The Lego Adventure Book, Vol. 3: Robots, Planes, Cities & More! 1593276109, 9781593276102

Citation preview

In this volume of the LEGO® Adventure Book series, Megs and Brickbot face their toughest challenge yet. The Destructor is on the loose again, demolishing LEGO models and shaking things up! Join Megs as she rebuilds the models and meets some of the world’s best builders. Learn to create a Renaissance house, a classic movie theater, sushi, Miniland-scale marvels, an ice cream truck, street lamps, and even a chicken coop. With 40 step-by-step breakdowns and nearly 150 example models, The LEGO Adventure Book will surely inspire you and keep you building!

The LEGO Adventure Book ®

Robots, Planes, Cities & More!

Megan H. Rothrock

San Francisco

The LEGO® Adventure Book, Volume 3: Robots, Planes, Cities & More! Copyright © 2015 by Megan H. Rothrock. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner and the publisher. First printing Printed in China 19 18 17 16 15

123456789

ISBN-10: 1-59327-610-9 ISBN-13: 978-1-59327-610-2 Publisher: William Pollock Production Editor: Serena Yang Interior Design: Megan H. Rothrock Featured Cover Model: Eden Eco Villa by Birgitte Jonsgard Title Page Illustration: Brian Ellis Additional Photography: Chris Salt (Chapter 3) and Mark Stafford (Chapters 1 and 6) LDD Models: Megan H. Rothrock (Chapters 3, 8, and 10) and James Shields (Chapter 3) Proofreaders: Paula L. Fleming and Laurel Chun For information on distribution, translations, or bulk sales, please contact No Starch Press, Inc. directly: No Starch Press, Inc. 245 8th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 phone: 415.863.9900; [email protected]; http://www.nostarch.com/ Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data The Library of Congress Control Number for this volume is 2012033902.

No Starch Press and the No Starch Press logo are registered trademarks of No Starch Press, Inc. All trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective holders. Rather than use a trademark symbol with every occurrence of a trademarked name, we are using the names only in an editorial fashion and to the benefit of the trademark owner, with no intention of infringement of the trademark. LEGO, the Brick and Knob configurations, and the Minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group, which does not endorse or authorize this book. The information in this book is distributed on an “As Is” basis, without warranty. While every pre­ caution has been taken in the preparation of this work, neither the author nor No Starch Press, Inc. shall have any liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the information contained in it.

How much farther to the Council of Creative Constructionists, Daniel?

We’re almost there. Now that we’ve apprehended the Destructor, we can start to put things back in order.

All the pieces are falling perfectly into place... Heh heh heh...

CONTENTS Chapter 1

Megs and the CCC

6

Chapter 2

Great Times in Dordrecht

16

Chapter 3

In Deep Space

40

Chapter 4

Trouble in Eden

48

Chapter 5

A LEGO Town Revisited

66

Chapter 6

Steam Fair Fun

94

Chapter 7

Out of Scale

118

Chapter 8

A Seaside Situation

138

Chapter 9

Dinner and a Show

160

Chapter 10

Rise of the Brickzards

178

What do you mean, Daniel? Where’s the CCC?

Hmm... something is off...

Yes, big and impressive.

The Council of Creative constructionists is all about imagination. What you imagine is what you get. I’m guessing you were expecting a huge and spectacular building? As the Destructor does not believe in imagination, he is hindering our view, so we only see a few LEGO Bricks. Then it’s up to us to lend some imagination and see things bigger.

That’s better! Let’s open the door.

We can’t fit in that! Silly blokheads.

It’s bigger inside. Some boxes are special like that, you know.

Indeed!

6

Megs and the CCC

Wow! Look at this place! So many creators!

These are my old friends Gitte and Neils, some of the best LEGO Creators ever— Old-school designers like me.

Pleased to meet you.

Hej— er, hello, Megs!

We should get him into the prison abyss. Then we can start your hearing.

This place sucks.

My hearing? I’m on trial?

No! Well, yes. Sort of. You did let him into our world. But let’s get this one down with the other destructors first.

7

Giant LEGO Bricks Check out these cool giant LEGO Bricks! They are good fun for everyone to build.

1 3 6 8

2 4

Building Tip Try layering plates with bricks at various points to get the right height for your giant LEGO brick model.

5 7

1 2

Building Tip Using larger plates that span the width of your brick model will add strength to your build and reduce the complexity of your model.

3

4 5

BUILDING JOURNAL

These large LEGO bricks are quite fun! But I can’t help feeling that something is amiss in this amazing place. Only time will tell.

6 9

7

How nifty that these all stack together, like real LEGO Bricks!

Now that we’ve built two of them, let’s try building more in other colors and stud sizes!

10

Some of the most destructive forces any LEGO model has ever faced are down here. Whoa.

Initiate plan: Old Gray!

Other Destructors

T h e M u mmy

D-Dog g

Kyti iKyat

V a kuu m

Bi g Oth er

DestructoTornado!

Bwa-ha-ha! At last! To me, my Bad-bots.

11

! M BA

FREEDOM! Wake up, Megs!

But thanks to her, all the lunatics are out of Arkham.

I think she’ll be okay.

I thought it was Azkaban?

12

Mordor?

It’s just a jail.

Aye, like a deserted island. Or a cave. In the dark. With no ocean. Yarhh.

It will take hard work, but if we work together, we can turn this around. We can save The LEGO World from the destructors.

He escaped? He’s out there again?

And he freed the other destructors, too. That must have been his plan all along. I thought we caught him too easily. We should have been more suspicious.

Right, we have the greatest team of constructive heroes ever assembled here. And I’m a handsome genius. That could help.

I’ll build a containment system.

I’ll build a spaceship!

Brilliant. I’ll help!

13

Green Group: Let’s get tracking! Green Squad is GO!

Absolutely! I shan’t dare miss this event. Rock it!

I’ll build a catapult!

Rooooaaarrr!

For the good of the brick!

14

Wonderful, team! I like all of the enthusiasm! Everything sounds great. Together we shall overcome this situation.

Megs, you chase down your destructor, and we will track down the others.

Thank you, your Majesty, I will do my level best!

Good luck, everyone!

Brickbot, can you hear me? Track the Destructor for me again—quickly!

Affirmative, Megs. A robot’s work is never done. Nor is a builder’s, apparently...

15

Oh wow! This place is super awesome! Look at all of these cool buildings! Brickbot, come in... Can you get any readings as to where I am?

Affirmative, Megs. Tall buildings, narrow streets, and harbors... By my calculations you are in a city in the Lowlands of Holland, circa the 17th century.

16

Great Times in Dordrecht Patrick Bosman Profession: Historic Preservation Advisor Nationality: Dutch Website: www.flickr.com/photos/patrick-bosman/

17

Ah, a hat shop! That should do the trick! This place is sure to have some gear that will allow me to blend in.

The 17th Century?! Oh, I need to find a way to blend in. Hmmm...

hmmm... he sounds like my friend Arjan.

Hallo mevrouw, wat kan ik voor u doen?

Ah! Hallo, ik heet Megs... er, I am Megs.

Oh, that pink feather looks interesting.

Pink feather? I don’t remember seeing that before. one moment...

18

Hello, Megs. I am Patrick. welcome to my little shop in the fine City of Dordrecht, or Dordt as it is called by us local Dordtenaars!

Thank you, Patrick. I need something to help me blend in with the locals of your fine city of Dordt.

ka

! m ba

Oh no! The Destructor! Watch out, Patrick!

Heh! Foolish Creators, you have no chance of catching me! Here, try on some hats! HA HA!!

Hmmm...This place needs some “remodeling!” Destructo-Tornado!!!

! m Za CRAS BOOM H , B A M , …POO F!! MY SHOP? MY HOUSE?! OH NO!!

You pink menace!

Oh wow, Patrick! I am so sorry. Why don’t we rebuild it together?

! Great idea, Megs. I am sure the two of us can get it rebuilt much faster. First let me change into my work clothes.

17th-Century Dutch House My house is a rather complex building, so pay close attention to the steps and don’t work too fast. Keep an eye out for details and hidden features as well. Only advanced LEGO builders should try to tackle this build!

19

×18

×1

×4

×1

×5

×5

×5

×4 ×7

×1

×4

×1

×1

×2 ×5

×1

×8

×25 ×1

×2 ×12

×12

×17

×2

×2

×4

×4

×1

×1 ×1

×2

×1

×4

×1 ×3 ×1

×1 ×1

×3

×4

×5

×2

×1

×7

×2

×2

×2

×1

×1

×3

×1

×1

×1

×3 ×1

×1

×4 ×1

×1

×2 ×1 ×1 ×2

×1 ×2

×3

×3

×3 ×1

×1

×2 ×1

×2 ×2

×12

×6

×2

×1

×1

×1

×1

×20 ×1

×1

×1

×23

×2

×1

×1

×1 ×8

×2

×1

×2

×2

×5

×6

×7

×4

×4

×1

×2

×3

×2

×4

×1

×12

×4

×1

×1

×2

×1

×2

×2

×20

×1 ×1

×3

×1

×2

×4

×2

×6

×2 ×2

×5

×23

20

×1

×1

×14

×7

×9 ×1

×2

×6

×3

×1

×11

×3

×1

×2

×1

×4

×4

×3

×16 ×11

×4

×12

×2

×1

×1 ×2

×1

×1 ×2

×1 ×1

×1

×3

×11

×2

×3

×3

×1

×1

×2

×29

×2

×1

×22 ×10

×2

×1

×2

×2

×4

×2

×2 ×1 ×4 ×1 ×2

×2

×1

×1

×1 ×2

×4 ×1

×3

×1

×1 ×2

×24

×3

×1

×1

×1

×3

×2 ×36

×7

×1

×2

×7

×1 ×2 ×1

×1 ×1

×2

×3

×1 ×2 ×3

×3 ×1

×1

×2 ×8

×2 ×1 ×1

×2

×2

Building Tip It’s a good idea to work out the footprint of your structure before you start building. Planning ahead will help building go more smoothly once you start adding stories. Also, incorporating a free-swing hinge, as shown in step 2, let you open your building with ease.

1

2

21

3

5

22

4

6

×7

23

7 Building Tip When building a staircase, think about how it will attach to the rest of your building. Here, Patrick built negative space into the side wall to provide enough space for the top step.

8

9

24

10

11

12

25

13 15

26

14

16

17 18

27

Building Tip When re-creating a real-life building, focus on the main, iconic details. Strike a balance between how many are on the real building and how many will fit with your model.

19 21

28

20

22

23 ×4

24 25

26 29

27 29

30

28

×2

31

30 ×4

×2

×4

31 32

32

33

×3

34

BUILDING JOURNAL

Patrick’s LEGO buildings are brilliant! He told me that he likes to base his models on real buildings. Before he builds, he does a lot of research and likes to learn about the building’s history so that he can capture its character. Using elements in unconventional ways allows for lots of detail, too. Now I’m wondering what My Idea Lab might look like with some cool Dutch spires!

There, that's MUCH better!

It’s gorgeous! You have a great place to live and work for sure, Patrick! have you built anything else?

Well, funny you should ask, Megs. Here’s the Bust from the entry to The Dordrecht Gate.

Statue

1

2 35

Groothoofdspoort: Dordrecht City Gate

36

37

Dutch Coach

38

River Boat

Building Tip Adding various means of transport will bring your city to life. Just keep in mind what historical period you’re building in so you can stay true to it.

Wow, Patrick, your fine City of Dordrecht is indeed a cool place! Yet I can’t help feeling I’ve been here before...

Yes, I believe you are right about that. Now I must dash, as there seems to be a lunar situation that requires my presence. Tot ziens, Patrick!

Bedankt...er, thanks, Megs. perhaps in a different time. We have a saying: once you have been to Dordt, you’ll never forget it.

Oh? That sounds most interesting. Do be careful. see you later!

39

Meanwhile, somewhere in deep space...

ZAP! Aha! that bright thing down there looks promising… Come, my minions, time to wreak some destruction!

Bye-bye little LowLands buildings! Oh bloks! I’m in space?! Surely there must be a nice moon to destroy out here…

RED

ALERT!

Disassemble! Disassemble!

Unauthorized intruder! Code Teal! Code Teal!

! T R E L A RED

AH U M 40

!! ! A AH

In Deep Space Peter Reid Nickname: Legoloverman Profession: Postman Nationality: British Website: www.flickr.com/photos/legoloverman/

Whoa! That was a rough journey! Where am I?

There’s something familiar about this place...

Brickbot, is that you? What are you doing here?!

Affirmative, Megs. I saw you were heading into the Sand Purple Cluster, so I came to lend a claw.

We seem to be in a scientific research facility.

41

I will attempt to interface with the central computer and get a fix on the Destructor.

Great idea, Brickbot. Are you sure you can?

Hmm . . . the computer says, “No.” I seem to have triggered the security system. I’m sorry, Megs.

Of course! Computers love me. After all, I am a robot!

ty i r u c

Se

It’s okay, Brickbot. Let me do the talking.

! T R E AL We mean you no harm.

Step away from the terminal and identify yourselves immediately! This facility is for authorized personnel only!

You two have no business—

Eep! I don’t want to go to space jail!

Wait, Pete! It’s Megs!

42

nice to see you too! Welcome to Omega Base, friends!

Pete? Yve? Wow, great to meet up again, guys!

This place is super cool, Yve!

Yes, we’ve been doing some interesting scientific studies with robots here.

So what brings you out this far, Megs?

I’m looking for the Destructor. His last known coordinates led me here. I have to stop him from destroying anything else. You can’t miss him. He’s a pink tornado of destruction!

Welcome, Megs. I’m afraid you’ve just missed the Destructor. That maniac and his bad-bots have sabotaged our entire operation, leaving us with broken robots and no way to perform our scientific research.

We haven’t seen him here on Omega Base, but We should take you to meet the Captain.

That would help us a great deal, Megs.

Oh dear...I can’t help with the research, Captain, but I’d be happy to help fix the robots.

We’ll escort you to the robot storage hangars.

43

Oh my. This is quite a mess.

Can you help us out? We’re stuck as to how to put these guys back together.

Well, let’s see what we can come up with.

This one was called Patches. He was my friend. The Destructor is a big old meanie.

Patches 2.0 Here are all the parts you need to build a new Patches. Keep in mind, you can also build him in other colors.

1 ×2

2 44

Building Tip Look at your LEGO bricks a different way. Sometimes you need to turn some­thing upside down to see it right side up. Building inverted (upside down) can yield some cool results.

3 4

5 6 ×2

7

8 45

9

Building Tip A few key color changes can alter the character of your robot. Using different colors is a nice way to visually communicate a robot’s job; for example, you could use blue for a medical one. Alternatively, using a unified color scheme for several robots is a nice technique in a layout.

46

Wow! That was fast!

Oh, we don’t waste time. Brickbot and I know a lot about robotics.

The Beta Series robots are charging up now. You’ve saved the operation, Megs! Thank you!

You’re welcome, Pete.

The memory of Patches shall live on... in Patches 2.0!

These robots can now resume their mission!

Thank you, Megs and Brickbot! Our research should be back on schedule soon.

Happy to help! But now I must return to my search for the Destructor.

This robot debacle has caused a lot of time loss. I must get back to the Idea Lab and sort! Megs, there is a situation in Eden. The coordinates are locked in.

Goodbye, Megs! Safe travels.

Thanks, Brickbot! good luck with the sorting! (Dodged a bullet there, I must say!) GoodBye! Take care!

47

Well, Bernella, I guess I shouldn’t have tried to add a skylight to my studio… Seems I used the wrong parts for bracing, and then it all came down!

Thank you, Bernella, for your suggestion. I... Wait, BERNELLA?! Oh, I must be mad. now I’m talking to chickens!

48

Cluck! Yes, a few 2×8 plates to lock things would have secured your glass much better, cluck.

Trouble in Eden Birgitte Jonsgard Nickname: birgburg Profession: Science Teacher Nationality: Norwegian Website: www.flickr.com/people/birgburg/

Oh, you’re not crazy, Birgitte. Megs?! Is that you? Everything is so fuzzy…

Sure is! What happened here? Did you get hit by The Destructor again?!

No, I was making some additions to my newly purchased 1930s Scandinavian Dream Home and misjudged the placement of a giant skylight…

Ouch! Sorry to hear that. here, let me help you out.

49

Thanks, Megs. I guess now I have the opportunity to build something even better, while keeping the design of my old house.

Yes, this time I want to have a much more modern and energyefficient home with better insulation.

great idea, Birgitte!

Great! Oh and maybe we could build a rooftop garden and kit it out with solar panels?

Oh, I like that idea a lot! I also want to recycle as much as we can from here. Rebuild and reuse shall be the theme of the day!

Eden Eco Villa If you would like to build my Eden Eco Villa but don’t have the right colors, try building it using the LEGO Bricks you have at hand. Just don’t forget how important plants are for a “green” home!

×2

×5

×1

×1

×5

×2

×5

×2

×8

×1

×4

×7

×4

×2 ×1

×1

×2

×1 ×1

×1

×1 ×1

×1

×1

50

×2

×2

×1

×4

×1

×1

×2

×4 ×2

×3

×4

×6 ×4 ×3 ×4 ×1

×6 ×1 ×2 ×4 ×3

×1

×1

×1

×2

×2

×2

×2

×5

×2

×2

×3

×14 ×7 ×8 ×3

×9

×1 ×1

×2 ×2 ×2

×1 ×2 ×1

×15 ×4

×3

×1

×1

×1

×2

×2

×9

×11 ×1

×2 ×12

×1

×3

×3

×1

×1

×3

×2

×24 ×4

×1

×1

×3

×8

×1

×1

×1

×1

×4

×2

×1

×8

×2

×1

×2

×1

×15 ×11 ×26

×2

×1

×1

×4

×2

×2

×3

×3

×4

×1

×2

×2

×2

×2

×2 ×16

×4

×18

×2

×6

×4

×2

×2

×1

×5

×1

×1

×2

×7

×1 ×9

×9

×1 ×1

×22

×1

×1

×1

×1

×1

×2

×1

×3

×2

×1

×1

×1

×1

×1

×3 ×2

×2

×2

×7

×8

×4

51

1

2 3 52

Building Tip It doesn’t take a lot of LEGO bricks to make some neat cabinets or a cozy fireplace, and these kinds of details will really bring your LEGO home to life.

4 5

6

53

7

8 54

Building Tip Brick-built stairs, doors, and windows give your house lots of character. Building these details into your model is often necessary if you want to build in a particular architectural style.

55

Building Tip Don’t forget to think about how to access your house. Adding 1×1 or 1×2 wedges with a rocker plate hinge will create a roof that opens, allowing for more playability.

56

9 10 11

12 13 57

14

There, much better. Now that we have the basic frame, it’s time to decorate. We’ll add details to make things hyggelig—that is to say, cozy and nice.

58

Design Details with Birgitte Here are some handy tips for planning your interiors. Remember you can make your living space practical and interesting; it does not have to be boring. For instance, when designing a room think about both sides of the wall and their functions. Here, one side is for the Bathroom and the other side has a wardrobe for the Bedroom.

Remember to place bricks with studs on the side where you want to attach things— like pictures, taps, and climbing plants—to the walls. It is a good idea to plan where to put them beforehand!

Classic Lamp

59

Vintage ANT7 Chairs

1

2 Building Tip

Be sure to get help from an older person when making your own length of tubing!

×2

Patio Furniture

1

Building Tip Think about the function of your building’s space and build furnishings to complement it. Plants can create a relaxing space.

2 Cherry Tree

1

60

2

Exterior Foliage

Solar Panel

Hot Water Heater

Wind Turbine

1

2

61

Compost Bin

1

2

3

Beehive

Chicken Coop

1

62

2

3

4

Wonderful! I am so happy with my new home, thank you for your help, Megs!

You are most welcome, Birgitte. your rooftop garden is really nice, and I like your beehive, too.

Yes, I need bees to pollinate my plants if I want a good crop of cherries this year! Also, my wind turbine and solar panels will generate enough electricity for my home, and The sun will heat my black water tank so I can have heat and hot water.

63

Building Journal

Birgitte’s Eden Eco Villa is brilliant! She has really put a lot of thought into planning a space that works for her lifestyle. Her choice of white with muted “sand” tones creates a clean look and a calm and relaxing space. At the same time, adding a splash of red to one of the walls helps to warm it up. Building in so much detail gives a sense of realism. She told me that she pays attention to the things that surround her, like tiles, weeds, doormats, and trees. Attention to all of these details brings everything together. Her new pad is truly Zen. My Thinking Tower could use some of her touches.

I can use my clippings from the garden in my compost bin. within a few months, bacteria and earthworms will turn it into a nice mulch so I can have good soil for my garden.

64

Absolutely, and with the new insulation, you’ll be warm and snug in the winter and cool in the summer.

That is very true, Megs. Let’s go relax on the lawn and have some apples and cherries.

It is very important to unwind—for the body and the mind.

Aaahhh, this is indeed lovely! I must remember how important it is to take a break every now and again.

Megs, my sensors are detecting some trouble in a town. Relaxing is a concept I am not familiar with, Megs. There is always time for cleaning and sorting.

Hey, Brickbot, I’m just relaxing with my friend Birgitte for a bit. Well, that figures... I’m on my way then. Take care, Birgitte, and enjoy your groovy eco-pad!

65

Well howdy, Craig, great to see you again!

You too, Megs! welcome back to my LEGO town. There’s lots of new builds for you to see. Check out this bridge over here.

Sorry, but it’s not really a social call today. Did you see some robots just fly past? I’ve been tracking them. They are creations of the Destructor.

Destructor? Robots?

Yes, they’re minions of the Destructor, that baddy that likes to destroy rather than create LEGO models. In my previous adventure, I accidentally released him!

Oh no! He’s here?!

Well, let’s get on the move. I just saw some robots fly past this way under the bridge... I think they’re heading for my town!

66

According to Brickbot’s calculations, he’s nearby.

A LEGO Town Revisited Craig Mandeville Nickname: Solitary Dark Profession: Aircraft Parts Manager Nationality: British Website: www.flickr.com/photos/36416029@N06/

Hmmm…that sounds like the Bad-bots. Can you show me the way to the town please? I need to catch those bots!

Of course! Let’s just take the tram back to town from here.

Building Tip Building a bridge from lots of different colored and textured LEGO bricks gives your model a more realistic look. Plus, adding plants and trees adds an additional layer of texture to any LEGO city.

There we are, Central Station and right on the dot!

67

Hey Guys, this is my friend Megs. I’m helping her track down some robots. Megs, this is Riley, Libby, and their Sensei.

This is the center of my LEGO Town. Let’s see if we can track down these pesky robots. Hello, everyone. have any robots come through here?

Yes, they did! We were having our karate lesson in the dojo when we heard a horrible crashing noise. We ran outside and found our lovely Cinema had been demolished!

Oh no! Well, not to worry, we can sort that out in a jiffy!

Arcata Deco Cinema My Cinema is a bit tricky to build. You will need to jump into your Director’s Chair and pay close attention to the footprint. Be sure to add lots of lights to the Marquee!

68

69

1 2 70

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

71

72

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

73

22

74

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

75

32

33

×2

34

76

35

Building Tip When designing a building, think about it’s function and what assets can be added to create the right environment. For example, a movie theater like this one should have chairs, a screen, and a camera.

36

37

×2

38

39

77

78

40

41

42

43

44

45 ×2

×2

79

Awesome! Thanks for your help, Megs!

You are most welcome, Craig, happy to help. You know, I might have added some touches from the Movie Theater in my Town.

That’s perfectly fine with me! Now the world premiere of STAR Clutch is back on track!

STAR Clutch? Oh sweet! My friend Tommy worked on that movie, and he even filmed me for a part! I wonder if I made it past final cut?

Wow, really? That is super cool! I’ll have to look for you. Well, look at that... they’re lined up around the block!

Building Tip Take a camera with you on your travels. Building inspiration can come from anywhere when you build LEGO city models!

80

Popcorn Machine

1

2

3

BUILDING JOURNAL

One of the great things about building a LEGO city is that you can build in many styles from many eras. Cities grow over the years, so each part can reflect the time when it was built. The oldest part of Craig’s town is based on Victorian England. Trams like those he has built are still in use in parts of England today. He told me that he also loves building a wide variety of vehicles to go with his town. This helps to bring his LEGO town to life. Mixing different time periods seems like a great way to build a unique LEGO City.

81

BUILDING JOURNAL

Craig’s models look brilliant! He has shown me that there is so much more to creating a LEGO town than just building houses or fire stations. There can be shops, parks, bridges, and so much more. He shared with me that the next big project for his town is a large bridge that vehicles can travel over and under. Changing the character of a bridge can be as simple as building in LEGO train tracks to make it a railway bridge.

82

Building Tip When designing a building, choose the color scheme beforehand. For example, a mechanic’s garage works well with shades of red and grey, while the magic shop in Craig’s town is a more theatrical black, white, and purple. The coffee shop is tan, brown, and green. Different color schemes allow the buildings to be more distinctive when lined up against each other on a street.

Jukebox

1

One thing that brings a LEGO Town to life is the details you can build for your Town’s inhabitants. Here are a few examples for you to try.

3

4

5

6

2

7

83

Wheelchair

1 6

2 7

3

4

8

Street Lamp

Coffee Shop 2.0

84

Creating an interesting interior can add lots of play value to a building. a new branch of the Coffee shop has opened up in my town. Minifigures can work behind the counter, while others order their morning coffee.

5

LEGO Town Inspiration

Building Tip Placing LEGO plates in the corners and tiling the rest of each story’s floor allows you to easily detach the stories and see inside, which means greater playability for your mini­ figures!

85

LEGO Town Vehicles

Building Tip Designing a variety of interesting vehicles really brings a town to life. Varying the width, size, and scale of LEGO vehicles can give your town realistically busy streets.

86

Building JOURNAL

Craig has built some great vehicles. He told me that when you build a car or tram, you should think about the parts that will give your vehicle a personality or show what time period it comes from. For the orange trolley car, he added opening doors and big windows like the real cars that traveled the streets of Los Angeles in the 1930s. When building a version of a real-life vehicle, key in on the iconic details such as shape, size, bumpers, shape of lights, and windshield to help capture that specific vehicle’s look.

Megs, I just had a call from my friend Alan. The Bad-bots have struck again—another one of my creations has been destroyed! Follow me!

Yes! Let’s rebuild it better! While you’ve had your transport-o-lux, Megs, I’ve been learning how to fly a Plane.

Yikes! It sounds like your friend Alan’s Plane has been hit by The Destructor!

Alan’s Airplane

Building Alan’s Airplane will require you to put on your AirCraft Engineer’s hat. There is a lot of mirroring of the plane’s hull and sides. In order to take to the skies, you will need to study these instructions closely.

87

88

Building Tip If you don’t have these colors of LEGO bricks, try building this model in other colors.

1

2 3

4

5 89

6 7

10 12 13 90

8

9

11 Now you need to mirror the other side of the airplane’s fuselage as well as wing #1.

91

14 1 4

92

15 2

3

16

Hey Megs, my Flying instructor, Alan, has offered to take me up to scout for Bad-Bots.

No sign here. Sorry, Megs.

That is an awesome idea, Craig!

Yeah, I think We’re not—

Nothing, I think they’ve gone. . Or here...

Megs, come in! I have been informed that bad-bots have been sighted at a Fair!

Thanks, Brickbot. I’m on it! Gotta go, Craig.

Don’t worry about it. We’ll get those pesky bots and Destructors! Great to see you—and keep on building!

Okay, sorry I couldn’t be of more help. Please come back anytime.

Thanks! And you know I will!

93

Ha! I found you, Destructor!

Too late and a brick short, foolish Creator!

You should try building instead of destroying, Destructor.

Heh. What fun is there in building with these silly little bricks?

What? Building with LEGO Bricks is awesome! You—

Keep your silly little bricks! In fact, Go Classic! MUHAAHAA!!

! M A WH Huh?! I’m back in my Old Building Gear! It seems The Destructor has more than just the power of destruction in his toolbox. Perhaps there is hope for him.

94

Well, I should make the best of it and investigate!

Steam Fair Fun! Jason Railton Nickname: Joefish Profession: IT Developer Nationality: British Website: www.flickr.com/photos/jjrailton/

Whoa, what happened here? Oh no, not another invader!

Who me? I’m not the Destructor. My name’s Megs. I’m trying to catch him!

Oh, do I call you Joe or Mr. Fish?

You just missed him! This pile of bricks used to be one of my shire horses, dobbin. Thankfully, my other horse, Ned, is fine. My name is Joefish, by the way.

Just Joefish is fine. Or if you prefer, you can call me Jason.

95

poor Dobbin! Let’s sort this out and rebuild him.

Good idea, I will draft up some plans.

Dobbin may seem small, but building him is not as easy as it looks. You’ll need sideways building techniques. Focus on the spacing and submodules. Don’t race through it—slow and steady is best.

Dobbin the Shire Horse

1 Building Tip Many animals can be built using this core design with studs facing out on both sides: the bigger the animal, the wider the core. Make sure your legs are in the correct proportion, not too thin, too long, or too short for the creature you are building. A tail can be added on the clip end of the core, or if the animal has no tail, a 1×2 plate can replace the clip.

96

2

3

4

×2

5

6 7

8

×2

9 97

×2

10 11 98

12

Building Tip Study the anatomy of the animal that you are trying to build and sculpt the muscles in the right places using layers of plates.

Brilliant! Dobbin is all ready to get back to work.

99

You’re most welcome. So Dobbin hauls carts in your Steampunk world?

Thanks for your help, Megs.

My power screwdriver? Don’t worry. This old thing is always breaking down. It’s harmless!

We’ve all sorts of old and classic machines for visitors to enjoy, like this Ice Cream Van.

Yay! I could go for a 99!

Steampunk?! This is a steam fair—no punks that I can see! We’re showing off these old machines. They took a lot of time to repair.

Can you give me a quick tour while Brickbot tracks down the Destructor? Um, could you put down the raygun first, though?! Right, let’s see The Steam Fair!

Behold, The Ladybird Whirl! You Yanks call ‘em ladybugs.

Super nifty! Look at that, it really turns! Can you show me how you built that?

Grab your tinkerer’s hat and get ready to get into gearing. The Ladybird Whirl is built with a small LEGO Power Functions Motor. While the model is fairly straightforward, the gearing can be tricky. I’ve broken up the build into submodules to make it easier for you to follow.

100

Ladybird Whirl

Base Module

Building Tip Designing a good solid base is very important for your ride.

1 101

2

3

4

5

6

102

7 8 9

10

103

11

12

104

13

Rotor Module

14 15 17

16 18

105

19 ×3 Car Module

×4

20

Building Tip You can build the Ladybird Whirl’s cars in any color you like.

×4

21 106

22

23

24

107

Now that we have our ride operator and collected the tickets, they’re ready to go.

What a nifty build. I’d love to see more!

No trouble there, Megs. we’ve lots more to see.

108

Red Tractor

Traction Engine

This tractor is steampowered.

Oh interesting, I wonder if that’s where some of the inspiration for SteamPunk comes from?

Erhm, maybe, but this isn’T SteamPunk, just regular old steam!

109

Engine Shed

Boiler House

110

Scots Pine Tree

111

Trains

Building Tip Instead of building a large diesel or electric locomotive, try building a smaller steam engine straight onto the motor module. Use your favorite color for the bodywork and just use black for all the little details. Remember to leave a gap for the engine’s cable to come out at the back. If you’re using a battery box, it can be hidden in a wagon that follows the engine.

112

113

Classic Ice Cream Van

114

British Phone Box

Scouts

Building Journal

Jason’s fair models are fabulous! He’s put a lot of time into planning how things will move and function. Adding gears and motors really brings his models to life. Jason told me that he likes to use a lot of plates to sculpt shapes, as he did for the muscles on his Shire horses. His use of different colored ladybirds with pink noses adds a sense of whimsy, perfect for a fun fair ride!

115

That 99 cone hit the spot! One time around on The Ladybird Whirl and then I need to check in with my assistant.

An assistant, eh? must be nice to have one.

Brickbot is ace. Mind you, I think he’s a bit keyed up about sorting...hee-hee.

Sorting, yes, well that’s one thing we LEGO Creators have to do if we want to build.

Megs, come in, Megs!

Ah, there he is. Hey, Brickbot, I’ve been visiting a fun Fair!

116

Fun? You must be organizing something then. You are needed in the Valley of the Brick immediately.

You’re quite welcome. that Valley of The Brick sounds a bit dangerous! Do be careful!

Roger that, on my way. Jason, thanks for showing me around!

I will. maybe I’ll find some more cool classic LEGO builds.

Right-O, Megs. Cheers!

Cheers for the great day out!

117

Hey, that’s a cool town down there!

Hang on a second. everything seems so big?!

! h h a a a Aa ant! i g A

Oh, I’m not a giant... You’re just tiny! Hang on, you’re a Minifigure, aren’t you? Of course, everything must look giant to you. But For us Miniland people, it’s quite normal. I’m Stephan, by the way.

I’m Megs. Wow, this place is indeed off the scale! I must say… I feel a bit off scale myself.

118

Out of Scale! Stephan Sander Nickname: x_Speed! Profession: IT Specialist Nationality: German Website: www.x-brick.de/

not to worry, Megs. Step into my scale-o-matic right here. Let me activate the selfmagnifying process.

Um, are you sure it’s safe?

Dang, that is cool! Okay, Stephan, I’ll give it a go!

! p a sn

of course! well, at least most of the time. Here, Let me test it first.

See? Now I’m Minifigure Scale, just like you. It’s perfectly safe!

sn

ap!

Whoa! Now we’re both miniland scale! I gotta share this with Brickbot.

119

Hey! What’s going on here?! My claws?!

Come in, Brickbot! Your assistance is required at my coordinates.

Affirmative, Megs. Beaming in . . .

Relax Brickbot, you just beamed through Stephan’s scale-oMatic and are now at Miniland Scale like us. Cool eh?

Brickbot, my scans haven’t yet picked up The Destructor, but I can feel he’s close! Do you think you could have more luck finding him?

! p a sn Cool? What is this cool? I don’t feel hot; all of my circuits are functioning properly.

I do not need luck. Scanning now . . .

In the meantime, let me show you my Miniland City!

Elsewhere...

! p a sn Well looky here… Those foolish Creators left their device all alone, heh. Now, what does this switch do…?

120

That’s more like it! I can really tear up the bricks now… but why should I have all the fun?

That’s strange. Nothing is showing on my scanner. Perhaps he’s moved on . . .

Welcome to my Miniland City, Megs. It’s a fun place, but we work hard, too. Hi, Mr. Olsen!

Yes, being able to add lots of details is an advantage of building in MiniLand Scale, but it also takes a lot of LEGO Elements.

What a great place! Everyone is so friendly, and the buildings have so much detail!

Good day, Stephan.

Here’s my garage. We run on Octan, just as in your world, Megs.

Wow, neat! I dig that checker cab and streetlight.

Last but not least, my beloved LEGO Super 7.

Why, thank you, Megs, but— Whoa, what’s...??

What a sweet ride! Could you show me how you built it?

121

! H S A R C ! M BOO

What the brick is that?!

Oh no! Not my beautiful Super 7! What’s happening?!

Now that’s my kind of road... DESTROY! DESTROY!!

Somehow the Destructor has taken control of the road!

Hey Stephan, why don’t we try to rebuild your car? I’d like to learn more about MiniLand Scale.

Sure thing.

LEGO Super 7 My Super 7 is not an easy model to build. You’ll need to put your mechanic’s hat on, study each step closely, and stay focused.

122

That’s a good idea. I like how you make the best of a bad situation! Let’s go back to my workshop, and I’ll show you how it’s done. Would you mind asking Brickbot to help us carry the bricks?

×1

×1

×1

×1

×1

×1

×2

×1

×2

×2

×2

×8

×2 ×2

×1 ×2

×3

×1 ×4 ×1

×2

×6

×3

×2

×2

×1 ×3 ×2 ×7

×2

×22

×1

×2

×2

×11 ×4

×2

×2

×3

×6

×2

×4

×4

×2

×2

×8

×2

×4

×2

×2

×1

×2

×2

×2 ×8 ×16

×1

×2

×2

×2

×2

×6

×1

×2

×2

×2 ×2

×1

×6

×4

×5

×2

×4

×2

×1

×2

×2

×1

×1

×1

×4

1

123

2

3

4

5

6

7

8 124

9

10

11

12 13

×2

125

Be sure to mirror the mudguards and front side panels so they fit properly.

14

15

16

17

18

19

20 126

21

22

23

24

25 26

127

Here’s another version of my LEGO Super 7. I built this one in dark racing green. It can be fun to build the same type of car using a different color scheme.

Vehicles come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Here are a few that have been driving around my city’s streets.

Classic Rides

128

Fiery Stallions

Building Tip Capture those curves! Working with sloped elements like the ones on the right will give your ride a smooth, aerodynamic look.

129

Supercars

Street Rides

130

Time Machine My time machine is the perfect crossover. It was inspired by a certain traveling doctor in a blue police box and another traveling Doc who created a souped-up sports car in the 1980s…

Building Tip Starting off by building a strong chassis for your vehicle. It will make a good base to build on and will keep your car nice and stable.

131

Details Make the Ride

132

Building Journal

Stephan’s Miniland scale vehicles are ace! He said it can take many attempts to get a car just right. Building one can require hundreds of LEGO bricks to achieve the right look and feel. Paying close attention to the shape, contour, and lines of the real versions is very important. I wonder how my Idea Truck would look in Miniland scale!

133

Brick Valley

134

135

Hollywood Inspiration

Come in, Megs! I have located the Destructor in Brick Valley Park.

Great! That’s close by. On my way, Brickbot!

136

Ah, my work here is done! So many more things to disassemble elsewhere. heh, I’m outta here!

Setting the Scale-o-Matic to reverse. Targeting . . . ZAPP! Grrrrr! Come back here, you Pink Nightmare!

Brickbot to Megs, the Destructor has been demagnified, and he has already disappeared. Miniland city is safe for now.

! p a sn ! p a z

Oh no, We just missed him! Well, nice try. See you back at The Idea Lab, Brickbot.

What?! I’m Minifig Scale again?! Oh Bloks! Better book it!

Affirmative. There is much sorting to do, as usual.

Stephan, it’s been really great to meet you and tour your epic city. But I should get back to my regular scale and catch that blasted Destructor!

Sure, Megs, one moment...

! p a

sna

z

p!

Yes, back in my gear! Time to go!

I think that scale fits you well, Megs. It was my pleasure to be your guide. Good luck!

Thanks for the Scale Building fun, Stephan! See you!

137

Ah, what a lovely day by the seaside. Wouldn’t you agree, Shelby darling?

Oh yes, Tad! Perfect just like our sand castle! Oh, hear that?

Ringa-ding ding

Oh lookie… what do we have here?

Uh-oh, looks like Mr. Pink has struck again!

138

ICE CREAM!

One 99 for m’ lady and a frozen banana, please.

Hey! What happened to our sand castle?

A Seaside Situation Alex Bidolak Nickname: Brick-A-Lak Profession: Master Model Builder and Police Constable Nationality: British Website: www.flickr.com/photos/bidolak/sets/ 72157630913115524/

What on earth happened, Tad darling?

A freak wave maybe?

we turned our backs for a moment, and our sand castle was destroyed! We believe a freak wave to be the culprit.

Good day, Tad and Shelby. Having a spot of trouble with your sand castle?

PC Alex! Good to see you! Perhaps you can lend us a hand.

Hello there, I’m Megs. I’m afraid it was actually the work of The Destructor, a rather meantempered chap who likes to destroy nice things!

139

Hello, Megs. PC Alex at your service! Let’s see about apprehending this pink baddy then. I shall call for brick...er, backup!

Perfect, they’re here! I’ll brief the lads. Back in a tick, Megs.

Okay, great!

Right, chaps, code 221. Be on the lookout for a known baddy: The Destructor. He may also have his crew, The Bad-Bots, in tow. He is a slippery bloke, so use caution when apprehending him.

Ah, sir, what are his crimes?

Destroying lovely LEGO models from all over, like that nice sand castle of Tad and Shelby’s. I will help Megs sort out this mess. Leave no brick unturned!

140

Sand Castle No worries about building this Sand Castle. Just be sure to start with the base and stack away. You won’t even get your fingers gritty with this build.

Building Tip When building a solid object like a sand castle, start by working out a base to stack on, just as you would when building a real sand castle.

1

141

2

3

4

5

142

6

7

8

143

Yes, using the same sand... er, bricks!

Here’s another Sand Castle we built last weekend.

Our Sand Castle has been restored to its former glory! Thank you, PC Alex!

Here, take a frozen banana too!

Please have a 99 on us. Oh, Tad, you and your bananas, you silly billy!

T’was just doin’ me duty, Shelby.

You bet, missy! Us Brits do enjoy a good sunny day at the sea with ice cream to boot! Of course, if it were not for the hardworking Ice Cream van, we’d be without.

In fact, I’ll show you how it’s done, Megs. Let’s get to it! Lickity-split!

144

Yum! Those 99 Ice Cream Cones really hit the spot!

Ice Cream Van

145

1 2 3 146

4 5 6 7 147

8 9 10 11 148

12 13 14 BUILDING JOURNAL

Alex draws a lot of inspiration from his daily life. Living in Manchester in the United Kingdom, he explores the city and builds local landmarks and vehicles out of LEGO bricks. “What I love most about building is that there are loads of building solutions to choose from. LEGO bricks are a universal form of playing and learning. For me, LEGO building is more than just playtime; it is a timeless, versatile, and creative art form.”

149

15

Building Tip With a few color changes, you can transform the look and feel of your truck. For example, adding colors like greens and purples gives you a flower delivery truck, while adding some red, orange, and more yellow can transform it into a food truck.

150

So there you have it! Now the van is ready to serve tasty treats on the streets!

Ace, Alex! I also really like the look of your patrol vehicle! Very square!

Cheers! It’s quite fun to build too. Here, let me show you.

Patrol Car Calling all LEGO builders! Jump in and get ready to go on patrol and nab some baddies. Pay attention to each layer of the build and have fun with it!

151

1 2 3 152

4 5 6 7 153

8 9 10 11 154

12 Building Tip Using inverted 1×2 slopes and stepping out by two studs from the inside of the chassis is a simple and clean way to build in a fender.

In need of a civilian vehicle? Try swapping out some yellow and adding black and white bits, and you’ll have a taxi!

Taxi Stand

155

1 2 3 4 5 156

×2

BUILDING JOURNAL

Alex’s LEGO models are ace! He told me, “I like to build from my imagination. I often reflect upon my own childhood, thinking about those amazing LEGO models I could only dream about building then.” He starts most of his LEGO models by sketching on specially designed LEGO brick paper and later works with real LEGO bricks. He says always keeping a sketchbook nearby is a great way to record all of your ideas, and having your LEGO bricks sorted will speed up your building productivity. “Don’t be afraid to share your ideas with your friends and family. Have fun and never stop building!” Like me, his hope is to inspire future LEGO model builders, and I think he is well on his way there!

Building Tip Using two colors of 1×2 plates results in a nice checkerboard pattern for the side of your vehicle. You can add a pretty slick pinstripe in a single contrasting color.

Well, Alex, some really nice work there! Isn’t it awesome how a few color changes have turned your patrol car into a taxi? That’s LEGO magic for you!

Yes, indeed, Megs! LEGO bricks are so inspiring to me. I just love ‘em! Now I’ve a special surprise— a rather well-known spot in these parts. Let’s pop around the corner and ‘ave a look!

sounds good! Lead on.

157

The Woolpack Inn is a local treasure, located just outside of town. folks here have been known to kick up quite a bit of dust.

Building Tip Using different colored bricks and plates in a similar color scheme and stepping out half a stud with tiles will create a nice old-wall effect for an older building.

Come in, PC Alex!

PC Alex here. Go ahead!

We had the Destructor cornered, but then he built a ladder and skedaddled!

158

No worries, PC Plod, you did your best. Megs said he was one slippery fish. We’ll meet you back at original crime scene.

Thanks for trying, guys! It seems old Pinky is getting pretty clever with LEGO bricks, almost like he wants to build with them... I should get back on his trail while it’s still fresh. Thanks again!

You are most welcome, Megs! Come back any time and join us for ice cream!

And bananas!

Oh, Tad, you cheeky monkey!

159

what is that funky-looking stuff down there? I’d better check it out!

Oh yikes! Did I hit some type of shrink ray?! This looks like sushi, but it’s huge!

No, you didn’t shrink! I’ve just built these LEGO Sushi models in a larger scale. Matija, at your service, ma’am.

Oh hi, didn’t see you there, Matija. I’m Megs.

I actually built these for a client’s photoshoot for a fashion magazine. They were fun to build. Here, let me show you...

160

Thanks! I must say I’ve never seen LEGO Sushi before.

Dinner and a Show Matija Pužar Nickname: Matija/Puma Profession: LEGO Certified Professional and IT Developer Nationality: Norwegian Website: www.matija.no/

Scrumptious Sushi You don’t need to be a Master Chef to build Matija’s minute meals, but you do need to pay attention to the steps.

×6

×18

×8

×2

×4

×2 ×8

×48

×6

×8

×8

×4

×8

×2

×2 ×6

×4

×2

×2

×8

×4

×4

×1 ×2

×2

×2

×8

161

×3

×24

×2

×20

×1

×2

×8

×1

×14

×2 ×2

×2

×28

×8

×4

1

×4

2

×6

3

×2

×2

5

6 7 ×2

162

4

8

×4

×4 ×4

×2

×2

×2

×2

9 10

12

11

13 ×4

14 ×4 163

15 ×4

16

17

18 19

164

×8

20

21 23

22 24

Wow, that LEGO Sushi looks so fresh and tasty! Have you built any other LEGO Food?

Why, yes, Megs. as it happens I have...

165

Brick Burger Have a go building this LEGO Hamburger. this may look tasty, but it’s definitely not good for your teeth!

×3 ×16

×7

×4 ×4

×4

×1

×1

×3

×3

×2 ×2

×4

×4 ×4

×8

×2 ×16

×4 ×1

×18

×16

×16

×4

×4

×12

×8

×8

×4

×4

×1

×6

×4 ×20

×8

×3 ×9

×12

×4

×2

×4

×1

×6

×7

×2

×2

×1

×2

×5

×1

×5

×2

×1

×1

×1

×3

×1 ×1

166

×144

×16

×32

×1

×2

×2

×1

×1

×12

×12

1

×18

×12

×15

×27

×6

×3

2

3 ×4

×4

×2

4 7

5

6 Building Tip When building a dome, flipping your model over can be a good way to lock plates together.

167

8

9

10

11 12

13

14

15 16

168

Building Tip Moving one stud inward as you stack plates will give you a nice, curved dome.

×18

17 ×16

18

19

20 21

22

×3

23

24

×2 169

×4

25 26 ×2

27

28 ×4

170

Building Tip Using plates of the same color helps to create a solid-looking shape. Try experimenting with different angle plates to achieve the right circular look and feel as Matija has done here. This porcelain plate is perfect for serving up his LEGO food.

BUILDING JOURNAL

Matija’s minute meals are ace! His use of 1:1 scale and choice of color schemes make his food very realistic. Combining brown with dark red on the brick burger tricks your eye into thinking it is real and fresh off the grill. The presentation of the food on a plate just adds to the realism. Matija told me he pays close attention to the natural color, shape, and texture of food to capture it properly. Working from either reference images or real food will help you build something realistic and appetizing. I wonder if my yard could use a giant watermelon?

171

29 30

172

Matija’s Minute Meals Once you start, you just can’t stop. Here are some more culinary masterpieces!

Hmm, something isn’t right. I am sure there were some chopsticks here a few minutes ago.

h h h

a A a

A Yeah, how odd, they were just there...

! ! ! H

Oh no! Someone thinks WE are food too! This way, Megs!

Run away! Run away!

173

At the Symphony Quick! Follow the sound of Music!

May I present to you the orchestra of my hometown!

They sound lovely!

Whoa, what a big ensemble!

Indeed, every member is needed to create the perfect sound. Why don’t I show you some of the instruments in more detail?

The trumpets and the conductor...

174

Euphoniums, French horns, tuba...

Flutes, saxophones...

Trombones!

Tuba

1

French Horn

2

Here, you can see how a clarinet is done. Just two pieces!

Hey, what’s wrong?

SQUEEEE AK

1 A flute is even easier, only one piece. Here’s how you play it.

Oh, nothing… this is pure enjoyment! My ears are just not ready to accept such musical... beauty...?

If you shake it gently, it makes a nice smooth sound.

2 Why don’t you grab a chair and try some yourself?

Hey, this is fun!

BWAAAA

A

Hmm, it looks like...

(Oh my, maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all!) ...and tastes like… Chicken! Hee hee!

Sure, sounds like a lot of fun!

let’s try something less noisy... er, easier. Here’s a maraca.

Nooooo!

Okay, why don’t we try something else...

175

Double Bass

×1 ×1

Time to get in the groove and build my rockin’ LEGO Double Bass!

2

×1 ×1

×4 ×1

×1

×2

×1

×1

×1

1

×1 ×1

3

Croatian National Theatre This is the Croatian National Theatre. I built it so my Orchestra would have a nice place to perform.

BUILDING JOURNAL

Matija’s professional LEGO work is so inspiring! He can build pretty much anything he sets his mind to. As a LEGO Certified Professional, he builds a lot of models for a wide client base. He told me it is very important to be able to understand clients’ needs and pay close attention to your parts budget. Keeping a model simple and retaining the iconic details can be challenging, but the end result is well worth it. Time management and a good solid plan will get you far. His passions for music and LEGO model building go hand in hand. He has shown me there are no limits to turning what you love to do into a career!

176

Megs, meet my good friend, Wolfie. He is quite young, but an incredibly talented musician!

Hello there!

Why yes, of course. It’s a very old piano, so it contains parts that are hard to get, but if you look closely, you’ll see how to do it.

What a nice piano! Is it possible to build it?

Oh, hi Wolfie!

Matija, can we play something now? Please, please!

Oh that’s nicer! let me give it a try.

Kunk… k... squee... kun Uh, Are you sure you guys have practiced enough?

PLON G

PLING

This looks simple! Hey guys, what’s the hurry?

Yeah...Sorry, Megs. I suddenly remembered that I haven’t done my taxes yet!

Yeah, me too! Say, Matija, what are taxes?

I’ll tell you when you’re older, Wolfie. See you later, Megs!

Don’t worry... we’re just tuning.

PLING

Bye, Matija. thanks for the music and building lessons!

! ! G IN

Z

Oh, I’ve got some music for you, Creators…A dark symphony of destruction!!! MUAAHHAHA!!!

177

Rise of the Brickzards Oh BLOKS! What’s going on?! Who destroyed my ride?

You there, Sawz, fix this mess so I can get back on my path of destruction!

Destroy! Destroy!

AAARRGGh!! No, you blokheads! Stack, not destroy!

Stack? Does not compute... Destroy!

Oh, for blok’s sake! It’s simple—like this!

178

Yes, oh Destructive One.

Hmmm...There must be something more to this building thing. I have the bricks, so why isn’t it working?!

Aha!

Snap together, darn it! Arrgh... nothing is working!

Whoops!

At last, I’ve got you!

! H OS

WO

Foolish Creator, you have NOTHING! DESTRUCTO-TORNADO!!

You are trapped by my imagination—the most powerful thing there is!

Hmmm...I can’t fit you and all your Badbots in my TransportO-Lux…

What is this infernal cage?!

Heh, we are too mighty for that puny thing!

179

Well, there’s your problem. You’re not using the studs properly. let me show you.

Right, time for your first lesson in building. Let’s give you some room to work.

I have seen your powers at work; I know there is creativity in you. think of something you want to create. Put destruction out of your mind.

Heh! I don’t need YOUR help.

Let’s start small. I see your ride has been destroyed. Let’s rebuild it.

1 5 180

2

I’ve got nothing… DESTR—

Destruct-o-Lux

3

4 Great job! Let’s just make some modifications...

! ! ! AR

A O OO

R

Click click k clic

AAAAAAH!!! What in the brick is that?!

Mmmm, shiny...

! H NC

U R C

Oh no!

He eats LEGO Bricks! RUN AWAY!

Our rides! What do we do now?! I don’t know...

SM

! H AS 181

We have to work together— and quickly! Here, take this 4×4 plate and place it next to mine!

Never underestimate the value and power of collaboration!

Transport-o-Lux Deluxe

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

182

10

11

12 ! R aR

o O OO

Let’s kick some scale!

R

Go for the jaw!

BRICK ON!

No good! He’s too powerful for us!

Go for the weak spot— the tail!

! H NC

U R C I’ve got an idea. Circle around!

183

Frilled Brickzard

1 184

2

3 4 5 6 185

7

8

9 ×2

10 11 186

Buiding Tip Try experimenting with the placement of angle plates to give your model the right shape. For example, the way these plates are placed next to each other will form a perfect frill.

12

13 187

14 ×2

188

Building Journal

A giant beastie that eats LEGO bricks?! Oh dear! I find these Frilled Brickzards quite scary, but at the same time, I’m oddly fascinated by them. Perhaps it is because of my affinity for scaled creatures. The Brickzards seem to be intelligent communicators that have a pack mentality. In any case, it is quite clear that ingenuity and collaboration is the only way out of this situation!

189

ZING!

! h c ou

o o o

r We scared him off! Huzzah!

Yeah, for now...

Right, a monster that eats LEGO bricks could destroy us all!

Compress! Compress!

Let’s pack up your BadBots in my spare pod.

190

ROO

! o o

We must get back to The Council of Creative Constructionists! Something MUST be done!

Brickbot! I’ve got the Destructor with me and you won’t believe what’s happened!

Good going, Megs. I shall prepare the holding cell.

No, Brickbot, he isn’t my prisoner. We’ve discovered a greater threat out here! Now en route to the CCC! We have a lot of work to do!

The adventure continues... 191

Megan H. Rothrock

The LEGO® Adventure Book series is ­dedicated to all the dreamers and lovers of LEGO building with LEGO bricks around the world.

1

1

Nickname: megs/megzter Profession: Toy Designer and Author Nationality: American Website: www.flickr.com/photos/megzter/

Thank you to all of the creative and brilliant featured builders!

Featured Builders

2

Patrick Bosman

6

Jason Railton

3

Peter Reid

7

Stephan Sander

4

Birgitte Jonsgard

8

Alex Bidolak

5

Craig Mandeville

9

Matija Puzar

Join the LEGO Adventure Book community! Facebook: www.facebook.com/LegoAdventureBook/ Flickr: www.flickr.com/groups/2021445@N23/ No Starch: www.nostarch.com/legoadventure3/

In this volume of the LEGO® Adventure Book series, Megs and Brickbot face their toughest challenge yet. The Destructor is on the loose again, demolishing LEGO models and shaking things up! Join Megs as she rebuilds the models and meets some of the world’s best builders. Learn to create a Renaissance house, a classic movie theater, sushi, Miniland-scale marvels, an ice cream truck, street lamps, and even a chicken coop. With 40 step-by-step breakdowns and nearly 150 example models, The LEGO Adventure Book will surely inspire you and keep you building!