I know Throwback Thursdays is usually for a longer wayback period than eight months, but since we missed posting this at that time, I figured I’d share this with you now.

After a long absence due to Covid closures and uncertainties, the Vancouver Train Expo finally returned to the Vancouver PNE fairgrounds in late 2023. The VLC has been exhibiting at this show each year since the early 2000’s. We were pleased to be there with our MILS (Modular Integrated Landscaping System) layout which we feel makes more cohesive and better planned out displays. I hope you notice the upgraded look the past few years has made and changed our collaborative builds.

If you couldn’t see the layout in person last year, then the next best thing is to watch VLC Member Daniel Watson’s wonderful almost 15 min video. Enjoy!

While it takes many members to bring a display together and all are valuable to us, Daniel has been a great contributor in building for, and helping to plan and coordinate future VLC train based displays, such as the upcoming one later this month at the Cloverdale Rodeo and Fair 2023. And then to take the time to actually make and edit a video of it is above and beyond. Thank you, Daniel.

I remember when Joel joined the VLC, I asked him what he likes to build. He said that he liked to design really, really accurate LEGO Star Wars vehicle MOCs. Well, he certainly delivers.

18 months ago, Joel set out to build the most accurate possible minifig-scale X-Wing, based on the Red 5 studio model in A New Hope. He also added a few details from the X-Wing cockpit and hanger sets.

Highlights include:

• Cylindrical laser cannons with side greebles
• Wing stripes
• Engine intakes and inner wing details
• Lit exhaust nozzles
• 9-sided tail
• Top greebles with integrated S-foil control knob
• Detailed cockpit with lighting
• Custom canopy
• Photon torpedo tubes
• Nose cone
• So many hull angles

More to come! May the Fourth be with you.

Original link: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6iZKzuuR17/?igsh=MWE3b3B5dGZpcDBtZQ==

You can see more of his MOCs on his Flickr. If you like what he does, please follow him.

You may also know Joel as the builder of modded LEGO set 21340 Tales of the Space Age giving it a more “recognizable” flavour and named it Wars of the Star Age. Nudge nudge, wink wink.

Joel has kindly made the instructions for this modification available for free on Rebrickable, so that you can build it for yourself. Note: The red binoculars representing the cloud car only come in one set, the CMF S12 Lifeguard and are a little pricey.

Each March the VLC members vote for the MOC of the Year. We ask that our members submit to our private forums when a MOC is completed in the calendar year for consideration for this award. As always, there were a lot of outstanding entries, as there are every year.

The 2023 Award for X Marks the Stud Map Mosaic goes to Dave Windhorst and Paola Felisatti

Note: The Pirates Logo above the map was done by Melinda Moar.

The map is based on a LEGO 2×2 printed tile, that’s been available in 25 sets as of 2023.

It’s definitely better to see this MOC in person to get a sense of the size and texture to this build, in relation to its source material. He used LEGO nets combined with studs to create the wavy look of an ancient map and give it some depth. It contains over 25,000 pieces, and is about 112 studs by 112 studs. For more information about the build and how it was created: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BxIKsJpaloswyKGbttuYnMO2c3sxMN1I/view

The Dean Lovell award is named after a member who sadly passed away many years ago, and it’s our tribute to remember him and the builder he was.

This MOC also won the BrickCan Director’s Choice at BrickCan 2024.

The VLC and Fraser Valley LUG are pleased to again be joining together for a train and city layout at the Cloverdale Country Fair from May 17-20, 2024. We hope that you can come out and see it! Please mark it down in your calendar.

———————

With five pro rodeo performances, an indigenous village, live music performances, 40+ food trucks, 30+ carnival rides, family-friendly events, and more than a little bit of action—The 2024 Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair is bigger and bolder than ever!

With admission starting at just $12 (kids 12 & under are free), your Country Fair ticket provides access to the fairgrounds where you can enjoy a variety of attractions.
Ticket packages are also available to secure your spot at a rodeo performance, dance the night away at Longhorn Saloon, or spend a full day on the rides with an All Day Ride Pass.

Get your tickets and join us for a day of exploration and enjoyment at the Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair!

Friday, May 17, 2024
4pm-11pm (no entry after 10pm)
Saturday, May 18, 2024
10am – 11pm (no entry after 10:00pm)
Sunday, May 19, 2024
10am – 11pm (no entry after 10:00pm)
Monday, May 20, 2024
10am – 6pm (no entry after 5pm)

You can find us at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds located off of 176th Street, between 60th Avenue and 64th Avenue.

Earlier in April, VLC member and prolific LEGO artist, Paul Hetherington displayed a selection of his builds on Sunday at the request of Geoffrey Erickson. Geoffrey was looking to have a presence there to bring awareness to AE100, the 100th centenary of Arthur Erickson’s birth.

Over the years, Paul has built some of Arthur Erickson’s iconic homes in the LEGO brick medium including Smith House II, Eppich House I, and Eppich House II.

It was well attended and the displays received a very positive response from attendees. There are lots of LEGO fans and Arthur Erickson fans out there!

Photos directly above taken at The Bricktacular West Coast Modern Show (2023) by Pierre Chum

Some of my photos didn’t manage to upload yesterday, so I’m adding a few more of my favourites from the recent BrickCan 2024.

This past weekend was a lot of fun with so many of you coming out to see the incredible builds that our talented attendees brought with them. The River Rock Theatre was the host to a full spectrum of themes built on display. Following are a small sampling of my personal favourites, but are by nowhere near representative of the volumes on display. Apologies that I’ve not got all the MOC cards with the title and builder names on it.

For those of you who missed out, do mark in your calendar the beginning of January 2025 to be on the lookout for tickets for BrickCan 2025. Probably best to follow the @BrickCan instagram page for the official launch date.

If you’re an adult builder and/or you’ve wondered what goes on behind the scenes, Tom Alphin of the blog BrickArchitect wrote about his thoughts on BrickCan 2023 (link below). It’ll give you a good idea, of whether it’s something you would like to consider for next year or not.

For those of you who are lucky to have bought tickets early to BrickCan 2024, it’s quickly coming up this weekend. Unfortunately, tickets sold out quite in advance this year, as it is an ever popular LEGO event in the Lower Mainland. The VLC has members there at the River Rock Resort setting up their LEGO builds, as well as many AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGO) from across North America, and as far as Australia, doing the same to bring you a lot of amazing LEGO creations by talented builders.

Looking around the theatre, it will not disappoint. We hope to see many of you there!

For those that missed out, do follow the BrickCan Instagram account, to find out when tickets become available for next year’s BrickCan. @BrickCan https://brickcan.com

The VLC is once again returning to FanExpo Vancouver where we will be bringing some fantastic that celebrate what our members are fans of. Expect to see dazzling pop culture builds, some giant Great Ball Contraptions, LEGO races, and more.

For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit the FanExpo Vancouver website.