LEGO® CITY #60083 - SNOWPLOUGH TRUCK

196 pieces (1xMini-fig) and based on the german designed Unimog. As a huge fan of the Unimog, there was no option other than to purchases this model, and glad we did! Looks really good and functions well, offering alot of playability.

The plough and  hopper can be removed.

LEGO® SPEED CHAMPIONS # 75908 - 458 ITALIA GT2

Being a bit of a 'petrol head' we could not resist buying into the Speed Champions range!

153 pieces with one mini-fig (trophy & wrench as accessories) and fairly straight forward build. The model is sticker heavy (22 in total) which is understandable as the car forms part of a racing team - in the completed build you can see a good resemblance to the real car and makes for a great display piece. The set also provides for interchangable wheel rims with 2 options.

We will upload more pics of this great model once we find where it has been packed.

On the subject of cars and racing, any fans of Gran Tourismo around? Take the time to check out this blog; gtfrede.blogspot.co.za/ He is taking a slightly different approach to GT and from time to time we plan to share some brick built versions of the cars he is racing.

MEGABO # 2102 - ADVANCED TROOP ARMED FIGHTING JET PLANE

We were plesantly surprised at the quality and variety of the pieces. A simple quick build consisting of 182 pieces with some nice features, the bottom half though is a bit disappointing in terms of design and the way the wheels are done. Unlike many of the other brands that print directly on the bricks MGB provides a ton of stickers that need to be applied...

Instruction sheets are clear and easy to follow and mini-character is of good quality. We will definetly be buying more of these simply as a source of parts. The set though does add yet another shade of grey and blue into the mix!

ENLIGHTEN BRICKS

During our recent visit to Johannesburg we visited West Pack Lifestyle Household Dream Shop and discovered they keep a failry large selection of Enlighten Building Sets at a reasonable price. These blocks are becoming more and more prevelant, unfortunatley some of the outlets are attempting to price them alongside genuine Lego®.

Packing space was limited so we had to curb our buying, non the less some new builds to look forward to. 

West Pack also stocks Megabo (MGB) blocks - Advanced Troops Range and picked up one of the smaller sets to evaluate.

The Stairway Deli

There hasnt been much time for play due to business commitments and travel. In September of last year we posted about the Stairway Deli as a 'work in progress, it was finally finished and placed in Luboville...

...only to be torn down during the revamp!  Having spent the last week at the Deli, we will be revisiting the idea with a new build. 

If you're ever in Kensington Johannesburg take the time to pop in at the deli, meet the fantastic people who own and operate it over an espresso or enjoy a bite to eat.

Tel: 011 615 442, Lancaster Square. 141 Roberts Avenue, Kensington.

COGO#3416 - RACERS

Set consits of 170 pieces and comes with two mini-figures. Fun build with some interesting detail, the scale is however a bit off. Great source of parts and not bad value at ZAR 0.58 per brick.

LEGO® #10251 - CREATOR - MODULAR BANK

According to shop.lego.com, the set is due for release in January 2016 and extends the range of modular buildings. According to the website 'the set consists of 2380 pieces, features a wealth of unsurpassed details, unique elements, functions and surprises. Includes 5 minifigures. 

Can't wait to get our hands on this set and will be placing a pre-order on our next visit to Durban!

REMOVING LABELS FROM PLASTIC

The trays we opted to use had a large lable stuck on the bottom and removal proved to be problematic. We tried every possible "house-hold remidy" until someone said to us; "Simply spray the label with Q20 and let it stand for half an hour"

They were right, Simple! The label peals away easily leaving no glue residue behind. Wipe clean and your good to go.

Many of the compatible brick sets out there have detail printed directly on the bricks and can be an irritation when you are only buying the set for pieces. Apply a little "Brasso" to paper towel and rub lightly.

REVAMP

Once again an extended abscence of any posts! Unfortunatley what started out as a tidy up of the "man cave" turned into a complete revamp which was hampered by a lack of time to complete all the projects. Anyway a month later we are again in a position to resume building and posting on the blog.

 Repaint, blinds, new tables, shelves and storage units...

Trays are handy for storage/sorting and stack into each other when not in the units.

LEGO® #31036 - CREATOR - TOY & GROCERY SHOP

At ZAR 449.99 a reasonable purchase. Nice mix of pieces & colours in the set with two fairly generic mini-figures. As a 3in1 set you have the option of building the Post Office, News Stand or the Toy & Grocery Store. All models are built with hinges to open them up and increase playability & display options. 

 POST OFFICE

NEWS STAND

TOY & GROCERY STORE
The two vending machines, the micro build robot & train add some nice detail along with the fruit & vegetable display.

COGO #3008-6 PARASAUROLOPHUS (DINO SERIES)

Great value for money at just ZAR 20.00 per set. Simple, quick build and yet remains fun with the 3 in 1 build options. Buying all sets in the series allows for and 8 in 1 option.

 

 

Note - stickers are supplied to denote the eyes and have not been applied.