greg3 Posted June 5, 2016 (edited) Thanks for the comments... I have to say setting up the racing scene has been a lot of fun (like being a kid again!!) Anyway here are a few more pics and a chance to find out what the locals of Ballabreek think of the racing... Well, some are annoyed at the disruption and detours caused by the closed roads... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr But the majority see the benefits it brings. The village comes alive with an influx of visitors (both competitors and spectators) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Food vendors especially see a huge increase in sales!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr During the event, the public get a chance to talk to famous racing stars and see various exhibitions and displays of racing machinery. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr It's not just fast cars either, down at the harbour people can get a closer look at a record breaking speed boat and watch a display of flyboarding skills. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Many locals help out at the event volunteering as marshals. Here a burst radiator puts paid to one competitor's run but the marshals are on hand!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As the event draws to a close, thoughts turn to the prize presentations... who will be on stage lifting the trophy? Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Thanks for looking... comments are always welcome!! Edited June 5, 2016 by greg3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted June 11, 2016 (edited) As Ballabreek's Festival of Speed 2016 draws to a close, the high speed professional racing gives way to something a bit more... silly!! The inaugural Ballabreek Mighty Micros competition!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Intended to encourage the next generation of racing drivers, this competition is only open to under 16s. Each competitor is given an electric powered chassis which they need to decorate according to a theme (this year it's superheroes!!) before completing a timed run of the Ballabreek sprint track (with a few added straw bale obstacles!!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr In keeping with the theme, the competitors were split into groups according to whether they were based on DC or Marvel, Hero or Villain with the winners of each group progressing until only 1 remained (I used a random number generator 0-30 to decide the results - any score less than 10 meant they'd crashed!!) So without further ado.... the results!! ROUND 1 GROUP A) Marvel Heroes Winner - Spiderman Unfortunately Captain America encountered a few stability problems!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Don't worry though - he's unhurt!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr GROUP B) Marvel Villains Winner - Green Goblin This time it was the Red Skull who failed to finish (much to his annoyance!!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr GROUP C) DC Heroes Winner - Batman GROUP D) DC Villains Winner - Bane Proving that black cats really do bring bad luck, Catwoman came unstuck when she lost a wheel!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr ROUND 2 A) Spiderman v Batman Winner - Spiderman B) Green Goblin v Bane Winner - Bane Green Goblin found his wings getting in the way!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr ROUND 3 - THE FINAL!!! Spiderman v Bane Winner (and Ballabreek's Mighty Micro Champion 2016).... BANE!!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Meanwhile, the winner of the main races and Speed Champion for 2016 was... Hank "Clutch" Studly driving a LaFerrari (again decided using a random number generator) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Celebrating in typical racing driver style Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As you can probably tell, I wanted a way of using the Mighty Micros sets (and was partly inspired by watching a local soapbox race!!) I have to say, it was a lot of fun setting up the scenes and so who knows - the people of Ballabreek may make it an annual event!! (come on Lego give us a Mighty Micro Series 2!!) But for now, it's time for Ballabreek to get back to normal!! Anyway, thanks for looking - comments are always welcome. Edited June 11, 2016 by greg3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted July 2, 2016 (edited) After the excitement of the previous updates, things in Ballabreek have quietened down somewhat and attention has turned to more mundane issues, namely what to do with the local park!! As you can see, the fountain and paths of the original layout leave very little open space that the locals can use. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr This is becoming more of an issue as the population is changing. As more young families with children move into the area, pressure has been growing on the town planners to create a more usable, family friendly space and the park is seen as the ideal location. Various plans have been put forward, including a total redesign of the area and even demolition of some of the buildings but for now, with summer approaching, a temporary solution has been reached and the finishing touches are being completed. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As you can see, the large fountain has gone, opening up a grassy space where families can picnic and play. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The finishing touches... mowing, painting and plumbing in the new fountain. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The removal of the War Memorial has proved a controversial move but it is set to return later in the year (albeit to a slightly different location) after a bit of renovation and repair. In the meantime, the workers need to get a move on... the new park is due to open in just a few days!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As you can probably tell, I got the new "Fun in the Park" set and need a park to put the fun in!! Eventually I hope to extend the open area - I'm currently thinking about getting rid of the medical centre as it's not had any "investment" (i.e. new sets to go with it) for a while. I'm just waiting to see if if 2017 will bring us a hospital theme, in which case it may win a reprieve!! The bank and supermarket are also probably going to be replaced towards the end of the year but again, I'm waiting to see what official sets we'll get next year!! Anyway, thanks for looking - comments are always welcome!! Edited July 2, 2016 by greg3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted July 5, 2016 (edited) Following on from the last update, the workers got finished in time and the park is now open again!! As you can see, the locals have wasted no time in getting out and enjoying the sunshine!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Whether it's enjoying a spot of lunch... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Keeping the kids occupied... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Or just enjoying a quiet sit down... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Ballabreek park is the place to be!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Oh, and if you're wondering what happened to the old fountain which had been a part of the village for many years (the one with the gold bricks, which in the "History of Ballabreek" was intended to mark the village's gold mining heritage), it was due to be demolished but the local Space Tech firm offered to take it to put in front of their local headquarters!! It's now home to the firm's fishy mascots Neil, Buzz and Michael. You can just see them below the water!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Thanks for looking!! Edited July 5, 2016 by greg3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted July 23, 2016 (edited) More silliness in Ballabreek this week as it hosts the Tyre Paddling World Championships 2016!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Celebrating it's 45th anniversary, this annual event involves paddling any unmodified, commercially available, vehicle tyre around a course marked out in the bay. Over the years, it's become an important charity fundraiser with all proceeds going to local charities. It's origins are unclear but are said to lie in an attempted escape by a wanted criminal, As a result, it's become a tradition for the reigning champion to dress as an escaped convict!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The event attracts a large number of spectators... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr This year's course is an L-shape; going from the jetty steps, around a buoy and to the slipway... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The winner is the first one to complete the course, exit their tyre and reach the top of the slipway... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Finishers medals... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Of course, safety is important and recovery teams stand ready just in case... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Mad though it seems, this is actually inspired by a real event - The Annual Tin Bath Racing World Championships, held every year in the Isle of Man (this year's was a couple of weeks ago). This involves paddling a "boat" made out of an old-fashioned tin bath around the harbour and attracts competitors from far and wide!! It was also a way to use this year's Tyre Escape set!! Anyway, thanks for looking... comments are always welcome. Edited July 23, 2016 by greg3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bookworm Posted July 29, 2016 The Fun in the Park set makes a lovely addition to the central park of Ballabreek. What a diverse group of minifigures! The price tag makes me hesitate ($40 for a collection of minifigures? Really?), but your skillful use of the set is tempting me to pick up one of my own... I find the new fountain to be a bit grandiose (must be the golden wings) but I think it works well in your arrangement. The tire race is fun! I love all the quirky Ballabreek traditions. They add so much personality to your layout. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dazz Posted July 30, 2016 Thanks for sharing the news from Ballabreek. I really enjoyed your coverage of the different racing competitions. It seems like everybody had lots of fun. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alsielou Posted August 1, 2016 I am really enjoying these little updates. It really brings your town to life. So much fun!! Thanks!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted August 22, 2016 (edited) Thanks for the comments and kind words... time for another update!! This week sees Ballabreek get its first geocache!! My second favourite hobby (after playing with Lego of course!!) Geocaching involves using a GPS equipped device to locate containers hidden at outside locations, the co-ordinates of which are posted online. Here we see how it's done... Using an app on his GPS enabled phone, the Geocacher is guided to the correct location... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Hmm... it's around here somewhere!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr A-ha... a suspicious looking slab of rock... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Found it!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Now to sign the logbook and replace everything for the next finder... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As you can see, this update has made use of a new area of Ballabreek: a recently opened long distance hiking trail/footpath starting behind the mine. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The land (which was originally overgrown and unused) has now been cleared and landscaped with a gravel path which takes people on an attractive walk through the countryside. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr An information board (modified from one in a recent ideas book) has maps and guides to allow walkers to make the most of their visit. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The Geocacher himself is from a custom set created by a Geocaching company to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the placing of the first 'cache. The 2x4 brick is actually a "trackable" and can be placed in a 'cache to be moved from 'cache to 'cache by subsequent finders. A code on the brick allows you to track it's movement around the world!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As always, thanks for looking and feel free to comment.... It's not often I get to combine my 2 favourite hobbies and it gave me the push I needed to create the short section of hiking trail... but where does the trail lead to? Watch this space!!! Edited August 22, 2016 by greg3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bookworm Posted August 28, 2016 Very nice addition to Ballabreek! I love the path (the dark- and light-gray studs work really well) and all of the foliage that surrounds it. The low bridge across the stream is a nice detail and really makes the area seem like a good spot for hiking. I like the information board, too. It was a good idea to add a bit more nature on the outskirts of the village like a real community would have. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vindicare Posted August 29, 2016 Ha! That's pretty cool. My friend introduced me to Geocaching. It sounds kinda strange when it's being explained to you(he's been telling me about it for a few years, I declined). Then one day I said lets do it...and it is really fun! How much is the minifig & where to go to buy it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BrickJagger Posted August 29, 2016 Nice new update! I've never heard of Geocaching before, I'll have to check it out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted September 3, 2016 (edited) Ha! That's pretty cool. My friend introduced me to Geocaching. It sounds kinda strange when it's being explained to you(he's been telling me about it for a few years, I declined). Then one day I said lets do it...and it is really fun! How much is the minifig & where to go to buy it? Thanks for the comments... I think the minifigure was originally for sale from the Groundspeak website shop at www.geocaching.com but I got mine from eBay (think it cost about £20) Right, on with the latest update!! As promised, thanks to new footpath, we get to explore a little bit of the countryside around Ballabreek. Who better to take us there than the new Hiker minifig!! Off we go!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr But oh dear!! We seem to have run out of path!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr According to the map this should lead to a lake/river!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Hmm... it should be... over there!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Luckily a giant hand comes to the rescue and the Hiker can finish his walk, arriving at a picturesque water side lodge... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Across the river is a new campsite that can be reached by road from the village too. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Well worth the walk!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As you can see this is an attempt to use sets that are too big or that just don't fit with the main village. I wanted to create a scene that you might see in a catalog or Lego store to showcase the official sets and have other plans to create more scenes on the shelves. Here's a few more pics... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As you can see, i added the brick built animals to the scene... not very realistic but who cares!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr A view of the campsite... now I've got somewhere to display the excellent Creator mobile home!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr This is also the first in a series of updates featuring the new CMF series... I've got all 16 figures and plan to see if I can fit them all into a Ballabreek scene by Christmas!!! (I think some will be easier than others but I have a few ideas!!) 1 down... 15 to go!! As always, thanks for looking... Edited September 3, 2016 by greg3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dazz Posted September 6, 2016 I liked your Hiker story. Thankfully the giant hand provided a good ending. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted September 12, 2016 (edited) Thanks!! And here's the next CMF to "star" in Ballabreek.... the town's latest sporting hero!! Often spotted around town spending every moment of her spare time training Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Pushing herself to her limits and beyond... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The results of all this effort.... Olympic Gold!! Here we see her triumphant return to the village after Rio 2016 Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As you can see, the last pic made use of the village's Heliport!! First shown a few months ago and located on the outskirts of the village, it's now fully operational and in daily use!! here's a few more pics of it... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Thanks for looking... anyone want to guess which Series 16 CMF will be next!!! Edited September 12, 2016 by greg3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lightningtiger Posted September 12, 2016 Your small village keeps growing 'greg3', looks great ! Keep going and Brick On ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted September 19, 2016 Avast me hearties!! Today is "International Talk Like a Pirate Day" and the perfect opportunity to use a couple more of the recent CMFs in my town!! To mark the day, a group of local minifigs have arranged a sponsored cannon pull through the village centre to raise money for charity... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr While 2 of the "crew" pull the cannon, the captain "encourages" the spectators to donate to their worthy cause!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The cannon itself has been raised from a shipwreck by the local diving club.. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Thanks for looking... that's 4 series 16 CMFs down 12 to go!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Capparezza Posted September 20, 2016 Hehe, very nice. I like your storytelling and the scenery is awesome Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted October 29, 2016 (edited) Well it seems that the good people of Ballabreek don't share my dislike of talent shows because this week they've set up a temporary stage so they can strut their stuff!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Fortunately though, it does allow me to use another couple of series 16 CMfs!! After a week of competition, the winner of the children's class is.... Penny the Penguin (and her mascot) singing Happy Feet... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr  The adult competition was won by... Frank (the owner/trainer of Dave the Dancing Dog!!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr That's 6 CMFs used now (I could have used more on the stage but I fancy a challenge!!!) Anyway, thanks for looking!!  Edited October 29, 2016 by greg3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted October 31, 2016 A quick Halloween (or Hop-tu-naa as it's called here) update.... now what could have scared the trick or treaters? Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Oh the horror!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Not quite as scary with the lights on though... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As you can tell, this was an experiment in using a UV blacklight (I love the way certain bricks glow under it!!)... and a way to use another couple of CMFs!! Thanks for looking - comments always welcome!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted November 12, 2016 Another update.... With yesterday being Armistice Day, the people of Ballabreek took a break from their busy lives to pause and remember the fallen... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Selling poppies... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr It was also the perfect time to rededicate the town's War Memorial in its new location (after being moved from the park a few months ago) A simple wreath laying ceremony took place carried out by the town's oldest war veteran and their youngest (and first female) currently serving member of the armed forces. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr There was also a visit from a vintage World War 1 tank. Ironically this very tank once visited Ballabreek back in 1917 as part of a tour to raise money for the war! Now restored and renamed, "Poppy" travels around raising money for veteran's charities. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Unfortunately, I can't take any credit for the awesome tank design... I found the instructions for it on Youtube. I actually built it for a display at the school where I work but thought it might like to visit Ballabreek!! At first I wasn't sure about the new location for the War Memorial but it seems to work!! Anyway, thanks for looking... comments always welcome!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gotoAndLego Posted November 12, 2016 (edited) Do you have any plans to replicate those triangular road keystones you guys have. Edited November 12, 2016 by gotoAndLego Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted November 23, 2016 On 12 November 2016 at 11:05 PM, gotoAndLego said: Do you have any plans to replicate those triangular road keystones you guys have. Hi - I guess you're talking about the roadside milestones we have? Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Well I hadn't planned on including one but after your comment and a quick rummage through the spares box I've changed my mind!! Unfortunately, as you can see it's not looking it's best after being hit by a car!! The driver failed to stop and the Ballabreek police are investigating... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The workman is deciding how best to repair the damage (unfortunately he's going to have to wait for parts... the white 2x1 double slope isn't easy to find!!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr In other "news" a local entrepreneur is publicising a new business - the Banana Co (supplies of banana based products.) Today he's out in the park giving away free samples... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Bob the Banana  (the healthy eating mascot!!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As well as the raw fruit, the company also sells other banana based products (Banana cakes, chips, bread, etc) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Handing out information leaflets... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As you can tell, this was just a way to use up another CMF figure!! 7 left to do!! Anyway thanks for looking.... Comments always welcomed Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gotoAndLego Posted November 24, 2016 Yeah that's what I was talking about. Shame the car hit it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vindicare Posted November 24, 2016 It's good to see "Clumsy Guy" is all healed up & back on his feet. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
