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That's great!! A clever way to integrate the Lego Batman movie sets into a regular town!! I'm doing something similar with Arkham (it's going to be a crime museum!!) Anyway, nice work!!

Another weekend, another update!! This week sees the conclusion of the ongoing Kiteman story!! Enjoy... 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 As you can tell, I got a bit carried away (and had lots of fun doing it!!)... I have a few more ideas for stories too (not sure if they should be posted here or in the Comic section) but the next update should be back to showcasing the more normal side to life in Ballabreek!! (but fear not... Kiteman and the Red Hood will be back!!) Thanks for looking and comments are always welcome!!

Now that's a building with character!! (Perhaps not the sort of character you'd want to meet in a dark alley but character all the same!!) I love all the details like the pipe work and litter (good use of those stickers too!) Excellent work!!

Another great buil LT!! I really like the interior with the shelving and goods. As others have said though, I do think it would look even better with some sort of corner supports but that's just me being picky!! Nice job and thanks for sharing (good luck on Ideas!!)

That's one crazy looking town... But I like it!! The large museum type corner building is my favourite I think!! Excellent work - thanks for sharing!!

That's fantastic!! Comparing it to the real thing, your attention to detail is spot on!! (And some great parts usage!!) Will it get an interior? Excellent work!!

Wow!! A beautiful looking building!! I really like the exterior design and the use of colour you've got going on and the interiors pretty cool too. With skills like that I think you could easily get a job with Astrid!! Excellent work!!

That's excellent!! As others have said it's perfectly in scale... Might be making one for my Lego town!! Nice job!!

Despite not being a fan of friends (mini-dolls!! Why, Lego? Why?) I do think their buildings have some potential, something you've shown here with a really nice looking build!! I especially like the entrance way and roof terrace!! Thanks for sharing!!

Well I believe "Fake News" is all the rage these days!! So with that in mind, no doubt there'll be those that think this week's update is just a result of my overactive imagination!! Anyway, for those wondering about the plight of Ballabreek Police's latest prisoner... here it is!! 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 As you can tell, I'm looking to use the new Batman sets in my town and have a few ideas for storylines set in and around Ballabreek. Throughout the year I hope to mix them in with updates focussing on the more everyday aspects of life in Ballabreek!! I've tried something similar before with the TMNT and Ultra Agents (both themes which Lego retired before I could finish!!) Hopefully this time I'll actually get my stories told!! (the next update or 2 should finish off the Kiteman story!!) There is already a small bus stop around the corner but no bus!! (never got around to converting the last official one to drive on the left!! Might see about getting/converting the upcoming bus station set...) In the meantime, it's now home to a piece of modern art. An interactive sculpture called "Phyllis". Supposedly it represents the "Inner gatekeeper of the soul" Keeping all our dark thoughts and feelings in check (or something like that... the artist was a little vague!!) To passers-by though, its motion activated light display and random voice messages just make it cool!! (Some minifigs have even started a petition to make "her" the town mascot!!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr (Guess what movie I went to see last night!! ) Anyway, thanks for looking... comments are always welcome.

With the "planning issues" all sorted, Ballabreek's latest shop can open.... A Lego Store!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As you can see, it just about fits in the available space. The parking space has been kept but on a smaller scale (part of the town's desire to reduce car usage and encourage greener forms of transport!!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Since opening earlier this week the store has proved very popular... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Not sure what to put in the gap - a seating area or some decorative planters perhaps? Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr I have to admit that I'm now rather envious of the Ballabrrek citizens as a visit to my nearest Lego store involves a plane or boat trip!! Although if I lived just over the road from one I'd have gone bankrupt years ago!!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr And in case anyone was wondering what happened to the "Balloonist" from last week... well, he's languishing in a Ballabreek Police cell waiting to appear in court (seems he was in breech of a previous court order banning him from such stunts) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr What'll happen to him? Watch this space!!! In the meantime, thanks for looking!!

Thanks for the comments... I'm afraid I don't have any kids or LEGO mad friends to share my builds with, so apart from the nice people here at EB viewing this topic, my builds are solely for my own enjoyment (and why not!! Eh?) I'd say if you want to build/play with your LEGO then go for it!! Now onto this week's update... By now, work should have begun on building on the empty plot we saw last week but there's been a hitch as the planned building is slightly too big for the area available!! Now I could increase the paved area but that would mean losing the parking bay - something my minifigs have objected to as they say it will adversely affect trade and visitors!! As a result, the build is on hold until the local planning office makes a ruling (in actual fact I'm just working on a solution that doesn't involve me having to buy a straight road plate!!) In the meantime, the local authorities (i.e. me!!) have granted permits to allow local businesses to use the site on a temporary basis... 3 evenings a week, the village gets a visit from the pizza truck (run by the owner of the shop that once stood on this site) It's proved very popular (when he's not here he's visiting the neighbouring towns and villages!!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr At other times, local stall holders can set up on the pavement. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Today we have... the hog dog stall... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The flower seller... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr And the balloon seller... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Speaking of balloons, there have recently been some strange goings on near the beach... Is it a bird? Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Is it a plane? Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr No... it's a nutter with a balloon backpack!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Charles "Chuck" Brown, local daredevil and, from an early age, toatally obsessed with flight. He's carried out stunts involving balloons, parachutes, gliders and even man-lifting kites. Today he's aiming to cross Ballabreek Bay just using helium balloons and the wind!! After 4 hours in the air, he's nearing his chosen landing site and things are looking good!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr But a sudden gust of wind causes him to overshoot and head towards the main road, busy with traffic!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr by g.nat, on Flickr Fortunately he lands safely but not without causing a great deal of disruption!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Luckily, no one was hurt but it could have been a very different result!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr For causing such mayhem and potentially violating a number of laws, Mr Brown is taken away by the police for questioning.. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As you can tell, I've recently got a few of the new LEGO Batman Movie sets and want to make use of them as much as possible. I'm loving all the obscure villains (including Kiteman!!) and hope to do a few "origin" stories set in and around Ballabreek. Perhaps even the Dark Knight himself will visit!!! Anyway, as always thanks for looking...

15 15 14 12 1 Well done to all those who entered.... this was a hard decision!!

That looks really nice... the gold details set it off perfectly and I especially like the way you've attached the rear wheels - clever!! I wonder if I'm the only one thinking a black version would make a good horse drawn hearse?! Anyway, great build - thanks for sharing!!

Thanks for the comments... now for this week's update and new premises for a well loved local business!! M's Gems was opened in 2013 and is run by Molly (a former geologist for the mining company who now sells decorative minerals and gems). Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As you can see it was a small shop built in the classic open backed style (in fact it was originally a bank from an official Batman set) However, times and tastes have changed and I want to limit open backed structures to the edges of the layout while at the same time incorporate the new Creator style buildings in the centre. As a result Molly now has a new shop!! 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 build is a MODed version of last year's Corner Deli (combined with the Doctor Strange set!!) with the Gem Store downstairs and an apartment upstairs which is used by the mysterious benefactor who financed the building. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr I have posted this build before in it's own topic (with more detailed images of the interior) As always, I have a bit of a backstory to the change but haven't yet had time to photograph/set it all up but I'm hoping to include more of the licensed sets into the life of Ballabreek over the coming months so fingers crossed!! In the meantime I now have a new building space to decide what to do with (A major building toy company has expressed an interest in opening a retail store on the site but we shall see!!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Thanks for looking and as always comments are very welcome...

Your buildings aren't too bad... I really like the use of the olive green cheese slopes!! (Not sure what it's supposed to represent - a broken window? But it adds texture and interest - something your other 2 buildings seem to lack.) I think you'd definately benefit from adding Windows and other details though... If you're stuck for ideas, I'd suggest going for a walk around wherever you live and looking at/photographing a few interesting looking buildings. Then use those ideas as a basis for your work. Don't worry about the lack of rear walls... Classic town buildings never had back walls and personally I still love them!!! Anyway carry on building and most importantly have fun!!

This is great!!! The banana idea is very clever and the glass stairs are brilliant (not sure the health and safety people would agree though!!?) The exhibits are nice too. Excellent stuff - thanks for sharing!!

Housing has long been an issue in Ballabreek due to the limited building space available. Recently a number of apartments have sprung up built above the newest shops - but as far as the more traditional houses go, the residential area still features building designs dating back to the 1980s (the Ideas Book 6000 to be precise!!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr However, these houses have their issues... my minifigures have complained that they lack the modern features they expect. They're also cramped, dark, expensive to heat and in dire need of renovation or replacement. After consideration, it was decided that a total rebuild would be needed so the task was given to a local developer and here's the result... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As you can see the houses take up about the same space as the previous buildings but include more living space. The key feature is the conservatories, which as well as being bright and airy, are designed to be energy efficient saving a fortune in hearing bills!! An upper floor (and rooftop terrace) adds more space and style wise, the buildings are designed to fit in with the recent shops added to the village. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Inside, the 2 homes are fitted out the same (but new residents may decide to alter/adapt them as they see fit) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Typical bedroom... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Open plan kitchen/living area... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Main living area in the conservatory includes seating and a plasma TV Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The first residents take possession of the keys... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr As you can see, I've recently purchased 30165 (twice!!) and I love it!!! The suburban build is definitely my favourite and so I couldn't not have it in my town (the old houses really did need replacing). With just minimal MODing, they fit in perfectly and I can just imagine playing around with interiors... a hot tub in the conservatory perhaps? Anyway, here's a few more pics... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Thanks for looking... as always, comments are welcome!!

Launched in 1908 as a packet steamer for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, the SS Ben My Chree was the third vessel to bear the name (which means "woman/girl of my heart"). She operated on the Liverpool-Isle of Man route and was designed to be the fastest and most luxurious of the company's vessels. With a top speed of 24.2 knots (although it's said she attained 26.9 knots while in service) "The Ben" still holds the record for the fastest Liverpool-Isle of Man crossing by steamship (just under 3 hrs... something the modern fast craft sometimes struggle to achieve!!) With a crew of 116, she could carry 2,700 passengers... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr In 1915, she became one of 11 of the Steam Packet Company's total fleet of 15 ships requisitioned by the Royal Navy for war service. She was converted into a seaplane carrier with a large hangar fitted aft and a flying off ramp fitted to the bow. Planes could also be launched/recovered from the sea using the cranes fitted fore and aft. She could carry four to six seaplanes and was armed with 4 Quick Firing 12 pounder guns and several anti-aircraft guns. In May 1915, she was sent to the Dardanelles to support the Gallipoli campaign. She made history on the 12th August when Flight Commander Charles Edmonds took off from the forward deck in a Short 184 seaplane and launched a successful torpedo attack on Turkish vessel that had been spotted the previous day (this was the first successful ship launched aerial attack on another ship). Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr On the 2nd of September she took part in the rescue of several hundred Australians from the torpedoed troopship HMT Southland. During 1916, she operated off the Egyptian coast as the flagship of the East Indies and Egypt Seaplane Squadron. On 17th January 1917, she was anchored near the coast aiding French forces in their recapture of the Greek island of Kastellorizo when she came under fire from a hidden Turkish shore battery. The first few shots struck her stern, knocking out her steering and setting fire to the aircraft fuel store. As the fire spread, the order was given to abandon ship. All the crew managed to escape to the nearby shore using the one lifeboat undamaged by enemy fire and after 5 hours of bombardment the ship sank in the shallow water. The following day, the captain and engineer returned to the wreck to remove/disable the guns and rescue the ship's mascots (a cat and dog!!) In 1920, the wreck was raised with a view to salvaging her but she was declared a loss and was broken up for scrap in 1923. I decided to try and build this ship a while ago after coming across it's story while researching the Island's role in WW1. Also, today marks 100 years since it's sinking which encouraged me to get it finished!! It was my first real attempt at a microscope ship and I'm pretty pleased with it (the stern's not quite the right shape though!!) Anyway, thanks for looking!! Comments are always welcome...

Hi With the arrival of a new year (hope everyone's had a good 2017 so far!!), it's time for a new topic to chart the goings on in my Lego Town of Ballabreek... This week's update sees the year getting of to quite an eventful start as a car crashes into the pizza shop!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Luckily the emergency services are quickly on the scene. The firefighters make the vehicle safe and stand by to cut the victim free if needed... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The police close the road and interview witnesses... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Luckily the shop was unoccupied at the time and the elderly driver is shocked but apparently uninjured. Paramedics assess him at the scene and he is taken away for a check up. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The shop owner is understandably shocked Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr A structural engineer assesses the damage to the building as a local towing company prepares to remove the car so the clean up can take place... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The police investigation found that the driver of the car had simply became confused and pressed the accelerator instead of the brake as he turned the corner - he was found guilty of driving offences and had his licence revoked. Unfortunately the damage has left the building unsafe and it will have to be demolished - luckily the insurance will leave the pizza shop owner with a generous payout which he's considering spending on a food truck that he can turn into a mobile pizza shop!! Well I hope you enjoyed my little set up.... I thought it was time to change a few buildings in the town and this is the first to go!! I also wanted to use some of this year's new sets and hope to get as many upcoming sets into the life of Ballabreek as possible!! For anyone who's interested, here are links to previous Ballabreek topics (you'll see the pizza shop had been there since the start!!) 2010-2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 So what's this year got in store for the good people of Ballabreek? Watch this space!! Thanks for looking!!

WOW!! That is an amazing piece of work... all the architectural details are fantastic and like a real cathedral it has an imposing sense of scale. I really do hope you get around to building the rest of it!! Thanks for sharing!!

Very nice!! Could easily be the set of a movie!! Superb building designs and I especially like the all the futuristic but recognisable vehicles and strange looking characters!! Excellent work!!

What a fantastic town!! I love all the different coloured buildings and the park/lake area. The thing I like most though is all the goings on in your town - the tree protest is my favourite!! Excellent stuff - looking forward to seeing what happens next in your town!!

Well it's time for the last Ballabreek update for 2016 and what better way to mark the New Year than with a look towards the future.... and a big party!! This year the good folks of Ballabreek have decided to throw a Sci-Fi themed New Year's Eve party on the beach - and everyone's invited... so get dressed up and head on down!! Of course, the only way to get there is via a time machine... (the bouncers keep out any undesirables) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr On arrival you get a complimentary drink... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr After that, you may want to hit the dance floor and mingle with (among others).... Breakdancing aliens, people taking "the robot" way too seriously and the world champion of Musical statues (no matter how long you watch her, you won't see her move!!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr All to the pumping tunes of DJ Palpatine... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr "And now young Skywalker... you will dance!!" Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The more adventurous can try strutting their stuff on the ice... (the rink closes tomorrow so this is their last chance!!) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Once you've worked up a thirst, head to the bar... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Inside the cafe, food is available (and true geeks have the chance to see an actual Dalek TV prop) Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr A few more pics... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Of course as well as the fun and silliness, New Year's Eve is also about looking back and taking a moment to remember absent friends... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr So there we have it... another year in the life of Ballabreek comes to an end (and with all series 16 CMFs used at some point!!).... but what does 2017 have in store? I guess we'll just have to wait and see!! Thanks for looking and Happy New Year!!!!

Ho, ho, ho... with just 2 days to go 'til Christmas, the big man himself has taken time out from his busy schedule to visit Ballabreek!! No reindeer sleighs here though, my Santa travels in style on a steam train!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Locals gather at the tram stop to visit him in his mobile grotto!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr "And what do you want this year young man?" "Lego please!!" Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr For some, this will be their first Christmas... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The train also allows locals to donate gifts to be given out to a number of charities... Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Today also sees a local wildlife expert giving a talk on the real life of reindeer (the non-magical variety!) She's just returned from a 6-month trip to the Arctic Circle studying the creatures. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The reindeer is from a local wildlife park. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr So that's 2 more Series 16 CMFs used up in my challenge to feature them all in my town, only one more to go before the end of the year!! Thanks for looking... and Happy Christmas!!