of the Virginia Railway Express. Flickr album. Also available in a different striping scheme as Virginia Railway Express F40PH (V33). Remember, there is no prototypical barrier to combining VRE locomotives and passenger coaches in any manner. I disassembled these locomotives in 2013. Revised to remove unofficial part and update part references.

Virginia Railway Express RP-39 2C

Based on LEGO® set 10133, a locomotive for pulling commuter trains in the service of the Virginia Railway Express. Flickr album. VRE started in 1992 with ten GP40s rebuilt as road passenger RP39 models. I disassembled this locomotive in 2013. Revised to rename files.

Alexandria (Virginia) Fire Department Emergency Medical Services division Freightliner M2 MedicMaster® ambulance

The city had four ambulances of various ages at the time. Medic 207 in particular was a 2002 model Freightliner Business Class M2 106 chassis/cab fitted with an American LaFrance MedicMaster® body. Flickr album. Model features 7-wide body and interior fittings, doors at back open slightly. This got a mild refresh in 2020 to substitute parts in Stone colors, remove the interior, and make the roof removable without updating the file. Revised to fix colors and update part references.

Alexandria (Virginia) Fire Department Standard Buggy

A standard buggy (sedan) as assigned to senior staff and fire marshals. Flickr album. Revised to fix colors and update part references.

Alexandria (Virginia) Fire Department Pierce Dash Rescue Pumper

Engine 205 is a 2002 Pierce Dash Rescue Pumper. Flickr album. Operating feature represents hydraulic ladder lift. Alternate version with side-mounted ladder, I rebuilt this second one in 2020 for the “new” black-topped scheme while the first one served as parts for a newer Spartan CustomFire side-mount apparatus. Revised to fix colors, adjust part positions, remove unofficial part, and update part references.

Billboard Holder

Built to resemble a postwar Lionel train accessory and first used in 2003 in the display prepared by members of Wamalug and WamaLTC in the National Toy Train Museum in Pennsylvania. The billboard was replaced in 2004 upon the change in the display and the creation itself was removed in 2007 (when the display was replaced again) and eventually disassembled. Flickr album. Revised to update part references.

8-wide Tank Car

First seen at the December 2001 meeting of WAMALUG and among the first revenue rolling stock I built. Flickr album. This creation was subjected to continued commentary about its width and height (despite the superficially similarly-sized LEGO® 10016 Tanker). I disassembled this creation in 2007. Revised to adjust part positions and update part references.

Alexandria (Virginia) Fire Department Crimson Gladiator Heavy Rescue Truck

Rescue Squad 206 is a 2003 Crimson Gladiator. Flickr album. The chassis, cab, and payload are built modularly for flexibility in building other Crimson apparatus. Cab seats two minifigs. This is the first file in which I specified Trans-Brown as the color for the insert in the windows, to match the LEGO® company’s color identification (this was a mistake and source to many “fix colors” remarks on this page). I rebuilt this in 2020 for the “new” black-topped scheme. Revised to fix colors and update part references.

Alexandria (Virginia) Fire Department Seagrave Tractor-Drawn Aerial Ladder Truck

The local fire department was keeping this older tiller truck in reserve, leaving it in its original lime color. Flickr album. I used yellow pieces to represent this earlier scheme. Outriggers deploy, platform swivels, ladder tilts and extends. Includes additional ladders stored under the tiller platform. Accepts two drivers. Revised to fix colors and update part references.

Greyhound MC-8 Intercity Bus

The MC-8 was produced in the mid-seventies, and I based this model on a toy version I purchased when traveling through the upper Midwest in the early eighties. Flickr album. The Americruiser tricolor style remains recognizable even if the company has long since moved on to a different scheme. Revised to fix colors and update part references.

Alexandria Union Cab

I have previously offered instructions for a dark gray taxi, but this one is all in the new Stone colors to represent Alexandria’s newest fleet, driver-owned Union Cab Company. Flickr album. Minor refinements to the front, roof, and back. I gave this model a mild refresh in 2013 without updating the file. Revised to fix colors and update part references.

Wmata Boom Crane Truck

A three-axle, hi-rail truck based on a prototype found in a local field, this model was first displayed at The National Train Show® in Philadelphia in 2006. Flickr album. Revised to fix colors, remove unofficial parts, add stickers, and update part references.

Antique Roadster

I built this in 2005 (and another, showing the knife-based bumper) as a way of coming to terms with the new colors for gray elements, and to use a neat new element in an appropriate way. Flickr album. Revised to update part references.

Pullman Gallery Commuter Railroad Car (gray)

A basic coach in the service of the Virginia Railway Express. Flickr album. I disassembled this construction in 2013. This design may also be built in the newer Stone colors and run as-is as a coach on the MARC or other commuter railroad. Revised to update part references.

Pullman Gallery Commuter Railroad Car (blue)

A basic coach in the service of the Virginia Railway Express. Flickr album. Revised to update part references.

GAZ M20 Pobeda

Timothy Gould’s original instructions for his GAZ M20 Pobeda creation were billed as fragile. Flickr album. First I included unofficial parts and adjusted the assembly sequence and part selection, then tried to build it. This second draft is now a sturdy, playable model with no conflicting parts or parts held on by gravity or friction. This quickly became the version hosted at Brickshelf. Revised to remove unofficial parts and update part references.

Mafersa Commuter Railroad Car

A basic coach (then) in the service of the Virginia Railway Express. Flickr album. These were equipped as cabs or as trailers. Later significantly rebuilt in the livery of the MARC, Maryland’s commuter rail. These were subsequently donated to (and then repainted by—I haven’t modeled that yet) the B&O Railroad Museum. Revised to fix colors (on the VRE version), correct part positions, add stickers (to the VRE version), and update part references.

Chevrolet SUV (4-wide)

When vehicles must fit into lanes designed for 4-wide creations, there’s this Chevrolet based on my earlier model. Flickr album. May represent the Blazer. Also available as a Baltimore City (Maryland) Police SUV. Revised to fix colors and update part references.

Baltimore County (Maryland) Police cruiser

Yet another police car. Flickr album. This one features a slightly different light bar. I gave this model a mild refresh in 2013 without updating the file. Revised to update part references.

Metro Transit Police cruiser

Yet another police car. Flickr album. This one features lights behind the grille. The force would redesign early in 2011 but there is as yet no file for my resulting construction. Revised to update part references.

Maryland State Police cruiser

Yet another police car. Flickr album. This model also got a mild refresh in 2013, with the 2020 update the file conforms to the model. Revised to revamp assembly, add stickers, and update part references.

Washington Flyer Coach Services sedan

Yet another taxi. Flickr album. I gave this model a mild refresh in 2013 without updating the file. Revised to update part references.

Glass truck

A commercial vehicle, adapted from the pickup truck, inspired by the availability of window panes at the Pick a Brick at the LEGO® Retail Store at Tysons Corner Center. Flickr album. I disassembled this creation, probably in 2012. Revised to fix colors and update part references.

Orion VII CNG 30-foot bus (Metrobus)

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metrobus) aggressively replaced its diesel fleet with buses powered by compressed natural gas. Flickr album. Includes pedestrian deflector at the rear wheel. I disassembled these creations in 2014 soon after Wmata had repainted them all in a new style. Also available as a 40-foot version in the colors of the Richmond Highway Express which was also disassembled, creating a part selection to eventually build its successor. Revised to update part references.

Virginia Railway Express Incident Response Van

When I saw the prototype of this vehicle in the parking lot of the local railroad station, I had to build it. Flickr album. Maybe without its color labels it’s less impressive. I would imagine the model is readily adapted to make a small shuttle bus. Revised to remove unofficial part and subfile and update part references.

Car (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority)

An adaptation of 7236 Police Car, as employed by supervisors of the local transit authority. Flickr album. Revised to replace roof, adjust colors, and add stickers.

SUV (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority)

A small SUV in the style of Pierre Normandin, as employed by supervisors of the local transit authority. Flickr album. It may have represented the Ford Escape Hybrid, back when that was available. Revised to adjust colors and add stickers.

Pickup truck (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority)

A commercial vehicle employed by the local transit authority for general maintenance, adapted from the basic chassis of the box truck. Flickr album. Revised to fix colors, add stickers, and update part references.

Box truck (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority)

A commercial vehicle employed by the local transit authority for hauling trash, in the style of Pierre Normandin, but using Panel 1×2×2 with Hollow Studs (4864b) to afford space for the Wmata logo. Flickr album. This 6-wide model is much more successful than a previous attempt in 8-wide based on the school bus. The box lifts off cleanly and the chassis is deliberately generic for flexibility in payload. Revised to fix colors, add stickers, and update part references.

Alexandria Police cruiser

Spencer Rezkalla changed his police cruiser as found at MOCpages to use Wedge 4×6×⅔ Curved (52031) so I built one too. Flickr album. While the assembly sequence is a little different, the result wasn’t particularly interesting and the model got a mild refresh in 2012 without updating the file. Revised to remove unofficial part, fix colors, and update part references.

Yellow Cab of Arlington sedan

Yes, they’re orange. Flickr album. Another taxi. My own example has several shades of orange included, but Peeron suggests all parts are available in one color. I gave this model a mild refresh in 2013 without updating the file. Revised to update part references.

Chevrolet Tahoe (Metro Transit Police)

Technic Liftarm 1×6 (32063) serves as the signature stroke across the front of the Chevrolet Tahoe. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s police use them. Also available in the colors of the Alexandria Fire Department Battalion Chief’s vehicle. Flickr album. Revised to fix colors (on the police version), remove unofficial parts, and update part references. The latter got a mild refresh in 2020 to substitute more parts in Stone colors, even as the department has moved on Suburbans or whatever.

Orion V 40-foot bus (Fairfax Connector)

The Fairfax Connector is another local transit system using the 40-foot Orion V bus. Flickr album. I disassembled this creation in 2019, setting aside pieces useful in building a New Flyer XD35 model. Revised to fix colors and update part references.

Orion V 40-foot bus (Metrobus)

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metrobus) was phasing out its older diesel-powered buses like the Orion V when I built this, but the 40-foot model remained in regular service on some routes for a surprising length of time. Flickr album. The 35-foot model is seen less often. I disassembled this creation in 2014 soon after Wmata retired the series. Revised to fix colors, adjust assembly sequence, and update part references.

Orion V 35-foot bus (DASH)

Alexandria Transit (DASH) relied on the 35-foot Orion V bus. Flickr album. Revised adjust assembly sequence and update part references.

Wamalug Logo

The logo and wordmark I designed in 2002 for the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area LEGO® Users Group (Wamalug) interpreted as sculpture. I authored this file when I disassembled this creation in 2006. Flickr album. Revised to add URL and update part references.

1921 Monitor

This early armored car by the Providence Body Company of Rhode island is featured in Bulletproof, a history of armored car services. Flickr album. Revised to update part references.

Two-man M998 HMMWV in camouflage

Built to match the military casket. Lack of doors is prototypical for HUMVEEs used for this purpose. Flickr album. Revised to remove unofficial parts and update part references.

Military casket draped in the flag of the United States of America

Minifig size. Flickr album. Revised to refine part locations.

Ford E350 School Bus

It is what it says. Features swinging control arm on the front bumper. Flickr album. I disassembled this creation in 2007 to use its body in a different school bus. Revised to correct errors, remove unofficial parts, and update part references.

Pizza Hut

The prototype for this Pizza Hut restaurant, which I built in 2002, has since been demolished. Flickr album. Features a removable roof with detailed interior. Revised to remove unofficial part and subfiles and to update part references.

1869 Bank

Modeled after a photograph I found in the book Lost America: From the Atlantic to the Mississippi. The National Exchange Bank of Hartford, Connecticut was rebuilt in 1869 in the ornate style of the Renaissance Revival and demolished in 1917 to be replaced by a restaurant. This version is half the depth of the one I built in 2002 and does not include an interior. Flickr album. Revised to remove unofficial part and subfile and update part references.

Dunbar Armored Services armored car

A sturdy, boxy vehicle in the distinctive colors of Dunbar Armored, (once) the nation’s largest independent armored transportation company. One version features SNOT work for double doors in the back, alternate version has studs-up work for a single door which was later rebuilt with a higher roof. Flickr album. I had “Dunbar ARMORED” stickers applied until I noticed the change of ownership, I replaced them with “BRINKS” in 2019. Revised to remove unofficial parts and update part references.

Kawasaki Bi-Level Commuter Railroad Car

As seen in service with the Virginia Railway Express. Flickr album. Later available in the livery of the MARC, Maryland’s commuter rail. Revised to fix colors, add stickers (in the VRE version), adjust part selection (in the MARC version), and update part references.

Antique police car

A police car with an old-time look, packed with details for its size. The model may be constructed in black as well as the depicted gray. Unusual feature: front fenders’ pieces are all upside-down. Flickr album, the first image must be a result in a common search because in the decade and a half after posting there’s well over 10,000 views (but no favorites). Revised to update part references.

HMMWV M998 Truck (8-wide basic chassis)

These instructions pare the earlier M1025 HMMWV down to the minimum needed to build a basic M998 HMMWV truck and form a baseline from which to create any of the ever-expanding series of variants and configurations in use around the world without removing more than a few parts (examples: 2-man soft-top with tailgate in dark gray, 4-man soft-top with tailgate in dark gray). This version features swinging doors. Flickr album. Revised to remove unofficial parts and update part references.

c. 1908 Adams V8 Phaeton

A model inspired by a single photograph in a comprehensive encyclopedia of automobiles. Yes, there was no windshield. Flickr album. I disassembled this in 2013 and realized there was a minor error in the file. Revised to update part references.

Norfolk Southern Top Gon

An ordinary piece of rolling stock, this looks especially good with hundreds and hundreds of plate 1×1 in black as the payload. Flickr album. Revised to rename files and update part references.

1912 S&M Simplex

The last big chain drive car in America. Flickr album. Revised to rename files, refine part positions, and update part references.

HUMMER H1 (8-wide)

The inevitable followup to my successful 8-wide military HMMWV, the civilian HUMMER H1. Flickr album. Revised to update part references.

HUMMER H1 (6-wide)

My adaptation of Sean Kenney’s H1 as posted to MOCpages. Flickr album. Revised to update part references.

HUMMER H1 (6-wide)

The civilian counterpart built in 6-wide to match the military model but as a station wagon rather than with the slopeback fairing. Flickr album. Revised to update part references.

HMMWV (6-wide)

A follow-up to my 8-wide HMMWV built in 6-wide to fit narrower LEGO® roadplates. The model can be built in dark gray as well. Add your own armament on the roof to complete the M1025 configuration. Flickr album. This was decidedly obsolete when I adapted Ralph Savelsberg’s version. Revised to update part references.

HMMWV (8-wide)

My take on the military’s go-anywhere, do-anything truck was an immediate international sensation (okay, two people on different continents built a number of them in the following months). I’d like to think that the faithful proportions and the modular assembly inspired Jan Albert Van Ree to bring a gray slopeback to BrickFest™ in 2004 and Brickshelf user Marksman to build quite a number of variants. Flickr album. Add your own armament to complete the M1025 configuration depicted, or leave off the slopeback fairing to yield a different configuration . I later authored a more generic set of instructions for this model. Revised to remove unofficial parts and subpart and update part references.

HUMMER H2 (6-wide)

My 6-wide model of the controversial vehicle was built overnight based on two black-and-white newspaper advertisements. Flickr album. The Southern California LEGO® Train Club (SCLTC) had members build this model in different colors using Wheel Wide (6014) and Tyre Wide (6015) and brought one yellow example to BrickFest™ in 2005. I used this model in 2006 to derive the H2H hydrogen-fueled concept and the SUT version. Revised to remove unofficial parts and subpart and update part references.

Diamond Cab Company of Alexandria sedan

Another taxi, in the colors of Diamond Cab of Alexandria. I gave this one a spotlight as a leftover from its days as a police car. Flickr album. Revised to update part references. I gave this model a mild refresh in 2013 without updating the file, in particular, adding a retro roof-topper.

Military Jeep

Another Jeep of World War 2 vintage, based on the civilian models I had been building. Flickr album. Revised to remove unofficial part and its subfiles and update part references.

White Top Cab of Alexandria sedan

Another taxi, in the colors of White Top Cab of Fairfax and Alexandria. I built this color combination only much later. Flickr album. Revised to update part references. I gave this model a mild refresh in 2013 without updating the file.

Arlington Red Top Cab sedan

Another taxi, in the colors of Arlington Red Top®. Each color combination requires its own part selection and assembly sequence. Flickr album. Revised to update part references. I gave this model a mild refresh in 2013 without updating the file.

Jeep Wrangler X

A follow-up to my earlier enclosed version, this model of the Wrangler X is detailed. Flickr album. Revised to remove unofficial part and its subfiles and update part references.

Alexandria Yellow Cab station wagon

Spencer Rezkalla adapted his police cruiser into a taxi, but my version of the local variety of Yellow Cab is a station wagon which uses yellow bumpers. Flickr album. Revised to update part references.

Jeep Wrangler (enclosed)

A classic Jeep design in its latest incarnation inspired by a relative’s purchase. The body-color grille uses properly oriented vertical slats. Flickr album. Revised to remove unofficial part and its subfiles and update part references.

Ford Focus ZX

A representation of my Ford Focus ZX5, I leave the number off because the model could be of a ZX3. When I authored this the first time, Wedge 4×4 Curved (45677) wasn’t an official file so I mocked up an image in Corel Draw for upload. Flickr album. Revised to adjust colors, refine part locations, and update part references.

Virginia State Police cruiser

I had come across Spencer Rezkalla’s Police Cruiser and once I had built one (using a file which is no longer available) got the idea to build another in the colors of the Virginia State Police. My first file in the LDraw format using MLCad as an editor was (and remains) a multi-part file, it used a Brick 2×2 Round in Transparent Blue as the rooftop light. Flickr album. This model was later revised under a new name. Revised to rename a file and update part references.

Since 2004 I have used MLCad by Michael Lachmann as my editor.

United States Postal Service delivery stepvan (6-wide)

A stepvan like those which might be used to pick up or deliver the mail to commercial and government buildings built in 6-wide. Flickr album. Although the body is in proportion to its tire size, it makes for a huge vehicle compared to vehicles from LEGO® sets or even other 6-wide creations. I disassembled it in 2006. Revised to rename a file, add stickers, and update part references.

United States Postal Service van (6-wide)

A van like those used to deliver the mail in my planned unit development, built in 6-wide using a diecast Matchbox toy as a prototype. Flickr album. This somewhat-yellowed model remained relevant to compare with a new rendition from a fellow builder in Wamalug nearly two decades later. Revised to rename a file, add stickers, and update part references.

United States Postal Service transport truck (6-wide)

A truck of the type used for regional movements of mail, built in 6-wide. This construction received a certificate of recognition for outstanding creation in the category of highway vehicle in the Train Room awards at BrickFest™ 2002. Only one hidden piece! Flick album. The Northern Illinois LEGO® Train Club in 2003 built an adaptation of this model which was shorter, with different wheels, and lacking some details, but recognizable. Revised to rename files, add stickers, and update part references.

c.1930 Studebaker

As seen in a family photograph driven by my grandfather Slobodan Gođevac. Originally built and authored with brown 1×4 tile to represent folded roof. This construction received a certificate of recognition for outstanding creation in the category of highway vehicle in the Train Room awards at BrickFest™ 2002. Flickr album. Revised to rename files, adjust part position, and update part references.

World War II Jeep

A military vehicle based on the work of Matthias Martenson. Flickr album. Revised to rename files and update part references.

United States Postal Service delivery stepvan (4-wide)

A stepvan like those which might be used to pick up or deliver the mail to commercial and government buildings built in 4-wide to complement the 4-wide delivery van. Flickr album. Revised to create a multi-part file with stickers.

United States Postal Service delivery van (4-wide)

A van like those used to deliver the mail in my planned unit development built in 4-wide, based on my 6-wide model (authored later), to better match my 6-wide truck (also authored later). Flickr album. Revised to create multi-part file with stickers.

Wmata Metrorail Breda Cars Pair

Metrorail cars were a creation of Kevin M. Loch first displayed at a show in August of 2001 which later received the BrickFest™ 2002 Train Room MOC Award Certificate for Outstanding Creation in the Category of Traction. I closely observed a shortened version at the show in February and built my own, choosing to follow the prototype of the cars manufactured by Breda because this would reduce the number of corrugated bricks needed, bringing them to the show in June. Flickr album. I later revised the design for more detail at the ends of the cars. Revised to rename files and update part references.

Train Club Swap Container Spine Car Segment

A small 6-wide spine car segment I designed to carry two containers of the type that the LEGO® Train Clubs first swapped in the summer of 2002. I disassembled the creation in 2006. Flickr album. Revised to correct typo and update part references.

My first editor was BrickDraw3D 0.5b by Erik Olson.

Last updated on: 2025-02-14

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