LEGO has recently started selling the Boost Powered Up! components separately at LEGO.com, and earlier in the year I was sent a set of them to review.
I wasn't sure how to do so at first, given that on their own they are not terribly exciting, until I had the idea of creating a Great Ball Contraption (GBC) module that used them in some way.
I'm not the first to use the Boost hub for GBC but I've not seen much evidence of widespread use, probably for two reasons: you need a phone or tablet to be constantly connected to it, and because it's battery powered it's not really suitable for use at public displays over several days where machines are expected to run faultlessly non-stop in a circuit of continually flowing balls.
So, if I was to make use of it and create something that could be used at displays I'd have to solve the power problem first. Luckily, I'm adept at wielding a soldering iron so it turned out to be relatively easy.
Advisory: This article contains explicit images depicting mutilation and modification of LEGO pieces. If you are of a nervous disposition, do not read any further.
Today's random set is 8256 Go-Kart, released in 2009. It's one of 11 Technic sets produced that year. It contains 144 pieces, and its retail price was US$14.99/£14.99.
It's owned by 1885 Brickset members. If you want to add it to your collection you might find it for sale at BrickLink or eBay.
I'm not sure exactly when this happened, but yesterday I was informed by LEGO's affiliate network that shop.LEGO.com has ceased to exist and, effectively, LEGO.com is now what used to be shop.LEGO.com.
Redirections are in place so the links from here to there should all still work, but we'll update them in due course.
Much of the content that was often prominent on the home page -- games, videos and so on -- can now be found in the Kids zone.
I guess the change makes perfect sense given that the main purpose of the site is to sell products, not entertain kids.
It certainly looks to be an improvement but take a look around yourself and let us know what you think: USA | Canada | UK | Germany | France.
Ghosts vary significantly in their capabilities and those appearing in the Hidden Side theme seem especially powerful. They are absolutely invisible so commonly avoid capture and may possess an incredible range of different minifigures, objects and even buildings!
70422 Shrimp Shack Attack certainly exemplifies this extraordinary ability, focusing upon a simple restaurant which can transform between standard and ghoulish designs. This distinctive set looks brilliant in official images and has elicited considerable anticipation among many fans, especially given its price of £44.99 or $49.99 which appears rather reasonable in my opinion.
Banderbox is an interesting crowdfunding project that looks perfect for those with kids whose LEGO is getting out of control and under foot.
Essentially it's a plastic box that folds flat for easy access to the contents which incorporates a building plate on its lid. Models built onto it can be folded back into the box intact when it's time to put it all away. There's also a pouch available that attaches to the side which can be used for keeping special parts in.
It comes in a range of bold and pastel colours and can be stacked.
There are available at a special launch price of £25 in the UK and around $30 in the US. You can find out more and pledge your support at Indiegogo or watch a short video and see more pictures after the break.
Disneyland remains extraordinarily popular and features numerous prominent attractions which continue to entertain many visitors. The brilliant Disneyland Railroad is particularly distinguished and provided inspiration for 71044 Disney Train and Station which appears marvellous in official product images.
This remarkable set contains 2925 pieces which are divided approximately evenly between the Disney Train and the spectacular Main Street, U.S.A. station. Both models seem fairly faithful to their respective source material and some outstanding minifigures are included too, the most notable of whom is undoubtedly Goofy!
The latest direct to consumer set will steam into brand stores and shop.LEGO.com next week. Here's all you need to know:
LEGO brick and Disney fans alike will be able to build their very own scale version of the famous steam-powered locomotives as seen at Disney theme parks around the world with the new LEGO Disney Train and Station.
This brand-new set captures a whole host of features in the iconic Disney theme parks style and will be available direct from LEGO stores from 21 August 2019.
The LEGO Disney Train has been inspired by the famous Disney theme park’s railroads around the world and comes with four buildable cars, the engine, the tender, passenger car and a parlor car.
