Welcome to today's edition of the LEGO Fire Community Blog! We are thrilled and honored to have one of my good friends Gunnar N! I do have to apologize to him for not posting this sooner.. I honestly thought this was posted a long time, and totally forgot about this #seniormoment Anyway, big thanks to him for the reminder and the awesome pics below! LFC Blog: Welcome to the Blog Gunnar! Tell us about yourself. When and why did you start building Lego fire trucks? GN: I got into LEGO when I was really young, I’d say 6 or 7. I found the LFC around 2012-2013 and built trucks in the shadows. Probably around Late 2013, I started a YouTube channel showcasing my builds and progressively joined more sites like MOC and EmergencyBricks. I grew up in a firehouse and I think that’s what really sparked my interest in building emergency vehicles. LFC Blog: I remember that YT channel! I think I first saw your MOCs there! Who/what inspires you to build? GN: I love keeping up on the latest and greatest in the fire apparatus world. I frequent FDIC yearly and visit local departments for inspiration for a lot of my builds. Zak O. has been a big mentor to me in my growth in the LFC and is one of my best friendships that has come in my time here. He had a large array of rural apparatus and comes from a similar rural firefighting background, so I think that is what drew me to taking notes from his builds. We frequently swap ideas and get together when he visits home. LFC Blog: Zak O certainly is a legend, and it's great that you draw inspiration from each other! That certainly is an underrated aspect of building with other people! What's in the name Willowbrook and why did you settle on the current color scheme? GN: My largest and main department is the City of Willowbrook Fire Department. I’ve always loved the way that the dark gray fits with the red and I think it’s my favorite scheme thus far. LFC Blog: That color scheme is very sharp! If only LEGO came out with more dark gray bricks haha! What is the most challenging rig you've ever built? GN: My most challenging was probably my Rosenbauer Avenger engine. I like funky and outlandish looking trucks, and decided to try my hand at it when it was first released. I am currently on version two of this cab design and I am currently looking to add a second Avenger to Willowbrook’s Fleet. LFC Blog: The Rosenbauer Avenger certainly is a funky rig to build irl. I must say, I was most definitely inspired by your rendition! What is your most favorite rig and why? GN: That’s a tough one. I’d have to say it’s a tie between my Avenger and my Rosenbauer Raptor. My Avenger was the first and currently only attempt that I know of in the LFC, and I’m very proud of the techniques and look captured in the build. The Raptor is very uncommon rig as it utilizes a European-like aerial platform with a folding bucket while the aerial is cradled. This is another build that I have revamped multiple times to try and perfectly capture the look. LFC Blog: Rosenbauer sure comes up with unconventional apparatus! When I first saw the ad for the original Commander, my initial thought was how futuristic the cab looked! And they were right! I think that the Pierce Quantum and E-ONE Quest all were inspired by that cab. What is one Lego piece you wish were manufactured and why? GN: You of all people know that I wish they made a 5-wide windshield for my 5/6 wide commercial cab apparatus. I may catch some flak for modifying parts, but the realism is what I strive for in the end. LFC Blog: Haha I am in total agreement with you there! A variety of windshields would be really nice! I'd also love to see varying angles. That will make a huge difference to help differentiate the various cabs in use today. What are your future plans for your department? GN: I’d like to finish Brickside and Bluelake Twp. In the future, but I am focused on getting Willowbrook farther along. I plan to order two engines, a snorkel squad, and possibly another ladder in the very near future. LFC Blog: That sounds awesome! Looking forward to seeing what you have in store I the future! What is the best part of the Lego Fire Community? GN: My favorite part of the LFC is the friendships you gain. I’ve met a ton of great people over the years and I can’t thank everyone for the tips, tricks, and constructive criticism over the years that have made me the builder I am today. LFC Blog: Agreed! Knowing how I started to where I am today makes me so appreciative to all the kind folks who helped me along the way! How would you like to see the LFC grow better? GN: I would like to see people stick around and keep with the hobby. Over the years, I’ve seen some fantastic builders go to the way side and disappear, which is a little disappointing. LFC Blog: Definitely.. but I am glad to be able to catch up with a few of em through social media, even though they're totally not into LEGO anymore, though some are just lurking (*non-covid cough* You know exactly who I'm talking about). Any tips or advice for new builders? GN: Don’t be afraid to try new techniques and don’t be afraid to try something new. Sometimes getting out of your comfort zone really makes for an outstanding build. LFC Blog: For sure! Many of us who have been around for a while experiment with new bricks or techniques until we get the desired product. We may not post all the results, but the experience gained ultimately will get us what our minds can imagine! Well, I hope you enjoyed the interview! Stay tuned for more blog content in the future! Until then, keep on bricking!
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~Committed to presenting outstanding LEGO firefighting MOCs from around the world!~
Blog Updated: 10/28/22
PurposeWelcome to the Lego Fire Community Blog! Presented here are outstanding builders who captivate their audience with their MOCs (My Own Creation). The purpose of this blog is to educate others of exemplary builders both past and present. DedicationThis blog is dedicated to Eric S. McDonald, the Fire Chief of the original Lego City Fire Department who died unexpectedly on Aug. 21, 2002. His vision is what started the whole LFC, and for that we are eternally grateful. About the moderating teamChief editor - Michael P. - Founder of Castle Beach Fire Department and Los Angelego County Fire Department Archives
October 2022
DisclaimerThis website is not affiliated with The Lego Company, or any real life fire department for that matter. All builds presented here are original works by the respective builders who gave strict permission to utilize the photos on this website. None of the photos were/are kept for personal use. |