Tag Archives: Nostalgia

There’s not a cloud in the sky…

Well, okay, there’s that pesky mushroom cloud off in the distance. But that’s not going to put a damper on our day, is it gang? Paul Hetherington has delivered a payload of nostalgia with this look at idyllic family life in an era when the worry of nuclear annihilation was as ever-present a threat as a neighborhood HOA violation. Paul says he was inspired for this LEGO creation by the style magazine Atomic Ranch, which focuses on Mid-Century style. And it shows. From the car in the driveway, to the architecture of the home, and even the furnishings inside, Paul has captured a snapshot of the era beautifully.

Atomic Ranch

Click here to take a closer look!

LEGO 71374 Nintendo Entertainment System is a buildable NES console complete with Super Mario Bros. [News]

LEGO and Nintendo have partnered to reveal 71374 Nintendo Entertainment System, a buildable NES console and a retro CRT “tube” TV that comes with a Super Mario Bro. cartridge and a scrolling level reminiscent of World 1-1. The instant nostalgia trip is made up of 2,646 pieces and even comes with an 8-bit Mario.

The NES will be sold exclusively by LEGO through the end of 2020 then expand to other retailers starting in 2021. The set will sell for US $229.99 | CAN $299.99 | UK £209.99 beginning August 1st, the same day that the other new LEGO Super Mario sets become available for purchase.

(Edit: LEGO originally listed the purchase price of US $199.99 online and in its press release and then updated the online price to US $299.99 and then updated it again to US $229.99. We have received confirmation from LEGO that US $229.99 will be the final price.)

Take a closer look at the LEGO Nintendo NES

In your eyes I am complete

Our readers over the age of thirty may already know the secret to winning over the hearts of that special someone. For the rest, this is what to do. Be sure to don a khaki trench coat with the sleeves pushed up to the elbow. Hop into your late 70’s model Chevy Malibu and head over to their place. Once there, hold a boombox similar to this one built by Chungpo Cheng high over your head and with the volume turned up all the way, stand outside their bedroom window and play some Peter Gabriel, but preferably not this one.

Boombox

The end result should either have the person you most desire running longingly into your waiting arms or it may land you one hell of a restraining order. There really is no “in between” scenario with this stunt. But either way it would be totally worth it.

Boombox

The greatest brick hits from the ’80s

There was nothing quite like living in the 1980s. Back then, having a single cassette tape on-hand meant being forced to listen to a full album of music and nothing else. It was just one of many technological shortcomings we had to deal with. These two nostalgic builds by Ralf Langer certainly bring back some of those memories. At first glance, the headphones look so realistic. Ralf used LEGO rubber tires to form the ear cushions, and I’m still puzzled by how he incorporated them into the build.

Lego Headphones

The compact cassette tape is also shaped perfectly, right down to the placement of the capstan and pinch roller openings. My favorite parts are the chain links used for the magnetic tape supply reels. While writing this article, I was inspired to play music from the ’80s over my 21st Century Bluetooth headset; talk about instant gratification!

A Lego CC (Compact Cassette)

The classic ‘ol Radio Flyer Wagon is still alive!

Scroll fast enough and you’d probably think this version by 1ssac W. is the real deal, not a LEGO build. I have to admit, though I never owned one of these pull wagons they certainly are recognizable as ever! They’re so classically embedded into pop-culture, and I’m pleasantly surprised to learn that the Radio Flyer company is still well and alive till today after a century. Every kid needs one of these at some point in their childhood. I really like the finer details of how the builder thought outside the box to use a trimmed part of red flex hose for the center caps of the wheels, and more for the handle.

Radio Flyer wagon

Blast back to the past with a bicycle and a boombox

Having grown up with the iconic Raleigh bicycle and a Boombox radio in the garage, it was tough to pass up this nostalgic blast from the past. Builder Melan-E pulls out all the stops in the detailing of each artifact of yesteryear. A few things stand out for me, including the great styling of both front and rear wheels, the reverse side of the 8×8 round element used for the speaker on the boombox, and oh! — those cassette tapes are simply charming.

Too Cool For School

The boombox and cassette tapes look like they could almost scream out a hit like “Stayin’ Alive” by The Bee Gees.  I wonder if the cassettes would fit right into the slots, as it does look like some hinged parts were used for the tape deck.

Too Cool For School

Melanie has created beautiful detailing around the rims with 1×1 plates that go all around, plus a school backpack to go.

Too Cool For School

If you need a reference point of what a classic Raleigh looks like, I just happen to have one that my Mom had saved through the decades, brought back to life with a new coat of paint and a basket.

Catch you on the flip-side

If conversations about audio equipment have you fondly remembering terms like “45 rpm”, “B-side”, “mix tape” or “VHF” then you’re probably ancient like me. Or you just rented Guardians of the Galaxy. Either way, this LEGO trifecta of vintage gear is far out, right on, and out of sight… Can you dig it?

First up is this 70s kitchen scene from Swedish retro-fanatic LegoJalex, featuring a portable radio and a color palette that practically defined the home décor of that decade. Looks like something right out of the 1973 IKEA catalog (and strangely, the 2010 catalog). It’s groovy, man.
  
Next, are these super-accurate recreations of turntable / cassette player units from the same era, created by Indonesian builder Yul Burman Karel. I swear, the one on the left looks like the exact one I used as a kid. Ok, time to boogie!