BrickFair NJ 2014 Wrap-Up (Nov 1st & 2nd)

BrickFair NJ 2014 took place for the first time near NYC in Somerset, NJ at the Garden State Convention Center.  Although it’s a relatively smaller LEGO fan-built event, it still had a great turnout and was a great size for fun exhibitor camaraderie and a great start for our LUG BrickFair newbies (Bert, BG3D, Skaare42) and brand-new LUG members (Marco & John).

ILUGNY, a tri-state LEGO User Group club, turned out with a large table layout of a seamlessly integrated display with 2 trains and 2 monorails.

• 3 ILUGNY members (Smart_As_A_Brick, BG3D, and MikeB in order of appearance) were all nominated in different categories for the following MOCs and Smart_As_A_Brick took home a prize for his MOC.

There were also 3 other LUGs in attendance who we’ll do a shout-out for:

• BioniLUG  – The online LUG who runs BZPower website and who represented a wide variety of Constraction builds.

• GardenSLUG – Local NJ club with a variety of cool MOCs in force.

• Greater Florida LEGO Train Club (GFLTC) – A very remote club who apparently loves to travel and setup a large and interesting display!

To get an idea of BrickFair’s layout, check out the Mini-Con model of the event floor and tables.

At this show we also had new information revealed:

• LAN (LEGO Ambassador Network) – An enhanced and more transparent AFOL community program which was announced by Kevin Hinkle.  LUGs that want to work with LEGO and get support must now apply to become “recognized” as an “RLUG”.

• Modulex Bricks® – This new company, which is part of the LEGO® Kirk family (not part of The LEGO® Group though), owns the rights to Modulex® bricks and molds, which it purchased from Modulex® (owned by ASI Sign Systems).  Modulex® was available from LEGO® from 1963-late1980s as just “Modulex®” (aka “M20 System” based on their 1:20 scale to real-life, lastly existing as “Plancopy” in the 1990s).  Modulex Bricks® is currently determining their strategy to bring the mini bricks back in the next year or so and is aiming at AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGO®), Visual Planning in companies/project groups, and other Modulex Bricks® enthusiasts.  Modulex® bricks, which have a 5:5 width/length ratio are only rarely compatible with traditional LEGO® bricks, which have a 5:6 width/length ratio.  Karyn Traphagen (www.MiniBricksMadness.com), a Modulex® fan, collector, and expert, gave us the introduction and great Modulex® display.  The following are pictures of new black test molds and original LEGO® Modulex® bricks.

Mike Nieves with his unique and awesome building style was also in attendance.

Exhibitors participated in a variety of events with prizes given out through-out the non-public setup hours as well as setup hours.  Some non-public events included Blind Speed Build, Brick of Treat, Combo Build, Constructionary, Dirty Brickster,Parts Draft, Scavenger Hunt, Texas No Hold’ Em Poker, Ticket Raffle, Yard Sale, and even a variety of exhibitors who dressed up in costume in celebration of the Halloween weekend.

Thanks to all of those who setup a great show (Todd Webb and crew), supporters these shows (LEGO and representative Kevin Hinkle), and the new friends we made between exhibitors and the public!