Hi: This is not to promote LEGOS but all forms of creating that can be considered modeling .I know fellows for instance that create model rail-road equipment that is dead on in detail and appearance , with LEGOS .I know some that do ships too ! Now , if a child builds , first DUPLO then LEGO , will he or she build models ? Good question . I have found , talking to parents who visited our Museum two or three years ago and enjoyed the LEGO play tables , building ,what to them was spaceships and planes and yes , tanks . They’ve come by and said the kids are now building models of their favorite objects . This encompasses the whole model genres out there . I know one teen who does gorgeous houses and businesses in H.O. Scale . He started by building the LEGO house kits ( CREATOR or CITY series ) Now , he does the most fantastically detailed and realistic homes and railroad business structures and doesn’t scrimp on the real detail either . I know a neighbor who started by painting and modifying LEGO mini-figures .He now does beautiful , very realistic figurine models . I could say the list goes on .I won’t do that , because I don’t know .We had to grow up in a slower adult world that had you bearing responsibilities sooner . We did model. Everyone thought it was a passing phase , playing with these toys . Toys ? I don’t think so , not at todays prices ! You can buy a lot of Hot Wheels for what a WING-NUTS aircraft costs , plus paint, glue and P.E. Right ? I guess what I am saying is give those DUPLO and LEGO builders a chance , they may be a source of hidden future modelers . Tanker-Builder
Well , even with edit , my spacing didn’t go through , Sorry
The enter key is your friend. You should hit it every once in a while.
Lego sets aren’t cheap. While my family was too poor to have Legos when I was a kid, I’ve bought many sets for my stepsons and sons in the last 20+ years. Whenever we crack open an old box with Legos in it, I usually dig out the instructions that I filed away and do a quick inventory to see what’s missing. Then I’ll hit eBay and the Lego site to find the best way to replace the missing pieces.
Even current sets are priced very high, especially the ones with Star Wars, Hobbit or other movie tie ins. Right now the current trend is to buy a Lego set and sell the mini figures separately. The handful of figures that come with the set often go for more money individually than the entire set costs at full retail. I haven’t figured that one out yet.
I think this is a Rich Text Formatting issue with some versions of Internet Explorer - when you type, it shows the new lines, but posts as a single chunk of text. I had the same problem, so switched to another web browser.
I think Lego is definitely a building block (pun intended) toward becoming a future modeler - the main issue is, will one stay with model building and for how long.
When i was growing up, I was heavily into Lego. The friends i had who also played with Lego also progressed to model building too.
Unfortunately, i’m the only when left still playing with models…
Don’t know if this one has been posted before… [:)]
http://lego.gizmodo.com/5660496/largest-lego-ship-ever-built-is-bigger-than-three-queen-sized-beds
I used to build Legos like crazy. I liked autos planes and buildings. Most of what I made was custom stuff. Rarely did I keep it like it was shown on the box. I built both Legos and Models for a bit but when I realized how much the old complete Lego sets were worth I sold them. I really wish I had some back now days.
I was actually in New York earlier this year and saw this ship at the USS Intrepid Museum.
It’s an awesome build.
The whole museum is very impressive, i’ve never realised how big some of the jets are, especially the likes of the F-14.
Cody :
I can tell you this . The old sets are ridiculously expensive . I will NOT buy aftermarket unless I actually have to . Even at the LEGO stores when you go in to get the parts off the back wall , they have gone up . Some after-marketers are fair . One here sells LEGOS loose for 6 dollars a pound .
The biggest problem there is both color limitations at times , plus quality ( some are in rough shape ) , and last of all .When he buys in bulk from flea markets and garage sales you may get many that are NOT LEGO brand pieces !
They may be " compatible " but a real LEGO nut can darned near identify the wannabes from a distance ! These guys get serious . I know , I belong to the SAN ANTONIO -TEXLUG chapter ! Of course right now I am keeping it simple . When I have enough of the right color watch out .
There are aftermarket companies that sell custom kits even .BRICKMANIA is one .They sell many WW-2 Kits ( All the major combatants , American , Japanese and German . No British yet ! ) and their display is an LST plus LCVPS making an island landing ! Their kits aren’t cheap , but they will tell you up front if used bricks are in the set and so on .Expensive but honest !( And carefully inspected for quality as well. )
Build a Bradley or a Chi -Ha ? you bet . How about a German Panzer or field gun ? They got them plus the custom , pad printed modified mini-figs too ! You see CODY , Although the company ( LEGO ) makes the Hobbit and Star Wars sets and Chima et.al. they Will Not reflect the modern military in their toy line . Not anything from WW-2 .Their choice !
Chris :
You should come to our fine town in central Texas of FREDRICKSBURG . There You will find the NIMITZ- War of the Pacific Museum . They have a NIMITZ model that is big enough to fish out of on your favorite lake!
Hi;
I fixed it . I hit enter twice !
Thanks for the heads up Tankerbuilder.
Unfortunately i doubt i’ll ever get there. I live in Australia, so trips to the US are an expensive affair (and so far, a once in a lifetime event). Hopefully that changes though.
LEGO is great stuff, I played with it a lot when I was a kid. My brother in law still does, he is an AFol, Adult Fan of Lego…
Does it lead to building models? It might, I did both during my childhood and building with Lego also demands patience and manual dexterity so there is some common ground/transferable skill.
Hey :
Cool ! My Kids Run The Train Fellow that started it is a LIONEL nut from Your neck of the woods . He use to be a Train Driver on that long stretch across your great land ! I speak fondly as I never met an Aussie I didn’t take to . Good on You Mate !
Hi :
I have to tell you this .In the seventies I was hurt .Lost the dexterity and function in the upper left side .Yup , hand too ! Now , from building LEGOS and models I don’t have a problem very often .A little twitch now and then is all .
I used Both , in my model building class for recreational Therapy at the V.A. in Martinez , Ca . I was a " Lay motion and dexterity therapist " " I Can’t do it " Was NOT allowed in my group ! I have , since moving to TEXAS , competed against some of my graduates , Not knowing it at the time though .Talk about Proud , I kept having to buy buttons for my shirts !
So , Yes , I see a concrete correlation between the hobbies and skills . I too , as you have gathered , probably, am a professional model builder ( semi-retired ) , a hobbyist , And an A.F.O.L.( Adult Fan of LEGO )
I love to see Anyone use their creativity ! This is what makes the good things in life !
I think the big difference and why building Legos is not necessarily in the same lineage of scale modeling is paint. You don’t paint Legos, and painting models is an entirely different ballgame than putting Lego blocks together.
I have more than a few of the big LEGO sets, Star Wars X Wing, Tie Fighter and some of the Technic sets they came out with. My mother bought them as she refuses to by me any model kits form birthdays or Christmas ( I only have 280 kits). I was lucky to keep the boxes so one day they will get passed on to a friend who’s insisted I leave them to him in my will!!
Phil
Now , see . My reply to CODY came out okay !