Inspired by...

The London Tower Bridge is a set we don't own yet, and given the cost, we probably won't get it unless we find a deal somewhere.

Nonetheless, it's a cool-looking set, and LEGOBoy used it as the inspiration for a new micro-build.

I really love these little vehicles.  So cute.

Review - LEGO Mini Modulars - VIP Exclusive (10230)

As promised, here's a little info about set #10230, the Mini Modulars Exclusive Set.  Each building comes in its own bag, which is kind of cool.  I learned a lot of techniques and new uses for pieces by building these little guys.  The detail is just amazing.

I really think the only way to truly appreciate this set is to build it for yourself.  I also built this just after finishing the Fire Brigade, and it was neat to build the mini of it while the full-size version was still fresh in my mind.

If you are a fan of the Modular Buildings, then this set is a no-brainer.  You need it.  It's inspired me to try and create a mini-mod as cool as these.  So far I've been having a rough time of it, which just gives me an even greater appreciation for the LEGO designers who come up with a set as cool as this.  It's really tough to make intricate buildings on a scale this small.

I will say, however, that I'm about sick of piling 1x1 plates on top of each other.  The darn things bother me if they aren't perfectly lined up with each other, and it's just so easy for them to be slightly twisted out of place.  I'm sure there are a lot of folks who don't have that particular hang-up, and will find this build more enjoyable as a result!

Side note:  My seven-year-old built the Green Grocer, despite the fact that this set is 12+.  You do have to have a good eye for detail, though.  A lot of pieces get thrown down in a single step, and they're all so tiny!

Building Challenge Update

I'm actually remembering to post this week!  Yay!  This week is sort of a hodgepodge, though.  I hope to get back to "organized" building challenges next week.

LEGOBoy made a cool model that I keep forgetting to post, so I'll start there.  Here's his microscale Optimus Prime in vehicle mode.

Optimus Prime, by LEGOBoy

It took him no time at all to whip up this model, which is pretty impressive.  He also designed it so the cab is easily detached from the trailer, as shown in the picture below.  Gotta love his attention to detail.

A few weeks ago I posted this picture of a partially constructed modular building I started.

I'm happy to report that building has progressed.  Here's what it looks like now:

Modular Residence, by LEGOMom

I finished the second floor, redesigned the front light, and have started the roof.  It still needs landscaping though.  It's very plain compared to the complicated facades that LEGO comes up with, but overall I'm satisfied with it.  I wanted a residential property to squeeze next to the LEGO buildings, and this fits the bill.

That's the latest from here.  Thanks for dropping in for a visit!

Building Challenge #7

We're back in action with this week's Building Challenge!  We post a new challenge every Friday and we welcome YOU to play along with us.

Building Challenge #7 - Micro Medieval

We're going back to some small-scale building (mostly because it doesn't take too long!).  This week we challenged ourselves to build something in the castle/medieval theme in microscale.  I'll share my inspiration model first this week - the Medieval Mountain Fortress.

Medieval Mountain Fortress Front View - by LEGOMom

I'm pretty happy with the way the drawbridge came out.  And I like the banners on the front and side.

Drawbridge View

Wide shot

The gray rocky base is a LEGO element - it came in a Coast Guard-type set, if I remember correctly.

Back View

Aerial View

Next we have LEGOBoy, with his Saxon Castle.

Saxon Castle by LEGOBoy

This is the sort of early castle that the Saxon people built after the Norman soldiers conquered their territory.   (Source:  LEGOBoy)

There's a moat running around it and a stockade wall.  The building with the yellow straw roof is the bailey.  In the far corner is the lookout tower. 

Lookout Tower

If you have a model you'd like to share, link up to us below.  Thanks for checking in with us!

Building Challenge #1: Space Vehicle Microbuild

Welcome to the inaugural Building Challenge at The Brick Collectors Building Challenge Blog!  New challenges will be announced on Fridays. Anyone of any age is welcome to participate – we’d love to see AFOL (Adult Fan of LEGO) models as well as those from teens down to toddlers – KFOLs (Kid Fans of LEGO)! 

To enter, post your model to your personal blog or other online gallery. When you submit, please indicate AFOL for adult entries, or KFOL for kid entries (up to age 16). Once a challenge is open, it will remain open for the remainder of the month. That way, you have more opportunities to play along. The "like" with each entry is just for fun & feedback.  Positive comments are always encouraged.

At the end of the month, we will select our favorite submissions to appear in the Builders' Spotlight for that month. We will select one KFOL entry and one AFOL entry for each challenge. In addition, if you have a blog, we will send you code for a special blog badge for your winning entry. 


Challenge Rules 
1. Be creative and have fun! 
2. When in doubt, see Rule #1. 

If you only have a few minutes to spend working on a submission, don’t let that stop you from joining in. If you want to spend a week working on something, you can do that, too. And if you are so in the zone that your model ends up straying from the challenge a bit, don’t let that stop you from participating. It’s all about rule #1!  If you need any assistance with posting a model, click the Challenge Guidelines tab for more info.


So let's get to it!
Building Challenge #1:  Space Vehicle Microbuild
This week's challenge is to build a microscale space vehicle.  Here are some inspiration models to get the ideas flowing:

Cargo Hauler by LEGOBoy, Age 7

Flying Saucer by LEGOMom
(The top of the model actually spins!)

Starship Enterprise by LEGODad

We can't wait to see what you contribute!  Don't forget to tag your entry AFOL or KFOL!