Latest news with #Lego
Sydney Morning Herald
14 hours ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
A drawer full of heads and 30 million bricks: inside the secret warehouse where Lego masterpieces are built
Sitting at tables around the warehouse or standing around models are the Lego builders painstakingly placing bricks, after consulting computer models that show the 'rough shape' of where the bricks go. One group of six are working side by side on a giant model of a beanie, which they are creating for a motor neurone disease charity event. Another Lego builder is working on a model of a dinosaur destined for a Lego store in New Delhi in India. No photographs are allowed that include any of the Lego builds under construction because of strict confidentiality agreements. Overhead cameras film each Lego build on time-lapse, with the footage to be released once the build is finished, and small exhaust pipes hang from each work station to extract the fumes from all the glue. While building Lego might be literally child's play, McNaught and his team take it very seriously. 'Everybody knows how to put two Lego bricks together, that's an easy thing to do,' he says. 'We teach a certain method and style of Lego building.' McNaught says Lego is not designed to be made into giant structures, so there is a lot of skill and technique in the 'artistry of Lego' which needs to be taught. He uses a method called 'north, south, east, west', which means that you alternate direction when building layers of bricks, which helps with strength and stability. 'There's also a technique we use called SNOT, which stands for studs not on top. We turn bricks in different directions, which give us shearing strength,' he says. 'There's a whole heap of things like that. On average, it takes a person about two years before they're proficient in those techniques. Call it an apprenticeship, if you will.' The Lego builders work at adjustable tables to protect their backs, and McNaught says the main occupational hazard is calluses from the hard plastic blocks. 'We have really good calluses on our fingers,' he says. 'If you look at anyone who's a builder, you can see exactly whether they're left-handed or right-handed or both-handed, because of the calluses.' McNaught is one of only 21 certified Lego professionals in the world, which gives him permission to use the Lego brand and to contract to Lego. But this title does not give McNaught any discount on the crates of Lego he purchases. 'We wish,' he laughs. 'We pay a fortune for Lego. We're the No.2 or 3 consumer of Lego in the world.' Loading McNaught estimates he has 30 million Lego bricks in his warehouse, with the Star Wars Lego exhibition alone using more than 8 million bricks and taking McNaught and his team more than 25,000 hours to build. The exhibition opened on Star Wars Day, May 4, and runs until the end of January; 35,627 tickets have already been sold. Tim Rolfe, director of exhibitions and experiences at Museums Victoria, said the exhibition was on track to be a bestseller.
The Age
14 hours ago
- Business
- The Age
A drawer full of heads and 30 million bricks: inside the secret warehouse where Lego masterpieces are built
Sitting at tables around the warehouse or standing around models are the Lego builders painstakingly placing bricks, after consulting computer models that show the 'rough shape' of where the bricks go. One group of six are working side by side on a giant model of a beanie, which they are creating for a motor neurone disease charity event. Another Lego builder is working on a model of a dinosaur destined for a Lego store in New Delhi in India. No photographs are allowed that include any of the Lego builds under construction because of strict confidentiality agreements. Overhead cameras film each Lego build on time-lapse, with the footage to be released once the build is finished, and small exhaust pipes hang from each work station to extract the fumes from all the glue. While building Lego might be literally child's play, McNaught and his team take it very seriously. 'Everybody knows how to put two Lego bricks together, that's an easy thing to do,' he says. 'We teach a certain method and style of Lego building.' McNaught says Lego is not designed to be made into giant structures, so there is a lot of skill and technique in the 'artistry of Lego' which needs to be taught. He uses a method called 'north, south, east, west', which means that you alternate direction when building layers of bricks, which helps with strength and stability. 'There's also a technique we use called SNOT, which stands for studs not on top. We turn bricks in different directions, which give us shearing strength,' he says. 'There's a whole heap of things like that. On average, it takes a person about two years before they're proficient in those techniques. Call it an apprenticeship, if you will.' The Lego builders work at adjustable tables to protect their backs, and McNaught says the main occupational hazard is calluses from the hard plastic blocks. 'We have really good calluses on our fingers,' he says. 'If you look at anyone who's a builder, you can see exactly whether they're left-handed or right-handed or both-handed, because of the calluses.' McNaught is one of only 21 certified Lego professionals in the world, which gives him permission to use the Lego brand and to contract to Lego. But this title does not give McNaught any discount on the crates of Lego he purchases. 'We wish,' he laughs. 'We pay a fortune for Lego. We're the No.2 or 3 consumer of Lego in the world.' Loading McNaught estimates he has 30 million Lego bricks in his warehouse, with the Star Wars Lego exhibition alone using more than 8 million bricks and taking McNaught and his team more than 25,000 hours to build. The exhibition opened on Star Wars Day, May 4, and runs until the end of January; 35,627 tickets have already been sold. Tim Rolfe, director of exhibitions and experiences at Museums Victoria, said the exhibition was on track to be a bestseller.
Mint
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- Mint
Toyota Vellfire review: A limousine wrapped in the body of a van
Can a colossal MPV steal the spotlight on the red carpet? The Toyota Vellfire is doing just that, and how. Ever since its 2023 debut, this luxury van has been rolling off showroom floors, especially among Bollywood's elite. And it's easy to see why: the Vellfire isn't just transport, it's an experience. And the 2025 model that hit the road last month continues this tradition. There's nothing subtle about the Vellfire's presence, drenched as it is in deep black and dripping in chrome. The large, dark chrome grille and sleek, jewelled headlamps lend it a commanding and unmistakable face. Walk around it and the scale hits you—the Vellfire is vast. But it's not just about size; design details like the chrome-accented kink in the window line add a touch of pizzazz. It sits on 19-inch alloy wheels, and the slab-sided rear is finessed with tail lamps that meet in a V-shaped light signature. Even with all seats in place, the boot offers usable luggage space. For more room, the third row slides on rails or folds up against the sides, giving you flexibility to suit every need. Also read: Inside India's first Lego store in Gurugram Slide open the powered rear doors and step into a sanctuary that feels more like a luxury suite than a van. The middle-row captain's chairs are the highlight—fully reclining, ventilated massagers that can be adjusted via traditional controls or the detachable touchscreen remotes tucked into the armrests. Legroom? Exceptional. Space? Palatial. Even someone as tall as Shaquille O'Neal could lounge here without complaint. This isn't just comfort, it's indulgence. The third row—often an afterthought in most MPVs—is surprisingly comfortable. Access is easy through the middle, legroom is ample, and reclining backrests ensure that even three adults can travel in genuine comfort. Toyota has packed the Vellfire to the gills with features that redefine rear-seat luxury: dual panoramic sunroofs with individual controls, a massive 14-inch roof-mounted entertainment screen, powered window blinds for all three rows, flip-out tray tables for working or snacking on the go, and dedicated AC vents and sunshades even for third-row passengers Up front, the story is just as impressive. There's a 14-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto; 15-speaker JBL premium sound system; 360-degree camera system for navigating tight spaces; 4-zone climate control with tactile physical knobs; fully digital instrument cluster; and a powered driver's seat. Every touchpoint is swathed in rich leather and wood, giving the cabin a warm, inviting feel that's unmistakably premium. Easy on the hands Safety is top-tier, with Toyota's full suite of ADAS features including Lane Keep Assist; Adaptive Cruise Control, six airbags, and ABS with EBD. Despite its size, the Vellfire is surprisingly manageable to drive. The wraparound windscreen and slim A-pillars offer excellent visibility. You sit high and commanding as well. This a vehicle to glide in. Under the hood is a 2.5-litre petrol engine mated to a 128hp electric motor, delivering a combined output of 250 hp. It's best driven with a light foot to take advantage of its hybrid tech. Push too hard and the CVT (continuously variable transmission) does groan in protest. Keep it smooth and it rewards you with quiet, electric-assisted cruising and a commendable fuel economy of around 19kmpl, which is astonishing for something this big. A vast improvement over its predecessor, the Vellfire's ride quality still falls just short of true limousine plushness. Rear passengers will be comfortable most of the time, but on less-than-perfect roads which are common in India, the cabin can feel slightly unsettled—something you might not expect at this price point. With prices ranging from ₹1.20- ₹1.30 crore, the Toyota Vellfire finds itself competing with some of the best luxury sedans on the market. But while those cars may wear more prestigious badges, none can match the Vellfire's combination of space, comfort, presence, and the legendary hassle-free Toyota ownership. It's a limousine in spirit, wrapped in the body of a van—with a personality that's uniquely its own. The specs Engine : 2.5 litre petrol Electric motor: Permanent magnetic synchronous Combined power: 250hp Price: ₹1.2-1.3 crore Features: 14-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 15-speaker JBL premium sound system, 360-degree camera system Renuka Kirpalani is consulting editor, Autocar India. Also read: Big data has changed cricket
Buzz Feed
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
32 Gifts For Anyone Who Is Chock-Full Of Whimsy
A 1,000-piece puzzle with illustrations that are equal parts obscure and dreamy for puzzlers who are up for an added challenge. Different Puzzles is just that... different. Rather than the final image being displayed on the box, each completed puzzle has a slightly altered illustration (which means surprise pieces and no idea where to put them!). Like the brand says, "These aren't your grandma's puzzles." A set of magnetic pigeon bag clips that are as strong and sturdy as the mighty pigeon herself. Pigeons rule the city outside — might as well give them a gift to embrace these iconic birds indoors too (while putting them to good use). A magnetic cat-eye gel nail polish kit for the fashion-savvy friend of yours who knows all things can be fixed with a killer manicure. Not only will they get an onslaught of compliments, but they'll also be able to say, "Why thank you, I did them myself!" to boost their cool kid ego even higher. Now that's a gift. A birthday card I am fairy-ly sure will end up being framed and saved by your BFF forever. Talk about whimsy! The ballet shoes, party hat, fairy all a masterpiece made even better by the harness hanging the lil' feral fairy high in the sky. BRB, buying this for my own birthday. A Lego flower bouquet featuring a ton of different blooms for creative folks who love covering their home in handmade masterpieces. A match holder and striker which might seem unnecessary placed beside their electric lighter but it's cuuuute. Plus, they can store six whole matches on top! That' Okay, really it just makes this look like a cute birthday cake. And you better believe that's all it needs to do. Because it is. A reviewer-adored Cozy Spaces-themed coloring book — help out your frazzled friend by tucking them into their favorite reading chair, putting on their noise-canceling headphones, and reminding them there's no need to think about anything other than coloring for a moment. This gift is here to help distract their busy brain with tiny bears making turnip tinctures and bugs decorating their overturned teacup homes. Cute. A book nook kit complete with motion-sensor LED lights that'll glow every time your bud passes by their bookshelf, creating an extra element of magic beside their impressive romantasy collection. This'll be a huge hit with crafters who care about the little details. The 3D puzzle is made of wood, and includes dozens of flat sheets with images that'll need to be punched out, folded into shape, and then carefully pieced together to create the intricate space. A bestselling pair of embroidered Chucks sure to be a slam-dunk hit with those tricky-to-buy-for folks who are ~bugged~ by impractical gifts but are so gosh darn quirky you wanna find a gift that's also fun. You've come to the right pair of kicks, pal! A pair of gemstone soaps that'll delight the ~gem~ of a friend in your life who loves a decorative bar soap. Who wouldn't love getting a useful gift that rocks as much as this?! A woven snail shelf sure to lift the spirits of anyone who is feeling the effects of their bland, expensive rental. Even if they're not the sort of person known to shell out compliments, you're sure to deserve a round of applause over your gift-giving skills with this one! And a silly snail soap dispenser — don't be sluggish about adding this ridiculous piece of home decor to your gifting rotation. Folks are gonna love washing their hands with soapy goo from this tiny guy! A cloud squiggle tray for keeping their *treasured* odds and ends somewhere eye-catching and easy to reach. A set of mushroom bookmarks — these bookmarks are gonna grow on them as quickly as their accidental ACOTAR fandom did. Good job getting them into ACOTAR, you're a good influence on them. A bottle of drinkable glitter for convincing your dehydrated bud that staying hydrated is cool. Just a spoonful of *glitter* helps the beverage go down! A heart-shape baking scale so that the home baker in your life knows how much you love them every time they get their scale out to measure how many grams of cake flower they need. And, in turn, they might invite you to come over and snack on the black and white cookies they end up making. Which is fine, that's totally fine! Mystic Maze — a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle that'll reveal a secret "magic trick" when they're finished. BTW, there are 50 Easter eggs hidden in the intricate design, making this mysterious puzzle a gripping game until the very last piece is in place. A glass teapot for making their tea time an even more serene experience with visible blooming tea flowers. A unicorn-head squirrel feeder that'll turn the squirrels in their yard into a cryptid so magnificent even The Moth Man would be jealous. A pack of strawberry candles sure to shoo seasonal depression away with their sweet berry smell and strikingly realistic look. Want to properly celebrate your summer-loving sweetheart getting through the winter? Throw these on top of a strawberry cheesecake and dig in! Delicious. And a strawberry tea kettle that'll look ~berry~ cute on their stovetop. A nature photograph featuring some a-corny cuties — they're gonna love having these forest friends in their home. Waldorf woodland creatures — each open-ended shape is designed with holes that'll easily fit different twigs, stems, petals, and leaves your flower child friend finds out in the yard or on nature walks, letting them create their own tiny wildlife creatures. A mini charm bracelet FOR THEIR TUMBLER, because your water bottle and your BFF's water bottle are *also* best friends, and they deserve best friend bracelets to prove it! A coral-colored Furby so the nostalgic soul you love can enjoy an upgraded version of this imaginative classic. The voice-activated animatronic toy has more than 600 reactions and is always ready for a dance party. It can even talk to other Furbies, naturally. A hanging fruit hook that'll add to their home's stunning secret garden aesthetic. These charming metal hangers put the "fun" in "functional," folks! A lit willow vine so they can add ethereal lighting to their room rather than let their rental's glaring overhead light destroy their zen. A hot air balloon model with intricate details, including hand-applied balloon strips, a rattan basket, and hand-woven webbing that recreates a classic 18th-century design. This scaled-down decor will make any empty corner instantly memorable. A pack of three collapsible lanterns to add some life to their place, even if they don't have ~mushroom~ to decorate. Now you get to be the ~fungi~ gifting gorgeous forest floor wall decor! Good going. A set of iridescent forest window clings to cover their apartment's windows, creating some privacy *and* turning their bedroom into a rainbow kaleidoscope paradise every time the sun hits just right. A northern lights projector that'll play soothing noises and double as a Bluetooth speaker! If you are both planning a trip to see the aurora someday but currently have the budget to travel no farther than down the block, this satisfying gift can give them a slice of the northern lights from their ceiling. And finally, a 100% cotton market tote bag with embroidered fruits and vegetables made from saved fabric scraps! Gift this to someone in your life who loves supporting small, who spends their weekends strolling through the farmer's market year-round (think of all the produce they could fit in here!). This tote has a whopping *five* interior pockets, also making it a great bag for everyday use. Phone, keys, wallet, hot has its own special spot.
Gizmodo
a day ago
- Business
- Gizmodo
Lego's June Releases Tremble Before Galactus
And Galactus probably trembles before the arrival of Lego 'Bluey', to be honest. Summer is well and truly upon us, and what better way to beat the heat than to be inside building Lego based on the movies you could be out in that heat going to watch? After last month's Star Wars bonanza, in June Lego's opening up to a whole host of other franchises to get in on the fun with new sets, including the very first Fantastic Four Lego set, a return to Fortnite, and yes… the arrival of the world's most famous Australian dog. Lego Bluey is arguably going to be the big drop of the month, but it is one among many highlights in a bumper month for Lego. The aforementioned Fantastic Four: First Steps set finally brings Marvel's first family to the physical world of Lego, the Jurassic World line is all in on Rebirth ahead of its arrival in cinemas, and Lego Simpsons makes a triumphant return. But that's not all, there's plenty to tempt your wallet this month—and yes, even a little more Star Wars, too. Check out the lowdown on the biggest Lego releases of June 2025 below! Lego Book Nooks This month Lego is launching a new line of designs featuring a series of foldout display pieces that can also serve as themed book nooks in your shelf space. So far the company is sticking to novel-themed ideas, like the debut Sherlock Holmes set and a Lord of the Rings encounter between Gandalf and the Balrog (albeit inspired by its rendition in the Peter Jackson films), but who's to say where the line goes from here? Lego Bluey Sets The kids cartoon sensation is now ready to bring Australian dominion to the world of Lego too, with a series of sets explicitly aimed at young builders in both the Duplo series and Lego's 4+ sets (although the young-at-heart adult Bluey fans will no doubt find some enjoyment with the latter, too). Whether you want something small with Bluey and her friends, or the whole Heeler household in one set, there's plenty for everyone. Lego City The City Tower Lego City is usually only in io9's proverbial wheelhouse when it comes to the line's myriad space exploration sets, but this new tower display is a celebration of all sorts of aspects of Lego City—space included! There's a rocket launch, a train, mirrored police and fire stations, a construction crane, and even a skate ramp for good measure. It's a peculiar mashup, but a fun way to make a Lego City set that reflects much of the line's mainstays. ($210, available here) Lego Star Wars Sets Star Wars got all the fun last month, but that doesn't mean there's nothing from the galaxy far, far away coming in June. It is a smorgasbord of smaller sets though, from a Plo Koon microfighter, a Darth Maul mini-mech, and an Ahsoka-inspired battle pack that gives you a squad of Night Troopers to add to your legions. Lego Jurassic World Rebirth Sets Rebirth is the name of the game this month in the land of Jurassic World, with a whole host of sets inspired by the new movie. The time is now for your Jonathan Bailey minifigure! But honestly, the star of the show might be the smallest set on offer: the adorable Dolores, a baby Aquilops. Lego Art: The Fauna Collection Tiger The Lego Art series expands with an original artpiece, recreating a dazzling tiger head surrounded by florals, which can be customized or even enhanced with flowers from the Lego botanicals range. ($65, available here) Lego Marvel Sets The first Fantastic Four: First Steps set (and first Fantastic Four set outright!) might be the draw here, despite Mr. Fantastic's distressing legs, but it's not the only Marvel set we're getting this month, as Iron Spider swings into the Marvel bust line. Lego Minecraft Sets After a brief bout of Minecraft Movie mania, Lego's back to the regular gaming-inspired sets for the survival crafter, with a variety of builds. The standout, however, is a wonderfully pixelated buildable Creeper—who is not only about as articulated as a Creeper can get, but even can have TNT hidden in its head for an explosive easter egg. Lego Icons The Simpsons Krusty Burger Lego returns to The Simpsons for the first time in a decade with another iconic Springfield locale in the form of Krusty Burger. Alongside most of the Simpsons family in Homer, Bart, and Lisa (complete with an appropriate clown-car variant of the family car from Homer's tenure in Clown College), there's a host of Simpsons stalwarts, including Sideshow Bob, a new Krusty farmer inspired by the season 20 episode 'Coming to Homerica', and, of course, the squeaky-voiced teen. ($210, available here) Lego Fortnite Sets Lego's ongoing digital-physical collaboration with Fortnite continues with a series of sets inspired by the Fortnite Lego Odyssey mode, including a giant-sized Klombo beast. Lego Disney Sets There's only one bit of Stitch-adjacent fever from Lego this month to tie-into the new movie in the form of a buildable Angel, Stitch's cutesy companion from the mid-aughts TV show, but the standout is a huge buildable (and customizable) Dalmatian pup from 101 Dalmatians. Check the price tag before attempting to buy 101 of them, though. Lego Ideas Pixar Luxo Jr. Disney-adjacent, but actually from Lego's crowdsourced Ideas series, this adorable replica of the iconic Pixar mascot from the studio's very first short even includes the iconic Pixar ball too, packed with hidden references to a litany of animated classics—plus, you can even pose Luxo Jr. balancing on it for good measure. ($70, available here)
