Whatever Happened to Idea Books??

[davidant32]

LEGO Idea Books have been a great source of inspiration ever since 1980's Idea Book 6000. The last one I picked up was 1997's 697, which had a weak Castle page to say the least.

TLG, please bring back the Idea Books. The pictures and models were truly inspiring!

EDIT: Speaking of which, has anyone ever seen this shield before? It looks to be a Black/Red quartered shield, different from this red/maroon shield (and the Idea Book did not include this pattern as a sticker).

[architect]

Actually LEGO has been making pseudo idea books recently. Please check out the following books which also contain pieces:

http://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Castle-Brick ... 866&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Pirates-Bric ... gy_b_img_c
http://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Brickmaster- ... gy_b_img_b

In addition, TLG is working on a replacement for the BrickMaster magazine which will feature building tips and instructions to alternate models.

Ben

[Aliencat]

This one is coming out in october, featuring models and building ideas from yours truely and a number of other AFOLs.

[Tedward]

This one is coming out in october, featuring models and building ideas from yours truely and a number of other AFOLs.

Oooh, are we gonna see any sneak peeks before it comes out?

[davidant32]

This one is coming out in october, featuring models and building ideas from yours truely and a number of other AFOLs.

Hey that actually looks really cool. Given the size, it looks like there should at least be a few pages dedicated to Castle as well. Has LEGO restricted its contents to only currently available pieces, colors, and themes (ie no Cyprus trees, no old grey, and no Fantasy Era and before) ?? Also, does it have the good balance of dioarama-type images and building instructions like in the 80s Idea Books? I think I got the most inspiration from staring at those beautiful scenes and trying to pick out the details and building techniques myself, though it was nice to have specific instructions for a few of the models.

[Aliencat]

I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to show or tell you guys much about it at this point, but to vaguely answer your questions:

This is not a project from LEGO but from the book publisher Dorling Kindersley, and it involves a number of AFOLs.
The point of this book is not to build alternative models with pieces currently available in sets, like in the old idea books, but more to show kids (and adults alike) what else you can do with LEGO other than building the sets they own. It focusses on things like building techniques and alternative ways to build something if you don't have the right parts, as well as tips and tricks when building your own creations.

That's really all I want to share with you guys now, if you want to know more, buy the book It's really worth it!