Good Afternoon Honorable Moderators & Members of the Eurobricks Co

[Commodore Hornbricker]

Everyone that has been around for a while seems to be introducing themselves so I figured I'd join them and correct my error. I actually found the classic-pirates site independently (as that was what I was looking for) and didn't realize for a while that it was a forum of a larger AFOL community.

Anyhow - I am 36, married with 2 daughter (7 & 5). I live 5 minutes from San Francisco, California. I had a pretty long dark age (16 - late 20's) and then rediscovered my passion for Lego and began collecting. I collect a wide variety of themes: Pirates, Castle, IJ, HP, Town, and many others. I started with space when I was a kid but have not recaptured that love so I don't collect SW or space or themes that have an overtly modern feel. Pirates is my passion and I try to collect things from other themes that I can incorporate into pirates. I also have a lot of minifigures.

Anyway that's my story and I have been enjoying my time here and posting often and hope to be able to continue to do so. I have been absolutely blown away by the humor, creativity and sher building genious of so many of the members here.

[Bonaparte]

I see a lot of similarities between your story and mine dear Commodore. Like you I enjoyed space a lot during my youth, but now I'm going all the way for pirates and whatever set from the other themes that fits in the pirate universe. Judging from your username and signature you're a big fan of the Hornblower series (and maybe the movie?). I adore both (serie and movie), own them both on DVD and have seen them all at least 3 times. Also like you I first found the pirates forum and only later discovered it was part of a larger community called Eurobricks. Like I said, lots of similarities. I hope you continue to enjoy you stay with us

[Commodore Hornbricker]

That's nice to know Bonaparte and you are correct. I also own all the DVD's and books and have seen and read them many times. I just started Midshipman Hornblower again Sunday night. It was actually Harry Potter Lego that ended my dark age but it was the A&E Hornblower series, quickly followed by the books, that moved my Lego interest into Pirates where it has remained for many years now. I have only ever visited Belgium once in the Arlon/Luxembourg region and around Antwerp in 1996. Beautiful country and the beer is second to none in my opinion. My grandafther was a WWII P-47 fighter pilot and married a Scottish nurse after the war so I have lots of family in England and Scotland and have been lucky enough to visit several times in my life. Hence my facination with english history.

Many similarities but I would have to say you are by far the better builder...really inspirational stuff.

[Buttons]

I have been absolutely blown away by the humor, creativity and sher building genious of so many of the members here.

Why thank you

Nice to have you here Commodore, I am sure you will continue to enjoy Eurobricks like so many of us do.

Buttons

[Bonaparte]

I still didn't start reading the Hornblower books. I'm often wondering if that's still worth the effort now that I've seen the movie and series. I mean, won't there be a big overlap? About the building, a few years ago I couldn't build anything decent. Being around this place and studying the works of others really makes the difference. I'm sure you can do the same over time and if you put your mind to it. I started by building armies, but in my opinion that will only keep you in the hobby for some time unless you evolve into MOC'ing. I must admit I'm fortunate to live a 2 hours drive away from a master ship builder who doesn't mind explaining a few of his techniques (you probably guessed I'm talking about Captain Green Hair). Should you ever come to Belgium again we'll visit the Waterloo battlefield together, a great place to hang out!

[Commodore Hornbricker]

I still didn't start reading the Hornblower books. I'm often wondering if that's still worth the effort now that I've seen the movie and series. I mean, won't there be a big overlap?

No. You need to read the books. Most of the A&E videos are covered as rather short stories in the first book. All the videos combined only touch on about three or four of the books I think and many of the video storylines are very different from the books. There are many more characters in the books and they don't all stick around as they do in the movies. In the movies Pellew represents several different admirals throughout his life. The only real constaint is Bush, Maria and Lady Barbara. My favorite three books are Commodore, Lord and Ship of the line. The only one that isn't good is the unfinished book that is HB During the Crisis that was unfinished at the time of Forester's death. After you read the books all the movies do is make you want to read the books again.

Should you ever come to Belgium again we'll visit the Waterloo battlefield together, a great place to hang out!

That's a deal I hope I'll be able to take you up on one day.

Edited May 13, 2009 by Commodore Hornbricker

[AND3RSEN]

i also had found classic pirates before realizing it was a larger forum/website! And it's never to late to welcome someone to eurobricks!