LEGO full build: R-104 Metal Heart

[@User_Error385]

So much techniques used that I learned in this video rather than a whole book trying to explain Lego techniques. The awesomeness is awesome

[@nicktrotta]

Awww, I'm delighted that you found some of the technique inspirational. 😁 I'm happy to share back to this awesome community.

[@User_Error385]

@ I’m fine with that

[@kidrobot.]

lol at you

[@forentertainment3259]

This man is operating on a level beyond what most dream of.

[@toads807]

Probably my favorite build I’ve ever seen. I’d definitely buy this if it were a set

[@nicktrotta]

Wow, I'm delighted that you enjoyed the model so much! Thanks! ☺️

[@gamerdad1980]

same here, too bad R•Type is too niche for Lego to mass produce it :(

[@pillepolle3122]

@@gamerdad1980 could be an ideas set

[@isisbarfuss558]

2:01 I never once thought about using shovels before, let alone in THAT way! That looks awesome! I will keep that technique in mind.

[@nicktrotta]

Thanks a lot! ❤️ I felt kind of giddy when I got the shovels working on the bench, and am glad it translated for you. 😁 Go forth and re-use it!

[@constellar6330]

these building technics are really putting the official designers to shame... no matter how much my kid self studied building techniques, i will always stay baffled by such creations!

[@jaumeroca9612]

Building something that looks as good as this is literally my dream.

[@nicktrotta]

You can do it! 👍 Fwiw... I'd strongly encourage just jumping in, building something fun, enjoy yourself, not worrying about the final product. But live with each build process for a (looong) while: iterate, tear it all apart and recreate stronger, gather feedback from other people, experiment, and add experience through each build. 🙂

[@oddd2833]

Fr it looks complex

[@Flash-Strike]

I build small first. a few variations. (micro size) Thm scale up. and it is important 2 sort some good parts beforehand I like take car kit => nd make a mecha ... so on BEST LUCK

[@wisahkecahk4053]

As a huge fan of the R-TYPE series video games-I must say this should be an official lego set!!!! The sheer satisfaction of seeing you put this build together with all the design elements is on another level!!!! RESPECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!🤩

[@nicktrotta]

Awww, thanks so much! ❤️ I'm glad you feel the "R-Type"-ness from the model. Awesome! 😊 I find it very 'satisfying' to build, so I feel kind of joyful hearing that you got some of that satisfaction watching it come together. Appreciated!

[@lupolinar]

Hell no, LEGO would ruin it.

[@craig8876]

The cleverness and creativity of this build is mind blowing. I've been buying and building premium MOCs for years, and none of them come close to this. And you put the parts list up for free! Absolute legend.

[@nicktrotta]

Awww, thank you! ☺️ I'm happy to share and delighted that you enjoyed it so much. ❤️

[@larkindumelod8960]

Bloody masterpiece mate. You belong to the top 1% of builders in terms of technical skill, I'd reckon.

[@M0torsagmannen]

absolutely love the engines on this one. whole ship looks amazing

[@nicktrotta]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks! 😊 (As it happens, I'm actually a personal fan of the engines too 😂😂😂 and feels fun at the end to slide that full section onto the main ship.)

[@TK2501]

I dabble in MOCing myself, and this is a masterclass in SNOT-building that I am light years away from achieving. The techniques and most of all, the compactness of it all is WILD! LEGO hats off to you.

[@nicktrotta]

Aww -- I appreciate the tip of your LEGO hat. 😊❤️ Thanks for the nice feedback and happy MOCing!

[@Richter.Belmont]

Absolutely gorgeous build. R-Type games are pretty nostalgic 😅

[@nicktrotta]

Thanks! I'm touched that you feel the R-Type-ness in the model. ❤️ I feel that nostalgia for those games too...

[@Squirrelsquid]

Man, that is one exceptional MOC. Love R-Type. Subscribed!

[@brick_lizard]

So many mind blowing techniques. Your builds always give me so much inspiration! Thank you for not only continuing to build such impressive models, but also sharing them with all of us for free!

[@nicktrotta]

Awww, thanks so much for your kind feedback, as usual. 🙇❤️ I continue to be happy to share, and it's encouraging/joyful to hear that it gave you some inspiration. Appreciated!

[@SolidVash]

I absolutely loved watching this ship be built. The music choice and click effects when pieces snapped together made it pretty exciting. Please make more like this!

[@nicktrotta]

Awww, thank you so much for the kind feedback! It's very encouraging. 🙇 I'm delighted that you enjoyed it!

[@Ragequit47]

Nice, love the colors and design, Very fitting in my opinion.

[@haggard1987]

This is the coolest thing I have ever seen built in LEGO

[@DannyStuart]

Instantly screams R-type! Amazing build.

[@nicktrotta]

Thanks! I'm happy you felt 'R-Type'-ness from it, awesome! 😃

[@OwnageMancer]

Easily the most beautiful lego build I’ve ever seen, and I don’t think anything even comes close. The details on the engines alone are gorgeous.

[@nicktrotta]

Awww, I'm glad you enjoyed it so much. Thanks! ☺️

[@adhdorangutan]

That looks incredible, the build doesnt seem too flimsy and actually has very solid structure integrity , incredible work.

[@nicktrotta]

Appreciated! I'm glad you liked it. ☺️ I lived with the model in design for a long while and took opportunities to refactor/improve the core/frame/structure iteratively. The result is indeed solid + strong, relatively speaking. Cheers!

[@n-credible0753]

This is ridiculous! I believe your work is the cleanest Lego building I've ever seen! When seeing your ship designs I can't help but think of the designs in the Ratchet and Clank video games. I'd love to see you do something from the game franchise!

[@nicktrotta]

Appreciated -- I'm glad you enjoyed it. 😊 And thanks for the suggestion! ❤️ I adore those games and the Insomniac R&C aesthetic is fantastic. Thinking fondly about those experiences now... 🙌

[@raymondlinton4703]

Watching this build process was a euphoric experience. There's a lot of amazing build techniques in this that I hope to learn from. Great job on both the build and the video quality!

[@nicktrotta]

Awww, I'm delighted to hear that it brought you some joy. ❤️❤️❤️ Thanks so much!

[@Snakey_Builds]

An absolute masterpiece!!! Amazing techniques

[@KrimsonWing]

OK that’s literally only the coolest thing I’ve ever seen this year that’s literally

[@nicktrotta]

Hahaha, thanks! 😂❤️ (Yay new years post, whew!)

[@benjaminstenlund1646]

Always worth the wait! Thank you for recording these videos, they are very inspiring and interesting.

[@nicktrotta]

Awww, I deeply appreciate the kind feedback and encouragement. Thanks a lot! 😁❤️

[@GstrOfficial2006]

How the hell. Bro, this is insane. Not even Lego makes stuff like this😮😮😮🔥🔥🔥

[@nicktrotta]

Thanks, I'm happy you enjoyed it! ☺️

[@jarrettreboton4661]

Bro I am mindblown that this isn't a Lego set. You deserved to be hired by Lego, and as a builder I am inspired as well.

[@Zeriel00]

If this was a Lego set it would cost thousands of dollars

[@jarrettreboton4661]

@Zeriel00 true...

[@Zeriel00]

@@jarrettreboton4661 I wish the guy who made this video would've made a walkthrough and a list of parts to buy. The best thing is that we could build it over time and not have to spend all the money upfront. Its a shame he didnt do it though :(

[@nicktrotta]

Awww -- Thanks! I'm especially glad it inspired you as a builder. 😊

[@nicktrotta]

I shared the cad file and parslist on my site, but yeah, I sadly didn't have the time to make a full video walkthrough and/or step-wise instructions, either of which would be needed by most builders. If I find space, I'd like to create the other material in the future. ✅😊

[@Quackinator12Guage]

Another amazing design! Hope these shorter videos aren't replacing the longer fully voiced ones though, those are my favourite.

[@nicktrotta]

I'm happy you enjoyed the model! I feel extremely touched by your request for the longer video format, it's such kind feedback! ☺️❤️🙇 Wow! However, I'm so sorry, but at the moment I don't have the time to create the other format construction video for this build; I may take a crack in the future if space opens up, but it's far from certain. Apologies! 😞

[@Quackinator12Guage]

@nicktrotta No apologies necessary, appreciate all the work you put in to every Moc and video, thanks!

[@artofsylr]

I just realized this build (which I’ve been watching it come together) is R-Type!!! Awesome!!!

[@nicktrotta]

Aww, cool! I'm happy you could feel the R-Type inspiration. Thanks! ☺️

[@caleb2157]

I rlly like the design of this ship🤩🤩 and i’d love to build it following the steps you took, pls release step by step guide soon if you haven’t already 🙏🏽

[@leegarnier9396]

I feel like such a caveman in comparison. This solutions and techniques you found for this build are incredibly creative and varied. The model turned out spectacular.

[@kcrain81]

Dude! I love this ship, and I love all your designs on your website. These are SICK. Seriously impressive!

[@nicktrotta]

Aww, thanks! I'm super happy that you're enjoying the work so much. 😁❤️

[@undercomposition]

This is the coolest Lego build I have ever seen.

[@Zenith_3469]

Idk why and how. But everything about this spaceship is awesome. The wings, the guns, the engines. Everything!

[@nicktrotta]

Hahaha, thanks a ton! ☺️ I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@fredmetzge4666]

This is absolutely mindblowingly gorgeous! ❤

[@danieleperlini7935]

Really impressive work, extreme quantity of details

[@DNovac]

This is hell of insane assembling technics. Looks unreal amazing =)

This is so overengineered and overbuilt, I love it.

[@dani27more11]

This is pure art, you are an absolute beast of a lego builder. Insane work, this is a masterpiece in every way

[@nicktrotta]

That's so kind -- I'm delighted that you enjoyed it so much! 😊

[@jamiwestergard7339]

Hey man. I am so, so happy to see a new ship, and a new video from you! Truly amazing build. I sincerely hope you can find the time to make a longer video with you just talking, because I really love the slow pace on those. Thanks again for the inspiration. Jami from Finland

[@nicktrotta]

As I mention to a couple others here, I am truly touched by that. It means a lot to me that you enjoy the (looong) format with (so much) speech. Awww! Thank you for sharing! 🙇❤️ But sadly I don't presently have the time to create that format for this model. (though there's chance I find space in the future) Sincere apologies for that! 😞

[@Arsonop]

Omg I would buy this with ZERO hesitation! Awesome build!!

[@jaumeroca9612]

This is the best build I've seen in 2024. So amazing, from the core to the whole look.

[@nicktrotta]

Awww, I'm happy you enjoyed the model so much. Thanks! ☺️

[@Superninjajoe]

Excellent! Knew it was R-type by the thumbnail alone, great job!

[@nicktrotta]

Thanks! I really appreciate that you could feel R-Type even from the tiny image. Awesome! ❤️

[@Leo1_Lego]

Yet another awesome, mind-blowing model. I see you've really capitalised on the new pieces, putting them to great use! Seriously good job. As someone else mentioned, I would love to see a detailed breakdown of this model with commentary, as you have done with previous models - although I understand if you've chosen not to, I imagine they take a lot of effort to produce. Happy New Year, I look forward to your next model (albeit probably a long wait!).

[@nicktrotta]

I heartily appreciate the kind feedback, thanks! So happy that you like the model. ☺️ Yay, new parts! 🎉 And as I mentioned the other person too, I feel very touched by the request for the other format video. ❤️ Awww. But alas, I don't currently have the time to make one for this model. It's indeed a lot of effort. I'm sorry about that! 😔 (If things open up, I might be able to in the future.) Happy New Year in return! I resolve to do my best to produce a 2025 model...I need to get on that! 😅

[@automotiverenderings]

Incredible building techniques

[@markoffalworth]

An incredible feat of LEGO engineering! 👏👏👏👏

[@nicktrotta]

Awww, thanks so much! ☺️

[@1980VINZ]

Absolutely GORGEOUS.

[@liberatumplox625]

Every video, you expand my concept of what is possible. Truly masterful!

[@nicktrotta]

Awww -- I'm quite touched that the models have made such an impact for you. ❤️ Thank you! 🙇‍♂️

[@WinchesterxNL]

This looks soooooo good! Wouldn't mind being able to replicate this at some point

[@ogel3747]

Absolutely Incredible, I hope there will be instructions in the future this looks completely insane (still cant believe its 100% lego)

[@nicktrotta]

Thanks for the kind feedback, I'm glad you enjoyed it! 😊 I do hope to get step-wise instructions out at some point 👍, but for now it's just the parts inventory and digital file. Cheers!

[@jcKobeh]

The design is fantastic. Sent me back to being a kid playing space sim games and just being in love with spiky pod spaceships like this one. And i could really imagine the engineering behind your choices, and the names for the parts really sold me on the fiction. Absolutely loved it.

[@nicktrotta]

Thanks, I'm delighted that you enjoyed it so much. 😊 I'm strongly with you on the spiky-pod ship aesthetic 😁 and happy that this one translated well for you. And I had help on the section naming, pulled liberally from the R-Type universe, added to my imagination too. ❤️ Cheers!

[@jcKobeh]

@nicktrotta oooh, I'd never heard of R-Type but I can definitely see the inspiration. I was thinking of FreeSpace 2: Colossus. If you've never heard of it I'd strongly suggest looking up its opening cinematic here on youtube

[@nicktrotta]

That was a fun reference. Thanks!

[@Yogington]

Absolutely insane build. Good grief.

[@Bravefish90]

I LOVE the R type series and I love Lego, this is awesome!

[@nicktrotta]

Brilliant, I'm happy that it hit both notes for you! 😊❤️

[@FoxKnight-1]

I'm impressed by your skill in technique and design! What a nice way to enter 2025. Thank you for sharing your creation! 😃

[@nicktrotta]

I appreciate the kind feedback, thanks a lot! I feel honored to have added a bit to your new years. ❤️

[@lego4virgo]

I know nothing about the R-Series game, but this is a fantastic build!

[@nixhammer34]

In just one video it became one of my favorite spaceship accross all media

[@nicktrotta]

Awww, wow, thanks! I'm delighted you enjoyed it so much! ❤️☺️

[@akisbibis257]

This is one of the coolest looking lego spaceships I've ever seen. I would love to see your take on Samus's Gunship from the Metroid series

[@nicktrotta]

Thanks, I'm happy you enjoyed the model! 😊 And I appreciate the nudge on Samus' craft, it's an excellent one. ❤️

[@DR__Church]

Some mind-bogglingly good construction going on with beaut. A very impressive spacecraft!

[@nicktrotta]

Thanks! I'm happy that you enjoyed that build. ☺️

[@ErreErre.]

It's impossible to forget the epic and best line of Lego: Lego Space (1980) ..!!! This project I hope stimulate Lego Corp. to make new ships and new chapters for all followers of this side of toys history before the end of this enterprise. Lego Space, ask and look.. R.❤

[@nicktrotta]

I'm crazy about LEGO space line, so much wonderful nostalgia so much inspiration for me. ❤️ I'm glad that this model touched that kind of chord for you. 😊 Cheers!

[@TinyBasementWorkshop]

🤯🤯🤯 a totally different way of using LEGOs! They should make this a set!

[@JamesLibrary]

Nick, this is next level stuff! Possibly your best build ever. 🚀

[@nicktrotta]

Awww, thanks a lot! I'm glad you enjoyed it. ❤️

[@adriangogl701]

The creativity and build quality of this MOC is beyond what I have ever seen before! Thank you!

[@nicktrotta]

I'm happy to share and glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@borisziegler6359]

Great imagination, that leads to an awesome design. The colors you choose to use are gorgeous. Your technique is at an ingeneer level... what a creation. This is what is so great about lego. Congratulation for your work.

[@nicktrotta]

Thank you for the kind feedback! I'm happy you enjoyed it. ☺️

[@richardsteele6685]

That looks awesome. It really does remind me of R-Type. You totally nailed it.

[@nicktrotta]

Thanks so much! I'm really glad it brought the "R-Type"-ness for you. 😁

[@primadeca4062]

Awesome build

[@SaberFTW]

Lego and Rtype needs to be more of a thing!

[@KabegamiTheGreat]

The internals are so colorful

[@nicktrotta]

Yah, I do love the color! 😁🌈 The internal contrasts are very helpful to me when building/refactoring so that I can more easily remember how things go together, and they're also a great way to use up spare parts from my collection. As an aside, in the past some people mentioned to me that the colors essential for them to understand what's happening in the video, as would be hard/impossible if all just monotone.

[@rtyryt3058]

You need to build the SDF-1 next! You have incredible talent, and this is one of the best builds I’ve ever seen!

[@nicktrotta]

Thanks so much! ☺️ As for an SDF-1, I appreciate it ❤️, but oh wow I'd be working fooorrreeeevvveer at that scale. I should take on a microscale challenge at some point, though. 🤔 Cheers!

[@kenjianimates]

This is the first thing I watched when I just woke up. It must be a dream.

[@nicktrotta]

Awww, I'm thrilled that you enjoyed it so much. 😊

[@Jesus_Is_Lord_127]

This. Is. AMAZING!

[@omergulmez]

Nick, this build is awesome. I wish the official Lego Space theme would look something like this - although I know this is impossible. But as a kid I wish that the space theme would have looked like this. Imagine different space ships, stations, etc. like this. Great job!

[@nicktrotta]

Thanks so much! 😊 I love the callback to the old themes, they are nostalgic to me as well. ❤️ And back then, if one could look at the kind of construction taking place today... 🤯 ...would have been so fun. Cheers!

[@natsunaorathegodofillusion7915]

Sick music and an even sicker looking ship?! HEEEEEEEEEELL *YEAH* BROTHA! XD

[@vashht]

Great video. Your lego builds are on another level. I like to see the complete build with music in a shorter format. You could make this kind of videos with your other great builds

[@nicktrotta]

Thank you so much! ❤️ And I appreciate the encouragement for this format! 🙇‍♂️ (I need time... Making videos takes a lot of it for me, including this format, when I'd rather be exploring some new model 😂 but I'd certainly like to revisit+share if I find space!)

[@tunguska1576]

This is awesome, it's like it takes inspiration from both the R-9K Sunday Strike and the R-9B Strider. Very well made man, this should be official lol

[@nicktrotta]

Awesome, thanks! ❤️ -- I appreciate the specific ship callouts. When starting the design I created a kind of 'mood board' with a selection of R-Type ships and loadouts, that I felt were both kind of 'iconic' or had aspects I found particularly pleasing. I'm thrilled that you can feel the inspiration from the final model, and the callout to the specific R iterations is super fun. 😁 Cheers!

[@tunguska1576]

@@nicktrotta Yes! It felt so good to see the inspirations, you know how often peeps do only minimal research? Any other would prolly just do the R-9 Arrowhead and call it a day but you went beyond and did your own thing, that's awesome

[@МихаилФармин-у9о]

Великолепная работа,титанический труд. Такую модель нужно запускать в серийное производство. Покупка однозначно!!!

[@stefannafets7828]

This is far beyond brilliant! Please do the famous R-9 Type! :)

[@nicktrotta]

I'm happy you enjoyed it, thanks! I really appreciate the push/desire for a specific R iteration (eg the classic Arrowhead ❤️❤️❤️) but I struggle to model a "real" ship. This takes inspiration from many R-Type ships (kind of like a mood board) with some of my own spin, so the freedom helped a lot. 😂

[@denigrisdaniele]

masterpiece!

[@rc-fannl7364]

I thought it was a model kit, amazing stuff

[@2bitcollector707]

Wow, so much talent, congrats on an awesome build.

[@nicktrotta]

Thanks so much! ☺️

[@Nandel67120]

Just awesome !!! You're an artist 😍

[@SteineimWeltall]

Awesome build. I like it. 👍

[@mkrenz]

Incredible. Well done. 👍

[@FOXduFutur]

Both the build and the final shape are amazing, congrats ! And thanks alot for sharing this video 😊 !

[@nicktrotta]

Thanks a lot! I'm glad to share and happy that you enjoyed the model. ☺️

[@shroomzzz]

Damn...that's some Mike Psiaki level of design skills!

[@nicktrotta]

(That's so kind / too kind! Thanks!) I once had a fortunate opportunity to hear a presentation from him at a convention and have a bit of conversation. And, wow-oh-wow, he's *stellar*! ❤️❤️❤️ I wish I had those System skills!

[@Jusumoner]

Please submit this to Lego Ideas! Never been soo amazed by a Lego moc so far.

[@nicktrotta]

I appreciate the interest and nudge... 🤔 Thanks so much!

[@EnRandomSten]

ok so usually when you see those snot cores you'll get a bunch of questionable connections that look fiddly at the best of times. Not here though, that thing looks SOLID. The amount of like, proper multi-point connections in such a detailed design is honestly impressive.

[@nicktrotta]

Thanks a lot! I appreciate your support for a (sometimes overlooked, always working) model core. ❤️😉 The structure here is indeed solid. I lived with the mdoel through design for a good long time, and refactored/improved the internals iteratively. I found it helpful to tag off physical/digital in tandem, so I could see how it felt IRL and then improve the core/frame/structure to shore things up. Cheers!

[@labounti]

This is a masterpiece from the GOAT of shooters series. The build techniques are brilliant. Bruh, you have to do a version of Sophia from Blaster Master.

[@nicktrotta]

Thanks a lot, I'm happy you enjoyed it. ❤️ And thanks for the build suggestion. It would be an awesome bit of inspiration, but I'd need to go back to vehicles. Hmmm. 🤔😅 Cheers!

[@DailyFrankPeter]

That's a really interesting (and nutty) way to approach colour... As a fan of the Galactic Empire colour scheme ;), I respect this a lot!

[@nicktrotta]

I'm happy you like the scheme! ❤️ Glad to be a bit 'nutty', I'm such a fan of bold colors in my sci-fi. 😂

[@borisaustria4301]

Sir, you just earned my subscription!!

[@mitsubishigenetech]

Wow :o The design, the colors, the music reminded me of Cyber Shadow.

[@nicktrotta]

Thanks a lot! ❤️ I had to look up the reference and it looks awesome. I appreciate the comparison. 😊

[@Hannahmeowcat]

This melted my brain holy moly

[@Zabadak]

WOW that is really impresive 👍👍👍 it was a joy to watch this

[@nicktrotta]

I'm delighted that you enjoyed it. ☺️

[@bedrockcommands1786]

awesome man

[@bobbyp4025]

Off topic I'd love a starfox arwing after seeing your awesome idea

[@curtisnewton895]

dude, this gotta bee an official set

[@nicktrotta]

Awww, I appreciate that! It's a nice dream for me. But sadly there would be sooo many challenges with making this into a set, not limited to how it's it's extremely parts-dense, probably not reasonable. Alas! 😭

[@Deepcover999]

Perhaps your coolest ship to date! & love the new video format :)

[@nicktrotta]

Yay -- I'm glad you like the model, and feel encouraged that you enjoyed this format. Thanks! 😁

[@alphonsedanlta-mk2]

That's f***ing awesome !! R-Type AND LEGO...you rule !!

[@artofsylr]

Now, for the builder booklet 😊

[@nicktrotta]

Ah, I sadly haven't had the time to create step-wise instructions. 😑 There's shared cad file and partslist for people extremely experienced with those tools. If I can find future space I'll perhaps be able to make typical instructions.

[@psmith6166]

Amazing job!

[@hamishharris3693]

Those spades are awesome