greg3 Posted August 2, 2020 (edited) This week the people of Ballabreek have been checking out some new visitors to the area... a pair of dolphins who have made their home in the bay! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The pair (a mother and calf) have become local celebrities and everyone seems keen to catch a glimpse of them... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Of course, the local news crew are there to capture them on film - and to interview a local expert on marine mammals to learn more about them... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr This quick update has been inspired by a real life pair of dolphins, a mother and calf, who have been seen daily along the West coast of the Isle of Man. They featured in a recent TV news report as the adult (called Moonlight) has been identified as having come from the East coast of Scotland (and hadn't been seen since 2018). It also fits in nicely with my plan to do something different with my updates and have a monthly theme - this month will be Underwater Explorers (as I've finally got the new Diver themed sets) Anyway thanks for looking... comments are always welcome!! Edited August 3, 2020 by greg3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LAKAbricks Posted August 2, 2020 Curious! Here in Denmark we also have a dolphin visiting our waters. It's on the border to the Baltic Sea. It has been named "Delle", as the Danish word for dolphin is "delfin". Delle, though, also means "roll of fat". I like how you manage to include actual events into Ballabreek, greg3. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Some Guy With LEGO Posted August 6, 2020 looks great - how big is the entire town? Love all the little vignettes - I ended up making a relatively large central park for similar purposes (seasonal scenes etc...) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ArneNielsen Posted August 6, 2020 (edited) On 8/2/2020 at 11:37 PM, LAKAbricks said: Curious! Here in Denmark we also have a dolphin visiting our waters Well, yesterdays news about Delle was not so cute, as it was seen playing with, and ultimately killing, a porpoise - dolphins are cute and intelligent, but they are also predators. Really love the continuing stories of Ballabreek - hope the town dont get to close down again under a second Corona-wave Edited August 6, 2020 by ArneNielsen Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted August 7, 2020 (edited) On 8/6/2020 at 6:47 AM, Some Guy With LEGO said: looks great - how big is the entire town? Love all the little vignettes - I ended up making a relatively large central park for similar purposes (seasonal scenes etc...) The town covers about 23 baseplates and is L-shaped (to fit on the desk in the office/study that is my "Lego room"). Here's a pic of the whole layout from last year. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr For this update, we find out about a new business due to start operating next week... "Yellow Submarine Tours". Hoping to take advantage of the public's interest in the sea life around the coast, the converted research sub (made by Hammerhead Industries) will take paying passengers on an underwater safari starting from Ballabreek harbour. Before being launched, the sub is put on public display... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr So who's the genius behind the venture you might ask? Well, those who've been following Ballabreek for the last few years might remember his previous local ventures... the Penguin-themed Ice Rink and the Duck Boats... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Well he's back.... Local businessman Oswald Cobblepot! (here being interview by the news crew) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Knowing the importance of publicity in getting a new business of the ground, he's even hired Ballabreek's leading tribute band, The Balla-Beatles, to perform for the locals... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr His plan seems to have worked as most of the Submarine Tours are now fully booked... business is looking good! Unlike other updates, this isn't based on any real-life local event. When the Ideas Yellow Submarine first came out, I had the idea of converting it into a tourist boat for Ballabreek but never got round to it. After buying the new Research Submarine set, I didn't like the open back so modified it. I added a rear observation dome and thought it'd be perfect for "underwater safari" tours (and a chance to use the Penguin and the Beatles minifigs!) Hopefully in the next update we'll actually get to see the undersea world around Ballabreek!! More pics of the modified submarine here Thanks for looking. Edited August 7, 2020 by greg3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wesley D Posted August 9, 2020 I really like how there is always something going on in your LEGO town of Ballabreek! It is always fun to see your updates! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted August 15, 2020 On 8/9/2020 at 9:07 AM, Wesley D said: I really like how there is always something going on in your LEGO town of Ballabreek! It is always fun to see your updates! Thanks for the comment (glad you're enjoying the updates!! ) Following on from last week, the news team have been finding out more about what you can expect from a trip with "Yellow Submarine Tours"... The sub is boarded from the harbour side via a gangplank... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The entrance hatch is a bit of a tight squeeze! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr But once inside there's plenty of room for the pilot, reporter, cameraman (and all his video equipment) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The tour itself heads out to an old shipwreck (the remains cargo ship that sank in a storm several years ago - the crew were all rescued by the local coastguard and the wreck is now home to a variety of sea creatures!!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr View from inside the sub... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The reporter's verdict? The trip is well worth it and should prove popular with the locals!! So for this week's update, I've been experimenting with creating an underwater scene (based around the shipwreck from an older Underwater Explorers set (60095). I wanted to see if I could create a decent looking scene in a small space on a nearby shelf. I think it's ended up looking pretty good and will probably enlarge it at some point (got a few more ideas that involve an underwater setting!!) Here's a pic of the scene without the sub... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr And the whole set up... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As always, thanks for looking.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted August 22, 2020 Continuing with the Underwater Exploration theme, this week the news crew have hired a local boat owner to take them to their latest reporting location... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr ...several miles offshore. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The Explorer-6 is a Dive Support Vessel currently working on a project to develop the future of underwater research. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Once aboard, the reporter interviews the ship's captain to learn more... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr He explains that several hundred feet below them, on the seabed, a new underwater research base is being constructed. The first stage (which will provide power using the heat from a hydrothermal vent to spin a turbine) is already in place... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Today they begin work to add the living/working modules to the structure and the reporters get to film the first of these modules being lowered by the ship's crane... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Once on the seabed, the modules will be picked up by a submarine and carefully manoeuvred into position... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Once completed, the base will look something like this and be used for a wide range of scientific activities... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr So, this week I've been playing around with adapting my "underwater scene" to fit the new Underwater Research Base and I have to say, I really enjoyed putting together a little story of how the base was built. I had hoped to have the new ship to use as well this week but my car needed repairs and I had to spend my "LEGO Money" on getting it fixed!! Still it was good to dig out the old ship and I think it does the job!! As ever, thanks for looking... comments are always welcome!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gotoAndLego Posted August 23, 2020 I really like the underwater area. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted August 31, 2020 (edited) Avast, me hearties!! This week's update has a distinctly piratey theme as the town is visited by The Teeval, a modern reconstruction of an 18th Century pirate ship of the same name which sank off the coast of Ballabreek. The wreck was discovered several years ago and has been excavated and mapped in detail in order to create a sea-going replica to help learn more about life at sea in the age of piracy. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As well as the ship itself, the archaeologists, divers and scientists involved in the project have brought some of the artefacts recovered from the wreck and the technology used to gather the details needed to recreate the past... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The news crew interview the lead scientist... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The ship itself is opened up to the public... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Crew members in period dress explain what life would have been life on board... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The ship is named after a character from a local myth... Teeval, the princess of the ocean, was a mermaid who was sleeping on a beach when she was spotted by a warrior who captured her hoping she would marry him. When she pleaded to be set free he couldn't bear to see her so sad and set her free. In return she promised to use her magic to protect him in battle as long as he painted her image on his shield. I thought it seemed an appropriate name for a ship (and matches the figurehead nicely!!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr My original idea had been to create an underwater scene using the parts of the Creator Pirate Ship and show the divers excavating it but once I'd built the whole ship I thought it looked too good to "wreck". I did MOD the sails to create a hopefully more realistic "furled" effect. This is the last Underwater Explorer themed update for a while... next week the focus will be on another theme (I just need to decide which!) Anyway, thanks for looking.... comments are always welcome!! Edited August 31, 2020 by greg3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted September 9, 2020 The news crew "filmed" this update last weekend as the citizens of Ballabreek made good use of the last weekend of the summer holidays. The town's small seaside area has proved especially popular this year (with foreign holidays out of the question due to Covid many people are opting to support local businesses by having a "staycation" instead)... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The open-air swimming pool is busy (despite the "chilly" water!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Ice cream and entertainment has been provided to amuse the kids... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Those wanting to make their "staycation" bit more of an adventure head off into the countryside for a spot of camping... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr One business hoping to benefit from the people wanting to enjoy the fresh air is the "Wizard's House" - a basic hostel/B&B providing accommodation to those who want more than a tent!! The news team are going to show us around... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The building was originally a Toll Gate on the main road in and out of Ballabtreek during the early 1700s but when the toll road fell out of use it became the local jail (it's said that for a while, hangings were carried out from the nearby tree!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Inside the tower (which was the toll collector's and later the jailer's accommodation) are dormitory type rooms and a kitchen where guests can relax and prepare for a day of exercise and fresh air! Eventually the owner plans to add another dormitory in the roof space. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Comfy beds... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Delicious food Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr And if after a long day hiking/biking, you fancy a nice hot shower, then the old strongroom (originally used to store goods/money collected as the toll and then used as the jail) is now a modern shower/toilet block. (unfortunately it doesn't yet have a proper interior) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The business has helped to revitalise the old camping area as guests can also hire mountain bikes, rafts and kayaks to explore the countryside. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr So why is it called "The Wizard's House"? Most people assume it's because of the pointed roofs but according to local legend, the real reason is far more sinister! During the Victorian times, the building became the country retreat of a local man, Thomas Riddle, who was rumoured to have used it for occult magical experiments. After becoming linked to a number of grisly murders and disappearances (known as the "Death Eater Murders", Riddle mysteriously disappeared before he could be arrested and the house was found abandoned. Many people assume he simply fled overseas but others claim that he hid the secrets of his powers somewhere in the building just waiting to be found.... but of course that's nonsense.... ...or is it? Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr So after "Underwater Explorers" month, this month I'm planning to focus on the Harry Potter sets and getting some of them into Ballabreek. This is actually an old build which was originally just an abandoned building and campground. I thought re-inventing it as holiday acommodation made sense (the idea of staycations has become big here recently!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Anyway thanks for looking - comments welcome as always. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
siimonsayslego Posted September 10, 2020 Love the update this week, I'm hoping to get the Harry Potter sets as well, no idea how I'll integrate them into the city though I'm sure provide some good inspiration Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted September 12, 2020 (edited) Despite its growing minifig population, it's been a while since any new houses were built in the town but this week changes that (and as always, the news crew are there to tell us all about it!). As you can see, the main residential area has undergone some changes. A new modern family home has been constructed and a new road put in (where there had previously been a single parking bay) This road would lead to more houses and parking area for residents (but there's a wall in the way!!). Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr In keeping with my Harry Potter theme, the house is the official 4 Privet Drive set with a few MODs. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The main MOD involved narrowing the build so it'd fit in the available space... so unfortunately the stairs had to go (but luckily, like other buildings in the town it has the "Hand of God Vertical Transport System" to allow minifigs to get upstairs) I also had to MOD the fireplace. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr It also turned out that Ballabreek Social Services didn't consider a cupboard to be a suitable place to keep a child so I converted the space into a kitchen area. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Upstairs the main bedroom now has extra space which the new owners could use to create a child's nursery, home office or en suite bathroom. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr And here are the new owners... a young couple with their baby... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Just unloading the car (I've always thought that being a wizard would make moving house much easier!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr It wasn't long before the neighbours pop round to give them a friendly Ballabreek welcome (cake and flowers!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Finally a view down the street and an overview of how this area of the town now looks... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr I'm quite pleased with how well the house fits in (I'd had this idea as soon as I saw the Privet Drive set!) I'm not sure how easily any other Harry Potter sets will fit in though!! Anyway thanks for looking... comments welcome as always. Edited September 12, 2020 by greg3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wesley D Posted September 13, 2020 That house is a nice addition to your town! It looks cosy and warm. The European style fits well with your town. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carebear Posted September 13, 2020 Always Love to Visit! Everytime i,m stuck with a build i go to balabreek for insparation Thanks for this!!! Greetings! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted September 26, 2020 This weekend has seen the townsfolk head out into the countryside for the annual Swivenhodge match. The origins of this sport are long forgotten but each year the citizens take each other on in teams of 4 to see who can use a floor brush to hit a ball over a hedge the best! Usually, the event is held in May to mark the arrival of summer but this year's Covid lockdown has seen it postponed to today. Of course the news team are there to report on all the action... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The rules are pretty simple... each team take turns to hit the ball over the hedge (the ball can only be hit with the brush end of the broom). If they miss the ball or hit it into the hedge or out of bounds their opponents get a point. First team to 21 points wins. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Many of the townspeople get involved - either playing or supporting. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Refreshments are available Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Unfortunately, as with most of the fun things in life, injuries are common (most usually caused by a teammate's mistimed swing!). Luckily first aid is always on hand... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr In keeping with my Harry Potter theme at the moment, this build was inspired by the Wizarding game of Swivenhodge (featured in the book Quidditch through the ages). The true origins of this "muggle version" have long been forgotten here but at Hogwarts it is still played properly as you can see in this topic which allowed me to make use of the recent Quidditch set. The scene is also loosely inspired by Cammag (a game played here on the Isle of Man every year on Boxing Day) It's a bit like hockey but with no limit to players on each team (usually North v South) and played with any sort of hitting implement you can find! (I've never played it but maybe one year!!) Anyway, thanks for looking.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted October 31, 2020 (edited) A whole month without an update!! I blame work. (Actually it's more the fact I've been spending my "Lego time" rebuilding all my old Star Wars sets after getting the Mos Eisley set and falling back in love with a galaxy far, far away!!) Anyway, back to Ballabreek and what could be more topical than a Halloween (or Hop-tu-naa as it's known here in the Isle of Man) scene. This weekend, the owners of the Wizard's House B&B have put on a "fright night" event... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Locals are greeted by "Lady Arachnia"... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The gateway is protected by a giant dog-like beast!! The dog/wolf is from a Thor set and I used it to represent the Moddey Dhoo, a local mythical creature taking the form of a black dog that was said to have terrorised the garrison of a local castle. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Those brave enough to pass beneath it and enter the building will learn the secrets of the mad professor who lives there (and maybe meet some of his creations!!) Unfortunately I never got around to creating the interior... maybe next year! But you can see that some of his experiments have escaped! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Even the river where he dumps his "failures" isn't safe! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr For those still feeling brave there's tractor ride through the nearby woods... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As always, the TV News team are there to cover the event... although the reporter is about to get a bit of a shock! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As you see, for this update, I picked up the Halloween Hayride set - and dug out some series 14 CMFs and put them to use! As always, thanks for looking... comments are always welcome. Edited October 31, 2020 by greg3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted November 8, 2020 As today is Remembrance Sunday, the people of Ballabreek have gathered at the town war memorial to observe a 2 minutes silence... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr This year the silence was signalled by the firing of a restored WW1 gun... a QF 13 Pounder Anti-Aircraft gun mounted on a period Thornycroft j-type lorry. (Gun/lorry by Brickmania) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The town mayor, lays a wreath on behalf of the townsfolk... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr And as always, the whole event is covered by the local news crew... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr This was a just a quick update to mark Remembrance Sunday (and an opportunity to make use of the Brickmania WW1 Anti-aircraft gun and lorry!) Thanks for looking... comments always welcome. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted December 24, 2020 Unfortunately I haven't had much "Ballabreek time" recently (as well as being busy at work, I've rediscovered my love of Star Wars so my Lego time has been taken up rebuilding all my old sets from a "galaxy far far away"!!) But there's always time for a quick festive scene.... after an "unusual" year, the locals are having a low key Christmas. Here they're holding a Christmas Eve sing song around the tree... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr And of course, our news crew friends are there to capture the event... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As always, thanks for looking.... and best wishes for the holidays. Screenshot 2020-12-24 at 21.03.07 by g.nat, on Flickr Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gotoAndLego Posted December 27, 2020 Happy Christmas Greg, great updates as always. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg3 Posted December 31, 2020 Well as 2020 comes to an end there's time for one final update and it's only right to focus on the minifigs who have made it all possible... the local news crew!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr This year they've covered it all; floods, fires, community events, strange local customs, business news, heartwarming animal stories, local history, sporting events and of course the impact of the pandemic on this small community. In recognition of their hard work, I've given them the week off and after hearing them say they'd like to spend it "sipping cocktails somewhere hot and sunny" I knew exactly where to send them... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr (Not sure it's quite what they had in mind but at least they won't have to self isolate when they get back so they'll be around to bring us Ballabreek 2021!!) In the meantime here are a few of the times when reporting the news didn't quite go to plan... Rogue waves... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Cheeky children... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr An even cheekier seagull... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr And he didn't stop there... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr And finally the infamous "lens cap incident" Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr So there we have it... Ballabreek 2020 comes to a close. Thanks to everyone who's followed the adventures of my little town this year and I wish you all the best for 2021!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
