The LEGO Ideas Blog announced today the next two approved LEGO Ideas sets that will be coming to stores! They are the Adventure Time figures by aBetterMonkey and the Caterham Super Seven by Carl Greatrix. No official images or pricing are yet available. The release dates were vague referencing late 2016 and early 2017.
JK BRICKWORKS MAY SEE ANOTHER ONE OF ITS ORIGINAL CREATIONS LAUNCHED VIA LEGO IDEAS
We came to know Jason Allemann for his great MOCs over at JK Brickworks, and with the recent inclusion of his LEGO Maze (21305) in the roster of approved projects in LEGO Ideas, Jason’s creations will be enjoyed by more and more LEGO fans and enthusiasts.
However, the stream of success does not end with the announced release of the LEGO Maze sometime in April. It’s most likely that Jason may see one of his projects on the shelves of any LEGO store anytime soon. Now that his LEGO Particle Accelerator project has already achieved the 10k support mark, LEGO officially advanced it to the Review Phase. Here’s what LEGO has to say:
Dear JKBrickworks,
It appears that many minifig scientists want to carry out their research at Brickville’s LBC. Although you have successfully accelerated to the 10,000 supporters mark, you will have to wait a little longer to see if you have discovered the elusive and much talked about (Mini)Figgs Boson. You’ve truly captured the essence of a particle accelerator through the novel and interactive play features and done so through a beautifully designed model.
Congratulations once again on this A-MAZE-ING achievement.
We now officially advance this project to the Review phase.
The Review Phase will begin in May where an expert panel of designers, product managers, and other key team members (aka LEGO Review Board) will examine Jason’s LEGO Particle Accelerator against factors such as playability, safety, and fit with the LEGO brand. Once the review is complete, which usually takes several months, and the LEGO Review Board finds merit in his project, giving it a ‘go signal’, then the proposed Particle Accelerator will advance to the Development phase where LEGO Model Designers refine the product and develop it for release. This also includes preparing the packaging, instructions, and marketing plans.
Indeed, Jason’s LEGO Particle Accelerator still has a lot of vigorous reviews to go through. We wish him all the best here at BrickshowTV! Take a look at these photos of his functional particle accelerator plus the antics of our intrepid scientists as they crack (pun intended) the mystery of the elusive (Mini)Figgs Boson in the video that follows.
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The ‘ball particle’ is launched over this ring structure.
Jason’s LEGO Particle Accelerator uses a propulsion system of spinning wheels to accelerate a LEGO ball around a ring.These scientists are on the verge of a very ‘significant’ discovery. Watch the video to find out.
TEST YOUR BUILDING SKILLS WITH “ELITE WEAPONS FOR LEGO FANATICS”
Perhaps the single, most important purpose of the LEGO brick is to continually challenge us with creations that push our creativity and design skills. This is particularly true with the most daunting (but definitely fun) builds that includes construction vehicles, fully functional robots, and mechanical toy guns. These builds in particular are excellent examples of learning tools that can help you master certain basic and advanced building techniques necessary for more complex builds later on. LEGO has a couple of building guides as well based on the Technic line, and the LEGO Mindstorms kit is one cool example of a learning tool that combines basic engineering techniques and computer programming.
However, when it comes to guns, LEGO has made it clear that the company is not into that sort of thing or builds. While in real life, guns are a very real and sensitive issue, it’s hard to deny the appeal that it has in terms of its mechanical complexity and design. Allow me to point two things before I proceed further: one, I don’t own a gun and most likely will not purchase one in the future; and two, this will not be a discussion on the merits (or the lack of it) of owning a gun. I simply admire the complexity and sophistication of its mechanism and how its parts work together similar to how a clockmaker admires the inner workings of a timepiece.
With that out of the way, allow me to introduce a pretty neat book that I stumbled upon at TheBrickBlogger.com. “Elite Weapons for LEGO Fanatics” by industrial designer and freelance programmer Martin Hüdepohl showcases some of the most impressive and functional LEGO builds that I have ever seen. Martin also published two previous LEGO how-to books, namely “Badass LEGO Guns: Building Instructions for Five Working Guns” and “Weapons for LEGO Lovers”. He is quick to mention that even though his interests lie in making weapons out of LEGO, his creations do not pose a danger to anyone, nor they are life-threatening. They’re virtually harmless, much like a NERF gun or even a water pistol.
Here’s the description of his book as seen on Amazon.com where it retails at $20.99 for the paperback variant, and $14.49 for the Kindle downloadable version:
[elite 1]
[elite 2]
The last LEGO brick weapon construction book and design guide you’ll ever need, Elite Weapons for LEGO Fanatics features building instructions for thirteen fully functional LEGO masterpieces, including the monstrous, 27-inch-long Dinosaur Superior, a fully automatic combat rifle that can puncture aluminum cans, and a highly detailed HK G3 brick replica. Also featuring a helmet, a baton, handcuffs, sunglasses, and a grappling hook gun, which allows you to retrieve distant objects without ever leaving your seat, Elite Weapons for LEGO Fanatics includes a chapter on how to find the LEGO pieces you need and a comic book story featuring a hero using the weapons in action. LEGO fans of all ages and skill levels will find a treasure trove of models, including:
• Hammerhead Jr., a single-shot crossbow and its big brother, the heavy-duty Hammerhead Sr.
• Panzer Pod combat helmet
• KlopSTOCK baton
• Melody, a rubber-firing machine pistol
• Nice-1, a pocket-sized pistol that packs a punch
• Chinahook harpoon gun
• Sunglasses, in two different models
• A functioning Heckler & Koch G3 replica in LEGO bricks
[LEGO Book Elite Weapons Models]
As mentioned in the description, the book comes with how-to guides to build 13 fully functional models. Each example features a set of instructions, an inventory of parts, size, and the skill level required (labeled as a novice to grand-master). Other than the mechanically impressive guns, the book also includes instructions on how to build a KlopSTOCK baton, a pair of Spector sunglasses, a knuckle buster replica dubbed the Hitman, the Panzer Pod combat helmet, and a pair of handcuffs ironically called Lovelock. I appreciate the complexity of these builds, however, I have to say that I’m a little bit uncomfortable with the Hitman and KlopSTOCK as any child can get quickly absorbed in a role-playing game using these.
Nevertheless, with 340 pages, there is plenty to look at and learn at the same time. There’s also a neat section on how the models were developed, with pictures that chronicle the evolution of these replicas before you see them in their final form. The way Martin presented his creations was also helpful, giving pieces of building tips and techniques along the way. He also offered a how-to section on making the most out of Bricklink – the world’s largest online marketplace to buy and sell LEGO parts, both new or used – considering that most parts used in his builds were ordered directly from the site.
[LEGO Book Elite Weapons Handcuffs]
Perhaps as a supplement to the book, Martin also runs a YouTube Channel (Xubor) where he showcases some of the builds mentioned in his book. Check out this promotional video for “Elite Weapons for LEGO Fanatics”.
Overall, we give a two-thumbs up to Martin and his book. In terms of design and difficulty levels, his book offers a healthy challenge to test anyone’s LEGO building mettle. So what do you think about Elite Weapons for LEGO Fanatics? Do you think you will get yourself a copy?
Share with us what you think.
BE THE ‘MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE’ WITH THESE COOL BRICK BUILT FIGURES
If you’re an adult fan of LEGO and you’re reading this post, then I guess I will not be doing much of an explanation. However, for our much younger readers out there, this excellent collection of ‘Masters of the Universe’ built entirely out of LEGO by expert Swedish builder LegoJalex, requires a brief introduction.
Masters of the Universe (MOTU), sometimes referred to as He-Man, is an early 80s TV animated series that revolves around the story of Prince Adam – who transforms into the mighty He-Man with the help of his magically imbued sword – and his fight to defend the planet of Eternia against the evil Skeletor. Created by Mattel, MOTU spawned a variety of products including action figures, four animated TV spin-offs, several comic books, and a feature film.
MOTU was credited for the vast array of memorable characters that it created during the 1980s, and if you still remember that time when you drool over the latest action figures released by Mattel over these series, then you’ll probably get the idea. Here are some of LegoJalex’s renditions of MOTU’s lead characters, together with how they look like on screen.
He Man build
he man solo
Man At Arms
Sorceress
Skeletor
Hordak Build
Horde Trooper
I have to put on my wish list and Orko and Battle Cat (aka Cringer) build. It might be a little different and perhaps more complicated than the standard humanoid build, but it will be kind of cool to have one on display. Here’s the rest of his LEGO MOTU builds.
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Be sure to check out the rest of LegoJalex’ creations on his Flickr page like his retro classroom build and 1970s office. So, what do you think about these LEGO MOTU mock-ups? Hit the comments button and tell us what you think.
This Transforming LEGO Brick Is More Than Meets The Eye
Japanese LEGO builder Moko shared in his blog site what seems to be a highly articulated, LEGO MOC that shows an unassuming LEGO brick transforming into a cool, ‘mecha’ or robot. The build is similar to the Autobot named Hot Rod as seen in the 80s animated series of Transformers. Based on a rough Google translation, the transforming LEGO brick was designed at a 1:27 scale of the typical 2×4 brick, big but comfortable enough to hold in the palm of your hand.
This Transforming LEGO Brick is More Than Meets the Eye!
This particular creation is highly articulated, with plenty of joints that allow this MOC to easily transform from one mode to another.
It is highly posable as well, rendering the transforming LEGO block to do some pretty cool battle stances.
I wish I could get more info on our Japanese creator’s blog without being lost in Google’s translation. So what do you think of this particular MOC? Share your thoughts (and interpretation in case you know how to read and speak Japanese) in the comments below.
THIS COOL BUILD TAKES LEGO PHYSICS AT A WHOLE NEW LEVEL
A casual scan over at LEGO Ideas yielded a ton of great finds. Since its inception back in 2008 when it was yet an offshoot of the Japanese website Cuusoo, the concept of allowing LEGO fans to see their ‘ideas’ come to life and be supported by others seems to be a great way to catch the pulse of what the LEGO faithful have to say.
With thirteen official sets that have won the support and approval of both the LEGO community and top brass alike – the latest being Jason Allemann’s LEGO Ideas Maze 21305 – there are still a handful of LEGO Ideas projects that are waiting in line to be produced.
If you’re not yet familiar with how LEGO Ideas work, you may check out this video. Take note however that you have to be 13 years old and above if you wish to vote for a particular project that caught your fancy, or if you want to submit your own.
One particular LEGO Project that has gone past the 10,000 vote requirement and is now being reviewed is this cool set from German builder Christian Bechinie who goes by the username kleinraum42 over at LEGO Ideas.
Dubbed LEGO Physics, his original creation is a serious study of motion presented in a visually delightful way using LEGO bricks and parts.
Christian’s set is comprised of 200 flat-sided Lego “dominoes” and an intricate marble run that sends multiple balls around a roller-coaster-style track.
It also includes a working catapult triggered by falling pieces, plenty of curvy ramps, and a point at which multiple balls stack up to set off the next stage of the machine.
The grand finale involves a small kinetic sculpture rotating through the air that can really wow even the most expert engineers and builders.
Another cool thing about Christian’s original work is that each part of the set teaches and describes a particular ‘mini-lesson’ in terms of movement and use of space. He even posted several videos on his YouTube channel to describe the mechanisms involved in his LEGO Physics Set.
We appreciate Christian’s efforts on coming up with these videos because they act like a tutorial on how each part of the Physics set works, making it more user-friendly.
We sure hope to see the thumbs-up sign for this LEGO Physics Ideas project. Other than Jason’s LEGO Maze, the LEGO Physics set is the only one that features more value in terms of usability and playability and the potential for being a fun teaching aid.
Double VIP Points March 7 – 22 In LEGO Stores / Online
Today starts the beginning of double LEGO VIP points both in LEGO stores and online. Double VIP points are essentially a 10% savings on future purchases so it’s a great deal on LEGO store-exclusive sets and any sales they may be running at the same time.
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Stephen was in his local store this morning and saw additional Easter sales including the following sets:
- LEGO City Heavy Haul Train (60098)
- LEGO City Deep Sea Operation Base (60096)
- LEGO City Hovercraft Arrest (60071)
- LEGO Scooby-Doo Collection (5004810)
- LEGO Pirates Chess Set (40158)
- LEGO Ideas The Big Bang Theory (21302)
LEGO MARVEL SUPERHEROES CAPTAIN AMERICA MOTORCYCLE (30447) NOW RIDES AT TOYS R US
Toys R Us is getting ready for Civil War – the movie, that is. LEGO’s Marvel Super Heroes Civil War Captain America’s Motorcycle (30447) is now listed on their site for $3.99. You may remember that Stephen shared this breaking news from the LEGO Marvel front a couple of days ago.
This polybag comes with the Civil War version of Captain America’s minifigure together with his motorcycle and sidecar that fires flick missiles, and provision for keeping our hero’s shield. Here’s the product description and some photos from Toys R Us:
Drive to save the world on Captain America’s Motorcycle featuring a sidecar with a flick missile. The set includes a Captain America minifigure with a shield.
The LEGO Super Heroes Marvel Civil War Captain America’s Motorcycle (30447) features:
- Includes a Captain America minifigure.
- This set provides an age-appropriate building experience for ages 6-12.
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It is not in stock yet, but hopefully, there will be plenty to go around, especially before the movie hits theaters on May 6.
For other updates, TheBrickFan mentioned that Toys R Us has started a new promotion for this week (March 6-12). For a minimum of LEGO City purchase of $35 or more, you can grab a FREE LEGO City ATV Patrol (60065). Though this promotional offer is only available in stores only, Toys R Us also listed the LEGO City ATV Patrol on their website with an option of purchasing it individually. Retailing at $5.59 (down from a previous price of $6.99), 60065 comes with 2 minifigures with an assortment of accessories, a police ATV, hideout, and snake.
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LEGO Ideas Project Jurassic Park Visitor Center Hits 10K Mark
The LEGO Ideas project, Jurassic Park Visitor Center, has hit 10,000 supporters and now moving into the review stage. This project created by LDiEgo features the iconic Jurassic Park location as seen in the original film.
It comes in at 2,623 pieces and includes 6 minifigures: John Hammond, Tim Murphy, Lex Murphy, Donald Gennaro, Ray Arnold, and Robert Muldoon. It also features a molder raptor figure. The Jurassic Park Visitor Center now qualifies to move on to the LEGO Ideas First 2016 Review Stage. Read on for this project’s full description and other details. If you’re excited to see this as a potential LEGO set in the future, then be sure to keep with tabs with our blog site.
LEGO Product Idea Jurassic Park Visitor Center
What to Expect from this LEGO Ideas Entry
Over the years, almost every new LEGO movie licensed theme has been created to match with a new theatrical release. In the case of big movie franchises, some sets based on previous films were produced before the ones based on the new films. This has happened with “STAR WARS”, “Toy Story”, or “Indiana Jones”.
So a good reason to release a fourth Jurassic Park movie was the chance to see LEGO products for the previous films, right?
Strangely, the last product license ignores the previous movies and is based only on the last film in the series, “Jurassic World”. It looks a lost opportunity for such a license deal.
The key elements in the Jurassic Park films are the dinosaurs, but the movies are also filled with lots of iconic vehicles, locations, and characters with a lot of potential for a complete building toy line.
The biggest set in a utopian Jurassic Park Theme would be the Jurassic Park Visitor Center.
The LEGO Ideas Jurassic Park Visitor Center project features a complex building in the facade, as well as some rooms inside to recreate every scene in the movie:
- Main entrance hall, with two brick-built skeletons: a sauropod and a Tyrannosaurus.
- “Les Gigantes” restaurant, with a gift shop.
- Kitchen.
- V.I.P. Dining Room
- Emergency bunker
- Showcase theatre
- Control room
- Genetics lab with cold storage room
The Jurassic Park Visitor Center also features several rooms that can be hinged or detached for a better play experience. There is also space for a secret compartment at the main entrance, under the stairs.
The dinosaurs menu… I mean, the minifigures included would be:
- John Hammond
- Tim Murphy
- Lex Murphy
- Donald Gennaro
- Ray Arnold
- Robert Muldoon
And “The Big One” molded raptor (A.K.A. “Clever Girl”).
Jurassic Park Visitor Center specifications (note that this could change if the project becomes a product)
- Pieces: 2623
- Measures: 43’1x 28 x 20’7 cm
THESE STAR WARS MINIFIGURES ARE SURE FUN TO PLAY WITH
LEGO announced recently in its Annual Report for 2015 that the company’s Star Wars-themed sets have been one of the best-selling themes of 2015. Building on the success of the Star Wars franchise, and the very much welcomed release of Episode VII: The Force Awakens, LEGO continues to introduce more play sets as revealed in this year’s International Toy Fair in New York.
I agree that LEGO has come up with so many LEGO Star Wars sets that are impressive. Either owing to their design and playability or to the sheer number of pieces that comprise them, such sets are things of beauty to hold and play with. Now if you’re like me, you’ll probably want a little bit of this or of that, especially with regards to a set that has a galaxy filled with so many characters and elements. Probably that’s the reason why I am fond of small collectibles from this part of the LEGO Star Wars galaxy, and I have particularly in mind the LEGO Star Wars Microfighters. With three series already comprising of 18 sets under its roster, it’s a great alternative for their larger (and more expensive) siblings of starfighters and vehicles.
[LEGO Star Wars Microfighters Series 1]
[LEGO Star Wars Microfighters Series 2 ]
One particular LEGO fan probably has the same inclination as much as I do with regards to keeping things small and yet, fun and playable. Nick Chen has a knack for creating tiny LEGO Star Wars ships that are smaller than their Microfighter counterparts – in fact, even smaller than the ones LEGO had before with their LEGO Star Wars Planets back in 2012. Nick came up with a fun idea of having his LEGO Star Wars minifigs donned with their particular ship as costumes and was kind enough to share his work for the LEGO community to enjoy. The photos below came from Nick’s flickr page. Check some of his minifigs below.
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These small minifig creations are cute and fun enough to make up your dioramas. You may also come up with your unique scenes, pairing them up with the LEGO Star Wars Microfighters. I go for these mini sets because at $10 per set, you can have a cool replica of your favorite Star Wars ship without breaking the bank and it doesn’t require much of your time, and desktop or table space.
What do you think? What is your favorite among Nick’s minifig costumes? What microfighter would you like to pair it up with? Share with us what you think in the comments section below.