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Posted (edited)

Hi 

With the arrival of a new year (hope everyone's had a good 2017 so far!!), it's time for a new topic to chart the goings on in my Lego Town of Ballabreek...

This week's update sees the year getting of to quite an eventful start as a car crashes into the pizza shop!!

32167037305_995d643558_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Luckily the emergency services are quickly on the scene. The firefighters make the vehicle safe and stand by to cut the victim free if needed...

32128892606_1ab3560efb_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

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The police close the road and interview witnesses...

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Luckily the shop was unoccupied at the time and the elderly driver is shocked but apparently uninjured. Paramedics assess him at the scene and he is taken away for a check up.

32167026875_366851719c_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

The shop owner is understandably shocked 

32166980085_930fc17553_z.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

A structural engineer assesses the damage to the building as a local towing company prepares to remove the car so the clean up can take place...

31325573834_fc131103e5_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

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The police investigation found that the driver of the car had simply became confused and pressed the accelerator instead of the brake as he turned the corner - he was found guilty of driving offences and had his licence revoked. Unfortunately the damage has left the building unsafe and it will have to be demolished - luckily the insurance will leave the pizza shop owner with a generous payout which he's considering spending on a food truck that he can turn into a mobile pizza shop!! 

Well I hope you enjoyed my little set up.... I thought it was time to change a few buildings in the town and this is the first to go!! I also wanted to use some of this year's new sets and hope to get as many upcoming sets into the life of Ballabreek as possible!! 

For anyone who's interested, here are links to previous Ballabreek topics (you'll see the pizza shop had been there since the start!!)

2010-2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

2016 

So what's this year got in store for the good people of Ballabreek? Watch this space!!

Thanks for looking!!

Edited by greg3
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Posted (edited)

Housing has long been an issue in Ballabreek due to the limited building space available. Recently a number of apartments have sprung up built above the newest shops - but as far as the more traditional houses go, the residential area still features building designs dating back to the 1980s (the Ideas Book 6000 to be precise!!)

32158231812_a8bea3d5e8_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

However, these houses have their issues... my minifigures have complained that they lack the modern features they expect. They're also cramped, dark, expensive to heat and in dire need of renovation or replacement. After consideration, it was decided that a total rebuild would be needed so the task was given to a local developer and here's the result...

31930995470_dc457897ac_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

As you can see the houses take up about the same space as the previous buildings but include more living space. The key feature is the conservatories, which as well as being bright and airy, are designed to be energy efficient saving a fortune in hearing bills!! An upper floor (and rooftop terrace) adds more space and style wise, the buildings are designed to fit in with the recent shops added to the village. 

31931025240_2de0afb77c_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Inside, the 2 homes are fitted out the same (but new residents may decide to alter/adapt them as they see fit)

31466046764_92fd2f509e_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Typical bedroom...

32158262842_49acf360db_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Open plan kitchen/living area...

32268440446_8b9a95e07a_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

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Main living area in the conservatory includes seating and a plasma TV

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The first residents take possession of the keys...

32307961075_3746dbf097_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

As you can see, I've recently purchased 30165 (twice!!) and I love it!!! The suburban build is definitely my favourite and so I couldn't not have it in my town (the old houses really did need replacing). With just minimal MODing, they fit in perfectly and I can just imagine playing around with interiors... a hot tub in the conservatory perhaps? Anyway, here's a few more pics...

31466048764_4da623060f_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

31466032984_c14f64f7be_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

32268432076_55a5c6e93b_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Thanks for looking... as always, comments are welcome!!

 

Edited by greg3
Posted

Quite a dramatic change in Ballabreek, greg3. It will be strange to see the village changed after so many years with the centre basically the same. I am excited to see how things will look in the future.

Posted

Thanks for the comments... now for this week's update and new premises for a well loved local business!!

M's Gems was opened in 2013 and is run by Molly (a former geologist for the mining company who now sells decorative minerals and gems).

31645387753_da67bf86e2_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

As you can see it was a small shop built in the classic open backed style (in fact it was originally a bank from an official Batman set) However, times and tastes have changed and I want to limit open backed structures to the edges of the layout while at the same time incorporate the new Creator style buildings in the centre. As a result Molly now has a new shop!!

32336095831_4be933c9be_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

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32457180225_fd2c9af2bc_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

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The  build is a MODed version of last year's Corner Deli (combined with the Doctor Strange set!!) with the Gem Store downstairs and an apartment upstairs which is used by the mysterious benefactor who financed the building.

32335936611_1cbf9accc3_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

 I have posted this build before in it's own topic (with more detailed images of the interior)

As always, I have a bit of a backstory to the change but haven't yet had time to photograph/set it all up but I'm hoping to include more of the licensed sets into the life of Ballabreek over the coming months so fingers crossed!! In the meantime I now have a new building space to decide what to do with (A major building toy company has expressed an interest in opening a retail store on the site but we shall see!!)

32457171275_996e8fe68b_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Thanks for looking and as always comments are very welcome...

Posted

I would just like to say I love what you are doing with making your town come alive. Are you making these stories for yourself or do you have any kids/other AFOLs to share them with? I have long thought about building an actual town with scenes like your crash in the first post, but since I don't personally know anyone interested in Lego (on such a scale) and the kids are still too tiny to make any sense of it, I couldn't find the motivation. I always get excited but then I think to myself it would be a waste of time with no one to show off to.

Posted
On 23 January 2017 at 6:15 PM, Huaojozu said:

I would just like to say I love what you are doing with making your town come alive. Are you making these stories for yourself or do you have any kids/other AFOLs to share them with? I have long thought about building an actual town with scenes like your crash in the first post, but since I don't personally know anyone interested in Lego (on such a scale) and the kids are still too tiny to make any sense of it, I couldn't find the motivation. I always get excited but then I think to myself it would be a waste of time with no one to show off to.

Thanks for the comments... I'm afraid I don't have any kids or LEGO mad friends to share my builds with, so apart from the nice people here at EB viewing this topic, my builds are solely for my own enjoyment (and why not!! Eh?) I'd say if you want to build/play with your LEGO then go for it!! 

Now onto this week's update...

By now, work should have begun on building on the empty plot we saw last week but there's been a hitch as the planned building is slightly too big for the area available!! Now I could increase the paved area but that would mean losing the parking bay - something my minifigs have objected to as they say it will adversely affect trade and visitors!! As a result, the build is on hold until the local planning office makes a ruling (in actual fact I'm just working on a solution that doesn't involve me having to buy a straight road plate!!) In the meantime, the local authorities (i.e. me!!) have granted permits to allow local businesses to use the site on a temporary basis...

3 evenings a week, the village gets a visit from the pizza truck (run by the owner of the shop that once stood on this site) It's proved very popular (when he's not here he's visiting the neighbouring towns and villages!!) 

31758343863_e2eba70f27_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

32191215290_54ccdd6a61_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

At other times, local stall holders can set up on the pavement.

32191214230_2d6ff89753_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Today we have... the hog dog stall...

32191212940_c095d4c92c_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

The flower seller...

31726497504_868029aa3c_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

And the balloon seller...

32447728991_b8d65a7e98_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Speaking of balloons, there have recently been some strange goings on near the beach...

Is it a bird?

31758341203_becc5e1f0c_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Is it a plane?

32529428246_74e387cbd8_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

No... it's a nutter with a balloon backpack!!

31758342703_45dbbb29c5_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Charles "Chuck" Brown, local daredevil and, from an early age, toatally obsessed with flight. He's carried out stunts involving balloons, parachutes, gliders and even man-lifting kites. Today he's aiming to cross Ballabreek Bay just using helium balloons and the wind!! After 4 hours in the air, he's nearing his chosen landing site and things are looking good!!

32191215980_ddfb01391e_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

32417451292_dd6bbdfea6_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

But a sudden gust of wind causes him to overshoot and head towards the main road, busy with traffic!!

32570202805_7c30a812ae_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

31726493744_2c3ed6ae6b_c.jpg by g.nat, on Flickr

Fortunately he lands safely but not without causing a great deal of disruption!!

32447728721_cf465bd0c0_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Luckily, no one was hurt but it could have been a very different result!!

32570206545_04ab29f35e_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

For causing such mayhem and potentially violating a number of laws, Mr Brown is taken away by the police for questioning..

31726498304_17197d8bb2_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

32193180690_0991b0df69_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

As you can tell, I've recently got a few of the new LEGO Batman Movie sets and want to make use of them as much as possible. I'm loving all the obscure villains (including Kiteman!!) and hope to do a few "origin" stories set in and around Ballabreek. Perhaps even the Dark Knight himself will visit!!!

Anyway, as always thanks for looking... 

 

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted (edited)

With the "planning issues" all sorted, Ballabreek's latest shop can open.... A Lego Store!!

32341391570_b73da6ff5a_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

As you can see, it just about fits in the available space. The parking space has been kept but on a smaller scale (part of the town's desire to reduce car usage and encourage greener forms of transport!!)

32720898475_d43a685605_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Since opening earlier this week the store has proved very popular...

32598072161_f7512dfd86_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Not sure what to put in the gap - a seating area or some decorative planters perhaps?

32568157682_fdbcd5d56c_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

I have to admit that I'm now rather envious of the Ballabrrek citizens as a visit to my nearest Lego store involves a plane or boat trip!! Although if I lived just over the road from one I'd have gone bankrupt years ago!!!

32568156862_757712c476_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

And in case anyone was wondering what happened to the "Balloonist" from last week... well, he's languishing in a Ballabreek Police cell waiting to appear in court (seems he was in breech of a previous court order banning him from such stunts)

32556624572_5e171535af_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

What'll happen to him? Watch this space!!!

In the meantime, thanks for looking!!

 

Edited by greg3
Posted (edited)

Nice update. As for what to put in the gap, what about a small bus stop? Like the one from 8404 Public Transport(just the white  section- not the whole platform). 

Edited by Vindicare
Posted (edited)
On 10 February 2017 at 10:36 PM, Dazz said:

I cannot stop wondering if some of these news stories are made up. :laugh:

Well I believe "Fake News" is all the rage these days!! :laugh:

So with that in mind, no doubt there'll be those that think this week's update is just a result of my overactive imagination!! Anyway, for those wondering about the plight of Ballabreek Police's latest prisoner... here it is!!

32016654884_a20ccf85a9_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

32735885781_23a43704b8_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

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As you can tell, I'm looking to use the new Batman sets in my town and have a few ideas for storylines set in and around Ballabreek. Throughout the year I hope to mix them in with updates focussing on the more everyday aspects of life in Ballabreek!! I've tried something similar before with the TMNT and Ultra Agents (both themes which Lego retired before I could finish!!) Hopefully this time I'll actually get my stories told!! (the next update or 2 should finish off the Kiteman story!!)

On 7 February 2017 at 6:33 PM, Vindicare said:

Nice update. As for what to put in the gap, what about a small bus stop? Like the one from 8404 Public Transport(just the white  section- not the whole platform). 

There is already a small bus stop around the corner but no bus!! (never got around to converting the last official one to drive on the left!! Might see about getting/converting the upcoming bus station set...)

In the meantime, it's now home to a piece of modern art. An interactive sculpture called "Phyllis". Supposedly it represents the "Inner gatekeeper of the soul" Keeping all our dark thoughts and feelings in check (or something like that... the artist was a little vague!!) To passers-by though, its motion activated light display and random voice messages just make it cool!! (Some minifigs have even started a petition to make "her" the town mascot!!)

32737224621_53630834b1_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

32707256202_e986c5fb5c_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

32737224721_bca359a6aa_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

(Guess what movie I went to see last night!! :laugh:)

Anyway, thanks for looking... comments are always welcome.

Edited by greg3
Posted

Another weekend, another update!! This week sees the conclusion of the ongoing Kiteman story!! Enjoy...

32862756361_028ef0c933_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

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32833230992_02efe99d7f_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

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32946852806_75458dfe96_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

32606387560_ba42a70f9c_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

32946850676_d67c7f4090_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

32833238832_55f5be446e_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

32833235502_7a80221072_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

32946855536_cd8587036a_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

32833237142_d454ef11b8_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

32946853566_b0e50b1fce_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

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32946854476_24fbf2d5b3_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

32833238672_e0b38f3e0c_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

As you can tell, I got a bit carried away (and had lots of fun doing it!!)... I have a few more ideas for stories too (not sure if they should be posted here or in the Comic section) but the next update should be back to showcasing the more normal side to life in Ballabreek!! (but fear not... Kiteman and the Red Hood will be back!!)

Thanks for looking and comments are always welcome!!

Posted

"No sign of the prisoner - he seems to have driven off through a solid wall..." :laugh: :laugh: I have this issue of traffic driving towards a wall sometimes...
Anyway, very good! I like this theme of building a story around your MOCs and MODs, it really helps them to fit together and allows you to realistically plan future developments. I don't know if you have already, but you could have a construction team who actually build things; a plot of land opens up, the team move in, use cranes and whatnot to build your moc, and then leave a finished building behind...

Posted (edited)
On 20 February 2017 at 9:33 AM, ColletArrow said:

"No sign of the prisoner - he seems to have driven off through a solid wall..." :laugh: :laugh: I have this issue of traffic driving towards a wall sometimes...
Anyway, very good! I like this theme of building a story around your MOCs and MODs, it really helps them to fit together and allows you to realistically plan future developments. I don't know if you have already, but you could have a construction team who actually build things; a plot of land opens up, the team move in, use cranes and whatnot to build your moc, and then leave a finished building behind...

Thanks for the comments. I tend to try and use the currently available sets, so in years when there's an official construction/demolition theme in the shops, I do have building sites and roadworks and stories/updates are based around them. As this year has been a "police" year so far though, my focus is currently more on law and order... speaking of which...

Following the events of the last update, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of Ballabreek's police force (especially now that we've seen that criminals can seemingly "escape through solid walls" :laugh:)

As a result, and to rebuild public confidence in the police, an open afternoon has been arranged. This allows the local citizens to see just how the police work and to voice their concerns about issues of law and order directly. 

32726369830_b7c5ffd0cc_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

It's also an opportunity to show how recent investment (and a trip to my local toyshop!!) has provided the force with the very latest vehicles and new uniforms!!

From L-R

Standard patrol car

High performance pursuit vehicle (for dealing with high speed chases)

"Super Quad" a large ATV suited for minor duties in town (i.e. parking enforcement) but also able to patrol the surrounding countryside.

Superbike (to deal with the rise of criminals using high performance motorcycles to evade capture)

32263523974_d570e6937d_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr 

The main purpose of the afternoon though is to strengthen the bond between the locals and their police and to give people an idea of what the police actually do...

There's plenty of photo ops

32293446413_b7385eb555_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

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A chance to meet the 4 legged officers

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To see what equipment a regular officer carries (radio, ID, cuffs, baton)

32263522814_3cb725241d_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Traditionally Ballabreek police officers don't carry firearms but in this age of heightened security and terrorism they do have access to specially trained firearms officers such as this one that can respond to serious incidents (hopefully they'll never be needed but you never know...)

32263521974_5dac661be6_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Final overview..

32263523994_6e7d99f0eb_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Hopefully, this new equipment will allow Ballabreek's finest to deal with any criminal activity that should arise... (unless, say, an army of super villains descended on the town - but what are the chances of that?)

Anyway, thanks for looking... comments are always welcome.

 

Edited by greg3
Posted
15 minutes ago, NewTown said:

Is that iPhone tile an official lego piece? If so, which set(s) is from?

Thanks

 

Yep the phone tile is an official piece - it came with one of the Lego Movie CMFs (Scribble-face Bad Cop)

Bricklink entry

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

Hi

Things have been a bit quiet in Ballabreek over the last couple of weeks but with Spring in the air it's time to start thinking about the tourist season and that means getting the area's latest visitor attraction ready to open. So here it is.... The Arkham Prison Museum!!

Located a mile or so from the centre of Ballabreek (in other words, on a nearby shelf!) the building dates back to the 1850's when it was built by a wealthy landowner, Amedaus Arkham, as a place where his mentally ill wife could be treated. Despite employing the finest doctors of the age, she died a few years later and Amedaus soon followed but not before bequeathing the building to the state for the continued research and treatment of the mentally ill. By the 1890's, however, it had been converted into a conventional prison - a role in which it continued until 2008 when it finally closed. A public outcry saved the historic site from demolition and it's now been renovated and converted into a museum... 

33269596691_7440b4a6f6_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Let's have a look inside...

The main entrance hall and ticket desk. Here guided tours and other activities can be booked.

33014347390_97c96400b8_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Upstairs is the administrators office - a former policeman himself (like his father and grandfather before him), it's his passion to tell the story of the area's penal history that has made all this happen (unfortunately he's out but you can see his workstation and the reminders of his proud past)

33241681932_dbbf78b0ae_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

On with the tour...

This wing is dedicated to the conditions in which the prisoners lived during it's early years as a prison. On the upper level, touch screen displays give information. The lower level is the main cell area showing just how small the Victorian era cells were.

33269595501_471136efb6_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

This room houses a display of prison punishments. Ball and chain, crank machine - which prisoners had to turn a set number of times, usually around 15,000 before they were allowed food/rest (nowadays we pay good money to go to the gym and do something similar!!). Guards could make it harder by tightening a friction screw - hence the nickname "Screws" for prison guards!! Finally the sloped object at the front is a birching horse; prisoners would be bent over it and beaten with a bundle of twigs bound together (you can see the birch "rod" hanging on the wall) Birching was still a legal punishment here until 1971!!

32583350443_f363da3360_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Above that room is an exhibition area - at the moment it's hosting a display about the area's finest detective of the Victorian era!! 

33397425235_4115209468_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

The building's other wing houses more cells and... the hanging room!!

33356985316_9bdc830119_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

For about 20 years, Arkham was a place of execution with condemned prisoners killed by hanging in this specially adapted room.

33356981806_f956bd3eb5_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

33014344680_e1af251195_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

After death, the bodies were examined in the autopsy room below (which also served as the prison's only medical facility!!)

33356965026_bc65b02eaa_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Finally an overview of the interior

32554576274_e8ab17b687_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

As you can probably tell, I wanted to integrate Arkham into my town's history and I think this works ok. The idea for it came from my local prison (itself a Victorian prison in use until 2008. When it closed I was lucky enough to get a tour of it - the Victorian parts were definitely very grim. Unlike Arkham though it was demolished!!)

It's still very much a WIP - I need to add staff/visitors and some external landscaping/details but hopefully I'll get round to that eventually (unless of course a sudden upsurge in insane criminals means it has to revert to being a working Asylum again!!!)

Anyway, thanks for looking - comments are always welcome.

 

 

Posted

Very good story-telling! For the hanging-room, I suspect you could make it work with a simple technic catch mechanism and a frictionless hinge on the door. I'll design one for you if you want!

Posted
On 12 March 2017 at 5:13 PM, ColletArrow said:

Very good story-telling! For the hanging-room, I suspect you could make it work with a simple technic catch mechanism and a frictionless hinge on the door. I'll design one for you if you want!

Thanks for the comments - I did experiment with a working trapdoor but it took up too much space. Anyway, I'm sure we'll see more of Arkham later in the year (just waiting for some baseplates in "proper green"!!!)

This week's update makes use of the new dune buggy set and as ever has a bit of a background story (Possibly setting the scene for another Batman villain origin tale!!)... 

Local Ballabreek boy, Matt Hagan, was a popular actor until a highly public falling out with a major film director saw him struggling to find parts. Angry and frustrated at his treatment, he's turned his back on the film industry and now puts his energy into his love of motor racing, participating in a number of extreme races. His latest challenge involves a long distance unsupported desert race using a dune buggy he's designed and built himself. 

33493606686_8ac75ec973_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Here Matt is interviewed by the local press... after receiving a lot of negative publicity in the past, he's hoping to rebuild his public image.

33493606536_e51008e9cb_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

A scale model of the route - a challenging course through soft sand in an area suffering from regular sandstorms.

32720075813_785226908b_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

A couple more views of the scene...

33377606992_f285559437_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

33151151930_2404cfe027_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

So how will he get on in the race? Well we'll just have to wait and see.... (I'm sure any Batman fans might be able to work out where this might be going!!)

Anyway, thanks for looking!! Comments are welcome as always.

 

 

  • 4 weeks later...
Posted

Well Easter's almost here and the sun is shining so this update takes us down to the seaside to see how the locals are getting ready for summer!!

Those familiar with Ballabreek's recent history will notice that the car ferry has gone!! Introduced last year on a trial basis to reduce congestion on the roads, it proved popular but too expensive to run and so other solutions to reduce traffic are being considered (namely an eco-friendly bus service due to go into service later this year). In the meantime, the harbour has now been freed up for more recreational uses.

Then

25415929672_d403da9524_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Now

33960102795_e2c9a234e5_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Plenty of spaces for pleasure craft to tie up

33802542422_589869d163_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

33116652014_8ffa8fc5d2_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Jet-Skis, sailboats and pleasure cruisers are all welcome!!

33575146600_d946718889_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

This increase in use is a good thing for local businesses.

The sunshine has brought people out to enjoy the market

33575152670_79e6c827e1_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Arthur Curry, the local dive shop owner, is gearing up for the new season...

33830156121_5d21ae1945_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

The seaside cafe serves delicious ice cream!!

33918952276_2627377fc8_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

A few hardy souls are even braving the open air pool (as the weather warms up, it'll get a lot busier as people come to enjoy "Fun at the Beach"!!)

33802548162_9fbb763d6f_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

As you can tell, I've bought a couple of new sets, the Creator seaplane and the city catamaran and this seemed the perfect way to use them!! 

As always, comments are welcome.

Thanks for looking...

 

Posted

This week's update should be called "Easter Fun in the Park"!!

What better way to spend Easter Sunday than taking the kids to the local park for some Easter inspired activities...

34069064005_e6898b551c_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

You can try your hand at decorating eggs...

34069056595_aa1c081693_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

33939780301_8aea59b0b6_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

There's the ever popular Easter egg hunt... how many can you spot!?

33684770780_78c9cb48d6_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Found one!!

33226962954_d019cb73b0_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

There's a chance for the kids to get up close to some cute Easter-themed animals thanks to the local petting zoo who have brought some rabbits and chicks..

33226996584_5a98146163_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

33226987934_c6df172ac1_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

33939779031_3634e8c8bb_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Free hot-cross buns are also available... (my favourite part of Easter!!)

33226982624_05c1d7a876_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

And of course a chance to meet the Easter bunny!! (this isn't the "bunny" originally booked to attend but more about that in the next update - just waiting for a Bricklink order to arrive before I can tell that story!!)

33939773891_6cd24ff8eb_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

Anyway thanks for looking... and Happy Easter!!!

 

 

 

Posted (edited)

As promised, the backstory to the choice of Easter Bunny!!

The idea for this came about when I was unable to find the headpiece for the CMF Bunny-Suit guy I was originally going to use and so had to use March Harriet instead!! The story may be continued as a Batman story in the future (if Lego ever produce a Mad Hatter figure!!) but for now it's just another strange day in the life of Ballabreek!!

33370443553_d5e7616e0e_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

33339071234_6e5f9eff2e_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

34181557645_b8d2dfd72d_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

33339075134_2b2f03d5b6_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

34141109046_c4d1147306_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

34181560275_c0c8f56eb7_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

34181559065_0662fffcf0_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

34141106926_f36f89964e_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

33797203140_dce9be13bc_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

34141096126_35d8f0dac8_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

34181559985_9c2eb42247_c.jpgUntitled by g.nat, on Flickr

So there we have it, Ballabreek is safe again thanks to the boys (and girls) in blue!! 

Thanks for looking... comments welcome as always!!

Edited by greg3

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