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Reid has quite a talent for building LEGO vehicles and spaceships. He’s been a serious builder for over 2 years. When we get a new kit we’ll both work to put it together. Reid often doesn’t need or use the instructions. His dad (me) does. Once the model is assembled, it’s difficult to say how long it will last in that form. One of his most recent, a Star Wars AT-ST, is still being proudly displayed on the kitchen table. But eventually it too will begin to morph. Reid will take parts from it, or add to it, in a gradual evolution of the kit into something original.

Once the kit has dissolved into the mass of bricks that is his collection, I will sometimes see an echo of the original model — usually triggered because some sub-assembly is still intact. Usually though, Reid will start with a new idea and build something unique. I love his thinking, and watching his creative process.

Here’s a quick tour of some of his original work. Be sure to click on a picture and browse around the gallery. There is more there than is shown here.

The Sail Car

This one has rigging like a sailboat. Or a solar sail perhaps. Ingenious and asymmetrically aesthetic.

Armed Roadster

For those times when all you need an open top and a couple of guns.

Industrial Truck

This one has quite an industrial look and a wire mounted front to back. A towing hook or a conductive wire perhaps? I need to ask Reid.

Armed Freighter

For when you need to carry some boxes and keep someone from stealing them

Space Tow Truck

I couldn’t quite tell if this was one vehicle or one vehicle towing another. Reid didn’t seem to care. Which I also thought was pretty cool.

My Favorite

Definitely my favorite. Quite a bit of life for such a small number of bricks.

R2′s Ship

Even an astro droid needs his own ship.

The Snorkel

I love the front end on this one.

Executive Touring Truck

I’m not sure, but it looks like he’s having a good time.