Welcome to Season 7 – Round 2 of Iron Builder!
Who will take home the crown?
Our defending Iron Builder Champion Jonah Schultz or our challenger Maxx Davidson?
![](https://iron.builders/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Bat.jpg)
And the seed part is…
This round’s seed part is the baseball bat in metallic silver.
Now our two contestants have 14 days to come up with amazing and inspiring creations featuring this seed part. Wish them luck! They’ll better get cracking!
Who are you rooting for? Who will take it home? Whose builds reign supreme?
Only one way to find out! ALLEZ BRICK!
![](https://iron.builders/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/53853769836_4053a7d025_k.jpg)
The Carpenter
Wood you like to play a game? I’ll try not to paint you into a corner too early on but if you want my advice, sometimes you don’t need to measure twice to cut into the competition!
![](https://iron.builders/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/53855156735_a881307482_k.jpg)
Fall of an Empire
I’m not here to play around @mrmaxxwell, so I’ll go ahead and get serious right off the bat. I intend on keeping my throne and if you don’t watch out, your dreams of greatness may just end up being ruined! Now let’s fire this thing up and get to building!
![](https://iron.builders/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/53858367698_b91b6bcf0e_k.jpg)
Recursive photo room
Alright Jonah, let me show you how it’s done. No, seriously, this is how it was done! Tri as hard as you want but there’s no room for error. Clock’s ticking on your next submission!
![](https://iron.builders/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/53859932439_8ff94e00d5_k.jpg)
The Getaway
Your photography setup is cute Maxx, I’ll give you that – but a white background is very last decade of you, don’t you think? Don’t worry though, you’ll catch up eventually Although I’m afraid your chances of winning are quicky escaping… And all that monkeying around isn’t helping your case. I, however, have my ticket to success in hand and won’t be letting it go!
![](https://iron.builders/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/53863022645_06803e4c87_k.jpg)
Bunnybot
Last decade? I’m living in the future! I know there’s still time left, but let’s settle this hare and now! I’m springing into action, and unlike the proverbial rabbit I won’t be resting before the finish line 😉
![](https://iron.builders/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/53865036735_77bedfe344_k.jpg)
Interstate 10 is really backed up today.
Are you toying with me? I know what rabbits look like, and they’re not heavily-armed war machines… Regardless, my builds are already domino-ting yours, so you’ll need much more than your red and white minion to bring me down. Be warned – I’ve been training up for this and I’m prepared for every eventuality!
![](https://iron.builders/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/53867111408_a015bbbab7_k.jpg)
Arcade Cabinet
Oh, am I pushing your buttons? You could build until you’re in your 80s and I’d still be showing you new techniques! It’s been a joy(stick) competing against you, but you’ll need to put a quarter down, because I’ve got this game covered 😉
![](https://iron.builders/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/53868542927_cdf1d09393_k.jpg)
Test your strength!
While you still have your nose in a book, I’m hammering out more builds! You might not think it’s fair that I’m posting back to back, but I came into this competition to ring your bell. I hope you’re not feeling stumped already! So come one, come all, Mr Maxxwell’s silver hammer is coming down.
![](https://iron.builders/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/53871412220_70f82a8e8e_k.jpg)
Postcard
Don’t you worry about me! This round is smooth sailing for me, so I took a few days off. I’m now back from my impromptu vacation and feeling swell – I even got you a postcard.
![](https://iron.builders/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/53874458931_6a55270f0e_k.jpg)
Flight of the Iron Swallowtail
And just like that, your painstakingly obtained head start flutters away! This butterfly doesn’t just look good: upon closer insecttion, you might even see it come to life 😉 How’s that for a come-back? Only a full metamorphosis of your builds would save you from a crushing defeat now…
![](https://iron.builders/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/53874571637_b3e91fb9ab_k.jpg)
Biplane Joyride
Don’t worry about my lead, it’s plane to see I’m still miles above you! I’ll give you props though, motion is always fun to see in a build. Keep your head out of the clouds these next few days or you’ll be saying good-bi to the crown!
![](https://iron.builders/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/53876415849_4d41ff904e_k.jpg)
Dr. Corgi, Professor of Philoswoofy
The postcard I sent you… How could you? I’m no philosopher, but I think this relationship we’re in might be a bit toxic. You doggedly pursue victory, I’ll give you that, but you might be flying too close to the sun: the way I see it, the best you can do is a tie, and that’d already be a great accomplishment.
![](https://iron.builders/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/53878301654_21cac57fa9_k.jpg)
Heel Turn
Making me out to be a villain? That’s fine by me, I love a good heel turn 😉 I know I’ve got you on the ropes now since my builds are steeling the show! It must be hard wrestling with the idea of defeat, but try not to get KO’d too early!
![](https://iron.builders/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/53878506026_76d5d2d7bd_k.jpg)
Silly, silly cat.
Tut-tut – violence is never the answer, Maxx. But if you ever find yourself out of options, here’s some advice: pick someone who’s your own size rather than the strongest one in the room, otherwise you’ll find yourself in a pinch. Looks like your little friend had to learn that the hard way…
![](https://iron.builders/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/53878209993_d6c9121238_k.jpg)
The Artist’s Studio
Still dizzy? Feeling like you’ve painted yourself into a corner? Or maybe you’re too amazed by the sheer artistry of my performance? Well, don’t dawdle: I’m moving forward and have no intention of waiting around for you – you better be working those brushes and canvases Picasso!
![](https://iron.builders/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/53880386373_faf98e377a_k.jpg)
In the Kitchen
Wow you made that yourself? That painting is so good champ, let me put it on the fridge for you! 😉 I’m still cooking with my builds, but try not to stew about it. I can counter anything you throw my way, so don’t hold back: I can handle it!
![](https://iron.builders/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/53882671015_62a271466d_k.jpg)
Pinhead
I’ve had you pinned for quite a few builds now, but by this point I’m so far ahead that you might as well give up! I came into this competition to raise hell and I think I can call this mission accomplished!
![](https://iron.builders/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/53882710842_7743561515_k.jpg)
Skyscraper Digital Designer
I’m afraid wishful thinking has clouded your judgment: most of your entries have felt more like works in progress than finished builds to me. Don’t worry about it though, I’m sure you’ll still get an A for effort! And now, after two weeks of building up the suspense, it’s time to reveal my final build and say goodbye to this round and to you, Mr Maxxwell. May the best win! Although I think we both already know who that is 😉 This throne is quite comfortable and I won’t mind keeping it a little longer.
![](https://iron.builders/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/53884320140_8e029b011b_k.jpg)
The Diner
Well until we find out who takes the throne, how about you take a seat with me and grab a bite! Credit where credit is due, you really know how to shake up the competition. The way you served up your builds had me feeling fried at times, but I relished the chance to ketchup and rise to the occasion! I hope you’re not salty that I got one more build in before closing time 😉
Round 2 is officially over!
It is now in the hands of our judges to decide who has won this round!
Good luck to both our builders!
Ah, both builders are making sure judging isn’t getting any easier here in season 7! I feel this round had some of the best back-and-forth banter in Iron Builder history. Thank you for the many chuckles along the way.
Parts Usage
Ironically, even though this is the first category I’ll be addressing in my notes here, it was certainly the last one I was able to pick a winner for! The builders were stuck with another extremely difficult part - one that has no clear connection points outside a small handle. Yet, they were both able to turn it into something special. For Jonah, it’s the shutter release button on his Interstate 10 camera (which I want to press so badly), and the perfect tails of the swallowtail butterfly. The giraffe’s horns of “The Getaway” are also a spectacular use of the part. Maxx came out swinging though with several brilliant uses in “The Carpenter” and subtler incoporations of the part, like the oven rack in “In the Kitchen” and the joysticks on “Arcade Cabinet”, just make my heart happy. Both builders did a great job of making the seed part an integral pieces to most their builds, only compounding the difficulty of this decision. In the end I give this category to Jonah. His builds just used the part a bit more seamlessly, making it feel like this unusual element was meant to be in them all along.
Build Quality
Unsurprisingly, both builders have brought excellent creations to the table. Models that especially stand out to me include Jonah’s “Interstate 10 is really backed up today.” and Maxx’s “Bunnybot”, one of the most unique and memorable mechs I’ve seen in a good while! I’m giving the point to Jonah, who consistently delivered not only really clean and well polished builds, but also had creative presentation for every MOC.
Performance
As I wrote earlier, this truly was such an entertaining round. Dr. Corgi vs. the kitty was incredible to watch unfold. But even beyond that, there was always a great level of self-awareness and humorous banter throughout the round that will certainly make this one to remember. I can say with confidence though that Maxx wins this round for his quick wit and sheer variety of builds. From characters big and small, vehicles, to scenes, mechs, and movement, he really put it all on the table and proved himself to be an incredibly fierce competitor.
Thank you both for such a great round. I can’t wait to see what you both create next.
Thank you contestants for this wonderful round! It really felt like an intense battle between two titans.
I love the baseball bat piece, but all of mine are of the plain, unprinted variety, so I was never able to fully explore the potential of this element. It's a fun element to work with, and I'm glad you've come up with some of the most impressive Iron Builder MOCs!
Parts Usage
The seed element is a fairly minimalist design - no wonder many of entries relied on iterative use of the baseball bat, and sometimes builders unintentionally echoed each other. While I absolutely loved Maxx's acknowledgement of the seed part's metallic colour scheme, which has allowed him to spice up his builds with impressive furniture, cooking appliances and small mechanical details, I must admit that Jonah's skyscraper and turnstile gate, as well as all the subtle knobs and rivets that populate his builds, steal the show.
Build Quality
Both builders flawlessly displayed their skill in this round, and both produced functional models - which, needless to say, were a nice surprise! It was a difficult choice between the two, but I've decided to give the win to Jonah: "Fall of an Empire" was an incredibly impressive first course, and the "Interstate 10..." that followed shortly after has only cemented my final decision.
Performance
As always, it's somewhat difficult to pick a clear winner in this last category, so forgive me if it boils down to subjective thinking. What I have to mention about this round is the sheer amount of interaction between the opponents: while Sandro and Gerrit schemed in secret, strategically revealing their masterpieces one-by-one, Jonah and Maxx made sure to toy with each other's ideas with amazing ingenuity. I think Maxx wins this category, as I really enjoyed the "easter eggs" in his builds which, while seemingly insignificant, added a lot to the overall impression.
Congrats to you both!
Intro:
What a round! Maxx’s Pinhead bust was as inspiring as it was creepy, while Jonah’s selection of toys made for a fantastic game of spot the seed part. Other highlights include both builder’s cute critters which used the seed part for everything from ossicones to teeth to whiskers.
Part Usage:
With the exception of some stand-out builds (toys, skyscraper), Jonah tended to let single context part-use shine (temple columns, dog tie, lighthouse beam). Not a bad strategy as those entries feel focused, intimate and purposeful. However, I feel Maxx juggled things more successfully, employing subtle uses to liven up ensemble scenes (kitchen, photo room, carpenter) and saving limited use for higher-impact builds (Pinhead, bunnybot).
Build Quality:
This one was very closely fought but in the end goes to Maxx as well. A bunnybot with Dr eggman torso head and orca jaw pelvis is simply the greatest non-seed part NPU this round (perhaps ever). Jonah’s cheeky use of an obscure cereal box car is a close third though! And I’d be remiss not to stress how much I enjoyed Jonah’s skyscraper build too, so beautifully composed and presented.
Performance:
For performance, look no further than the mid-round barrage of cat vs dog builds. Jonah’s Silly Cat was a hilarious final blow and the definition of tit for tat. It successfully tipped the scale for this category.
Congratulations to both contestants for once again making the task of judging just as nail biting as the rounds themselves are to watch!
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