Brickadier General Posted September 9, 2009 Posted September 9, 2009 I finally posted pics of my Civil War battlefield and Southern plantation diorama, as it was seen at BrickFair this year. It was integrated into the PennLUG train layout. I actually had to design some of it on the fly and brought parts with me to work on it there. The orchard and landscaping to the right of the plantation home and the curving part of the path, for example, were all done on-site at BrickFair. It took me over 24 hours, nearly straight, just to set everything up. I tried to handle everything in as tasteful a manner as possible. For example, I felt that the NBA minifig heads were too suggestive of old sterotypes (ie: big lips) and, for the most part, most of the African American faces that could fit in have big grins on their faces. On a plantation scene, I know those would be criticized. Chris Edwards, a fellow PennLUG member, suggested that I keep the heads plain brown, and that was such a good idea that I decided that the majority of them should appear that way. I think it worked pretty good. The final display was around 2.5 ft by 11 ft, and I actually bothered to count all of the minifigures. There are 229! I actually had to run back and forth to some of the vendors, buying horses, Brickforge bridles and mushrooms, and BrickArms rifles, all to complete the display. I wouldn't have had to, but I felt so compelled to do so. lol My display was nominated for "best military vehicle," and I'm glad I didn't win because I think someone would've tried to kill me. hehe It was still flattering all the same to be nominated. I never expected anything, really. I have taken 85 pictures of the display, which are now up on my Flickr. You can see them all here. You can also compare this to the version of "Battle of the Randomness" that I brought to Brickworld 2008 here. Meanwhile, here are some noteworthy pictures of interest. Also, be sure to look for "Easter eggs," such as the Back to the Future Delorean making a visit, "Yankee Chief," and Wolverine. Thoughts and suggestions are welcome. Keep on building! Matt -aka: Brickadier General Quote
fenris Posted September 11, 2009 Posted September 11, 2009 (edited) first of all: your nick is great! but unfortunately the pics are quite small. i really like what i see but i think i`m missing a lots of details. do you have bigger pics on brickshelf or could you post them here? i think i´m not the only one who would really aprecciate! edit: sorry, i Edited September 11, 2009 by fenris Quote
Tom Bricks Posted September 14, 2009 Posted September 14, 2009 I always loved this one. I wonder why American history like this is so overlooked in Lego? By the way the bigger pics are on hisFlickr Quote
JeffD984 Posted September 15, 2009 Posted September 15, 2009 Absolutely stunning! I wish I could see this in person so I could marvel at the details! Just little things like the smoke coming from the Confederate's cannon and the accurate 34 star flag! Great job!! Quote
Klaus-Dieter Posted September 15, 2009 Posted September 15, 2009 (edited) That's an awesome display, Brickadier General! I really it! The landscape looks absolutely realistic and the whole display is full of awesome details! The only thing I do not like that much are that shoulder patterns you added to some of the US soldiers. Otherwise it's perfect and even your custom CS soldiers look great. The most I like that lovely and very detailed plantation. Very, very well done! :thumbup: I always loved this one. I wonder why American history like this is so overlooked in Lego? By the way the bigger pics are on hisFlickr Although I'm not American I totally agree with you, Tom Bricks! The minifig-scaled Western and Indian sets from 1996/97 were brilliant. So I really do not understand why TLG doesn't bring back the Western theme. Of course bandidts, a sheriff and cowboys should not be missed (like imo Indians, too and some regular Western civilians) - but with some US soldiers against CS soldiers it would be something new and interesting (Playmobil did this, too, so why not Lego?!)! Klaus-Dieter Edited September 15, 2009 by Klaus-Dieter Quote
Hound Knight Posted September 15, 2009 Posted September 15, 2009 I love your layout General! The minifigs are excellent as well, especially the Irish Brigade. Quote
Sir Dillon Posted September 19, 2009 Posted September 19, 2009 This display was already great, and all the additions are very impressive. The battle itself is still my favourite part, but the manor is very nice, and the details such as the Back to the Future DeLorean and Wolverine made me laugh. Quote
Sir Wellington Posted September 19, 2009 Posted September 19, 2009 What is the name of the piece the women are holding in the last image? Quote
Hound Knight Posted September 20, 2009 Posted September 20, 2009 What is the name of the piece the women are holding in the last image? That's this piece: (pic=link) Quote
Ratshot Posted September 20, 2009 Posted September 20, 2009 This is awesome, I wish I had as many Bluecoats as you. Maybe you could improve the size of your pics. Quote
Brickstarrunner Posted October 2, 2009 Posted October 2, 2009 That was epic! But are you coming to Brickcon? I would love to see it in person, but I am restricted to the west coast because of financial deals Quote
Karzon989 Posted October 8, 2009 Posted October 8, 2009 That is one of the best and greatest Lego Battle i saw in my life! Quote
Ratshot Posted October 8, 2009 Posted October 8, 2009 That is one of the best and greatest Lego Battles I saw in my life! It's pretty nice isn't it? When I saw this I decided to try and buy some Soldiers on Ebay but sadly I lost the auction Quote
WesternOutlaw Posted October 13, 2009 Posted October 13, 2009 Fantastic General! I love seeing those troops in action. I always wanted to see an army of Union soldiers. Your layout looks really nice. I have to check out some of the close-up images. Very nice! This is the extend of my army: give or take a few horses and cannons Quote
Big Cam Posted November 17, 2009 Posted November 17, 2009 So through means that are not relevant I came across this thread by mistake, and I had to comment. This is one incredible display. I just spent about 10 minutes going through your flickr page on this setup. There is alot I want to comment on but I'll start with the cannon blast, since it's my favorite feature. It looks just like a cloud of smoke that would come out of a cannon. The easter egg's were fun, the time machine was just a hilarious touch. Not sure why Wolverine was in there, but it was done so nicely that there is no room for complaining. I am utterly impressed with your ability to create a gigantic scene with a bunch of little scenes happening all around it. The tents, the burning building, the re-enforcments marching to the battlefield, you really need to look at all the pictures to take it all in. I think I would have spent a long time talking to you if I'd have been there. As a photographer, I have to compliment you on your photo's, you have some great angles showing real life images, or views. Overall I'm happy I stumbled across it, hopefully this bump will show it to others who haven't seen it. Quote
Commodore Hornbricker Posted November 17, 2009 Posted November 17, 2009 That is fantastic and huge! You have done a great job putting the right amount of soldiers into the space. It has the appearance of a missive battle but in an area large enough to absorb it without looking crowded. Beautifully done. This is one I'd love to see in real life. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.