Tag: nanoblock - Page 7 - Shy Gal's Building Blog

Review of nanoblock Chipmunk NBC_089

June 6, 2024February 29, 2024shygal

This post is a review of the nanoblock Chipmunk build. Chipmunk is part of the nanoblock Mini Collection series. Wondering what else is part of the Mini Collection? Click here for a list.

Number: NBC_089

Number of Pieces: 160

Difficulty Rating: 3/5

This build was a bit tricky because there are white and cream bricks. The colors are similar, so making sure I selected the right color just took paying extra attention.

This build is a level 3 difficulty. This is because there are a number of points where things are not square. This creates the idea that the blocks are smaller than they are. It is tricky to work around these non-centered pieces, but the instructions are good, so everything lines up properly.

The Chipmunk is broken into 3 sections, the head, body, and final details.

The first section is to build the head. The second step is where off-center bricks are introduced to the build. Other than the off-center bricks, the rest of the head goes up in simple layers. I really like how puffy the chipmunk’s cheeks are.

The second major section is to build the body of the chipmunk. The first layer of bricks includes an off-center brick. Then the body of the chipmunk goes up in fairly straightforward layers. At one point, the brick is actually held in place from the top instead of being held in place from the bottom.

The head is then attached to the body. There is a diagram that shows how to position the head on the body.

The final details are a couple of simple steps. The first is to add the feet to the chipmunk. To put the chipmunk on the base, I set the feet going straight instead of at an angle. The other step is to build and attach the tail. The tail is straightforward. There is also an acorn which is very straightforward.

There is a side-view photo that clearly shows how to attach the tail to the body.

Things I liked:

I really like how the chipmunk’s cheeks appear to be full and puffed up

Things I didn’t like:

I don’t like the random pink bricks that are used to create the paws

Review of nanoblock Son Goku CN-38

May 30, 2024December 7, 2023shygal

This post is a review of the nanoblock Son Goku build. Son Goku is part of the nanoblock charanano collection. Wondering what else is part of the charanano Collection? Click here for a list.

Number: CN-38

Number of Pieces: 300

Difficulty Rating: 3/5

This is a review of the super-detailed charanano Son Goku build. There is also a Son Goku and a Super Saiyan Son Goku that are part of the Dragonball Z collection. I really like the amount of detail that is in the build for the hair and the fact that he is making the classic blast move.

Unlike most builds, I had quite a bit of difficulty with this build. Normally I am able to tell which color I am supposed to use, but in this case, I wasn’t able to tell which steps used which shades of blue. I needed my husband to help count the 3x1s to figure out which blue should be used in each step.

This nanoblock build is made up of 3 main sections. There is the head, the body, and the Ki blast.

The first step of the nanoblock build is to create the head. The base layer is made of 2 sections that you build and combine. One of the sections has the studs off-center, so I wasn’t able to build the head using my pad. This meant that if I pushed too hard, the head could become separated. Most of the head build is creating the hair. I really like how the build captures the spikes of Goku’s hair.

The second major section of the build is to create the body. I was able to use my pad to build the body. The body is built up in layers like a normal build. The hardest part of this build is the fact that the body uses 2 shades of blue. When I looked at the directions, I couldn’t tell which shade was correct. I eventually figured it out and managed to complete the build.

The third major section is the Ki blast. It is a very straightforward build.

The final step is to put all the pieces together to complete the build and put the build in the display.

Things I liked:

The amount of detail in the hair
The background that you get for the display box

Things I didn’t like:

The fact that the blues are practically identical in the directions.

Review of nanoblock Katsuki Bakugo CN-31

May 23, 2024December 7, 2023shygal

This post is a review of the nanoblock Katsuki Bakugo build. Katsuki Bakugo is part of the nanoblock charanano collection. Wondering what else is part of the charanano collection? Click here for a list.

Names:

Real Name:Katsuki Bakugo
Nickname: Kacchan
Hero Name: Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight

Number: CN-31

Number of Pieces:

Difficulty Rating: 3/5

Bakugo is a member of class one 1A along with Izuku. His quirk is Explosion, allowing him to ignite his sweat to create explosions. He has been friends with Izuku since they were children. To read more about this character, check out the myheroacademia wiki.

This build is broken up into several parts. There is the head, both arms, the torso, the legs, and the feet. Bakugo’s arms have large pieces that look like grenades that are built up in brick form.

The most significant part of this build is by far the head. The head begins with a layer of skin-colored bricks. Next, you add a layer of black that creates the bottom of his mask. You continue to add layers to the front of the face. After a few layers, you begin a base layer and build up the back of the head. Then combine the front and back of the head to create a full head. Once the pieces are connected, you add layers of hair creating detailed spiky hair.

The next chunk you build is the torso. The torso is a simple 3 layers of bricks.

The next step is to build the left arm. You build up layers of bricks from a base. There is a skin-tone brick that sticks out on the back of the arm. There is also an excellent detail of the arm where you can see his fingers or hand at the end of the grenades. This is done by attaching the black bricks to the side of the section. You stick this arm to the torso.

Next, you build the right arm. The build is very similar to the left arm. The major difference is there the skin-tone piece comes out of the center of the build instead of the side. Once you build the left arm, you attach it to the torso.

The next step is to build the legs. I found the legs extremely tricky compared to the rest of the build. This is because there are a lot of finicky bits. I also have difficulty reading directions when the build is upside down. Once you build the legs, you attach the torso to the legs. At this point, you can also attach the head.

The final part of the build is to add the feet to the base. Once you build up the feet on the base, you attach the body and head. When I did my build, the legs kept breaking apart, and the arms didn’t want to stay connected.

Overall I really like this build. There is a ton of detail in Bakugo’s hero costume and hair.

Things I liked:

The amount of detail in the costume and hair

Things I didn’t like:

The fact the legs kept falling apart when I was building

Review of nanoblock Rilakkuma CN-23

May 16, 2024December 7, 2023shygal

This post is a review of the nanoblock Rilakkuma build. Rilakkuma is part of the nanoblock charanano collection. Wondering what else is part of the charanano collection? Click here for a list.

Number: CN-23

Number of Pieces:

Difficulty Rating: 2/5

There are several Rilakkuma builds created by nanoblock. Most of the builds are part of the character line. This bear is unique because it is part of the charanano line. This line is unique because the finished model comes in a display box, so you don’t have to dust the model.

This build is split between the head and the body. You begin with a base layer of brown. Next, you add layers using brown and white. Once you reach the top of the body, you build and attach the arms. The final step of the body is to take the base, attach the legs, and attach the body to the legs. The next step is to build the head. The head begins with a brown base. You add layers of brown to create the head. After a few layers, you add a custom brick that makes the nose. Once you add the nose, you add a layer with a gap for the eyes. Next, you add the eyes, which are also unique because they are more like circles on a pole instead of a brick. You hold the eye brick in place with 2×2 bricks. After adding the face details, you build the head in layers. In the layer where you close off the head, you add the golden brown for the inside of the ears. Then, you build up the ears to complete the head. The final step is to attach the head to the body.

Things I liked:

The custom nose brick and how it looks like it’s made of bricks
The round eye bricks

Review of nanoblock Korilakkuma CN-24

May 9, 2024December 7, 2023shygal

This post is a review of the nanoblock Korilakkuma build. Korilakkuma is part of the nanoblock charanano collection. Wondering what else is part of the charanano collection? Click here for a list.

Number: CN-24

Number of Pieces:

Difficulty Rating: 2/5

There are several Rilakkuma builds created by nanoblock. Most of the builds are part of the character line. This Korilakkuma is part of the charanano line. This line is unique because the finished model comes in a display box, so you don’t have to dust the model.

This build is split between the head and the body. You begin with a base layer of cream. Next, you add layers using cream and white. While building up, you add the red button on the top of the stomach. Once you reach the top of the body, you build and attach the arms. The final step of the body is to take the base, attach the legs, and attach the body to the legs. The next step is to build the head. The head begins with a base of cream. You add layers of cream to create the head. After a few layers, you add a custom brick that makes the nose. Once you add the nose, you add a layer with a gap for the eyes. Next, you add the eyes, which are also unique because they are more like circles on a pole instead of a brick. You hold the eye brick in place with 2×2 bricks. After adding the face details, you build the head in layers. In the layer where you close off the head, you add pink for the inside of the ears. Then, you build up the ears to complete the head. The final step is to attach the head to the body.

Things I liked:

The custom nose brick and how it looks like it’s made of bricks
The round eye bricks

Review of nanoblock King Doraemon CN-25

May 2, 2024December 7, 2023shygal

This post is a review of the nanoblock King Doraemon build. King Doraemon is part of the nanoblock charanano collection. Wondering what else is part of the charanano collection? Click here for a list.

Number: CN-25

Number of Pieces:

Difficulty Rating: 2/5

Doraemon is a robot that comes from the future. There is a line of builds featuring several different characters from the anime in the character line. King Doraemon is for the 50th anniversary of Doraemon and is part of the charanano line, which is unique because of the display boxes.

I really like this build because it has an asymmetrical shape for the body. The build begins with a clear base and an outline of white bricks. You then add a layer of white bricks. It is hard to tell which bricks are part of the new layer and which were in the previous layer when you are laying white bricks throughout the build. In the third step, you add Doraemon’s blue and the cape’s red. You continue to layer up the red, white, and blue to create the build adding various details. In step 6, you add the outstretched right arm and held it in place with 1 stud. The one stud is locked in place in the next layer, so it is sturdy in place. Because the brick from Step 6 is curved, you can angle the arm as you want. The next major step after adding on the arm creating and attaching the scepter. I found this step tricky because the bottom was so flimsy it kept breaking off as I continued to build. I ended up waiting until the end to attach the scepter so that it wouldn’t fall off. The final step for the body is to connect the bell on the front of Doraemon.

The next major part of the build is to build the head. You begin with a ring of blue and white bricks. You add layers of blue and white along with pink and red for the mouth. You continue to add layers, adding facial details and slowly closing up the head. After closing up the head, you add the crown. You add yellow and red that curves up and flatten out to create a crown. You add a final brown brick at the top of the crown. Since the head is completed, you can now attach the head to the body. Once connected, you add Doraemon’s whiskers as the final step of the build.

Now that you have the completed build, it’s time to get it into the case. This build is more complicated than the other charanano builds because the bottom of the robe flows over the edge of the base brick. This means that the cardboard doesn’t curve down over the build.

Things I liked:

The fact I can position the arm

Things I didn’t like:

Getting the scepter to attach properly is difficult.

Review of nanoblock Pacific White-Sided Dolphin NBC_191

April 25, 2024December 7, 2023shygal

Pacific White-Sided Dolphin build and packaging

This post is a review of the nanoblock Pacific White-Sided Dolphin build. Pacific White-Sided Dolphin is part of the nanoblock Mini Collection series. Wondering what else is part of the Mini Collection? Click here for a list.

Number: NBC_191

Number of Pieces: 110

Difficulty Rating: 2/5

Pacific White-Sided Dolphin build front view

The dolphin is fairly straightforward. The hardest part is telling whether the bricks for the step are white or light grey. Each step in my directions listed what color was needed for each step, so it was easier to tell which color to use.

Pacific White-Sided Dolphin build side view

The main body is built in layers. I wasn’t able to build the kit on the nanoblock pad because the base layer has socket joints, so it won’t lay flat.

After building the main section, the nose section is built and added. After adding the nose, the back and dorsal fin are added.

Pacific White-Sided Dolphin build back view

The next step is to add the tail. Getting the tail centered was a bit tricky because one section is much larger than the other section.

The final step is to build the stand and add the fins. The stand is clear and great because it allows the dolphin to be posed in various positions, which is great.

Pacific White-Sided Dolphin build font 3/4 view

Things I liked:

I really liked how posable the dolphin is because of the stand it is on

Things I didn’t like:

Telling the white versus the light grey was really difficult in the directions

Review of nanoblock Orca NBC_136

April 18, 2024December 7, 2023shygal

This post is a review of the nanoblock Orca build. Orca is part of the nanoblock Mini Collection series. Wondering what else is part of the Mini Collection? Click here for a list.

Number: NBC_136

Number of Pieces: 110

Difficulty Rating: 2/5

The build is mostly one large section building the main body of the Orca. It goes up in layers and can be built on the nanoblock pad. The layers create a hollow tube that is closed on the ends. The layers are pretty straightforward, but it is difficult to tell the eyes are rounded bricks, and I spent a lot of time looking for a square piece.

After building the body, the next step is to build the fins and tail. These are all attached using ball joints.

Things I liked:

I like how posable the fins and tail are.
I like how there is a clear base, so it looks like the orca is floating

Things I didn’t like:

It was really hard to tell that the eyes were rounded bricks

Link to order:

Review of nanoblock Jurassic Park Pteranodon

April 11, 2024December 7, 2023shygal

This post is a review of the nanoblock Jurassic Park Pteranodon build. Jurassic Park Pteranodon is part of the nanoblock Universal Studios Japan collection. Wondering what else is part of the Universal Studios Japan collection? Click here for a list.

Number of Pieces: 130

Difficulty Rating: 3/5

I bought this kit used, so I wasn’t sure if I would get all the parts. While building, I realized I was missing a 4×1 brick. I was able to switch the square 4×1 to a rounded 4×1 brick. The sign that is a stack of bricks with a sticker was also already built with the sticker attached, so I didn’t need to build that.

The first thing that you build is the body of the Pteranodon. It takes work to make sure everything is lined up and centered. This is because many sections combine even and odd bricks, with the center of the odd being between the studs of the even.

The next step is to build the head. The head is fairly straightforward, with long sections hanging off the head.

Next is to build the wings. Each wing is a stack of bricks that are only 1 brick thick. The wings are identical but mirrored. The wings are made of rounded bricks so they can move a bit. This is also where I traded out the 1×4 brick that I mentioned earlier.

The last step is to prepare the build for display. First, a tower of clear bricks is added to the bottom of the Pteranodon. Then the sign is built by building a stack of bricks and attaching a sticker. The Pteranodon is held in place by 2 bricks, allowing the dinosaur to be at an angle.

Things I liked:

I like the color of the Pteranodon. It is an unusual color that isn’t used very often.

Things I didn’t like:

I don’t like how there are a few random teal blocks that don’t match the rest of the build. The color change is completely random, and it doesn’t add anything to the build

Review of nanoblock Statue of Liberty NBM-003

April 4, 2024March 12, 2024shygal

This post is a review of the nanoblock Statue of Liberty build. The Statue of Liberty is part of the nanoblock Advanced Hobby collection. Wondering what else is part of the Advanced Hobby Collection? Click Here for a list.

Number: NBM-003

Country: USA

Number of Pieces: 620

Difficulty Rating: 4/5

This build is made up of 2 major parts. There is the base and the actual statue.

The base is extremely straightforward. There are several layers of brown. I like the details of the indents that are on the base.

Building the actual statue is a bit more tricky. Each layer builds the outside rings creating a hollow column. There are bricks hanging out to create the flowing robes. I think that the details on the front and back look really nice.

Then you connect the body of the state to the base. The final steps are to connect the arm and the head. The head looks ok but getting the arm lined up properly due to the directions.

The build also comes with several nanoids. I didn’t include them in my build because I don’t feel like they match the scale.

Things I liked:

I like the green that they used for the statue

Things I didn’t like:

That the tablet the statue is holding is just a loose brick