Subject:
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Re: Lugola, Legoland and the Mecha Mecca
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.build.mecha
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Date:
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Fri, 21 Sep 2001 00:43:51 GMT
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Viewed:
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449 times
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Eric,
It was great meeting you and the rest of the LUGOLA gang too since that was
also my first meeting. LUGOLA really is a mecca for mecha... hehheh...
Hope to see you again!
Ace
In lugnet.build.mecha, Eric Sophie writes:
> Hello all, I just reurned from an increadible adventure! After months of
> planning and making good friends I embarked on my journey to the West coast
> to meet other like minded people at the Lugola meeting in California!
>
> Wow what a trip! Literally! I had a great time! Everyone was so friendly!
> This was indeed one of the great highlights of my life! I just can't say
> enough about the wonderfull people I met during my trip but here goes!
>
> I decided to goto California and meet other Mecha Builders. I also was
> intrigued by the members of Lugola and wanted to meet some of them as I too
> admired their building skills.
>
> I looked foward to meeting Brad Hamilton, Dave Johann, Bryce McGlone, Chris
> Snead, Henry Lim, Dan Jassim and others.
>
> I arrived at the Los Angles Airport on Friday Sept. 7th. Dan Jassim walked
> right up to the terminal as I was the last person to exit the plane.
> Yo Eric! Yo Dan! Dan sent me an e-mail early in the morning; Dude what do
> you look like?!!!! Good thing I checked before I flew out! I said look at
> this image, I'm the guy on the left in the grey shirt! Ok c-ya in Cali!
>
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=47081
>
> We meet and greet and start walking out of the Airport when Dan notices
> somthing.....hey look he says...he points to the street where the rental
> shuttles pull up and in the street there is a red Duplo 2 x 2 block sitting
> right in the middle of the road! Ahh haa! I say, we'll take that! It was the
> kind that had an Eye printed on it. This must be where I'm supposed to be!
> Only nuts like us would have seen this!
>
> So not evan 2 minutes out of the Airport and I already have new Lego!
> We go back to Dan's place (which is really comfy)I put my bags down and we
> checked out the amazing Space Creations Dan is so well known for.
>
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=68256
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=69173
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=69174
>
> This was the first time ever that I had seen with my own eyes a Huge and
> absolutly well done humongous Carrier of Classic Space Design! Wow! Holy Moly!
> It's beautiful I shout! But man is it big. You gotta see this thing IRL!
> It has girth! The Carrier has all sorts of modularity. He showed me all the
> sections and I was suitably impressed. There is oodles of detail. All sorts
> of cool stuff by the square stud. Dan has a wonderful sense of design. He
> evan told me that he had been trying to hold onto the Carrier until I came
> for the visit, he had been considering taking it apart to start his next
> project. I was honored. Dan is a really cool person, an it was a treat to
> finnaly meet him.
>
> Look I'm holding the Nasal Avenger! I also got to meet his Wife and their 5
> week old Son. He was hansome and strong, his wife is a doll and she was very
> nice to me. We went to their local pizza joint and had chow while we talked
> about what we do. One of the things I enjoyed most was our conversation
> about striking a balance between our creativity and our lives as a whole.
> Somthing I always struggle with.
>
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=69171
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=69172
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=69182
>
> We get ready to goto Bryce McGlone's house where Bryce, Chris Snead and Dave
> Johann were waiting with all of their Mecha set up in the Garage where Bryce
> has his work/lego area. We stop at Krispy Cream and pick up a dozen dohnuts.
> Guys I've never seen a dohnut shop that has a drive thru like BK or MC'D's!
> This must have been a big one because when you walk in it's like a factory
> and conveyer belt system is all you see at first with plastic walls and the
> whole 9. The counter girl gave us free samples. MMMmmm warm Krispy Kreams
> huh Muffin Head! Heard you liked them too!
>
> We get to Bryce's place and we were so glad to meet each other, all of those
> guys are awesome human beings. I walk into his Garage area and I almost
> flipped out! I shake hands give hugs and my eyes couln't belive it! I start
> pointing everywhere! I was like a kid in a candy shop. Ohh! look over there!
> look at that , and that, oh man look at that one....Chris had all his Mecha
> set up, Dave had his colorfull Mecha set up as well. There's Big Blue! Wow
> look at Cepheaus! I turn around and there is the BMW in all of it's
> Cankerworm Glory. I stood motionless. I just....oh man whoa...big whoa. I
> had seen progress pix of some of the sections, but this was altogether a new
> experience. I was stunned to say the least. I could'nt talk for a moment, I
> choked up in sheer awe of what Bryce has done. Talk about being blown away.
> The sheen of all the angles, the play of light. The pure animal form gone
> awry. Yeow! It would take all weekend to get used to it.
>
> We hung out got to know each other and I took time to set up my Big Mech-bot
> and did some initial damage survey of the others I brought. It was so much
> fun. I would begin a sentence and one of them would finish it. Dan helped me
> set up the Mech-bot. It was cool because evan though he had never seen it
> before IRL, his skills told him how to connect things he had never seen before.
>
> The guys enjoyed the Mech-bot and I was thrilled to show it to them.
> There was also pcs. of half completed Mecha bodies and joints that each was
> toying with. I got to see all of their creations up close before the Lugola
> meeting, somthing we all looked foward too. To quote Bryce, "It was all just
> too cool for words"....I agree. I met Karla aka Mrs. McGlone. She reminds me
> of my sweetheart Cindy, super smart headstrong woman. Awesome lady. Kudos to
> her and putting up with our excitement. She's gotta be cool, she likes to
> ride Horses!
>
> It got late and we got a complaint from the "old guy" next door. We settled
> down and got packed up and said good night, because we get up early and goto
> the Lugola meeting at the Michon's!!
>
> I get back to my Hotel Really late at night. It must have been around 2 or
> 3am which is around 5 or 6am my time; east coast time. No matter this is the
> trip I had been waiting for.
>
> I get up meet Dave at his house about 10 blocks from my Hotel. I get to see
> his work space. Talk about a guys who has Lego. Dave is a great builder who
> loves color in his models. He has all sorts of half completed Mecha heads
> joints and limbs lying around waiting to become some wild Mecha someday.
>
> We jump back in the Rental (aka phat ryde to Lugola)stop at Mc'Ds and grab
> breakfast and a couple of Bionicles. We meet Bryce at his house and his
> Daughters were up and about. It was late and I did'nt really meet them the
> night before. What fun kids, his baby is so happy looking, I see kids that
> age cry all the time. Then again, I don't think my dad hung a swing seat in
> our tree just for me. They were a joy to see. Bryce has a great home.
>
> Saturday.
> Down to Irvine to the Michons house. Kinda a far drive. We were the first to
> arrive. I had heard that I would be in for a treat when I got there. I was
> told that the whole family is into Lego and that I would be impressed.
>
> We arrive in a lovely community, walk up to the house to warm greetings and
> BAM! There's a life size R2D2 in the entrance way won by one of the sons
> during the Lego company's Sponsored "Galactic Building Challange" , Man it's
> moving and making sounds!
> Oh my gosh that is cool to have for your very own!!! WOW!
>
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=69234
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=69233
>
> I meet the Michons and see there very beautiful home. Susan and Ted are
> super and I asked for the tour right after I meet their sons. Cool kids,
> they know alot about Lego, alot more than I did when I was their ages.
> Technically knowlegedable too. Pneumatics, RCX, gears, I got the real sense
> they could grasp the level of sophistication I was attempting to create in
> the Mech-bot.
>
> Seeing the life size R2D2 right in the foyre of their home was wild but as I
> soon found out they had alot of other treats as well. In addtion to having a
> beautiful home, Lego was everywhere! Not in piles unorganized but neatly
> sorted and contained in utility draws that line the walls of the family room.
>
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=69225
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=69226
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=69228
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=69227
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=69224
>
> A huge Train set up occupied part of the room. I got to see how the system
> was controlled by separete RCX's that set the polarity to each run of track.
> It took me some time to unerstand how it worked, Thanks Ted! I do Robotics
> but the Train stuff left me out to dry for a few minutes!
>
> We set up and the day began. People started to arrive and set up. I met alot
> of cool people. They all got to see the Cankerworm too, I felt like I was
> more excited for people to see it than displaying the Mech-bot. I don't know
> what it was. Maybe because I knew this was the BMW's debut and we were just
> waiting to see peoples reactions. I met Brad and Shelly and saw their new
> Baby Austin. I got to meet Henry Lim and we spoke about things we had in
> common. Dan Jassim came with a jug of OJ! Aww man I think I have a cold.
> Lego in one hand O.J. in the other! I met Bryan Stokes who apparently comes
> to every Lugola meeting with Lego to sell. I don't know how he does it but
> wow he had alot to part with!! I spent a good 30min. picking thru a giant
> bin of Grey getting parts for the GG Mech. I thought I would never get all
> the stuff I need to build this Mecha. I told everyone that they did'nt know
> it but that "this big bag of grey was a robot"....Thanks Brian!!!!!
> I met Ace who had these really cool Mechs. I wan'nt familair with his stuff
> and I await the publishing of his web site. Soon to come....
>
>
> We had food, talked, traded, and generally enjoyed our Legoness.
>
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=69206
>
> Lugola Sept. 8th 2001
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=6779
>
> I saw Lego pcs. all week end I never knew existed!
>
> The Mecha Mecca
> Dave, Chris, Bryce and I all went back to Bryce's house for a Mecha photo shoot!
>
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=6969
>
> We get back to Bryce's house order Pizza slam some Pepsi and begin putting
> our Mecha together for a group shot. It was so wild! We crammed all the
> avail. Mecha onto a desk and soon began to realize that this was the first
> time this many Mechs had ever been asembeld(sp?) in one place at one time.
> We truly felt it was a first in history....and this was'nt evan all of them!!!
>
> Building Mecha for us is a passion. We build in our own styles and yet we
> share somthing. We share the desire to push the limits of what's possible
> with Lego. Lego Mecha is a reletivly new style of building and we were proud
> to know we were some of the first. More than any other place I am aware of,
> the LA area seems to be the Mecha Mecca, and is indeed the place to visit to
> see the best. I hope others in the future get to see as I did.
>
> We took our pix, talked about everything and stayed up late.
> Chris Snead is a very inteligent person, he has a heart of gold and loves
> the accomplishments of man and Science. He is studying to become a Physist.
> Dave Johan is a genius. He has had so many life defining experiences.
> Meeting Dave was a seriouly important part of my trip. Bryce is quite an
> individual. Seeing his dedication to his art, his family and his freinds
> trully struck a cord in me. (choking up, must not get teary....gah)
>
> We wrapped it up and got ready to meet for Legoland on Sunday.
>
> Hey so Sunday morning we all met up again and drove down to Legoland.
> Not a hop and a skip either....more like a two hour drive. But that's ok
> because we talked about our projects and short films that Bryce wanted to make.
> Sort of a Movie to describe the Cankerworm and how it fits into the
> Battlefield as Bryce sees it. (or somthing like that!)
>
> My mind was full of wonder thinking about how cool all these techo
> futuristic scenes played out in my head. As I listened to the thoughts and
> origins of the Q Mech and Dave's Hardcore Temporal Industries.
>
> We get to Legoland down in Carlsbad. I again felt like a kid in a candy
> store. Rumors of Bulk Lego for sale. You bet I had my spending money ready!
> I imeadiatly ushered us into the first store I found by the entrance.
> Ohh shirts, Legowear!! Keychains and sets galor.
>
> We walk around and I am just amazed by the models at the park. Most of the
> Models are completely made with real Lego and just a few are large one peice
> deals.
>
> Seeing miniland and all the large scultures was awesome. Funny how you know
> all this stuff can be built with Lego, but wow untill you actually see it!
>
> That said, here are the pix from Legoland. I know I took alot of pix and you
> probably said to yourself "man, Eric why did you take so many pictures?"
> "Now why should I go? I have seen the whole park already!"
>
> Heh ,heh, Trust me the pix are nice, but you have got to see Legoland for
> your self. It's just amazing. To see these works with no limit on the pcs. used!
> I was in a daze of disbelief.
>
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=6901
>
> We enjoy our day at Legoland and head back to Bryce's house to collect my
> Mecha. I got so much stuff I couldn't bring it all back, then Bryce
> suggested it would be an honor to keep the Red Robot with him for a time as
> he and Dave would like to learn from it and check out the funtion of the
> Legs and arm joints. Aside from thinking this would be a good way to get all
> my loot home, I agreed mostly because it was a way for me to repay the
> kindness that Bryce had bestowed upon me when he sent Q to me for a visit.
>
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=5226
>
> So with my week end of fun comming to a close, there was just one more stop
> on my Mission. To see Henry Lim and his wonderfull works of Art. Artist to
> the T. Henry was up late around Midnight when I finally got to his home. I
> walked in to find myself looking dead on at the giant 14 foot long
> Stegasaurous he has constructed in his living room! OH MY GOSH!!! Again
> seeing IRL is key to the astonishment I felt. I was so happy to see his work
> but evan more thrilled to meet him. A kind and gentle man with a firey
> imagination and a tenacity to create Henry is one of my heros. I saw the
> Beetles mossaic and it was a wonder to behold. I got to see another work
> inprogress I know you all will be impressed by when he publishes it. I had
> so many questions. Oddly it seemed like I alredy knew the answers. Like
> minds think alike and I knew I at least shared somthing with this Artist,
> just as I felt with Dave, Chris, Bryce and Dan. He gave me a copy of his
> most recent CD as I professed a love of music after I found out that Henry
> is a composer. Meeting Henry and seeing his fantastic works was the cherry
> on top of my visit.
>
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=6885
>
> I drove back to the hotel feeling increadibly lucky. The feeling that I was
> alone in my Creativity with Lego was gone. I felt that all these people I
> met during this trip were all so special. They each made me feel that they
> were so happy I came to California. All of them will be friends for life.
>
> Dave met me on Monday morning. Despite our best efforts Monday morning Los
> Angles traffic got the better of us. I missed my flight and Dave got his
> magazines back from the car rental. I spent the time waiting for the next
> flight raving to Cindy on the phone about my adventure. She was very happy
> for me and she knew I was going to meet people I admired. She asured me when
> I got back I had dishes and laundry to do!
>
> Well Folks thank you all for a memorable visit. I got the sence you all had
> as much fun as I did.
>
> If you read this, thank you. I wish you could of been there too.
>
> I would finish this story by saying that all this happiness was to take an
> abrupt turn less than 12 hours later.
>
> As I flew into Newark airport, the aproach brings you past the NYC skyline.
>
> I saw Manhatten and then the WTC as we headed south to land.
> That was the last time I ever saw them.
> I miss them so. R.I.P all those who perished. I have a place for you inside
> my heart. USA my home.
>
>
> Thank you,
> Eric Sophie
> Legomaster
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Message has 1 Reply:
 | | Re: Lugola, Legoland and the Mecha Mecca
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| Eric! I just have to say that that was the most fun I've had in a while. Seeing your mecha was such a mindtrip! I know I'll be kicking myself for years to follow, leaving my camera at home that morning... Well, I hope that certainly isn't the last (...) (23 years ago, 21-Sep-01, to lugnet.build.mecha)
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