Interview @Barduck

1. Self-introduction (name, where you are from, hobbies, etc.)

My real name is Hans, 50 years old, father of 5, living in Belgium. My day job (actually nightjob as I work night shifts only) is at the car manufacturer Volvo in Ghent, Belgium, where I currently work as a forklift and reach truck driver. I’ve had the nickname Barduck (Bardock) from when I was i my teens by some friends who were at the time big Dragon Ball Z enthusiasts. As I was the oldest from our group I got the name of Goku’s father, who’s one of the main characters in this anime. I’ve been building with Lego bricks from a pretty young age but as it always goes, I entered my “dark age” at around 15. Before turning to LEGO again I had other hobbies like World of Warcraft and later Warhammer 40K. When my oldest son was 4 I got him the Emerald Night and it’s then that I came out of my dark ages.

2. Why did you choose the profession of designer?

It’s more by accident than actual choice. In the beginning of my return from the dark ages 13 years ago, I had no idea on how the build a decent train, it had been to long since I picked up bricks. I found pans online for a Big Boy and build it. It’s after that one that I started experimenting with my own builds. As my trains started to get better I set up an account as seller on Bricklink. The rest is history.

3. What has this career brought you?

Well, it’s a part of the hobby that pays the hobby so who wouldn’t like that? Not having to use family budget to get parts is really helpful as LEGO isn’t cheap. It’s not a goldmine but I’m very pleased with what I get.

4. What is your opinion on MOC?

not sure what is meant by this question.

5. What are your thoughts and impressions of the letbricks website?

From what I’ve seen so far the Letbricks site is easy to work with.

6. Which is your most satisfying work? Why are you most satisfied with it?

My 3 best trains are the M-10005, my Virginian 2-8-8-8-4 triplex and my ES44AC-line, in that order. The M-10005 is my most beautiful train I’ve ever designed and build. It took me almost 3 years to get her just right, the nose was really hard to design. The coaches that are going with this train are also coming to Letbricks soon (6 of 10 are already done). My Virginian Triplex is one of my most complicated trains. She’s not on Letbricks as there’s to many 3D printed parts needed to make up the drive gears. She is however available on Rebrickable and the 3D printed parts can be ordered directly from my site. My ES44AC line is a practical, good powered diesel train in different liveries. Not all liveries that I’ve designed are available at Letbricks, there’s a few more on Rebrickable.