Castle Gate of Brik'neerd: How to Make a Castle Gate

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Castle Gate of Brik'neerd: How to Make a Castle Gate

Castles – in some way, shape or form – are probably one of the most common sights in the LEGO fan community. I can still remember being a young kid sitting in my room playing with, in my opinion, one of the best sets ever (Kings Castle 6080). Given how many talented castle-builders there are in the AFOL community, there is a good chance I’m not the only one with fond memories like that! Regardless if someone is talking about LEGO conventions or just browsing through their Flickr or Instagram feed, chances are more than a few great castle builds are going to show up. Castles have been crucial to the development of the LEGO fan community over time, starting with the original yellow castle (6075) to the iconic Classic Castle community and beyond.

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"Pick-A-Model" sets now at LEGO Stores

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AFOLs and others who walked into their local LEGO Store on April 1 were treated to a neat surprise on the Pick-A-Brick wall: new elements previously not available through PAB, including 1x1 round decorated "eye" tiles, 1x2 yellow "cheese" slopes, and much more. But don't grab a large cup and start to fill it just yet.

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It's all part of the new "Pick-A-Model" line, in which you can create two models -- a plane or a couple of giraffes -- in the vein of their successful Build Your Own Minifigure offering.

 "Eye" see what you did there, LEGO.

 "Eye" see what you did there, LEGO.

One caveat for those tempted to stock up on these elements: they are really geared toward the Pick-A-Model sets, so you won't be able to fill your PAB cups to the brim with them: I'm told that LEGO Brand Retail employees will dutifully uphold this policy.  Pick-A-Model sets will also change on a quarterly basis, which could mean more different elements coming to the PAB walls.  That's always good news!

1x2 modified plates in light orange -- let's just call them duck's beaks.

1x2 modified plates in light orange -- let's just call them duck's beaks.

Each Pick-A-Model set will cost you $4.99, which seems a bit steep (the plane, for example, only has 24 pieces) and comes with a handy case which happens to hold exactly the number of pieces you need to build the set.  But the availability of the new elements alone might make these worth it.

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