by Lukas Mack
The last Buildapalooza for 2024 has already come and gone if you can believe it. Monday’s build night was truly epic so I hear. Yours truly couldn’t make it in person but thanks to my photographers Dylan and Dale, we had eyes on the ground to catch all the night’s events. There’s just so much to catch up on so let’s dive right into this giant-size issue of the Build Night Break Down.
Some real quick info for those who might be new around these parts and wishing to come along to one of our build nights. Buildapalooza is PerthLUG’s regular social event where on the second Monday of the month we bring along a Lego set and just build and socialise. We’re a friendly bunch from all walks of life. It’s just $5 for non-members to help keep the lights on. More details at the bottom of the page.
We had a real bumper turnout Monday: Well done to those who showed up after Sunday’s Minifigapalooza. I’m sure everyone was a tad tired but I saw some bumper hauls from our Buy/Sell day. What we do for Lego hey?! Or maybe it was all those Krispy Kreme Donuts being handed out. In either case, it’s great to see so many people enjoying our hobby. Let’s move straight onto the prize draws because the offering was absolutely incredible and you won’t want to miss this. Let’s start with the Members’ draw.
Members’ Draw
$100 LEGO Gift Voucher: Graeme P
‘Up’ House 43217 (Kindly donated by Judy): Joh P
Santa’s Delivery Truck 40746: Rob B
Santa’s Delivery Truck 40746: Kirsty F
Those prizes for the members draw were certainly nothing to sneeze at but we went all out for the extra special draw to support our Brickmas appeal for Canteen. Thanks to Richie, the first prize was the epic Optimus Prime. Oh, and not ‘just’ Optimus was up for grabs. Thanks to Gerhard Engelbrecht we had FOUR signed lego sets with his autograph and that of Emma Memma (the lovely Ms Emma Watkins, formerly the Yellow Wiggle). Oh, oh, and why not throw in another couple $100 LEGO gift vouchers!
Brickmas Appeal Raffle
Optimus Prime 10302 AND autographed Cat Playground Adventure 42612: Kit G
$100 LEGO Gift Voucher AND autographed Go-Karts and Race Drivers 60400: Graeme P
$100 LEGO Gift Voucher AND autographed Construction Steamroller 60401: Steph P
Autographed Autumn’s Baby Cow Shed 42607: Beth P
SO, SO MANY PRIZES! But what a good cause too. The generosity of the PerthLUG community is something really special. The only thing that might be more special is the smiles on kids’ faces doing it tough this Christmas. Again this year, Richie packed up the car to bursting and delivered something like 400 LEGO sets worth upwards of $6000 to Canteen Australia. What a legend! I’m just going to shamelessly steal his pics because they are just so perfect: look what we did PerthLUG!
Back to the happenings of build night, Ben led the Parts Darft crew in their savage sorting out of yet another stunning set. I kind of feel sad for the Botanicals Plum Blossoms but their parts will be put to good use in many a future LEGO creation no doubt. In fact, that’s the purpose of the whole thing! For those not in the know, the Parts Draft is a great way to bring along one set and take home bulk-sorted parts for your collection. It’s pretty fun too! For more information just follow us over at the PerthLUG Facebook page but in short, it’s a wonderful resource for any MOC builder.
And now it’s time to highlight some builds of the evening. For me, I have the opportunity to sneak a peek right with y’all now. There was such a variety I can see that and first cab off the ranks is Amy with her Retro Record Player GWP – quite a hot commodity that set is I believe and holds up to expectations I reckon! Thanks Dale for the pic.
And thanks to the photographic expertise of roving reporter, the dashing Mr Dylan, we have a whole bunch more pics to peruse! Kayleigh’s Ninjago dragon casts quite the silhouette against the wall with that fiery wingspan – epic. Less epic perhaps is this, ah, C-3PO leg. It’s a very nice leg as droid legs go I suppose… but maybe we’ll let Jordan actually finish the build before casting judgement hey!
Sylvia’s Tuxedo Cat is so adorable, and as is typically the case in my experience with cats, has immediately found the comfiest spot to sit. Next up is the spooky Never Witch’s Nightmare Raven from the Dreamzzz line. I believe this build belongs to Nikki, or was it Rod? Reports on the ground are sketchy. Many (read: some) apologies. Even more terrifying to me is David’s creepy Aragog spider. I like, but I don’t like – *shiver*. Moving swiftly on, Eleanor’s dragonfly is a gorgeous alternative build from the Exotic Peacock 31157 set. It really holds up as a design I’d say.
Finally for builds, let’s leave the last word and pic to David whom Dylan assures me was a huge help with the photography. Somehow I doubt this, but the Retro Camera set 31147 really is quite convincing. Added to my wishlist.
We’re nearly through this massive issue of the Breakdown, but one final announcement. Nine artist-builders are bringing their LEGO works of art to a real art gallery this January 18th – February 4th! The ‘ArtyBricks: Home-Built’ exhibition has been a massive undertaking so I’d encourage you all to please show your support at the free opening event at Kent St. Gallery, Saturday Jan 18th 2-4pm. We would truly and absolutely appreciate every lovely face that can make it.
And that’s that! Another Buildapalooza and yet another year of PerthLUG being awesome. I’m not biased at all. But clearly, we aren’t slowing down one bit. In fact, Buildapalooza will be back again in January as usual on the second Monday. That’s Jan 13th at our normal time and place; 7-11pm at John McGrath Pavilion off Hensman St, South Perth. A very Happy Holidays from all the team here and see you all back in the new year!
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