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.

“A Mime is a terrible thing to Waste” Contest! [News]

Lego Mime Waste Contest

We have not run a contest here at The Brothers Brick for quite some time. We, the editors, have decided to change that. Therefore, we would like to present to you, our loyal readers, the “A Mime is a terrible thing to Waste” Contest.

Been feeling the need for random violence? Need to find some use for those Mimes you got in Series 2 of the collectible minifigs? Now is your chance.

Head over the contest’s Flickr group for all the rules, regulations and prize information. Questions will be answered here, in the Comments, or there, in the Rules thread.

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.

Clock-Bot gets you there on time

This loveable little time bot is a great idea. Like many of the creations on here, I want one. Shannon Ocean took a standard digital clock and built it into this adorably hard-core battle frame.

Lego Clock-Bot Creations for Charity

If you really want this little guy to wake you up every morning, it has been donated to Creations for Charity

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 lifts off with NASA [News]

Image from CollectSpace.com

NASA issued a press release yesterday stating that they have signed a Space Act agreement with LEGO. The partnership will focus on promoting interest in science, technology, engineering and math. At the launch event, NASA will actually be launching a shuttle built from LEGO bricks. It will be aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery, on what is Discovery’s last scheduled mission.

“Partnering with The LEGO Group is a perfect fit. We have taken the excitement of NASA’s missions and coupled that with kids’ love of creating things with the iconic LEGO bricks,” said Leland Melvin, NASA’s associate administrator for Education. “These projects not only foster creativity but also instill in the young builders a real sense of the engineering and design principles that NASA uses every day. Fun learning activities like these can help inspire kids to become the next generation of explorers.”

Also our readers may be excited to hear that 4 NASA sets will be included in LEGO’s City line as a part of this partnership.

See the entire NASA press release here.

Many thanks to Vinny for the heads up!

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.

New BrickArms release: Duck and Cover

BrickArms released new products including the Brodie helmet, modern combat helmet, Shaun UK zombie fighter with printed torso, and a bunch of other weapons packs. Take a look:

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.

Colossal Castle Contest VIII is here! [News]

Classic Castle’s annual medieval extravaganza is upon us!

Lego Colossal Castle Contest

This is the eighth year this contest has been run and the entries have grown in quality and quantity every year. The contest runs from November 1st to December 31st and features 11 categories. As an added bonus, the builder who scores the highest in at least six categories will be named Classic Castle’s Master Builder and recieve a special prize. Check out the contest Rules, the Categories and Prizes and get building!

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.

Bricklink founder Daniel Jezek has passed away [News]

Lego Dan Jezek Bricklink

Today we received the unfortunate news that Dan Jezek, the owner and founder of Bricklink has passed away. He had such a profound impact on this hobby, it hard to even consider. It is quite possible that there is no other person who has affected the Adult Lego Fan community as much as he did. The hobby would be much the same if any of the other fan sites had never existed (including this one), but the hobby would be a very different one if Bricklink had never been. We owe Dan an enormous debt of gratitude.

Here is the release from Bricklink:

We regret to announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Dan Jezek, owner and founder of BrickLink.com. Dan will be greatly missed by all of his family and many friends at Bricklink and around the world. A memorial fund is being set up and will be announced at a later date. If you wish to send condolences, you may do so via e-mail to condolences (at) bricklink.com and they will be passed on to his family.

The website will continue under the ownership of the Jezek family. Eric Smith, owner of Northstar Computer Systems, will act as BrickLink Administrator. Northstar has been the host for BrickLink for the past decade. The current BrickLink moderators for the various aspects of the site are all continuing in their roles. Troy Ceferatti is resuming his role as Community Overseer.

The site will continue operating without interruption and all Bricklink users – buyers and sellers – can be reassured that the policies and fee structures will remain as before. Please remember Dan in your thoughts and prayers.

Please visit his memorial page here

Eric Smith
BrickLink.com Administrator

Our condolences go out to the Jezek family. Many thanks to Troy Ceferatti for posting this news.

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.

Creations for Charity 2010 sale starts now! [News]

From now until early December, you can buy a custom Lego creation made by Lego fans from around the world. All proceeds will be used to give Lego sets to underprivileged children during the holidays. This is an annual opportunity where Lego enthusiasts use their creative hobby to support a great cause. As buyers, you can own the original creations from a diverse array of builders and customizers, several of whom are among the best at what they do.

To get started, visit the store on Bricklink to purchase a creation. Many of your questions can be answered there as well. Take a look at a sample of what’s for sale below. More items will be constantly added throughout November, so check often!

We accept creations for the fundraiser until December 1st. We also accept monetary donations at the store. For either form of donation over $50, you will receive an engraved Creations for Charity 2010 keychain assembled and glued by LEGO Certified Professional Sean Kenney and topped with a real gold-plated Lego brick from ChromeBricks. I sincerely hope you’ll take part in this event and help us set a new record. You make a lot of kids happy. Merry Christmas!

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.

Announcing Creations for Charity 2010!

Creations for Charity 2010 is here! This is an annual fundraiser where builders donate MOCs to sell and raise money to buy Lego for underprivileged children. This is probably the only occasion where buyers can own the original Lego creations by diverse and talented builders (while funding a good cause too!). Last year we sold 30 creations ranging from custom minifigures to spaceships. We donated almost $3,000 worth of Lego to Toys for Tots!

Starting now, you can contact me for MOC contributions through December 1st. Please check out the full details here. We’re planning to set a new record this year and I hope to see many of you take part in the success of Creations for Charity 2010!

You can read more about Toys for Tots on their website.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

Brickforge makes Brickcon Castle packs! [News]

The Castle layout at BrickCon is going all out this year! In support of that effort, Brickforge is contributing exclusive packs for contributors to the Castle section at the Con. Gotta love those gold helms…

Lego Brickforge Castle Pack Custom

Quantities are limited, so if you have something medieval, let me know about it. We can always use more Castle goodness.

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.

BrickCon 2010: Last-minute logistics

BrickCon 2010 starts this Thursday (with the public exhibition on Saturday and Sunday). If you’re not ready yet — I know I’m not — you don’t have a whole lot of time left!

First, today and tomorrow are your last chance to register your MOC cards. Remember, only registered LEGO creations are eligible to win prizes.

At this point, your main concerns should probably be packing and traveling. (See our BrickCon 2009 logistics post for links to suggestions on how to pack your LEGO so it travels safely.)

As for getting to the convention location for less than five bucks, Mark Sandlin has updated his Infothingy™ to reflect the fact that our light rail now goes all the way from Sea-Tac Airport to Westlake Center. Throw in a bonus monorail ride to take you the rest of the way, and it’s not only inexpensive but down right awesome:

Brickcon Infothingy™ 2010

With nearly 400 registered attendees, BrickCon 2010 is shaping up to be the biggest yet. See you all there later this week!

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.