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Kits of Distinction: Designed by Craftsmen, Built by Connoisseurs |
Our History
- The Guild was started in early December 1999 by Kevin Wilson, based on some discussions Kevin and Larry Pieniazek had about ways to foster commerce in the LEGO® hobby community. (they started on LugnetTM but soon switched to email)
- A private mailing list was set up and some initial members were recruited. Initial focus of discussion was around how the guild would organize ourselves and what the mission was.
- Most members agreed that the whole point of the exercise was to do things that TLC was incapable or unwilling to do, that would also be fun and rewarding for the membership. We also wanted to do it in a way that leveraged group strengths and that was easier to manage than each of us going it alone.
- The choice of our name, the Guild of Bricksmiths, was pivotal in refining the mission and approach of the Guild. As you've read on the definitions page, each word has meaning, and each word shapes our focus. We truly wanted to raise the bar of what is available to the discerning Adult Fan Of LEGO®.
- After much discussion, a launch point in mid spring 2000 was chosen. Members now had a goal to work for. Design and parts gathering began in earnest.
- We went public on 31 March, 2000
Latest news
These news articles are arranged in reverse chronological order. Note that links to sites and to contact info given in them are superseded by the member list. However, all the links to the actual announcements should work.
Dateline: 13 May 2002
The Guild is pleased to announce the addition of its newest members, Bram Lambrecht and Troy Cefaratti. Bram & Troy's first kit is a 1:24 scale model of the popular VW Beetle.
Dateline: 11 May 2002
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Mike Walsh has released the tenth Carolina Train Builders kit, CTB-4102 Road 'N Rail Dumper. This kit is designed to compliment the two existing LEGOŽ rail service vehicles #4525 and # 4526. See the announcement.
Dateline: 28 April 2002
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Kevin Wilson has released his next Lions Gate Models kit, a Shopping Mall. An impressive 1328 pieces, the mall contains a sandwich and coffee shop, a pet store, a hardware store and a dentist.
Dateline: 18 April 2002
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Larry Pieniazek has released his eighth Milton Train Works kit, MTW-1004 "Drop Center Flatcar" which features an oversize load. Similar in intent to the LionelŽ Transformer Car, in some respects, it differs in that it has adjustable rigging. See the announcement.
Dateline: 16 April 2002
The Guild is pleased to announce the addition of its newest member, Jason Spears. Jason's initial focus will be space, but at the moment his focus is on his wedding - April 20th.
Dateline: 3 April 2002
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Will Hess has released two new custom kit kits, BD-004 Rescue Squad and BD-005 Ambulance. See the announcement.
Dateline: 6 March 2002
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Kevin Wilson has released his next Lions Gate Models kit, the Red and White Heritage Facade. First in a series, this new type of kit allows you to attach the facade to a building you build yourself or display by itself at the back of a layout in a very narrow space.
Dateline: 17 February 2002
BricksWest, a popular gathering for LEGOŽ fans, was a significant event for the Guild.
Quoting from the program: "Daniel Siskind, owner of Brickmania custom model kits, member of the Guild of Bricksmiths(TM), and designer of the first official LEGOŽ "My Own Creation" fan-created set 3739 "Blacksmith Shop" plans to share his experience and skill at creating original custom model kits. Topics covered will include model selection and target audience, sourcing parts, introduction to instruction building, an overview of the Guild of Bricksmiths, and more. The greatest emphasis will be a question and answer session, which will cover the above topics and as much as can be said about LEGOŽ's official release of the Blacksmith Shop."
"Included with the presentation will be a display of prototype models of current and future Brickmania custom model kit releases, including some not yet shown to the public. Full color product catalogs from members of the Guild of Bricksmiths(TM) will also be available, and some kits may be available for sale at the Swap Meet, depending on available inventory and shipping logistics."
BricksWest attendees were the first to see Stephen Chuck's Galloping Goose, as well as some of Dan's very popular tanks and his Guarded Church - the largest custom LEGOŽ model kit ever to be made available. At over 3500 pieces, it even dwarves any model kit The LEGOŽ Company itself has offered to the public.
Bricksmith Mike Walsh released his latest kit - CTB-1121 Four Axle Coal Hopper. Carolina Train Builders donated unit number one as a door prize, which was won by Susan Michon.
Dateline: 9 February 2002
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Steve Chapple has released his first kit - actually a collection of kits - articulated container cars. These kits (type A, B, C, D, & E) combine to build a unique type of LEGOŽ train that does not use normal couplers. This release is also noteworthy in that with an initial production run of over fifty kits, it is the largest launch - outside The LEGOŽ Company - of a LEGOŽ kit ever! See the announcement.
Dateline: 1 February 2002
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Larry Pieniazek has released his latest Milton Train Works kit, MTW-1003 a stock car featuring animation similar to the LionelŽ Horse Car. Parts and instructions are included for both animated and static versions as well as for two roof styles. See the announcement.
Dateline: 24 January 2002
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Kevin Wilson has released his latest kit. With almost 2400 pieces (including seventeen minifigs) this largest kit ever from Lion's Gate Models builds a 32 x 48 stud by two storey high hospital to deal with all your minifig emergencies.
Dateline: 27 December 2001
The Guild is pleased to announce the addition of its newest member, Sun Yun. Sun's initial focus will be mecha, starting with a line of Macross(tm) and Robotech(tm) inspired efforts.
Dateline: 13 December 2001
The Guild celebrates its second anniversary since it was founded by Larry Pieniazek and Kevin Wilson. What makes this anniversary especially poignant is that it coincides with the first public acknowledgment by LEGO® Direct that Bricksmith Dan Siskind's wildly popular Brickmania 001 Blacksmith shop has been selected as the first "My Own Creation" kit, and will be produced as an official LEGO® kit. The low price LEGO® is able to offer this kit at offers a testament to how difficult the custom kit process is, compared to the economies of scale that LEGO® is able to achieve.Dateline: 21 November 2001
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Will Hess has released his second Bricksburg Depot kit, BD-002 "Commercial Pumper". Will has continued his tradition of extremely reasonable pricing for a custom kit with this gem, which makes a perfect gift for the fireman in your life! See the announcement.Dateline: 15 November 2001
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Kevin Wilson has released his latest Lions Gate Models kit, a Tank Engine Set. This kit, aimed at kids and starting train collectors, builds a complete train set modeled after a very famous blue tank engine, and is available in a push variant for a groundbreakingly low price or a powered version at a price competitive with Metroliner! See the announcement.Dateline: 1 October 2001
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Kevin Wilson has released his next Lions Gate Models kit, a Factory. Making Lions Gate history by allowing the buyer choice of roof colors, Kevin has truly outdone himself at over 1800 pieces which build a handsome kit including a richly detailed interior! See the announcement.Dateline: 21 September 2001
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Larry Pieniazek has released his sixth Milton Train Works kit, MTW-4001-sky "Skyline Chili(tm)". This kit, the first structure kit from MTW is also the largest MTW yet. More significantly, it's the first officially licensed LEGOŽ kit every produced by a non LEGOŽ kit producer. See the auction announcement and the buy/sell/trade announcement.Dateline: 19 September 2001
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Steve Chuck has released three new kits, World of Bricks 411, 412 and 413, collectively the "Metroliner Add On Kits". These are the first kits from World of Bricks, and are available in two versions. The Limited Edition versions feature old and quite rare door and baseplate parts as well as other choice parts. The lower priced Standard Edition versions will use new parts from the rereleased 10001 and 10002 sets. See the announcement.Dateline: 4 September 2001
The Guild is pleased to announce the addition of its newest member, Steve Chuck. Steve's initial focus will be trains, starting with a line of Metroliner add on kits.Dateline: 1 August 2001
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Dan Siskind has released Brickmania 203 "Halftrack and Command Jeep". This is another in Dan's popular WW II line of custom kits and features two vehicles and a full complement of minifigs. It is made from 342 genuine LEGOŽ building bricks, including many rare dark gray elements and old style link treads. See the announcement.Dateline: 1 August 2001
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Dan Siskind has released Brickmania 301 "Wild West Locomotive". This marks Brickmania's entry into the crowded but very popular Train market. Up to this point, no one has offered a kit based on the classic American design of the ninteenth century. This kit features a working piston and linkage system, a feature never before offered in any kit by anyone. See the announcement.Dateline: 29 June 2001
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Dan Siskind has released another batch of his Crossroads Tavern custom kit. This marks the fourth production run for this well received kit. See the announcement.Dateline: 24 May 2001
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Will Hess has released his first Bricksburg Depot kit, the Pumper Engine. Amazingly rich in detail at only 4 wide, this kit comes in two color schemes. Will reports that the kit is value priced as well. See the announcement.Dateline: 10 May 2001
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Kevin Wilson has released his latest Lions Gate Models kit, a Schoolhouse. At 1630 pieces, this sets a new record for Kevin. It features interior detail on both the ground and second floor. See the announcement.Dateline: 29 March 2001
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith KK Quah has released his first Guild kit, a Ninja themed Chess Set. The set features a "super" microfig donjon (Japanese keep) for the rook and has been the hit of the H&R Train show. See the announcement.Dateline: 19 March 2001
The Guild is pleased to announce the addition of its newest member, Brian Stokes. Brian's initial focus will be kits in the style of Adventurers and South Seas.Dateline: 12 March 2001
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Dan Siskind has released his latest Custom Castle kit Brickmania 003 "Country Mill." This 589 piece kit features fully completed interior details (including a grindstone that rotates with the windmill blades), two minifigs, and a variety of hard to find pieces (including some which have been out of production for years) See the announcement.Dateline: 7 March 2001
The Guild is pleased to announce the addition of its newest member, KK Quah. KK's initial focus will be ancient/oriental kits. See the announcement.Dateline: 6 March 2001
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Larry Pieniazek has released his fifth Milton Train Works kit, MTW-2001. This kit allows the customer to choose a preferred color scheme (from 72030 different possibilities) using an innovative interactive selection page. See the announcement.Dateline: 6 March 2001
The Guild is pleased to announce the addition of its newest member, Will Hess. Will's initial focus will be Fire and Rescue kits. See the announcement.Dateline: 4 March 2001
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Kevin Wilson has released his sixth Lions Gate Models kit, 1006 "Corner Store". The Clamshell Market sells groceries, pizza, soda and tourist items, and rents videos. The model features full interior and exterior detail and 2 minifigs. See the announcement.Dateline: 14 February 2001
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Steve Demlow has released his first, "Bipolar Electric". This extremely limited run kit (with only 3 in the production run) sets a new standard for size in the custom 9V train kit market. In another milestone, this appears to be the first time that there have been two "initial" model auctions of Bricksmith models on eBay at the same time.Dateline: 7 February 2001
The Guild is pleased to announce Dan Siskind's return to custom LEGOŽ kit building with his first new release for the year: Brickmania 202 "F4U Corsair." The Corsair is the first WW2 airplane custom model kit from Brickmania, and is an exact minifig scale replica of the F4U Corsair fighter/bomber, a fearsome tool of both the US Navy and Marine Corps. during the later half of the war. Dan is also reissuing Brickmania 002 Crossroads Tavern. See the announcement.Dateline: 16 December 2000
The Guild is pleased to announce the addition of its newest member, Mark Sandlin. Mark's initial focus will be Space and Mecha kits. See the announcement.Dateline: 26 November 2000
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Larry Pieniazek has released his fourth Milton Train Works kit, MTW-3002-bu "Doodlebug". See the announcement.Dateline: 23 November 2000
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Kevin Wilson has released his fifth Lions Gate Models kit, 1005 "Victorian House", a stunning multistory house. This house features removable layers for each of the floors, with complete interior and exterior details. See the announcement.Dateline: 21 November 2000
The Guild is pleased to announce the addition of its newest member, Jennifer Clark. Jennifer's initial focus will be Technic kits, many of them construction equipment focused.Dateline: 14 November 2000
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Mike Walsh has released the first three of his Carolina Train Builders kits, CTB-1101 Lumber Transport, CTB-1103 Coal Transport, CTB-1104 Caboose, with plans for a fourth, CTB-1106 Gondola, coming soon. See the announcement.Dateline: 11 November 2000
The Guild is pleased to announce the addition of its newest member, Mike Walsh. Mike's initial focus will be relatively inexpensive train kits. Mike will be using "Carolina Train Builders" as branding.Dateline: 05 November 2000
The Guild is pleased to announce the addition of its newest member, Steve Demlow. Steve's initial focus will be ultra high end train kits.Dateline: 01 October 2000
The Guild is pleased to announce the addition of its newest member, Steve Chapple. Steve's focus will be train bridges and other structures, usually incorporating one or more of his arches. These arches use a technique developed by Steve and his brother - true LEGO® arches are not commercially available anywhere else. Steve will be using "StRuCtures" as branding.Dateline: 25 September 2000
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Larry Pieniazek has released his third kit, MTW-3001-rw "PCC Streetcar", the first Milton Train Works powered kit. See the announcement.Dateline: 21 September 2000
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Kevin Wilson has released two new Lions Gate Models kits: 1003 "City Park / Garden", a modular park, and 1004 "Minivan". From one to four units can be combined to make various park configurations, and a Decorative Fountain kit can be used as an alternative centerpiece. The minivan features opening doors and hatchback, and opening roof for minifig access. See the announcement.Dateline: 02 August 2000
The Guild regrets to announce the exit of Dan Siskind from active production. Dan will remain a member but is focusing additional energy on his music.Dateline: 23 July 2000
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Larry Pieniazek has released his second kit, MTW-1002-rd "bulkhead flat", expanding the Milton Train Works freight car range. See the announcement.Dateline: 30 June 2000
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Kevin Wilson has released his third Lionsgate Models kit, 1002 "Open Air Market", a handsome marketplace. It features 4 market stalls, snack bar, sitting area, 8 minifigs and custom stickers, and can be arranged as a square area 32x32 or as a long area 16x64. See the announcement.Dateline: 25 June 2000
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Kevin Wilson has released a very limited run of a pre-built custom model, the Armada Warship. The Warship is a worthy foe for any Pirate ship, armed with many cannon and featuring 3 masts and a full set of custom sails. See the announcement.Dateline: 04 June 2000
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Dan Siskind has released his next kit, the largest custom LEGO® model kit to date with Castle and Pirate variants of a large tavern kit: Brickmania 002 "Crossroads Tavern" and Brickmania 101 "Salty Anchor Tavern" respectively. See the announcement.Dateline: 26 May 2000
The Guild is pleased to announce that Bricksmith Dan Siskind has released his next kit, Brickmania 201 "WW2 Light Tank", the world's first commercially available LEGO® modern military kit. See the announcement.Dateline: 4 Apr 2000
The Guild is pleased to announce the addition of its newest member, Eric Smith. Eric is kindly providing the webspace for the guild site and technical assistance with web and commerce issues. Eric is considering space related production.Dateline: 31 Mar 2000
Today, on 31 March 2000, we, the undersigned, are pleased to publicly announce the formation and existence of-- THE GUILD OF BRICKSMITHS --
The Guild is a band of LEGO® Fans who have become concerned at the dearth of high quality kits available and decided to do something about it. Founded in early December of 1999, the Guild began planning ways of fostering commerce and developing kits for the Adult Fan marketplace, working together to develop the mechanisms to make it happen, and gathering supplies for our initial production runs.
Read more about the Guild and our plans, hopes and goals at: http://mrfws1.innovation.com/~larryp/guild/guild_blurb.html
The Guild is pleased to announce that Guildsman Daniel Siskind has launched his new line of products with the stunning Brickmania 001 Blacksmith shop. This 600 plus piece beauty, the first in a series of castle-themed custom building kits designed by Dan Siskind and made entirely with LEGO® building bricks. is a marvel of design and detail, and is offered to the general public at Dan's site. Dan will soon be selling two other kits, Crossroads Tavern (Brickmania 002) and Country Mill (Brickmania 003)
Read more about it at: http://www.brickmania.com/kits.html
(temporarily, pending some minor DNS problems being resolved: http://64.224.224.231/kits.html )
The Guild is pleased to announce that Guildsman Kevin Wilson has concluded test marketing of his city accessories: Decorative Fountain, and Old Fashioned Street Lamps, and is offering them to the general public at his site. Kevin has commenced production of his Painted Lady Victorian kit which will be available soon. Kevin also is planning for a unique custom sailing ship assembled model to be made available soon.
Read more about it at: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/kwilson_tccs/kevc.htm
The Guild is pleased to announce that Guildsman James Powell is continuing to market his line of 2 axle Waggons, with two types currently available and more under development. He is offering them to the general public at his site.
Read more about it at: http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/ Speedway/2049/LegoJPG/FSwaggon/FSwag.html
The Guild is pleased to annouce that Guildsman Larry Pieniazek is continuing to market his 4 axle hopper kit, and has plans for the release of a Bulkhead Flat kit as well as a much more comprehensive line of 9V trains.
Read more about it at: http://mrfws1.innovation.com/~larryp/milton/index.html
Watch for more news from the Guild of Bricksmiths.
Kits of Distinction: Designed by Craftsmen, Built by Connoisseurs
Signed:
- Dan Siskind
- Kevin Wilson
- James Powell
- John Neal
- Julie Krenz
- Larry Pieniazek
- Michael Ulring
- Mike Stanley
- Tom Stangl
- Tony Priestman
The Guild of Bricksmiths.
