Pictures of new Summer '09 Lego sets

Kanal-K1 of Brickshelf has recently posted pictures of many of the Summer set releases coming up this year, and has even built the sets himself. Though his list is mainly Lego City sets, that in itself has got me excited for the summer: he has a set I have not seen before...

A wind turbine repair truck and car! Exciting, in a sort-of environmentally friendly way.

Kanal-K1's gallery can be found here .

~John

Happy Red Nose Day!

Though it may not be much of a big event in America, Red Nose Day is a huge fund-raising event over here in England. So, for all of you english readers out there, get donating! The number is 0345 910 910, and I'm sure your donation would be very much appreciated by someone in need around the world. People from outside the UK should be able to donate too.

Now I know it sounds as if I work for Red Nose Day, but I just don't want RND to go unannounced here on Brickspace.

RND, as part of their campaign, sold two T-shirts of the Beatles and the Two Ronnies, put into black+white and with red noses put on. So I thought I would do the same for some of the Lego celebrities. Enjoy!

Nannan Zhang...

...Nathan Sawaya...

...and, of course, Jørgen Vig Knudstorp!

Have a great evening, everybody!

~John

Brickfilms.com

Oh my gosh. I've only just seen the new brickfilms.com and it's terrible! Admittedly it's better than the previous design, but it's still ugly, what with the glowing letters in the menu bar, and Brickfilms.com, in my opinion, had got worse and worse since the new owners came in. However, DO NOT FRET. On a slightly happier note, Bricks In Motion has gone from strength to strength and it looks beautiful, even better, PHILIP HEINRICH HAS TAKEN IT OVER, WAHOOOOOOOO! Ok, I'll calm down now, but I think that's true. I'll keep you posted if there is any further news, or brickfilms.com mishaps! I know not all of you will agree with me, and I'm open to debate, so feel free to tell us your views on the comments.
NB The BIM archive should be up and running pretty soon (hopefully)!



-Luke, editor

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!

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

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 .

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

New 2009 Star Wars sets!

Flickr user 'Dano brings us some great sneak peaks of this year's upcoming sets via New Set blog customminifig.co.uk !

First up: a new Star Wars: the Clone Wars set for the summer. Dubbed a 'Limited Edition' set (like the Spider Walker), this Solar Sailor includes Count Dooku (Clone Wars version), two Magnaguards and a small white robot thing, can't quite make it out. It looks really awful, and doesn't even include those great sails in the movie. Not a good start.

 Next up: a new Corporate Alliance Droid, looking smaller and very much 'cuter'. Two clones, one Battle Droid, a strange sort of jetpack thing and some precarious looking treads.

I think the only way to describe this is, as a Flickr user put so well, an obese Y-Wing. Though it's also called a Y-Wing, it's a lot yellower and has Clone Wars minifigs.

 Lego returns  to Hoth with hopefully a less expensive set than the last two/three/four times! Sporting the comeback of the old Classioc LSW logo (top right), this set includes some snowtroopers, some rebel snowy people, Han Solo in a blue eskimo suit and the first ever Lego Tauntaun! Yipee!

Now next up is Nute Gunray's Nemoidian Shuttle. The Flickr guys estimate it to be about $30-$40, and it will include two droids, a clone, a Greedo-type chap and Nute Gunray (not the one you see in the picture - that's a prototype). So far, it's looking good. The actual design of the set lets it down for me, tough: it looks really basic and simple. Good landing gear, though: can't wait for that.

I can't believe that after so many MOCs of that stupid Endor bunker, Lego bring it out in a set. Well maybe that'll stop the MOCs. The minifigs in this set (just like in all the others) look really great, though: the camouflage Rebel helmets, a gray/brown Ewok, Han Solo, R2, Luke, some more Rebel guys and a Scout Trooper. I'll start saving up now, please.

Another silly Clone Wars set methinks. Lego have gone overtime on the minifigs this year: a Palpatine minifig, two BLUE (yes, BLUE) Clones (senate guards apparently) and two other random Clones, one apparently is Commander Gree. Bit of a flat-nosed shape, though, don't you think?

Well, stay tuned for the next set of Fall 2009 Lego sets. Before I go, I'll give you a sneak peak of the next 'Lego board games', with this cool promotional poster. The German title means 'The world will be jealous', but if any of you can read/understand the smaller text, please say!

~John

Lego mobile phone?

Gadget blog The Boy Genius Report have recently posted the first ever preliminary picture of the new Lego Mobile Phone.

Earlier this year, Lego teamed up with Digital Blue and Alcatel and have recently released this prototype of the Lego phone, which includes swappable cases and keypads and is aimed at children, and will be proced at $20 - $60. Unfortunately, the phone won't hit the shops until summer, but it will contain a walkie-talkie and a camera, all with modular Lego-type pieces so the kids can customise it.

But is this a great move for the Lego company, or is Jørgen selling Lego at face value? I'm starting to think employing JVK as the Lego CEO wasn't such a good idea...

Brickfilms.com 3.0!

I'd just like to let you know about the newest Brickfilms.com redesign!

Since Brickfilms LLC was bought out last year by UMC, the site has slowly been going through a shut-down, with less and less news posts being made and less films being posted. The whole community has practically moved over to Bricks In Motion . HOWEVER (!), Just today / yesterday, the newest admin of Brickfilms LLC has published the updated site! Sporting some new graphics and new website ideas, the site is not yet completely finished. In fact it is far from it: at the moment, all you can do is post in the forums (which many thousands of people have done in the last two days), and the homepage is a complete mess. But don't judge so early! Just keep checking back and it will all be OK soon!

www.brickfilms.com

Meanwhile, Bricks In Motion are still getting their film library together, so the two sites are pretty much equal. Choose now, avoid the tough job of choosing later when the both sites are fully operational.

www.bricksinmotion.com

Is Jørgen in a LEGO set??

So I've just been trawling through all the new 2009 CITY Lego sets, and I came across #8401 LEGO CITY Minifigure Collection . Is it just me, or does the bearded fellow with the briefcase look exactly like Jørgen Vig Knudstorp, Lego CEO..?

New content on Jåm

Hey there!

I'd just like to direct you to the new, updated Jåm . For those of you who don't know, Jåm is the place for all things Jørgen: comics, diaries, quotes, the helpdesk and lots, lots more. So check it out regularly!

Happy new year!

Happy new year everyone! There are going to be loads of great new things in store for Brickspace 2009. Just wanted to say, the London fireworks were spectacular! Check out these pictures

-Luke, editor