Not Quite Dead

If the old adage “absence makes the heart grow fonder” really is true, then Brick Town Talk’s fondness level is at an all-time high, so at least there’s that.

Clearly that isn't the reality, but this extended hiatus has certainly made me miss this little site, and what could be better timing to stage yet another comeback than with the leak of the next modular, the Detective’s Office, due out early next year (thanks to Eurobricks for the pic below).

Detective's Office courtesy Eurobricks

This past year and a half have seen a fair amount of changes in the world of Lego blogs, with the death of a few of my favorites (goodbye Classic-Town) and the creation of some new ones (hello Modulars by Kristal). Still, I don’t think that there really is another site quite like this one, celebrating all the wonderful Lego architecture out there regardless of scale or style, so it’s worth keeping around, at least in my opinion.

For now, expect the usual reporting from me with a few minor tweaks here and there to margins and removing some dead wood. Don’t expect these every day, but definitely more than once every 18 months. Going forward, I am thinking about other features that would make the site more interesting to both the audience and the author so this isn’t just a series of images you’ve already seen on flickr. If there is anything you would like to see, feel free to email me (and if you have emailed in these last months, I am slowly getting through them).

As for my own Lego creations, those also took a year off. I am happy to say that I am slowly getting back in the MOC game, starting with the completion of my jewelry store, pizzeria, and bike shop (lovingly inspired by the official Bike Shop and Café set). Expect to see it soon in the Rockefeller Center Lego Store, and look forward to some new modulars in 2015.

Jewelry Store, Pizzeria, and Bricklyn Bike by Jonathan Grzywacz

Coming Up Clutch

Courtesy Coveted Clutch by kjw010

SoHo, Manhattan - (BTT) It's quite the dilemma. Do you just go to Canal Street and haggle for a "genuine" Louis Vuitton handbag, hoping against hope that no one looks too close at the tag and crossing your fingers that you'll never need to carry more than 3 ounces of stuff at once or risk the bottom from falling out? Or do you bite the bullet, walk those few blocks north, and invest in something quality made. Coveted Clutch, housed in this stately monochromatic masterpiece, features all the designer handbags you can shake a credit card at; upstairs lives the designer herself, the pastel interiors playing well off the dark grey street facade.

Psi of Relief

Courtesy Psychiatrist Office by kjw010

Neuro Alley - (BTT) Besides the odd couch-jumping actor, I think we can all agree that mental health is as important as physical health, and those who dedicate their lives to the field are certainly worthy of respect. They are also worthy of having a great building in which to practice, and the doctor in this psychiatrist office has just that. The palette might be simple - mostly grey with just a tasteful touch of green - but the detailing is anything but. On the first floor is the receptionist, while upstairs is the actual office with a rather angry athlete currently taking his spot on the couch.

The Maltese Barber

Courtesy 1228 Destinity Road by valgarise

1228 Destinity Road - (BTT) Always a fan of odd pairings, this dark green building is certainly as eclectic as it is beautiful. One the ground floor is a barber - perfect for those who have too much hair get some much needed relief. Upstairs is a detective's office, with the P.I. currently talking to a mysterious blonde straight out of a film noir classic. Finally, in the attic, a world-trekking explorer enjoys being surrounded by the spoils of his adventures. 

Streets Ahead

Courtesy City Module 1 by Tavernellos

Courtesy City Module 2 by Tavernellos

Rainbow Road - (BTT) While this site has occasionally featured multiple buildings at once, I do believe this is a new record. Fifteen buildings make up two sides of a street, each one different from the next in terms of color, style, and detailing. Like all urban planning success stories, it is the mix of uses that really brings life to the area. Traffic is looking a little slow, though, so perhaps you better opt for the tram instead if you're planning a trip. 

Basic Brilliance

Courtesy City Residential Pack #3 by Brick City Depot

London, Britain- (BTT) If it ain't broken, don't fix it. A classical adage that came from who knows where, but still as prevalent today as when it was first uttered. Modular (or terraced) housing and buildings follow this quite well: build an attractive building, build another, paint it a different color, rinse and repeat. But, just because they're similar doesn't make these buildings any less unique. A great example of how one doesn't need a vast palette of colors to create a great MOC or Modular Building. Let this example inspire you, and get building!

Morning Glory

Courtesy Untitled by at94

West Side- (BTT) Who knew that so much character could fit into something as small as this? It seems to tell a story of its life, from the time it was new, and the future looked bright, to now, with it fighting for its last gasp of air. Hopefully some kind citizen will appear one day, and rescue this building, and return it to its prior glory. As for the building side of this MOC, all is excellent. The slightly askew tiles, entropy of the sidewalk, and offset of the windows all lend to a unique style of something that appears to be broken, but was simply made to be that way.

New Kids on the Block

Courtesy Container House by Puriri deVry

Minimalist Lane- (BTT) Often, what we associate as 'modern architecture' is really done in a minimalist deign style. Using boxy shapes and unique arrangements of prefabricate pieces to try to elicit a unique shape and feel. Not too dissimilar from building with Lego bricks, which is why this MOC is such a striking example of what can be achieved. Using only basic Lego colours, and nothing more complex, Puriri deVry has created a hyper-realistic (if not hyper-common) representation of a type of building we are seeing more and more of these days.

Big City Dreams

Courtesy Tomato Street 3 by spacecolonel

5th Street- (BTT) Often, people will come to big cities with big dreams, big ambition, but a small pocketbook. That's where terraced housing becomes such a beautiful concept. Not only is it cheap enough for the average citizen to afford, it fits together like a stack of bricks, saving precious space. This little apartment has some great perks- an interesting second floor column, the white awnings above the windows, and the great technic piece usage at the tip of the roof. Even the Statue of Liberty decided to donate some parts to  this MOC!

Painted Lady

Courtesy San Francisco Victorian House by Brick City Depot

San Francisco, California, U.S.A.- (BTT) In sharp contrast from yesterday's post, here's a building that could've easily fallen into disrepair, if not for the passionate efforts of a small group of people in San Francisco. Based of of San Francisco's Painted Ladies, this great little Victorian Modular fits the bill of a beautiful, older house in a sparkly, new city. The combination of dark green, white, and dark tan works especially well on this MOC, as well as the tall outdoor staircase. The building also sports a full interior, complete with excellently designed bath and bed!

Afternoon Delight

Courtesy Modular Terrace House by mattiburgess

Wellington Way, Birmingham- (BTT) Often, one's first foray into the greater Lego community online begins with testing the waters with a small MOC or two, and slowly getting larger. However, mattiburgess started out by diving in with this beauty! The exterior features some noteworthy details, such as the windows on the sidewalls, a weather vane, and the cobbled look of the roof, he also built a full back patio and interior! Join me in welcoming mattiburgess to the community, and hoping that all of his future efforts look as good as this!

Welcome! Come in, be seated!

Courtesy Overdale Townhouse by Dakar A

Bonjour!

Hello! I'm not really French, but it's a great way to break the ice! I'm Duncan,and along with Jonathan and Chris, I am the newest author on Brick Town Talk. Some of you may know me from Eurobricks or Flickr as Dakar A. I'm also proud to be a TFOL, or Teen Fan of Lego, for those unfamiliar with the jargon. That means less income to buy parts and pieces from Bricklink, but I try my hardest to best use what I have.

I'm a Town builder by heart, since the first set I remember getting is a Town firetruck. I had my own sort of strange dark ages, where I followed kid hobbies besides Lego, only really getting back in with the Creator Street Speeder and the Green Grocer. And as the story goes, I now have a tiny city taking up a few square feet of my bedroom! Outside of Lego, I play the French Horn, enjoy Ska music,am a Life Scout (5 merit badges away from Eagle!), and am enrolled in the Cambridge AICE program.

I hope to be posting the best the Internet has to offer in Lego buildings on here, as often as possible. Which means more MOCs for you! I'm glad to be an author, and promise not to make anymore posts all about me!

CourtesyCigarette boat by Dakar A