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Ladies and Gentlemen! Children of All Ages! Step right up! Enter the World of
Brickling Brothers International Traveling Circus!
Last month, I finished my latest theme train/playset. Inspired by a Duplo
giraffe that I found in a mixed parts bin, I began building the train last
February after NELUG’s show in Hartford, CT. Parts of
the train were previewed in March at our Wilmington, MA show, and the final
train made its debut appearance at Brick Blast last month in Vermont.
Parts for this MOC came from several different countries, and it was primarily
built to travel as part of our train shows, thus the International Traveling
part of the name.
Taking the train one bit at a time:
The
Locomotive
Brickling Brother’s circus required a long train to haul the troupe and
equipment. Long trains require powerful locomotives, so I decided to go with a
steamer with at least six driver wheels. I wanted to build a steamer, with
working drivers, without using Big Ben wheels, which provided the main
challenge. The solution that I came up with was to use large wagon wheels,
which were the correct size. The problem with the wagon wheels is that the hubs
accept pins, not axles, which made it difficult to make them spin. The solution
was to add a shaft, which pushes against the wheel spokes, connected to gears
within the locomotive. The gears are driven by a technic motor which is
connected to the train motor at the front of the locomotive.
The wheels float a single plate above the track to alleviate binding in the
curves. The resulting 2-6-2, while not based on any sort of prototype, works
very well, and looks nice while running. The only problem I’ve seen is that the
drivers don’t like to spin in reverse.
The
Tender
I wanted a large tender to go along with the large locomotive. Early on, I
decided that the full train would have an alternating red/yellow color scheme,
to keep the cars bright and festive. The tender is loosely based on photos of
tenders that I found with prototypical 2-6-2 locomotives. The Brickling
Brothers decal was applied to help break up the yellow wall affect, as well as
to name the circus.
The Wagon Cars
Band
& Giraffe
Monkey & Snakes
Birds & Magic The wagon cars were actually the first cars built for this MOC.
Every circus needs a parade from the train to the Big Top, and circus wagons
provide the color and excitement needed to lure in the crowds. I did a lot of
web surfing looking at various vintage circus wagons, and I did my best to give
a feeling of the mixture of bright colors, elaborate carving, and exotic feeling
of the real things. Since I’m a six-wide builder, this wasn’t easy to do, as
each wagon had to stay within the boundary of four studs wide.
As for the wagon cars themselves, they are basic flatbeds, with
ramps that can be lowered for loading and unloading of the wagons. Chains are
used to hold the wagons in place during transport.
Next up are the
Livestock Cars. The next two cars house the horses that are used to pull the
wagons, as well as the Ringmaster and Magician’s horses. Each car holds four
horses, as well as a feeding bin with hay. The cars each come with a shovel and
broom for cleaning the stalls, and each can be
completely opened to allow the horses to be removed.
Following the Livestock cars are the
Flatcars These are just basic flatcars used to carry cargo. The first car
carries two folding bleachers, while the second carries a folding bleacher and
cannon (for the Human Cannon).
The Big Top
The next two cars carry the supports and canvas for the Big Top tent. The first
car, strategically stacked, is a simple
drop
bed which holds all of the supports. The second car,
a
simple boxcar holds the canvas. The door of the boxcar is based on a design I
found on Brickshelf, which, in turn, was based on a design by Chris Masi, so, in
a sense, I just brought it back home to NELUG. The top of the boxcar is
removable, allowing the canvas pieces to be placed inside.
Passenger Cars
Two passenger cars carry the Brickling Brother’s troupe. Both the
yellow and
red
car are built the same. Each is built on a drop bed frame. Each car holds
eight passengers, with storage beneath for items such as horse saddles,
barbells, and other miscellaneous equipment (including 2x3 plates to help
minifigs stand on carpet). Like the boxcar, the
top
is removable to allow access to the minifigs.
Finally, the train is finished out with a simple
Clown Caboose. This car is where Brickling’s clowns travel. Since clowns are
not particular about their traveling arrangements, there is no interior to this
car. The top is removable, and the clowns are tossed inside. This does have
the advantage of being able to stuff a large number of clowns into a small
space, however.
To give a sense of the length,
here is a patched together shot of the full train.
Once the train reaches a town, and is unloaded, the wagons and troupe
parade through town, inspiring patrons to attend the evening show.
Six wagons make up the bulk of the parade:
The
magician’s wagon, driven by the Magician’s assistant. The rear of the wagon
can be
opened by removing the back fence piece, allowing the magician to store his
equipment.
The
Band Wagon provides the parade’s music. Like the Magician’s wagon, the rear
can be
opened to provide storage for instruments and headgear.
The
Snake Wagon, can also be
opened, allowing the slithering serpents escape.
The
Exotic Bird Wagon, has been nicknamed “The Joker Wagon”, thanks to the color
scheme.
The
Giraffe Wagon, which is what inspired this entire project, uses some SNOT work
in order to enclose the giraffe, who turned out to be three wide at the base,
making it difficult to fit into a four wide wagon.
The
Monkey Wagon holds a single caged monkey, with storage space for bananas.
Once the parade has finished, it’s time to set up the Big Top. The simplest
piece of the Big Top is the
entrance. Pieces for the entrance are stored beneath one of the passenger
cars. Next come the
bleachers, which, when
unfolded provide comfortable seating for patrons. Finally, the tent itself is
set up. The tent is made up of several
pieces which, when assembled, create a structure of
Supports and Canvas. The canvas pieces are hung from the supports, creating
the Big Top.
Several acts are featured during the show. The participants include the
Ringmaster,
the
Bearded Lady and Strongman,
the
Magician and his Assistant, and
The
Human Cannonball.
The Human Cannonball was a fun mini project. At technic belt stretched across
the front of the cannon allows a minifig to actually be fired from the cannon.
When loaded, a ladder pieces holds the minifig’s feet in place. When the ladder is
pulled, the minifig flies from the cannon, much to the delight of the children.
The main acts are supported by
Clowns,
the
Brickling Brothers Band, and
the
Drivers who act as support staff. There are also Engineer and Coalman figs for
the train, but they regretfully did not show up for the photo session (I later
found them in a box from the last train show).
The
Full Show
This was a fun build, and it’s a fun set to play with, even in between train
shows. The best part for me is that it can be displayed as a train, a parade,
or a circus. At the last show we even set up part of the big top while the
train itself traveled the layout.
And to answer the big question: Where is the elephant?
The only elephants I own are from the Adventurer’s sets, and they are huge.
They are about 7-wide at the feet, and wider with the ears. They are also very
tall, scaling to about the size of Jumbo the elephant, who, I believe, was the
largest circus elephant ever. So, to answer the question, there is no elephant
because they are just too big. If I ever get a Duplo elephant, I may add an
elephant car.
As always, comments are appreciated.
-Elroy
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In lugnet.trains, Elroy Davis wrote:
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Ladies and Gentlemen! Children of All Ages! Step right up! Enter the World
of Brickling Brothers International Traveling Circus!
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That is by far one of the coolest things I have seen in a long time. The train
caught my attention right off the bat because I have been trying to get those
wagon wheels to work as drivers myself. Your solution puts my feeble attempt to
shame. The rest is just pure awesome too. I have always wanted to build a
circus ever since seeing one in the 6000 idea
book and what you have accomplished has exceeded everything I ever thought of.
I love how its all classic Legoland scale too. The detail in the wagons, the
crazy (yet still good looking) colors, the bleachers, the clowns, the band, so
much detail packed in, its all truly great. Of course the duplo giraffe works
perfectly. Though I have to admit, I do miss the elephant. ;-)
-Mike Petrucelli
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In lugnet.trains, Elroy Davis wrote:
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Ladies and Gentlemen! Children of All Ages! Step right up! Enter the World
of Brickling Brothers International Traveling Circus!
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Major Snippage...
Beautifully executed! This MOC was a real pleasure to see and enjoy. I never
knew wagon wheels came in so many colors. It must have been a very fun project
to build, and you hit is spot on.
Good job!
-Matt :)
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In lugnet.trains, Mike Petrucelli wrote:
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In lugnet.trains, Elroy Davis wrote:
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Ladies and Gentlemen! Children of All Ages! Step right up! Enter the
World of Brickling Brothers International Traveling Circus!
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This is simply unbelievable. An amazing rendition of a classic American icon.
The train cars are incredible, but the actual circus is just amazing. Using the
sails to make the big top was a great idea. My favorite part by far has to be
the cannon. Nothing like making minifigs fly!
Excellent job and great pictures!
-Dave
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In lugnet.trains, Mike Petrucelli wrote:
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That is by far one of the coolest things I have seen in a long time. The
train caught my attention right off the bat because I have been trying to get
those wagon wheels to work as drivers myself. Your solution puts my feeble
attempt to shame.
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I made a few attempts at the wheels. The first attempt included an overly
complex set of pulleys and rubber bands, which worked, but not consistently. I
then stumbled across a Brickshelf gallery which had a similar setup to what I
finally ended up with. I refined it a bit to hide the working bits. I’m really
pleased with the results.
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The detail in the
wagons, the crazy (yet still good looking) colors, the bleachers, the clowns,
the band, so much detail packed in, its all truly great.
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The wagons were a lot of fun to build, and even more fun to research. For the
other details, I still have tons of ideas (high wire acts, carnival booths,
etc.), but I had to restrain myself. The train is long as is, and additional
cars make it impossible to run. After reading Water For Elephants, the idea
of creating two trains, one for the workers and a second for the performers,
came to mind, but I only have so much display space at home.
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Of course the duplo
giraffe works perfectly. Though I have to admit, I do miss the elephant. ;-)
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Heh. I do too. If I do find (or build) a usable elephant, I have a prototype
car in mind. I found an image one day of an actual elephant car that was
basically just a drop-bed with a cage built over the center. It probably wasn’t
the best way to transport an animal, but it looked cool.
Thanks for the comments!
-Elroy
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In lugnet.trains, Dave Sterling wrote:
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This is simply unbelievable. An amazing rendition of a classic American
icon. The train cars are incredible, but the actual circus is just amazing.
Using the sails to make the big top was a great idea. My favorite part by
far has to be the cannon. Nothing like making minifigs fly!
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Thanks for the comments. The sails were one of the parts that I had to order
from outside of the U.S. Apparently people in the States are reluctant to part
out their pirate ships.
The cannon is fun. I built it early on, and almost left it out of the train,
but it was too cool to lose. I ended up building a third set of bleachers
instead so that I would have an excuse for adding another flatcar.
-Elroy
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In lugnet.trains, Elroy Davis wrote:
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Ladies and Gentlemen! Children of All Ages! Step right up! Enter the World
of Brickling Brothers International Traveling Circus!
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--snip--
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As always, comments are appreciated.
-Elroy
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I rarely do this but... simply stunning. I really have little more to say.
Tim
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In lugnet.trains, Elroy Davis wrote:
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Ladies and Gentlemen! Children of All Ages! Step right up! Enter the World
of Brickling Brothers International Traveling Circus!
As always, comments are appreciated.
-Elroy
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Wow. That is just fabulous. I generally detest the bright, kid friendly colors
of lego is known for, but you’ve used them perfectly in my mind. Excellent use
of color. The creations are great on their own too.
In addition, though I snipped it, I really enjoyed the write up.
Best,
Jonathan
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In lugnet.trains, Elroy Davis wrote:
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Ladies and Gentlemen! Children of All Ages! Step right up! Enter the World
of Brickling Brothers International Traveling Circus!
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Elroy,
Really creative theme and creative use of various pieces. Well thought-out,
inspiring, and very nicely done.
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As always, comments are appreciated.
-Elroy
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I do have one very minor comment/suggestion...
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Finally, the train is finished out with a simple
Clown Caboose. This car is where Brickling’s clowns travel. Since clowns
are not particular about their traveling arrangements, there is no interior
to this car. The top is removable, and the clowns are tossed inside. This
does have the advantage of being able to stuff a large number of clowns into
a small space, however.
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In the context of the full train, the caboose goes with color theme of the
passenger cars... however on its own, the caboose seems a little plain to me.
My idea would simply be to add the “Brickling Bros.” logo from the tender to the
side of the caboose to break up all of the yellow. I think a logo at the back
of the train would really polish it off (or maybe some clown themed objects to
spice it up)...
Other potential ideas for the caboose would be:
-Altering the front to have a door/overhang;
-Adding more side windows to see all the clowns piled in (or maybe even
shuttered windows so that the clowns could wave or pile out of them:)). ; -Make
the caboose even smaller to exagerate how many clowns can fit into a small
space.; -Perhaps could also have the thin plate pieces below the roof
slopes as red to define the roof (and maybe do the same on passenger cars). ;
These ideas are minor and probably a personal style preference... or maybe it’s
just a very creative theme that sets my mind loose with new ideas.
Again, this is a very awesome train and thanks for the creative write-up.
Regards,
Ted Andes
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In lugnet.trains, Ted Andes wrote:
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I do have one very minor comment/suggestion...
In the context of the full train, the caboose goes with color theme of the
passenger cars... however on its own, the caboose seems a little plain to me.
My idea would simply be to add the “Brickling Bros.” logo from the tender to
the side of the caboose to break up all of the yellow. I think a logo at the
back of the train would really polish it off (or maybe some clown themed
objects to spice it up)...
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Thanks for the suggestion. I had actually thought about that as I watched the
train circle the track at our last show. I was thinking about making up a
couple of decals with just the initials BB in the same font as the tender, and
applying those to the sides of the caboose.
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Other potential ideas for the caboose would be:
-Adding more side windows to see all the clowns piled in (or maybe even
shuttered windows so that the clowns could wave or pile out of them:)). ;
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I *love* the idea of the clowns piling out of the windows! I might have to look
into that. :)
Thanks for the suggestions.
-Elroy
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Our wedding anniversary is coming up. My wife will do ANYTHING for me if I can
get her instructions for your circus train project. Have you considered selling
instructions?
Have you come up with a solution for your elephant yet. She’s got one that
would work.
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In lugnet.trains, Larry Marak wrote:
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Our wedding anniversary is coming up. My wife will do ANYTHING for me if I
can get her instructions for your circus train project. Have you considered
selling instructions?
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Heh. I don’t know about the entire train, but I could probably put together
something for a few of the cars. I know I’ve got at least a couple of the
wagons drawn up in ldraw.
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Have you come up with a solution for your elephant yet. She’s got one that
would work.
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I haven’t come up with anything that I like yet. I’m always open to ideas.
-Elroy
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In lugnet.trains, Elroy Davis wrote:
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In lugnet.trains, Larry Marak wrote:
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Our wedding anniversary is coming up. My wife will do ANYTHING for me if I
can get her instructions for your circus train project. Have you considered
selling instructions?
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Heh. I don’t know about the entire train, but I could probably put together
something for a few of the cars. I know I’ve got at least a couple of the
wagons drawn up in ldraw.
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Have you come up with a solution for your elephant yet. She’s got one that
would work.
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I haven’t come up with anything that I like yet. I’m always open to ideas.
-Elroy
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Try out the Lego celophane elephant set number 4904, a 34 piece designer set
that I think was a promotional for a cereal company. It is 8 studs long with
tusks, and 8 wide with ears, but the ears fold back to make it 6 wide. I can
snail mail (I don’t have a computer, just web tv.) you instructions if you need
them and are curious. Its made from simple and basic pieces. Melissa has a
herd of circus elephants waiting for the right train to come along.
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In lugnet.trains, Larry Marak wrote:
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In lugnet.trains, Elroy Davis wrote:
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In lugnet.trains, Larry Marak wrote:
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Have you come up with a solution for your elephant yet. She’s got one that
would work.
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I haven’t come up with anything that I like yet. I’m always open to ideas.
-Elroy
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Try out the Lego celophane elephant set number 4904, a 34 piece designer set
that I think was a promotional for a cereal company. It is 8 studs long with
tusks, and 8 wide with ears, but the ears fold back to make it 6 wide. I can
snail mail (I don’t have a computer, just web tv.) you instructions if you
need them and are curious. Its made from simple and basic pieces. Melissa
has a herd of circus elephants waiting for the right train to come along.
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Another possibility would be the elephant head part
6245px1, though not as nice
as the Life cereal elephant.
Benn
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