Designed as a true alternate build, this MOC uses only parts from the donor LEGO set or sets, including the spare pieces included in the box. All PDF instruction sales are final and non refundable.

The model is 25.6 cm wide, 11.8 cm deep, 24.2 cm tall Or 10.1 inches wide, 4.7 inches deep, 9.5 inches tall

The LEGO Icons 10367 Minas Tirith is a magnificent model and the largest set in the Lord of the Rings collection. I loved how it combined minifigure scale with microscale to create this towering city, but unfortunately it was simply too large for my humble home. While studying the New York Skyline set, the white curved slopes surrounding the backdrop caught my eye and inspired me to create a true microscale version of the White City.

The first challenge was redesigning the base into an elongated hexagonal footprint before mounting the curved slopes on brackets to form the city's imposing outer walls, with the Great Gate as the centrepiece. A mixture of non-white elements forms the dramatic central rock spur that projects through the heart of the city. The tall 1 x 1 x 5 bricks, originally used as skyscrapers, proved perfect for constructing the towering inner core of Minas Tirith.

With the rocky core complete, the city was built outwards on staggered platforms to recreate its iconic terraced appearance. I incorporated a variety of architectural details throughout the walls, including towers with different roof designs, decorative columns, domed buildings, and fortified gateways to capture the intricate character of Gondor's capital.

At the summit sits the Citadel and the Court of the Fountain, where trans-clear quarter round tiles recreate the fountain. The grille elements from the Empire State Building are cleverly repurposed as the façades of both the Hall of Kings and the Tower of Ecthelion, making excellent use of the donor set's architecture.

The distinctive black backdrop from the original skyline has been transformed into a dramatic night sky, complete with a crescent moon and the Seven Stars of Gondor. The backdrop is crowned by a semicircular crest, framing the White City and creating a striking contrast against its bright stone walls.

Dark bluish grey elements represent the sparse trees and foliage surrounding the city. One of my favourite details is using ice cream scoops to depict the White Tree of Gondor.

One final story made me smile. My young son has never seen Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy, yet when he saw the model he immediately pointed to the Court of the Fountain and declared, "That's the perfect place for throwing bad people off the cliff to be zapped by the twin Tesla coils!" I had to laugh... perhaps he was imagining a very different version of Minas Tirith!