Interesting new LEGO elements for Summer 2015

Let’s look for great new parts in the new Summer 2015 LEGO sets.

newparts

A couple times a year we see a lot of new LEGO sets, and with them we see some completely new LEGO parts as well as existing parts in new colors. Today, Brickset updated their database with 634 new parts. I’m going to take a few minutes to highlight a few of the new elements or new colors which are most interesting for LEGO Architecture builders, especially folks like me who love the LEGO Architecture Studio set.

Completely new elements

Brick, Arch 1 x 3 x 2 Inverted

18653 – Brick, Arch 1 x 3 x 2 Inverted


This part is completely new, available only in White.

It doesn’t look like the interior curve matches 6005, but hopefully we can use two of this new part on the bottom and one 3307 on top to create a perfect circular opening. This part could also be useful in creating curvy buildings such as current High-tech architectural styles, Brutalist shapes, or Art Deco designs.

20309

20309 – Window 1 x 4 x 1 2/3 with Spoked Rounded Top


This part is completely new, available only in Tan.

I don’t love single use parts. I’m sure people will use this as a nice detail in the way it was intended, as well as creative unexpected uses.

20310 - Brick, Modified 1 x 1 with Scroll with Open Stud

20310 – Brick, Modified 1 x 1 with Scroll with Open Stud


This part is completely new, available in Tan and Pearl gold.

It’s interesting that we are seeing some useful ornate architectural accents coming from the Friends line. I could definitely see a lot of uses for this, especially in recreating Victorian, Baroque or other highly decorated styles. It might also be useful to create the top of Ionic (or scrolled) columns.

19121 - Fence Ornamented 1 x 4 x 2 with 4 Studs

19121 – Fence Ornamented 1 x 4 x 2 with 4 Studs


A completely new part, available in Sand Green, Gold and Lavender.

This is a very interesting piece, as it is a LEGO re-creation of fences or railings from the Art Nouveau architectural style. This would be very useful integrated into a window or used as an interior railing, especially if they release it in black, dark gray or white, since this style of railing shoudl either be made of metal, or painted white or a similar architecturally appropriate color.

20482 - Tile, Round 1 x 1 with Pin

20482 – Tile, Round 1 x 1 with Pin


A completely new part, available only in transparent / clear.

This is an odd part that I need to see to fully understand. It seems to have only a tiny pin hole, and appears to be taller than a normal stud height. This has a lot of potential for SNOT techniques if the proportions are right – you might be able to attach an inverted 85861 (Plate, Round 1 x 1 with Open Stud) for a very easy stud reversal technique.

New in White

Here are some existing parts which are being made available in white for the first time. These could be a great addition to your Architecture Studio set.

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3675 – Slope 33 3 x 3 Double Convex


I am extremely pleased to see this part in White for the first time.

It is a versatile option for creating gently pitched roofs. Certain architectural styles rely on gently pitched roofs including most Prairie style designs and some Neoclassical buildings.

6106 - Wedge, Plate 6 x 6 Cut Corner

6106 – Wedge, Plate 6 x 6 Cut Corner


A large wedge plate, now available in White.

64449 - http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=64449

64449 – Support 1 x 6 x 10 Girder Triangular


Now available in White

While overly specialized, this part is a literal LEGO re-creation of steel scaffolding. It could be useful in High-tech designs, or to show a building which is under construction.

43708 - Wedge 4 x 4 (Slope 18 Corner)

43708 – Wedge 4 x 4 (Slope 18 Corner)


Now available in White

Large slopes like this could be useful for the roof of a building with 45 degree angles. I can’t think of a ton of other uses.

New in other colors

3023 - Plate 1 x 2

3023 – Plate 1 x 2


Now available in Transparent Medium Blue.

1×1 and 1×2 plates are a critical part for windows in skyscrapers and other LEGO architecutre models. More transparent hues to choose from are incredibly useful for LEGO Architecture modelers, especially folks like Spencer Rezkalla and Rocco Buttliere who build in the 1:650 scale.

What new parts are you most excited about? Leave a comment below so I can update the list with other great parts for building LEGO Architecture.

architect_cover-front-smIf you love LEGO Architecture, check out my upcoming book The LEGO Architect. It highlights great bricks for building LEGO Architecture models, explores 7 different architectural styles, and includes instructions to build 12 LEGO architecture models. (Pre-order today at amazon.com)

4 Responses

  1. Steeve says:

    Do you know if those new elements eventually available in PAB on lego site?
    Or only way to get them is buying the sets, or website like bricklinks.
    Thanks,

    Steeve

    • tomalphin says:

      Relatively few LEGO elements are available on PAB Online at any given time, and they seem to generally stock the more common parts rather than specialty bricks. Your best bet is buy sets containing the parts you want, or to search for the best prices you can find on BrickLink, BrickOwl, or even Ebay. Good Luck.

      —tom

      P.S. I am curious as to which elements you were excited to buy, and what you wanted to do with them?

  2. The Sand Green color of the 19121 fence piece looks really good to me… It looks like bronze with a nice green patina on it. Would work great in a bridge. If they weren’t $0.50 each on BL I’d consider grabbing up a bunch and making one.

    • tomalphin says:

      Great idea! It would make a great bridge railing in Minifig-scale scene. It might also work as the screen in front of a fireplace. Hopefully the price will come down, else it seems like a good lugbulk candidate for 2016.

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