greg3

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Everything posted by greg3

  1. greg3

    Terran Trade Authority MOCs

    It's been a while since I posted on EB but now I'm back starting with some recent sci-fi inspired builds. These MOCs are inspired by artwork from the book "Spacecraft 2000-2100AD" written by Stewart Cowley. The book was published in 1978 and was one of a series of "Terran Trade Authority Handbooks". It featured a number of Sci-Fi artworks by different artists (many of the images would feature on book/album covers). These unrelated images were linked together by the book's narrative which told a fictional "history" of a war pitting Earth (the Terrans) and their allies from Alpha Centauri against the inhabitants of Proxima Centauri. As a kid I loved this book and often tried to recreate the scenes using my LEGO. Now 40-odd years later and I'm still doing it! Hopefully I've got a bit better at it!First is the K13 Shark, from an image by Angus McKie. According to the book it was a Proximan mid-range interceptor which first appeared in 2056 and had an advanced hydrogen plasma drive system. It was lightly armoured but fast and manoeuvrable and was fitted with hydrogen collectors projecting back from each wing to extend its range.It was armed with 2 laserguns and 1 nuclear pellet gun and had an advanced navigation system (part of which was the prominent fin that gave it its codename). Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on FlickrNext is a K7 Piranha (based on artwork by Tony Roberts). This was a Proximan, single seat, atmospheric fighter which took part in the Invasion of Mars in 2052, operating from warp-equipped carriers. They also played a major role in defending the Proximan homeworlds later in the war. Armed with a single laser gun, particle accelerator or nuclear pellet gun, Piranhas were small, fast and manoeuvrable, often using their superior numbers to overwhelm their targets. After the war, many surviving Piranhas were stripped of their weapons and converted to private civilian use. IMG_6484 by g.nat, on Flickr IMG_6481 by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Finally it's the ACM 115 "Minnow". Based on artwork by Colin Hay, it was an Alpha Centauri ship designed as a long range interceptor/scoutship. it had a crew of 2 and was armed with various laserguns (this late war version also has a shield generator mounted on the upper hull). IMG_6542 by g.nat, on Flickr IMG_6541 by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr I'm hoping to get around to making more of these but for now the free instructions for these 3 are on my Rebrickable page. Rebrickable Link
  2. Hi As a school teacher, I like trying to get Lego into the topics I teach and with a WW1 topic coming up I wanted to find some easy builds that the children could use to create a display. A bit of Googling came up with a number of mini scale tanks but none of them looked quite right in my eyes (they tended to be out of proportion, being too wide and/or too fiddly) So I set about creating my own version of the main British tank of the war - the Mark 4. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The MK IV was first used in 1917 and was an improved version of the first British tank to be used in action, the MK I (the Mk II & III were slight upgrades used primarily for training). The main improvements of the MK IV were: improved armour; relocation of the fuel tank to between the rear "horns"; a redesign of the side sponsons so they could be partially retraced to reduce the tanks width for transport and the addition of an "unhitching beam", a large reinforced wooden beam that could be attached to the tracks to help get the tank out of ditches, shell holes etc. There were 3 main versions created; a "male" armed with a 6-pounder gun and machine gun in each sponson: a "female" with 2 machine guns in each sponson and an unarmed supply version. In total 1,220 were built: 420 Males, 595 Females and 205 supply versions. An unknown number were also converted to other roles including: recovery, a mortar carrier and even an airship tug (with a large triangular mooring mast fitted to the top!!). At least 40 were captured and put into service with the Germans. The last MK IV to see service was one called "Excellent" which was used by the Home Guard during WW2!! My version is a standard male version. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr I'm pretty pleased with how it came out although the tracks don't turn (a result of having them wrapped around plates in order to reduce the width) and the ground clearance is a bit low!! I'm also trying to find a way to add a machine gun at the front!! Anyway, thanks for looking... comments are always welcome!!
  3. This is my MOC of the GAU-90, a fictional weapon featured in the Avatar movies. I built it after treating myself to LEGO set 75571 (Thanator vs AMP Suit) and deciding the AMP suit needed a bit more firepower! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on FlickrAccording to behind-the-scenes movie references, the GAU-90 is a 30mm auto cannon designed to be used by the RDA’s AMP suit operators. It can fire high explosive, armour piercing or incendiary rounds at a rate of 250 rounds per minute. It also has an under barrel bayonet for close quarter combat. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr I wanted my version it to look like something LEGO could (should?) have made to accompany the set so I made the gun able to clip into the hands. I also added a stand to store the gun/ammo drum when not in use. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on FlickrThe build went together pretty quickly using the parts I had available and I think it came out looking OK (Although I do need to improve the bayonet attachment as it’s a bit wobbly!) I’m really liking the official LEGO Avatar sets and might look at doing more Avatar themed MOCs in the future. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Thanks for looking.
  4. Even the most fearsome Viking warrior needs to take a break from raiding, pillaging, fighting and feasting in order to answer the call of nature…. and where better to do this than in the peace and privacy of the Viking Privy! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr“Protected from the worst of the elements but with plenty of ventilation, the facility incorporates a gravity operated waste transportation system leading to a subterranean storage facility. A comfortable seat and absorbent, biodegradable plant based wipes to deal with any “mess” complete the customer experience.” Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on FlickrThis build actually began as an experiment in fence designs for a historical themed MOC I have planned. I’ve previously used flex tube to create the woven hurdle type texture but these flexible hoses are far easier to use and look much better. The idea for turning it into a toilet come from a reconstruction of a Viking toilet I saw online and I thought why not? Some pics of it with custom Viking figures from United Bricks Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Instructions for the toilet are now on my Rebrickable page Rebrickable Link Thanks for looking!!
  5. greg3

    Viking Privy (toilet)

    That's the one it's based on... minus the "authentic Viking smells"!
  6. It's a while since I've posted on here but thought I'd share this. Not sure if this is the right theme for this MOC but it is a boat and it is from the 18th Century so I hope it's OK! The Turtle was a one man submarine/submersible used during the American Revolutionary War. While not the first submarine in history, it is believed to be the first used to attack an enemy ship and the first to bring together many features used in modern submarines. I've always been fascinated by this craft ever since seeing it in a book as a kid. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr American inventor David Bushnell had developed a type of underwater mine with a delayed action clockwork fuse and needed a way of attaching it to enemy ships. His solution was the Turtle - named after the shape of its wooden hull. It had 2 hand cranked propellers to provide horizontal and vertical movement. Buoyancy was controlled by flooding part of the vessel with water that could then be pumped back out. To surface in an emergency, a weight on the bottom could be released. A small conning tower with windows allowed the pilot to see where he was going while surfaced and 2 snorkel tubes provided fresh air. Once submerged, the Turtle held enough air for around 20 minutes. A rudder provided directional control and inside there was a compass and depth gauge for navigation. These were illuminated using a luminescent fungus called “fox fire” The craft carried a mine which could be attached to the hull of the target vessel using a hand cranked drill. Once released from the Turtle, a clockwork mechanism set off the explosives after a preset time allowing the turtle to escape. On Sep 6th 1775, the Turtle set off to attack the British ship HMS Eagle, the flagship of the forces attacking New York. Piloted by Ezra Lee (a last minute stand in after Bushnell’s own brother had fallen ill) the Turtle succeeded in getting under the Eagle’s stern but couldn’t attach the mine to its hull. (Probably due to the metal fixtures of the rudder) As Lee tried to manoeuvre into a better position, the Turtle was spotted and, running out of air, he had to abort. Pursued by British rowboats, Lee released the mine which detonated a short time later without causing any damage but allowing the Turtle to escape. Over the next few weeks, the Turtle attacked 2 more ships but without success and was finally lost when the ship it was being transported on was sunk. The build itself is based on written accounts from the time as there seems no modern agreement on what it actually looked like! (In fact some sources claim that it was a propaganda stunt and never used!) I think there's enough evidence to say that it probably was used (modern working reconstructions have shown that the technology would have worked). It does make a great MOC project though and I think it looks pretty good! Comments are always welcome.... thanks for looking!
  7. That is so cool! Definitely has the feel of the castle sets of the 80's and I love the wizard hut! Nice work!
  8. 01 = 1 point 03 = 2 points
  9. 01 = 2 points 02 = 1 point
  10. Using just non-powered hand tools and her own imagination, the "Ice Maiden" (name inspired by her favourite heavy metal band) turns blocks of ice into works of art. Today she's entertaining the crowds at the Winter Village Festival by creating an Ice Castle before their very eyes. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr This is my first EB post for some time so I thought I'd ease myself back in with a little festive competition build. The 6x6 limit made it quite a challenge but I managed to fit in the sculptor, the partly created ice castle (a little tribute to what I think was 2022's best Lego set the Lion Knight's Castle!), her tool bag, tools and a coffee cup (to keep her going and to collect tips from the audience when she's finished!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Thanks for looking and enjoy what's left of the holidays!
  11.  Hi It's been a while since I've posted anything on EB but thought I'd share the latest version of my 18th century Armed Yacht "Peggy". I posted the first version a while back but have since completely redesigned it. It's inspired by a real life vessel which still still survives here on the Isle of Man... IMG_2384 by g.nat, on Flickr The History Bit The Peggy was built in 1789 for a prominent local businessman and politician, George Quayle, and was originally designed as a small pleasure vessel and racing yacht. As well as 6 oar-ports and a schooner rigged sail plan, she was one of the first vessels to be fitted with sliding keels. These 3 keels could be raised or lowered depending on the conditions to maximise speed and stability. In 1796, Quayle sailed the Peggy over to England, transported her overland, and took part in a regatta on Lake Windermere with great success. During an eventful return journey, he survived a storm thanks to Peggy's sturdy design. In 1802, the Peggy underwent some modifications which saw the sides raised, the oar ports filled in and the sliding keels and associated mechanisms removed. This made the vessel a pure sailing boat, more seaworthy and able to carry a small amount of cargo or passengers. She was also armed with 6 light swivel guns and 2 larger stern chaser cannons. Some people have suggested these changes imply that Quayle was involved in smuggling! (especially as he had a private dock and boat house cellar built into his house!). Although as Quayle was also an officer in the local defence force, and this was at the height of the Napoleonic wars, the armament might have been to provide protection from French privateers. When George Quayle died in 1835, the Peggy was simply bricked up in her boat cellar and forgotten about. Then in 1935, she was rediscovered still in excellent condition along with her masts, spars, guns and even the original sliding keels. In the 1940s/50s Quayle's house became a Nautical Museum with the Peggy in her boat cellar as the centrepiece. The Peggy is currently registered as part of the UK's National Historic Fleet as she is considered to be the oldest surviving schooner rigged vessel, the oldest vessel to have sliding keels and one of the best preserved examples of a non-military 18th century craft. In 2015 the increasing risk of flooding and gradually deteriorating condition of the boat saw the Peggy moved from her home of over 200 years. She was taken to a temperature and humidity controlled facility where modern technology will be used to fully examine and record her structure and stabilise and restore any damage. She is due to return to public view in 2025 but for now, you can view her in LEGO form! Without Sails IMG_2382 by g.nat, on Flickr With Sails IMG_2425 by g.nat, on Flickr Some Close Ups IMG_2415 by g.nat, on Flickr IMG_2412 by g.nat, on Flickr IMG_2409 by g.nat, on Flickr The Crew IMG_2423 by g.nat, on Flickr In Action IMG_2419 by g.nat, on Flickr IMG_2420 by g.nat, on Flickr The Whole Build IMG_2407 by g.nat, on Flickr I'm pretty pleased with how she's ended up but at some point I'll probably redo the colour scheme - this is how she's looked since becoming a museum exhibit (recent research has uncovered her original paint schemes... white and green with a red interior and then all dark tan after 1802) Anyway, I thought I'd put her up on LEGO IDEAS IDEAS link and see what happens!! Any support/comments would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks for looking! SUPPORT NOW 
  12. greg3

    [MOC] The Yacht Peggy (version 2)

    I have and they seemed quite impressed… (they’d just held a LEGO minifig treasure hunt across several of their sites and are looking to do more LEGO themed things) I’ve emailed some pics of more of my local builds to them waiting to hear back from them… fingers crossed!
  13. greg3

    [MOC] The Yacht Peggy (version 2)

    That's Castle Rushen (one of the best preserved Medieval castles in Europe... one day I'd like to recreate that in Lego too!) As for The Peggy, I've recently had a tour of the warehouse where she's undergoing conservation and learnt loads about her former owner and took a few photos of the boat ... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Guns Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Original 200 year old decoration!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Masts and spars Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr
  14. greg3

    [MOC] The Yacht Peggy (version 2)

    Here are some links: Wikipedia Entry Info on Peggy’s Conservation and History National Historic Ships UK Entry Plans I used these to help with the build… hope you find them interesting! Cheers
  15. greg3

    [MOC] The Yacht Peggy (version 2)

    Thanks for the comments... glad you like it! It is actually minifig scale - assuming my maths is right!!! (aimed for 1 stud = 1 ft) The real life vessel is only 27ft long, which I think makes its survival after 200 years all the more surprising!! The masts and sails are best guesses based on plans of the boat I found online that were made in the 50's following its rediscovery. One day I'd like to try and do the full hull w/keel, rudder etc but there are lots of tricky curves and angles to get to grips with! (in the meantime I'm looking at using the hull design as the basis for a Congreve Rocket Launching boat!! (or maybe a Victorian Lifeboat)
  16. greg3

    [MOC] The Yacht Peggy (version 2)

    Thanks for the support!! (I think the submission might benefit from some better photos... don't think the current ones are the best) Yep, that's the real life one you've linked to. There's more info here Peggy Link The hull is really sturdy in fact the boat could be called swooshable (especially without the sails... they are a bit heavy to be waving around! I do have plans to use the technique again (I plan on a different colour scheme and I have ideas for other vessels!) so I might create a bit of a tutorial or at least some pics of how it all fits together!
  17. Hi In recent months, I've started getting back into stargazing and thought I'd see if I could make a working telescope out of LEGO... and this is the result! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Inside the telescope, 2 minifigure magnifying glasses create a magnified and inverted image just like the real thing (just not with quite the same range!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on FlickrThe build also includes a section of “night sky” to explore. This includes a number of celestial bodies, both brick built - including a giant “space turtle” (a nod to the Discworld books) and a lost astronaut (perhaps he's looking for a Spaceship, spaceship SPACESHIP!!!) and some using actual images of astronomical objects (my favourite is Mimas… one of Saturn’s moons that looks like the Death Star “That’s no space station… it’s a moon!”) Untitled by g.nat, on FlickrSo far the MOC has proved a big hit with the children I teach and so I've also decided to post it LEGO Ideas as I think this’d make a nice official LEGO set ( it's great to look at/play with, it's educational and hopefully can inspire people to look at and learn about the actual night sky!) Any support would be greatly appreciated... thanks! https://ideas.lego.com/projects/b1f84187-f371-414a-8f17-9509ed428eec
  18. greg3

    Ballabreek 2021

    Happy New Year to you all! What better way to start 2021 than with a new topic to chart the ongoing lives of the citizens of Ballabreek, my LEGO town (now in its 10th year) This scene is from yesterday when a number of the more adventurous minifigs took part in a "New Year's Day Dip" by jumping into the (freezing cold) sea!! This is based on a number of real life dips that take place locally (not that I took part in any... maybe one year!!) The brave dippers... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As well as a large number of spectators, there's a life guard and medic on hand (just in case!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Fresh from their trip to a Galaxy far, far away (see last year's Ballabreek topic), the local news crew are back and on hand to record the event... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr In they go... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Some dippers think it's only fair that the spectators get wet too... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr So what's 2021 got in store for Ballabreek? Well next month the town will be going on public display at a local "Brick Show" (hopefully!) so at the moment I'm experimenting with how best to disassemble/transport it (which is why this update is so brief and I can't show the rest of the town at the min). Apart from that, who knows what the year will bring us, but these 2 will be there to cover it... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Thank for looking - comments are always welcome!!
  19. greg3

    Ballabreek 2021

    Interestingly, comments like this about changes in the real Isle of Man are always popping up in the local media and online forums (and to be honest I often agree with them as I love my history!)... anyway it just goes to show that Ballabreek does mirror real life! Hopefully this week's update will be a bit less "controversial" Today it's the town park that's had a bit of a revamp... new paths/pavements and a good clean! (as part the original layout, some pieces have been there for over 10 years!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The layout of the park has stayed the same but I have relocated the War Memorial here (This was actually it's original spot before it was moved to near the church). Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr This has meant moving the "Ballabreek Bricks" sculpture/fountain. The iconic golden bricks symbolise the towns past - referencing the town's gold mine and its name which means "place of the brick" in Manx. (it was the first local settlement to have buildings made of brick rather than stone). Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The fountain takes the place of the sensory garden (which was only ever going to be temporary) and is surrounded by wildflowers part of the town's latest project... BallaBee. To find out more, the news crew are interviewing the president of the town's Beekeeper Association... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr He explains that the aim of the project is to boost the numbers of bees and other pollenating insects in the area by planting a large variety of wild "bee friendly" plants in public spaces. The project will also involve the placing of rooftop beehives on a number of buildings. The first "trail hives" are top of the local grocery shop (which hopes to sell the honey produced by the hives.) but it's hoped that more businesses and homeowners can "bee" persuaded to join the project. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The idea of the "BallaBee Project" was inspired by parts of my local town that have been left to become bee friendly areas. I also wanted to find a use for some of the latest CMF figures (the Ladybird Girl will make an appearance at some point too as the project extends to replacing chemical pesticides with natural predators). Anyway, thanks as always for looking and feel free to comment on what you think of the changes!!
  20. Hi I recently bought the new Creator 3-in-1 Pirate Ship (31109) and found it a really enjoyable build and a nice looking model but the sails bugged me. I don't mind them being brick built but the foresail and rearmost sail just didn't look right so I had a go at creating a furled look (it's very basic but I didn't want to have to change the masts/yards.) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The foresail is my favourite bit... I used the spare bit of rigging to try and make it look a bit more realistic. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The rearmost sail (mizzen sail?) was the one that bugged me the most as the original triangle shape just didn't seem to look right/make sense (not that I'm any sort of sail/rigging expert!) so I've reimagined it as a gaff-rigged sail. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Side view Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Overall I'm pretty pleased with the result - the ship is now in my Lego town harbour as a tourist attraction/floating museum! (it has a made up history and back story but I'll leave that for another day!) Thanks for looking - comments are very welcome!
  21. greg3

    Ballabreek 2021

    Today sees the opening of Ballabreek's new skate park.. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Sponsored by the healthy sports drink company "Vita Rush", the park will provide a space for townspeople to show off their tricks and skills using skateboards, bikes, scooters, skates and wheelchairs. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As always, the news team are there to cover the event. Here they're interviewing a spokesperson from the drinks company about why such a facility is so important to the local community. As well as giving predominantly young people somewhere to go, the ramps etc are removable so the area can be set up for as a roller/ice rink or used for music performances and other community events. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr So as you can tell I got the new skate park set and thought it'd fit in perfectly where the church used to be (I've been meaning to get rid of the church for ages as it didn't really fit in with all the other buildings which are modded official sets or have a local theme. It was also too small/cramped to be playable). I also wanted to see the new road parts in person... sadly I was not impressed! They might be ok for starting a new town but to replace all my road baseplates would cost a fortune and there's no curves! One thing I have decided to do is to replace all the old light grey pavements with light blueish grey parts. The old parts are starting to look pretty mucky and I also want to simplify the connections between baseplates to make disassembling the town easier. So far I've just done the immediate area of the skate park but will eventually get the whole town done. Here you can see where the old 9the steps) and new meet... and where the war memorial stood (don't worry - it's just being moved!). I'm hoping to create a ramp to allow wheelchair using minifigs to access the promenade walkway. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Thanks for looking... comments are welcome!
  22. greg3

    Ballabreek 2021

    Well that's been an interesting few weeks!! After 7 months of normality, we were put into a strict 3 week lockdown due to a Covid outbreak at new year. So a combination of having to work from home at very short notice, no local LEGO shopping, very slow delivery from Shop at Home and the fact I'd disassembled the town ready for its first public display (due for next weekend but now sadly postponed to October!) has meant no updates for a while. Fortunately the lockdown has worked and life is back to normal (in real life at least) although Ballabreek is still being put back together but that hasn't stopped its Chinese community celebrating Chinese New Year with a small parade through the town... (luckily my Story of Nian set arrived just in time!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The centrepiece of the parade is a giant animatronic Nian (a legendary beast that is said to have once terrorised Chinese villages) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr According to the legend it was scared away by loud noises, light and red banners so the parade includes people setting off firecrackers and banging pans and cymbals to create noise... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr They also hand out red envelopes containing money... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The parade ends with a fireworks display... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Of course the whole event is being covered by the local news crew... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Anyway, thanks for looking. As always comments are very welcome.... (Hopefully I'll get the rest of the town put back together soon... perhaps with a few changes!!) Well spotted... let's say he was underwater (he had actually fallen down the side of the desk!!)
  23. greg3

    [MOC] Paddle wheel steamer

    Very nice! I especially like the deck seating, the rigging and the way the hull curves out around the paddles. Is it based on an actual vessel? Thanks for sharing.
  24. greg3

    Ballabreek 2020

    It's the first weekend of the year which means it's time for a new topic for my LEGO town of Ballabreek!! Later this year, will mark 10 years since I first put 6 roadplates together and called it Ballabreek ("Place of the Brick" in Manx"). Since then it's grown and changed a fair bit as each year I've tried to add as many official sets as possible (often modified to make them fit better). I also like to come up with backstories to explain the changes and add a bit of character to the town and its minifig population. The first change in the town this year sees the loss of a major employer... the Space Technology Centre . Last year saw the Centre taken over by a consortium of tech companies with ambitious aims to reach the moon and beyond. As part of their restructuring, they've moved the Ballabreek centre out of the town so it can expand. (it's actually only going on a nearby shelf!) This has left an empty area which an enterprising minifig has turned into a used car lot. Now the locals can get "reliable, cut priced vehicles" for "incredible low low prices!!" Then Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Now Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Eventually the site will be home to a large tuning workshop/garage . Unfortunately the current building plans would mean blocking access to the public footpath - the local walkers aren't even happy about having to walk across the car lot!! So until the access issue can be solved, the garage build is on hold (bad news for the garage business owner but good news for the used car salesmen!!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr In actual fact, the delay is because I may have to move house next month or 2. Hopefully I won't but until I'm sure, I'm reluctant to make any big changes/builds that I'll just have to dismantle in a few weeks! Anyway, for those new to Ballabreek here's a quick tour of the town as it is now... The industrial area centred around the mine. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Behind the mine is the footpath that's causing all the planning issues... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Opposite the mine are the recycling area, police and fire stations... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The town centre; tram stop, park, hospital, shop and bank. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr More shops (and apartments); LEGO store, newsstand, gem store, bike shop and hairdressers. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Residential area - a quiet one-way street... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Finally, the harbour area (including a small open air pool) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr So what has 2020 got in store for Ballabreek? Well I guess we'll just have to wait and see!! Thanks for looking. As always, comments are very welcome.
  25. greg3

    Ballabreek 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!!