the enigma that is badger

Yes, Will Chapman does have a fantastic design for a Brodie helmet in the works: He also has several other British items in mind, including a Lewis gun which was also teased at BrickWorld. In regards to when the Brodie will be available for purchase, I really couldn't say. However, I can state definitively the length of time between BrickArms Series 2 and 3 is something that Will was not happy about (especially given it was mostly related to production issues he couldn't control). For future releases, Will plans to have a steady stream of new accessories hitting the market every few months. Keep watching this forum and the BrickArms Forums for more updates! badger

I've just finished putting together a few minifig displays; hopefully I'll have time tomorrow and Weds to get a few more set up. I'd like to display as much of my collection as possible, but it might be tight. Also, if you see someone walking around the BW floor wearing a pouch that says "Magic Bag of BrickArms", that'd be me. Please feel free to walk up and introduce yourself as a member of the EB forums. You never know what special items might be lurking in my bag! badger

I really enjoyed Nobody as well. To be fair though, while Tonino Valerii is credited as the director, Leone produced Nobody and given he was on set during the filming, there's always been some question as to how much Leone himself is responsible for the film. If we're talking pure Spaghetti Westerns al dente, aside from Leone, the other major name is Sergio Corbucci. Nearly all of his westerns are considered classics (or at least better films of) the genre, and The Great Silence, Django, and The Hellbenders are some of my favorites. If you liked the comedy of Nobody, also be sure to check out the They Call me Trinity and Trinity is Still My Name, also starring Terence Hill. badger

Very nice work! It captures the feel of FFDM quite nicely, and the Clint and Cleef figs are spot-on. I'd certainly agree that Leone was an exceptionally talented director. Of the films you've listed, I'd add Once Upon A Time in the West and Duck You Sucker! as excellent films. They have a great emotional depth not found in the Dollars films and are works of a more mature, even melancholy director. The only one of his films I can't stand is Once Upon A Time In America: too long, its humor almost grotesque, and not a character you can identify with in the bunch (hopefully). Fun fact: Watch Tucco's lips when he says his last line in GBU. Eli is definitely saying something more off-color than what's featured on the dub! And now, an interesting take on Morricone to play us out (yes, it is a phrase, Mr. O'Reilly) badger

Something I thought I'd share with the minifig customization community here: on the BrickArms Forums, a "Design A Spy Minifig" contest just started up. Here's the thread on the BrickArms Forums The key reason I thought I'd bring this up here is that the prizes for the contest are teases of upcoming BrickArms items: the new BrickArms Golden Gun and Spy Carbine: The inspiration for the Golden Gun should be obvious enough, while the Spy Carbine was inspired by the classic sidearm featured in The Man from U.N.C.L.E.. Of course, any child of the 80's should also recognize that pistol for other reasons. badger

You're referring to the BA-M5 and BA-M6. Keep in mind, while they were inspired by weaponry from other media, the designs of those particular minifig accessories are solely the creation of Will Chapman and therefore represent his intellectual property. If by "how" you mean "How are they produced?" see this page on the BrickArms website. As that's an upcoming accessory from BrickForge, you'd have to ask Armothe. However, based on my knowledge of molding, I'd say your standard injection molding with some core-cavity molding for the helmet. As for intellectual property issues, I don't think the Roman Empire is that litigious anymore Hope that answers your questions! badger

I had the chance to pick up a few of the old Playmobil Colt Navy revolvers, and as a huge fan of that pistol, had to try my hand at modding one for use with the minifig. Here's the result, as modeled by one of my resident cowfolk, El Topo: Enjoy! badger

All the pieces I used are stock TLC pieces or BrickArms accessories (sliver Monopod for the hand and scalpel). Here are the pics you requested: It's the TLC fireman breathing apparatus. There's more than enough room for some minifig headgear. The cap itself fits very tightly. badger

Thanks! Two new pics: The application of heat can sooth away those aches and pains: Of course, shock treatment is also an effective means of benefiting patient mental well-being: badger

I picked up two of the new Agents sets on Monday, and the new bionic arm piece really inspired me. Here's a character I developed to suit it: In the burnt wastelands of Scygia, the dark cult of Thule thrives. No individual better exemplifies the unholy melding of obscene magic and unspeakable science practiced by the Thule than Doctor Gruber, their chief research scientist. Experimenting on his own body, Gruber has freed himself from the grip of death at a price he considers a pittance, his humanity. Riddled with his biomechanoid "improvements", Gruber has systematically stripped his mind and body of any perceived weakness that might disrupt his work. And how he enjoys his work, a quest to unify the flesh with steel in a perfectly balanced, immortal union. Always eager for new test subjects, Dr. Gruber has numerous tools to further his research . . . . The "good" Doctor: Ready to use his surgical instruments with uncanny precision: Of course, some work demands a less delicate touch: The Doctor will see you now . . . . Another successful surgery! Of course, new data always inspires future work. What other terrible experiments does Doctor Gruber have planned? badger

To quote Claus von Bülow, "You have no idea." badger

Thanks for the great review and pics! I picked this set (and Mission 1) up yesterday, and like you, was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked them. As I'm all about minifig weaponry, here are two close-ups of what TLC has these guys packing: All in all, not bad for TLC, but frankly, I've been a bit spoiled when it comes to more accurate minifig firearms. "Zey call dat a Golden Gun? Oooo, Monsieur Scaramanga would not be pleased!" badger

Sorry about that wrong link folks, and thanks to Deinonychus for linking to the proper page. I've edited the original post to link to the NPR site. Frankly, it's fascinating that Lucasfilm is making the TLC license as core to franchise recognition as they are, although given the more mature themes of the Indy films, it's not surprising a more age-appropriate gateway to Indy is something they're pursing. badger

Listening to NPR on the way home from work today, I caught this interesting story on All Things Considered about the benefit the TLC Indy license has had on bringing new, younger fans to the Indian Jones franchise. Here's the story on the NPR page for listening. Now all we need is a shout out on Wait Wait Don't Tell Me! badger EDIT: Fixed link!

Beautiful work on the torso; it's spot-on to the game, and that design perfectly captures the essence of my personal favorite Thuggee cult leader. A hip-leg decal set might make the fig "pop" a bit more. You could do with dark red hips, then a leg decal similar to the Slave Leia fig: Setting that aside, black legs instead of brown might work a bit better to make the decal-leg transition a bit smoother. The helmet is probably the weakest element of the fig. It's certain not a deal-breaker, but this piece might work best: Honestly, until TLC sees fit to grant use a factory Mola Ram, this is perfect. Nice work! badger

Both myself and Will Chapman will be there and are eager to meet up with everyone. Another incentive to come to BW: brand new, never-before-seen BrickArms accessories will be debuting there! It's some really cool stuff, and I think more than a few people will be surprised by them. There's also the new Brickforge items that might make an appearance - I'm personally really excited about the Roman accessories Armothe has teased us with. Ah, the advantages of living close to Midway ;) badger

As someone who's been known to spend more than a bit of time browsing TLC stores and the building toy sections of retail outlets, I'm used to the occasional odd look from a parent or store employee. Folks at the TLC stores themselves tend to be less inquisitive as they're likely accustomed to AFOLs milling about, musing over the relative importance of owning the latest sets to paying things like rent and the electric bill. The looks really don't bother me anymore; thankfully I've progressed past the age where peer acceptance is the highest concern. I enjoy my hobby, and that's really all there is to it. I find there to be little difference in spending hours working on an MOC or watching a professional sporting event. Both occupy the mind and serve to take you away from the toils of daily life for a time. I, too, have pitched in to help out parents and older relatives clearly out of their element. It's most common during the holiday season - some poor Aunt or Uncle with little to no clue in regards to what's new and popular and will make for the best gift for the special young someone. To be fair, I used to work in retail and am fairly comfortable politely asking if they'd like some help then assisting them in finding something that will suit their needs. The vast majority are grateful for the help, and there's a bit of a thrill in knowing I've helped guide a set to someone who's likely to enjoy it. Even more fun: if the person asks me about the hobby more, I break out a BrickArms business card, hand it to them, and briefly talk about the business and it's history, mission, and products. Some people are truly amazed that custom accessory businesses exist and are even more shocked to learn what's available. I've dropped a card to a young builder or two and smiled with joy as I overhear a "Mom, can I please get some of these?" from the next aisle over. Returning to the question at hand, no, I don't think you embarrassed the AFOL in question, assuming he was collecting for the hobby (eBay scalpers I loath with a passion). I personally don't like to take the last of a set if a younger fan is around who was really looking forward to it; once I did give the last of some newer set to someone when they were clearly upset to miss out on it. One advantage of age: patience. badger

This is correct. The BrickArms M41A Xeno Pulse rifle is one of the most popular accessories offered by Will. badger

Really, really cool scenes! I love the way you've showcased the versatility of the items, and I have to say I laughed out loud at more than a few of them (the Classic Space vs. Mission to Mars especially! ) As for the "unofficial" tag, really, both Will and myself are happy to see anyone enjoying their BrickArms accessories and finding fun and exciting ways to use them in their building. As far as everyone associated with BrickArms is concerned, post all the MOCs and critiques that you like! badger

Not at all! That's actually a very creative solution to the issue of getting the clip onto the Garand. Nice work! badger

Some new shots: Really, it works quite well for the TLC musket as its long, narrow barrel suits the clip, but the BrickArms M1 Garand doesn't quite work with the clip as gripable portion of the stock ends further back from the end of the barrel. However, as bayonets really weren't a factor in combat in WWII, I'm not bothered by it as much. badger

I'd recommend holding off on that one for a bit as there are rumblings that Armothe and Red Bean have big plans for Brickforge in the coming months: *Pic posted by Armothe in this thread on Classic-Castle* badger

For anyone in the Chicago area, the Michigan Ave store has all the new sets as well as a nice display up. Best bet for parking downtown (always an issue): make use of the free parking Trader Joe's offers just down the street on Rush Ave. They'll validate your ticket for up to 90 min. Park, run to the TLC store, grab your sets, then had back to Joe's and grab one of those $2.99 bottles of wine, and you're set! badger

I was a huge fan of WW, particularly the Cavalry sets. Those figs were my first taste of color-coordinated army building, and that's set a trend for my building ever since. badger

Glad to hear you're happy with everything! Will really does pride himself on the quality of his figs and accessories and always loves hearing that fans are enjoying his work. Hope to see a few of those accessories in some MOCs! They do look good by themselves, but it's when they're in minifig hands that they really shine badger