Fresh Ideas
Posted by rock99rock,
Projects submitted to LEGO Ideas come in waves; sometimes there are 5 great projects a week, sometimes 1 or even none! I understand this is completely subjective so I try and keep an open mind about what I'm seeing. Since the Apollo 11 Saturn-V and the Old Fishing Store were approved, I thought it would be fun to feature some projects that push the piece count to the LEGO Ideas limit of 3000. March had a great upswing in amazing projects, so take a look at those as well as the others I've kept track of since the last Fresh Ideas in December.
Ferrari 512s Longtail - Le Mans 1970 Ecurie Francorchamps
I have a feeling that if approved, LEGO might shorten the product name :) Upon first glance, this Le Mans race car is a thing of beauty! SO much detail has been crammed into such a small package. I started to get a headache just thinking about all the stickers, until I remembered LEGO Ideas sets don't have stickers. This set certainly pushes the limits of what will need to be printed in order to keep that signature feature in place. Designer AlanGuerzoni joined Ideas just 1 month ago, and this is his only project. I'd say he's off to a promising start with 3000 votes in just over a month.
Vespa
Ok so not quite pushing the limits of 3000 pieces, but I just couldn't pass this one up. It's just jaw-dropping how close to the actual scooter this Ideas project is. Scooters aren't too popular in the United States, so the fact that this struck me as unique shouldn't be surprising. What is surprising, is why this doesn't have more votes! Is there something I'm missing? Would one of those LEGO Stormtrooper action figures not look awesome on this thing? Designer ZetoVince37 joined Ideas just 2 months ago, and this is their only project thus far. I REALLY like this trend of new designers coming out of the woodwork with unique projects.
Jeep Wrangler JK 2 Doors
Now, I know there is a Jeep that just reached "Achieved Support" status but hear me out. This one really stuck out to me more than the other one, but why? I took a closer look and I wonder if I'm starting to become a fan of renders over actual builds. The pictures are certainly more aesthetically pleasing to the eye. This one is odd though, it almost has selective areas where the brick lines don't render... either that or the resolution of the picture isn't high enough to make a discernible difference. The designer RREYES77 joined 6 months ago, and has a 2nd version of this project with 4 doors.
1930s Racing Car
Shut the front door, are those link chain parts around that wooden wheel? Designer redfern1950s_5323 is just on a level that I can't quite comprehend right now. Maybe that technique is familiar to some of you, but it just blew my mind seeing it for the first time. This race car was researched heavily and based off of many from that era. It's just 1/3 of its way to 10k, and was only unveiled 2 months ago. It has a wonderfully detailed engine bay and interior.
Alfa Romeo Classic Car
I'm not sure how this one slipped by my keen eyes, but this was actually published to LEGO Ideas about 11 months ago. In keeping with the 1930's theme from the above vehicle, this one is based off the Alfa Romeo Spider Touring Gran Sport. Designer MartHart has slipped under my radar, having joined 3 years ago and published some amazing projects over that time. This vehicle also features a detailed engine bay, interior, and even undercarriage. It also features leaf spring suspension and working steering! I love the lines of this model... I can just hear the swing music as it drives past.
BOEING 737-300
Ever since the Boeing 787 Dreamliner I have been wanting another, larger scale commercial passenger jet. This 737 is a great attempt at that Idea. My wish would be for less visible studs, but that's just me being picky. This guy has a LEGO power brick inside and has all relevant lights, including each window! The gear is retractable and there are working flaps and leading edge slats. The scale is just perfect. Will LEGO ever produce another set like the 787? Is this a worthy successor? I sure hope so.
Search and Rescue Plane
The C130 Hercules is one of the most recognizable airplanes in the world, with over 2400 being delivered since the 1950's. I'm not too familiar with this variant, but its lines and features are unmistakable. I like how the designer ymiura (who joined 3 months ago) included the ability to pop open the fuselage for extra playability factor. I can imagine the swooshability as this rescue plane drops supplies to a stranded boat out the back cargo door.
Cessna 172 Skyhawk
You thought 2400 Hercules were alot? There are over 43,000 Cessna 172's out there! Upon first glance there was no doubt what this tried and true private plane was. Cessna also started producing this model in the 1950's, and has had many upgrades over the years as has the Hercules. Now, this is where i flip flop on my previous statement about renders vs pictures of real LEGO models. This one is stunning to me. Designer kosenLEGOmaker joined Ideas just 4 months ago, and this is their only project at almost 2 months old with only 200 votes. This model certainly deserves more than that.
French Classical Stage – The Molière Comedies
Granted, I am no expert in the realm of 17th century plays by Molière, but that didn't stop me from reading about him and his accomplishments. His influence had playwrights emulating his comedic and dramatic style across France and England. His works were most often displayed on this stage designed by Campistron1984, based off the Théâtre du Palais-Royal. The intricate details of this design combined with the unending scenes that can be depicted are a few of the reasons I chose to feature this project. The designer has also updated their project 10 times since it premiered just over 2 months ago. The most recent update includes a viewing gallery and a balcony viewing area which really ties the project together.
Wizard Tower
I am so pleased that this project is catching on, nabbing nearly 2500 votes in under 2 months. Just look at DominikQN's project page and stare in amazement at the dozen quality projects submitted by him since joining Ideas 6 months ago. This one does stand out a bit, looking like its straight from a midevil movie. DominikQN has little story lines accompanying each project, this one particularly about the wizard with no name. The fluid edges of the scene help frame the elevation changes of the project, and really puts the project in a spotlight. The tree and roofing techniques really bring a unique touch to this project.
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is one of 7 Modern Wonders of the World. The largest LEGO set ever produced was of the Taj Mahal made 9 years ago at nearly 6000 pieces. This scaled down version aimed at the LEGO Architecture line does a wonderful job of capturing the essence of that building and reflection pool and gardens leading to it. I would buy this in a heartbeat, but I imagine LEGO would already have something like this on the back burner for future release. It is still however and eye-catching depiction by lukamull, being their first project after joining Ideas a year ago.
Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers Megazord
Wait, I thought the VOLTRON set was already in review? I kid. What can I say, that was my era, not MMPR. There is another Mighty Morphin set that is currently close to 9500 votes and will probably reach the votes needed for 10k soon. However, I believe this project surpasses that one in creative design, effort, and awesomeness. wahkaka0321 just joined Ideas a week ago, and submitted this project 3 days ago. In a LEGO Ideas world where minifig-heavy projects keep getting approved/achieving support, this is a welcome sight that offers superior playability/display capability. The techniques used in the chest area with those gray clip-on road signs and flaps are quite innovative. Are you in the Voltron camp or Power Ranger camp? I may be from the Voltron camp, but I would still sport this on my shelf at the office.
Featured Designer: Namirob
Namirob has been a busy individual, submitting 5 wonderful projects in just as many months. The Old Villa is doing well at 2100 votes in just over 2 months. The REAL treat is the set he has built but not released, set as their avatar on LEGO Ideas. Neuschwanstein Castle? It was probably over the 3000 piece limit, but that doesn't make it any less jaw dropping!
From Our Readers!
In this section, we highlight four projects sent in as suggestions to Brickset. See what your fellow readers are working on, and give them some support!
Sweets & Co.
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Tree of Life in Expo 2015
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Pirates in a Bottle
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Green Gables
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Thanks for taking the time to read! Which ones did you enjoy most? Remember to vote for your favorite Ideas, and feel free to discuss them in the comment section with other readers.
39 likes
25 comments on this article
these ideas are excellent. especially the planes!
Very creative! That Vespa is so cute!
I'm fairly certain that the rights to Power Ranger construction toys are held by somebody else ... but lord almighty, that Lego Megazord is *gorgeous*.
Yet another great article Brian. I was thinking that we should take a look through our old articles and analyse how successful the projects are that get mentioned here: how many got to 10K?
From the projects mentioned today, my pick is the Alfa Romeo Classic 'Creator Technic' Car. It could easily hold itself against the 911 GT3 RS Porsche.
@Zordboy - The IP with Mega is non-exclusive as mentioned here by the holder. Granted, Lego will probably want the exclusive rights which would require Jason Bishoff to drop Mega/work out deal to get out of that agreement. https://www.rangerboard.com/showpost.php?p=5283125&postcount=61
@FlagsNZ - That's a fantastic suggestion. A homecoming of sorts to see who succeeded in the real world :)
I like the jeep I would love that to be a Lego set.
I really, really like this idea for a small Star Wars set I found. I'd really appreciate it if you featured it next time, it needs a lot more support if it can stand a chance.
(https://ideas.lego.com/projects/141080)
That French Classical Stage is amazing, it needs to be made into a set! I really would love to get that set, it's designed very well and being an actor myself, it would be a great set to display. As for the others, they are all good, especially some of the planes.
21302 the Big Bang Theory had stickers - le mans racer is fab but I do see stickers being put on a set (if approved) like that due to the sheer number and the potential cost of of all those prints
@poppy2612 - I see you are correct! So 2 stickers out of 15 sets in the post Cuusoo era :) My BBT set is unopened on a shelf after I was lucky enough to have GlenBricker sign it. Else I probably would have remembered that!
Pirates in a Bottle seem strangely familiar…
Why are almost all of them vehicles?
While a lot of these are impressive builds, I don't see them becoming sets. Granted, some of the sets that have been approved were surprising also, so I know nothing.
Some of the cars look really incredible and I am in shock how they were able to get that shaping, but I don't think I would end up buying them.
@poppy2612 I agree, the cost of having al those details printed would not be justifiable, the set would become too expensive, even for Ideas. I also think a lot of elements would have to be produced in a new color. For those reasons I'm not very sure that even if this car reaches 10.000, Lego would realistically consider it for production. I didn't vote for is, simply because of the stickered headlights...
The Vespa and two classic cars already have my vote and I also voted for the Antonov as a result of this article.
Just what LEGO Ideas needs, more vehicles..
The Ferrari for sure. It looks like something that would cost about £25, and the 512s is one of my all-time favourite Le Mans cars. It doesn't even bother me that it's covered in stickers, building every speed champions set yet released has really improved my sticker skills.
@CM4Sci @BrickHelix More than half (logical guess) of the LEGO universe is vehicles. There is rarely a quality submission that is not a building or a vehicle. Trust me, I've seen every project that is still gathering support :) If there is like a bust, or a landmark or just something unique and original and quality then I usually include it. Out of 17 ideas sets, only the Maze and the Bird sculptures were not vehicles, architecture, or a group of characters. In the current review stage, its all vehicles/architecture/characters. Designers will continue to pump these out the more the masses vote for them.
Some great picks there, especially the Taj and the Vespa.
May seem a little 'safe' theme-wise, but I think the building techniques used by Dominik in the Wizard Tower are fantastic! A little brick-heavy, but sometimes that's what it takes to achieve the best topographical and masonry effects.
Out of the things I think will actually pass review if they gain enough votes, though I'm less interested in them - probably the Ferrari 512s or the Megazord. Still waiting on that Fishing Shack though!
I just made my first votes ever due to this post.
Namirob just got two of my votes for those villas. Gorgeous.
These to me have a far more organic feel to them and have landscaping.
The word "midevil" has so far eluded me, does it mean something that is not too evil but simultaneously not that good either, therefore on the middle of the evilness scale? :)
+SirZed "Medieval" is the word you are searching for. It means very old-fashioned or primitive, or relating to the Middle Ages.
The Ferrari and Megazord are my favorites. Of course I cannot resist mentioning my own project which is a third of the way there.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/127122511 @N05/32801617193/in/dateposted-public/
ideas link https://ideas.lego.com/projects/168661
I like all these great Lego Ideas,
But I think the little Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 below has been forgotten from this list:
https://ideas.lego.com/projects/171007
I know I am not impartial here (I am the creator of this set after all!) but this little set has secured nearly 5k supporters in 3 weeks.
Furthermore 200k people have visited the dedicated Lego Idea page in the same period.
Finally it became quite viral in the automotive world with multilple articles on both WRC and Peugeot official Facebook pages and lots of online mags and blogs across the World (USA, UK, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Greece, Turkey, Argentina, Chile, Belgium, Egypt, Japan, Russia, Hungary...)
Just search 'Peugeot Lego' in the news section of your Internet browser and you will see the positive impact it has left - a good way to learnt foreign languages too:-))
Cheers
Fabrice
Re. power rangers, I completely agree with Jumbo Bricks Blue,
I am afraid that this license will never come to fruition under the Lego Banner.
Remember that Mattel used to be the No1 Toys Company in the world before giving up their top place on the podium to... Lego.
So why would they cut the branch they are sitting on?
Anyway great to see a lot a Fan sharing a common passion for Power rangers and Lego (my little boy is one of them!)