Category Archives: News

Stay current on the latest news and information about LEGO, from sales & deals to new set announcements. We also cover LEGO events and conventions all over the world.

LEGO Architecture 21010 Robie House, 21011 Brandenburg Gate out now plus free shipping [News]

The latest LEGO Architecture sets 21010 Robie Houseicon and 21011 Brandenburg Gateicon have just been released on LEGO.com.

The original (non-LEGO) Robie House was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built in 1910, 25 years before Fallingwater. Designer Adam Reed Tucker’s LEGO version is built from 2276 bricks and costs $199.99.

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The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin was built in Berlin between 1788 and 1791. The LEGO version has 363 pieces, including quite a nice batch of sand-green cheese slopes, and goes for $34.99.

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There is also free shipping on orders over $75!

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Win the Winter Village Post Office with the LEGO “Design a Holiday Stamp” Contest

LEGO announced a contest for fans in the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States. The purpose of the contest is to design a stamp that will be included with the holiday catalog. Fifty finalists will win the latest addition to the Winter Village series, 10222 Winter Village Post Office.icon

Press Release:

LEGO is asking consumers ages 6 + to design a LEGO themed postage stamp to be featured in the Late Holiday Catalogue .

For each country there will be 50 finalists selected to receive a copy of 10222. 25 will be for ages 6-14 and 25 will be from ages 15 & up. From the 50 finalists, 1 grand prize winner will be selected per country. In addition to a copy of 10222 – Winter Village Post Office, grand prize winners will have their stamp design featured on the late holiday catalog for their country along with a professionally designed and framed LEGO mosaic of their design.

Where: The US/UK/Germany. These are the only countries that mail a late holiday catalogue

When: We will be accepting entries for the contest September 1-30 and selecting the finalists & winners for each country the first week of October.

How: Consumers must simply visit shop.LEGO.com/Design-Challenge (Germany: shop.LEGO.com/Designwettbewerb) to download the official entry form. They or their parent/guardian must complete the form and email it along with their stamp design to the email address designated for their country. No purchase is required and there will be no physical entries collected.

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Town/Trains Contest: 7777 Redux

There was a time when LEGO released books of ideas, when trains were a flagship property, when a LEGO license was something you used to drive at LEGOland. That time was the 80s and that time produced 7777. But it was not a perfect time. We now have new parts, new colours, new techniques, and 7777 looks dated. But the idea (pardon the pun) was good. Let’s make it better.

EDIT:NB. Please do not ask questions about the contest here, ask them in the flickr thread. I will not be answering questions here.

7777 Redux LogoIn LEGO Train MOCs we run semi-regular contests and challenges. This time we’re inviting all AFOLs to play. The challenge is to create a new version of 7777 ideas book with prizes for those deemed best and most 7777-like. As a twist we won’t be allowing locomotive engines.

This contest differs a little from regular LEGO contests: rather than giving prizes to the best entry we will be assessing entries on how well they would fit in a new version of 7777. This means models should be kept relatively simple, bonus points will be awarded for instructions and scenes, and we won’t be looking for exact replicas of obscure trains.

So if you love trains, if you love town, or if you just love LEGO and a new challenge we’d love to see what you can do. You don’t even need a single train wheel or track to play. Just bricks and a creative mind.

Closing date: All entries must be in by midnight 31st30th November on the east side of the date line. If your clock says Nov 30th you’ll be fine.

Prizes: Three prizes will be given for the three entries judged ‘best’ (no person will win more than one prize). Prizes are: 10219 Maersk train, 7937 Train Station, 7936 Level Crossing

Rules: There are no hard and fast rules (other than the closing date) however there are judging criteria so if you want a chance of winning you should meet as many of them as possible. We also expect no more than three entries (one is fine) per person. Further entries may be allowed with prior arrangement.

Entering: To enter the contest you must join the 7777 Redux group on flickr and post your entry in the entries thread. If you do not wish to join flickr contact me (Tim G) privately and we may come to an arrangement.

Judging criteria:

  • Model must have 7777ness
  • Either looks like something that is in 7777 (please refer to the page number)
  • or Looks like something that should be in 7777
  • But must not be a locomotive!
  • Clarity of constructions
  • Must provide at least one breakdown shot/instruction snippet
  • Bonus points in judging for full instructions or comprehensive breakdowns.
  • Bonus points awarded for background scenes and minifigs and action
  • Models should ideally by completely new. Models may feature old work provided the rest is substantially new.

Judges: Judging will be by me (Tim Gould), Tim David, Peter Norman and special non-trainhead judge Mark Stafford

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How to identify LEGO Series 5 Collectible Minifigs by touch

iconAs the recent discussion on our post about the new Series 5 Collectible Minifigures proves, it’s pretty hard to identify the minifigs using any but the “touch and feel” method. Thankfully, SEALUG / TexLUG member Jason Junker has put together this handy guide to find the minifigs you want by touch.

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Small Clown: His bowler hat feels similar to the Detective’s hat. He also has a pie, which feels smaller than I thought it would. (that’s what she said) [Tee hee! -ed] Each time I confirmed by feeling for the short legs.

Boxer: The surprise here is that his boxing gloves are attached to his hands. He’s one of the hardest to feel if you don’t know this little fact. Also feel for the gap in his face guard. (Thanks for the “attached gloves tip” W. Heron)

Royal Guard: 2 words, HUGE hat. And feel for the rifle to confirm.

Lumberjack: The only “baseball cap” in this series. The axe is easily recognizable. But be sure that you feel the attached axe head on the end, or it could be the Evil Dwarf’s axe handle.

Zookeeper: I expected the monkey to be easy to feel, but the banana is the dead give away here. No other pieces feel anything like it.

Graduate: He’s the only fig with a 2×2 tile (certificate, like “Disco Guy’s” record from S2), and his graduation cap is what I used to confirm. It’s square, with 1 different feeling corner for the tassel and a little raised bump in the middle of the top.

Cave Woman: The only fig with a squishy element this time. Her hair. Feel for the bone separately, and the club is the same as the S1 Cave Man’s. (Thanks for the “squishy hair tip” W. Heron)

Snowboarder Guy: Just like the last 2 snowboarders, the snowboard is a dead giveaway.

Detective: His hat is double billed, so feel for both sides, or it could be the Small Clown. I felt for the magnifying glass to confirm.

Egyptian Queen: Huge wedge dress, and snake are easy to feel.

Ice Fisherman: The fish, and fishing pole are the giveaway here, just like the last 2 series fisherman/gnome.

Evil Dwarf: The winged helmet is bulky, but so are the pieces for the Royal Guard & Gladiator, so I felt around for 1 of the 2 detached axe blades, or the handle. The difference in the shield between the Gladiator’s is that the front of the Evil Dwarf’s is smooth.

Gladiator: He has a huge bulky helmet, but he’s also the only fig with a knife/sword. It’s shorter than I expected. (That’s what… never mind) The difference in the shield between the Evil Dwarf’s is that the front of the Gladiator’s has a stud.

Gangster: This fig has the smallest accessory, his pistol. I also felt his hat, it’s he same as the Cowboy’s from S1 or Indiana Jones’. I never once knowingly felt his case.

Fitness Instructor: Big long hair, and the “boom box” feels like a brick with a handle (just like the Rapper’s from S3)

Lizard Guy: Last but not least, the one I was most excited about, and will be the first one I open… His tail was what I ended up feeling for. It’s a very large piece that fits under his head like a backpack, so you can feel for that tab with the hole in it as well.

Jason rightly says that it’s helpful to have a good picture in front of you, so here it is:

LEGO Series 5 Collectible Minifiguresicon

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LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar now available from LEGO Shop [News]

For the three of you out there who didn’t order the new LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar from Amazon.com, it’s also now available from the LEGO Shop online.

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It’s the same price as from Amazon ($40), and you get VIP points.

The Brothers Brick is funded by our readers and the community. Articles may include affiliate links, and when you purchase products from those links, TBB may earn a commission that helps support the site.

Series 5 Collectible Minifigures shipping from LEGO [News]

The LEGO Shop online has just posted their ordering page for LEGO Minifigures Series 5.icon

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As usual, you’re limited to 16 minifigs, and you don’t get to stand in the store aisle and feel them through the bags, but it’s a guaranteed way to get your hands on these right away.

UPDATE: Jason Junker has posted a handy guide to identifying Series 5 minifigs by touch.

The Brothers Brick is funded by our readers and the community. Articles may include affiliate links, and when you purchase products from those links, TBB may earn a commission that helps support the site.

MOCPages announces the 2011 MocOlympics

For the past 3 years, MOCpages has hosted a building tournament called the MocOlympics. This is a competition where 64 qualifying builders play head to head in single entry elimination rounds until a winner is crowned. It’s a lot of fun to play or watch as each set of builders only have 10 days to build an entry after the announcement of a theme. The winner will have built 7 MOCs over the course of more than 3 months and will be rewarded with 10214 Tower Bridge. There are other prizes as well, so head over to the contest group if you’re interested, or you can also check out last year’s competition.

Here’s a trailer that gives you an idea of the quantity and variety of entries from last year.

The Brothers Brick is funded by our readers and the community. Articles may include affiliate links, and when you purchase products from those links, TBB may earn a commission that helps support the site.

10220 Volkswagen T1 Camper Van rolls out Oct 2011 [News]

UPDATE: 10220 Volkswagen T1 Camper Vanicon is out now!

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LEGO hippies everywhere are going to rejoice at the new LEGO Shop exclusive set revealed officially today, 10220 Volkswagen T1 Camper Van. At over 1,300 pieces and $100 $120, it’s a substantial set with an amazing amount of detail and what appears to be lots of interesting parts and construction techniques. (Can you tell I’m excited myself?)

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I’m certain that most of our readers have already seen the lower-resolution images of the set from the second Collector’s Guide. The folks at LEGO have finally made their official announcement, though, and we’ve got high resolution photos and a video to show off.

The van has an engine in its engine compartment and a complete interior:

10220 Volkswagen T1 Camper Van 10220 Volkswagen T1 Camper Van

I must admit, when I saw the first images of this set online, I wasn’t impressed. I thought that it looked very boxy, and undetailed. Obviously, the subject matter is somewhat boxy, but seeing the high resolution photos, I see more than I expected. The real appeal of this set turns out to be the interior, though. It opens up in a variety of ways, and looks fun to explore.

Check out all the interior and exterior photos in the photoset on Flickr.

Here’s the official press release from LEGO:

10220 Volkswagen T1 Camper Van

Ages 16+. 1,322 pieces.
US $99.99 $119.99 CA $129.99 DE 99.99 € UK 79.99 £ DK 799 DKK

This authentic camper van is a replica of the classic Volkswagen Camper Van from 1962. Every iconic feature is here! On the outside, the terrific detailing includes ‘V’ shape three-way color split at the front, rounded roof and window frames, opening ‘splittie’ safari windshield, opening doors, iconic pop-up roof with textile curtain surround, roof rack, rear side air intake vents and lots more! The detailing is equally impressive on the inside, from the authentic VW air-cooled flat four cylinder boxer engine, front cabin bench seat, gear stick, angled dashboard and iconic spherical speedometer, to custom LEGO® features like folding rear bench seat, folding dinette table, closet with mirror and even a painting!

  • Features 11 windows, authentic plaid-print textile curtains and wing mirror!
  • Rear door opens to reveal detailed engine!
  • Interior also features rear bench seat that transforms into a bed, ‘Make LEGO Models, Not War’ T-shirt and rear shelf with plant!
  • Measures 11.8″ (30cm) long and 5.5″ (14cm) high!

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BrickArms August release features more WWII and modern guns

BrickArms released new weapons including the M1919 Machine Gun, HAC (Heavy Assault Carbine), ARC (Advanced Recon Carbine), and M3 Grease Gun to equip your military minifigs.

BrickArms - August 2011

The Brothers Brick is funded by our readers and the community. Articles may include affiliate links, and when you purchase products from those links, TBB may earn a commission that helps support the site.

BrickFair 2011 wrap up

BrickFair 2011 took place near Washington, DC this weekend. I wanted to hit up one more con before med school starts next week, so I decided to attend my first Lego convention in the Northeast and see some new people and MOCs that couldn’t make it to the other two large Lego conventions in the US: Brickworld and Brickcon.

The first thing that struck me was the enormous exhibit hall, which was about the size (and appearance) of an empty Walmart store. The next thing that struck me was the diversity of creations, including whole areas for less-commonly exhibited themes such as steampunk, post-apocalypse, even NASA. Lastly, I was amazed by the sheer number of people who showed up during the weekend public hours (above video), which turned out to be about 17,000.

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Among the MOCs displayed, some of my favorites were Arthur Gugick‘s transforming mosaic, Black Baer‘s tornado vignette, the entire aquapocalypse display, and a cute Bionicle poster (not a MOC, I know). The list goes on, so I took a walkthrough video of the exhibit hall and highlighted more interesting creations along the way. Speaking of which, I’m glad people have found this video helpful. I plan on doing guided tours of the Lego conventions that I attend in the future.

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I’m glad I made the decision to come to BrickFair, and I hope to do so next year as well (and perhaps have the rest of Awesometown). You can see my photos at BrickFair on Flickr or more on the BrickFair Flickr group.

The Brothers Brick is funded by our readers and the community. Articles may include affiliate links, and when you purchase products from those links, TBB may earn a commission that helps support the site.

LEGO Architecture 21011 Brandenburg Gate out now in the UK [News]

UPDATE: 21011 Brandenburg Gateicon is available now on LEGO.com.

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In a surprising turn of events, the first inkling LEGO fans have gotten of the newly released LEGO Architecture set 21011 Brandenburg Gate was when it showed up on the shelves of the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre in Manchester, UK.

LEGO Architecture 21011 Brandenburg Gate

As much as Frank Lloyd Wright and big American skyscrapers are indeed awesome, it’s nice to see buildings in the line continue to expand beyond the shores of the United States.

UPDATE: The September in-store calendar for LEGO retail outlets highlights this as a September release, so we should be seeing this in more stores within the next month or so.

The Brothers Brick is funded by our readers and the community. Articles may include affiliate links, and when you purchase products from those links, TBB may earn a commission that helps support the site.

10222 Winter Village Post Office [News]

LEGO continues to expand its holiday village with the latest addition to the lineup, 10222 Winter Village Post Office.

10222 Winter Village Post Office (1)

Click the pic for the complete photoset on Flickr.

Here are the complete details from LEGO:

10222 Winter Village Post Office

Ages 12+. 820 pieces.
US $59.99 CA $79.99 DE 59.99 € UK 49.99 £

Continuing the winter scene series, the Winter Village Post Office is the perfect snow-covered setting. In the cozy post office, the worker is hard at work sorting all the mail into containers and sacks, while upstairs, there’s just time for the postman to take a break before setting off in the traditional post car with all the letters and gifts. From the pavilion outside, musicians fill the air with music, while children take in the wintry atmosphere by the park bench before throwing snowballs at each other – the musicians had better get ready to duck!

  • Includes 7 minifigures: female post office worker, male postman, female, 2 kids and 2 musicians and a dog!
  • Post office features dark-green split roof with snow, fireplace, light brick, table, coffee mug, and lamppost and mailboxes outside!
  • Also features evergreen tree and assorted minifigure accessories

And look for a designer video in this space shortly!

The Brothers Brick is funded by our readers and the community. Articles may include affiliate links, and when you purchase products from those links, TBB may earn a commission that helps support the site.