Back from business

I'm back from business but I have little time to write.  I found a Construct a Zurg at WalMart for $10.00.  I guess this was not a popular model but it comes with a cannon and alien minifigure.  I searched for bulk block lots but found none on my travels.  I did find some interesting ideas on my trip, one including the beach and pirates.

Business Trip

I will be on a business trip for the next week but I will attempt to find some interesting sets on my route.  Stay posted for updates next weekend.

On custom Lego pieces

I am a traditionalist.  I like the traditional Lego blocks and elements.  I like the mini figures as they are.  I have never been a fan of Technic or some of these sets with the large pieces that use to be made with multiple pieces.  I understand the desire to minimize weight but one loses the enjoyment of the building of the models.  Perhaps this is why I see these themes on discount at Target very quickly.

That being said, I have mixed feelings on custom pieces specifically for mini figures.  I find the custom armor and weapons to be interesting but I have always found the lego weapons to have a certain charm.  They look like weapons but at the same time seem harmless.  Not so much for the custom ones.  They are very detailed and realistic.  They just are not my preference.  I also cannot justify spending $15 for a custom mini figure.  Maybe I'm just cheap.

Now the custom light elements are something I find to be quite useful.  Now Lego does make a few light bricks for models such as the dragon or the toy factory.  What is lacking is the lighting of building for night scenes whether building lights or street lights.   My only concern with these elements is the heat created and the potential for any sort of wire malfunction that could lead to an unpleasant melt or, even worse, a fire.  I would love to know any one's experience with both of types of elements.

Sorting blocks

The first step of my project is to sort all my blocks.  Mind you, I have been collecting since the age of seven so the amount of blocks is quite large.  The only significant thing I have lost are mini figures that disappeared during one of my many moves.  During one of my many purchases, I found this item at the Lego Outlet at Potomac Mills in Woodbridge, VA.

I don't remember the cost but I think it was around $10.00 a piece.  I purchased a total of four of these.  The tray has nine compartments which makes separating colors much easier.

Placed into the cabinet, the trays fit like this.

There are a few issues with these cabinets.  They are quite heavy by themselves but they are solid.  The trays slide quite easily meaning they are very slick and one has to be careful moving them in and out.  The cabinets also tilt when full as I discovered a year or so ago when my son was exploring the basement.  I know these will not hold every element so the plan is to head to Walmart and find a hardware cabinet for what is remaining.

Welcome

I would like to welcome  you to bricksandplates.com.  The purpose of this blog is to share my love of Lego system blocks that has spanned almost thirty years.  It started simply enough with a fire truck and then a space ship.  It lead to castles  pirates, vikings, trains, christmas, and the goal of creating a huge city of Lego.  What I shall attempt to do is present my progress from separating and organizing blocks to designing buildings and environments.  I will discuss various designs I plan.  I will detail  buying both sets in boxes and blocks found at yard sales, ebay, and classifieds.    I will attempt to highlight other sites that are dedicated to Lego blocks as well.  I will also write about sharing my love of Lego blocks to my son who is currently playing with Duplo blocks but has quite a bit of interest in my collection.  So I hope you learn something and you are able to share any knowledge with me.