For each issue of BrickJournal Magazine, the BrickNerd team creates instructions for a LEGO mini-model to go with the theme of the cover story. For a recent issue about Classic Space, we created a Mini Vic Viper.
What is NoVVember?
NoVVember is a LEGO MOC theme month centered around the ‘Vic Viper’ style of spaceship. Based on a sprite from the Gradius game series and popularized by the late Nate “nnenn” Nielson, the Vic Viper style is distinct with a specific alignment of wings and fins.
Here are a few examples built by BrickNerd superfan Scott Wilhelm, currently on sale to raise funds for Creations for Charity. Now allow us to tell you a bit about this charity before we get back to spaceships.
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Creations for Charity raises funds to give LEGO to kids in need around the world, so go buy a BrickNerd Nerdly and tune into Beyond the Brick’s 12-hour livestream from noon to midnight EST on Saturday, November 29th. You might even win the Death Star!
But back to Vic Vipers, this unofficial building collab has also even been immortalized in LEGO set form, as the Alien Conquest subtheme features a spaceship that fits the standard.
Designing a Mini Vic Viper
Now that you know all about NoVVember, when I’m looking to make instructions like the Vic Viper, it all starts with a specific new part that I want to use in an interesting way. This time it was the stud shooter. I just really liked its shape, and it looked perfect for rocket nozzles! I also used long curved slopes to build the forward prongs. Another trick I use often is to cover visible undersides with rocker plates. That gave me the idea for the big guns.
When I build ships in this size, I usually use flags for wings. I love how thin and smooth they are. Like many times before, I used the hexagonal flag and put it at the same angle as the rest of the ship. Lastly, for the dorsal tail fin, I also used a flag for the same reasons. I experimented a while to get the right angle I wanted, and I am pleased with how it turned out.
How to Build a LEGO Vic Viper
Here are the step-by-step instructions to build this LEGO Vic Viper. You can make as many different variations as you like by changing up the colors to match whatever look or Classic Space faction you love most!
So go grab some pieces and start making a fleet of Vic Vipers!
Vic Vipers in Spaaace!
You can download the instructions with a full part list that BrickJournal published here. You can also purchase a copy of the entire issue here.
What Classic Space faction colors will you choose for your Vic Viper? Let us know in the comments below!
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