LEGO Interview - Glen Bricker

For many years, LEGOs have influenced many people in many ways. So, I decided to talk with some people about their LEGO life, and how they got started. My first guest happens to run the LEGO website Brickset, along with his many companions. He also has submitted many sets onto LEGO Ideas, including a Doctor Who set (https://ideas.lego.com/projects/16291), which is in review at the present. I figured that I should first interview a figure that many may recognize.

On that note, let's all say hi to Glen Bricker of Brickset and LEGO Ideas.

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Q: What got you started on LEGOs?

A:  My parents.   I have very fond memories of the 80’s Space and Castle sets.   As I grew up I did have some Dark Ages but the Exo-Force got me back into the hobby.  Then I got obsessed with building a LEGO build of a fiction vehicle called a Hammership from Spelljammer.  I attended a “TexLUG” meeting which didn’t give me a good vibe but then Brick Fiesta came to Austin and that is basically when I got seriously hooked.

Q: What sort of stuff did you create?

A:  I tend to model (build MOC recreations of specific subjects) more than freebuild, as should be evident by my Ideas projects.  I also like to incorporate gearwork into builds whenever I can. 

Q: How about LEGO Ideas/Cuusoo? How did you find out about this?

A:  I am not sure exactly how I found out about the site.  It has been so long.  My campaign to get the Corellian Defender produced is what really got me involved with the site. 

Q: What sort of things do you make for LEGO Ideas?

A:  You can find them all right here: https://ideas.lego.com/profile/GlenBricker/projects

Q: What is your prized creation, the favorite set you’ve made for Cuusoo/Ideas?

A:  For Ideas, my favorite, personal project is the Discworld (https://ideas.lego.com/projects/36302).  I have had an amazing experience with all the collaborative projects I have done though.  Working with these amazing people has been phenomenal.

Q: Recently, your set Doctor Who reached 10,000 supporters, and has now gone on to the Review Stage. How do you feel about that?

A:  Every project milestone achieved is a great rush.  As far as waiting to find out the results, my philosophy is to hope for the best, but expect the worst.    The worst in this case is really not that bad anyway.  If the set does not get produced, I still got to share this great experience with thousands of other people.    

Q: Other than LEGOs, what else do you spend your time doing?

A:  Well, that depends on what you mean by “LEGO.”  Beyond the building, blogging, coding,and yes, LEGO socializing I have spend time with my family, work, game, and read comics.   Now I am also planning Brick Fiesta 2015 with my fellow co-chairs. 

Q: How many years do you plan to spend time on LEGOs?

A:  I don’t have any plans to stop at the moment.

Q: Do you have any upcoming sets you’d be willing to talk about, plans that you have?

A:  Sorry, I don’t talk about future projects in the public. 

Q: What tips do you have for other LEGO builders, and LEGO Ideas members?

A:  For builders, I suggest you join your local LUG.  If you don’t have a local LUG, I suggest you make one.

For LEGO Ideas members:

- Collaborate with other people who share your passion for the project.

-  Don’t rush to publication.  Do your research.  Make your project as professional and well thought out as possible.

-  Publishing your project is the easy part.  If you are serious about getting to 10,000 you need to promote your project. 

-  Have fun with it.

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Thank you, Glen, for giving me the chance to interview you. I hope that we will have this chance again.

To the viewers, if you know of anyone who would be willing to talk about how LEGO has been a part of their life, please let me know. I would enjoy talking with them.

Your friend,

Xendor.

LEGO Ideas Review - Ummester's Battle Mech

Now this is what I call a war machine. Tall, strong, and armed to the teeth, this machine looks like it was made to fight.

 

Here, we can see some of the mech. Up top, we have two Rocket Launchers containing twelve rockets each. On the arms, we have two turrets, and removable hand guns on the sides of the cockpit.

Here's the weaponry off of the mech. Though Ummester didn't explain how each weapon worked, the small light-grey parts on each turret remind me of the sensors used to find long-range targets.

Here, we have a better close-up of one of the turrets.

Here, we have a look at the back. On back, there are two Plasma Canisters. These are what powers the mech, keeping the mech standing till it runs out.

Here, we can see that the cockpit is detachable. If the mech is in major disrepair and is unable to function, or if heavy artillery is heading towards it, the pilot can eject, and then take the hand weapons mounted on the side of the vehicle.

When this set was first released, he provided two different designs. The first of which, made out of real legos, seems to have a colored pattern for camouflage in a jungle environment. The second one makes me think of a forest.

But in a recent update, he introduced to us a mech for space. This one would go well with the Classic Space sets that have recently been coming back, or even any of the old ones that are now collector's items.

As usual, I sent a list of questions for the creator of the set to answer.

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Xendor: Welcome, Ummester.

Ummester: Hi Xendor, glad to be here

Xendor: I must say, your Battle Mech is quite an impressive design. What inspired you to build it?

Unmester: As mentioned on LEGO ideas, my children and I were always trying to make FASA style mecha out of our Exo Force sets. I had this itch to complete a final model from our playing. When I became comfortable with using LDD, I designed this mech.

Xendor: How long did it take for you to build it?

Unmester: For my MOCs I generally design in LDD first now, then order parts, then build. As this build was completed along with a larger build and parts were being ordered for both at the same time, it is hard to say exactly how long it took. I would estimate the mech took around 2 days of LDD design work. At only 520 pieces, it can be constructed in under an hour.

Xendor: My favorite part about this set has got to be the sleek detail that it holds, while hosting the large, bulky components around it, presenting a powerful figure. What was the best part about this set for you?

Unmester: The olive – I love the new(ish) olive colour and was happy to include so much of it in this build. Structure wise I like the way the shoulder missile pods and rear plasma tanks connect so solidly and seamlessly to the main body.

Xendor: LEGO will soon be releasing the LEGO set Exo-Suit that had received 10,000 supporters in January of 2013. How well do you think your set will compete?

Unmester: The Exo-Suit is a cool little build. I can’t really say how well my Battle Mech will compete – it depends on how much the community likes it, I guess. I can say this: If the Battle Mech project reaches 1000 supporters, I will post renders of the mech in various colour schemes. If the project reaches 2000 supports, I will post an LDD file/building instructions.

Xendor: Do you have anything to say to our fellow LEGO builders out there?

Unmester: Keep building – and don’t forget to make time for your family and friends, no matter how addictive it gets.

Xendor: Thank you for your time. This is an amazing set.

Unmester: Cheers and thank you for your support.

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Thank you, visitor, for reading this article. Please, go to this link, https://ideas.lego.com/projects/69911,

and support the set.

Also, if you have any ideas as to how I can improve this blog, or know of a set on LEGO Ideas you would like me to review, don't hesitate to comment.

Your friend,

Xendor.

Operation: Steam Knights - Phoenix Changeling

One of the most common members of LEGO Ideas is Pittstop. And I must say, he does an amazing job.

For a two years, he has been making sets for a theme he calls Operation: Steam Knights, composing of both a Steam Punk and Fantasy world. This has brought the creation of many amazing creations, his most recent of which being the Changelings, machines that are able to transform from one thing to another. This one is he Phoenix.

The story of this creation is one that could be used in many stories and still draw people's attention. Here it is, word for word. The story of Cyndurr, of the Wyvern Clan.

Cyndurr was once high among the Wyvern sect, till he realised that an evil force was manipulating their visions and leading their world to disaster. Having exposed the evil he was unable to convince his allies of the wrong they were doing and in desperation sought the aid of the elves of Fire Mountain.

The fire elves, who had long known of the dark threat manipulating the Wyvern clan, took pity on the wretched fallen knight and granted him one wish. He wished for the power to restore the honour of his clan and save the world. Laughing at the audacity to try and cheat two wishes phrased as one the elves granted his wish, casting his Steam Knight armour into the lava pits of Fire Mountain, only for it to be reborn as the seemingly unstoppable Phoenix Steam Knight Changeling.

But powered by the element of fire and the magic of elves, this lost Wyvern Clan member finds his quest to free his people and save the world more difficult than ever as he no longer belongs with the very knights he seeks to save.

Forced to forge an alliance with his former enemy Emperor Rex, Cyndurr becomes one of the courts most powerful allies. But also one of its most lonely.

This is what makes Operation: Steam Knights one of the greatest themes on LEGO Ideas for me. Not only do we have the combination of technology and magic, we also have many characters and machines with strange and fantastic stories.

But what about the Phoenix? Well, for one, the Phoenix is one of my favorite fictional creatures, second to the dragon. For another, the rider, Cyndurr, is unique in his desperation to save his only friends from the hands of evil, fighting alongside the very people that he fought against.

The design itself it amazing. I love the fiery wings that it holds, as well as the flaming sword that is the tail of the Phoenix. Also, it provides many gold chrome parts, which in production would provide a shiny, reflective lighting that would make it seem like it was glowing from its flames.

As usual, I sent a list of questions for the creator to answer. Here is the interview I had with Pittstop.

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Xendor: Welcome, Pittstop. I’m really excited to talk with you about this set of yours.

Pittstop: Thanks for the invitation.

Xendor: First of all, Operation: Steam Knights. What is it?

Pittstop: Operation: Steam Knights is a fusion of magic and steam punk set in a medieval setting.  It's the answer to the question "What if King Arthur had a mech".

Xendor: How many of these sets do you have on LEGO Ideas?

Pittstop: That's a difficult one, back when Lego Ideas started "concepts" could be pitched, so some of my ideas included more than one design.  Since the rules were changed to include only individual set ideas I've uploaded 17, but in that 17 there are probably around 20 individual mechs and sets.

Xendor: Your most recent one is the Changeling “Phoenix.” I must say, this is probably one of your best models. What inspired you to build it?

Pittstop: I have no idea, the basic concept for the "changelings" was to incorporate transforming mecha to the series, which I've been doing slowly over two years now, but this specific design was a "doodle".  Basically I build until it looks like something and then post it.

Xendor: What feature are you most proud about it?

Pittstop: I think the wings, I was trying something new and it turned out much better than I hoped.

Xendor: Where do you intend on going with Operation: Steam Knights?

Pittstop: At the moment I have only one future design planned and that is a Changeling which converts to a Griffon.

Xendor: What do you have to say to those reading this article?

Pittstop: Please support my creations on Lego Ideas - but seriously, I'd say check out Lego Ideas, there is a lot of great stuff there.  I get a lot of inspiration just browsing the popular sets.

Xendor: Thank you. It has been a pleasure reviewing your set.

This set, and many other Operation: Steam Knights, deserve production. And I'm glad I got to review it.

Please, let me know what you like about this set, and how I can improve my reviews.

Have a good day. Your friend,

Xendor