Slegengr

As a life-long fan of LEGO for over 30 years, this is impossible for me to narrow down to a single minifigure. I can't even pick a favorite within each category of my favorite themes! Most of my favorites are based on nostalgia from playing as a child during the 90's. This also ties to some modern minifigures that I connect as nostalgic references. I cycled through favorite themes as a child, so I have deep-seated fondness and nostalgia for the classic 3: Castle, Space, and Pirates. Once Adventurers came onto the scene while I was at peak age for LEGO products (around age 6-12), the different adventures quickly became one of my favorite themes. I additionally was very fond of Aquazone, Rock Raiders, Alpha Team, and Wild West and collected as many sets from these themes as I could find. To make it onto my list, one requirement is that I have to have the listed minifigure in my collection. CASTLE: Castle was my top favorite theme slightly more often than the other themes, so I'll start there. Top favorite is the knight with white dragon plumes from set 6086 Black Knight's Castle. This was the most significant set for my earliest introduction to LEGO products, and my brothers and I spent hours playing with and rebuilding this set. I still have our original set rebuilt as an adult, though the horse bardings have all clips broken off. I'm also a LEGO set collector and salvager from bulk lots, so I have another of set 6086 in great condition. This knight stood out to me since he wore blue and white livery, which I have always found quite appealing. Of course, the rarity of the white dragon plumes adds to my fondness and personal value of this minifigure. https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?M=cas167#T=S&O={"ss":"US","rpp":"100","iconly":0} I also got the set 6009 Black Knight around the same time (just mine, not shared with my brothers!), so this set and minifigure became quite special to me. I know have over 30 copies of this set in my collection. The red accents on belt, plumes, saddle, and lance pennant make for a striking visual appeal with contrast to the black and gray of horse and clothing/armor. This has always been the true classic "Black Knight" in my opinion. https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?S=6009-1#T=S&O={"ss":"US","rpp":"100","iconly":0} Castle Theme Honorable Mentions: SPACE: Space has to be an included theme as well. My favorite subtheme (by exceedingly slim margin next to most all of the 90's Space factions) is Ice Planet 2002 since I had sets 6814 Ice Tunnelator and 6879 Blizzard Baron as a child. I've always enjoyed snow and ice and been quite partial to the color scheme of blue/white/black with tranparent neon orange glass. This ranks my favorite Space minifigure (again by exceedingly slim margins!) as the white-haired Ice Planet minifigure from those sets, which I called Cody Frost: https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?M=sp018#T=S&O={"ss":"US","rpp":"100","iconly":0} Classic Space (70's and 80's) still ranks near the top, though I like the 90's factions better due to variations, color schemes rather than a single color uniform, and inclusion of visors (of color and style variations) on the helmets. One of my favorite aspects of Classic Space is the introduction and continuation of Space Babies in all their whimsical, cute, classic joy: https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?M=sp140#T=S&O={"ss":"US","rpp":"100","iconly":0} Space Theme Honorable Mentions: PIRATES: Pirates is one from the classic Trifecta, and was also a theme that vied for top rank during my childhoood. My favorite subtheme was the Imperial Guards, with close 2nd rank for Imperial Soldiers and Imperial Armada. Of course, you can't have a Pirates theme without Pirates! In my play, though, the pirates were always the "baddies" due to historical reference. Top favorite minifigure from the Pirates theme is the Imperial Guard soldier, whom my brothers and friends colloquially named "Gunfast" from some origin unknown to me. I like the historical reference and the contrast of color between the blue epaulets and redcoat print. The shape of the shako quickly became one of my favorite historical hats due to this minifigure: https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?M=pi062#T=S&O={"ss":"US","rpp":"100","iconly":0} Imperial Soldiers (bluecoats) essentially tie for first rank, but I only had one bluecoat as a child (from set 6270 Forbidden Island, which was the first LEGO set I and my brothers got through mail order), so I played with the Imperial Guards more due to having more of the sets. Another top favorite Pirate minifigure is the classic and iconic Captain Redbeard, who also was included in the LEGO Racers videogame. It does not get more classic/iconic than this for the theme: https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?M=pi055#T=S&O={"ss":"US","rpp":"100","iconly":0} Even more than the pirates themselves, the Islanders subtheme is also top-notch. Regardless of political concerns about this subtheme, it is still one of my favorites and the Islanders were always the "good guys" in my play. King Kahuka cuts quite a striking image and also was included in the LEGO Racers videogame increasing engagement beyond just physical sets: https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?M=pi068#T=S&O={"ss":"US","rpp":"100","iconly":0} Imperial Armada was also a unique and distinctive subtheme with detailed prints that matched historical flamboyance of Spaniards. The ruffled and slashed shirts, morion helmets, and elaborate facial hair really set them apart as a unique subtheme. Though the chrome breastplate is quite a neat piece, I like the uncovered torso print better, so my favorite minifigure from this subtheme is the Captain with the green shirt and white pants: https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?M=pi014#T=S&O={"ss":"US","rpp":"100","iconly":0} Pirates Theme Honorable Mentions: ADVENTURERS: When it comes to LEGO themes, one of my top-ranked iconic themes is Adventurers. There are countless excellent minifigures, made all the better with references to real-world countries and geography (though some take offense to cultural reference as a misrepresentation while others consider it an aid to understanding between different cultures as it sparks an interest in studying world cultures). Johnny Thunder is such a great hero for this theme, IMO. Australian origin adds character, while his dangerous exploits and dashing appearance make for rich storytelling with this theme and minifigure: https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?M=adv010#T=S&O={"ss":"US","rpp":"100","iconly":0} For a great adventure, our hero needs antagonists. In my opinion, it does not get better than the duo of dastardly deeds, Baron von Baron and Sam Sinister! They make for a perfect evil counterpart to the hero and his team, and both have excellent minifigures to represent such characters: https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?M=adv039#T=S&O={"ss":"US","rpp":"100","iconly":0} & https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?M=adv038#T=S&O={"ss":"US","rpp":"100","iconly":0} Adventurers Theme Honorable Mentions: ROCK RAIDERS: Rock Raiders has been one of my top-ranked themes ever since it was released. Though all of the minifigures were excellent, in my opinion, my top 2 favorites are: Axel, the character that represented "me" most often when playing with this theme, partially since he was in the first sets I got as a child (4940 Granite Grinder and 4950 Loader Dozer) and in my favorite vehicle set that I did not get as a child (4970 Chrome Crusher). The colors of his outfit, print on the torso, and unique head print set him above the others for me: https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?M=rck001#T=S&O={"ss":"US","rpp":"100","iconly":0} Of course, having a dedicated videogame for the theme helped rank this theme near the top for me. This also brings up my 2nd top minifigure who prominently gave instructions in the videogame and featured in the cutscenes but was only available in a special minifigure pack as a physical minifigure: Chief. Now an extremely rare minifigure and still well-loved by those with affinity for the videogame and theme, I'm glad I picked up this minifigure from a BrickLink seller over 10 years ago, as the team cannot be complete without Chief: https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?M=rck006#T=S&O={"ss":"US","rpp":"100","iconly":0} (where is his chrome silver helmet, though? ...too bad it is not a piece LEGO has ever officially released) For other themes and CMF's there are too many to cover thoroughly, so I'll link below to my favorites: ...and that is about as narrow a list as I can make, even though I am sure I am missing many!

@The Reader @Murdoch17 Yep, I, too, had essentially the exact same idea for my updated Adventurers characters. I keep dreaming that some day (relatively soon) we will see more than character hints towards a remake or new addition to the Adventurers theme! (Adventurers is one of my top favorite LEGO themes of all time)

Physical check will be best (as Peppermint_M offered to test tomorrow), but I also checked those parts in Stud.io and they appear to have the exact same connection as the round 4x4 plate that merges with the base plate to make a turntable. The top two compare your round brick to the round 4x4 plate in bottom view. The bottom part of the image shows the 4x4 rounded brick merged with the 4x4 turntable base.

Yes, I recognize almost all of these (not sure exactly sure on a Town set or 2) and have most of them in my collection as well! I won't spoil the game by giving answers, so you'll have to assume I am correct... A couple questions/comments by picture number: 1. Does the set include the baseplates, bricks, and print in the picture? Was this a special LEGOLAND-only release? 6. After wishing for years, I finally ordered this set and it was delivered today, so I am anxious to complete work and go home to build it! 22. I have the yellow one complete with box and instructions. 24. One of my recent favorites! 25. One of my top favorite sets! I collected parts over several years and finally just this week sorted out 2 copies of this set; currently awaiting BrickLink delivery including 2 special printed slopes to complete the second copy. 27. I got this set from a friend when I was about 18 years old since he "grew too old for LEGO" and gave me his collection for free; I am quite happy today to have it. This is my era (born in early 1990's) and LEGO is a big part of my life, so I always enjoy a trip down memory lane like this picture set.

3-stud-wide wheel treads were a great decision in my opinion. I'm curious how it would look using 3 alternating 1-stud curved slopes to give even more variation in tread. Since I am quite confident I deduced how you made the wheels, I might have to give this a try. I also assumed correctly on the cylinder rod in that the bar slides in a pin, which is too stiff for a play function but allows for different positions for pictures. Whenever possible, I like it when mechanical components allow for proper mechanical movement. To make the connection loose enough for a play function may make it loose enough to let the drill slide down when unsupported, so it is probably best as you have it.

Excellent tower, @CorvusA! So many great details all across the build! I particularly like the nested bartizan in the side of the tower fit so precisely into the stone wall. The climbing vine in dark green looks really great. Detailing the woodwork with the 1x1 pyramid tiles and the nice variety of stone textures makes for a wonderful aesthetic. Interesting technique for the streaming flag! The hoardings on the side of the tower also look great, especially with the inclusion of brown frogs for carved detail. Do the first and second floors have interiors or is there necessary obstruction? They do not look accessible in the split-section views.

Very cool build, @soccerkid6! Maybe it's my nostalgia for Ice Planet 2002 or the fact that I recently filled out my collection of original sets and am currently working to complete more, but I really like this rover! The custom wheel treads are well built, but it seems they might provide more traction if they were flipped around so the sharp corner would dig into the ground while travelling forward (the small inner treads are what I would consider to be the "correct" way but should probably also be flipped as the smaller of the 2 for reverse grip, since the vehicle would likely be designed to go forward more than reverse, though maybe this is incorrect due to the rear-mounted drill). Just curious if you had reasoning for this or just made a decision... I like to pick apart the engineering details. The mechanical components of the drill arm are well done. Does the hydraulic cylinder rod slide into the cylinder base when the arm lifts? Using the classic windshield piece in this sideways configuration works very well. The entire cockpit is well-shaped, and I like the inclusion of the transparent neon orange rear windows (1x2 bricks?). I also really like the functional control hatch and seat that drop open for access. The pentagonal 2x3 wedge tiles in blue really add a lot to the aesthetic. Through all of the LEGO Space themes, my personal opinion is still that the Ice Planet 2002 color scheme tops all others, though I am nostalgic for many of the 90's Space color schemes and like the different contrasts for the factions. Also, it's always great to see the classic minifigure, especially with an excellent updated mini-drill/chainsaw... I may be using the same/similar technique in my Ice Planet 2002 updated MOC's in the future.

Ooh, almost missed this response! It is pretty obvious that flashy colors appeal to children, whether inherently or by design of toys, and I agree that TLG would be foolish to ignore the trend. Is it even such a new trend? There were some crazy colors used in the 90's in different marketing for many products. Likely, the only reason we did not get so many colors in the 90's LEGO sets was due to higher cost of increasing the color palette versus a more limited color palette. Though I do think there is (at least a little) something more to this than just nostalgia, it clearly plays a strong role. Will the set designs and trends shift over the next decades as the children of today become parents with a new nostalgia set than those around our age that grew up in the 90's and are more likely currently to have children in LEGO's target age demographic? I think so, which is why I think LEGO should capitalize more on the nostalgia (classic remakes, factions, original themes, etc.) while they have the chance, not just for nostalgia, but also to increase interest in TLG's own history/brand. Licensed sets seem certainly here to stay, but I still wish there could be more room for more original themes alongside. Not all sets from the 70's/80's/90's were perfect, for sure (were even any perfect aside from nostalgia?). Yes, indeed, there can be negative, inert, or positive False Nostalgia depending on how it is applied. I also like your point that the sets of the earlier eras sold well enough without media tie-ins or licensed IP franchises. The question that is probably unanswerable is: is this a difference in The LEGO Company, or a difference in people/society/technology more broadly speaking? Agreed, agreed. I have found it strange over the last decade how many complaints (that seem to be based on false nostalgic impressions or the over-idealized view of adults) are given to TLG's sets produced today. TLG produces playsets to appeal to children (also now more than ever along with 18+ display sets for adults, which more rightly can be criticized from an adult perspective). The questions here seem to be less about the actual products and more about our perceptions and applications of ideals, which indeed is all subjective and will almost certainly never converge into one singular opinion.

Agreed, another strong point for me is that the old sets were made as playsets that could be broken apart and recombined infinitely according to my own imagination. The 90's sets directly encouraged this through alternate build pictures on the back of the box and instructions. The large 18+ sets, though occasionally interesting to me, are mostly just display pieces to build once according to instructions. The core purposes at the hearts of these LEGO enthusiasts is different in these cases, one for LEGO as an extension of the imagination, the other as an IP enthusiast that finds it interesting to have a model of said IP. This is a more direct statement of my thought earlier, and I agree wholeheartedly. Obviously, I could argue that the 90's were LEGO's Golden Age due to my nostalgia, but I think there is something more real in this than just my nostalgia. Just as you said, I think the 90's sets show the ideals of the LEGO company at its founding (fundamentally, imaginative play) more directly than sets of more recent days, especially since there are so many licensed sets after the early 2000's. What are the percentages today of original vs licensed sets today? I suspect it is less than 50/50 (more licensed sets, probably due to more sales of these sets). Agreed, I do think many children today still mix up their LEGO pieces and build what they like. I think the difference is that The LEGO Company does not seem to encourage this as much as in the 90's. In the end, people (especially adults) will find different reasons to be LEGO enthusiasts. Though I would like to believe that more ideals of imaginative play, more original themes, and more link to nostalgia and the history of The LEGO Company would lead to more overall benefit to the fans and The LEGO Company, it seems obviously clear that licensed IP is more profitable, and that profit seems to be the primary goal of The LEGO Company (and ultimately any company, for that matter). At least The LEGO Company is testing the waters with nostalgic ties with the classic set remakes and Easter eggs with nostalgic references (such as original factions from the 70's/80's/90's).

I think what makes those sets appealing to so many, particularly the sets from the 90's (which era seems to be considered by many to be LEGO's "Golden Era"), is not just nostalgia, but what could be considered "Classic", or what defines what LEGO sets are in most peoples' minds. The 90's sets were a great mix of defining LEGO details, a higher level of development of the basic building blocks and components, enough variety of parts an colors to give good detail but also a limited enough variety of colors and parts to still be different from other toys and real objects (distinctly a LEGO product), all original themes covering a reasonably broad area of interests that relate to history, modern day, and future, no licensed IP's (although the popularity drives sales and increases profit margin, the popularity is not due only to the LEGO brand like original themes). The same thoughts apply to the sets of the 70's and 80's, but I think the LEGO style was still more under development during this stage and the LEGO products were not as wide-spread worldwide as in the 90's (due both to still-growing popularity and to communication limitations across nations or the globe when compared to today). In more recent days, I think many LEGO sets today (at least unlicensed sets) often approach a similar ideal to the 90's sets (but with a more varied color palette and part-shape selection). The limitation today is that there is so much focus on media connections (which seem obviously considered the modern way of society) and on pop-culture connections (licensed IP's; this follows fads/trends that come and go, so not as stable over time as the classic components). I think there is a significant difference between the sets from the 90's (which were loved because they were imagination realized in LEGO form, so love for the product/brand itself) versus the sets of today (which I think are loved for pop-culture/media references that overshadow the basic love for the brand/product). I think there has been a realized interest closer to the core values of the LEGO company that has brought set designs closer to the ideal than it was between 2000-2015, though there have always been some sets that I really liked throughout the entire history of the LEGO System and beyond. This type of question is one that I could go into any aspect in great detail, as I find it quite interesting. I was born in 1991, so I certainly know nostalgia plays a role (considering that I spent hours every week reading from the LEGO Shop-at-Home and dreaming of having all sorts of playset dioramas, especially sparked by the wonderful dioramas made for the marketing images). I would not want to be born in any other era with regard to LEGO, since my childhood was in the "Golden Era" and I started collecting LEGO sets and pieces second-hand as an adult before the collector aspect really took off and prices for old sets jumped. Maybe it is mostly nostalgia, but, whatever the reason, I don't think my love for 90's era (and 70's-80's, though not as much for me personally) will be lost. I am glad to have most of the sets today that I dreamed of getting as a child (along with so many sets from pretty much every birthday/Christmas throughout my childhood). "BrickLinking" sets or acquiring old mixed lots to salvage classic sets is one of my favorite aspects of the hobby.

That works, but it may be more complicated than or not as versatile as it needs to be in some cases. I most often use bar and clip connections when placing parts in odd positions since the bar/clip connection allows for small-increment adjustments and free rotation for off-angle (or upside down) connections. Since it is just a temporary jig, the bars can be slid through each other with interference that can be ignored. Edit: EuroBricks is not an image-hosting site, so it is best to upload images to an image-hosting site (I use Flickr) and share from there through different methods (I copy BBCode). There are tutorials on EuroBricks for this, and I can explain further if necessary.

Very interesting project! I also have a deeply seated nostalgia with LEGO Island and have been recently listening to the original soundtracks (along with LEGO Racers 1&2 soundtracks) while building and sorting my bricks. The Pizzeria is an excellent starting point, and I like your updates (except maybe not the new tree style; I will probably forever be a fan of the original palm trees!). I do wish there were a better head for Mama, though, as the one you chose seems too youthful and a bit snarky (though it does have the appropriate beauty mark), at least if you want the original LEGO Island look. I had forgotten how much the appearance of Mama and Papa changed in LEGO Island 2. The chef's toque with brown hair matches quite closely to the LEGO Island 2 version of Mama, but Mama had black hair in the original LEGO Island. I'm looking forward to some "hot-a pizza and cool-a music!" As Papa says: "Thatsa right, we make a pizza, we make a pasta, we make a lotsa money. Why? We're the only place to eat on the Island! Just remember our motto: 'Brickolini's: Where else you gonna eat?'"

I agree that BrickLink's Stud.io program is an excellent 3D LEGO build planner. Using Stud.io, you can build, export parts lists through BrickLink Wanted list, and generate fairly logical/intuitive building instructions that do not require lots of graphic design if you plan your build steps well. It is also free to download. I've used and continue to use Stud.io to make custom sets and building instructions for gifts for my nephews as well as prototyping larger MOCs and checking parts for fit in specific designs.

I can't answer your question, but I am absolutely glad that we got Adventurers and Johnny Thunder before licensing Indiana Jones. The similarities are obvious, but Adventurers seems to fit LEGO's values better leaving the theme open to doing what they want rather than being limited to a licensed theme as well as being in full control on what is included (maybe more child-friendly than Indiana Jones, though the inclusion of all the weapons could still make the themes comparable). As it is, I am firmly of the opinion that original themes are far better for LEGO's ideals than licensed themes and I like them a lot better as well, probably due to nostalgia as an early 90's kid. It is quite likely from a marketing stand-point that LEGO would not have produced a similar theme like Adventurers if they were producing Indiana Jones sets under license, since the similarities would likely cause the themes to hinder sales for each other. I've heard (without sources to back this up) that this is a similar issue as to why LEGO does not produce much for Space sets in contrast with Star Wars sets. Even though I dislike it since I prefer the LEGO originals, licensed themes draw more attention and generate more sales due to pop culture. Two similar themes will not sell as well individually as only one theme of the type, and the licensed themes will almost surely outsell original themes every time.

@-DoNe- What great updates for on of my favorite childhood themes! I like what you have done mixing classic pieces and styling with a more modern and much sturdier-looking design. I really like how solid and heavy the machines look in comparison to the originals, especially the update to the lower cockpit. I have an extensive Rock Raiders collection with at least one of each of the standard-release sets (missing all Kabaya at this time...) plus a few extras of each vehicle, so I mostly build MOCs in the classic style with pieces available at the time the theme was released, but I recently started into updating classic sets (focusing on Adventurers right now) and these builds are wonderful inspiration when I get back to the Rock Raiders theme! P.S. You may find R.R. Slugger's YouTube channel interesting if you like the Rock Raiders theme enough to make such nice updates! Check it out if you like. I'm not affiliated, just a fan of both his channel and the Rock Raiders theme as well as your work now!