In today's 10K Club interview, you will be introduced to Guillaume, who is interested in LEGO Architecture the most, and his creations are most often inspired by Disney themes. This time the model was based on the Addams Family 1964 TV show.
Please welcome Guillaume Roussel (aka Disneybrick55) and his creation The Addams Family Mystery Mansion. Help us congratulate him and learn more about his creation.
ABOUT YOURSELF
- Who are you?
Hi, I’m Guillaume Roussel alias Disneybrick55.
- Where are you from?
I’m French.
- How old are you?
24
- What do you study or do for a living?
I’m currently a student in engineering school (Master).
- What hobbies do you have?
I’m mainly a fan of LEGO bricks of course but I have also a lot of hobbies like Disney, movies, architecture, and hiking.
- Do you have a personal LEGO portfolio website that you can share with us?
Yes, I have a Facebook and Instagram account where I post my latest creations: Disneybrick.
- Have you created any LEGO MOCs (my own creations) that you’re particularly proud of? What is it, why are you proud it and do you have a photo of it?
Yes, I’m currently working on my biggest LEGO project ever: a recreation of the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad which is one of the best attractions in Disney parks. This project will be complete at the end of this year I think, it’s very complex due to the organic shape of the mountain and the track which circulates between rocks. In addition, the train track is fully functional with several lift hills and boosters along the ride.
- How and when did your interest in LEGO come about?
I’ve been a fan of LEGO products since my childhood. My father is a fan of LEGO too, and when we moved to a bigger home 15 years ago my father unpacked his old LEGO sets and among them, there was the 726 12V western train which is still today one of my favourite LEGO sets. Year after year we bought other LEGO sets to complete our collection and do some creations. This is how all began.
- What is LEGO for you? What does it mean for you? How does it fit in your life? E.g. build, display, meetups, play games, or 'just' watch cartoons.
LEGO for me is the perfect way to express one's creativity. You can do absolutely what you want with LEGO bricks! I participated in several exhibitions in France with my diorama based on Disney parks and more recently I took part in the LEGO MASTERS TV show in France for the first season with my friend Loic. It was absolutely incredible because I could create what I wanted with practically no limit of parts (2.4 Million bricks). LEGO Ideas is also a way for me to work on a great variety of projects. A slot machine, a steamboat or even a project based on Daft Punk are just some of these creations which I realized for LEGO Ideas (and the LEGO earth globe of course ;) )
- What is your favourite LEGO theme (current or past)? Why? And has any theme inspired your building style or preference in any particular way?
The LEGO western theme is my favourite old LEGO theme, first because it was in 1997 (my year of birth) but above all, because these sets are just incredible. I dream of one-day creating a remake of one of these sets. An update of the gold city junction 6765 would be perfect! Currently, I like also the LEGO Architecture theme because I love architecture and building of course but also because these sets are tiny and can be put on display with a limited amount of space as you can see on my TV stand.
- What is your favourite official LEGO set? Why?
It’s difficult to choose among all, but one of the sets which dreamed me when I was a child was the first Batcave 7783, this set is just huge and includes a lot of playability, I was lucky to buy this set in perfect conditions for a reasonable price last year.
ABOUT YOUR PROJECT
- Where did your interest in this particular model come from?
I was looking for a project to do for Halloween. Something iconic and popular so the Addams Family mansion was evident.
- How long was the process of making the project did, and what did you have to research as well. What kind of prep, research, and design phases did you go through to produce your creation?
It was quick. In one week the project was complete. Just before I started the project I made a lot of research about the Addams Family TV show. What version of the show would be the best for the project? What mansion? The first Addams family TV show (1964) was no doubt the best source of inspiration and the most popular among all. So I watched some episodes to capture the atmosphere of the series and began the project.
- What special challenges did you face creating the model? What was the most difficult part to recreate?
The main problem was how to include the inside of the manor (especially the large living room) which is a movie set in the mansion that we see in the show. So I created an open mansion with a large base to integrate the living room. The staircase was also one of the critical points due to its place in the corner. The other scenes of the house were a challenge too due to the limit of space and parts. I loved to create some of the iconic scene and places of the show like the train track of the Dad where he loved to crash his trains or the greenhouse with the carnivore plant. The frame with the swordfish was one of the funniest detail to do. The outside of the manor was very pleasant too especially due to the corner shape. I chose mainly grey and dark colours for the outside as a call back to the black and white series and to contrast with the inside of the mansion which is colourful.
- 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?
The building process was quick. One week to complete the project. However, as always I spent more time promoting the project. About 4 months were enough to get the 10K.
- How did it feel when you reached the magic 10,000 votes and how long did it take?
It’s always a great feeling to archive the 10K votes, but to be honest, the first day when you launch the project is the most exciting because you know if the project has a little chance to complete the final goal.
- Approximately how many LEGO bricks did you use to create your model?
The final model counts around 2860 parts.
- What is your favourite building technique or part/section that you’ve incorporated into your Product Idea?
My favourite elements of the project are the frame with the swordfish and the iconic chair of Morticia. I used a clam part in tan for the back of the chair. The library built-in snot was a great challenge too.
- If you built your model digitally, what software did you use to build and render your model?
I used BrickLink's Studio software to do the project but maybe one day I’ll build the mansion for real.
ABOUT LEGO IDEAS
- Do you have any useful advice about creating a successful LEGO Ideas project?
First, do something that you like! You can of course do a project based on something very popular like video game IP but you have to create first something in what you believe. A project where you say “this could be a set”.
- What is your favourite LEGO Ideas Product Idea (besides your own of course)? Are there any Product Ideas you think have been overlooked?
Central Perk, the Saturn V, and the Pirates of Barracuda Bay are my favourite LEGO Idea sets. The three include great building techniques and a lot of playability, in addition, to be very cool to put on display.
- Do you have plans to submit any other Product Ideas in the future? If yes, can you give us a hint of what that might be?
I have a list of potential ideas project that I complete during boring class (maybe 30/40 projects). So don’t worry retirement is not for now. The main goal for me is not to achieve X 10K projects but to have fun and learn by creating different projects.
By
Kamila9