Oi!

Wotcha think you're doin' here then? You think you can just waddle in like that, do ya?

This here, laddie, is a top-secret Brickspace testin' ground. Yup, thassright. So you'd better geddout before someone sees ya pokin' around...

Saturday 28 February 2009

Gold mine








Well, I've got a real beauty, here, a massive gold mine
where some people even seem to live. I'm not sure how
the horse would cope on the railway line, but oh well.

Friday 27 February 2009

After 30 years...it's time to return.



March 2009 sees the 30th anniversary of the original Classic Space sets from LEGO. Now, three decades on, it’s time for a celebration of spacey goodness at www.neoclassicspace.com.

Neo-Classic Space is a reimagining of the LEGO Classic Space range, using modern building techniques and parts. More than just inspired by the Classic Space sets, Neo-Classic Space is an extrapolation of the line into the 21st century and beyond. We aim to follow a carefully thought standard, which we feel is in keeping with the original designs.

The culmination of a top-secret project planned over many months, www.neoclassicspace.com will present a new model every day throughout March, many from builders you already know and love, some from new talent you may not have discovered.

This is only the beginning. It is time to retake space. We hope you’ll come along for the ride!

Wednesday 25 February 2009

Brickspace Dictionary: Steampunk

Steampunk (n.) (Steam·punk)
Steampunk is the name given to a genre of MOCs, comics, and other items that fall into the category that can be described generally as 'Neo-Victorian'. Neo-Victorian is an alternate history in which the technological workings of the Victorian era are applied to the technologies of the modern day, or even the future. This mainly means taking things like spaceships, trains, hot-air balloons or mechas and adding a Victorian style to them: so transposing a brown-and-dark gray colour scheme, with pumps and chimneys and pipes and grilles and pistons and clockwork greeblies. The Steampunk theme has become very popular amongst MOCers.

Steampunk has also affected the movie industry. Films such as The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen  are based on a Steampunk theme.

More Dictionary articles ☛

Tuesday 24 February 2009

Mini 10195.



I've always admired Tim Goddard's superb micro Star Wars vehicles and dioramas. Here's his solution to anyone who might be strapped for cash to buy the new 10195 Republic Dropship with AT-OT.

Monday 23 February 2009

Rocket Science.



This retro' style rocket by Fazoom is super-swooshable and very pleasing to the eye. The curved wingtips are a particularly nice touch as is hinged cockpit which may not open the way you would expect...

Birthday cake











Well, it was my birthday recently, so I thought I'd celebrate by adding this random cake to Brickspace. The yellow face in the top right corner seems to be eyeing it up, but it's all mine.

Bunnies


Apart from the really annoying titles and lack of story, this video is pretty good. It's smooth, and pretty funny. One thing though, those spring sounds are SO ANNOYINGLY LOUD! It was created by Olsonstudios and you can view it on YouTube by clicking her.



-Luke, editor

New Brickfilms.com features

Hi guys! I thought I'd let you know about a new Brickfilms.com feature: Tutorials. Ok, so I'm really not sold on the new site design, and I haven't liked Brickfilms.com  since I realised they patented the word 'Brickfilm', which other people have been using for years. I was just looking at the new site, 3.0, to see what it looked like (It's horrible!, go to bricks in motion instead). I found the tutorials page. It's terrible, it's just a massive block of indigestible text. We make better tutorials in our 'Tips & Tricks' section! So, the new Brickfilms.com is terrible. They really need to get their act together. The movie archive is still tiny too!



-Luke, editor

Sunday 22 February 2009

Hello there!


Hello everybody! I am finally online, thanks to John's diligent assistance. And here is a lovely Powerdozer by Flickr user Jerrec. I think it's got the perfect combination of nitty-gritty and space hi-tech, don't you? He promises this is not his last creation in this style. Good.

Corfe Castle Station WIP.



This beautiful railway station by Carl Greatrix is still a WIP (Work In Progress) but it's still way better than anything I could hope to achieve and I couldn't help but blog it here. Check out the lovely arch above the window, the green drainpipes, it all adds up to a MOC which is simply gorgeous and I can't wait to see it finished.

Le Quartier Brique

This creation, 'Le Quartier Brique', was created by '5p863 (aka capt. kirk)' [what a name!]. It's really detailed, and really interesting. Hope you like it!
NB Make sure to check out the Brickspace Flickr account, to find more great creations like this or to upload your own.



-Luke, editor

Jørgen Vig Knudstorp #5: Vålentining Dåi!


How Jørgen spent Valentine's Day.

Check out more Jørgen comics on the blog Jåm! , or show your love of Jørgen by favouriting, commenting on, or downloading all the comics on my Flickr , in glorious JPEG (JørgenPEG) format. Enjoy!

~John

Saturday 21 February 2009

Welcome Staff Members Doctor Sinister and Gorazd!


Hey there guys. It looks liek we have another TWO staff members that need announcing!

Firstly, I'd like to welcome Doctor Sinister onto Brickspace. Many of you will know him from his Flickr or MOCpages account, and we're incredibly proud to have him here. He's already made a post (I'm always very slow at posting these welcome messages, I never know when is the right moment. I'll try harder next time), and we all hope we'll see more like that from him in the future. The Doc is also standing to be the chairman of Brickish, the English LUG, so if you are a member, vote for Doctor Sinister!

Gorazd Vahen, or 'Kaitimar' on Flickr, is also joining us. Unfortunately we have been having a few problems with his account, but you should see him on here in the next few weeks!

So make these two new staff members at home, all you lot. And watch out for the 5th Jørgen comic, coming on here very VERY soon! 

Ralph's Minifigs travel in real comfort.



Ralph Savelsberg's green Minifig scale green coach is the business - complete with "rabbit ear" wing mirrors, ingenious working doors and two rows of seating inside. I just hope those seats aren't covered with that sticky stuff that was always there when I went out on a school trip...

Staff Member: Doctor Sinister


NAME: Doctor Sinister
POSITION: Expert
SITUATED: Secret Island Base (alright, it's in the UK)
ACTUAL NAME: Andrew John Summersgill
INTERESTS: World Domination, Cats, Beans on Toast, Sci-Fi (esp. Doctor Who but lots of other stuff too), Military History
FAVOURITE BOOKS: The Forever War, Starship Troopers, the Honor Harrington books by David Weber, novels by John Wyndham
FAVOURITE MUSIC: The Doors, Nirvana, various Britpop artists, Coldplay
FAVOURITE FILMS: Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, Apocalypse Now, Blade Runner, Reservoir Dogs

Doctor Augustus Julius Sinister IV is a 37 year old evil genius intent on absolute universal domination.  Part-man, part-machine, part LEGO (he swallowed a small piece as a child), he somehow manages to occupy the same brain as his more down-to-Earth alter ego, Andrew Summersgill, although it's getting a bit fraught in there and the legroom leaves much to be desired.

Both Andrew and his evil counterpart are LEGO obsessed and between them they have a permanent LEGO town (Tabletown) in their garage which is used as a testbed for future world domination experiments.  The space beneath Tabletown is also a good place to hide from local law enforcement authorities when they come to pay a visit.

With an unending series of clones to replace him, Doctor Sinister is seemingly immortal and invincible - his one weakness being his penchant for cloning genetically modified and cybernetically enhanced Allosaurs as "pets". Rumour has it that an accident with one of these creatures is the cause of his cybernetic eye and robotic arm, but such stories are strenuously denied - on pain of death.

Andrew meanwhile is a staff member at Brickset and a regular contributor to displays hosted by his LUG, the Brickish Association (http://www.brickish.org/).




-Contact Doc at doc@brickspace.org 
-Doc's website is http://www.tabletown.co.uk 
-Find Doc on...
   > MOCpages 
   > Brickshelf 
   > Flickr 

Pontiac G8 sports truck

I found this 'Pontiac G8 sports truck', by 'rabidnovaracer ' on the Brickspace Flickr group. It must have taken ages to make, and I think it's really cool.




-Luke, editor

Friday 20 February 2009

Star wars: Revenge of the Brick

View movie

Spooky



I found this entry to the 'bricks in motion cinematography challenge' on the Brickspace Flickr group. I like the camera angle, looking straight along the corridor, and the lighting gives it an eerie feel. It was created by 'Frogtrap' and you can visit it on Flickr by clicking here.



-Luke, editor

Thursday 19 February 2009

Lego to make Disney playsets, 2010

Just a few days ago it was announced that Lego had made a franchise with Disney, meaning that in 2010 they will be releasing Lego sets based on the movies 'Cars', 'Toy Story 1 + 2', and the upcoming 'Toy Story 3'. Now I immediately think this is a bad idea, and I'm probably gonna run off and complain to JVK like I always do, but here's the proper article:

Children's imaginations will go "To infinity and beyond" when, beginning in 2010, they will be able to re-create the adventures of Buzz Lightyear and Woody with LEGO toys inspired by theToy Story franchise. Toy Story-themed construction sets will be available on both LEGO DUPLO and LEGO System platforms, building the adventure and fun for children ages 2-12. LEGO System products based on Toy Storyand Toy Story 2 will launch in January 2010, to be followed in May by construction sets based on the new animated feature, Toy Story 3, scheduled to hit theaters in Disney Digital 3D June 2010. Toy Story-themed LEGO DUPLO products launch in June 2010.
"We are thrilled to team up with Disney, another of the world's premium brands for families with children," said Jorgen Vig Knudstorp, CEO LEGO Group. "When two brands who share similar values bring their franchises together -- in this case a timeless play pattern with some of the industry's most beloved stories and characters -- and combine their access to families, retail strength and marketing power, amazing things can happen. We can't wait to launch the first three lines and look forward to exploring all of the ways in which we bring the wonderful world of Disney to life in LEGO form."
"Joining forces with LEGO Group speaks to the commitment and vision both companies share for quality product and innovative creativity that invigorates kids play," said Vince Klaseus, senior vice president, global toys, Disney Consumer Products. "Our collaboration will continue to extend the vitality of our roster of franchises by bringing our characters and their worlds to life in a fresh and exciting way. Through these new LEGO product lines, Disney will continue to build presence in the construction toys category and grow market share in the boys demographic."
More about the franchise here .

Coming ashore

I really like this pirate MOC, Coming ashore, by delucks. I like the way it's laid out, and the photo is a good angle. The attention to detail is great, and he's even got the smooth bricks on the side to finish it off.



-Luke, editor

New 2009 Sets!




Other than StarWars and Bionicle. Featuring the best from the new line LEGO released at Toy Fair 2009. The set release for most sets is August 2009. All photos from Flickr user no_onions.

First off on the list in the Power Miners line is the 8964 Titanium Command Rig with 706 pieces and running a price tag of $99.99 USD/$129.99 CAD. In this new set we find some nice large wheels, a similar drill that has been seen before in the Power Miners line, and...

A new addition to the Rock Monster family! Trekking back to old Rock Raid line this large pre-fab beast features moving arms, but it appears to have legs melted together. Almost to similar to the previous Rock Raider beast.

Next in the line of Power Miners we see the 8963 Rock Wrecker coming with it is 225 pieces and running a price tag of $34.99 USD/$44.99 CAD. Featuring some great new elements this set includes large saws, another large rock monster in transparent yellow-green, and a new cockpit element. Although a little pricey to the part ratio, this set still features some fantastic elements.

And last on our list for Power Miners is the 8962 Crystal King where builders can find a large brick built rock monster for only $19.99 USD/$24.99 CAD and containing 168 pieces. We also find that the Power Miners have hair under there large blue helmets!

New in the Ferrari line is 8185 Ferrari F1 Cargo. This set contains 534 pieces and is priced at $79.99 USD/$99.99 CAD. In this set we find the 2008 wheel elements released again and a large truck with its racer.

From the Creator line we have that incredibly priced 6754 Family Home that contains 976 pieces and only costs $59.99 USD/$79.99 CAD. Tons of basic elements and perfect how building materials. Very reminiscent of the previous Creator homes.

First on the long list of Space Police sets is 5973 Hyperspeed Pursuit with 456 pieces and a cost of $49.99 USD/$64.99 CAD. In this set we find a nice sleek black car and the police racer with its nice blue cockpit.

5974 Galactic Enforcer is next on the list with 825 pieces and a price of $99.99 USD/$129.99 CAD. In it we get fantastic escape pods and plenty of white wedge plates and other white plates.

With 5972 Container Heist we get 282 pieces for $29.99 USD/$39.99 CAD. Within its large container is an Ion cannon ready to take out the space police. Like in all the Space Police sets we find an interesting alien head different from most of the other sets.

Our final stop with Space Police is 5970 Freeze Ray Frenzy. This set contains 80 pieces and has the small price tag of $9.99 USD/$12.99 CAD. For such a small set we get a nifty new alien head.

Now to put Castle on your mind we have the large new castle 7097 Troll's Dark Fortress. 844 pieces for $99.99 USD/$129.99 CAD. With the set we find new trolls in sand green and dark tan that have helmets and interesting designs on their armor. Also seen is less of the prefab rock we are used to and more brick built designs we love.

The skellies are back in 7079 Drawbridge Defense. A set priced for $39.99 USD/$49.99 CAD and containing 335 pieces. We also have a great minifigure selection with a new queen and for anyone who missed out on the Advent Calender jester there is another chance.

From the City line we have 7686 Helicopter Transport were we find the LEGO company using similar techniques to ones used by most builders. A great achievement and plenty of orange for anyone in need. This set has 377 pieces and costs $39.99 USD/$49.99 CAD.

Also in the City line is 7642 Garage with plenty of trucks. Similar to the Custom Cars Garage on this year we are receiving trucks. With 953 pieces this set is much large and expensive than its car counterpart. Price is set at $99.99 USD/$129.99 CAD.

Last in the City line is 7639 Camper ready for any group of hippies. With 165 pieces The LEGO Company gives us the fair price of $16.99 USD/$19.99 CAD. For anyone who missed out on a surfboard during there release they are in luck with the yellow board released in this set.

7195 Ambush in Cairo from Indiana Jones is one of the best deals The LEGO Company provides for us. $10.99 USD/$12.99 CAD for 79 pieces, but with those pieces is 4 new minifigures including Indy himself.

7196 Chauchilla Cemetery Battle from Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull features and new motorcycle design and a personal favorite, the Conquistador helmet. 187 pieces - $19.99 USD/$24.99 CAD

7197 Venice Canal Chase contains 420 pieces and is available for the fair price of $39.99 USD/$49.99 CAD. Not pictures is another boat with a break away back for movie accuracy.

Finishing big for Indiana Jones and our Toy Fair coverage is 7199 The Temple of Doom. The $89.99 USD/$119.99 CAD with 652 pieces. Although quite pricey this set features the perfect rendition of Mola Ram and tons of 6 wide train track.

Although Agents was not covered in this review of the August 2009 set films of these sets by Flickr user countblockula. Agents Films-Toy Fair 2009 Films

~Zack