Hillel Cooperman BrickCon Talk

Mariann's Model Building Secrets blog has posted Hillel Cooperman's talk on the LEGO Collectible Minifigure phenomenon. Hillel has spoken on many LEGO topics at other venues before, like TED. The discussion is both humorous and full of good ideas for the folks in Billund.

I recommend taking 15 minutes out of your day and giving it a listen; however, there's some language (hey, it was an AFOL convention after all), so viewer discretion is advised.

My apologies for not posting the video directly (I have my reasons) but you can visit Mariann's site or YouTube to take a listen. Nicole Snyder of Dynamic Video Creations was generous enough to film, edit and post the video for folks who couldn't attend. Here's hoping Nicole has plans to air Will Chapman's talk on the future of BrickArms in the near future.

More BrickArms Prototype News from BrickCon

Badger continues to release new photos of the BrickArms prototypes that are appearing in Seattle this weekend. The updated items include:

• Sten Gun
• U Magazine
• Joint Force Sci-Fi Rifle (shown above)

There are also two new production items that will be available at the BrickArms store soon - the Modern Combat Helmet and Brodie Helmet!

You can see more of the prototype pics from BrickCon on Badger's Flickr stream.

BrickArms Comes out with Guns Blazing at BrickCon

Apologies to many to whom this news is a little dated. Fatherly duties dictated my attendance at the zoo and a 5 year-old's birthday party today...but I digress.

Last night Will Chapman gave a presentation to those in attendance at BrickCon regarding the future of BrickArms and announcing what the 2010 Fans Choice part would be this year. I am dying to see a video of Will's presentation (if someone knows where this might be, please let me know), but I'm happy to say the winner of the fan's choice is...

...the Heavy Action Carbine! Another fantastic piece in the BrickArms line up!

Several other prototype designs were revealed as well including a Lever-Action Rifle and a M1919. The M1919 has an optional mount for adding this to a brick-built assault vehicle. I think the lever-action is a great addition to the BrickArms series of western style firearms. I picked up a pair of Navy revolvers in my last order and could easily see this in my cart for my next BA purchase.

Given that these are prototypes, there's no word as to when these will be available to the broader public; however, once they go on sale we will let you know!

(Via Badger's Flickr stream)

New News from BrickCon

I'll be circling back around to cover these items properly, but you can head on over to my favorites on Flickr to see the latest announcements from BrickArms at BrickCon 2010.

While you are there you can also see some fantastic customs by Tin_7, expanding his Airbender series. You absolutely have to see Morgan's latest from his Halloween Advent calendar project.

More to come later today, citizens...

Cygnet

Minister of Information

Ugly Duck Command Center

Minifig Nation

Ultra Kill Indeed

Alex Eylar shoots off this wonderful scene based off of a video game...I think? The reference is totally lost on me. The lettering adds a sense of depth that takes this from good to great.

It sounds like Alex will be on his way to Seattle attending and presenting at BrickCon this weekend. Say 'hey' if you are there...

(Via Profound Whatever's Flickr stream)

Quick Hits: The Road to STEAM and BrickCon

Just when I think Tuesday's are the big day for news....nothin'! We'll that's not exactly true, there are a few bits of news floating around on the interwebs today...

As I'm sure every LEGO fan in the Western Hemisphere is aware, BrickCon (Seattle, US) and The Great Western LEGO Show (Swindon, UK) are both this weekend. Friends of 'The Duck' JasBrick and Tac will both be presenting at Swindon. JasBrick has been sharing the many, many custom minifigs he's created for the event on his Flickr stream and around the community. I personally can't wait to see them all. He's also promised to debut some new, top-secret BrickArms prototypes with some of his figs. Best of luck to both Jas and Tac this weekend!

Conventions always mean new stuff from the custom houses. BrickArms plans to have several, never before seen prototypes at BrickCon this weekend. The M3 Grease Gun and Flamethrower may make an appearance, as well as the Z5E Pod Gun and Chakram. Given all the testing Will has done with camo patterns using his solvent inkjet printer, it wouldn't surprise me if those made an appearance too. Throw in the Medic and loose WWII US Soldier and there will definately be some empty pockets departing Sea-Tac come the end of the show. Minifig for Life, the official UK reseller of BrickArms, will be at STEAM, but no word yet as if some of these prototype products will be available. BrickForge will also be selling at BrickCon.

Not really news, more hope and anticipation...I'm hoping that both shows will have announcements regarding the new 2011 sets, especially LEGO Star Wars and Series 3 Collectible Minifigures. Given the leaks online of all the set pics, it would seem to behoove TLG to get the official pics out to the public. With only a couple more months until January 2011, I can't imagine the competitive impact would be all that great. I'm completely unbiased by the by. It's not like I've been working on the guide updates or anything...

In custom house news, Tiny Tactical sold out of their panzerschreks, handy talkies, and TL-122 flashlights. The handy talkies and flashlights sold out in two days! Steve promises more stock by the end of this week.

We should have a new product review to debut tomorrow. I'm finalizing the current drafts now for the BrickForge instrument collection. Once I've finished this round, we'll be moving away from BrickForge reviews...because I have Tiny Tactical product on order! It may be a while before those show, because...

...'The Duck' is going on haitus for the next two weeks. Why?! We'll I'm taking some time off and will be doing some traveling (I've also been told, under threat of death, that there will be no blogging while on holiday). I've given Cygnetron 3000 a tune up in anticipation of some automated posts while I'm out, but a lot of that will depend upon what happens this weekend. Regardless, I'll send out a post before I go about all the awesome stuff that's planned to go down while I'm out.

That's all for now, citizens. Here's to hoping this weekend will be big. All the best to those participating at BrickCon and The Great Western LEGO Show!

Cygnet

Minister of Information

Ugly Duck Command Center

Minifig Nation

Here we go again...

It looks like Nannan and Legohaulic are going to team-up again for a giant collabrative MOC for BrickCon this coming weekend. How do I know? Well the 'dueling banjos' posts have already begun on Flickr. As with 'Containment' these are likely to continue through the week until BrickCon starts this Thursday. Given the sheer expansiveness of the last build, I can't wait to see what these guys have in store.

On a separate but related note, Alex Eylar has decided to throw his hat in the ring and create little vignettes paying homage to their approach. We will have to see if Alex's creations also go through this week.

(Via Legohaulic, Nannan, and Profound Whatever's respective Flickr streams)

Quick Hits: It's Official, Tuesdays are Big

Based on a scientific sample of one (namely me) I've discovered that Tuesdays have become big days for new news in Minifig Nation. But enough about me, let's get to the good stuff...

First up to bat, we have news of three new 3-in-1 Star Wars packs likely to be available soon in the European market. According to Toys N Bricks, set 66368 is showcased around the hard to find Luke's Landspeeder and the two Hoth based battle packs, while sets 66364 and 66366 are all Hoth focused. Lots of minifigs to be had in each set. No news yet on when these will be available or price (full article).

Hot off the heels of Tiny Tactical's announcement of a flamethrower prototype, BrickArms shows their prototype off as well. Not only that, but Will has some pics of a M3 grease guy prototype that will be available to contributors of the Operation Bricklord collaborative display at the BrickCon. More at BrickArms Flickr stream.

Not to be outdone, Tiny Tactical has some new product soon to be ready for sale. These are detail parts for the BrickArms LMG including an E145 Weapon Sight, M240 Box Magazine, and a M249 Box Magazine. Note that the gun itself is only available through BrickArms, its the modular add-ons that are through Tiny Tactical. Soon to be available at the Tiny Tactical BrickLink store later this week. More pics at Tiny Tactical's Flickr stream.

There's a lot more than I have time to detail now, but if you want the latest and greatest, head on over to 'my favorites' on Flickr. Anyone can view at any time. Also, if you have a Flickr account and would like to let us know when your minifig creations are hot off the photo press, request to be a contact.

Cygnet
Minister of Information
Ugly Duck Command Center
Minifig Nation

Quick Hits: BrickArms, Family Bricks, Series 2, and New Reviews

I'm finding that Tuesdays are often the busiest...Several items to update you on, so here...we...go-o-o-o-o!

BrickArms had a double announcement today. First up is BrickCon news. Will and company will be offering the US WWII Soldier custom minifig with helmet, stand, and two weapons for $15 USD at the BrickCon booth. No details as to if this promotion will be for sale on the site.

BrickArms also launched a series of new custom accessories today! Titled 'Reach for the Past...and Future!' these 14 new accessories are now available to purchase at the BrickArms store. Not in the US? Worry not as I'm sure FireStar Toys will pick up these items and place them for sale in the near future.

I was right. Family Bricks review of the BrickArms Chrome weapons pack has now appeared on the Toys N Bricks website.

Family Bricks has also launched his own website where he sells his custom minifigures. Several designs are varying price points are currently available. He has also launched a Flickr project called '365x7' where he will debut a custom minifigure each day for the next year. He encourages you to do the same...

Brickset is claiming the Series 2 Collectible Minifigures are showing up at US Wal-Mart stores. The sighting was in the LEGO aisle in Arlington, TX if you are keeping score. No word on any other sightings across the country.

Finally, we will have another product review comparing the LEGO Spartan arsenal to that of BrickForge starting tomorrow. Taking place over three days we compare the Corinthian hoplite helmet, shield, and spear. Come back tomorrow and check it out!

UPDATE: Australia, Series 2 Collectible Minifigures are now showing up in Target stores. Bricks Down Under reports the first sighting occurred at Target Highpoint. The 20% off sale applies to these products too.

BrickForge Paladin Packs for BrickCon

So you've thought about going to Seattle to attend BrickCon, but you've decided you'd rather clean the gutters that weekend. Or perhaps you are going, but can't decide which display you contribute to? Well, citizen, your troubles are over, because BrickForge has decided to sweeten the pot!

The first 40 people to contribute to the BrickCon Castle layout will receive an exclusive BrickForge Paladin pack! You can check out all of the details on how to contribute at ClassicCastle.com.

There are five different Paladin packs in all - Elf, Viking, Knight, Warrior and Spartan. Each pack contains a variety of pearl gold and white accessories plus a never before seen chrome gold helm. All in all, over a $10 value!

Did I mention there were only 40 of these gems? So stop cleaning the gutters and get on over to Classic Castle to see how you you claim your prize.

(Via BrickForge)

BrickArms for BrickCon 2010

BrickArms has posted pics of a World War II medic custom minifig using print and decal techniques. Further experimenting with his solvent inkjet printer, Will has been printing on white versions of the Stahlhelm and vinyl to create this piece. Throw in some chromed medical tools and a case and he's good to go. Will hints that a limited selection of these will be for sale at BrickCon in a few weeks.

In other solvent inkjet news...some experimentation has created this camouflage effect on a selection of BrickArms guns. A nice effect overall. No word on if any of these items will be available at BrickCon or not.

I don't know why, but I just picture Will in his basement with a giant Tesla coil arcing electricity in the background while he experiments.

(Via BrickArms Flickr stream)

Limited Edition Items from BrickForge

The folks at BrickForge have a run of several limited edition items now for sale on their store. They include berets, scooters, and mushrooms in orange and tan. There are also scooters with flame and flower prints and glow-in-the-dark mushrooms.

The personal standouts for me are the tan berets and glowing mushrooms. I guessing by the product array that berets, mushrooms, and scooters are on the same mold. Does that mean there's a cadre of glowing berets and scooters out there somewhere?!

One final bit of separate, but related news...a few weeks ago BrickForge announced, via Twitter, that they wouldn't be at BrickCon in October. Well it seems that rumor was greatly exaggerated, as BrickForge will be selling at the con. I can't wait to hear what might be available for fans in Seattle.

(Via BrickForge)

Quick Hits: More Series 2 News and BrickCon

I lucked out yesterday and made it up to my local LEGO Store in Cincinnati. Series 2 Collectible Minifigures were in, and I managed to score 16 select items. That's right, I said 16. It appears that the figure cap was upped, likely to allow hunters to obtain a full set if they wished. I used my bar code cheat sheet from Grogall and was able to nab all the figures I was looking for (see the guides for more details).

Both the City and Castle Advent sets were also in stock. Brickset is reporting that the Series 2 figures and both Advent calendars are in UK LEGO Stores, as well.

Speaking of Series 2 availability, Toys N Bricks gives a very detailed breakdown of the distribution plans for Canadian Wal-Marts and Toys R Us. It seems that Wal-Mart may be your best bet at Series 2 goodness north of the border.

Eurobricks had debuted their Series 2 Collectible Minifigure contest. Part scavenger hunt, part raffle, entrants must comb the Eurobricks forums to find pics of Series 2 minifigures. Identify the location of all 16 and you are entered into a raffle for a random pull from the Series 2 prize box. More details can be found here.

The Brothers Brick reminds us that time to register for BrickCon is here. Earlier in the year I was hearing rumors that a few custom houses, normally not at AFOL conventions, would be selling their wares. A quick message to BrickCon admins, however, seemed to suggest otherwise. Not only that, but Armothe tweets that BrickForge won't be vending there this year. Attendees will have the BrickCon Film Festival to look forward to, however. Details at TBB.

That's all for now, citizens. More to come...

UPDATE: BrickForge has updated its featured products to include drumsticks in a variety of colors! 

Black Lodge Customs: Neo-Tokyo Street Punk

Badger continues to live up to his moniker (the 'enigma' part that is) with the second teaser for Black Lodge Customs. The mystery custom is titled 'Neo-Tokyo Street Punk'. Although many manga and anime are set in some form of Neo-Tokyo, I'm now suspecting that Major Kusanagi it ain't.

Badger reveals that the figure will be decked out in the following items: Hair, Helmet, Black Visor, Gunmetal Apoc SMG, Gunmetal Combat PDW, Gunmetal Auto-9, Gunmetal Gunblade, Gunmetal Space Magnum, Gunmetal M67 Frag Grenade, Gunmetal M84 Stun Grenade, and Black Minifig Stand PLUS three classified items.

Just a couple more days until the full reveal at BrickFair.Given that BrickCon is just around the corner, and there's a 'Big in Tokyo' theme, me thinks these might make an appearance there as well. Only time will tell...

(Via enigmabadger's Flickr stream)

Operation Bricklord is In Full Effect

Operation Bricklord: Europe at War, a collaborative WWII display for BrickCon 2010 in Seattle, has officially kicked off. BrickArms is once again the primary sponsor of the event.

Much is still needed from 'brick builders' and 'minifig customizers' alike. There's a website dedicated to organizing the build, as well as a forum thread on BrickArms.

Many historical details and reference pics can be found on the site. There are four factions of troops needed for the build: Wehrmacht, British Commonwealth, US Army, and French Resistance. You must be registered for BrickCon in order to contribute.

I didn't see any mention that contributors would be eligible for goodies from BrickArms, or discounts at their store. If anyone has more details, please let us know!

(Via Operation Bricklord website)