(Written by Michael Kalkwarf)
I recently designed a new LEGO Kingdoms Modular Castle system that I had a chance to display and demonstrate at Brickcon in Seattle a few weeks ago. The response from both kids and adult LEGO fans was very positive, and the display even got the attention of several LEGO representatives who attended the event. So I thought to share it here also. 🙂
The LEGO Kingdoms Modular Castle system is based on small 4×8 and 8×8 stud modules. The room modules have a pair of LEGO Technic pins on each side towards the top. Using this pin system the room modules can be connected to form a wall or a maze of rooms. The flat round corners and exposed studs along the top allow other modules to be securely stacked to form higher walls and towers. Other modules can hang off of the pins to create balconies and battlement areas.
Each module can be connected to any other module to provide a great deal of flexibility, so that you can very quickly and easily construct a new castle from the small modules. The system is very sturdy, and the modules remain intact when pulled apart to change the castle configuration. The whole system was designed with kids in mind, and it incorporates large arches in the modules to make room for minifigs and lots of open battlement space for a play area.
At Brickcon I had a static display castle made completely from these modules. In front of the display the unused modules were laid out – not only for display, but for demonstrating how the modules went together. Exhibitor rules prevented visitors from touching the displays, so instead I set in front of the display, and kids and adults directed me on where to place the modules to build the castle they wanted to see. They were able to leave Brickcon with a picture of a castle that they built in just a few minutes.
It was a lot of fun to see what crazy castles people built using the system. It was also a good test of the design to make sure the system could handle all of the different building styles. The system has already gone through many rigorous hours of play testing with my own kids and their friends, but this was a whole new level. Here I’m including a few pictures of what people built. Seeing a castle built and rebuilt by different people during the day inspired me to make a stop-motion video (see below) showing a castle shrink and grow as it morphs through well over 100 different configurations.
People seemed to really like the LEGO Kingdoms Modular Castle system, as the modules were small and sturdy and could be changed out very quickly and easily. During the event I was asked many times if this system was for sale. I had to refer them to the LEGO Ideas site where it has been submitted as a potential future LEGO set. If you like it, and would like to see it as a future LEGO set, you can vote for it at the following page: VOTE FOR LEGO KINGDOMS MODULAR CASTLE
If you are interested in seeing more pictures of the many castles that can be built with the LEGO Kingdoms Modular Castle system, as well as close ups of the modules, you can visit my galleries at MocPages and Flickr. And if you would like to see more demonstrations of the modules, and some castles being quickly built, I have some more videos on my YouTube channel.
So what do you think? How do you like the LEGO Kingdoms Modular Castle? Would you like LEGO to release sets like this? What kind of castle would you build? Feel free to share your thoughts or any questions you may have about the system in the comment section below! Thanks for reading! 🙂
I’ve been doing something similar but far less polished! I love this. So would my kids…
Tom, please take a moment to vote, if you would like LEGO to consider this as an actual set. I think it would be a great system and also expandable with further modules. 🙂
Done 🙂
Very clever indeed!
Besides the advantage of being easily combined the other advantage is you could buy as many or as few units as you feel you can afford and still add additional units later for larger and more elaborate castles.
Would there be a way to work in round turrets and varying heights with this modular approach? They’d add architectural interest.
Rainey, you nailed it. The more modules you have the bigger castle you can build. you asked about other modules. I have developed a few more modules that I have not yet posted and am planning on a Hexagon or round turret but have not yet had the time to figure that out. Stay tuned.
Hey Admin,
Very clever idea! I too am building a modular castle, but only in 2 dimensions like the traditional Lego castle system. My modular pieces don’t stack like yours.
I would definitely buy this. I already gave my support on the Ideas page. Good luck!
James, nice to have you! Please note this is not my idea, but Michael’s, the author of this article. 🙂
James
Glad you like it. You are right. this system does allow you to build in 3 dimensions. You can built a wall for easy play from the back side, or you can build an enclosed fortress with towers on the corners and bridges to the court yard. I have been thinking about building some more non-conventional castles with taller spires and no front gate. I’ll try to get something posted on MocPages and flicr before too long.
I want it D;
Very nice, detailed, good looking and efficient. I’ll be sure to vote.
I love it. I don’t support things on Lego ideas often, but I supported this.
Ive been kicking the idea of a ‘modular’ modular seires around for a while, but i actually think this principle makes much more sense in the castle theme since architecture styles wont vary significantly….very well done!!!!
Awesome I remember something like this that I supported, I love how you can build a castle in like 15 minutes with this (as long as the modular parts are build of course). Hey Admin Have you seen all the doctors from Dr. Who in LEGO Dimensions?
Yeah, pretty sweet, isn’t it? I hope we will get the other Doctors in some future sets! 😀
Yes I hope so too, as I am becoming a Whovian. Lol
You are???!!! Interesting! I was wondering how popular is Doctor Who with the younger and non-UK generation. 🙂
#Freakinepic So want about 10 of these, gonna smack that support button for you!
I think I need to do something like this for my kids. My littlest one likes castle theme and it would be easy enough for him to build his own castle. He is going to turn 5 this year. Great concept!
I am glad you like it. My kids love it too. If you spread the word and vote for it on Lego Ideas, they will make it a set you can buy in the store if enough people vote for it. Here is the link
https://ideas.lego.com/projects/116214
Love your Castle modules Michael. I built dozens and have this magic castle on my table. Serious fun. Really wish LEGO had adopted your set.