WesternOutlaw Posted March 7, 2009 If someone were to ask me which of the Grave Stone creations is my personal favorite, I would have to say that this Haunted Mine (MOC #15) is high on the list, if not my favorite. I attempted to take many pictures of this creation, but it was a very difficult MOC to photograph well. Flash spots and blury images seemed to dominate the photographing experience with this creation, so I truly don't think the pictures did it justice. Why do I like this MOC, you ask? This was a really fun creation to play with. The elevator worked (with a winch), and after adding two Classic Town lights, the inside looked awesome in dim light. Tracks were used from the Dwarves' Mine and the mining cart would roll into the mine perfectly. Inspiration I've always loved the thought of a Haunted Mine, since I was a kid growing up in the western U.S. While I think I've only been in 1-2 actual mines, I think the mine is such an important part of Wild West history as they were the reason settlers came to the West. Cartoons like Scooby Doo had "the gang" rolling through a roller-coaster like mine in an episode called "Mine Your Own Business". I also remember visiting Knotts Berry Farm in California and the Calico Mine was one of my favorite rides (next to perhaps the log ride). Indiana Jones took a ride on a mining cart in The Temple of Doom. And making it possible, Lego's 7036 Dwarves' Mine would provide me the pieces needed for this creation. The Story Hidden within the Shadow Mountains, only assessable by either Putrid Creek or the treacherous Hidden Pass, ghost drums within the Haunted Mine echo in the moon lit night . Four greedy miners have come to the mine to extract its treasures. Unfortunately, they did not heed the warnings of the reluctant towns people within Grave Stone. Legend says that the mine is haunted by the spirit of a great Indian warrior and that within the depths of the mine, his ancient weapons are still burried, cursed for those who desecrate the chamber. But the curse has not stopped miners from digging within the dark caverns, some still burried under cave-ins within the deeper levels. What ancient curse will the miners unlock? The Story Revealed The story of the Haunted Mine reveals the source of Grave Stone's Putrid Water, also mentioned in the story of Putid Creek Mill. The story also mentions the Spirit of the Indian Warrior. What link might the Indian Spirit have with the Phantom Rider? Perhaps a new Grave Stone story may reveal further clues... The Haunted Mine Inside the Mine Let's take a deeper look inside this Haunted Mine, shall we? On the first level (below ground), one will find a closed shaft with dead miner and spider web. I had later redesigned this area with a sliding wall that opened, allowing miners to escape to a cliff on the backside: 1st Floor Below Ground Toward the end of the 2nd floor, an old miner picks at some silver ore. Don't you love the lighting? 2nd Floor The 3rd floor id the lowest level within the Haunted Mine. There, a deserting Cavalry Soldier picks at gold ore in the dim light of a karoseen lantern: 3rd Floor (Middle) At the end of the shaft, miners will find Putrid Water seeping between the rocks, and some ancient Indian artifacts: 3rd Floor (Right) Lastly, the Haunted Mine, with lights: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Captain Blackmoor Posted March 7, 2009 This is very, very impressive! I can understand why it is one of your favorite creations. It is mine too. I love the lightning effects in your MOC. It really looks like a deep mine. What I also like is that this is an unique idea, I've never seen a mine somewhere before. And everything is very well executed. I think this is a topper! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zorro Posted March 7, 2009 WOW, this must be the best "set" of the entire series. I love how the skeleton is placed and the ancient Indian burial grounds are cool too. The light effects are awesome, and give the MOC an entire other dimension. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Klaus-Dieter Posted March 8, 2009 That's again an absolutely amazing MOC, TheBrickster! I really it! This mine looks absolutely realistic! The design is perfect - and so do the interior, the accessory and the minfigs. The most I like the Indian artifacts, the skeletton in front of the cob webs and of course the elevator. The light effects are a very nice addition and fit very well. Very, very well done! Klaus-Dieter Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
