Bill Ward’s Brickpile

At train shows, we (the Bay Area LEGO Train Club) have developed a standard city block system, where our downtown area is divided up into blocks that are 2 by 3 32 x 32 baseplates in size (i.e., 96 x 64 studs). For some time now I’ve shown my Blackburn Hotel and its accompanying city block (but I have never done a proper photo shoot of those buildings either, I just realized) at various shows and conventions and you have probably seen that featured here a few times.

For Bricks by the Bay and the upcoming National Train Show in Sacramento, I’ve built a second city block. But instead of tall buildings, it just features a city park. Each of the six baseplates has its own feature:

• Tree and picnic/grassy area
• Playground with swingset, slide, merry-go-round, and carousel
• Life size (for minifigs) chess set
• Flower garden
• Basketball court
• Tennis court

In addition, there is a fountain in the center and various tile mosaics and other decorative aspects. The whole thing is surrounded by a wrought-iron fence with gates on each of the four sides.

I haven’t done a proper photo shoot of the park yet, but I did take detailed pictures of it at the most recent BayLUG meeting. I hope to take better pictures soon, but for now, take a look at these (click the image to view the set, or click here to view a slideshow)

Another repost from bill.wards.net. This playground was a regular feature in the BayLTC train shows for years.

This playground is complete with all the equipment needed to keep your kids entertained for hours.

Click the big picture to go to the set page on Flickr, or you can view a slideshow of the photos.