LEGO 9463 The Werewolf

Probably one of the finest parts packs this year, the 9463 Werewolf is a neat little diorama set for the new Monster Fighters theme. Features some dark tan mortar bricks, plenty of Dark Brown elements, and the new olive green leaves. I reviewed it. Not crazy about the whole line but I guess it has some appeal with the kiddies.

CSX Tampa Street Running and MORE

Element at night in this one :D... I will be putting in PF lights, possibly, when the GFLUG comes to doing a lights out display like they have at BrickMagic

The Itch to Build a Skyscraper

With the LEGO hobby, sometimes you have to be an economist. I like to cater to areas compatible with Greater Florida LEGO Users Group Layouts, because my opportunities to head up that way are increasing with time. Needless to say, in 2011 I have hit my first Festival of the Masters in three years, hit the Tampa Train show being the first display in a year, etc. (It's funny how I wasn't too easily recognized over at Tampa probably due to one year's physical and active changes). Anyway, now I have matured to which I shall be finally capable of offering display pieces, and as such have been communicating over ideas.

A rendition of Plant City is my current long running project. It encompasses the Depot, parking lot, Car show details, and about 4 -> 5 buildings. Yet, these are small town sized. I have also ventured into modern suburban buildings probably since that's the environment I have been living around my whole life. But then, these small typical structures have a very limited effectiveness.

To suit the craving for a large, massive, and iconic building, I have turned to two skyscrapers.

Hollywood Station is out of place for the LUG, and takes up immense real estate. Located a good 200 miles from Downtown Tampa, yes, out of place is right, but it has appeal with me and pretty much I can relate to it having railfanned the area since 2008.

It's a monstrous building and will make for an aesthetically pleasing centerpiece. Though, what it could do is distract attention from the Downtown Tampa skyline. It will be nice to have two opposing downtowns, or "West" and "East" Florida, and as such, the LEGO rendition will be finished by the end of 2012. This will aid in completing Hollywood, FL in the brick which will in turn have its 3-year renovation. This calls for Firestone to be rebuilt in Nougat/Tan as the building was just painted, the construction of the Hollywood Building (which houses a Gyro place), and the furnishing of the (former) Magic Shop, now Orale and another restaurant on the NE corner.

I did more soul searching around Tampa. This is where I go by efficiency; I want a building that can fit that hasn't been done yet. Apparently Channelside and around are the domain of the LUG. But, this beast isn't. Element, a new 34 story tower is located at Franklin and Polk Sts, completed 2009. Currently on that area Sam Gibbons is the only replicated model; this one hasn't been touched. I hereby announce that with no regard to any outside circumstance (ie. this model is taken) that this will be constructed and complete by Summer 2012 in the LEGO brick. Element was chosen since it has that Miami feeling and since it's quite easy to model. I will just wind up having a bit of an issue with the windows, but otherwise it's fine. I also like how the tower sandwiches the garage, as that will make for a cool effect. Enough talking, off to engineer these behemoths.

Note: images found on the internets