The Build Night Breakdown: January!

by Lukas Mack

Welcome back to the Build Night Breakdown! Inside, we’re celebrating PerthLUG’s January Buildapalooza with prize draws, build highlights, and the latest news and events—keeping you plugged into the LEGO scene across Perth.

Firstly, for those new here: what is this Buildapalooza build night thing? Buildapalooza is PerthLUG’s regular social event, where on the second Monday of every 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. The details of where & when can be found at the bottom of this page.

Let’s dive right into all the fun giveaways with the members’ draw. This month, we had a total of FIVE PRIZES up for grabs. The LEGO tote bag was a nice addition to the lineup: really quite chic, if I may say so. And what a great selection from the Creator 3-in-1 theme we had there. LEGO continues to impress with these versatile builds, wave after wave. The telescope is on my list if anyone is asking… But now, to our very lucky winning members. Drum roll please…

Members’ Draw: January

Space Exploration Telescope 31378: J. Wright
Playful Puppy Dog 31382: L. Anderson
Fierce Shark with a Treasure Chest 31381: C. Ruttiman
Turtle with a Water Lily Flower 31377 AND Cute Hamster with a Flower 31376: R. Burke
LEGO Tote Bag: A. Lau

Congratulations members! You may have noticed that a number of our winning members did not get their picture taken. They didn’t dodge the camera this time. No, rather they are simply enjoying the benefits of their membership. If you’re a paid-up member, you can still win a prize, even if you can’t attend the build night. Yet again, memberships paid off big time last Monday night. This would be a good time to remind you (*wink, wink*) that memberships and renewals close February 9th at the end of that month’s Buildapalooza.

We ain’t quite done with prizes yet, though. Leander Moore-Crouch took home the brand new Galloping Horses Canvas (80119) in our extra special bonus raffle. That looks to be an absolutely exquisite build. Congrats.

Besides the prizes and giveaways, another much-loved tradition at our build nights is the Parts Draft. This month’s sacrificial set was Spider-Man vs. Sandman (76334), generously offered up for the cause. If you’d like to join in with the Parts Draft next month, just follow us on our PerthLUG Facebook page to get the heads-up on which set to bring along.

Let’s jump into the build review! This is usually the part where I roam the hall and spy on everyone’s creations, but as I couldn’t stay for the whole evening, Hannah stepped in as my eyes and ears on the ground. Thanks, Hannah! Let’s have a sticky beak at some of the brilliant builds from the night.

To get us started, Pam brought along the charming new Fortune Master to ring in the Chinese New Year. Just look at this happy chap! I feel more fortunate already looking at this guy.

Continuing with the Chinese New Year theme, Jenna brought along some more Good Fortune in the form of set 80177 .How did I miss this one from last year? You can just imagine the scene here with these traditional drawing tools and implements. The vase, in particular, is so elegant with what looks to be a printed pattern on the front. Just gorgeous.

Next up, we have Mike’s insectoid Galaxy Squad set. This one is the Crater Creeper 70706. For a set that is thirteen years old already, it really does hold up well. The alien design of the minifigs remains top notch and the colours clash in just the best way.

Let’s finish the build review by highlighting Alex’s Speed Champions Bugatti. To my eye, the two-tone blue is superb and LEGO have done an impressive job to capture the round swoopy shapes (technical term) in the side panelling. Looks to be a solid buy, thanks for sharing Alex. And thank you to Hannah for bringing us all these lovely pics. As always, it seems the Buildapalooza delivered a wonderful mix of new and retired sets. A couple might just make my wanted list. How about yours?

Before we wrap up this issue, thank you to all those who attended the opening of our art exhibition ArtyBricks: Natural Elements on Friday. It was lovely to see all the friendly faces of our lovely community show up to Kent Street Gallery/Vic Park Arts Centre and support the artists. This wonderful collision of art and LEGO runs until February 3rd with artist talks and workshops running Sunday January 25th.

And that’s us all done and dusted for another month. But because slowing down clearly isn’t our style, the Buildapalooza will be back again next month. Join us at the next one on February 9th, 2026. You’ll find us at our regular meeting spot at the John McGrath Pavilion, just off Hensman Street in South Perth. All are welcome.

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