There are many unofficial “LUGs” (LEGO User Groups) that AFOLs have made up just for the fun of it. Whether it’s SausageLUG, TIKILUG, DaveLUG, SORTLUG, or any number of niche-focused groups, these “LUGs” are a fun way to connect AFOLs with similar interests. Among these unofficial LUGs stands one that is arguably the greatest of all time: GOATLUG. Current GOATLUG logo. Created by: @backlotbricks GOATLUG was created by Krys Van Rheen, Jennifer Nogle, and Karla, and it officially went live on Facebook on August 23, 2023. Since then, it has grown rapidly, gaining followers on Facebook and Instagram—numbers that continue to climb as word of GOATLUG spreads. The private group generates a lot of activity, hosting posts that range from adorable goat pictures and videos to LEGO goat memes, merch ideas, and even 3D-printed goat models. The unofficial LUG is a celebration of everything goat-related, and the enthusiasm makes it clear...

In my last article, I covered my best tips and advice to become a better builder by learning new techniques, receiving constructive criticism, and joining a LEGO community. If you recall from ‘My Story,’ part of my motivation to get better was to catch up to my friends who seemed to “effortlessly” win or be nominated for awards at LEGO fan conventions. Some example awards from Bricks LA 2018 So naturally, after my experience at more than twenty LEGO conventions, I’ve thought a lot about how to approach awards and interpret my (and others’) convention performance. I hope to pass down a helpful thing or two, as this is my purely pragmatic advice on how to win awards. But before we get there, we have to get one thing straight… The Nature of Awards Ask 100 AFOLs about their thoughts about awards and you’ll get 100 different answers. Some think they’re...

Every winter, BrickNerd is treated to an avalanche of snowy builds, but every so often, one stands out for its sense of storytelling. This beautifully layered winter scene by German builders Jojo and Manu (Flickr | Instagram) does exactly that, combining family traditions and forced perspective into a single landscape. Inspired by Sámi culture of northern Scandinavia, the build draws you deep into a frozen northern world illuminated by the night sky. We spoke with Jojo and Manu about rediscovering LEGO, building annual winter MOCs for their children, and the techniques behind this striking scene. The Start of a Tradition Ann: Welcome to BrickNerd! It’s wonderful to meet you both. To start, could you tell us a bit about yourselves and how LEGO became part of your lives again? Jojo and Manu: Thank you! We are Jojo and Manu, a couple of LEGO nerds from Germany. Like many others, we rediscovered...

LEGO has officially revealed a new LEGO Speed Champions F1 set with the Audi Revolut F1 Team R26 Race Car (77259). Releasing on March 1, the set has 215 pieces and will retail for $27.99. The Audi Revolut is a brand new car in the F1 2026 grid and the real life car was revealed yesterday. Boys and girls aged 10 and up can collect, build, display and race this LEGO® Speed Champions Audi Revolut F1® Team R26 Race Car (77259). An authentic display model of the brand new team joining the Formula 1® grid in 2026, this model also includes design details that comply with the updated F1® car regulations for the new season. This Audi Revolut F1® Team R26 Race Car toy features a cockpit, rear wing, authentic sponsor logos, front wheel suspension and tires imprinted with “Pirelli.” The toy vehicle also comes with a minifigure in an Audi...

LEGO has officially revealed a new line of LEGO Education sets called Learning at Home which should be available tomorrow. The sets are designed for kids to learn at home by doing various science experiments. One thing to note is that the Space sets have some new printing for the astronaut minifigures. Moon Mission Science Kit (45200) – 519 pieces/$49.99 Ignite a love of science and lunar travel in kids aged 8 plus with this Moon Mission Science Kit (45200), part of the LEGO® Education building-set collection. Target their passion for space with an educational toy they can build and play with repeatedly. Launch kids’ critical thinking skills with a spaceship toy, Earth-to-moon launchpad, habitat, greenhouses, 2 astronaut minifigures and more. Inspire STEM learning, exploration and independent play with the included physical science experiments for kids, which encourage them to find solutions and invent new ways of achieving their goals through...