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LEGO teases new lighting kits, causes controversy

A little bit of lighting makes LEGO models look amazing after dark. Long the domain of small business, The LEGO Group is exploring offering products of their own.

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Lighting · The LEGO Group

“Lights out” hours at LEGO Conventions like Brickworld Chicago encourage fans to add lighting to their models. Inspired by DIY solutions, several small businesses offer ready-made kits with parts and instructions to add lighting to many official LEGO sets. (In past articles, we’ve reviewed Brickloot LED Light kits and generic Battery-powered LED Christmas Lights.)

This week, The LEGO Group announced a partnership with Light My Bricks to produce and sell LEGO-branded Lighting Kits for official LEGO sets. This kind of partnership is new; LEGO will be investing money and resources in companies through their new Lead User Lab program.

LEGO 'Night Mode' Light Kit for Ford Mustang (Photo: Brickset)

LEGO ‘Night Mode’ Light Kit for Ford Mustang (Photo: Brickset)

The story gets a bit more complicated… In this detailed article, Brickstuff (a pioneer in this category, founded in 2011) has alleged that their designs were stolen in 2016 by Light My Bricks.

The LEGO Group has some time to figure this out, since the Lighting Kits aren’t actually available for purchase at this time. This is a bit confusing, since realistic-looking boxes of LEGO-branded lighting kits were displayed at a LEGO store in Copenhagen, coinciding with this year’s LEGO World covention.

Further reading on this controversial news:

In the meantime, we’re hoping to share reviews of a few more 3rd-party LEGO lighting kits soon, so stay tuned!

#10272 Old Trafford – Manchester United

With nearly 4000 pieces, here’s a set for serious football (soccer) fans!

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Creator Expert

Another new set of interest to Adult LEGO builders is this massive model of Old Trafford, the stadium where Manchester United plays. While I have no familiarity with the building and no connection to the team, I immediately noticed the intricate architectural detailing throughout the model.

#10272 Old Trafford - Manchester United

#10272 Old Trafford – Manchester United

I doubt that I will get an opportunity to build this massive set, but it is really interesting to see something this unique added to the Creator Expert product line.

Reviews:

#10272 Old Trafford – Manchester United costs $299.99 (£249.99, €269.99) for 3898 pieces, and you can buy it now at LEGO.com.

LEGO Masters USA

LEGO Masters is coming to the USA on Wednesday February 5th. What can we expect of the new show, based on previous seasons in the UK an Australia?

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AFOL · Movies

Readers in the United States have probably seen ads for LEGO Masters, a new show on FOX which premieres Wednesday, February 5th. You might not have realized that (just like the Great British Bake-off), LEGO Masters (UK) came first; with a four-episode first season in 2017, and a six-episode second season in 2018 on Channel 4 TV. The show was lighthearted and fun, especially given that some of the two-person teams included children. I enjoyed the program, but don’t plan to go back and watch it again.

Following the UK show, Channel 9 Australia launched LEGO Masters Australia in April, 2019. It was a much longer 9-episode season featuring more complex challenges and a more competitive approach. (They did not include young children in the competition.)

LEGO Masters Australia is vastly superior to the UK series due to heightened competition, better challenges and more engaging judges and hosts. Speaking of the judging—Ryan McNaught (Australia’s only LEGO Certified Professional) was fantastic in the series. He highlighted advanced building techniques featured in the models which casual viewers wouldn’t have noticed, and even used the right terminology such as SNOT (Studs Not On Top). Episode 5 was my favorite—they were asked to build the strongest bridge, which was destroyed later in the episode!

Based on what I’ve learned from the promotional videos and articles about the show, I’m hopeful LEGO Masters USA will build on formula perfected by the Australian show. I’m happy with their decision to only include adult builders in the competition, excited by the large number of participating teams, and impressed by the beautifully designed set and more dramatic editing.

Lastly, I’m excited to see so many talented LEGO Artists have come together to make the show a reality, including judging by two talented LEGO Designers (Amy Corbett & Jamie Berard), LEGO Art models by Artist Nathan Sawaya, and hosting by the voice of LEGO Batman himself; Will Arnett.

Articles about LEGO Masters that you might enjoy:

What’s next for LEGO Masters? I guess we’ll have to wait and see how well this season goes! (P.S. German readers, they’re now casting in your country, too!)

The Guardian view on LEGO for adults: play is a serious business

Hot on the heels of the Washington Post article we shared a few days ago, here’s a short article on The Guardian about the trend, citing the upcoming USA LEGO Masters show, huge LEGO sets designed for adults, and LEGO as mindfulness practice.

According to the article, toy sales to ages 12+ (including adults) are up 11% in Europe versus two years prior. Good Job AFOL’s!

#21321 LEGO Ideas International Space Station

The latest addition to the LEGO Ideas series was unveiled today…

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LEGO Ideas

LEGO fans just can’t get enough Space sets, which is why nobody should be suprised by the warm welcome for the latest addition to the LEGO Ideas series.

#21321 International Space Station

#21321 International Space Station

Reviewers agree—this is a really detailed model with tons of details in the core Habitation Module and Solar Array, not to mention the satellites and tiny brick-built Space Shuttle.

Brick Architect doesn’t have a copy yet, but you will find reviews at:

In the New Elementary review, you will find a complete list of printed parts (there are many), and existing parts available in new colors.

#21321 International Space Station will cost $69.99 (£64.99, €69.99) for 864 pieces, and is available now at LEGO.com.

LEGO sets its sights on a growing market: Stressed-out adults

This Washington Post article offers a surprisingly in-depth look at the ways that adult fans of LEGO (AFOL’s) are using LEGO to relax—mostly by following the instructions!

ɴᴇᴡ: LEGO Brick Labels 3.3

Version 3.3 adds 74 new labels, for a total of 1197 labels!

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Brick Labels

This update includes popular new elements from late 2019 and a few extremely useful parts which were just introduced in 2020.

Version 3.3 adds 74 new labels!

Version 3.3 adds 74 new labels!

This update also adds some older parts which have continued to grow in popularity over time, and some of the parts requested by Brick Architect readers like you. Thanks for your support!

Learn more and download at brickarchitect.com/labels.