Saturday, March 5, 2011

LEGO Pinhole Camera, and how it works

Flickr user Chase Lewis created this working pinhole camera using ordinary LEGO pieces for his high school film photography course.




















Researching his design, he discovered this Shutter Mechanism below, and decided to use a modified version of it in his camera.

For details of how it was built, go to this link: foundphotography.com LEGO Pinhole camera



For another camera option, have a look at this web page: www.foundphotography.com updated-35mm-lego-camera-design/

Friday, March 4, 2011

LEGO March monthly mini model build


"The monthly mini model build has been a popular hands-on event in LEGO® Stores since 2009!

Can’t make it into a LEGO Store this month? (there are none in Australia - ed.)

Learn how to build this LEGO mini model from the comfort of your own home!


Click on this link here: Download the building instructions


– only available until March 8!"


or go to the mini model builds web page here: shop.lego.com Minibuilds

LEGO used to represent information

3D has been used effectively to represent data. This cartogram is a very effective representation of geographic data using LEGO. The map shows emigration or immigration numbers per country. The volume of LEGO bricks IN EACH COUNTRY represents the number of people who moved to or from the country.

LEGO can be used to represent timelines, projects, lots of ideas.

Information representation is best kept simple, and colour is powerful.
LEGO bricks are simple colourful modular units that lend themselves well. What could you do with them?

More pics and details at this link: infosthetics.com 3d_infographic_maps_built_with_lego 

LEGO costume - how to

The 5 finished home-made LEGO costumes

The author says it took about 40 to 50 hours to make all the costumes. 

For a good write-up and more photos of the building process. Click on the  here at  http://www.coolest-homemade-costumes.com/coolest-homemade-lego-minifigures-group-costume-18.html

For lots of photos of the making of the costumes go to the Flickr photostream here: LEGO costumes in progress and completed


Feature MOC builder: Crimson Wolf

Crimson Wolf - Swordfish II Monoracer (Dec 2010)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/crimson_wolf/5287973519/in/photostream/lightbox/

Older stuff below (2008-2009) I really like it.
Many great ideas in smaller MOCs, also very diverse creations. See Crimson Wolf's full photostream here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/crimson_wolf/with/3152018651/

Shinto Shrine (Dec 2008)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/crimson_wolf/3105848181/in/photostream/




Judgement (Dec 2008)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/crimson_wolf/3119178507/lightbox/
Mag-Lev Cycle 3
Mag-Lev Cycle 2-b
Mag-Lev Cycle 1-b
Jump Fighter (2008)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/crimson_wolf/3113034895/

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Ideas for new Collectible Minifigs in future series?

Email me at blxbrx@gmail.com if you have ideas that you would like to see in future Collectible Minifig series, and I will post your ideas here.
I will also pass them through to the local LEGO Ambassador, who says LEGO are interested to hear what is still wanted.


Some ideas I have already seen:
> -Old-time divers with the big round brass helmet and baggy suit
> -Soda jerk (guy with the little paper hat)
> -50's woman with beehive hairdo
> -Matador
> -Fishman (creature from black lagoon)
> -Rockabilly
> -Nerd
> -Ragdoll
> -Evil Space Queen (to go with retro robot)
> -Ballerina
> -Cowgirl
> -French courtesan (to go with musketeer)
> -30's/40's Flapper (to go with gangster)
> -Sasquatch (big foot)
> -Duckling costume
> -Chicken costume
> -Hippy
> -Hair rocker
> -Glam rocker
> -Scarecrow
> -Martian (nomal guy but green with antennae)
> -Goblin
> -Super heros (Legoman? Brickgirl?)
> -Scottish guy in kilt (with undies)
> -Victorian Lady (with bustle skirt)
> -Burglar (with balaclava)
> -Angel
> -Aladdin



Hillbilly
Bunny suit (like the gorilla suit)
Scientist (with long white lab coat)
Spanish/Mexican Dancing Girl (to go with Mexican)
The various Aliens from new theme
Game show host
TV/Movie Camera man
Jogger (with sweat band)
Rescue worker (orange overalls with checked pattern - think SES).
Ballerina
Tram or Train Driver and Conductors
British Palace Guard (with Bearskin hat)
Chinese Emperor
Sultan
Ethnic men and women:
  • Eskimos 
  • Arabs (Women could be in Burka)
  • Australian Aboriginal dancer (with tribal markings)
  • Maoris
  • Zulus

> -Cyclist
> -Chinese warrior (like the hidden army)
> -Chariot driver
> -More ancient military ones (like Spartans and Centurions) to allow more variety in ancient armies ie different Roman or Greek soldiers.
> -Cleopatra
> -Zeus
> -Hercules
> -Poisedon
> -Amazons (female warriors)

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Amazing LEGO facts

LEGO is the biggest manufacturer of tyres by volume: 306 million a year.


French company Michelin makes the most "real" tyres, though (200 million).


Goodyear are 2nd.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

How To: LEGO Birthday Parties Ideas = Flickr group

If you want to do a LEGO birthday party theme, there are lots of possibilities, Some are quicker and easier than others. I showed a couple of LEGO-themed birthday cakes in earlier blogs. What else could you LEGO-ize?

Bunting, goodies bags, biscuits, cupcakes, pinata.
Then there are LEGO activities to do. Someone built a track to race the LEGO cars the guests made before



More ideas at these Flickr links: Flickr: Lego Birthday Parties and TTau Turns Five

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Malaysian LEGOLAND - progress update

Taj Mahal, requiring 42,500 LEGO bricks and 3,000 man-hours to build

The builders are working day and night to complete 15,000 Lego model structures for the $256 million Legoland Malaysia, which is slated to open late next year.

Other iconic Asian structures you can expect to see include Malaysia's Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest twin buildings in the world. The Taj Mahal alone required 42,500 bricks and 3,000 man-hours to assemble.

The 31 ha attraction will be the sixth LEGOLAND theme park in the world and the only one in Asia. The five parks had a combined attendance of more than 6.5 million visitors last year.

Full article at this link: thejakartaglobe.com legoland-malaysia-to-open-next-year

Currently three future Legoland parks are being developed throughout the world. Legoland Malaysia is planned to open in Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia in 2012, and would be the first Legoland in Asia.[3] Legoland Dubailand is planned to open in DubaiUnited Arab Emirates. It was originally scheduled to open in 2011, but has since been delayed. In January 2010, Merlin Entertainments purchased the former Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven, Florida, with the intention of converting the former botanical garden and amusement park into Legoland Florida, which are expected to be opened at the last quarter of 2011. ref:Wikipedia , link: .wikipedia.org Legoland

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Pricewatch LEGO - Myer, up to 30% off toys till 27 Feb

LEGO 30% off = 20% (+ 10% extra if you show MyerOne Card & the voucher (that Myer should have emailed to you). A voucher link is below. Offer expires Sunday 27 Feb 2011. Toys not available at Myer Forest Hill and Werribee. Details and copy of the voucher you can print are here: www.myer.com.au Voucher

Largest LEGO Mosaic: DK and the LEGO Group sets world record

At Shoreditch Town Hall in London, England  a team from LEGO Brick Association and DK team  completed a mosaic measuring 97.5 square metres, using 384,000 LEGO bricks and 1500 LEGO baseplates - which sets the new world record for the Largest Lego Mosaic

Read more details, and watch the video of its assembly at this link here: www.worldrecordsacademy.org largest_LEGO_mosaic

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Not your usual LEGO SW pics

Posters from an advertising school in Brazil (Advertising School: Escola Cuca, São Paulo, Brazil).
Email me your own caption ideas to blxbrx@gmail.com



Grafitti will be punished severely.

Maybe lightsabers should carry a safety warning?




Source web site here: Link: http://www.ibelieveinadv.com/2011/02/lego-star-wars/

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

LEGO Star Wars III game - Darth Sidious revealed

"LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars is now just over a month away from release, and it's time to reveal another character.
This Sith Lord was pretty much impossible for the Jedi Knights to find, even though he was right under their noses the entire time. It's much easier for you to find the wicked Darth Sidious, by simply heading over to LEGOStarWars.com. Once you're in, hit ENTER, then type DARKSIDE all as one word, then hit ENTER again.
His angry scowl should greet you... warmly?"
Click here for link (via: starwars.com games legoswiii)

More new LEGO Star Wars sets for 2011

LEGO are revisiting the Podracers in 2011 with this set (nbr 7962), snapped a week ago at the International Toy Fair. It was announced for August release.

Lots of new sets for 2011 (SW & others). Pics at Gizmodo.com 2011 sets




More pics and other sets at the ftbt (From Bricks To Bothans) Flickr photostream.
Click this link: flickr.com fbtbnet

Look who is back in the minifigs!




Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Make a belt with LEGO - step-by-step instructions

Great do-it-yourself tutorial on how to make a belt, and have a LEGO buckle. Use your own ideas for what to put on the buckle!

Click this link : deliacreates boys-lego-belt

Amazing LEGO Mystery Box, by Todd Wilder

Top view - note the question marks all over the design!
"Seriously incredible! The box is stunning, but the puzzles inside is twice as good. I have never seen anything like this before, this is truly a mystery box!" 
  


"

Detail - the side design is all question marks!
 "


""It's very rare that I find a Moc on here that is both perplexing in its creation as well as mesmerizing as the pictures walk you through it. Each image was like a further exploration into this fabulous creation. Thank you very much for this experience." 
Porcratus Finch (
http://www.mocpages.com/moc.php/249968"


Link to Todd Wilder on www.mocpages.com with more pics and larger detail, along with his comments and description. LDD may be made available, he says. Watch that MOCpage

Monday, February 21, 2011

For LEGO fans who also are movie fans.


More LEGO-fied movie posters, and the original posters of other

2011 Oscar Best Picture Nominations: LEGO version



More new LEGO sets in 2011 -

More new sets for 2011, this one scheduled for July. Link to heaps more at this link: spieletest

This set includes minifigs (Crossbow Dragon knightSpear Dragon knightDragon soldierFarmer (x2), and Farm lady, also a pig, 2 goats and 3 chickens!

Detailed photos of this set here: Brickipedia set 7189


Sunday, February 20, 2011

LEGO Valentines Day ideas - well, maybe for next year

Check out these ideas of LEGO Love, by Larry Lars.

Link for the pic on his Flickr photostream is here: flickr.com Larry Lars photostream also including lots of LEGO Halo ideas

Sariel's Big Brick Rig - Technic Tow Truck

Sariel has been a favourite LEGO designer of mine for ages. There is a link on the bottom right of this blog page (scroll down) to more of his stuff. This amazing creation features 14 elctric motors, almost 20 metres of wires, and 44 LEGO LEDs. There are more photos and a good video of the model working at the technobob.com website (link: technabob.com big-brick-rig
More fantastic models by Sariel at his web site at this link: Web site of sariel.pl
Meanwhile, here is some detail about the model.