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BrickCon Special Report: Keynote
by Joe Meno. 
Categorized as Events, LEGO, LEGO Castle, Public. Tagged with 10193, 2008, castle, lego direct, matthew ashton, medieval market village, nicolas groves.
BrickCon 2008 kicked off yesterday in Seattle, Washington with over 200 attendees. The keynote speaker for this year was Steve Witt from the LEGO Group, who made his presentation a group show about how sets are designed.
Helping him out were Matthew Ashton, Creative Director of Playthemes and Nick Groves, one of the set designers in his group. Both of them gave a little peek as to how a set is designed, from concept to prototyping to review. And a surprise was unveiled...
A new set, coming from LEGO Direct, named the Medieval Market Village!
From the product description:
Ages 12+. 1,601 pieces.
US $99.99; ¤99.99, CA $149.99, AU $149.99, UK £84.99
Expand your LEGO® Castle kingdom!
This classic medieval village with marketplace is a perfect match for any LEGO Castle. Full of authentic features, fun accessories and all-new animals to expand and enhance your kingdom; it includes two complete buildings with detailed interiors like a blacksmith’s shop with waterwheel-driven hammer, a food stand, tree, table, cart, cows, horse, chicken, rooster, duck, peasants, knights, rare elements and colors, and more!
- Includes 8 minifigures: blacksmith, 2 soldiers, 2 male peasants, 2 female peasants and a boy minifigure!
- Play inside! The 2 two-story buildings feature a hinge system that allows you to open and close them as you wish!
- The yellow building contains the stables, blacksmiths shop and his home upstairs! Help the blacksmith forge the swords with the working water powered trip hammer! Don’t forget to close the stable gates and feed the horse some carrots!
- Blacksmith’s home features pictures on the walls, opening windows, table and fireplace!
- The classically European styled blue building features a cozy tavern on the first floor and welcoming bedroom on the top floor!
- Lots of authentic touches: fireplaces in the bedrooms, pictures on the walls, dressing tables, working doors and windows and other interior details!
- The soldiers and peasants alike shop and eat in the marketplace filled with baskets of fish, apples and flowers. Sit at the table for a meal of ale, cheese and whole turkey but stay out of the way of the soldiers carrying the king’s treasure!
· Buildings measure over 7.5” tall and over 9” long when open wide!
Available January 2009!
Here are links to more photos - click on the thumbnails to get a closer look!
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| Exterior view of blacksmith's shop | Exterior view of tavern | Interior view of both buildings | Closeup of blacksmith's shop | Closeup of minifigures | Minifigure lineup for set |
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| Closeup of outdoor shop |
Many thanks to Steve Witt and the LEGO Group for providing these images!
BrickJournal 3 Out!
 | BrickJournal's latest issue is out in newsstands and online! This issue has a cover model by Bryce McGlone and event reports from Brickworld, FIRST LEGO League World Festival (Atlanta) and Piece of Peace (Japan). There's also some behind-the-scenes reporting about the design of the new Volkswagen Beetle set and Custom Car Garage, not to mention building instructions and an interview with the CEO of the LEGO Group. You can order BrickJournal here. BrickJournal was also positively reviewed by Library Journal. |
GOOGLEGO Announced
As noted in his post on LUGNET , Mike Gallagher presented his website. His site is a map or location-based reference for the LEGO building community. This site will be searchable and categorized, so clubs and events and other points of interest can be easily found.
Those interested in helping Mike can contact him at his e-mail.
Shared LEGO Calendars on BrickJournal.Com
by Joe Meno.
Categorized as BrickJournal Resources, community, Public. Tagged with 2008, calendar, mike huffman.
With the help of Mike Huffman, there is now a new event calendar used by BrickJournal. As noted in his LUGNET post, it had become quite an effort to maintain the Journal event calendar, as it was done literally by reading through many different sites to update.
The new calendar is from Google Calendars, and has some features that the older calendar lacked, including overlaying different types of events and activities onto one single calendar. Currently, there are LEGO Contests, LEGO Conventions, LEGO Displays, LEGO Fan Club Events, and LEGO Mindstorms and FLL Events. There are efforts to add more features, so any suggestions and comments are welcome!
More importantly, the calendar has now been opened up to people in the community to help update the many events and activities that happen throughout the world. Clubs and other groups are encouraged to join and help create a worldwide reference for AFOLs and public alike to see what is happening in the community. You can see the calendar by going to the calendar tab above or by going here.
Those interested in being part of the 'calendar crew' can contact me at my e-mail.
Thanks to those who have already stepped forward and also to Mike!
- Store will officially open for business on Sept 18
- Grand Opening Celebration Weekend will be Oct 3 – 5
- Master Builder will be Dan Steiniger
- Model being built will be Yoda
- Master Builder Event happens all 3 days in the JC Penney Court
Friday 11 – 7, Saturday 10 – 6, Sunday 11 – 6 - AFOL Volunteers are needed, included at least 1 expert builder who can help Dan actually build the model!
Volunteers will get a special reward at the store! - On Saturday, Oct 4, the first 300 customers in the store to spend $35 will get a FREE exclusive make & take set of the Liberty Bell, complete with crack and moving clapper! This set is not available for sale.
- On Sunday, Oct. 5, the first 300 customers in the store to spend $35 will get a FREE exclusive child’s size LEGO Store t-shirt, featuring the LEGO Minifigure holding the state flag! This shirt is not available for sale.
- Exclusive sets and t-shirts will also be given out as trivia question prizes by Dan throughout the event at the build site!
- Fans can also enter a raffle in the LEGO Store for a chance to win a $100 LEGO Store Gift Card!
- Store will officially open for business on Sept 12
- Grand Opening Celebration Weekend will be Oct 11 - 13
- Note: This event runs Saturday > Monday due to the Columbus Day holiday.
- Master Builder will be Dan Steiner
- Model being built will be Yoda
- Master Builder Event happens all 3 days in the Macy’s Court
Saturday 10 - 6, Sunday 11 – 6, Monday 11 – 7 - AFOL Volunteers are needed, included at least 1 expert builder who can help Dan actually build the model!
Volunteers will get a special reward at the store! - On Sunday, Oct 12, the first 300 customers in the store to spend $35 will get a FREE exclusive make & take set of a Baseball Player, complete with bat, red hat and socks and home plate! This set is not available for sale.
- On Monday, Oct. 13, the first 300 customers in the store to spend $35 will get a FREE exclusive child’s size LEGO Store t-shirt, featuring the LEGO Minifigure holding the state flag! This shirt is not available for sale.
- Exclusive sets and t-shirts will also be given out as trivia question prizes by Dan throughout the event at the build site!
- Fans can also enter a raffle in the LEGO Store for a chance to win a $100 LEGO Store Gift Card!
- Store will officially open for business on Sept 25
- Grand Opening Celebration Weekend will be Oct 17 - 19
- Master Builder will be Dan Steiniger
- Model being built will be R2-D2
- Master Builder Event happens all 3 days in the Center Court
Friday 11 – 7, Saturday 10 – 6, Sunday 11 – 6 - AFOL Volunteers are needed, included at least 1 expert builder who can help Dan actually build the model!
Volunteers will get a special reward at the store! - On Saturday, Oct 18, the first 300 customers in the store to spend $35 will get a FREE exclusive make & take set of Sacramento’s Transcontinental Railroad Engine, the Gov. Stanford Steam Locomotive, complete with moving wheels and realistic details! This set is not available for sale.
- On Sunday, Oct. 19, the first 300 customers in the store to spend $35 will get a FREE exclusive child’s size LEGO Store t-shirt, featuring the LEGO Minifigure holding the state flag! This shirt is not available for sale.
- Exclusive sets and t-shirts will also be given out as trivia question prizes by Dan throughout the event at the build site!
- Fans can also enter a raffle in the LEGO Store for a chance to win a $100 LEGO Store Gift Card!
Hide comments
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steven said 9/11/08
I like how LEGO keeps putting more stores in Massachusetts than in other parts of the New England region. *sarcasm intended* Like couldn't they put one in Salem, New Hamshire, Providence Place in Providence, Hartford, or Southeastern Connecticut? They don't understand that the mentioned areas are large market towns, and I would like one in NH to get LEGO - minus the sales tax. And putting one in Salem is just right near the Mass. border and is in the Boston retail market within 30 radius miles.
The Volkswagen Beetle (Set # 10187) is the first classic car set to come from LEGO Direct to Consumer. BrickJournal talked to Eva Henriksen, Marketing Assistant to Marketing and Development about the set. BrickJournal: When was it decided to create a classic car set? We decided on that in the fall of 2006 when the 2008 Direct exclusives novelty range was planned. How was it decided to have a workshop with LEGO fans building the prototypes? We wanted to learn from the fans by involving them in the development process in two ways: by asking them online which classic car they would like to see us bring to market and by inviting a small group of fans to come and sit and build concept models together with the LEGO designers. The fans are the consumers and who are better at telling us what a car should look like and giving input on how to enhance the building experience. - So, within the limitations you need to consider when you design for production. At Frechen (a LEGO fan event in Germany), what was the feedback? First of all the fans appreciated being asked their views and getting the opportunity to discuss the concept models and share their views with the designers at such an early stage of the development process. The Beetle was especially liked for being such a true LEGO classic. The studded surface, the built outer and interior design were emphasized. Achieving the rounded lines building with edged LEGO bricks on a model this scale was greatly acknowledged. But what also makes the Beetle so special is the nostalgia that it brings forward. Everybody have memories of a Beetle and stories to tell. They drove them themselves, it may even have been their first car or it brings back childhood memories. While the Beetle won the vote, were there any comments about the other models that were unusual? Boys of all ages love cars and the visitors to the Frechen event really liked what they saw. The concept models presented at the event were different in style, but they were all valued for being true to the original designs and for their detailing. The VW at Frechen was dark grey - it changed color to dark blue. How was the color decided? Designer Steen Sig Andersen did quite a bit of research into that subject. You can find the Beetle in a variety of one and two-tone colors. Some were brought to market, others unique. We looked for a color scheme that was both true to the Beetle and interesting to the fans - also observing the color palette available for production. You worked with Volkswagen on this model - what research did you do with them for this model? Volkswagen provided us with reference material, but most important was the face to face contact. We first met with Volkswagen at the AutoMuseum Volkswagen in Wolfsburg, Germany - a real mecca for Beetle enthusiasts. Steen Sig Andersen brought the first prototype model. It was placed on a table right next to the original 1960 Charlotte model. Now curves, shapes and details were discussed and the first corrections were made. Back home in Billund, Steen optimized the model and a month later, another meeting took place this time in Billund. The model was again subject to close investigation! Steen went back to his desk, made a few changes and at the end of the day the prototype was approved. How was working with VW? It was a real pleasure working with Mr. Glaser of the Wolfsburg HQ and Mr. Witzleben, AutoMuseum Volkswagen. They have a soft spot for the Beetle. The original Beetle is famous for its curves and rounded shape and Volkswagen wanted the LEGO model to be as true to the original as at all possible. At the same time we wanted the LEGO Beetle to have the look and feel of a true classic LEGO model built from edged pieces. In a close dialogue characterized by openness and mutual respect, the task was solved and a splendid model born. Do you recall a specific detail that VW added? Volkswagen was very keen on getting the boxer engine right both in design and positioning. But also, the windshield angle was considered a key characteristic of the car design. Any details to the model that you are particularly proud of? Steen is particularly proud of the windshield wipers, but also the dashboard details and the glove compartment. Is this the beginning to a collector's series of cars? You never know what the future will bring ....
Categorized as community, LEGO, LEGO MINDSTORMS, Public, Technic. Tagged with 2008, barbara bratzel, brian davis, chris rogers, claude baumann, david levy, david martinez, eugene tsai, francis massen, jean mootz, jurgen leitner, nxt.
Science experiment leverages best-selling LEGO product to study outer atmosphere, proving play and learning go hand-in-hand
 Brian Davis presenting one of his robots at Brickworld, a LEGO fan event, earlier this year. | RENO, Nev. (July 29, 2008) – College professors, middle school students and robotics hobbyists unite today to launch seven robots into the Earth’s stratosphere to collect data, explore conditional effects and to set a world record as part of the High Altitude LEGO® Extravaganza. Joining The LEGO Group to support the science experiment are Nevada Space Grant, the University of Nevada-Reno, Energizer and National Instruments in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the LEGO MINDSTORMS® robotics platform. The MINDSTORMS robots will be launched from a desert location 30 miles east of Reno, Nevada into near space on an atmospheric weather balloon that will reach an altitude of more than 100,000 feet (30km). Once it reaches |
For more information on the HALE Project:
The HALE Project Report on The NXTStep blog
LEGO Group Builds Consumer Driven Innovation to New Heights
by Joe Meno.
Categorized as building, community, people, Public. Tagged with 2008, adam tucker, architecture, article, john hancock, sears tower.
 The first set from BrickStructures, the Sears Tower. | -Leading construction toy maker further explores consumer and fan
driven product development with debut of first line of models developed
by brand enthusiast- CHICAGO (July 14th, 2008) – Continuing to explore the ways in which fans can drive innovation to the LEGO business, The LEGO Group today announced partnership with Adam Reed Tucker of Brickstructures Inc. to launch LEGO® Architecture. LEGO Architecture leverages the legacy of the classic LEGO brick’s 50 years of inspiring young builders and budding architects to express their own design ideas to take the experience further, making it possible for children of all ages to build and collect their favorite worldwide architectural sites through amazing replica models. Initially, LEGO Architecture will feature a pair of Chicago’s most famous landmarks: The Sears Tower and The John Hancock Canter. In the future, the line will offer other famous landmarks from around the world celebrating influential architects and movements that have shaped cities and cultures. With models developed in collaboration with architects, LEGO Architecture will work to inspire future architects, engineers and designers around the world with the LEGO brick as a medium. |
“My main objective with LEGO Architecture is to celebrate the past, present and future of architecture through use of the LEGO Brick. With products such as the line of souvenir sets and educational events, we wish to promote an awareness of the fascinating worlds of architecture, engineering and construction in a new and unexpected way,” said Adam Reed Tucker, president of Brickstructures, Inc. “The possibilities of the LEGO play experience are the perfect medium in which to drive and engage that awareness and excitement.”
| “LEGO Architecture is a milestone for LEGO Group, as it
is the first new business launched together with a member of the LEGO
community using the LEGO bricks as part of the business,” said Paal
Smith-Meyer, head of new business group at the LEGO Group. “After years
of development, this niche business stems from our exploration of new
business areas outside traditional retail toy markets. LEGO
Architecture exemplifies our philosophy that everything big starts
small and our aim to build new businesses with entrepreneurs like Adam,
who are passionate about the LEGO idea and our mission to inspire the
builders of tomorrow.” LEGO Architecture models can be found at specialty stores in the Chicago area including Love from Chicago at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg and Yorktown Center in Lombard, The Chicago Architecture Foundation Shop and in gift shops at the Sears Tower and John Hancock Center. For more information and a complete list of retail locations, visit www.brickstructures.com |  |
About Brickstructures, Inc.
Brickstructures, Inc., is a privately held company established to promote the use of LEGO Bricks in relation to Architecture. Established by architect Adam Reed Tucker from Chicago, Brickstrucutres, Inc, will act as creative developer and exclusive distributor for LEGO Architecture. Brickstructures will also arrange events and explore educational activities in conjunction with architectural firms, institutions and landmarks.
The LEGO Architecture Team wishes to extend a thank you to all parties who have participated in the foundation test throughout the city of Chicago.
The LEGO Group is a privately held, family-owned company, based in Billund, Denmark. It was founded in 1932 and today the group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of play materials for children, employing approximately 4,500 people globally. The LEGO Group is committed to the development of children's creative and imaginative abilities. LEGO products can be purchased in more than 130 countries.
LEGO and the LEGO logo are trademarks of The LEGO Group. ©2008 The LEGO Group.
Hide comments
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Thomas B said 7/18/08
These are great sets, but does anyone know the set numbers? That would be greatly appreciated!
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chicago lego said 7/25/08
21000 for the sears tower
21001 for the john handcock center
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Thomas B. said 8/4/08
Thanks Chicago Lego!
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marc payne said 8/7/08
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andres said 8/20/08
well, they are kind of simple.... I imagined them similar to the tal mahal set I bougth, thas a goooood lego set. Hope they make sets of 10.000 pieces for buildings like the neschwanstein castle, notredame chappel, or even better, a buiding no one has done in lego: a great victorian greenhouse, like those in Laeken or Kew... That i´ll buy.... definitively....
Arealight's Magnificent Mid-Year Scoot-a-Bration!!
by Joe Meno.
Categorized as community, Public. Tagged with 2008, contest, customization, customize, jared burks.
A LEGO fan building contest announcement from Fine Clonier's site:
Arealights' Magnificent Motorcycle Mayhem Shop is needing to break ground and he needs your help. He has loads of inventory waiting to be delivered to the AMMMS for the mid-year Scoot-a-bration. Everything must go go go go!!! In order for your favorite figure to drive a scooter off the lot, there has to be a lot to drive it off, so help him by building a store front and lot. This would be like most car/motorcycle lots for his scooters to be sold from (figuratively speaking). So it is up to you to construct the Motorcycle and Scooter Bike store. Why is Arealight so crazed about an AMMMS? Well he is wanting to highlight his scooter, which he is bringing back after popular demand.
You can construct it in any style you desire, be it hard core biker, weekend resort, European getaway, or whatever.
*The scenes appearance need a shop with a motorcycle on the property (so to speak), and it must be to minifigs scale.
*LEGO and custom motorcycles are welcome, at least one is required.
More information, including rules and prizes, can be found at this page.
LEGO® Collector`s Guide Publishing date: 26.06.08 / LEGO Collector – Premium Edition beginning of August 2008
We are happy to announce that the LEGO Collector’s Guide is about to be launched by Fantasia Verlag GmbH. The confirmed launch date will be the 26.06.08.
This bilingual (English/German) catalogue is for the fan and collector alike. It is a high quality product full of details. It comprises around 800 pages presenting nearly all sets produced by the LEGO Group since 1958.
Further, there will be a LEGO Collector - Premium Edition which will be very limited to 3.333 continuously numbered copies. The Premium Edition will be published at the beginning of August 2008 for a price of 39,90€. This high quality catalogue has a hardcover and is presented in a very decorative packaging with exclusive LEGO gimmicks.
The news release is attached.
Interview with LEGO Designer
by Joe Meno.
Categorized as LEGO, Public, BrickJournal Exclusive, LEGO Star Wars, people. Tagged with 2008, grievous, interviews,
Rob said about 21 hours ago
Corey Burger said about 20 hours ago
Given the CAD is just about par, so does Canada.
Luís said about 4 hours ago
The same for Europe
Julen said 11 minutes ago
In Europe, it will probably cost 100-120 euro. But I will pay it of course! I love the set!