Being Frugal: Find the Discounts already!

I had an interesting week just now where I paid 70 USD for 130 USD of LEGO.

One thing any person should do is get at least 75 dollars of LEGO before Christmas. 10% of it comes back to you in free PAB. Even better, it's in a box, not a cup. This means if you stack your elements into a box, you will have a more condensed, heavy, and economical haul from the store.

Of course, knowing the Sawgrass staff, I had no problem, and I heard some brand retail are snobbish about stacking PAB to begin with. The PAB box is a 8.00 value. I stuck in 296 parts, mostly 1x10 and 1x3 brick in white. Tropicana, here I come, even though those will be heavy reefers. Lots of pulling power needed there.

The other big deal is the Kingdoms and PQ lines. Pharaoh's Quest is the best deal right now, and LEGO has both lines on discount 20% off. Little did I know, however, that Walmart had most of every line 50% off. I was there today and bought the Rise of the Sphinx at 25.00, while yesterday I walked out with a 23.98 Snake less fortuitously, though other factors offset the price and I got VIP credits.

Walmart stores are having tremendous After-Christmas sales. From my store, sets like Slave I, Mill Village, Rise of the Sphinx, the Lighthouse, Marina, et al are discounted. I recommend getting these deals.

So this brings me to my pros and cons. Hold off your Christmas hauls until after Christmas, and use the PAB deal on something you know will not get its price chopped. I earned my box through the Mærsk train. Is it discounted? No. But the con with going to a third-world retailer like Walmart is that you do not get VIP points, though the difference of that could justify the discounted price being paid. Maybe that's why I am happy I was super patient with Pharoah's quest.

Sorting and Why You Should Do it

In my 11 years of LEGO building I had a very weakly established sorting system. If I remember right, before my big expansion of '01 (where I got a hold of many 90s sets) my mother began sorting certain types but not colors of elements (understand that I was 5 back then). With the big expansion, I was fairly unable to sort the big collection. I'm sure there are pieces I haven't discovered that are in a big blue Rubbermaid bucket.This expansion was of about 15,000 pieces, mostly train, town and even western. But then in 2005, I made an effort to sort some newly acquired parts, especially some in the strata buckets 4496, 4107, 7837, 4679 (my favorite), among others. That went fairly well when it took off, but I just wound up losing the effort as another huge expansion, about 10,000 more parts came in the picture in 2007. Some Sterilite buckets were bought to make it a bit easier and I had a bit of loose organization. This consisted of two PAB containers, the somewhat-maintained color organized bins, and the old parts. In 2009 I just lost it again... gift LEGO, demolished MOCs, and demolished sets weren't organized anymore. But this was what tolled my interest in building as it would be too time consuming. So I made a new move, and this will cover my entire collection. I bought four sets of 3 Sterilite drawers, a much smaller size than the 2008 haul, and since then I have been working day and night to sort elements.

There are indeed a few interesting differences in my organization. My hierarchy in the 2006 sorting was as follows:

Red, Pink, Dark Red, Purple
Black
Orange
DkOrange, Brown
Blue, MdBlue, Sand Blue, Dark Blue, you name it blue
Green, lime, dark green, sand green, BtGreen, you name it green
Yellow, Gold, Tan, LtYellow
Grays, DkGrays
White

This year, Tan, which used to share the 4105 bucket with yellow, has its own bucket, I mean buckets. Two small drawers, enough to fit about 2000 small pieces, are almost at capacity, bearing tan plates. Lastly, there is a big drawer, about 1'x1'x1.5", holding all the tan brick, and it is almost full. Tan has been one of the growing colors in my collection since 2006, noted by PAB Tubs and even two cups of ALL TAN elements bought this November.
DkTan also entered the picture. It was loosely sorted to its own PAB cup, but I gave up on that. DkTan can have the capacity of two mini-drawers in my collection, but since many tiles are in use as it is, it will all squeeze into one. DkTan's big boom was the 2007 PAB Tubs with 1,071 tiles of its kind picked. After a few things, plate by plate has been added. I hope to also acquire the Fire Brigade and get a hold of the brick, and do so through LUGBULK too.
Many other changes, like Dk Blue having its own drawer, reflect out of the organization but also the recent additions. In 2006, I only had 8 dark blue elements. Now, at least 1,100 are in my collection.

But what about the minifig accessories? Those will probably be grouped in smaller buckets but yes, I do want to cater to "The People" as well... I think it'll be a matter of levers in one section, steering wheels in another, like from the first sorting.

These big changes are why sorting has to happen, as well as keeping up with it. When people are swamped with 100,000 elements in their collection, it will be hard to be motivated to build especially with this excess. Organization is efficient for time and mental health too, because stress goes away, and everything is right there. More models can be done in fewer time, and the same goes for kitbashing. Also, in my big project to improve my room, I plan on having a table filled with these buckets, so it makes my "LEGO Workspace" much neater.

City Work

I am currently building a new Christmas layout for the holidays... Right now I am doing it South Florida Style, with the touch of a 4-lane road (divided highway) that is being SNOT built. I will probably post the pics with all the technique later. That 4-lane road is also host to a "simple yet effective" strip mall.

YouTube: Festival of the Masters

While I have been forced to take video from my phone if I wanted any, for that matter, I sure as hell did at FOTM 2011 of the GFLUG (Greater Florida LEGO Users Group) setup:

To that end, I hope you guys enjoy the very maritime episode from Distant to Ojus Productions. ;)

Maersk Ship Seeing Price Reduction

Set 10155 will be discounted 30% in the European countries. I wish it could happen in the US since the price is ridiculous as it is. There the 119 Euros would make it about 160 USD so it does make a bit of sense to cut it down. But I think the rerelease is too pricy already; the 2004 ship was 75 USD, which was like a steal for the rare part laden set. I would love it if the US saw the MSRP at 100.00 USD at the maximum.

[HD] LEGO Brand Ribbon Build Project: Episode 8 - The End of the Ribbon

This is how my house looked before the delivery. :) Enjoy!

The end of a road: The Brand Ribbon Project

I am happy to say that, well, 99% of the models that were due are over there. I have accidentally left behind a part of the police station (little oops) but I intend to carry that over if I can (my dad just found it today!). I have before you guys a photo essay from last night, the submission day.

With things busy over there and the need to settle in, I can't really conclude in writing just yet because certain things have to wait for me to be the judge of them. I'll put in my concluding thoughts when this store operates as stable as the Aventura location.

This project was an expenditure of two months of my life, 200+ man-hours, and innumerable opportunity costs.

 This is the pick-a-brick wall of the store. The dimensions are 18x6 bins, making it 108 selectable bins. Aventura, for good measure, is 14x6 and Orlando is 36x6. I am happy that the Sawgrass location at least exceeds 100 bins and is at least half the size/capacity of Orlando (which used to be larger).

 An overview of the store. For good measure Aventura has a 2x3 brick in the ceiling.

 Originally making out, the figs from the theater made it in like so. I think, because I was carrying them the other way, it dawned on me the face was wrong, or that the fig rotated a little. FWIW, a kissing couple is not inappropriate in LEGO's terms. In fact, that is one of their own models.

 Knocking down a wall of the big 22.5"x12.5" LEGO store was required to fit in the display case, since I can't 'math' a way to get it in fully. Because my mom and one employee, both not knowing the instructions, tried rebuilding it and did it wrong, I built the wall from the ground up as a mirror to the left wall. 20 minutes wasted!

 Fast food, AKA McTolga's. Armando from my school made up the McTolga's bit on a Facebook comment. You can see the setup then the enclosure with the post-it re-labeled "McTolga's" :)

A close-up on the pick-a-brick wall. Meh selection except for a couple of dark red elements (not shown). Luckily the lime studs saved me over on the wasabi bowl.

Sawgrass Store will open November 17th

First hand; the Sawgrass Mills LEGO Store is set to open this Thursday in a soft opening. Tomorrow I will do a one-of-a-kind jog north to the mills and be delivering the '99 Strong'. LEGO will provide an auxiliary vehicle as well to add to the madness. I may be making a mixed comic/entertaining video of the move as well.

[HD] LEGO Set Review: Set 4432 - Garbage Truck (City 2012)

This is unarguably the best 2012 city set. My review of it!

[HD] LEGO Set Review: Set 4437 - Hot Pursuit (City 2012)

My review of this very fine set. Enjoy!

Festival of the Masters Review

I had a blast at the 36th Annual Festival of the Masters! GFLUG was there with an as-always amazing display. Lots of fun was had by all on this beautiful, chilly afternoon and I left with a lot of LEGO. Looking forward to Tampa!

Video from the event will be coming soon.

Friends Line Up Close

Now that high resolution pictures of the Friends line (2012) are out, so many curiosities can come into play.

• The blue in the sets looks VERY close to Maersk Blue! Another opportunity to seize to collect this color. A la pics like this, this and this. 
• Two shades of purple, I believe the darker shade has been in production for a few years.
• Aqua of the Cars sets is back!

I am happy that the figs can interact with what normal minifigs hold, ie. cups, drills,etc. However I worry that some sets won't last too long, even though hordes of AFOL, guy and girl, will probably snag a few of these (some of these parts resemble old PAB selections!)

Sawgrass Brand Ribbon Models

Ready for the big shoot! I cannot express how happy I am that the big project is said and done. Best about 95 out of 99 models (skipping some duplos) are set up in several display areas in the living room and in my bedroom. It was frustrating setting them up though, and that whole process will be revisited during packing. However, for some reason I can't locate the dog from the Taxi model and a piece of glasses. But I should find it in my room, which is progressing pretty nicely in the IKEA FRAMSTA installation, albeit a tad bit late.

Episode 8 will be recorded tonight and posted tomorrow.

New 2012 Sets

Rumor has it they're listed on TRU... For that I may actually check them out, but I rather get them and EARN VIP points through the Aventura Mall LEGO Store.

A Study - My GFLUG Agenda for the Fall

Festival of the Masters and Tampa Train Show

It was originally planned that I would attend the 36th Annual Festival of the Masters in Orlando, FL and hang out with the GFLUG as well as check out the various art exhibits. That plan is renounced, and I will instead be gearing up for the Tampa show in December.

http://www.gserr.com/shows/2011TampaLetter.pdf

Golden Spike Enterprises, which organizes several train shows throughout the country, as well as an organization which has developed virtually off of the demise of GATS, the ol' Great American Train Show, is continuing to commit to an annual Tampa rail expo and show.

To model train aficionados like me, this lately doubles as not only a LEGO train conduit but a model train one as well. The show has been noted for providing several in-and-out-of-stock model trains to willing buyers. The team of Paul Mathis, Mike M., and others, from South Florida, usually scouts some items from shows like these.

But why is this on the LEGO blog? My largest involvement in any train show is the LEGO train. GFLUG welcomes guest trains (I'm not a paid member yet but am willing to catch up in that aspect) to this day, and just the camaraderie is convincing to this day for me to get off of my couch and head on over there. The winter shows are usually the best in that they have good weather, good moods, et al. Also, the Fairgrounds are close to the A- and S-Lines, offering good interim railfanning opportunities.

I debated with this option whether the more cozy Orlando show was worth it or this, and this is what I came up with:

• Festival of the Masters is a static display, and only really provides photo ops and camaraderie. The LEGO Store is literally next to it but under the provisions of the Brand Ribbon Project, the terms of a promised discount do not provide for the discount to be attained through DTD.
• LEGO wants their Brand Ribbon models on the 12th. Either the 10th or 11th is ok, but the 12th is the dead last day. I have la escuela on the 10th and on the 11th, my parents will both probably be busy (Veterans Day, No School)
• Tampa Train Show may be a blunt failure like WGH (I was only there for one hour following the brutal traffic conditions on I-4. It turned into a railfan outing) but then again, we're not going 75 miles on I-4.
• Tampa Train Show falls on the third Saturday of December, the Plant City car show. So much action can happen in PC, as seen on March 19, and yet I have a few must-get pics of the depot for the ongoing LEGO project.
• Tampa Train show provides for train operation and other HO scale seeking. Overall, it means that I can do more than just sit around in the GFLUG display. A good example was Plant City 2010, where I was able to hang out with Mike Gulino and others who are into the trains, and check out the various scale train displays. Not surprisingly, I concluded that GFLUG's display was much better. ;)

Learning from mistakes

As I pointed out, the Tampa Train Show in March was a failed trip in terms of the show. When WGHoT said they were coming to Tampa, it felt like a World's Worst Hobby-on-tour. Very airy displays didn't help, and to add insult to injury, the trip was a mess. We wasted three hours, one on I-4 only getting 15 miles on the odometer in a jam (Exits 67-52), one and half down a detour on US 92 (at least I got a Q453-19 crew swap), and a half an hour on the west end of I-4 in Tampa. I arrived at the show with tired legs from sitting so long and even neglected taking my LEGO trains since it would be a quick look, because we went there for the show and we were just not going to blow it off. When we saw I-4 in Lakeland to be jammed, I even thought of turning back, and when we arrived in Plant City (WB on 92) the thought of killing four hours there was not a far cry either. Luckily, the railfan aspect balanced the lack of timeliness in this trip, and I got some enjoyment out of it on the other hobby. I may put up show video very soon to YouTube as a preemption to WGH.

With this story, I feel that we have to master plan this trip. Luckily the 30 minute burden on I-4 (which was due to a college football game) will not exist, because the Fairgrounds are in the east side of town, and I am fairly used to day tripping there via I-75. Either a day trip will be the plan or we will scope a hotel IN Tampa.

Scheduling
The Day Trip

6:00 wake-up
7:00 (As need be) get rental car
8:00 Head north
12:00 arrive @ show, eat lunch and get CSX trains as needed
4:30 leave show for Amtrak, Juice Train
New plans:
5:15 Plant City - action as provided
7:00 leave Plant City
8:00 hang out in Orlando, very traditional
12:00 arrive home


The Two-day trip

6:00 PM - leave
10:00 - arrive TPA
8:00 AM wake up
11:00 - show, trains (2:30 lunch)
4:00 leave
7:00-12:00 (see above)

A GREAT Feeling

As of 3:43 PM, EDT on Oct. 29, 2011, all 101 builds (2 that were later put in the DO NOT BUILD list), are completed. Big relief! It's been a really fun ride with this project. There were ample ups and downs, not to mention frustrations, but it was a wonderful thing. Will I take it on again? Only if the sets are completely different. Though, I could use more time than a month. This project took 2 months flat, from starting off the Trolley ride from school at about this time until finishing now. While originally set for 27 days, the store underwent three delays, to Oct. 6, Oct. 20, and now the final date of November 5. So Richard, Jim, and the others that are working with me, I'm ready to roll! Oh wait, after I film all 99 that are going to the store in their deity.

Moving on to the Christmas layout and my first "McTolga's" location...

Extra Vs. Missing Pcs.

It should be taken as no surprise that, in the end of the 41 model Brand Ribbon, that the impressive amount of extras (600+ pcs) can actually budge in missing parts. I am in the process of axeing out the compensated parts and am getting amazed how many missing pieces are either fewer, or not missing at all.

The Feeling of Missing a Hard to Locate Element

Well, I found it. Horses, the model, had an empty box but its parts moved to another box which made it ready for the road, but it never made it out of the house.

With that said, 1.25 models left, which are 2/3 of the black horse and the entire Witch Doctor (2283).

Yet, I'm missing a part I'm either too cheap to compensate, or too short of having in my stash. A connection to the Red-Brown horse, the 1x2 technic brick with TWO holes is missing, in black. I could budge in with a pair of 1x1, but it is such an integral part to the numerous mocs the part is in that I can't risk the structural liberty for a stupid, yes, stupid, 300 part brand ribbon model. Is the world going to end? I suppose not. But I guess the moral here is, there are alternatives when making such a critical decision for a model that is no importance to virtually anyone, except the company, who wants it to represent a good image. As an interesting hint, the blue element on a brown horse implies directly that it is inside of something, and will not be shown. If you guys are commissioned to build like I am and stumble upon something, here's a tip, a spare 2x2 brick, or the simplest element that will suit the connection if they say "use your collection to factor in missing elements". I have a few yellow/orange 2x2 bricks (we're connecting a 1x2 with 2 pin with a 1x2 with 2 hole here) shot over from the Apples model; it'll go perfect. And yet, the black horse will be more firmly connected to the brown one. So frustration cleared, for now, until the next damned Brand Ribbon; oh wait, this is the last one!

Sawgrass Update

3.25 models and a bit of worry. I just cannot find the Horses model. Last check had it downstairs but it is possible I put it in the Jeep, and will check that tomorrow. Otherwise, the Horses are completely lost or even stolen.

2/8 cows remain and I also cannot locate the string. I think though that my room has it, and will check it as well.

The untouched sets not mentioned: The Hero Factory Witch Doctor and the Fig Parade

Meanwhile it's my birthday (YAY!) and I'll probably be given "no frills packages" to get some sets and HO Scale Trains at chump cost on Veteran's Day (Make a wish!) when LEGO Sawgrass opens up.

Yet Another Sawgrass Update

Opening as scheduled (almost obviously; has more to do with them than me)

3.5 models left, one Hero Factory, the Cows 1/2 way, Fig Parade, and Horses. Surprised that I haven't done the horses since they're pretty easy to do but they'll be done after the Cows.

The set reviews that I have not recorded yet that are planned: Whitecap bay, Atlantis (City AND portal), Skull Truck, Duplo Big City Hospital (as a sort of joke), Unimog, Technic Tow Truck, and Technic supercar.

On 10/30/11 all boxes will be unpacked so that I can take a final video of all the models in their completion. Many models don't even have a box so that's not even a problem for them.

Sawgrass Update

Opening estimated 11/10/11, delivery scheduled 11/05/11.

I'll be there on the 11th to redeem my discount.

7.5 models left, Cows at 25% and the Duplo Zoo in progress. All Duplo sets except the hospital are finished. I overlooked it and thought it was complete, but the box was sealed. :O well, 111 pieces, so what, 15 minutes?

Remaining sets: Hospital, Alien Conquest command center, Hero Factory Skull Doctor (largest set of its kind), and Technic truck thingamabob (600 something pieces).
Remaining Brand Ribbons: Cows (in progress), Zoo (In Progress), Minifig Parade, Horses.

LEGO Set Review: Set 7189

The Mill Village Raid is reviewed in this here video:

LEGO 2012 - Another Golden Year for City?

2007 was one of the best years for City. Then there were a few goodies in 08, 09, and 10. 11 - not so much even though I like the fishing line. But this coming year, my friends, is a must for any fan.

http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=61214

The Hi-Res pics are out now. This also means that the details of each set are available for one to marvel, since it is so clear now. Cut out the Fire and the Ranger Police and Trucks lines are the best you'll ever see. While I prefer to skip sets like the offroad carrier and ambulance, I say that a devoted fan MUST AND MUST get the garbage truck, recycle truck, and caravan! Needless to say I just built a similar model (in macro-scale for Sawgrass), the caravan is a sleek beauty.

In the police line they are bringing out a new roll of bricks, nougat brick bricks! They are like a brick wall except in 1x2 form. Not only would I be able to build brick structures (I prefer plates for it though) but I feel now that I can do the Florida bridges with all of the reinforced earth walls since many have a brick pattern. Maybe put a railfan fig on the girder taping the train beneath.

Meanwhile, for what seems like a continuation of 2010 and a new liberty to city, they can now appeal to older kids with the new inclusions of dark red, dark blue, and dark brown elements. I approve.

In other news, the Star Wars line is a big fat meh. Nothing exciting so far.

LEGO Sawgrass Store

Incurred another 2-week delay, targeted 11/5/11. Perfect.

10 models remain in line.

4194, 7066, 8071, 1/2 of 8070, 5828, Whitecap bay, and 4 brand ribbon models. Couldn't find cows but I know it's somewhere.

LEGO BRBP Progress This Week

Since last weekend I have only completed a couple of models. The Apples model and one set, the 8487 have been finished. Otherwise, I guess much of the rest can be figured out to enumerate the 13 models I have left.

1. Cows
2. Horses
3. Fig Parade
4. Duplo Zoo
5. 5828 (Duplo set)
6. 4193
7. 4194
8. 8070
9. 7066
10. 8071
11. 1/2 of 8078
12. Witch Doctor
13. any others I forgot

My Idea on CUUSOO

Hope you guys like this one; an American intermodal playset. Playability is a sure target of this big boy.

http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/1435

LEGO CUUSOO

http://lego.cuusoo.com/

LEGO CUUSOO is a Japan-originated but globally expanded program allowing a democracy to choose the next sets LEGO produces. Currently in open beta, it is a wonderful internet tool and an opportunity to monetize the hobby, if your idea is effective enough of course. I personally like it and am submitting a few ideas. Let's see what punch my ideas have. :)

Gather 10k supporters and you have yourself a set and 1% royalty. Make a 150 USD set and that would be 1.50 per sale. Reminds me of Google Adsense, because it's very similar. Google gets the click money when you get a percentage of the conversion as royalty for publishing the ad.

Deadline Extended

The store won't be opening for another two weeks... Wonder where the fortunate news comes from? My coverage?

I am quite happy of this delay. 23 models really can't be capped in a matter of hours. Today would've been delivery day but I'm shooting for the 15th or 16th, maybe the 18th if I have to.

Busy, Busy, Busy!

I am literally getting pressed. The GFLUGers say "Do your best", my parents say "do your best", yet I still have an unrealistic plate for October 4.

Out of 99 models, I have managed to cut it down to 35. Today was one of the most productive, as I nailed 6 Brand Ribbon models and am working on a Kingdoms set. The rest of this week? Fairly sluggish. The 10193, a tedious and horrible build, was not split into submodels and kept me working hours on end.

35 is not bad when you have Friday, Saturday, and much of Sunday. Though, two sets pass the 1,000 element mark, and I have a slow build rate for the Technic builds so the Ferrari Supercar, 1,270 elements, will take a chunk of time.

In the remainder, my folk will nail the last two Duplo models, while I take care of 4 easy hero factories, 10 more sets (3 technic total) and 10-15 super easy Brand Ribbons. Luckily the Sculpture Garden and Flowers, both in scary K5 boxes, look very easy. Minifig parade is a bit more subjective, but also in a K5.

I had friends commit to helping me, but their commitments were meaningless. Luckily one friend did help on Labor Day, and for his 2.5 hours of time, boy am I putting his name down on the credentials for the 30% Discount. Others literally forged excuses to bail out. So this breaks a number of records being a 90% solo effort. I myself took on the Unimog, the Pet Shop, Fire Brigade, and all of those horrendously frustrating Brand Ribbons. And I have never been any happier. Why? They are one of a kind builds that make you feel like a part of the company. You feel like you are building for the likes of LEGOLand, which employ the same scale that the BR involves. And what did I get out of it? Inspiration to make a macro-sigfig of myself. LEGO for display can be a fun thing after all.

So the rush is on. 4 days and 35 models. Challenge accepted.

4645 Set Review

Continuing the stream of reviews from the sets of this project, here's a long yet critical review of the Harbor.

Part 6 of the Series

The Brand Ribbon Build Project is hitting its peak now! Episode 6 is posted and I am working through the last 40 models. I have 5 days... Can I make it?

UM NOM NOM NOM

UM NOM NOM NOM, a photo by brickbuilder711 on Flickr.

;)

LEGO 2012 at a glance

I am mixed about this year's line. While I am not feeling "sold" to the Forest Police/Forest Fire lines, I am getting attracted to one police set.

http://www.miniland.nl/Nieuws/index.htm click LEGO City Van 2012 on this link.

By set (and I plead the first): (and with 2011 estimated prices)

4208 Fire truck - good but can be done with parts at home. It's got foliage though. Estimated price: 25 USD
4209 air rescue? - I'm not sold on this set but the plane's right to scale, a Saab -8 or something like that. Est Price: 70 USD
4427 ATV - Good set but key word for you advanced builders: Parts at home ;) EP 8 USD
4436 Police Car - Ugly. The blue is really tacky. EP 15 USD
4437 off road truck pull over thingamajig - Good set but again, Parts at home here my friends. EP 20 USD
4439 Helicopter - Butt ugly! But I'm happy for once the thing is not juniorized. I might actually get it for the roof elements (if it's cheap) so I can make airplanes. Est. Price: 60 USD
4441 K-9 and Sports car chase - Good set. Not crazy for the van but love the car. Looks like the first of Dark Red in a city line. Sold. EP 30 USD
4431 Ambulance - Great set, very realistic. I might get it for the windscreen and bike but otherwise, meh. EP 20 USD, and the parts should appear to be green and not Dk. Green.
4432 Garbage Truck - Sold. I will buy this one for sure. Looks splendid and like a green version of a real deal. EP 20 USD.
4433 Dirt bike transport - Great set, but Parts at home, my friends.I do like the lime bike though. EP 30 USD.
4434 cement truck - Looks great. I don't know if this is a dump or cement truck. I may buy this... EP 25 USD.
4435 Camper - Love it!!!! The caravan looks like a sale and the car, even though it resembles 7993's, is a keeper. Sold. EP 30 USD.

Creator:
Most are not keepers, but noteworthy:
6913 - a medley of blue and mdblue. I don't really have Medium blue cheese nor round slopes in my stash. EP 10 USD.
6914 - looks like a revisit to 4507, but mucchhh smaller. Liking the DkRed but I don't think he'll be sold. EP 20 USD.
7291 Motorbike - Great use of orange, but no go for me. EP 15 USD.

And as laughable as LEGO Friends is, it looks like an absolutely great resource of bizarre elements. I say GO GET IT, even to the guys; just for the parts. Trim the fat, sell the girl figs, girl parts, and even sticker sheets on BL, and make some interesting stuff with the rest. I know I will, but I guess I have to have a GF with me on my Store trips, or order them online. They're not as ridiculously juniored as the Belville was, and they have tons of odd parts. The new Azure from Spongebob might be that blue tone that's in every set. People make really cool things with these girl colors and you know it! And get this, the "Oye Papo" of Miami is all about pastel tones. Click on "LEGO Friends" on the site. There are enough interesting colors to warrant a sale, and I am known not to be a bearer of sets but to build custom models. Despite the intense number of "cooties" in any given set, the tree house, cafe, store, and dream home have hidden resources great for any builder.

Pet Shop Review

A flagship for the build project at heart, even though I prioritized the newer Super Star Destroyer at the time. This is one of my favorite sets, very playable, and has lots of sand blue.

Delta Airlines Boeing 767-400

Delta Airlines Boeing 767-400, a photo by brickbuilder711 on Flickr.

You guys will like this one. Sometimes it makes me think why LEGO didn't make better looking noses!

Cockpit Study

Cockpit Study, a photo by brickbuilder711 on Flickr.

Just a little tinkering and brain teasing I did today. No Store progress however. :( Will make up for it though.

BRBP Updates: Written Version

I'm in the modest process of documenting Episode 5 of the Brand Ribbon series. Today I have picked back up on the Brand Ribbon Models. Over the weekend and into Monday I got several sets completed:

(Sets marked in red are to be reviewed)

1. 10217 Diagon Alley
2. 3816 Glove World
3. 3833 Krusty Krab Adventures
4. 3834 Good Neighbors in Bikini Bottom
5. 7187 Escape from Dragon's Prison
6. 7498 Police Station
7. 8058 Guardian of the Deep

Not only is my hair slightly thinning ;) due to stress, but so is the queue. About 30 sets remain. A burden awaits as I have to complete the monstrous Death Star (minifig version) as well, 3803 pieces. Otherwise everything's under 2000 pieces. Milestone reached. However, this is only the easy part. Oh no!

These brand ribbon models were completed 100%:

1. Finished the Taxi Scene
2. Pool Scene
3. Beach Scene

And the Sheep herd is under construction. 10/20 sheep completed.

I'll be making the "feets" (Great grammar, LEGO) model as well as the "pretty fish" model this week. Today, Wednesday, I'm booked over Spanish and Art homework, as well as a tad bit of Physics, but I can manage the last 10 sheep and likely among the last teeny sets (Rockefeller plaza, Heroes of the deep (Spongebob), and the Deep Sea Raider. I bundled those sets together, provided they go about 500 pieces altogether (265+93+204). Much of the small sets have often been completed at the local La Carreta over Café Cubano.

Thursday can be the day to look for the Harbor to be finished up, if on schedule. I might complete the skateboard scene (it's easy) by Friday as well. Friday usually is a matter of 4-5 dedicated hours on a good day. Saturday is Death Star day and the 3,803pc. behemoth will be split over three days.The rest is on whim, and the campground (x2) will probably be constructed simultaneously.

BRBP Episode 4

The latest installment is a mainstream update of sets done in the last week current per September 9 2:30 AM. Apparently the video didn't want to upload on Thursday so I had to roll it over to today.

LEGO Store Sawgrass Opening Date

Now it will open on Oct. 6. Whew. One more week to get this "job from hell" done. :P

LEGO BRBP: Modular Buildings FTW

In a course of five or so working days Anthony V. (co-founder of the extinct and phased YLEF) and I have nabbed out the three new modular buildings. Interestingly I noticed Mr. Berard changing the style of several connections, opting for a new 1x4 with 2 stud plate instead of putting all-tile and then plates below the baseplates of the upper floors. Bravo on the method, especially as seen in the 10218.

But for me, this 2-week exhibition is really enough for a modular building, before I want to kitbash one. Maybe I suppose that is why when I own my own copy of any of these, I'll skip building it. Not worth my time when it was experienced before. :) I'm more of a creative builder. I want to build my own town and my own buildings, not adopt a bunch of sets and having a layout that looks like any other.

LEGO 10221 Set Review

One of my favorite builds within the project.

[HD] LEGO Set Reviews: Set 10197 - Fire Brigade (Modular Building Series)

FWIW....

Epic Set: 10221 Super Star Destroyer

Epic Set: 10221 Super Star Destroyer, a photo by brickbuilder711 on Flickr.

Favorite set off the build (Better than Pet Shop? What am I smoking?) and favorite photo I took!!!

Tripod

Tripod, a photo by brickbuilder711 on Flickr.

Great "lesson" from LEGO today...

Mission accomplished?

I seem to have a monopoly in the LEGO Brand Ribbon video department. Just what I like to see. :)

[HD} LEGO Brand Ribbon Build Project: Episode 3

LEGO BRBP Part 2

Video's up for today's early progress. Lots of sets, 68 in total, arrived this afternoon, including a damaged 3367. Nonetheless I am pumped for this challenge! And so I say: 109 LEGO models in 27 days... Challenge accepted.

[HD] LEGO Brand Ribbon Build Project: Episode 1: Induction

First installment from the series. Models arrived!

LSI Update

Items shipped TODAY for WEDNESDAY delivery... Can't wait to document the items for the first time! All models will be filmed upon completion of each in an episode format.

On top of that, I'll be building 66 sets (68 copies). Wow. Impressive! Included are the famed Fire Brigade, the Pet Shop, Fire Brigade, etc. I can't wait to have these reviews done in order to have a taste of which sets I would want to get in the not too distant future. Pet shop for sure... Maersk is not in the list but I'm aiming to get it.

Openings

LEGO Store Sawgrass will physically open on September 29 and have their grand opening on October 29-30. Might volunteer @ it so some of you guys might see me there!

LSI Project Update!

Project LEGO Store:Impossible is going on and going strong! A four member team, maybe even three (!) will be in charge of completing models. The team includes two to three of my friends and myself; and I may recruit one or even two more. The soft kickoff for the project is Monday, August 29, and the updated plan is a cramped 108 hours! I feel quite like Robert Irvine now... and with under one month (Hint, hint on the opening!) to do it, it'll be a good challenge. But I've done probably more challenging projects before. ;)

Entertaining Dream about the LSI Project

With it unknown when the packages will be delivered, I had an entertaining dream at night which is quite noteworthy. It involves some company tactics. So it goes:

I get the delivery at my mother's office of a couple huge boxes. The Ribbon models didn't appear but I think I said in there that they were aside. But nonetheless we stack up the sets that were in it, in a couple (albeit nonexistent in real life) shelves. The sets did include a gift however, but the gift was a little set of a coffee stand, and it used none other than red and yellow bricks! I was shocked (dreamwise). I did recognize among the others; the Grand Emporium (Set 10211), Pet Shop (Set 10218), Fire Brigade (Set 10197), and I think the City Corner (Set 7641). The lime hat from the Fishing Boat (Set 4642) was recognized but I was not sure if the other parts made the boat or not. Maybe even it could be the components of my MOD (see my Flickr) of it. My belief is either the Millennium Falcon or something similar was also noticed.

But the funny thing was this legally binding poster. It had my name and address on the column saying oh, this project is the responsibility of, to that extent. Of course it said the rules and there would be consequences for not having them on time. It looked like those workplace legal notices they have to put up, minimum wage, etc, except it said the types of things involved in the build and how to be done.

Nonetheless if things were complete last week, I should be taking a delivery early this week. But it will be to my house, not the office.

Standing By...

The LEGO Store:Impossible project will be beginning soon! Stand by on this blog for updates as I begin.

Great West Railway Station

Great West Railway Station, a photo by Matija Grguric on Flickr.

WOW! The focus to detail on the sand green, especially the sloped tiling is such an intricate detail worth mention anywhere. I additionally dig the way he maintained using single stud ties as well

LEGO Store: Impossible: Time Stamps

GFLUG has taken 120 man hours to construct the store models for Aventura Mall in one sitting. I decided to calculate the Miami share for a just-built team of 5 people. Mike wanted 6 but I found 5 now and can still ask more.

The calculation was, with me devoting more time obviously, over the one month period, starting August 20th, 151 hours in meetings and build time have resulted. This includes two Build-On-Need meetings, September 23 and 24. So who knows? They may not even be needed. If one distant constituent can't come? 139. Not bad. If the two are needed and no one makes it? Only 135 hours. So it passes the GFLUG time, in theory, allowing more than enough time to get the store builds done.

I'll make it fun by offering drinks while building, and food at the last half hour. We don't want Corn oil from Lay's chips going on those Laygoes!

Every sitting I will be making a YouTube video after it describing how it went and what happened. Every set, a review. So you guys DO really get to take a part in this and enjoy the experience!

LEGO Store: Impossible??

A team of interested and willing teenagers is under development for Project: Sawgrass. Mike from GFLUG is passing on what the GFLUG was originally assigned, with only benefits in mind, to me. We both win. They don't have to expend gas dollars, and we get to help in the finest way that can exist opening a LEGO Store. It's a favor but I feel it pays.

The challenge: Assemble all ribbon models for teeny LEGO Sunrise. (My mother's friend found it next to her company store and said it was small) Also assemble sets for the display.

Time: 5 Fridays, and when I'm bored. For non-school TFOL, Saturday Aventura rendezvous would be optimal.

I have nothing but excitement and good faith with this. Three are in and it takes five to be good to go. If anyone wants to be a part of it and resides between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, FL please comment below. We will appreciate it.

Application process ends August 17.

The GFLUG reported the Aventura build to be 120 man hours. With a speed-builder like ME, eh, feel free to slice that amount.

LEGO St. Pete Times Article

I've been interviewed, my mom's been interviewed...

NEWS ARTICLE

Doing this was a reflection of my hobby. Maybe it is the reason I ventured 300 miles on a dogleg trip to Cocoa and Orlando (stayed in Cocoa) to visit the LEGO store on a rainy Thursday to pick up slopes. I would really like to thank Biz for the recognition and taking the time to interview us. And in the end, I am having fun, I suppose.

IMG_3376

IMG_3376, a photo by Shuppiluliumas on Flickr.

Liking the detail here, the brickbuilt roads too.

Vale GE BB40-9WM

Vale GE BB40-9WM, a photo by swoofty on Flickr.

WOW! Peter did it again. This time, dark orange grills and a whole dark turquoise body. I'm impressed.

CIMG8008

CIMG8008, a photo by Sparky1701 on Flickr.

Very colorful building w/ a nice garden on the rooftop. Always interesting seeing what people do with their roofs. Note the sand green tiles too. Yum.

LEGO Starbucks

A nifty little kiosk. Must be an impression of those kiosks at the malls. Done by user frogstudio on Eurobricks. Very creative to include a delivery truck, such reminds me of the catering they do.


http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=58094

And off the shops...

62' Bulkhead Flatcar w/ Staves & Random Load

In the works....

A 62' bulkhead flat w/ staves. A similar car would be:

Except that as I saw in one of Ted Marshall's videos, of O721 back in the golden Stock era, it will have full staves, those stick things, reaching up to the top of the bulkheads

Fast Attack Frigate and Communications Escort

Fast Attack Frigate and Communications Escort, a photo by Ironsniper on Flickr.

It's a very nicely done and detailed mini model. I'd like one on my desk, right next to 7732 Air Mail. :D

Tropicana Juice Train Reefer Decaled

Just as I prepare the video, I'll blog the pic, but will flickr the pic later on as the video is finished.

Just off the shops...

LEGO Tropicana Trinity TrinCool 72' Reefer

Decals coming soon.  The MOC stands @ 44 studs long x 8 studs wide (exterior details) x 11 bricks 2 plates high (from rail).

LEGO Plant City Train Depot/Visitors Center

LEGO Plant City Train Depot/Visitors Center, a photo by brickbuilder711 on Flickr.

all done :D

[HD] LEGO Plant City Train Depot / Visitors Center MOC

Plant City Depot MOC Phase One - Completed!

It has finally happened - The depot is built!

The Plant City Depot was built at Drane and Collins in the namesake city around 1909... It served ACL and Plant System railroads until the SCL took over. Station duty was removed though the depot was preserved as a member of the National Register of Historic Places, namely in 1974.

The depot is now the City's Welcome Center and provides tourist info plus guides, magazines, timetables, and ATCS displays and model railroads for railbuffs who visit.

My replication project, for future inclusion in GFLUG and FLUG displays especially when Plant City gets to happen, was started on May 22, 2011 with the bare bones and has been halted days later, especially when I felt stumped with what are now the pneumatic elements you see on the facade. I reinstated work around the middle of June, with a faithful commitment date of June 30 for completion. Soon I learned and quickly realized that I did not have enough roof elements (slope bricks) to finish, in neither the prototype color (gray), the close to proto (dark gray), nor my best fit due to corner and end pieces, black. To maintain focal quality on the model black was primarily chosen because of the strength of the color, though at any time I can change it though such a move is costly. On July 7 filling the Pick-A-Brick cups at Orlando, I found two gracious pieces that told me "here you go, Tolga, now finish it"... the LIC, unlike the Miami store, boasted black 2x2 and 2x4 45º slopes, essential for this. Picking up 47 2x4s, and 295 2x2s (eyeballed, and unfortunately unneeded 2x2 bricks went in the cup), among many other interesting parts, it was finally seen phase one would be complete. Well, what is phase one? Let me show you...

The Project is divided into three phases:

• Phase one is simply maintaining that there is a building. External detail is not the priority here except for the dark red fence.
• Phase two is the inception of interior detail into the MOC. This is much simpler to do but I wanted to keep focusing on the first phase's roofing. I expect to finish this in about a week.
• Phase three is the exterior platform style roof that will box in the US&S signal that I did do (though it's hard to design a tricolor). It also includes landscaping and any other Depot structure that may be needed. This may be a laggy phase, with no commitment, but I know I'll be done by November at the latest.

I managed to crush the depot into about 1.5 baseplates by one, though the exterior is supposed to be longer. However, the depot is the focus of the Plant City diorama, and it needs to get enough attention to be recognizable as a LEGO Plant City, after all.

Western Market Street

Western Market Street, a photo by Matija Grguric on Flickr.

Excellent MOC and great detail.....
Looks like what Western in this era SHOULD... ;)

A MOC... and an Impending Series...

My coins into the bucket this time around include a few things:

• I am currently in the making of the Plant City Depot, a train artifact that was preserved. Look for my video on Friday, which is the day after which I am committing to finish the MOC. Right now I am doing the outer walls and I will be working like crazy wrapping this bad boy up. The building will be the emphasized epicenter of the Plant City diorama which will appear on Florida LEGO User Group and Greater Florida LEGO User Group (longer term) displays in the future.
  The Plant City Depot was built in the late 1800s as a connector station for the Plant System and the Atlantic Coast Line. In 1974 after trimming and discontinuation when SCL service dwelled into Amtrak, the depot, what was left, got entered into the National Register of Historic Places. Now people are trying to turn Plant City into Folkston, but that is not happening so easy. Today, railfans gather inside the lobby to watch ATCS at the ticket desk, read magazines, check out memorabilia, or enjoy the layout in HO Scale (1:87).
  My LEGO rendition will be done in three phases. Phase one is the building and the outer walkway. Phase two is the interior; due to time, I may not have this by Friday. Phase three is the North side patio-ish walls/walkways. Due to my LEGO "palette", the roof will be black and not gray, but the black gives color and emphasis on the model. It is being constructed with dark red elements for walls and standard green windows. Watch me describe the true difficulty in the video.
• Semi- or entirely prototypical city and town buildings will be developed as a series. I am willing to create a LEGO show for YouTube which is a How-To conduit of making an all-inclusive LEGO City. Instances will be descriptive, variable length episodes from 4 to 10 minutes describing the model, its role in the city, and segments of the interior details that can be mirrored when the viewer would, hopefully ;), feel inspired. Look for this to begin surfacing with the Plant City Depot, followed probably by a bank. This series will "air" new episodes to YouTube weekly until August 19, with the exceptions of July 5-9, and when I go to Folkston. After August 19 look for bi-weekly airings.

That's about all under MY sleeve. Will share them all soon.

Western Town Church

Western Town Church, a photo by Matija Grguric on Flickr.

Clever roof idea. Hmm.... Maybe do this on gray bricks for my plant city diorama?

Cottage

Cottage, a photo by NewRight on Flickr.

Excellent model and very detailed. I really like the choice of parts and colors.

Sidewalk construction

Sidewalk construction, a photo by tater-tots on Flickr.

Very nice detailed moc addon by Tater-tots, which not all LEGO layouts cover. I'm feeling a bit inspired myself. ;)

LEGOLAND Florida update - "A Walk in the Park" with GM Adrian Jones

A great video of updates for LEGOLand Florida. The park will open in 4 months. I recommend watching this as it will be informative in showing how the park is expected to look. With other clips from other parks, they are also showing how LLFL actually looks today. LLFL will be replacing Cypress Gardens. I really like how they are incorporating a decent roller coaster in the City section, which will distinctify LLFL. This park looks promising and LEGO buffs like myself cannot wait until it is open.

Lego Maersk train 10219 and 7939 Cargotrain

As usual, LEGOSjaak has an impressive layout. Here's a video of the Maersk train on it. Nowadays it motivates me to continue to do a LEGO town. Despite being heavily faceted on sets it looks like a buzzing LEGO town.

Train towers

Train towers, a photo by CVIC Works on Flickr.

An interesting structure. It's like one of those garage spirals.

LEGO Universe Offers Free to Play Interface

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/308507/news/lego-universe-gets-free-to-play-offering/

This sounds real interesting. LEGO Universe, the MMORPG that LEGO has provided is a paid subscription program. Now there's a free trial to enjoy building what you want.

I think this allows more flexibility in determining if it is the right move for you. Now, I'm not into the MMOG just yet but I definitely want to make sure if I do get into it that my money goes in the right place. I feel though that I would've enjoyed it when younger, and not now with the limited time I have.

This is something Microsoft Flight Simulator X has, and that got me to buy it because I liked it. I don't like the hassle of spending x bucks on the get-go for something I don't like, plus that of RETURNING the game. Hence such free trials add convenience and should be applicable on things like Trainz Sim.

BrickMagic 2011 Display

BrickMagic 2011 Display, a photo by eszx on Flickr.

Ouch... that gotta hurt! A brickmagic pic of a derailment of an intermodal train.

European Assault Part 2

European Assault Part 2, a photo by Legoliner PiIot on Flickr.

Colby's nice WWII diorama as seen from Brickworld 2011. Very detailed.

Pick A Brick Update: Palette Improving Worldwide (In Detail)

I briefly noted this subject matter in an April 2011 post, but I want to be more detailed.

http://www.brickbuildr.com/view/pab/

If you look at the more recent store indexes on the link above, you will notice the presence of dark red and dark blue elements.

The PAB wall palette has been given a facelift. One can find the following.

Dark red basic 1x2 bricks, and basic 2x4 bricks. These can build brick structures and add color when one chooses to use these to build sculptures
Dark Tan 2x2 and 1x2 tiles. These are great sidewalk and facade level detail elements.
Arch window sills in brown--gold windows. These are nifty for old buildings, castle dioramas, European structures, what have you.
Dark blue double convex slope. These are harder to find the functionality but work on roofing of all sorts.
Brown barrels. This adds variety into minifig accessories categories.
Dark red wings of dimension 3x6. A variety element, one can conceive walls, wings, and whatnot with these elements.
More brown, gray, tan elements. These are essential for city and nature building.
Lime 1x2 tiles. A stealthy addition, it adds variety to your tile collection and can function well in colorful conceptions and "Wonderland" ish designs.

Luckily since April the Hero Factory series has virtually disappeared from the wall. I say luckily since - many fans agree - it's a waste of space.

PAB is my main resort as it winds up cheap compared to other sets, can allow bulking like no other ways, and can allow stuff to be created in different ways. Sets come with a limited amount of anything so to say. While unarguably a LUGBULK order, which is for LUGs only and to benefit in public display, is better, PAB is the second best resort to it. Sometimes a LEGO fan might luck out at a LEGO store.

PAB cup filling aside, I might come up with a review of either the new set 10219 Maersk Train or 10218 Pet Shop as I aspire to purchase either set the coming weeks. Also look for a new video on YouTube which will be posted here of the Plant City depot.

LEGO 10221

Bigger than practically anything LEGO made is the Super Star Destroyer. The set has just over 3100 pieces and will retail for about an estimated 300 USD.

The Super Star Destroyer is a sci-fi based design coming off the Star Wars (TM) line.

I really like the technique as always. LEGO often hits the big time with these huge sets and by the angling of elements in this set they really did.

I don't think I will grab it but I think it will be a MUST BUY for many!

Slight Re-theming

From here on forth, the blog shall be known as:

Tolga's LEGO Buzz

and the url will now be:

tolgalegobuzz.blogspot.com

I have elected to cover more LEGO sub-themes than just trains, hence changing the name. A name is the ambassador of the product, nonetheless.

Thanks and have a great day!

Fishing Boat MOD video

I felt like doing this to get some money's worth from this set. Paying 20.00 for a 64 part set was the opposite of a steal. Meanwhile I feel as though I came up with one of the most sophisticated LEGO fishing boat MOCs ever, be that it is so or not. Perfect applications of MOCs like these include: set 4644 marina, Clearwater beach, bathtubs and pools everywhere (best sans stickers), and any Miami or Keys diorama.

LEGO 4642 Set Review

Now on YouTube.

Set 4642

Just bought it, will have a review up on Monday Morning. By the way, I have already filmed it.

Sawgrass LEGO Store

Got word from the Miami crew that the Sawgrass Store will be the essence of a LEGOLand discovery Centre, like those in Chicago and Berlin. It is scheduled to take over the Wannado City spot which will be a good omen for the size. I would not be surprised to find it containing a good size pick-a-brick wall as well. However, expect months to go before they open it.

Sawgrass LEGO Store

A second of everything Aventura provides... *Hopes for larger PAB wall* Now on LEGO.com's stores.
Store Link

LEGO Tripod

Completed design. Note how I put function over form.

LEGO Tripod

Working on a LEGO tripod to shoot those desk-level WIP videos. It might also be a quintessential asset for train shows in the future as I could shoot video of the layouts on a table top in the not too distant future. Be on the lookout  to http://www.youtube.com/brickbuilder711 for the new video, which will be immediately blogposted.

Tolga's Top 10 Pick A Brick Elements in History

A LEGO builder's asset and sought after tool is the pick a brick wall, located at every LEGO Store. The latest topics that arose since April were that despite the negative pulse of the Hero Factory section, the wall has been receiving dark tan, dark red, and dark blue elements. This is an improvement compared to the last three years, but here are the real goodies, from 1 to 10, as seen or purchased from the Orlando LIC.

1. Sand Blue 1x2 Brick - 2006 - I bought 49 of these elements in a lucky winter '06 cup which makes a decent but insufficient supply. At least the Pet Shop allows the 1x2 to feel right at home. December 30, 2006, right after Tampa GTX.
2. Sand Red 1x6 Tile - 2006 - I bought a literal handful on my first ever LEGO store visit. Even so, I regret buying a TTX well car as I could've fitted more of these into other cups. April 13, 2006 was when I located the elements. Sand Red is out of production.
3. Sand Red 4x4 Plate - 2006 - I had more ops greatly taken with this element, having about 20 of these. Two anecdotes, April 13, 2006 and August 9, 2006 when I came back from S.C. This element is key in my city curbs and who knows what will happen when the amount of corners outgrow the amount of plates I have.
4. Dark Blue 2x2 Tile - 2007 - Perfect for a CSX builder or a marble flooring architect, these were my favorite of the dark blue elements the wall had. 353 of these I scored, on July 20, and November 10, 2007.
5. Dark Orange 2x3 Slope - 2007-2008 - I scored all of these on two occasions in 2008, March 15, and May 24. These elements are the Arquitectura Española of LEGO when you come to think of it, affording those Spanish style homes to be roofed like God Intended. My favorite of the dark orange selection I was exposed to, I picked up about 100+ of them.
6. Dark Red 1x6 Brick - 2007 - My absolute favorite dark red element over the years, this allows well cars, boxcar red material, and in my current application, the Plant City depot. I got this as part of the limited time only PAB Tubs, 223 of them in 2007. My understanding is such element is so hard to find these days and all LEGO really puts out are 1x2 bricks.
7. Dark Tan 1x2 Tile - 2011 - No anecdote purchasing these babies on my end, but this is a new part. Dark tan is one of my favorite part colors useful for so many things, and a 1x2 tile can do stone patterns, trims, and more. Miami has yet to witness these in stock.
8. Dark Green 1x2 Plate - 2007 - A rare piece nowadays, going for $1 a pop. I bought 723 of them. Useful amply for grass and BNSF cream and green details, this element is very versatile.
9. Dark Orange 2x2 L Corner Plate - 2007 - A handful of these in a small cup from July 19 of the year, I find this element rare and amusing. Very useful to detail dirt and fine accents in buildings.
10. Sand Blue 1x4 Plate - 2006-2008 - A now impossible to find piece, not even in the Pet Shop. I own hundreds of these elements bought between December 30 and July 6. I'm surprised they lasted to 2008. This element can be used to detail rocks, stones, the works. Georgia granite ballast can use some of these. It can also make a decent building accent.

Honorable Mentions

• Dark Red: 2x2 plate, 2x2 brick, 2x3 brick, 2x1x1 panel, 2x1 accent slope tile thing, 1x4 tile, 2x3 plate modified with hole on third row, and 1x2 Technic Brick, 2x4 Brick (2011), 2x8 slope, 4x4 plate
• Dark Blue: 2x2 L Brick, 2x2 Plate, 1x2 Plate, 2x3 Plate Modified with Hole on Third Row, and 1x6 Tile, 1x4 Brick (2009)
• Dark Green: 1x4 Tile, 2x4 Plate, 4x3 Wedge, 2x4 Brick
• Teal 1x2 brick
• Sand Blue 4x4 round corner plate
• Dark Orange 2x2 Brick, 1x3 Slope, 2x2 Slope
• Dark Tan 4x8 Plate (I missed this one out) and 2x2 Tile ( I have 1,070 of these from there)

Current Build Project

Currently working on the Plant City depot...

Image for reference from the Wikipedia Article

The build will come up to a two baseplate by one and a half overlapping piece, that means sections of track will be dedicated to use in this piece to exemplify the tight space by the depot. The brick palette colors of choice are dark red, green, and black. Unlike the gray roofs I feel the black roof elements, more plentiful either way, could be a substitute, and when dusty, it will look gray anyway.

LEGO Pet Shop 2011 10218

Photo Here 
(I don't want to be on thin ice for posting a direct photo :P)

The new modular building for 2011 is now out! Here's my editorial on it:

I am very happy that Sand Blue (or is it Sand Purple?) is making a comeback. This is one color I really want to get my hands on. To me it's a Florida builder must as it amply resembles a pastel color. This is a great touch on LEGO's part to include this color on a new set like the sand green on the Cafe Corner.
People are debating that the beige is a light yellow, though I think it's the ol' tan.
The interior details are amazing. Really like the register, bathroom detail, and the animals. The stairway design looks unique as well, similar to a sort of mansion.


A train display integrates many aspects of the City line and the more detailed a town set the more exquisite the display is. We are model railroaders too and these are trackside assets. Building my LEGO restaurant "The Fortress" felt like doing a piece for Miniatur Wunderland, it takes details to come up with a grand display. Modular buildings help make it but also foster creativity and imagination in making "Mods" and other MOCs for the AFOL's pleasure.

But all in all this is destined to be my next purchase. At over 2000pcs it should come up to 150.00 USD.

LEGO store Orlando

So the LIC Orlando reopened and has new features. Let's take a look at the pros and cons:

Pics taken by Mike H used for reference and I have the links.


Pros:
The area. One congested, tight space has been expanded into a wider open spot. This means more leeway.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5635898361_d4702198bc_z.jpg

The Pick-A-Brick is now where the City sets used to be which means that for me it's an easier walk-in and shop. Usually I enter from Parking lots 2 and 1 which lead to the entrance in this shot.

The Pick-A-Brick Wall also has special bricks: Dark tan 2x2 tiles, dark blue double convex slopes, and dark red 2x4 bricks. I think this may be a fixture in Orlando LIC, especially as in 2009 they had a similar selection for a brief time in September. Glad they kept the curve design.

Disney Characters are now on display outside which make for a grand showcase of rare colors.

Cons:

The PAB wall was contracted to 36 x 6 (216 bins). This however, is not believed at all to harm the selection, due to the infamous filler and empty bin spaces that keep lingering.

Disney characters that are now on display outside are not as eccentric as the 4507 Dinosaur and the Titan XP; they had more appeal. Though, the dragon is pretty cool.

Photo

Bone Valley Layout Coming Soon

Over the next few months I will be converting my current builds and gearing them to Central Florida...

The current agenda has the Plant City depot in the works, as well as a diorama from downtown Plant City. The interlocking may be robot controlled.

So this will integrate with the Bypass Canal diorama to form a true Florida Business Unit layout. The layout will be modular and be geared for CSX trains.

MY outlook for such a layout is to incorporate it with GFLUG in displays, and a very optimal one would be the HB Plant RR Hist. Society show annually.

So be looking forward on here and on flickr for new photography.

downtown tampa

downtown tampa, a photo by brickbuilder711 on Flickr.

Yaaa...... ;)

Maersk Train

01 Box Front, a photo by Santatrooper KimT on Flickr.

Now available :D

Tampa Train Show Analysis

Annually, so much money gets put in for a trip to a show to be able to see the selection of trains and pretty much most importantly the GFLUG layout.

This trip was a two-day trip, one afternoon to Orlando, and one full day in Tampa, Lakeland, and a final stop in Downtown Disney before flying down the Turnpike (TPK) home.

Sometimes I feel that I would have rather had the show than the five to six trains I saw due to delay, oh scratch that, I would have seen those anyway.

What happened on our expedition west to Tampa was that at three points on I-4's mainline, the only three points we maintained access to, the evils of traffic jams took over.

I understand the mess in Tampa proper for the March Madness game. But it was Saturday and the freaking back woods of Haines City and Lakeland had traffic, too... WORSE than Tampa's.

Intolerance for the mess and simply knowing that it would continue elsewhere (looks like I was right with LKLD) made us do the US92 route, which with the exposure to railroading and the catch of Q453, a Waycross to Miami train, would take us two additional hours.

Already bummed by the jams, we were quite frustrated and tired when at the show. At Plant City (bisected by Baker Street -- 92 westbd) we thought of giving up but I went for the show, not to sit like a cow the whole day and railfan.

However, the show was bitterly disappointing. A waste of admission, though the only good thing was the GFLUG layout. Booths were airy and spaced out, and they didn't have as much vendor turnout as they would up north. Surprising for the retirement state, nonetheless. Due to the reduced time commitment of 1 hour from 4, I didn't even bring my LEGO trains for running, I wanted to see Amtrak P092, the Silver Star, and my investment in that was worthwhile with the #835 trailing, a rare P40DC.

Though, it was nice to check out the downtown Tampa display. Also, I decided to take a nice look around the H.B. Plant RR Historical Society's HO diorama, it's grown for sure.

Hobby displays had brittle deals and often sold things at near-full retail. Honestly, maybe Plant City's show is simply much better than this, the only tradeoff the LEGO layout's downtown sector.

However our faith returned with the third-saturday Old Car Show in PC and the usual food offerings and even more so, the camaraderie with people like Aaron Van Amburg, Matt Bryant, Joshua Kintner, Jason Beck, and kinda-surprisingly, Danny Harmon. DH probably did some PC fanning just because; I know his buddies John Buckley and others returned on P092 so I guess he came out. You'd be surprised, he didn't film a thing. He did the old fashioned, true railfanning, simply watching trains. It'd be funny to factor in how Matthew and I showed our catches of two P092s very ambitiously. Such a fellowship kind of makes the trip worthwhile, but he said, the general consensus was below satisfactory.

I don't think I will be doing a Tampa show trip for a while, though the rail turnout was pretty good for my YouTube channel, only half the purpose with 11 trains videorecorded strictly on the trip, a 12th was Tri-Rail, but the recording was harsh and quick, so I said "To hell with it". Maybe my LEGO interests will be much better oriented too next year, with some Phosphate trains to delve in to the P.C. display. Who knows, I could even do the due-laden registration and be a formal member. I forgot to say, I was building the Tampa Bypass canal. :)

LEGO April 2011 Store Calendar Back - Sawgrass Mills LEGO Store

LEGO April 2011 Store Calendar Back a photo by LegoDad42 on Flickr.

South Florida as it looks will now have two LEGO Stores to its locale, pretty much Newton's first law after years of wanting one in the area. Sawgrass Mills Mall in Sunrise, west of Fort Lauderdale, is a Simon outlet mall with thousands of shops. While Aventura appeals well to upscale folks, I think LEGO strategically chose Sawgrass for it having an orange to apple comparison over the crowds; a different breed of locals and I believe more tourists looking for deals. As for preference, and I talked it over with Colby of Fort Lauderdale; we would still go to Aventura more though it might be somewhat enticing for me at least to visit the Sawgrass Mills location. However, much unlike Aventura, I'll probably be able to witness the Grand Opening über size build thingy which happened when I was in Turkey back when A.M.'s store opened up.