Monthly Archives: October 2010

SnowLion Keep

While it’s not quite “stopping by woods on a snowy evening,” it’s still poetic. Classic-Castle member LegoLord posted this lovely castle in the snow. It’s not particularly big, and that’s okay. The walls grab me and I like the tan/brown combo on the tower.

It was a Dark and Stormy Night

You all know that Nathan Proudlove rocks the Lego Fan world. At BrickCon he took the Castle section by storm with this incredible creation. There is so much to love in this one. Check out the variegated roof made of cheese slopes, the dark red water/blood that surrounds it, the skeletal trees, the carriage….the list goes on and on. It won “Best in Castle” at BrickCon and definitely deserved the win.

Lego Castle BrickCon

This time they will not fail

These dwarves aren’t going to take it lying down anymore. The vile, nefarious dragon is no match for their high-tech weaponry. This time things will be different. This time they will not fail.
Lego Castle Brickarms

This Castle Spoof scene was made by me.

This creation bugs me

It’s a great space bug queen diorama, by Alex Fojtik (BrickFX). This is a truly immersive display, incorporating some great details. My favorite is the dripping slime, but I’ve also been known to love hexagons. The scattered space helmet eggs look great, and must have been quite a challenge to pose for different angled photos.

Hatchery: Overview

Girlpocalypse Now

I’m back from BrickCon, and ready to unveil the only new creation I’ve built since July. I had the funky idea to build this one evening, and actually had the time to do so. I figured that the post-apocalypse building scene could use a little more levity, and what’s better than cheerleaders to bring some cheer? Of course, I had to try to build a stereotypical cheerleader vehicle, which pretty much had to be an open top jeep or a VW cabrio. Then I added the legs, to make it more interesting, as well as ridiculous.

Cheerleader Battle Mecha-Jeep 04

At the behest of a friend, I brought the creation to BrickCon, and took photos of it on as many cool creations as I could manage. I didn’t anticipate the big response it got, so don’t be surprised to see some more girls of the apocalypse from me (nurses anyone?).

Virtual Insanity

I always get very excited about finding a new model from Andreas Weissenburg (grubaluk) because he is a) an excellent builder and b) an excellent renderer. Which means his CGI BR 55 gets to give a big tick to both our Trains and CAD categories.

BrickCon 2010 so far

For those of you wondering what we’ve been up to at BrickCon…

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Fradel takes a nap while I survive on caffeine and adrenaline.

Photos are showing up in the BrickCon group. Check ’em out.

Join the revolution and control the action

Keith Goldman presents the 4th installment of his You Control the Action Contest with revolution as the theme. As usual, build a diorama depicting action and you can win eternal glory (among other prizes). The deadline is January 1st, 2011, so you have plenty of time to plot your rebellion. Viva la revolución!

Announcing new LEGO Harry Potter 10217 Diagon Alley set [News]

I assume this will be unveiled at BrickCon 2010 sometime soon but I’ve seen no evidence yet. Either way it’s definitely after the time I was told I could publish so…

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Complete set of pictures

The short: 10217 – Diagon Alley™; Ages 14+; 2,025 pieces; US $149.99 CA $199.99 UK £132.75 DE 149.99 €

The official press release

Expand your very own wizarding world of Harry Potter™!

o need to pass through the Leaky Cauldron. Now even Muggles can shop in Diagon Alley by building this fantastically magical set that includes 3 extensively detailed buildings and 11 minifigures! Join Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger as they shop for their Hogwarts school supplies. Visit Ollivanders, Borgin and Burkes, and Gringotts Bank. Each Diagon Alley building is realistically detailed. Ollivanders offers an extensive selection of wands, storage shelves and a step ladder that allows Ollivander to gather wands from the top floor. The front desk has an “exploding” function for those inconvenient times when a spell goes awry. Borgin and Burkes includes a scary skeleton, “glow-in-the-dark” elements, a fireplace attached to the Floo Network and a Vanishing Cabinet that Dark wizards might use to sneak into Hogwarts. Gringotts Bank is an impressive two-story building with large double doors, and can be opened completely into one large building or closed to create one smaller building. The bank’s interior features a removable vault, along with the Philosopher’s Stone, a clerk’s desk, a chandelier and ‘wonky’ support pillars. Includes 11 minifigures: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, each with magic wand; Rubeus Hagrid, equipped with his pink umbrella; Fred and George Weasley; 2 Gringotts goblins; Mr. Ollivander; Lucius Malfoy (with Death Eater disguise); Fenrir Greyback; and 4 new, decorated owls.

  • Includes 11 minifigures: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, each with magic wand; Rubeus Hagrid, equipped with his pink umbrella; Fred and George Weasley; 2 Gringotts goblins; Mr. Ollivander; Lucius Malfoy (with Death Eater disguise); Fenrir Greyback; and 4 new, decorated owls!
  • Diagon Alley is made up of 3 extensively detailed buildings: Ollivanders, Borgin and Burkes and Gringotts Bank!
  • Ollivanders features lots of wands, storage shelves and a step ladder that leads to the top floor!
  • Front desk at Ollivanders has an “exploding” function!
  • Borgin and Burkes includes a skeleton, “glow-in-the-dark” elements, fireplace attached to the Floo Network and even a Vanishing Cabinet!
  • Gringotts Bank is a two-story building featuring large double doors!
  • Open Gringotts Bank completely into one large building and explore inside or close it to create a smaller building!
  • Gringotts Bank features a detailed interior with a removable vault, the Philosopher’s Stone, clerk’s desk, chandelier and ‘wonky’ support pillars!
  • Includes 11 minifigures: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, each with magic wand; Rubeus Hagrid, equipped with his pink umbrella; Fred and George Weasley; 2 Gringotts goblins; Mr. Ollivander; Lucius Malfoy (with Death Eater disguise); Fenrir Greyback; and 4 new, decorated owls!

And as seems to be the trend these days there is an accompanying video (may not be live yet).

10217 Diagon Alley