The LEGO Ideas Doctor Who set (21304) is a dream come true for fans of both LEGO and the iconic British science fiction series, Doctor Who. Behind this sought-after set is Andy Clark, a passionate LEGO builder and Doctor Who enthusiast. In this interview, Andy shares his journey, from his early LEGO building days to the thrill of seeing his fan design become an official LEGO product. Let’s delve into the story of how this amazing Doctor Who Lego Set came to life.
Tim: How long have you been building with LEGO bricks?
Andy: My LEGO journey began in childhood, around the age of six, alongside my brothers. I vividly remember the LEGO Technic 8860 car belonging to my older brother. Soon, we were all immersed in the world of LEGO, accumulating enough bricks to fuel our imaginations. Our childhood LEGO sessions were filled with building vehicles, testing their durability in epic smash-up collisions – something I wouldn’t dream of doing with my collection now! We also enjoyed creating LEGO safes, challenging ourselves to devise intricate locking mechanisms using various LEGO parts and movements. However, like many, my LEGO building took a backseat when I went to college, and our collection was passed on to my nephews.
What inspired you to build this model and put it on LEGO Ideas?
My passion for LEGO was rekindled around 2013 when I rediscovered the online LEGO community and LEGO Cuusoo, now known as LEGO Ideas. When LEGO Ideas announced they would be accepting project proposals based on Doctor Who, it felt like the perfect opportunity to merge my two biggest passions. The thought of seeing my own design transformed into an official Doctor Who LEGO set was incredibly motivating and spurred me to create and submit my project to LEGO Ideas.
Andy Clark, the fan designer of the LEGO Ideas Doctor Who set, proudly presents his creation.
Did you run into any challenges when designing these models?
The console and the TARDIS itself presented the most significant design challenges in my Doctor Who LEGO set proposal. Achieving the six-sided shape of the console was particularly tricky due to the limited number of LEGO elements suitable for this geometry. The solution came with the clever use of Technic wheel pulleys, which allowed me to realize the iconic console shape in LEGO form.
A detailed view of the LEGO Ideas Doctor Who set with its fan designer, Andy Clark.
For the TARDIS, my goal was to create the most detailed and accurate LEGO representation possible while incorporating the essential “bigger on the inside” feature. Initially, these two objectives seemed contradictory. I was determined not to compromise the exterior aesthetics for the sake of the opening mechanism. A specific detail I wanted to capture was the slightly protruding 1×3 tiles with the ‘Public Call Box’ text, a signature element of the TARDIS. However, positioning these tiles further out interfered with the rotation of the hinge plates required for opening the TARDIS.
Detailed LEGO console design from the Doctor Who LEGO set, showcasing the six-sided structure achieved with Technic wheel pulleys.
After considerable experimentation and refinement, the solution emerged: attaching the 1×3 tiles to hinge bricks. This innovative approach allowed the tiles to rotate upwards, clearing the path for the hinge plates to open the TARDIS smoothly. As an added bonus, when closed, the hinge bricks act as a locking mechanism, ensuring the TARDIS remained securely shut during play or handling. It seemed fitting that just like the real TARDIS, which bends space and time, the LEGO version also incorporates a clever folding mechanism.
The TARDIS from the Doctor Who LEGO set opens to reveal its interior, highlighting the 'bigger on the inside' feature.
The interior of the LEGO TARDIS in the Doctor Who set, demonstrating the detailed design and playability.
What did you do to promote your project?
Recognizing David Tennant’s immense popularity within the Doctor Who fandom, I strategically highlighted his character in my project promotion efforts. I utilized social media platforms and Doctor Who fan websites to spread the word. My focus was on reaching high-traffic websites to feature or share my project, maximizing visibility. An article on Buzzfeed proved particularly effective, contributing to approximately 25% of the votes needed to reach the review stage. My wife, Susan, was also instrumental in promoting the Doctor Who LEGO set idea. Furthermore, a video showcasing the set’s features and playability helped garner significant attention and support.
What advice can you give to other LEGO Ideas members with active projects?
Reaching the 10,000 votes milestone for my project required as much dedication to promotion as it did to the design itself. Consistent promotion and regular updates are crucial to maintain momentum. Identify relevant online communities and platforms for promotion – in my case, Doctor Who fan sites were key. Creating a video that demonstrates the model in action and highlights its play features can be very impactful. If your initial design is created using 3D software like LEGO Digital Designer, it’s beneficial to update your project with photos of a physical LEGO model as proof of concept. Often, designs that appear sound in LDD can encounter stability issues when built with real LEGO bricks, necessitating design adjustments for the physical model. My initial designs tend to be overly complex; the art lies in simplifying them while maintaining the desired aesthetic and structural integrity. Building a physical model provides reassurance that the design will be viable when reviewed by LEGO designers. Engage with your supporters in the comments section and consider fun updates, such as showcasing extra set options, celebrating milestones like reaching 5000 supporters, and sharing links to promotional features. These actions help sustain interest and build a strong community around your LEGO Ideas project.
In closing, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Sam and Adam for their work in transforming my design into an official Doctor Who LEGO set. My heartfelt thanks also go to the entire LEGO Ideas team and everyone involved in bringing this set to store shelves. It truly is a dream realized.
- doctor who
- 21304
- andrewclark2
Published By Tim Courtney
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