greg3

Hi Those of you who have seen my ongoing topic in the Town forum charting life in my Lego town of Ballabreek, will know that I try to include other themes into my layout, including many Licensed sets. I often have silly little story ideas in my mind as I do so and I thought I'd actually start to try to turn these ideas into a comic. Most of them will be my own take on well known comic book stories and characters tweaked to fit in with my small town!! (Apologies for the sometimes dodgy photos - most pics are taken in my layout as it is, so lighting/camera angles aren't always ideal but I hope you like the story...) Batman in "The Red Hood Rumble - Part 1" 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 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 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 Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Thanks for looking.... part 2 coming soon!! Comments are always welcome!!

Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr August 1917 and the Great War had been raging for almost 3 years. In an effort to break the stalemate, the British began an offensive that would become known the Battle of Passchendaele. Part of the plan was to use tanks to cross no-mans land. One such tank was F41, nicknamed “Fray Bentos” by its crew (After a popular brand of tinned meat) On 22nd of August 1917, F41 was one of several tanks took part in an assault on a German strongpoint centred around Gallipoli farm. By this time, heavy rain had turned the ground to mud and most of the tanks soon bogged down, leaving just Fray Bentos to reach its objective. As the tank got within a few dozen yards of the german lines, one of the drivers was hit by enemy fire penetrating a vision slit and the tank veered of course into a shell hole. Attempts to drive out failed and so one of the men (L. Cpl Ernest Braedy) volunteered to go outside and attach the unditching beam (a large reinforced wooden beam that could be chained to the tracks for traction) but before he could complete the task he was killed by enemy fire. At this point, the tank’s commander, Captain Donald Richardson, realised that although they were immobilised and their main 6-pounder guns were now useless (one was stuck in the mud, the other pointing skyward) the tanks machine guns could still hurt the enemy. This was proved correct when they were able to break up a German counter attack against the British. Of course this attracted the attention of the Germans and they launched an attack to try and capture or destroy the tank. For the next 3 days, the crew fought off attack after attack. At one point a German soldier forced open a hatch and threw in a grenade but one of the crew threw it back out. Eventually, out of food and water (having had to resort to drinking radiator water), with all but one man injured and down to their last few rounds of ammunition, the final straw was coming under fire from their own side who believed that the tank was about to fall into enemy hands. Captain Richardson gave the order to abandon the tank. One at a time the weary men slipped out under the cover of darkness and made it back to the British lines (taking the tanks machine guns with them!!) All the survivors received awards, becoming the most decorated tank crew of the war: Captain Donald Richardson 2nd Lt George Hill Sgt Robert Missen Gunner William Morrey Gunner Ernest Hayton, Gunner Frederick Arthurs, Gunner Percy Budd Gunner James Binley .Lance Corporal Ernest Braedy (shot and killed as he got out to try and access the unditching gear) I came across this amazing story when looking for references to make a microscale Mk IV tank MOC and couldn’t resist trying to recreate the scene. I wanted to try and copy a (probably exaggerated) newspaper illustration from the time of Germans crawling all over the tank - using microscale figures turned out to be very fiddly!!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr A few more views... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr 35967104763_40272065bc_o by g.nat, on Flickr Anyway, comments are welcome (I’ll probably post pics of the tank itself later - as I'm quite pleased with how it came out! )

This week sees some success for the local police force as they finally capture the Red Hood Gang that was beginning to gain a foothold in the area!! According to a police spokesperson, the gang were apprehended at the local mine attempting to illegally dump toxic waste. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr 4 key members of the gang were captured... but it's believed their leader died trying to flee through the sewer system (probably poisoned by the very waste he'd been paid to dump!!) but his body is yet to be located. Here a police officer gathers evidence before specialist teams move in to safely remove the waste. (the open drain can be seen to the officer's left) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The gang had been behind a number of high profile robberies in recent weeks and a number of firearms were recovered from the scene... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr In a press conference, the local chief of police announced the arrest of the mine's owner and the head of ACE Chemicals for their parts in the conspiracy. He was also keen to thank the Gotham Police Force for their assistance in the case, but refused to comment on rumours that the Gotham vigilante known as "Batman" had been involved... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr So what really happened? Was the Dark knight involved? And what will become of the mine (an important part of the local economy)? Find out soon!! This rather short update is a teaser for comic style story I'm just putting together (an attempt to get more superhero sets involved in village life!!) The pictures aren't the best as they're a couple of rather rushed shots that I was going to use but then didn't!! Hopefully the story will appear soon in the Comics Forum. Thanks for looking - comments are always welcome.

That looks brilliant!! A really unique external texture (and one that gets me thinking "How is that done!!" The trees are great too!! Excellent work!

That's inspired!! I love it!! Nice work!

Nice build!! At first glance it looks pretty simple but then you start to spot all the little details and clever techniques you've used (as others have said the roof ornamentation especially is brilliant!!) Excellent work!!

That is a stunning piece of work!! Comparing it to the real life photos, I love the attention to detail you've put into the walls and that dome is a work of art!!! Beautiful!! Excellent stuff!!!

That's really cool!! I agree with others about the need for a window and an interior would be nice too but if you manage to get the toast to move that would be great!!! Nice work!!!

That is really cool - I love the modern "inside out design" and all the little details are spot on!! (The drones are a nice touch!!) Excellent work!!

Well, following the PR disaster that was the last update, the local mining company are now trying to rebuild trust with the local community by pointing out the good they've done for Ballabreek. Obviously there's the jobs they create but they've also put a lot of effort into projects such as the walking trail, constructed on old waste ground belonging to the mine... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Most recently the mine owners have invested in an advanced drainage system to prevent the trail flooding during bad weather. Part of this has included new water storage tanks under the mine itself. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Here workers finish inspecting the storage tanks. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr While the decision to work with ACE Chemicals may have been a mistake, the company is proud to have worked closely with other local businesses. One such example is the neighbouring Space-Tech company which they provide with areas for testing newly developed equipment. Here a new manned rover that one day could be exploring the Moon or even Mars is being put through its paces. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Today's test is of the rover's laser drill, designed to vaporise rock so it can be analysed by an array of sophisticated sensors. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr While the rover is the work of local scientists, the laser itself has been developed by the Garmadon Institute of Technology (G.I.T). This institute, based in the far off land of NInjago, has recently made great strides in laser technology and the testing is overseen by a G.I.T scientist. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The mine owners hope that sharing this work will improve the company's tarnished image but many locals still aren't convinced and as a precaution, following the recent protests, security at the mine has been stepped up. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr This week I finished getting the Ninjago Movie CMFs and thought I'd try and use a few... in the next few weeks we might learn more about the links between Ballabreek and Ninjago!! (I also wanted a reason to use the Creator 3-in-1 Space set... I especially like the rover - once I'd tweaked the colour scheme and got rid of the yellow pieces) Anyway, thanks for looking - comments are always welcome...

Awesome stuff!! I really love that fountain and the bulding itself is perfect!! I really like the exhibits too!! I'd love to see a museum like this released as an official set!! (If only!!) Thanks for sharing!!

Fantastic stuff!! I love the way you've captured the idea of a fallen Empire. Great attention to detail especially the vegetation gradually taking over and I really like the castle/fort built in the ruin of the grand pillared forum building!! Excellent work!!

Well this worked for me . (I'm in the UK) I needed 4 more to complete a set; Misako, Great White, Jay and Kendo Kai and as I'm hopeless at accurately identifying them by touch, I found a recently opened box in my local Toymaster store and picked nos 5, 15, 18 and 19 and got exactly what I wanted!! Anyway, many thanks to Legofrik for posting this info - it's saved me a lot of time and money!!

Great looking bar!! The interior details are perfect - the exterior's sweet too!! I like the design of the door way and the way it curves inwards. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the building!! Nice work!!

Thanks for the comments... I've toyed with the idea of stop-motion but to be honest it takes long enough to set up the stills photos (and I guess I'd need proper lighting - space for sets etc) so for now at least it's just pics on my phone - but I do like setting up scenes/stories (makes me feel like a kid again!!) Speaking of which... what's been happening in Ballabreek today? Well it seems the locals have taken to the streets in protest!! But what's got them so cross? Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Here's our answer... a consignment of potentially deadly toxic waste due to be stored in a disused part of the mine!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr ACE Chemicals, the company behind the plan, claim that it poses no risk as the waste will be closely monitored and is transported/stored inside concrete cylinders tested to withstand a direct hit from a tank shell. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The locals are unconvinced however and fearing the effect the plan could have on public health, the environment and the local tourist industry they launch a legal objection to the plan. Fearing they might lose the case, ACE Chemicals bring forward the first delivery of waste and so to buy time for their lawyers to do their thing, the locals are left to resort to direct action!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The original protest group (in the skeleton outfits) block the entrance to the mine site and are soon joined by many other locals keen to lend their support and defend their community against the "Corporate Bullies"!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Like all good protests, they have signs and chants - "What do we want?" "Ace Out" "When do we want it?" "As soon as possible!!" and of course a protest song "We shall not, we shall not be moved..." Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The local police are soon on the scene Officers manage the traffic around the demonstration. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr A negotiator talks to the protesters... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr While another officer talks to the transport driver to avoid him escalating the situation. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As the protest is noisy but peaceful, the police allow it to continue but when a protester armed with a hammer tries to damage the transporter she's quickly dealt with!! (despite claiming that she was an eco-warrior standing up for the rights of Planet Earth, Pamela Isley was later found guilty of criminal damage) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The protesters understand the importance of the media - here one of the leaders is being interviewed Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The protest attracts residents of all ages!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr After a stand-off lasting most of the day, the protesters finally hear that their legal challenge has been successful and the judge has overruled the original planning decision. ACE are left with no option but to withdraw - a victory for people power!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Later, the head of Octan, ACE chemicals parent company, releases a statement criticising the police for their response but accepting the court decision - ending by saying that they are now looking at an alternative plan for the waste but giving no further details... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr This update was inspired by the recent Lego Batman Movie Bane set... I love the truck but decided to lose the heavy weapons and use it to transport toxic waste... it should also lead into a future story... Anyway, thanks for looking... comments are always welcome...

That is one impressive build!! The exterior is fantastic - I especially like all the detailing on the roof!! The inside looks perfect too!! Excellent work!!

That's brilliant!! Beautifully filmed and a great message too - excellent stuff!!

That's really cool!! I especially like the mine cart/ bloody pick axe scene and of course the final shoot out!! Looking forward to part 2!! Nice work!!

That's cool!! Nice to see the "Dark Knight" has a fun side!! (Love the hairdryer pic!!)

This is great and really makes me long for a return of a Wild West theme!! I toyed with the idea of creating my own Western town when the Lone Ranger sets came out but never got around to it... Not that it'd come close to your work!! Anyway excellent stuff - I especially like the variety of building designs you've got going on (and the gallows is a nice touch!!) Thanks for sharing!!

Here's a quick follow up to the events of the previous update... and a demonstration of the resilience of the citizens of Ballabreek! While the police investigation into the robbery continues, less than a week after it was almost destroyed the local bank has been rebuilt and reopened - with a few changes. As internet and phone banking have led to fewer people needing to visit a conventional branch, CityBank have taken the opportunity to move with the times (and save some money!!) by converting the bank to an automated branch. Customers can use the latest cash machines to withdraw money, as well as pay in and transfer funds - they also have the option to video chat with a real person if needed. While some locals have objected to the loss of a "proper bank", most see this as a necessary compromise to still provide a service but keep costs down (where I live most small bank branches have closed completely!). Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Security has been a major factor in the design... the walls are specially strengthened and access is limited to bank customers via a card swipe/keypad system. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Inside are the latest in state of the art, multi-function cash machines... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr A rear view... as the building is now smaller, it's left space for a small bench for those waiting for the bus!! (I may add a roof/shelter at some point) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As you can probably tell, I've based this on the recent Spiderman ATM Robbery set - I was originally going to use the official build but the colours just didn't look right (and I didn't need the exploding play features) so I built my own version (adding an extra cash machine and roof). I'm quite pleased with the result and it continues my plan to use official builds to phase out open backed buildings in the centre of the layout. Here are a few more pics... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Anyway thanks for looking...

Also in the UK, my local Toymaster store had all the sets for sale (apart from the ice tank and jellyfish ship thing - which I really want!!) but no CMFs yet!! They also had the Justice League sets too.

A stunning build... Love all the little details (the birds on the wire are great!!) and the interior looks perfect too (The rickshaw is a nice finishing touch!) Excellent work!!

This looks great!! A perfect combination of buildings and a beautifully landscaped beach... Nice work!!

These are great builds!! I especially like the taxi office - the combination of exposed brick texture and smooth walls really looks good (as does the architectural detail on the roof!!) The giant Octan figure looks great too - and I love the way you've got a detailed back story for the family!! Excellent stuff!!