carebear Posted April 6, 2019 On 3/31/2019 at 10:46 PM, greg3 said: This weekend, the locals have been getting a glimpse of Ballabreek's ancient history: a prehistoric grave first discovered back in the 1930's by a local archaeologist. After discovering the stone lined grave in a nearby field, the bones and other artefacts were sent off to London for examination but when World War 2 broke out they were forgotten. Recently rediscovered in a museum storeroom, advanced forensic techniques have begun to unlock their secrets. While the bones themselves are still being studied, a replica of the grave is on display... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Also found with the burial were some unusual grave goods which are displayed here... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr One is a carved stone club. Originally assumed to be a weapon or hunting tool, now microscopic analysis has revealed signs of white pigments suggesting that it might have been painted. Perhaps it had another use? image by g.nat, on Flickr Even more unusual is an almost perfectly carved sphere of polished black stone. Three small circular depressions in its surface has led the archaeologists to nickname it the "bowling ball". It's actual purpose is unknown but believed to have been of great ritual/religious significance as it was found with the skeleton's hand resting on it. image by g.nat, on Flickr As to the bones themselves, when first discovered they were identified as the remains of a prehistoric adult male but now modern technology has revealed so much more. DNA analysis of the bones and facial reconstruction based on the skull has allowed us to see how he might have looked when alive. Microscopic fibres found preserved stuck to the bones have even allowed his clothing to be recreated... so could this be the face of one of Ballabreek's oldest inhabitants? Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Keen to learn more about the area's prehistory, a group of archaeologists are preparing to excavate the area around the original gravesite. Already their preliminary surveys have suggested larger structures (perhaps a settlement) lay just below the surface and they hope that public events like this will generate interest in their work. It's already led to calls for the town to have its own museum to display local finds like this. A few more pics... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr image by g.nat, on Flickr image by g.nat, on Flickr This is my attempt to get the Flintstones set into Ballabreek... so was my town originally the real "Bedrock" or is this just the archaeologists attempt at an early April Fool's prank? I guess only time will tell!! As always, thanks for looking!! Fred looks great in your town! - When i want to build something and i don't no wath, i always revist your Town for insperation! Love what you do! Greetings! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted April 21, 2019 (edited) This weekend Ballabreek has been hosting its annual Easter Running Festival; a series of runs held over the Easter weekend. With the serious events out of the way, today sees Easter Fun-Run-Sunday and a chance for anyone to get involved. The race is a 2km fancy dress charity fun run beginning and ending at the fire station... here we see the runners preparing to get underway... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The entry field includes keen runners who "relish" the challenge... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Those who are just getting back into running - and may be feeling a bit "rusty" Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr And the beginners who've never raced before and despite looking cheerful, are "bricking" themselves!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The one thing they all have in common though is the desire to finish with a good "time" Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The mayor herself is overseeing things and has handed over to the starter (and event sponsor) Mr Bruce Wayne... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr GO!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr A short time later and all the runners are safely back and enjoying the post race festivities. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr All the runners get a free slice of pizza!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The warm Easter weather is good news for the ice cream seller... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr But less so for some of the runners... luckily there are medics on hand to help those who've pushed themselves a bit too hard and ended up "lion" down or feeling a bit "puft" (don't worry they were ok!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Of course even a fun race has winners and here we see Mr Wayne with the winner (whose performance was head and shoulders above the rest of the field) and the joint 2nd place runners ... yes it was a "draw" (don't worry I'll stop with the puns now!!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Couple more pics... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr This update was inspired by the real life Easter Festival of Running that is held annually where I live. I took part last year but injury put paid to entering this year so I thought my minifigs would benefit from a bit of exercise instead!! The real life event consists of a 4 mile hill run, 10k and 5k races held over 3 days... I added the fancy dress element to use up a few of the more unusual minifigs!! Anyway, thanks for looking... comment are always welcome!! Edited April 21, 2019 by greg3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carebear Posted April 22, 2019 9 hours ago, greg3 said: This weekend Ballabreek has been hosting its annual Easter Running Festival; a series of runs held over the Easter weekend. With the serious events out of the way, today sees Easter Fun-Run-Sunday and a chance for anyone to get involved. The race is a 2km fancy dress charity fun run beginning and ending at the fire station... here we see the runners preparing to get underway... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The entry field includes keen runners who "relish" the challenge... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Those who are just getting back into running - and may be feeling a bit "rusty" Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr And the beginners who've never raced before and despite looking cheerful, are "bricking" themselves!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The one thing they all have in common though is the desire to finish with a good "time" Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The mayor herself is overseeing things and has handed over to the starter (and event sponsor) Mr Bruce Wayne... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr GO!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr A short time later and all the runners are safely back and enjoying the post race festivities. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr All the runners get a free slice of pizza!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The warm Easter weather is good news for the ice cream seller... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr But less so for some of the runners... luckily there are medics on hand to help those who've pushed themselves a bit too hard and ended up "lion" down or feeling a bit "puft" (don't worry they were ok!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Of course even a fun race has winners and here we see Mr Wayne with the winner (whose performance was head and shoulders above the rest of the field) and the joint 2nd place runners ... yes it was a "draw" (don't worry I'll stop with the puns now!!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Couple more pics... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr This update was inspired by the real life Easter Festival of Running that is held annually where I live. I took part last year but injury put paid to entering this year so I thought my minifigs would benefit from a bit of exercise instead!! The real life event consists of a 4 mile hill run, 10k and 5k races held over 3 days... I added the fancy dress element to use up a few of the more unusual minifigs!! Anyway, thanks for looking... comment are always welcome!! Thanks for this! Greetings! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vindicare Posted April 22, 2019 Oh my gosh...the puns! They were terribly fantastic. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted May 6, 2019 (edited) Don't worry.. no puns this week!! Instead, a major police operation has been causing some disruption around the hospital... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr So what was going on? Well to find out, check out the next part of my ongoing Batman story... Hidden Pasts Thanks for looking!! Edited May 6, 2019 by greg3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted May 26, 2019 (edited) Other ongoing projects have meant I've not had as much time for Ballabreek as I'd like recently but the new city sets (and the next 2 weeks off work ) should mean some more regular updates!! First off we visit the Ballabreek Space Tech Centre. For the last few years, the centre has been involved in the research and production of cutting edge technology for use in the satellite industry but it's recently merged with other similar companies with a view to developing a privately funded, manned space program. This will involve a revamp of the building, beginning with an upgraded communications system to allow it to act as one of several ground based monitoring stations. (it will also get a new interior and a rebrand; new signage and the red stripes changed for orange!) Today sees the new rooftop satellite and communication gear being placed. Unfortunately I don't have a crane big enough so a helicopter lift company has been called in... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The main support units are heli-craned in first... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Other sections will follow... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr A local TV crew are filming the progress and are preparing to interview the project manager and one of the astronauts who will be crucial to this new project. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As you can tell, I found a few of the new City sets (a couple of the space sets and the Donut shop set) in my local toy shop and will be trying to fit them into Ballabreek over the next few weeks... so watch this "space"!! Thanks for looking!! Edited May 26, 2019 by greg3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vindicare Posted May 27, 2019 Mmmmm, donuts. I think I’ll be looking forward to your next update. Sorry....focus! Can’t wait to see what space advancements the city has in store. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted May 28, 2019 (edited) Well the communication dish is now in place. Some locals are a bit surprised at its height and a few conspiracy theorists are suggesting it might have a more sinister role as part of a secret Government surveillance operation - total nonsense of course! (although "Stranger Things" have happened, so you never know!!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Anyway, as work continues to revamp the inside the building, most of the locals are far more interested in the action elsewhere as the area is hosting a 2 week long motorcycle road racing festival. Although the racing doesn't pass through the town itself, the influx of thousands of visitors are a great opportunity for local businesses so several events are planned to attract the racing fans to the town. The first one took place yesterday at the mine... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr One of the top riders (and a multiple race winner from last year) was there with his race winning machine to provide autographs and photo opportunities. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr There's also a chance to view the trophy for the most prestigious race. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Another very popular draw for the fans... all the way from Canada... the Stuntmaster himself... Duke Caboom!! He's brought his travelling stunt show over to perform in the town next week. (something to look forward to!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Making the most of the potential customers is the local mobile coffee/donut seller. (in fact she's hoping to make enough over the next couple of weeks to finally be able to get open her own permanent coffee/donut shop in the town) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Ballabreek's Military History Society are also there, showing off their recently restored WW2 German Kettenkrad - a cross between a motorbike and a tracked vehicle (A Brickmania build). We'll be seeing more of these guys next week when they reveal their latest restoration project! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Representatives of the local police and fire department are also there (with their bikes of course!) to hand out information including advice on road safety. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Judging by the number of bikes parked here the event has proved popular with the fans - hopefully they'll be back over the next few days for more entertainment!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr This update (as well as the next few) are inspired by the TT Motorbike races taking place at the moment in the Isle of Man (where I live!). I've tried to include a taste of what goes on between the races - signings, stunt shows, displays of bike related machinery and more. (including the pavements full of bikes!!) Thanks for looking... comments are always welcome!! Edited May 28, 2019 by greg3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bludchylde Posted May 29, 2019 That City Coffee bike is adorable. Every Lego city could use more mobile vendors. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted May 31, 2019 (edited) Here's some more entertainment for the visiting bike fans (if the weather in Ballabreek has been anything like here, they'll need it as most of the practice sessions have been rained off!) Today's update is inspired by the funfair that's set up a few hundred yards from my house!! Unfortunately the only available space is the town's small park (and it doesn't take much to fill it up!)... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr A couple of food stands... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr A ball throwing target game for the kids... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr For the more adventurous... the "Zero-G Space Drop". This free-fall ride slowly lifts you high above the town... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Then wait for it... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr A stomach churning plunge to the ground... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As you can see, I bought the new Creator 3-in-1 UFO carousel set today. The free fall ride was the only one that really fits in the available space but I didn't really like the colours so I swapped out a few parts to tie it in to the new space sets... perhaps the Space-tech company sponsored the ride? I also increased the height a bit!! I'm considered getting the Toy Story fair set too but aren't sure if I can find the space for it - although I'll probably add the fairground themed builds from the upcoming people pack when it becomes available. Anyway, thanks for looking... Edited May 31, 2019 by greg3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted June 6, 2019 Today marks the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings and the people of Ballabreek have been joining others around the world in commemorating this historic event. The Ballabreek Military History Society have put on a display of some of the equipment and vehicles used that day, while re-enactors have been sharing the real life stories taken from the letters and diaries of the Ballabreek citizens who were there... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Some of the first men to go into action were paratroopers sent to capture key bridges before the main landing. As well as their stories, these men are showing off some of the weapons they used... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr ... and a rare example of a "Rupert" (straw filled dummies that were dropped in the hope of drawing the Germans away from the real targets) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Most of the locals involved however served in regular infantry units and would have been the ones storming the beaches... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Many would have been transported in armoured vehicles such as this Universal Carrier... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Women also played a key role in operation Overlord; maintaining communications with the invasion force, cracking enemy codes and many other roles... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The centrepiece of the display however is a newly restored Landing Craft Assault (LCA). This particular one has been equipped to represent the ones used by US Rangers in the assault on German guns at Pointe Du Hoc on D-Day. (The local link here is that the actual real life LCAs used were transported by a converted Isle of Man Ferry!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The commemorations ended with a wreath laying ceremony at the town's war memorial - the guest of honour being the last surviving local D-Day veteran. Screenshot 2019-06-06 at 22.24.35 by g.nat, on Flickr The military minifigures and weapons are by Brickmania, United Bricks and Brickarms; the Universal Carrier is by Brickmania and the LCA is a MOC (there's more info and pics of it in it's own topic here ) As always, thanks for looking and comments are always welcome... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vindicare Posted June 7, 2019 Great tribute here. Cool MOC as well, you did a good job recreating the craft. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted June 7, 2019 (edited) Back to the bikes... the last motorbike race of TT fortnight was held today and in Ballabreek the final evening's bike themed entertainment is about to begin. The road's been closed and locals and visitors alike have gathered... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr And here's the man they've come to see... world renowned stuntman - Duke Caboom!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr But before we see him in action, the "warm up" act is here. Invented and ridden by local man Emmet Brickowski, the "Thricylce" entertains (and amuses) the crowd with a few wobbly runs up and down the track!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Now the main event!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr First a bit of showboating for the crowd... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Then it's "jump time" Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Double back flip... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Nailed it!! (no-handed landing!!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr For the finale - The Duke's signature "Ring of Fire" Jump!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr When I saw the Duke Caboom set it reminded me of the Evel Knievel toy I had a s a kid and couldn't resist using it in Ballabreek!! (Especially as there have been several real life stunt shows here this week!) Anyway thanks for looking!! Edited June 7, 2019 by greg3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bludchylde Posted June 8, 2019 (edited) On one hand I'm impressed, but on the other hand I'm now cursing wanting to get a Toy Story set now. Edited June 8, 2019 by Bludchylde Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gotoAndLego Posted June 8, 2019 I was wondering if you were going to do anything for the TT. Have you thought about a Manx radio office in Ballabreek? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted June 29, 2019 Thanks for the comments... this small update is inspired by a local sporting event that took place last weekend - The Parish Walk. "The Parish" is an annual walking race that follows a course taking in all 17 of the island's parish churches - a total of 85 miles to be completed within 24 hours! It's said to have begun as a bet between 2 men back in the 1850s before becoming an official organised event in 1913. In recent years it has grown massively in popularity with over 1300 people striating the event this year with many of them raising money for charity. While most people "only" go as far as Peel ("just" 32.5 miles!) others carry on in an attempt to get as far as they can. This year 158 walkers completed the whole course within the time limit - and one of them was me!! (My 10th finish, I came 65th with a time of 21 hours 52 mins... only about 6 hrs being the winner!). This little scene shows a walker (which may or may not be based on me) reaching the small church at Ballabreek. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr I've imagined that the church is on the latter stages of the course so by now the remaining walkers are pretty spread out but the locals are still there to provide encouragement!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr These days timing is done electronically with a chip in the walker's number being detected by a floor mat they walk over before touching the church gate. A marshal is on hand to make sure there's no problems and a food/drinks station is there if needed. (although walkers still going at this stage will have a support vehicle nearby) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Our walker seems quite cheerful... but he's still got a long way to go!! (the number is a sticker made using an image of my number) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As with the previous TT related updates, I wanted to include more local events/activities into my layout - I have ideas for more later in the year!! Anyway, thanks for looking... comments are welcome as always. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted July 6, 2019 (edited) This week's update keeps the local link going as the 5th of July is the Isle of Man's National Day. Known as Tynwald Day after the Island's parliament (which dating back over 1000 years, is the world's oldest continuous parliament) it centres around an open air meeting of Tynwald in which all new laws enacted during the year are read out and citizens can petition the government to investigate grievances. It is also a celebration of the Island's Norse and Celtic culture and is a Bank Holiday allowing a number of events to be held around the island. In Ballabreek, people are spending their day off at a family fun day down by the harbour. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr A number of fairground games have been set up. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr With chances to win prizes.... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr There's also face painting and balloon modelling... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As well as making use of the new people pack, this update also gives us the chance to see the newly improved walkway - it's been widened to provide more space for running, walking, cycling etc as well as events like this. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As always, thanks for looking - comments are always welcome. Edited July 6, 2019 by greg3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted July 22, 2019 This weekend saw the completion of the refurbishment of Ballabreek's Space Technology Centre. To mark this (as well as the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing) a replica Apollo spacesuit is on temporary display outside - the Apollo minifigure is a custom from Brickmania (I bought 2 to use with my Lego Apollo 11 Lander set). Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The local press has also been invited inside to see the changes. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Upstairs, the old office and lab have been replaced with a state-of-the-art control room to monitor and track space hardware in orbit and beyond. A film crew are interviewing one of the controllers. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr On the ground floor, the sterile clean room is being used to develop new technology (currently the company is working on a range of robotic systems for planetary exploration) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr I thought this would be a good way to use the new space sets - who knows, perhaps soon we'll see the first Ballabreekian in space! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gotoAndLego Posted July 26, 2019 (edited) Great updates. Love the new space stuff you’ve got. Edited July 28, 2019 by gotoAndLego Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted July 27, 2019 (edited) This week I found some of the new "Hidden Side" sets at my local toy shop and couldn't resist picking a few sets up. As a result we have "The Mystery of The Maria"!! Responding to calls about an abandoned boat drifting a mile or so offshore, the local coastguard found the fishing vessel Maria. A boarding party discovered the boat was perfectly seaworthy but unmanned and drifting towards rocks. Unable to rule out the possibility of an accident or foul play, the vessel was brought into the nearest harbour, Ballabreek, for further investigation... As the coastguard patrol boat returns to its station, the "Maria" docks in the small harbour... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Police and coastguard officers board the Maria in an attempt to find clues as to the fate of any crew members... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Despite its rundown appearance, the vessel has a modern GPS tracking system - this could be vital evidence. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr They soon determine that it began its journey at its home port... the town of Newbury. As they try to piece together the rest of its recent trip, they fail to spot a mysterious "stowaway"! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Unnoticed, the strange creature scuttles off... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Heading towards the town in order to satisfy its hunger... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr To be honest I've no idea where this story is going - I just really liked the build of the fishing boat and thought the tentacles/eye combo looked too good to resist!! I might see about fitting some of the other Hidden Side sets into the ongoing story of Ballabreek - maybe as a straightforward "ghost busting" type adventure or as a "Stranger Things" type alternative reality/dimension type thing. Once the app is released I might have some more ideas!! Anyway, as always thanks for looking!! Edited July 28, 2019 by greg3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bludchylde Posted July 28, 2019 I had planned on getting one or two sets for parts. Mostly for parts like the hood with cap or the toque with the purple hair. I'm now interested in the sets after seeing how you integrated the boat into your setup. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gotoAndLego Posted October 22, 2019 (edited) Hey, @greg3 did you hear about the IOM LEGO Event/Convention? https://www.three.fm/news/isle-of-man-news/lego-show-coming-to-douglas/ Edited October 22, 2019 by gotoAndLego Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted December 14, 2019 (edited) Long time, no update... It's been very quiet on the Ballabreek front the last few months as real life has interrupted things (I may have to move house so the future of Ballabreek as we know it is in doubt!!) While this has meant no big additions or changes to it until I know what's happening, it won't get in the way of my minfigs enjoying Christmas... this year sees them erecting a large tree in the park... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The perfect backdrop for a spot of carol singing! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Thanks for looking and Happy Christmas!! Edited December 14, 2019 by greg3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites