Hot Rod Lincoln LEGO

'Four-Barrels and Seven Camshafts ago...'

One of my favorite things from the LEGO movie was Abraham Lincoln flying around in his Lincoln Memorial/Mobius Chair. So much so that when I got my hands on the Abe Lincoln minifigure I immediately built one of my own.

But LEGO are built to be re-built!

I grew bored of looking at my Lincoln Space Chair on my desk at work. So first I simply attached the chair to a LEGO Droideka that was also sitting on my desk, just for a change, giving it land-level mobility. But that was too simple and kind of un-inspired.

Then, as I thought of what I could possibly do to spice up Lincoln's Memorial it dawned on me: A Hot Rod Lincoln for Lincoln!

I kept the granite aesthetic, and just built the memorial/seat into a Hot Rod. I originally planned to use the Gettysburg Address piece for the hood, but was unable to locate it. Instead, I found this little 'trophy' piece that came with a soccer player or somesuch, and realized it made the perfect hood ornament! If only it had a tiny stovepipe hat too.

In staying with the all white/granite look I kept things smooth. None of the circle bits (what are those called? They must have a scientific name!) are visible. And the only grey is the motor (which I couldn't avoid because I don't have white motor pieces) and the exhaust tips. But I am glad for the few grey bits - along with the hood ornament they lend the perfect Hot Rod aesthetic to Lincoln's Hot Rod Lincoln.

I'm on the fence about possibly adding bigger rear wheels. I think these are big but not too big. Possibly 'just right.' Lincoln isn't a show-boater after all.

Also note the axe on the trunk. Perfect for building log cabins or fighting zombies...I can't remember which one was an actual hobby of the Great Emancipator, but I am certain he at least dabbled in both.

As with all my LEGO builds, it took many revisions to get to this point, and I will probably revise some more as I find more relevant pieces or think of other things this Hot Rod Lincoln needs. I considered putting Lincoln's head on the body of the Greaser Mechanic minifigure, but he too has thus far eluded me.

Regardless, this is indeed a build I am very proud of and I will probably keep it in one piece for a long time!

Original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Action Figures

A few years ago I spotted a Craigslist ad selling original Star Wars and Ninja Turtles action figures. This was before my interest in Ninja Turtles, so I went thinking I would buy some of the Star Wars action figures.

When I went to the lady's house she had a bunch of her son's old toys laid out for sale. I pretty much ignored the Star Wars figures and was drawn to these four fellows and I think a couple more early TMNT figures. I even picked up the Turtle Van, but it wasn't in the best of condition so I have since moved it out of my collection.

But these guys are in excellent condition. They are missing their weapons, and Raphael's belt isn't perfect, but someday I'll be able to replace those issues.

The best part is that all these guys are the soft-head versions of the Ninja Turtles. I didn't know it at the time but the soft head versions of the TMNT figures are the first release versions.

It's near impossible to imagine that there was a time when the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were a gamble, but that was the case when Playmates released the first series of action figures they were just that.

So to cut costs and potential loss, Playmates released the Turtles and other wave one figures with soft rubber heads.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were a huge hit (no surprise there, right?) so later releases of the first few figures were made with solid plastic heads.

I have a soft headed Bebop and Rocksteady too (which may have come from this same Craigslist purchase) and I believe Shredder, Footsoldier and Splinter also each came with soft rubber heads. I'm not sure if April did too or if she didn't appear until wave two.

Other than the initials on their belts and the colored masks/pads, these first few ninja turtles are actually far more influenced by the original comic artwork than their later cartoon designs.

They are also just wonderful classic, basic action figures.

I'm glad I ignored the Star Wars stuff and instead bought up these guys!

And where is the Batman?

He must be at home, washing his tights. because I cannot see him at all in the following totally random pictures of foliage.

If I did see Batman, he would probably be the 'Jungle Boogie' Batman from the Batman Returns action figure line by Kenner.

Actually I don't know what Batman this is, and really am not motivated to look him up at all. I mean, it's a Keaton Batman action figure with green/black camo. Do I need to know more to appreciate this guy?

No, I do not.

I found this Batman at the flea market and nabbed him for a measly dollar. He's in excellent condition, and unlike most Keaton Batmen I find at the flea market this guy has his cape!

The cape alone is worth the dollar, because now I can swap it over to a more accurate Batman I own that is missing his cape.

Or I might let 'Jungle Fever' Batman keep it. If I can ever find him again! Damn that effective Bat-camo!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Action Figure Collection

In an attempt to win an Instagram contest showing your 'Raddest' collection, I first signed up for Instagram - hey, anything to win a Santa Cruz Skateboard! - and then I photographed almost all of my original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures. Because fewer things are as rad as original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle action figures!

The task was difficult enough with my intern 'helping,' so I didn't bother including weapons in most of their hands. I also forgot to include a couple, namely Panda Khan, Wyrm, and Wingnut.

I also did not include variants or alternate version of anyone, like Space Usagi, the small sized Android Body Krang, or all those wacky Turtle variants.

Quite an impressive collection, considering the fact that I wasn't into TMNT when they were originally released. Can you name them all?