Stately Wayne Manor and the Batcave traveled to Wheeling, IL for it's first public display at BrickWorld 2010.
About this creation
After anonymously visiting BrickWorld last year, and talking to Chris Phipson and Dennis Price about it online, I decided to take the plunge this year and bring out the creation I have been working on since 2005.
The first step was improvements. I had already added a sublevel to the cave, because I just couldn't hold all the stuff I needed on one level. The goal now was to match my current level of building skill to the existing structure.
Let's start with the Manor itself:
Steve Witt and I talked comic books for almost a half hour. This picture also gives you some idea of scale.
The main focus of the rebuild was to add depth and texture to the facade. Tiling was added from the base all the way up to the top along the sections that were already protruding. The windows also went through major revisions as panes of glass were added to all the windows and the window treatment was also redone to eliminate the protruding studs. Balconies were redone with black fence elements to give the impression of ironwork and most studs were eliminated on the exterior stairs. The flower beds were completely redesigned to echo the new facade. The roof (which you can't really see) had a few tiles and grills added to tighten up the appearance and the chimneys were tweaked. The door and stone section around the door had a few changes to help solidify and unify the design changes. As I was making these changes, I did my best to take out any old gray and replace it with bley, but I missed many spots. I know a lot of builders like to have exposed studs, but for the most part, I did my best to eliminate what I could.
On to the cave:
Most of the cave was built with black, even the gangways. One major project was replacing all the black gangways with bley or dark bley. I used opposing bley grills to add depth to these elements. The other major revision was to find a way to make this easier to keep dust free. The dust and dirt is really hard to get off black plates after five years. My solution was 1x1 black tiles and black cheese wedges. The tiles were placed to indicate the paths that Bruce and Co. walk on and the wedges create a cave-like texture to indicate the less traversed paths. I also added about 300 bats to the exterior of the columns on the upper level; man, that's a lot of bats! I was still working on the cave details all day Tuesday.
It's hard to tell what's going on in the cave, so here's a guided tour:
The upper left section houses the armory with Bruce's suits and gadgets.
The spinning Batmobile carousel and most of the cars are in this section.
Nightwing's bike and the Batpod can exit the cave from this level.
The computer in the center section is based on Jim Lee's designs from the Hush story line.
The upper right of the cave is packed with the stairway from the manor's library, Jason Todd's Robin suit, the Bat-mircoscope, and the Hall of Trophies in the back. There's also a hot tub and power generator hiding back there somewhere.
Bruce's gym is built around one of the eight major columns that support the structure of the manor.
This elevator, located in the center under the Batcomputer, gets you down to the lower level (when Harley and Mr. J aren't occupying it).
The lower left cave section has waterfall that flows into the underground river, the robot t-rex from dinosaur island, and the Batmobile/tank from Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns. And for everyone that asked, yes, Batman DOES have a dinosaur in the cave! I also have the giant penny in the trophy area. There was a ten year old girl who asked where the giant Joker card was, my answer, I didn't have enough purple.
The lower right section of the cave continues the underground river, has a three sided computer station, and has docking and repair points for the Batwing (pictured) and Batboat.
The next challenge was transportation:
The model was built modular, mostly so that I could move the different levels around my tiny apartment. Little known fact: the base of the cave is build to the exact dimensions of my entertainment cart. When I started, I knew it would have to be a vertical build if I wanted to keep it together for a long time. The entire model spits down the middle, the manor breaks into ten sections while the cave is four. I bought seven 110 gallon Sterilite containers and was able to wrap the sections in bubble wrap for the trip from Hyde Park (south side of Chicago). The top two sections of the cave were way to big for any container, and they needed the most reassembly. I only took me 1.5 hours to pack everything up Thursday morning and 2 hours to reassemble when we set up (not bad at all!). I barely fit everything into the RAV 4, but I just made it.
My favorite part of set-up was adding the minifigures. My friend Dylan saw Catwoman's bike and said it looked like Prince's. We quickly made a Prince and Apolonia from Purple Rain to be added to the action. Thanks to Dylan, Matt, Frank and Muneeb from coming out to see me at BrickWorld.
I was honored to be nominated for best mega creation at BrickWorld. All the models I was up against were amazing, and I was very proud to be among that group. This is going in the Batcave's Hall of Trophies.
What's next:
I don't think this project is ever going to end. I plan on creating an opening panel system to incorporate the new LED lights I purchased. This will start in the manor so that it will be easier to see the interior decoration. Of course I need to work on that giant Joker card and look at Watson K-13's Batmobiles for inspiration to build a few more of my own (unless Sir Nadroj wants to take me up on my offer and build some for me). I need to work on creating some sections that can be more easily detached for transportation purposes (like the front and rear stairs). I also plan on completely gutting and redoing the interior. I need to make it look like it's owned by the richest guy in town. So, I guess I have a lot of work ahead of me before June 2011.
I'd really like to thank all the builders and friends I finally met in person at BrickWorld: Chris Phipson, Dennis Price (and family), Mark Kelso, Dave Sterling (who convinced me to buy and add lights Saturday night), Stacy Sterling, George Kemper, Heath Flor, Amber Flor, Lee Jones (and family), Anthony Dunne, Dave Xandegar, Johnny Xandegar, Heather Braaten, Alex Eylar, Nannan Z., Tyler Cities, Jordan Schwartz, Alex Schwartz, Kyle Vrieze, Mark Stafford (who lent me the light brick for the waterfall; thanks Mark), Josh (I Scream Clone), and Mike (Cop Mike), Bryan (Eggy Pop), Keith Goldman, and all the others who I'm forgetting. I never could have done this without your influence and support. Thanks to everyone who came up to me and gave me compliments on the build, just being together in the same space and sharing our creations meant so much to me. I'd also like to thank the MOCpages community for all the inspiration you've given me over the years of this build. I NEVER would be the builder I am today if it wasn't for the builds and ideas I've seen from you, thank you.
P.S. I know some of you may be getting annoyed at all the posts from my summer school Lego class. I'm trying to teach these kids to be better builders and bloggers, so thank you for your patience in seeing 10 posts a day from my account. They've gotten so much better in one week, I can't wait to see what they're building by the end of the summer!
Comments
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August 3, 2012 |
Did this every collapse while you were building? AWESOME! PROBABLY ONE OF THE GREATEST CREATIONS TO DATE! A little messy, but still AWESOME!!!!! |
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July 12, 2012 |
The best bat-cave I have even seen!GOOD JOB! |
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July 12, 2012 |
Oh my! Bravo for the award! As for comics I too love comics, in fact I draw them as well. You mentioned The Dark Knight Returns. I am not a Batman fan but that comic is magnificent. Your creation definitely fits the whole Batman look and feel! Is there a chance MOC pages had a bigger grading scale than 5? ;)) |
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July 9, 2012 |
Dave I liked your lego works ever since You started teaching me a lab. |
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Dave I liked your lego works ever since You started teaching me a lab.I was Blob at the class. |
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I like it |
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May 11, 2012 |
Brilliant! My fav parts are the garage and the gym. Great stuff! |
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April 2, 2012 |
To mention a previous comment, would you prefer this or the lego version...I'm gana go with this version, which is great...there are so many parts and peices...so many details and minifigs and vehicles just make this an excellent creation...if only lego produced sets like this...but then builders such as yourself would have no fun so I suppose it all evens out |
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January 5, 2012 |
So I guess you won't be buying the official LEGO version ;) That's a great build, the contrast between above ground and below ground make for real eye candy! |
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December 2, 2011 |
Mind-blowing. I want one XD |
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November 14, 2011 |
It'd be amazing to see this and Mr Xenographer's daily planet together. :D |
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September 16, 2011 |
I am AWESTRUCK!
BATMAN needs a hot tub to relax and relax his muscles after a big fight!
Loved the TOY STORY rex! |
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I like it |
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September 4, 2011 |
I'm not a big fan of Batman,but this is AWESOME!!This was issued in one of the brickmaster magazines I think. |
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I like it |
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September 4, 2011 |
Wow, this is very nice and so detailed!!! |
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August 30, 2011 |
EPIC! best batman creation EVER! I love all the detail you put in this, it is indescribable. Just wondering, why does Batman need a hot tub? |
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August 18, 2011 |
Amazing!
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June 28, 2011 |
YOU GUYS ARE AWESOMMMMME!!!!! |
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June 27, 2011 |
This is epic! I am biased however, Batman being the greatest superhero and all. |
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I like it |
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June 22, 2011 |
I saw you're creation in a Lego club magazine in 2009, and now that I see it in depth I know how amazing it is. Great build!
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June 22, 2011 |
AMAZING! |
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June 7, 2011 |
Epic doesn't begin to describe this... |
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MaybeTomorrow ( ;-p) May 28, 2011 |
Love It!!!! |
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May 7, 2011 |
wow that's heavy. you should make the new batcave under the storage contaner. that would be cool too |
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I like it |
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March 21, 2011 |
WOW!!!!
That has more pieces than my whole collection O.O Awesome! |
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March 18, 2011 |
WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!!!!! |
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Matrix Revisited March 4, 2011 |
AWESOME, just one suggestion. There was so much activity it looked like you made it crowded, maybe you should expand a little, but even though, I could never pull of that! |
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March 4, 2011 |
Batcave with dinosaurs?! THE PROPHECY WAS REAL! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!! |
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February 5, 2011 |
I love this manor!!!Great detail ..what diligence!!! |
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January 22, 2011 |
The level of detail is incredible. |
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December 21, 2010 |
this is amazing...so you live in chicago :) |
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December 21, 2010 |
This is so awesome! So showing my little brother this :)~Quinn |
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December 19, 2010 |
This is crazy great. Nice profile pick btw |
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December 9, 2010 |
Incredible! spectacular! amazing! |
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October 25, 2010 |
WOW, wonder how many kids would be dieing to have this |
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October 18, 2010 |
This is one of the most amazing builds I have ever seen. Fantastic work here! |
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Maybe you could add a batgirl fig and make the cave less crowded by expanding as well as making wayne manor a bit bigger? apart from that its really really really really really really really really really really really really AWESOME! A-W-E-S-O-M-E aw3s0me orsom .- .-- . ... --- -- .(AWESOME IN MOSE CODE) aaaaawwwwweeeeesssssooooommmmmeeeee!!!!! |
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October 8, 2010 |
That it epic - please keep us up to date with the modifications. |
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September 26, 2010 |
To good to describe with words. |
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I was at Brickworld and by far this was my favorite creation. Simply awe-inspiring! BTW, I noticed Prince and Appolonia at the booth and pointed it out to you! Fantastic job. |
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September 5, 2010 |
Each time I think I've seen it all, I find something that blows my mind. This is a absolute great build. Incredible. Congratulations. |
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August 22, 2010 |
I saw this in the Lego magazine and can't believe you didn't win. This is AWESOME! |
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August 20, 2010 |
That is the biggest house/manor/cave I´ve ever seen!You make all these fancy builders to think again! |
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I like it |
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Pony Lord7 August 19, 2010 |
This was more than awsome to see in person. But Im also wondering if you we could get a few more up close shots of it along with a few of the bat pod. BTW how tall is it? |
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August 11, 2010 |
That is just plain epic!!! My jaw just hit the ground! |
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July 10, 2010 |
Amazingly epic. This thing is fabulous, and nothing can comprehend just how great you've put it together. If you're gonna add more to it, I won't be able to wait because I know you will make it even better and better. Great work. |
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July 1, 2010 |
Wow Dave! Even from you, this is incredible! |
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I like it |
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July 1, 2010 |
Wow Dave! Even from you, this is incredible! |
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July 1, 2010 |
Tremendous work mate! love it! |
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July 1, 2010 |
Great It left me WHIT NO WORD TO SAY BUT GREAT. |
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July 1, 2010 |
Great It left me WHIT NO WORD TO SAY BUT GREAT. |
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June 29, 2010 |
There is not a rating high enough, this thing is so massive, and intracately detailed that it is perfect! |
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June 29, 2010 |
very impressive, nice batcave |
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June 29, 2010 |
Awesome |
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June 28, 2010 |
even though it s clear we have to see it to appreciate it or believe it!
it s very impressive!
and i can understand your motivation and
inspiration for batman!
as if given the chance,i d buy all the villains
and props around it!
it s just too bad they don t sell it anymore!
i d love to make myself a batcar,bat plane ect.
it s cool that you take it to this level!
gotham city is a challenge for pros!
and batman kits fit well in almost any city!
i m glad your talent and taste are recognized!
as your patience and perseverence!
keep at it as you already achieved a masterpiece!
and that s your treasure to cherish!
it s wonderful to have something like that in your home!
a lot of people would like that in their living room,since it s truly a work of arts!
i know i would!
it s amazing!
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June 28, 2010 |
omg
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June 27, 2010 |
This is just amazing... it's one of those creations you see and go: "Man, I wish I could see that in person!" It needs multiple looks to glean every detail you've included. |
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I saw this while i was there! I sort of met you, but i wont pressure you to remember. Nice work.
P.S. For all who didnt go, this is WAY cooler in person, even though im not a fan of batman. |
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June 26, 2010 |
Wow! |
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June 26, 2010 |
Looks like you guys had a lot of fun at brickworld. I've been in awe of your manor and now I am again in awe by it. I think your tour is really necessary to appreciate all the details in the photos. Stellar job! |
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June 26, 2010 |
Awesome! |
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June 26, 2010 |
Yeah I remember seeing that! |
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I made it |
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June 26, 2010 |
Quoting Andrew Somers
You entered an earlier version of this into the Lego magazine Batman contest several years back, I believe. Shocked and awed back then, and still am now. Shame you didn't win the grand prize though. Never-the-less, nothing short of incredible-ness here.
Yes, it was submitted to that contest. I had just taken the pictures and they announced the contest, so on a whim, I submitted a photo. When the magazine came out, one of the students at my school brought it to my class and asked for an autograph; it was really cute. Interesting side note: I was really happy to receive the Lego Batman sets as prizes as my new puppy had chewed up parts or all of the EXACT sets they sent me; thank you Lego! |
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June 26, 2010 |
Wow, that is astounding. I especially like the batmobile carousel. I always want to go to brickworld, but Alabama is pretty far away from all of the locations, and I am a teen, so I can not just hop a plane. Oh well, this build makes it all okay. |
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June 26, 2010 |
While most of us bounce around from one build to another, it's amazing to see what prolonged focus on one MOC can accomplish. This is nothing short of jaw-dropping, and it's going to take many more face-to-face weekends of observation to appreciate even half of the detail you've put into this stunner. Killer work, Dave! Here's hoping you'll bring it again next year with access to the interior (hint, hint!). |
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June 26, 2010 |
one super inpressive creation,,,,and soo super details,,,bravo |
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June 26, 2010 |
You entered an earlier version of this into the Lego magazine Batman contest several years back, I believe. Shocked and awed back then, and still am now. Shame you didn't win the grand prize though. Never-the-less, nothing short of incredible-ness here. |
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Dave and John Xandegar June 25, 2010 |
As we've said before...if you could see this baby in the flesh, it would blow you away!! Dave, you SO deserved to win for this...it's a labor of love, and executed masterfully. John and I are honored to be your new Friends, and at your interest in attending our Octobrickfest 2010 "Mini-Con". We advise everyone to look at each and every one of these photos thoroughly-there's THAT much to see. It's positively awrsome! |
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I made it |
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June 25, 2010 |
Quoting Eggy Pop
Yup, well deserved win. This thing is amazing. 5 yrs well worth it. My favorite is the dinosaur. Really like the dual level shark teeth it has.
Argh, I left Bryan out, I'm sorry. It was amazing meeting you. Another thanks for inspiring that white space thingy, and your castles are ever astounding, I showed many of them to my Lego class. |
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June 25, 2010 |
Yup, well deserved win. This thing is amazing. 5 yrs well worth it. My favorite is the dinosaur. Really like the dual level shark teeth it has. |
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June 25, 2010 |
Words cannot describe the levels of awesome you have just superceded. Bravo! |
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June 25, 2010 |
This is pretty dang amazing. Excellent job, wish I had seen it in person! |
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June 25, 2010 |
We have a true winner! It looks so massive and colossal and it is freakin' awesome! Brickworld! Yeah! |
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June 25, 2010 |
Wow...congrats on such a fantastic win! This is definitely one of those "must-see" creations since it's utter brilliance. Great work! -Dylan |
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June 25, 2010 |
My favorite Batman loving teacher need not apologize for anything! Except maybe for the lack of interior shots of the Manor itself...I never tire of looking at this glorious monstrosity. Congrats on the award.~H |
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June 25, 2010 |
Considering I was in the general vicinity of this model for four days and spent quite a bit of time looking at it, I know one thing: I needed another four days to see everything. For instance, I never noticed the Batwing in the hanger! Everyone was blown away by the detail, but when they learned the interior was finished they were speechless. This is most excellent and well deserving of the trophy! |
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June 25, 2010 |
You TRULY deserved the win for this my friend! And, aside from being punked out by a 10 year old girl, it was a perfect weekend! HAHAHA You are truly an artist my friend and inspire all of us to want to achieve this level of coolness! Dave, you ROCK! ~ Chris. |
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June 25, 2010 |
Wow amazing, I first saw this on Chris Phipson's brickworld post, but I'm amazed to find out you've been working on this for 5 years. You have great patience on sticking with the same build for so long I envy you. Well can't wait to see the improvements you make for next year. 5/5 :) |
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June 25, 2010 |
This is GENIOUS on so many different levels! I see why you won your award. Awesome work, man! |
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June 25, 2010 |
Finally a page I can comment on! Please extend my appreciation to your students, they're very good! |
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June 25, 2010 |
Congrats on the award. Your BatCave is one of my favorite creations on MOCPages and I'm really happy that it was recoginzed. And I wish my teachers would of let me build with legos in school. It's great thing your doing with the kids. |
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June 25, 2010 |
The tour have tremendously upped the epicness of this build! Wow! That's a freakin' load of details! Congrats to your award! |
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June 25, 2010 |
Fantastic build! The level of detail is amazing. |
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