There's a moment in every hot rod builder's project where the decision has to be made, what color? In the real world this can be put off and agonized over for most of the project, and consequently make or break it. Imagine having spent years building a car, only to screw it up at the last minute with a terrible paint job. In the LEGO world, that decision has to happen quite early, and can also have dire consequences. Depending on color, finding the parts you need can be quite challenging. So I'm always impressed with a rare color choice, and this purple beast by builder redfern1950s2, is a real eye catcher. Of course purple isn't as rare as it used to be, but it's still very limited in part choice, which makes this hot rod all the more impressive. Original linkOriginal author: Tommy

LEGO announced a building contest dubbed “The Awesome Building Buddies Competition“. You and your best bud can have your awesome, original creation, featured during the end credits of the...[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]Original link

Builder sponki25 is back with another addition to his amazing NY emergency vehicle fleet. This time it's Tactical Support Unit 1, a 2016 International 7500/Seagrave 4x4. It's loaded with details and the accuracy we've come to expect including custom chrome and stickers. Click through for more pictures and to see it in action. Original linkOriginal author: Tommy

SDCC is rapidly approaching, planning an assault on the wallets of those who attend, and spiking the envy levels of those of us who can’t and have been eyeing the exclusives. LEGO has a long...[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]Original link

I recently ranted about the release of many sets in Europe in late May that won't come to the Americas until August, but pendulum of pain has already swung back across the Atlantic in record time.  These five Harry Potter sets were officially released on July 1 only in the U.S., not even neighboring Canada, and won't be made available in the birth-country and fictitious setting of of the series until a month later.Again, as always, I must encourage LEGO fans to refrain from blaming other entire countries for being unfair and "always" getting "everything" first.  It's truly a pendulum, and LEGO spreads the envy & angst around the globe throughout the year.  Blame the manufacturer for these miserably staggered releases, not fellow fans who happen to have earlier access to new products one season (but will be on the other side of the equation the next).  There are enough things in the...