10230 Mini Modulars

Courtesy 10230 Mini Modulars by LEGO

Missed any of the modulars the first time around and don't feel like breaking the bank to get them all? Live in a tiny apartment and just don't have room for such large sets? Either way, LEGO has you covered. Available in January 2012 for VIP Members, this set has miniature versions of the first 5 modulars together in one neat little package.

Big thanks to Rufus at the Eurobricks forums for breaking this news. Join the discussion, see more hi-res pictures, and see how much this will cost you at the Eurobricks topic here.

No Worse for Wear

Courtesy Town by Red_Giant

Well Worn Avenue - (BTT) Sure these buildings have seen better days, but the locals don't seem to mind in the least. With tons of activity on both the front and the back of these three buildings, which include a very popular sports memorabilia store, this neighborhood is as vibrant as ever.

Inspiration of the Day - 9/23/11

Courtesy Cincinnati Union Terminal by Robby Virus

Cincinnati, Ohio - (BTT) Completed in 1933 by architects Alfred T. Fellheimer and Steward Wagner (with a little guidance from Paul Cret), this iconic Art Deco train station very nearly suffered the same unfortunate fate as New York's Penn Station before being declared a historic landmark, but not before the bulldozers had already razed most of the train concourse. Thanks in large part to the efforts of Jerry Springer (yes, the one you are thinking of - he was once the mayor of Cincinnati after all), the building is now enjoying a new life as a museum, inspiring lovers of culture (and comics) for many years to come.

Barreling Along

Courtesy Barnard's Barrel Factory by j-spears

Industrial Way - (BTT) Storing wine, shooting fish, throwing at pesky plumbers - there really are no limits to what a good barrel can do. Thankfully the folks at Barnard's have you covered, producing the versatile oak and iron vessels to a variety of clients.

Dirty Pool

Courtesy Modular House by ArzLan

Far From Prying Eyes - (BTT) This lovely little vacation home has all the necessities, as well as a few luxuries. Although simply detailed, the large windows let in tons of light and open up onto a pool terrace, making it easy to go and take a (skinny) dip.

Inspiration of the Day - 9/16/11

Courtesy Forest Hills Gardens by Joe Shlabotnik

Forest Hills Gardens, Queens, New York - (BTT) Yes, you read that right - this is not some sleepy town in Europe but a planned community right in New York City. Architect Grosvenor Atterbury, along with landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., began planning the 142 acre neighborhood around 1908, and just a few years later the streets were in place and landmark buildings like the Forest Hills Inn above were proving that a 10 minute train ride out of Manhattan could transport a person to a completely different world.

Any Way the Wind Blows

Courtesy Hurricane Irene by Blake's Baericks

Atlantic Coast - (BTT) So maybe Hurricane Irene didn't cause quite the destruction as originally feared, thank goodness, but not everyone was able to come away unharmed. This vacation home has nearly been split in two, and based on the wild waves and way the palm trees are getting blown around, there is no real relief in sight.

A Fistful of Details

Courtesy 1908 Western by marshal banana

The American West - (BTT) The person who first coined the phrase "This town ain't big enough for the two of us" clearly wasn't residing here at the time - this town is huge! Five distinct buildings make up this street, with a general store and saloon on one side and the sheriff and gun store on the other, each with their own exterior character and interior details.

Mod and Trad

Courtesy Brown and Grey Modulars by alex54

Clermont-Ferrand, France - (BTT) The 1970s brought the world a few things that are probably better left in the past: disco, bell-bottoms, 8-Tracks. Many of the architecture from the era also gets clumped into this category, but this wonderful brown and tan apartment proves that a few architectural gems did manage to see the light. Playing off of the detailing and massing of its more classical blue and white neighbor, this pair proves that new and old can coexist in perfect harmony. Please feel free to join the discussion on these buildings at the Eurobricks forums.

Black and Tan

Courtesy Citibrick Building 2.0 by anupehr

Residential District - (BTT) Having just undergone a bit of a face lift, the Citibrick Building has seen a renewed interest among people in the neighborhood. The high level of contrast on this handsome facade really makes it stand out from the crowd.