my MOD - Indy's Chauchilla Cemetary Battle

[LegoDad42]

myMOD - Indiana Jones Chauchilla Cemetary Battle.

This is my FIRST ever, full Mod. done on a LEGO model kit. More pics here(click the link)... My First LEGO MOD.

The front area is the original Chauchilla Cemetary Battle (7196-Indiana Jones Kingdom of the Crystal Skull). Then the entire back area, plus the wall surrounding is my MOD.

I like the original kit very much but thought it was too small compared to the movie scene, so I added more stairs, a larger tomb, a hiding hole (with slide) where the warriors can pop out of, a place to hold the 2 Cemetary Warrior mini-figs, trees and more foliage, etc. I wanted more playability with this kit.

I hope you guys like it and please, any and all comments are welcome as well as critiques. I really want to know (as a novice builder) where I went right/wrong, tips/tricks/techniques I could've used and also better ways to photograph models. I'd really appreciate any and all help to make my models better in the future.

Thanks a million for checking out my stuff...;)

Lego Dad (Mike)

[Inconspicuous]

Simply stunning, LegoDad42!

As I foraged through your Flickr, new details popped up at every turn that changed my opinion from a "very cool piece" to a "stunning masterpiece". I really like the premise of the work- to build a scene around the set. Quite honestly, I would call this an 'MOC' not an 'MOD'. You've added so much that the official set just blends right in!

First, I would like to compliment some of your intricate details. I'm amazed by some of the larger details like the chute and the hidden chamber. The chute is a brilliant idea and the hidden chamber totally caught me off guard. I also like some of the subtler details, like the addition of a beard to the skeleton and the decorations on the outside of the MOC.

In terms of suggestions, I have two tiny complaints. The two tan Technic bricks on top of the tunnel looked out of place before I realized their purpose. I think a different color would work better there. The second thing is that some of the rock formations look a little odd- most notably the exit of the chute. I think that using cheese sloped would really help here.

Overall, the minor nitpicks don't detract from the experience. You've captured the spirit of the scene quite well and I applaud your endeavor!

[WhiteFang]

Now, that's what I called a real Chauchilla Cemetary Battle.

I like it. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[prateek]

Now, that's what I called a real Chauchilla Cemetary Battle.

I like it. Thanks for sharing this with us.

Agreed! This is more than a MOD, it's a MOC!

[The Legonater]

I love this. I was going to do something simliar, but with all the different almost-traps that surround the Cemetary. Nice work!

[LegoDad42]

THANKS so much Inconspicuous! I really appreciate the kind words. It's nice to know that I'm on a good track with this. I'm from the old school model kits with glue and paint so when I started to get into LEGO, I wasn't sure where to start. So I went with just expanding onto an established kit.

Yes, thanks for the tips. With the tan technique pieces, what color do you suggest instead? 'notenoughbricks' from LongILUG mentioned the same thing about those sticking out. I wasn't sure to go with dark gray OR with the tan I had to match the interior tomb when I take off the top panel? I'm stump on where to go with these.

And yes again, using cheese slopes would look better. I'm guessing you're thinking of simulating rock formations more?

Again thx Inconspicuous for taking the time to check it out. I'm hoping to improve on this with your suggestion and get started on something else... :)

Thank you also WhiteFang, Legonater and prateek!

Legonater...would love to see what you come up with for all those traps! My favorite parts of Indy kits are the traps for sure and if you do some new ones, I'd love to see how those come out. It's all about the playability with me.

[Delta 38]

Wow, that looks great. I have no idea if it's like the movie counterpart, but it looks good.

[Inconspicuous]

THANKS so much Inconspicuous! I really appreciate the kind words. It's nice to know that I'm on a good track with this. I'm from the old school model kits with glue and paint so when I started to get into LEGO, I wasn't sure where to start. So I went with just expanding onto an established kit.

You're most certainly welcome. I always appreciate it when people comment on my work, and I thought I'd give back a little too.

With the tan technique pieces, what color do you suggest instead? I wasn't sure to go with dark gray OR with the tan I had to match the interior tomb when I take off the top panel? I'm stump on where to go with these.

I see now what the problem is. My suggestion would be to use a different system to hold the removable section in place. If you had some plates among the tan tiles, you wouldn't need the bricks at all, which would get rid of your problem. If you still wanted to keep them, maybe an earthy color like dark green or brown would work for both sections.

And yes again, using cheese slopes would look better. I'm guessing you're thinking of simulating rock formations more?

Yeah, I've always liked (and been jealous of) those MOCs with a gazillion cheese slopes and the fanciest rock formations. My main concern with yours was the inward slopes in the chute. I don't think rocks are usually that way, or even symmetrical for that matter. But again, just a nitpick.

Again thx Inconspicuous for taking the time to check it out. I'm hoping to improve on this with your suggestion and get started on something else... :)

I'm always glad to help. I look forward to more of your work. More Indy MOCs perhaps?

[def]

This is really fantastic. I have this set, and really like the atmosphere and colors of it, but it was too small. You've fleshed it out, and made it into something more exciting. I would buy a set like that.

I agree with Inky, you should feel fine labeling it a MOC.

[Batbrick]

Wow! Very, very nice LegoDad42, the mods outdo the actual set so I myself will call it incorporation. The massive detail added looks absolutely stunning, the "pockets" for the guards look really neat too. I also like that it doesn't overdo the detail factor, things are simple enough so that the scene is very recognisable and gives the minifigs a lot of room to move around with. A great creation for a poor film

Batbrick Away!

[lightningtiger]

Wow 25% MOD 75% MOC - really excellent job there 'LegoDad42' and I'm a conformist! !

[LegoDad42]

You're most certainly welcome. I always appreciate it when people comment on my work, and I thought I'd give back a little too.

I see now what the problem is. My suggestion would be to use a different system to hold the removable section in place. If you had some plates among the tan tiles, you wouldn't need the bricks at all, which would get rid of your problem. If you still wanted to keep them, maybe an earthy color like dark green or brown would work for both sections.

Ah, right. Maybe to hold the top removable section, I can use 'jumper' plates instead so they'll hold the top portion but be easy enough to remove to get into the tomb. I'll try that. Thx!

I'm always glad to help. I look forward to more of your work. More Indy MOCs perhaps?

I'm working on expanding on the Home One Mon Calamari set with a duplicate of the Tactical Room added to the right of the Hanger Bay but make it a playful 'lounge' area for the pilots just for fun(jacuzzi, bar, etc.) and a MOC of Indiana Jones' Map Room scene. There's been a few of these I've seen but I wanted to take a crack at it. And, it'll take a long while, an Excaliber movie scene of the Round Table (need to get lot's of chrome armor for this)...

Thanks Delta38, Def., BatBrick and Lightning Tiger so much! Means alot coming from 'veteran' Eurobrick masters such as yourselves.

Edited August 8, 2010 by LegoDad42