Ideas Showcase: Summer 2021
Posted by CapnRex101,
LEGO Ideas has continued to impress during 2021, providing four marvellous models based upon designs which previously achieved 10,000 supporters.
Several thousand further creations continue to gather support and we have picked seven such submissions that could, in our opinion, become successful LEGO Ideas sets.
Great Ball Contraption Showcase by jazlecraz
- 1047 supporters, at time of publication
Great Ball Contraptions, commonly known as GBCs, are ever-present at LEGO conventions around the world. An official model that showcases this ingenious concept may increase their popularity even further, introducing new adults and younger generations to these mesmerising machines!
The wonderful Great Ball Contraption Showcase, constructed by jazlecraz, would undoubtedly appeal to a broad audience. The model comprises several connected sections that incorporate different mechanisms to convey the balls, each focusing upon unique LEGO themes. I think the project looks outstanding in its current form, but may also be adapted to varied sizes or themes during the review process, potentially increasing its chance of success.
Find more information and support the project here.
Gremlins by bulldoozer
- 2753 supporters, at time of publication
LEGO Dimensions introduced several new licences, many of which yielded exceptionally few products. Gremlins is among them and this rendition of the Peltzers' house includes excellent detail from the movie, balanced with a size that could plausibly become an affordable set. The model was designed by bulldoozer, whose past contributions include the project which inspired 21324 123 Sesame Street.
Beyond its appealing exterior, the interior includes various notable references and I think the minifigure selection appears satisfying too. The horror genre has been underserved in LEGO sets, especially among licenced themes, but this Gremlins project could redress that omission and attract new potential fans to LEGO, while also pleasing established fans.
Find more information and support the project here.
Tuscan Villa by Galaxy333
- 4383 supporters, at time of publication
Certain architectural styles are instantly evocative of particular regions and this Tuscan Villa, produced by Galaxy333, captures the atmosphere of the Italian countryside. Beyond looking magnificent, the building exhibits various interesting construction techniques and contains an extensive interior, recalling 21325 Medieval Blacksmith in style.
Admittedly, the model might require scaling down to become a successful LEGO product, but the idea certainly provides considerable potential, embracing a famous architectural style that has been continually overlooked. In fact, we can already identify the perfect designer to revise the model, since Wes Talbott possesses LEGO Ideas experience and previously designed the superb 41379 Heartlake City Restaurant, embracing equivalent architecture!
Find more information and support the project here.
Frontier Bank Heist by Carbohydrates
- 755 supporters, at time of publication
LEGO Ideas has provided the perfect opportunity for paying homage to classic LEGO themes, including Pirates and Castle. Frontier Bank Heist, assembled by Carbohydrates, could occupy the same role for Western, updating this renowned range with modern building techniques and elements by portraying an exhilarating bank heist.
The models appear impressive and include numerous functions, demonstrated in photos and videos available on the Ideas project page. Additionally, I think the size of this scene would be realistic when compared with 21322 Pirates of Barracuda Bay and 21325 Medieval Blacksmith. There is also potential to include further references to the classic Western theme, if desired.
Find more information and support the project here.
Spartan Helmet of Leonidas by Delusion Brick
- 3825 supporters, at time of publication
The Classical World remains almost completely unexplored in LEGO sets, appearing only in Collectable Minifigures and 10276 Colosseum. This rendition of an attractive Spartan helmet captures outstanding detail and would benefit from the recent increase in the number of drum-lacquered elements which appear in official sets.
Comparable display models have previously proven successful on the LEGO Ideas platform, hence I think Leonidas' helmet might succeed as well. Collectable Minifigures inspired by the Classical Period have achieved enormous popularity and this excellent model could therefore prove similarly popular, especially if assembled in beautiful drum-lacquered gold!
Find more information and support the project here.
Thomas the Tank Engine by KaijuBuildz
- 5580 supporters, at time of publication
LEGO DUPLO has included several products based upon Thomas the Tank Engine, the most recent of which were released during 2009. Nevertheless, the famous steam engine maintains tremendous popularity and this impressive rendition of Thomas, designed by KaijuBuildz, could become an enjoyable Ideas model.
21326 Winnie the Pooh demonstrates the clear potential in revisiting classic subjects intended for children, which Thomas the Tank Engine could certainly satisfy. The model looks absolutely excellent and its modest size might improve its chances of passing review, since the majority of modern LEGO Ideas projects are comparatively large.
Find more information and support the project here.
Albert E. & the Old Observatory by MOCingBrick
- 473 supporters, at time of publication
Space has become a consistent subject for LEGO Ideas products, including many exploratory craft and others. Albert E. & the Old Observatory, created by MOCingBrick instead portrays an earthbound observatory, based upon a real building in the Dutch city of Leiden. The model has obvious visual appeal, featuring attractive architecture without appearing excessively large.
Furthermore, the set contains an Albert Einstein minifigure which should enhance its appeal, given the exceptional influence of Albert Einstein. Examples like 21325 Medieval Blacksmith demonstrate LEGO's willingness to release standalone buildings and I think this model could achieve sufficient popularity to warrant production, appealing to both lovers of astronomy and architecture aficionados.
Find more information and support the project here.
Have you supported any of these projects and which others do you think deserve attention? Let us know in the comments or contact us if you would like your creation to be discussed in a subsequent LEGO Ideas showcase. Please note, however, that we will only feature those that we believe have a good chance of achieving 10,000 supporters and could plausibly pass review.
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38 comments on this article
Definitely love the bank heist! Bring back Lego Western!
I’d buy Thomas, but I don’t think he’d get approved
I’d buy that Leonidas Spartan helmet immediately haha.
Hopefully we’re going to have a change to get an observatory via the Bricklink designer program. Crossing my fingers for that one. I think there are quite a lot of great designs on the Ideas site, but unfortunately there is a bit of an overkill on approved projects (of which about half of them should even be there considering the terms and conditions of the Ideas program.
Would love to see the GBC or Gremlins set become a Lego reality.
If you look at all of the ideas that have legitimately reached 10000 i.e. NOT those created by streamers with more than 10000 followers, and you level the combined results of the following questions: 1. Can TLG charge a lot for them? 2. Will they be popula? 3. Will they confuse the Normies and Hipsters? 4. Are they for a license TLG don't have/haven't had? The chance of 99% of the ideas getting chosen by TLG is exactly "zero". You only have to look at the results of the last review to see how rigid, single-minded and misguided TLG in regard to Ideas! Of all the potential choices, the review board went with a Lighthouse and nothing else...
The next review group is DOUBLE the size of the previous one, yet the result will probably be the same...
Makes you wonder what it would take to (ever) change TLG's mindset on various things...
I love that GBC, especially for the clever references to so many classic themes. It sort of fits into the "desk/coffee table toy" niche that a few previous Ideas sets have filled as well.
A little off topic, but have Lego given any indication of when the Sonic Ideas set is likely to be released?
The GBC is a day-1 purchase for me. Supported!
That bank heist build is amazing! I love the detailed furniture, the classic dynamite action feature, and the brick-built sign!
The Thomas the Tank Engine build is also great but I don't see a future for it on Lego Ideas, given that the Thomas and Friends TV series (along with associated merchandise rights) currently belong to Lego's competitor Mattel.
I need that bank!!!
The Ideas system seems a bit broken now. So many candidates getting 10,000 votes in each period, and many of them very similar (lots of medieval buildings this time, for example). I guess they simply won't get chosen, but it makes the achievement of getting to 10,000 seem a lot less meaningful.
Lots of great projects! I'll definitely be going through and supporting them.
Shameless plug for my project: https://ideas.lego.com/s/p:401e0a7b296e453294916bcb312e5fb6
It's an original model covering a previously untouched subject with lots of good building techniques. I've received tons of positive feedback and support in comments when I've shared it but people just don't go and vote.
I've been working on an update, but without a ton of bricks on hand it takes so long to design, then order, then build and photograph and post.
Tuscan Villa all the way.
Love the Tuscan Villa as well, but I'd vote for Thomas.
Hello! Designer of the Frontier Bank Heist here. Thanks so much, Brickset, for the feature! I'm deeply appreciative, and excited that there's still so much enthusiasm for the classic Western theme.
@Carbohydrates said:
"Hello! Designer of the Frontier Bank Heist here. Thanks so much, Brickset, for the feature! I'm deeply appreciative, and excited that there's still so much enthusiasm for the classic Western theme."
great job, you have my support. Even though I prefer the Villa. But I'm biased... ^_^
I'd buy that GBC model in an instant! I've been tempted to get into GBC for a long time and something like that, especially one that looks great, as well as being functional, would definitely scratch that particular itch for a while!
I think GBC's are rather interesting to watch, but not really my cup of tea to build. This one however is really well designed; trying to appeal to all the classic theme lovers, while looking good enough as a display piece. Imho very important to appeal to a wider audience. Personally I was routing for Robin Hood Bricks' GBC (
https://ideas.lego.com/projects/6a17e6af-c076-4431-a23a-ff3a9e89bf4e), but this might be a little more 'Ideasy'
Personally I'd buy the Thomas the tank engine. Both out of nostalgia plus we could use some carpet Ideas sets
I love the western bank! definitely my favorite out of the seven.
I want to support a Thomas model, but that particular version just seems a little off. The body of the train is too small, and the wheels are proportionately gigantic.
Finally a property that earns its 18+ rating!
I shall now leave you with the haunting nightmare image of Thomas the Tank Engine on weed.
A worthy successor to 2015 Darth Maul.
That Western Bank would be the perfect set for IDEAS , 3 horses, 6 figures, and good parts , and its not too huge.
Thank you for featuring my Tuscan Villa project here! I really appreciate it and all the extra support it has helped me get.
Some good builds there but Lego will never approve any of them.
Thomas and the bank heist catch my eye the most. I’m not a huge western guy (I’ve only seen Rango, which was a decade ago, and True Grit; I don’t think Once Upon a Time in Hollywood or The LEGO Movie’s western scenes count) but the bank is cool and I’d love it if they revived the Western theme in some form, sadly western movies kind of died after The Lone Ranger so this might be our only chance at getting a cowboy/girl/person set for a while. I outgrew Thomas when I was much younger but I’m friends with a guy who still loves the series and he’d love that set, this might be asking for too much but one that’s in-scale with the other Thomas toys would be interesting.
That GBC is epic and with the clever use of classic themes could really appeal to a lot of collectors. It would look good as a display piece and also be really fun for young and old builders who are intrigued with mechanical movements. I have a 13 year old who would really be fascinated by this!
Lego used to have the Thomas & Friends license, but only used it for unpowered Duplo trains 15 years ago. Given that another licensor is currently issuing brick-built Thomas & Friends products, the odds of Lego approving that set are ZERO.
I would love to see Lego release an official GBC even if it's not this particular idea.
Tuscan Villa is beautiful, but far too large to get approved as-is. It'd get a Medieval Blacksmith style makeover.
I've supported many observatories--maybe this one will make it through the final review! (It's smaller than most, but still full of interesting details.) Can't resist the Tuscan Villa, especially those brick-built cypress trees. The GBC mechanism is totally delightful and would go to the top of my want list at once! Best wishes to all the ideas shown here--and thank you, CapnRex101, for this latest showcase of some great Ideas proposals!
If only it was that easy to get you own idea shouted out by brickset (TheEpicLuke if you are curious). Regarding on which Ideas are likely to get selected, it comes down to multiple factors that LEGO goes through, and I think I cracked the code. The reason I say this is because I predicted the last two reviews correctly and have a good idea of what will get selected this upcoming review. Regarding the ideas in this post, I will say this (from a business perspective):
Great Ball Contraption showcase: neat idea, but it wouldn't make for a good pick by LEGO's standards
Gremlins: Very possible. LEGO is already in good hands with Warner Bros. and being in Dimensions helps too. The ultimate factor in this set is to see what other ideas will get 10k supporters in the same review period. That could change the entire situation of this idea fast.
Tuscan Villa: Too similar to Modular Buildings (LEGO's perspective)
Frontier Bank Heist: LEGO seems to be staying away from Western, so it is not likely. However, LEGO might have plans for the future...
Spartan Helmet: Depends. If Tutankhamun gets selected in this upcoming review (which I am prediciting) than no due to similarity. If not, it has a shot, but it might not be chosen due to the other ideas in the batch it is in.
Thomas the Tank Engine: Completely depends on the rights. If LEGO can get the rights, easy yes. If not, than hard no.
Albert E. & The old observatory: might seem a little to similar to a Modular Building (LEGO's perspective) to choose, but LEGO might do a set with Albert Einstein as a promotional set.
Let me make this clear, I'm viewing these ideas objectively, not subjectively. I mean nothing to any of the builds and their creators. In fact, I have supported some of these before even seeing this post. I'm just stating with the strategy I have been using to predict recent ideas, that's how LEGO would theoretically look at them.
Love the Tuscan Villa, just like that Tranquil Martial Arts place.
Love watching GBCs in action, but have no interest in building one myself.
As for the other contenders, Thomas is a no brainer of course, the others imho not so much.
I have supported the TUSCAN VILLA a very nice building with many small details.
I might also know a project that could get some support The beginning of The LEGO History
https://ideas.lego.com/projects/ddb75bfd-f764-4f83-86cb-25501c7a685e
It is a project that I designed myself.
It is based on the house of Ole kirk Kristiansen. I came up with the idea to make the project for the 90th anniversary of Lego next year.
If you like the project idea, support it if you want or share it with your friends.
@LegoGalaxy333 said:
"Thank you for featuring my Tuscan Villa project here! I really appreciate it and all the extra support it has helped me get. "
That villa looks perfect, it reminds me of the old farmhouse my family had in the neighbouring Emilia-Romagna :)
Darn it, when I saw that Thomas the Tank engine build the themsong just started playing in my head. I don't even have any attachment to the franchise, it's just because of the memes.
The observatory, Tuscan villa, GBC and bank heist are standouts in being largely about the merit of the actual build instead of being about some franchise. I really hope they'll make it.
That observatory is interesting because I actually know it. I often visit Leiden and it's weird to see a build represent something that's not in some other country for once. That said, I'm afraid it's too niche and not too much of an non-AFOL magnet like the typewriter to have any success. But I'm going to support it anyway.
Man, the Ideas system is just so broken now. The chances of something you vote for actually making it are just too slim. It's really demoralizing actually.
Tuscan Villa has a mesmerizingly peaceful beauty to it. I want it.
Hi everyone, I'm the creator of GBC Showcase and I just wanted to say a big thank you to those who supported the project and for the many kind comments. 10,000 votes seems very far away, but hopefully fans of GBCs can rally and show LEGO that this is a community worthy of an official set! - jazlecraz
Well...I like the 'Western' Bank...wish it was 'higher up' in support ala 'Pirates of Barracuda Bay'.
Other than that, I surprisingly like 'Thomas': good parts usage, looks like 'the character' not 'an abomination' (although some would argue...:)); and I could see it; if 'standard L-gauge' scaled, use w/'regular' trains (a number of years ago, they built an 'actual' Thomas. Not 'sentient' of course, but: same coloring, face but 'full scale'...and it's not 'nightmare fuel'...).
@Rumble_Strike said:
"A little off topic, but have Lego given any indication of when the Sonic Ideas set is likely to be released? "
Probably when Sonic 2 movie releases. That's my guess tho.