The new LEGO® Star Wars™ mini-movie premiering on-line!

Coming November 5th: The new LEGO® Star Wars™ mini-movie premiering on-line!
     More info here later!.
Watch the funny Trailer for "Bombad Bounty". Click on the link here:
http://starwars.lego.com/en-us/movie/Mini%20movie%20trailer.aspx?CMP=EMC-SH2010OctSWExclusiveROE&HQS=videoheader

Pricewatch LEGO - Toyworld - $20 off 7213 at some stores

Catalogue from some Toyworld stores is offering this set at $49.99 ($20 off the rrp of $69.99), almost 30% off!

3 Firefighter minifigures, a truck and a boat included, with a crane that can hoist the boat off the truck.

Check your local Toyworld.
Melb metro are: Altona, Beaumaris, Docklands, Eastland, Elsternwick, Epping, Forest Hill, Hoppers Crossing, Melton, Mountain Gate, Narre Warren, Southland, Sunbury, Watergardens, as well as Geelong and regional towns and cities. All Vic locations at this link - ref: http://www.toyworld.com.au/locations.html

My new Boba Fett white just arrived

Boba Fett - White (Toy Fair 2010 Promotional)

Guess who is my new favourite LEGO minifig? I just got this one from the USA today. He will be coming down to the market stall next Sunday. See you there maybe?

Cheap LEGO where? (Competition - weekly LEGO prize)

Tell me of any retail specials on LEGO sets (new sets only).
They must be for sale in Victoria (Australia), or sold on the web.

Email details to me at blxbrx@gmail.com (store location, set number, price).
The best bargain each week gets a weekly prize.

Prize winners will be advised on this blog site.
Prizes can be collected at my Camberwell Sunday market stall, or I will post it to you.

Happy hunting!

Stormtrooper - Chrome. He's back in stock! (only six this week)

Myer Bourke St CBD store - new LEGO display - now 1/3 of all toy area

New LEGO display just opened at Myer Bourke St store.

Interactive display, where you hold up a set and it reacts to match that set.
Pictures of the rest of the LEGO area on this Flickr link here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21395550@N07/sets/72157625090622823

Mega Man LEGO collection - 3D artist 8-bait Cubist

The 8-bit Cubist has created some great art of LEGO versions of Mega Man, and now has gone on to do the bosses now.

More details and the original Mega Man designs can be found at this link here:
   http://8bitcubist.com/blog/index.php/2010/10/19/mega_man_lego_collection_the_bosses/?pid=88

LEGO sack tutorial - how to

1. Get your bag

2. Open up the bag

3. Play with your LEGO

4. Pack it away fast, no mess.

But how do you get one of these? You can get official LEGO versions from me at the Sunday market. Or you can make your own very easily, from the tutorial at this link:
    http://tonicoward.blogspot.com/2010/09/lego-sack-tutorial.html

BrickCon 2010 Winners - YouTube link

This is a great way to see what are the best models and designs presented this year's BrickCon 2010 convention held recently in Seattle USA (it was on Sept 30 to Oct 3).
Click on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z55jWm075U&NR=1

What is BrickCon? BrickCon is a Private Convention and Public Exhibition. BrickCon 2010 was open to adults (AFOLs) 18 and over, and teens (TFOLs) (all persons younger than 18), who enjoy the hobby of LEGO building, collecting and displaying, in its 9th year of providing a place to share and build friendships, experiences, ideas, and techniques with other Adult and Teen LEGO® Hobbyists from around the world, who enjoy the hobby of LEGO building, collecting and displaying.

LEGO minifigure - has its own page on Wikipedia

Good, long article with lots of information, with the headings of History, Design & Construction, Variations, Community (Film & Video Games), Other LEGO Figures, References, External Links)

"A Lego Minifigure, is a small plastic figurine available as part of the construction toy Lego, produced by Danish toy manufacturer the Lego Group. They were first produced in 1978, and have become hugely successful, with over 3.7 billion produced"
To go to the Wikipedia article just click on this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minifig

Fascinating LEGO Model of the Day (lmotd) - recommended blog

Have you seen this blog yet? Worth putting it in your "regular visit" cycle. I will add this to my useful links so you can find it easily whenever you want to check it out again.

Here's a pic from a very recent entry, which highlighted MadBrick 2010 - the LEGO convention in Madrid (Spain) recently - October 9th. Click on this link to go to the blog: http://lmotd.blogspot.com/

PriceWatch LEGO - ToysRUs catalogue - 20 Oct - 2 Nov

20 Oct - 2 Nov up to 20% off selected LEGO sets, including City

Camera cars - video - link

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28134808@N02/4458662368/in/set-72157623679308508/

mahjqa Metal Grudge video link - for those who can't watch YouTube

For those who can't watch YouTube, click on this link to see the video clip of the Metal Grudge: http://www.flickr.com/photos/28134808@N02/5074735926/

Used to film the videos, also see mahjqa's camera cars on Flickr, at the link here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/28134808@N02/sets/72157623679308508/

"Metal Slug" in LEGO - mahjqa's Metal Grudge - see the video!

More than just a static model. This Metal Slug tank from the SNK series of the same name rocks!
The amazing Omniwheels allow it to spin circles while driving straight. When used as regular wheels they have friction. However, when sliding sideways they do not. Check out the 1:08 video on YouTube - linked  below. 

Yes - this is just one "wheel" as we normally call it. Original omniwheel from Sariel (yes - same one in my favourite designers links). mahjqa has replaced the gear wheels with normal LEGO tyres and wheels


More photos at mahjqa's Flickr page. Click on this link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/28134808@N02/sets/72157625017384671/with/5071779759/

Also amazing YouTube video of the Metal Grudge in action at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOuP_w0FZi0

How to build a LEGO transmission - simple

Sariel is a master designer I have a permanent link to his web page in my Favourite Designers links. When I saw this article on his simple sturdy design, with a good explanation of how and why he built it, I had to feature it for you.

Go to this link for more info:  http://sariel.pl/2010/07/4-speed-compact-linear-gearbox/#more-1525.

ToysRUs voucher - 20% off Friday till Sunday storewide!

The best thing just got better? New red brick separator.

Have you seen the new LEGO WiiMote? With it comes a LEGO brick saperator, like I have never seen before.  See the red thing at the front left?  LEGO brick separators are not usually red, but apparently this is also a new design. More news as I find out more.

Cheaper LEGO at ToysRUs

I am told there is a 3 day special at ToysRUs (Australia)
-  20% off store-wide Friday to Sunday, but ....
I could not see anything to confirm this on their web site. I rang their Chadstone stoe & they confrmed it, but said you need a coupon. They said coupons were emailed out to their VIP customers, but might be picked up in store if you ask at the checkouts/service desk, she said. Alternatively you can ring them and just give your email address & they join you on the spot. I rang the Chadstone store on (03) 9569 8697.

Also, the current ToysRUs catalogue (Oct 6 - Oct 26) on page 10 shows up to 20% off 4 sets:

• LEGO Creator Ferocious Creatures (now $39.99, was $49.99 - save $10)
• LEGO Creator Apple Tree House (now $64.99, was $79.99 - save $15)
• LEGO Creator Sonic Boom (now $74.99, was $99.99 - save $15)
• LEGO Creator Off Road Power (now $119.99, was $139.99 - save $20)

Flickriver - most interesting photos tagged with LEGO

See this "river" of great LEGO MOCs.


Imagine an endless stream of the world's brightest and best LEGO MOCs, dioramas, and ideas delivered to you in not just a stream, but in a river.... flickriver. I got down to pic number 84, with over 634,000 pics still to go if I want to go to the end. All of them good so far, and many are brilliant. Highly recommended!


For LEGO heaven, click on this link:   http://www.flickriver.com/photos/tags/lego/interesting/

Super Electric Robot Team - lots of ideas! (and Exo-suit from The LEGO Book)

More legoloverman!

To see the original in more detail, click on this link:
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/38509565@N00/263783978/lightbox/
or the full Flickr photostream at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/38509565@N00/263783978/

I just found out he was also included in "The LEGO Book". Bottom right of page 195 is the EXO SUIT. His real name is Peter Reid.

For Exo Suit - click on this link:  http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=exo&w=38509565%40N00

More links to some of the LEGO fan builders in The LEGO Book will be featured in future blogs.

More detail of the Turtle Factory - the Turtle Grabber

Absolutely perfect! Grey colours and mechanical harsh shapes, combined with .... round, yellow and cute!

Go to the link to see even more detail: 

   http://www.flickr.com/photos/38509565@N00/4814603881/

Can you see the ray guns from the Collectible Minifig series 1 Astronaut?
Have you found it in the picture yet?

I must see more of legoloverman's work - sensational!
Ok, a hint for what my next blog is about .... "Super Electric Robot Team".

WOW! - Turtle Factory - see more on Flickr - link below

 The Turtle Factory - by legoloverman - WOW!

See more at this link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/38509565@N00/sets/72157625131097864/with/5065468352/

The progression of

First LEGO League (FLL, FIRST) - home page

Not everyone knows about FLL - it is an alliance between FIRST and the LEGO Group.
Ask at your school if you have one there already.
More info at this link: http://www.firstlegoleague.org/

LEGO BuildIts - lots of free instructions

Free instructions for lots more LEGO building ideas.
Instructions come in PDF format. They can be downloaded and saved if you want. Link is here: http://club.lego.com/en-us/BuildIt/Models.aspx

The LEGO Book & more about Nathan Zhang & charity LEGO

I was talking about Nathan Zhang as an amazing LEGO MOC (My Own Creation) maker and designer. I have posted a link to his "Containment" piece at the top right in the Recommended Builders links of this blog. He is a regular contributor to the Brothers Brick blog, which I have also put a link to. Both are strongly worth visiting.

What I didn't mention earlier is that Nathan's Yamamura Bike was included in The LEGO Book. If you have a copy of the book, have a look at page 192 (he is one of the Fan Builders they highlighted. This piece was also auctioned in the Brothers Brick "Creations for Charity" auction last year. The auction is coming up again soon, and is a rare opportunity to buy pieces from top designers, and help a worthwhile charity that gives toys (new LEGO sets) to children.

Details of the 2010 auction can be seen at this link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nannanz/5065967369/

The Brothers Brick page says: "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!"

You can see the items and prices sold for from last year's auction at this link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nannanz/4158818639/sizes/o/in/photostream/

New Harry Potter LEGO sets in Target at 20% off - only till Wed

Target Camberwell had lots of HP new LEGO sets in stock yesterday. The new Hogwart's Castle (now about $144 (rrp $180),  so 20% off is a lot cheaper! Set 4736 Freeing Dobby is now $12 (rrp $14.99). Set 4737 Quidditch Match is now $24 (rrp $29.99). Collect the Weasley family minifigs in Set 4840 The Burrow, also on sale at 20% off (rrp $89.99).

Grab them at 20% off while you can! 3 days left.

Also many people ask me if I sell large base plates ayt Camberwell Sunday Market. I usually suggest they get them at Target during these 20% off sales. Large grey plates were in stock late last week, and cost me $12.79 each. Bargain! If you can't find them, ask the staff where they are. Staff there have always been helpful for me.

More DNA and LEGO - Nannan Zhang

I had not seen these 2 DNA-related LEGO MOCs from Nannan Zhang until today.







Nannan is 19 years old and just completed college in St. Louis, Missouri, hoping to become a Medical Student in 2011.
He is also a regular constributor at the Brothers Brick which I have highly recommended before.
His MOCs are amazing.

"Nannan’s ubiquity of presence and prolific building has earned him recognition in contests, other blogs, the BrickJournal magazine, and most recently in a two-page feature in the Official Xbox Magazine, which circulates well over 400,000 copies per issue."

If you want to read more about him, the rest of his bio is on The Brothers Brick from when he was nominated as a LEGO Ambassador, at  http://www.brothers-brick.com/2008/05/20/nomination-bio-nannan-zhang/

Nannan's Flickr photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nannanz/

Last Moon: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nannanz/4104333076/

Duplo DNA — the Science of Lego Self-Assembly

While many of us have probably used Lego parts to simulate scientific principles of one kind or another, reader Kee Nethery discovered that Duplo bricks will actually behave in strange and scientific ways when put through, of all things, a clothes washer:

Read More http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2010/10/duplo-dna-the-science-of-lego-self-assembly/#ixzz11laVfhox
Duplo DNA — the Science of Lego Self-Assembly Read More http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2010/10/duplo-dna-the-science-of-lego-self-assembly/#ixzz11lXsvEWl

Just in to CHEAP LEGO - the PriceWatch - Myer 20% off.

 I'm told it is 20% off for all Toys this Saturday (9th October 2010) at Myer,

Also: their current Toy catalogue has about 20% or more off a range of LEGO, and that ends 10 Oct.
ref: http://catalogues.myer.com.au/portal/dcproductlist?No=15&Nner=15&Ntt=lego&Ntk=Primary

Powerpig’s LEGO Scenes on Gizmodo

And the How-to make it image is also there, further down on the original Gizmodo article at:
   http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2010/10/farewell-gallery-of-powerpigs-beautiful-lego-scenes/

Lots more too!

Target sale = 20% off - Thur 07 Oct to 13 Oct

Catalog link: http://target.dynamiccatalogue.com.au/portal/dynamiccatalogue?CatalogueID=12855468304677&pageview=two&gotopage=1



LEGO on cover (50% special sale LEGO item) and page 10 (20% off all LEGO): 

Cheaper LEGO

Apparently, Fountain Gate Kmart has Prince of Persia - The Ostrich Race (set 7570, Ages 6-12, 169 pieces) reduced down to $20. (unverified)

(rrp $29.99, ref: LEGO Shop online - http://shop.lego.com/product/?p=7570&LangId=2057&ShipTo=AU

Individual minifigs and the barcode on the packet for that fig.

Pictures of each series 2 minifig with it's package showing the barcode for that minifig.
Ok if you just want one or two, as the barcodes are big and easy to read. Example below.
   http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=44459

Series 2 minifigs - where are they still in Melbourne?

Report just in: "Toys R Us (TRU) Northland have approximately 6 boxes of the series 2 minifigs. A couple look like they have been rifled through, but they look largely intact. They were $2.99 per fig."


Don't forget to get the barcode list from me, so you don't get duplicates or miss the one you need.


Thanks Michael, via MUGS (Melbourne AFOL group)