Bringing the majesty of one of Budapest’s most famous landmarks to LEGO form, check out the SZÉCHENYI CHAIN BRIDGE (BUDAPEST) by hello_zol! Be sure to congratulate them in the comments down below for reaching 10,000 supporters. Especially if you were one of the 10,000! :D
ABOUT YOURSELF
- What is your first name?
Zoltan.
- Where are you from?
Budapest, Hungary.
- What do you study or do for a living?
I work with databases.
- What hobbies do you have?
Besides the LEGO builds? I like comics, movies, series, music, hiking, swimming, and visiting castles and exhibitions.
- Have you created any LEGO MOCs (my own creations) that you’re particularly proud of? What is it, why are you proud of it and do you have a photo of it?
I’d say I’m particularly proud of my LEGO Medieval Tournament.
- How and when did your interest in LEGO products come about?
When I was a child, I was given the Black Falcon's Fortress (6074) for Christmas, and from that point on there was no turning back : )
- What does the LEGO hobby mean to you? How does it fit into your life? E.g. build, display, meetups, play the games or 'just' watch the cartoons.
I think the LEGO hobby is a kind of art and crafting. When I am building I can relax, and even get into a meditative state.
- What is your favorite LEGO theme (current or past)? Why? And has any theme inspired your building style or preference in any particular way?
It’s hard to decide between Castle and Architecture…but I’ll choose Castle, as that's the older “love”.
- What is your favorite official LEGO set ever? Why?
Oh, there are many, but my absolute favorite is the Wolfpack Tower (6075). I was a little bit older when I got it and so I could do the alternative builds from the box’s cover. It felt so good!
- What is your favorite LEGO element? Why?
Brick, Modified 1 x 2 with Masonry Profile. If you combine it wisely with other elements you can make a perfect castle wall.
- Is there a LEGO designer (official LEGO designer or fan designer) who you are inspired by and look up to? Who and why?
There are a few, depending on the theme. For ‘Castles’, I’m inspired by poVoq, SleeplessNight and Ralf Ranghaal. For ‘Buildings’, I’m a great fan of Jiwoo.
- Is there one or more particular LEGO websites (not official LEGO websites) that you visit often and/or are inspired by?
I usually watch the YouTube channels ‘Goldfyre’ (for castles, knight figures, ideas etc), and ‘építsd fel!’ (for news and builds in the Hungarian language).
ABOUT YOUR PROJECT
- Where did your interest in this particular model come from?
I live in Budapest, and I have always loved the Danube's beautiful panorama with the Chain Bridge (it’s on the UNESCO World Heritage List, by the way). The bridge was closed for two 2 years for renovations, and after it reopened, I walked across it. That's when I had the idea of making my own LEGO version of the bridge...and now I am answering the 10K interview questions : )
- How long did the process of making the project take and what did you have to research? What kind of prep, research and design phases did you go through to produce your creation?
I don’t know exactly, because I did the planning digitally, too. First, I built a high-level structure and then I modified it gradually.
- What special challenges or frustrations did you face creating the model? What was the most difficult part to recreate?
The chains were a challenge. It was very difficult linking and rotating the parts (with real bricks, it is much easier).
- If you could talk to yourself before you started on this project, what would you tell him/her? What do you know now that you wish you knew then?
I’d tell him not to worry, it'll work out!
- How long did it take to complete the model? Did you finish it fairly quickly, or did it take a long time? And how did the build time compare to the time you spent promoting your Product Idea to reach 10,000 supporters?
I worked about 1 month on the model, and I promoted my idea just for the first 1-2 weeks on social media. After that, fortunately, many people found it interesting, and they shared it everywhere. I would also like to say thank you to them!
- How did it feel when you reached the magic 10,000 votes and how long did it take?
I was very happy, of course!
- Approximately how many LEGO bricks did you use to create your model?
Around 2460 bricks.
- What is your favorite building technique or part/section that you’ve incorporated into your Product Idea?
The microscaled lions - by the way, according to an urban legend, the real lion statues don’t have tongues. SPOILER ALERT…they have ; )
- If you built your model digitally, what software did you use to build and render your model?
Bricklink Studio 2.0.
ABOUT LEGO IDEAS
- Do you have any useful advice about creating a successful LEGO Ideas Product Idea?
“Do or do not, there is no try!” - Yoda, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.
- What is your favorite LEGO Ideas Product Idea (besides your own of course)? Are there any Product Ideas you think have been overlooked?
Medieval Blacksmith (21325), of course, and The Big Bang Theory (21302).
- What is it about the platform that attracts you? What tips would you give to anyone who is thinking about uploading an idea?
Without this platform, I would never have started building again as an adult. I wasn't good at the beginning, but I practiced and improved my building skills, and finally succeeded...
- Do you have plans to submit any other Product Ideas in the future? If yes, can you give us a hint what that might be?
Maybe…
