ie10421

Well, My sorting system has kind of grown organically over the years. Currently, I have 3 main sorting systems, IRIS drawers, separated generally by bricklink categories, or sub categories (1x1 brick, 1x2 brick etc..) I tend to combine wedge plates, some slopes, and other types of pieces, like modified brick and modified plate etc.... I have the AKRO-MILLS wall mounted units to organize the technic pieces, and other small pieces. Finally I have some small craft boxes that allows me sort a single piece type into colors (1x1 round plate, 1x1 tiles, 1x2 tiles etc each piece type gets their own container). Unfortunately, there is no system for what type of piece gets what storage. The real problem for me is that I have no idea if I have enough storage for the pieces of have. what is in the pictures is about 1/4 - 1/3 of the collection. The rest is completely unsorted. Also, this LEGO includes mine and the kids (almost all LEGO in the house is really family LEGO). It shouldn't be problem until one of my kids whats some LEGO after they move out, and then we have to figure what they get. As sorting goes on, I may have to change the methods a little, we'll see. Chris

Looks great. I wish my home office looked that nice (I work from home). Having a window in your studio is awesome. I think it's great. I'd love see the inside of the cabinets with the LEGO all sorted, just see how you organize. Chris

Thanks tomdobs55! I've enjoyed the process the making the space. On the floor is my 4ft wide model of Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House, built for Brickworld 2009. It's currently needing some repair, as it took some damage during construction of the basement. You can see it here:

OK, Progress is very slow. But here are some pics of the current state. I still need to design and build the island, and get the rest of the LEGO down there, and finish sorting it. Andy D - Do you have any pictures of your space? I would love to see them. http://www.flickr.com/photos/ie10421/sets/72157633453124966/

Well, I have the design down, and hopefully construction starts this weekend. (Real life keeps getting in the way). Here is the rough idea The "iris drawers" area will be up about 18" off the ground on a platform so that I can have bulk brick storage under it, and I'm not bending all the way down to the ground to get to the bottom drawers. The Akro Mills will be hung on the wall to provide easy storage. The build island will be 3ft x 6ft. The Island will be on castors, about countertop height (comfortable to build at standing, or sitting on a stool). It will have some sort of "active storage" so that the pieces I need for the current build will be readily accessible, but not necessarily on top of the island. The desk will 2-3ft x 5t (not sure until I see how much space i actually have. The TV will be wall mounted above the desk, and the there will be a computer on the desk. The hallway leading in to the area will have some shelves on it to display build items, and the UCS Falcon will be hanging from the ceiling somewhere. I'll get more pictures posted once I get further along. Chris

Thanks for the suggestions, I am taking in all ideas, so I can really do this well. My original thought was tables along the walls (as you suggested). Another idea given to me (off list) was to build a island (maybe even on castors) using a table top, and putting more of the storage along the 10Ft wall. I like both ideas, so I am still figuring it all out. I like the idea of the display shelves, and may a good way of implementing that. I do have a spot to hang a TV in a corner, but I do need to consider how to decorate the walls to make it feel more open, enjoyable. THANKS! Chris

OK, I need to do some crowd sourcing of design. I recently remodeled my basement, and now have a dedicated LEGO space, about 10 ft by 12 ft. (see picture at flickr link). I am looking for different ideas for storage / build space design. I am pretty open to anything, but want to try and utilize the assets I have (see below). Please look at all the pictures on the flickr link, and let me know if you need more clarification. Here is the list of assets, as well as a link to my flickr page with a layout picture, and pictures of the spaces available http://www.flickr.com/photos/ie10421/sets/72157633188793621/ 3 x table tops 7ft 3in x 2ft 11in (I have legs for them, but am open to building some sort of frame for them or attaching them to wall or whatever, and they can be cut) Storage: 7x - IRIS drawer units, 12in wide, 16in deep, height is variable (each drawer can be removed / added) 2x - 6ft x 13in 3x - 44 drawer AKRO-MIlls units (red in the picture) Additional info on the space, 6ft 10 into the room an I-BEAM runs across, at 12in down, and 2ft 7in across (includes ductwork, see photo). Door must be able to open 90 degrees, it is a 3ft door. Room along the hallway wall opposite the shelves is available. Ceiling is about 8ft high (open floor joists, painted black). Thanks! - Chris

Harvest Bible Chapel... though I was never a regular attender there, I have lots of connections with that place. A college buddy was the worship director there for several years, HBC was the primary church for sending my sister overseas as a missionary.... several other things. Enjoy your time there. Chris

Woodfield and Northbrook both have about the same size wall, but inventory will vary. Woodfield turns their inventory over faster than Northbrook does. I haven't been to the new Downtown store yet, but i hear it is located next to the American Girl store. The old Downtown store did not have a great PAB wall. The stores are fairly spreadout, and traffic can be terrible, I'd pick the store based on where in Chicago I was actually staying.

Welcome! I'm down in Kenosha, where there are several other AFOL's as well. We have a LUG we've started for SE Wisconsin. Let me know if you are interested in checking it out. Chris

It's hard to tell from the picture, but behind the chimney is a new part, a 33 degree double concave slope. There should be 2 in the set, in dark red. Also note that the base is 3 plates thick. This is to provide for the sunk-in area in the front that leads to the lower level.

Here is a MOC that I originally displayed on Brickworld 2009. It is Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House. It's around 4ft wide, and though my description on flickr says 8000 pieces, I've gone back over my bricklink orders and done a better estimate, and it's closer to 12,000 pieces. See more of it on my flickr account Thanks for taking a look!

Found this the other day, it looks like PrarieMod is giving us a peak at the next Architecture set before the official press release. It's a little smaller than I built, but still looks very cool indeed. I may need to stop by the unveiling when it happens. http://www.prairiemod.com/prairiemod/2011/06/launching-lego-robie-house.html

DaveE, I seem to always learn something interesting from your posts. Chris

Mu understanding is that the law differentiates between custom works of art, so to speak, and production goods. Think about craft fairs, where 40+ year old men and women sell custom made craft items. Many of these include things like Pro Sports team Logos and licensed characters. These are perfectly legal to sell, as they are 1-off or very low number custom creations. I believe your Batman, HP or Star Wars sets would fall into the same category. The law is meant to stop companies from producing large numbers of items using others trademarks etc. Chris