Sneak Peek GBC 47 #2 – Windmill Module!

Unique in its kind

~Napoleon when arrived at the Zaanse Schans, The Netherlands

Meet our Windmill Module!

Our lovely country, the Netherlands, is known for many things like tulips, clogs (aka wooden shoes) and … windmills! Although the Netherlands is not the first country to have build windmills (it were our dear Belgium neighbors in the 12th century), it is hard to think of the Netherlands without any windmills. From the 13th century onwards the mills were used for grinding grains. As the working mechanisms of the mills progressed and the people in the Netherlands wanted more land, a new purpose was found in the 15th century: drainage of the many polders. By draining the water from our polders, useful farming land was created to provide the people with food. Nowadays (since the end of the second world war) technology and factories have taken over, bringing the windmills to a halt. Fortunately the windmills are protected, so we can enjoy the view of the many windmills in our country!

Want to read more about windmills in the Netherlands? Continue reading 

Sinterklaas, Goed Heiligman!

Sinterklaas Kapoentje

Gooi wat in mijn schoentje

Gooi wat in mijn laarsje

Dank u Sinterklaasje

~Sinterklaas Kapoentje (Traditional Sinterklaas Song)

Last Saturday Sinterklaas entered the country of the Netherlands! Sinterklaas is a ancient tradition (much like Christmas!) starting with bishop ‘Nicolaas van Myra’ who lived in the 4th century BC in Turkey and died on the 6th of December 340 BC.

From the 15th century onwards children were allowed to ‘put their shoes‘ in a church on the Name Day of the bishop. The rich would put something in their shoes after which the gifts were divided among the poor. Over time the tradition evolved and children were allowed to put their shoes at the fire place at home, where Sinterklaas would come over night with presents. Later onward, after World War II when wealth increased, ‘pakjesavond‘ (an evening with family and gifts) was created.

Although it is uncertain how the tradition was created, it is still very popular. When Sinterklaas enters the country, almost every child picks up their shoes and puts them out so they can find a (small) present in the morning!

 

Are you, like so many others, searching for the ideal Sinterklaas gift? No worries, here are some of our tips!

  • How about our Technic Ruler for Lego? With the aid of this ruler, even smaller children can enjoy lego by helping find beams and axles of the correct lenght! Great way to enjoy the building instructions with all family members!
  • Or what do you think of the Xylophone Keys? Incoorporate it in your very own GBC or set it up for musical purposes. Maybe even already practise a Christmas tune?
  • If you really don’t know what to give, why not give a giftcard? Very usefull and available in all price categories!

 

Tips & Tricks Tuesday: Inspiration Time!

Have you ever tried building your very own GBC? People all around the world have fun creating their own GBCs, both from existing sets and bricks they just happen to have! We always like seeing the creative builds, sometimes using one of our own products to give it just an extra touch! LOLUG (Lincoln and Omaha LEGO® User Group) set a very nice example by building a GBC Loop using the Xylophone Keys for the Musical Stairs Module!

 

 

Want to see your own creation on our newspage or socials? Upload your video here!


Have you also build one of our models yourself?

“Bigger and Better” – GBC 45 Stunt Circus

PV-Productions has again succeeded in creating a new great ball contraption (GBC) and this time it is even bigger and better. This GBC is already number 45 that he created and it is called ‘Stunt Circus’. This GBC is also an alternate of an official LEGO® set. This time you only need the parts from the LEGO® 42100 Liebherr R 9800 to build this great circuit.

Our dear friends at ToyPro have picked up their pen to write about their views on our GBC 45 Stunt Circus! In their article, multiple aspects of the different modules are highlighted as you are taken on a “tour through the GBC 45 Stunt Circus”.

 

Check out their article!