Spring has been quiet on the official LEGO Ideas front, but we still end April by taking a look at three of our favorite fan-made models from the platform. As we eagerly await the next Starry Night set due to arrive any day now, this month we take a look at three intricate designs, including an iconic Studio Ghibli build, a medieval castle, and even something for LEGO train enthusiasts.

Howl’s Moving Castle Makes One of April’s Top LEGO Ideas

Every once in a while a new Studio Ghibli creation starts making the rounds at LEGO Ideas, and for April we couldn’t help but highlight this extremely detailed version of Howl’s Howl’s Moving Castle by the creator FirstOrderLuka. Bringing the iconic pedestrian residence to life in brick form, this model is packed with as many little greebles and detailing as physically possible for the side. Every inch is covered with an interesting piece usage shape that stacks together to provide as eye-catching a build as possible.

While previous animated movie-inspired builds have failed to become full sets, this LEGO version of Howl’s Moving Castle really should be the first to break the curse of ideas. Almost 1,500 builders are in the same boat as me, giving the product over 580 days to earn the rest of its required votes.

Support Howl’s Moving Castle through LEGO Ideas now

Fish in muddy waters

Castle builds never fail to excite on LEGO Ideas, and for April this Muddy Water Fishing Model of the creator Ralf Ranghal was easily one of the best creations out there. All the intricate masonry packed into the project immediately caught my eye, but the rest of the potential kit sealed the deal. I love how the two trees turned out, not to mention the roof of the main building.

While the creator notes that this model would be hard to get the full LEGO Ideas treatment as is, I’d like to see what a professional designer could do with that as a starting point. It’s such an interesting blueprint for a creation that I can’t help but rejoice to see where it would end up on store shelves. Sure, LEGO designers sometimes get a lot of flack for over-tweaking an idea submission, but this is a case where there’s so much potential to add things. At least until all of Ralf Ranghaal’s charm was lost.

This Ideas project still has more than 2 years to secure the rest of the required 10,000 supporters. Although with more than 6,600 votes so farit shouldn’t be a problem for this kit to make it into the next LEGO Ideas review cycle.

Support muddy water fishing through LEGO Ideas now

Old Train Engine Shed is another April highlight from LEGO Ideas

LEGO builders and train fanatics also have something exciting to look forward to, as the latest model ideas we’re battling for in April drop to Watch out for the brick Old locomotive shed. We often see builders looking to submit their take on the next Creator Modular building to expand your brick town, but this neat little piece takes a smaller approach to adding charm to your layout. I love the details packed into the vignette-style model, with everything from the shed itself and its brick exterior to the power lines and more.

Mind the Brick is now a stranger to the LEGO Ideas platform, and I hope all this experience pays off in transforming the 3,700 current supporters in the required 10,000. There are still over 500 days left for that to happen, so hopefully it won’t be long before we report that the Train Shed has passed the milestone.

Support the old locomotive shed through LEGO Ideas now

Future LEGO Ideas kits to look forward to

Along with these three creations that hope to one day become official sets, April also saw a record number of new projects reach the milestone of 10,000 supporters on LEGO Ideas. Here are all the projects that have been stalled for April:

As always, if you ever want to bring one of these creations highlighted in February’s Top LEGO Ideas to your own collection, be sure to head over to each of the project pages to cast your vote of support. And, if you’d like to submit your own LEGO idea for us to feature, be sure to go say hello on twitter!

More of the best LEGO Ideas projects

• Daft Punk Brick Helmets and More Showcase the Best LEGO Ideas in February
• January’s Best LEGO Ideas: Bricked PS5, Air Jordan 1, Polaroid Camera, and More
• October’s best LEGO ideas include a Roman temple, medieval armor and more
• September’s best LEGO ideas, including a working orrery, brick-built koala and more
• Our favorite August LEGO ideas include a rescue helicopter, classic fire truck and more.
• July’s top LEGO ideas include a kinetic PAC-MAN sculpture, Spartan helmet, and more.
• LEGO Sony Walkman Tops June’s Best Ideas, Plus Double-Loop Coaster, More
• May’s best LEGO ideas: brick-built solar system, LotR bookends, and more

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