LEGO® Story #27
When I was 21 and in my dark ages, the Eaton’s department store in downtown Vancouver had a deluxe LEGO® display with custom shelves and a huge selection of sets. I was instantly drawn to the space sets, and spent several visits to the store trying to decide whether to buy one or not. I had so many fun memories of building with LEGO® from my childhood but I was hesitant to buy one. In 1991 I thought I must be the only adult contemplating buying a LEGO® toy. Regardless I eventually convinced myself it was OK and purchased set number 6877, the M-Tron Vector Detector space set.
This first purchase soon led to many more, and it wasn’t long before I owned the entire M-Tron line. Then I soon added many other sets from the Town, Space, Pirates and Castle themes. This initial purchase has led to a lifetime of LEGO® collecting and creating.
This first purchase soon led to many more, and it wasn’t long before I owned the entire M-Tron line. Then I soon added many other sets from the Town, Space, Pirates and Castle themes. This initial purchase has led to a lifetime of LEGO® collecting and creating.
The best part about buying that first set is that it opened me up to a world wide community of LEGO® enthusiasts that I wouldn’t have met otherwise. It has been a pleasure to see the community develop and evolve over the past 30 years. I have met many lifelong friends at my local LUG and at LEGO® Conventions.
In addition, I have also developed my artistic abilities and have been fortunate to have my LEGO® models shown around the world. This includes touring around the United States with Brick Universe, a LEGO® Fan Convention. In 2019 I had one of my designs, Imagine It, Build It, chosen to be a BrickLink AFOL Designer Set; and I was also invited by LEGO® to display my model, We Built This City, in the LEGO® House Masterpiece Gallery. I recently launched a website, www.paulhetheringtonartist.com, showcasing all of my creations and adventures.
All these amazing friendships and experiences were attracted to me because of that first magnetic M-Tron space set purchase. As you must have guessed the M in M-Tron stands for magnets!
Paul Hetherington – Vancouver, Canada
Website: www.paulhetheringtonartist.com