EXCLUSIVE

By Gareth Davies

gareth.davies@essnmedia.co.uk

When it comes to making amazing models with Lego, the force is with Craig Stevens.

The 39-year-old former debt adviser is about to finish building the world's biggest Star Wars figure made out of Lego.

The ship -which is a colossal 13 feet long - is made out of a staggering 50,000 individual bricks.

Called Tantive IV, the "Corellian Corvette" is so detailed it has five accurately modelled decks including a canteen, living quarters and the ship's bridge.

Already a well-known name in the world of Lego modelling, Craig, who lives in Gloucester Road, East Croydon, has now set his sights on turning his hobby into a career.

The self-confessed Star Wars fanatic has built dozens of sci-fi themed spacecraft.

But he has also used the cult children's toy to recreate Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury and Pirates of the Caribbean character Jack Sparrow.

His talent does not stop with the rich and famous.

"You tell me what it is, and I'll build it," he confidently declared.

"I love a challenge and it is how I want to make my living. I can build your company a logo, make your face out of Lego or build your favourite film star."

Far from being a lifelong hobby, Craig only became serious about his Lego when he was 29.

He explained: "It was only when they released the Star Wars Lego collection that I became really interested.

"I had a box of hand-me-down Lego when I was a child but it always frustrated me that I couldn't build to the size I wanted because I kept running out of bricks."

So in 1999 the big kid picked up a big box of Lego and set about building his favourite Star Wars ship, the Millennium Falcon.

Within no time the meticulously constructed vessel had won him a legion of fans worldwide.

He laughed: "No one has ever built the ship to scale. I spent hours measuring it up using blueprints and getting it just right, though I still had e-mails from fans pointing out the little faults."

A decade on and his work has been featured at Legoland, in Windsor.

His unusual talent has also led to him getting some unusual requests.

"A lady asked me to make her husband out of Lego for his 40th birthday," he explained.

"She sent me a picture and I built his face. It was tough working on someone who isn't well known but when he saw it he hugged me."

*Craig is keen to organise a huge Lego convention in Croydon.

If you are a budding builder or keen constructionist you can contact Craig on mail@modelsbycraig.com to find out more.

*Do you know someone like Craig with an unusual hobby or talent? If so e-mail newsdesk@croydonadvertiser.co.uk