New Elementary ran a building workshop at Skærbæk Fan Weekend in September 2024. During the event, attendees were tasked with making something using 10 elements released in the last 12 months as seed parts; we will show you some of the results in due course, but first up, it's our turn! We rounded up some of the reclaimed seed parts from the workshop to run one of our "parts festivals", and dispatched them to a couple of our regular contributors: Kev Levell and Caz Mockett, and one of the workshop attendees, Nathan Don as a guest builder.
So, welcome to After-PartyFest! For our first instalment, Tom Loftus introduces all 10 elements and to take a closer look at those that have escaped New Elementary's analytical eye so far.
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The seed parts
Let's kick off with a couple of bar-based elements that would've felt right at home way back in New E's 2016 parts fest The New Black:
4 x 6 Technic Wishbone with Axle Connectors and Ball Socket (part 5294)
Still exclusive to set 10330 McLaren MP4/4 & Ayrton Senna where it comes in Black (6464609), this element's peculiar blend of LEGO® System and Technic System has a wealth of connection points to exploit. See Zach's review of set 10330 for a comprehensive look at its geometry.
2 x 2 Plate with Horizontal Bar Underneath (5066)
First spotted in the January LEGO® Friends wave, this special plate has proven its versatility, having appeared in 31 sets so far. In addition to Black (6488003), it also comes in Dark Bluish Gray (6457961), Bright Light Orange (6484950) and most recently Tan (6518050).
element 6464609
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Our next elemental duo come in Sand Blue from the LEGO® NINJAGO® theme, specifically set 71810 Young Dragon Riyu:
Creature Body Part, Dragon Wing 11 x 6 with 3 Bar Handles (4899)
The latest in LEGO® dragon wing technology, aside from Sand Blue (6510124) it also comes in 3 dual-moulded colour combinations: Trans-Yellow (6510123), Trans-Orange (6510121) and Trans-Light Blue (6510122).
Cockpit / Large Figure Cover, Ridged, 4 x 5 x 2 with Bar and 4 Studs on Sides (4986)
One of many Ninjago-centric parts, the armour shell is used across the theme, from mechs to dragons to even bigger dragons. It, too, comes in Sand Blue (6475208) and 3 other colours: Pearl Gold (6466418), Red (6466698) and Black (6466417). For more on this part and its connection points, see Toby's reviews of mech sets 71806, 71807 & 71808.
part 4899
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Next up, we're walking in the air:
Plate Special 2 x 3 with Rounded Cloud Edge and 2 Studs (5518)
As noted by Caz in her review of 80058 Celestial Pagoda, the "half-cloud" tile comes in two colours: White (6513938) and Pearl Gold (6513937). For a time it was exclusive to the LEGO® Monkie Kid™ theme but two have since been spotted adorning the roof in 21353 The Botanical Garden. Perhaps because it debuted in such a visually dynamic theme, it seems to have flown under many people's radar - in other words, the perfect candidate for a parts fest!
Mini-doll Platform Soles / Shoes (5107)
It's shocking the citizens of Heartlake City have just three platform shoe colours to choose from: White (6472137), Pearl Gold (6473569) and Dark Purple (6458990).
Like the cloud tile, the New E team are yet to take an in-depth look at this funky mould. I'm reliably informed that Kev's After-PartyFest instalment will set that right though.
part 5518
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An unlikely trio of Tan parts next:
Flag Triangle 2 x 4 (5555)
Debuting in the LEGO Friends line in Tan (6475813), the new flag may only have a couple of connection points, but holds a lot of potential. Also available in Red (6511983) courtesy of 10370 Poinsettia, hopefully it won't be long before they're recoloured in other shades too. See Toby's Adventure Camp sets review for some thorough examination.Minifig Hipwear, Fluffy Squirrel Tail (5386)
As one of the most specialised elements in our line-up, it's no surprise that the workshop attendees and our Parts Fest contributors say the squirrel tail is a tough element to work with. It's only appearance so far, and potentially ever, is in Tan (6468834) in LEGO® Animal Crossing™ set 77048 Kapp'n's Island Boat Tour.Foot (Donkey Kong), 4 Toes with Hinge Finger (3560)
Although its connection points are more plentiful, Donkey Kong's foot is similarly theme-specific. It appeared in Tan (6433371) in two 2023 LEGO® Super Mario sets: 71425 Diddy Kong's Mine Cart Ride Expansion Set and 71424 Donkey Kong's Tree House.
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part 5555
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element 6468834
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element 6433371
Plant, Banana Peel with Bar (5215)
Our final element serves as an unintentional cross-promotion for our Mind that Banana contest because, you guessed it, it's a banana!
Tom's tablescraps
So there you have it: 10 weird and wonderful elements for our Parts Fest contributors to make some weird and wonderful things.
We'll share the results of the efforts over the next few weeks but for now, let's take a closer look at some elements on the list that have so far eluded in-depth analysis here at New E.
Techniques using LEGO part 5066
2 x 2 Plate with Horizontal Bar Underneath is something of a compatibility upgrade to the rectangular minifig shield (30166) from 2018. There's a lot of shared DNA between the two but the newer plate's smaller footprint, 2 anti-studs and uncapped bar ends make it a more versatile choice for structural points.
Another close relative is the 2 x 2 Hinge Brick Top Plate (6134) with its four studs and a similar bar-based pivot point - demonstrated here by its 1x2 counterpart (3938) and lower half (3937). All beloved parts, but the hinge itself feels a bit... antiquated by modern standards? I'll be the last in line to lobby for their retirement but still, it is nice to have a sturdier, if bulkier, alternative for some situations.
Here's a few explorations: first some basic clip and plate combos, then a look at how brackets sit neatly in the half-plate gaps, and finally, a few examples of half-module offsets. I must keep the latter logged for future use, as jumps of half a module can be a weak point in my builds.
Geometry of LEGO part 3560
Donkey Kong's foot is kind of like a beefed-up version of the 2 x 2 Hinge Plate (53968, 92582), with a few embellishments (a.k.a. toes). Both sport a click hinge finger (which is ironic), roughly on a 2 x 2 module footprint – a term that's a little more literal in the case of this element.
The heel's rear curvature is a match for a 1 x 2 rounded plate, while a "nail-rail" underside makes it an honorary member of the jumper family.
The recess under the toes is the strangest feature. It permits the (clearly illegal) insertion of a 1 x 1 round plate with relative ease or, with a great deal more persuasion, two round elements – perfect for these crazy-looking stone-carved heads.
Here's some attempts to nest the foot amongst existing parts:
Rounded elements of 2-module diameter follow the side curvature of the toes fairly well, and a 1-module radius arch brick hugs the heel curves perfectly.
The element's splayed toes force a row of feet into a gradual arc. That was a weird sentence, but the technique is potentially useful for ornate archways or the basis for another section of an architectural build.
Squirrel Tail (5386)
As the element with the fewest connection points on our list, I felt the need to explore alternative ways to connect the squirrel tail.
- The least-illegal method I found is to sandwich it using bars; similar to the intended configuration between a minifigure's legs and torso.
- Candlesticks (37762) flex the element by an alarming amount.
- Bar connectors (23443, 49755) aren't too bad.
Fortunately, the tail's rubbery material means even fiendish connections like this don't seem to inflict any serious long term damage.
The same can't be said for these two assemblies, which are rather harsh on the poor squirrel's disembodied tail. Perhaps that's just as well because they're not especially convincing as boxing gloves or as an alien head anyway.
Plate with Cloud Tile Edge (5518)
Looking at similar elements, we find part 5518 is a bridge between decorative parts like its full-cloud cousin (35470, above lower right) and more utilitarian parts like the no-frills 2 x 2 tile with two studs (33909, above left). I also feel it has some intangible kinship with Modified 2 x 3 with Hole (3176, above top centre) even though their similarities are virtually non-existent.
A look at the underside of the half-cloud reveals its protrusions line up with existing radii, just as you'd expect.
Connecting multiple tiles in different configurations leads to some neat effects. A basic stack could become a nice architectural or sci-fi detail, while an overlapped pattern with some 1x2 rounded tiles makes a great roof – gingerbread house anyone?
However, it's not just a decorative element. Here's a few tablescraps exploring some possibly useful practical applications:
My favourite of the bunch is pictured in the centre – the half-cloud's curved edges fit perfectly (and legally) into a 90° corner, locking the element at 45°. The cross made with 4 half-clouds (bottom left) uses the same principle, with the 4 attached to a 2 x 2 plate at 45°. There's a small amount of give in the connection, but I remain keen to find a use for it.
Again, the same principle means you can attach 3 half-clouds to a SNOT brick with studs on multiple sides (above, in lime) for a nice effect.
Combining four copies of the SNOT brick combo makes a tetrahedron – satisfying to look at, but probably not all that useful.
My final pair of tablescraps take advantage of the cloud tile's projected anti-stud for some funky angle-work:
The first forms an angle of approximately 53° (as dictated by the butted-up cloud tiles) with cheese slopes to close the gap. The other is based on a 3x4x5 golden triangle. Here the cloud tiles provide a compact way to jump the centre of the 4 module-long section by half a module.
It's doubtful a situation that requires either technique will ever arise but it's fun to experiment all the same – in fact there really should be an entire blog dedicated to such things... Oh wait.
Closing thoughts
With newfound appreciation for these 2024 parts (and one 2023 interloper), I can't wait to see what the other contributors have waiting in the wings. Come back to see what Kev built with the same eclectic collection of leftovers.
Let the After-Party Fest begin!
READ MORE: Review: 71485 Mateo and Z-Blob the Knight Battle Mech from LEGO® DREAMZzz™
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The "nail rail" on Donkey Kong's feet is a great feature of the part, that allows for greater compatibility with the Mario sets. DK's footprint may be five studs wide in comparison to the "digi-figs'" four-stud footprint, but thanks to the nail rail they can stand on similar platforms (for instance, the seat of next year's 72033 Donkey Kong and DK Jumbo).
ReplyDeleteIf you're still interested in the squirrel tail part you'll be pleased to know that it will be appearing in Dark Red in 77054 Leif's Caravan and Garden Shop next year!
Finally, I love the techniques you came up with for the "half-cloud" plate! The use of it for a fixed 45 degree angle is an inspired functional use of a mostly decorative part, and the use of it as a layered roof tile looks amazing.
Agreed on the 45 deg corner, I've often wished the 2x3 pentagonal tile would work this way. I bet we'll see this use in an official model in the near future.
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