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Algernon

The Steam Empire

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We've all been calling for a Steampunk theme for quite some time. But while we're waiting for LEGO to answer our plight, why not make our own?

The idea here is to make a comprehensive "theme" with a main conflict between two factions and a range of differently sized sets, from impulses to huge $99.99 behemoths. The storyline I dreamed up for this project is as follows:

---

Pollution levels have been rising dramatically since the industrial revolution, and humanity finally hit the tipping point in 2143 CE. Choking fumes and acid rain swept the Earth's surface clean of life and the remnants of humanity were forced to flee to their last remaining sanctuary: the skies. Much of what they knew was lost in the chaos of post-apocalyptic Earth, and humanity's new home had to be powered by ancient technology utilized out of necessity. There they remain today, in huge cities drifting above a thick churning soup of toxic chemicals and acid.

In the interest of re-establishing order, a queen was appointed to rule over the entire city. The election was controversial and it resulted in a division of the survivors, with some loyal to the queen and others opting to thrive in a democracy. The two factions warred for years until the Queen finally overpowered her enemies and swiftly took control over their skies, creating a new empire. Soon after her success, it became clear that the Empress had no intention to step down from her position. Her half-human, half-automated guards patrolled the streets in the thousands, hunting for rebels and ensuring that every citizen was doing their job efficiently.

For reasons unknown to the public, the Empress lived far longer than a normal human. Her body grew disfigured and cybernetic implants were attached to her face. Many suspect that she gained access to technology thought to be lost in the apocalypse, but nobody could prove this.

In March 2312, a group of rebels successfully attacked and destroyed a battleship on a training mission. This new movement against the Empress may be humanity's last hope for freedom from the seemingly immortal rule of the disfigured old woman. Will this mysterious band of rebels succeed?

---

This is a project for everybody who is interested in helping out. We'll need impulse sets, a $5.99-sized set, a $9.99 sized set, $19.99, $49.99 etc. I'll keep track of all the models in the area below:

Theme completion checklist:

- Impulse 1 - Completed by Natman8000

- Impulse 2 - Completed by Spyder

- $5.99 size

- $9.99 size - Completed by Natman8000

- $14.99 size - Completed by Black Rabbit

- $19.99 size - Completed by Algernon

- $29.99 size

- $49.99 size

- $99.99 size

I have already built the $19.99 model for this theme. This will be a good way for you guys to see the "style" of the theme. Click the picture to view the gallery.

Steam Transport [by Algernon]

3.png

Automation Pursuit [by Black Rabbit]

123.jpg

Empire Patrol [by Black Rabbit]

new_final_version.jpg

Outpost Assault [by Natman8000]

3658206447_a2578000fd_o.jpg

Rebel Defense [by Natman8000]

lego_003.jpg

Queen Escort [by Spyder]

lego-pix6-28_032.jpg

So go on then! Get MOCing! Keep the idea of the theme in mind as you build so we can have a nice, unified style. Rebels are generic Steampunk; Empire is black, twisted and metallic. :thumbup:

Edited by Algernon

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Can The Carbide count as an impulse sized?

And a second MOC The Merry Missile but it may be too Dieselpunk.

I like the Carbide, but it's more of a $5.99 set.

It would probably be better to build from the ground up with the storyline in mind so we can have the Empress forces as well as the Rebels. I haven't made any Empress ships yet so the first person to come up with a concept for them will be the one to decide how they'll look. I'm personally thinking more black and grungy looking.

XD @ The Merry Missile.

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This seems like an interesting project Algernon; great backstory :thumbup: . I might be interested in helping out if you'd let me. What are there piece/minifig limits that go along with the price guide, are there any?

If I can find time during this week or the weekend I might be able to build eithere the $9.99 set or $24.99, can't say for sure though.

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This seems like an interesting project Algernon; great backstory :thumbup: . I might be interested in helping out if you'd let me. What are there piece/minifig limits that go along with the price guide, are there any?

If I can find time during this week or the weekend I might be able to build eithere the $9.99 set or $24.99, can't say for sure though.

No limit; simply try to make it realistic. LEGO probably won't include ten minifigs in a $20 set.

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I like the Steam Transport. If I was into building minifig scale stuff, I'd help, but for now I'll remain an eager observer!

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I finished the impulse. Its a mountable turret. The fig is indy's pants, tusken raider shirt, and break jaws head, havent decided on a helmet yet. It looks fine, picture will be up eventually.

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2335pb05.jpg

Would make a good flag for one of the factions.

I love using it in my steampunk MOCs.

Edited by Peppermint_M

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2335pb05.jpg

Would make a good flag for one of the factions.

I love using it in my steampunk MOCs.

:oh: That part is awesome. Where did you get it? I don't think I have it but I will quickly remedy this!

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It's from the Adventurers Orient Expedition.

I got three Passage of Jun Chi sets going cheap and they have two of those flags (so I have six to play with =D) They are 3 cents on Bricklink, item no. 2335pb05.

I just love the style of them.

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No limit; simply try to make it realistic. LEGO probably won't include ten minifigs in a $20 set.

Okay then; I'll try to make the $24.99 one sometime this week or over the weekend is that alright? i'm still clueless as to howor what I'll make but I'll probably think of something soon :sweet: .

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Sure thing. I look forward to seeing what you come up with. :)

It's not like there's a deadline or anything btw.

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:oh: Awesome idea for a project, and a nice storyline! :thumbup: Just like with many Lego themes these days, I could very well see a TV show being based off of this! :grin:

Unfortunately, I don't have much time for MOCing at the moment, so I can't commit myself to filling one of the positions here, but if there are any sets left to be made once I have some time again, I'd love to attempt to make one of the sets! I would go for one of the larger ones. I can already imagine making a floating Sky Fortress with the Empress, some guards, and a little Rebel flyer to attack it for the $99,99 set! :sweet: But I don't know if I will ever have the time to make one, or have the parts for it. :sceptic:

Also, it will be hard to make a purist Empress since there are no female cyborg heads. And I don't have any of those Orient expedition flags either. Oh well.

So, do I understand correctly that the Empress and her guards are the bad guys and the Rebels are the good guys? Kinda sounds like a steampunk version of Star Wars and/or Agents. :tongue:

PS: I think we share the same love for fiction and steampunk, Algernon. :wink:

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:oh: Awesome idea for a project, and a nice storyline! :thumbup: Just like with many Lego themes these days, I could very well see a TV show being based off of this! :grin:

Unfortunately, I don't have much time for MOCing at the moment, so I can't commit myself to filling one of the positions here, but if there are any sets left to be made once I have some time again, I'd love to attempt to make one of the sets! I would go for one of the larger ones. I can already imagine making a floating Sky Fortress with the Empress, some guards, and a little Rebel flyer to attack it for the $99,99 set! :sweet: But I don't know if I will ever have the time to make one, or have the parts for it. :sceptic:

Also, it will be hard to make a purist Empress since there are no female cyborg heads. And I don't have any of those Orient expedition flags either. Oh well.

So, do I understand correctly that the Empress and her guards are the bad guys and the Rebels are the good guys? Kinda sounds like a steampunk version of Star Wars and/or Agents. :tongue:

PS: I think we share the same love for fiction and steampunk, Algernon. :wink:

Yeah, I guess it is kind of like Steam Wars. :tongue: Keep in mind though Star Wars did not invent this idea.

I'm sure we do- Steampunk is amazing! :thumbup:

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I will have to get a few better photos of my older steampunk MOCs that will fit.

I will give it a go, making some more (seeing as a steampunk story was yet another I was working on :tongue: )

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Alright I've started work on my set (the new 29.99 one) and I'm wondering if anyone already has some sort of idea to go with the queens empire. So far I'm thinking of a grey colour scheme and an overall bulky appearance on their vehicles, while the rebels are going for a more brown and ramshackle design.

Is that alright with everyone? I just don’t want to end up seeing someone post a set that completely contradicts my own right before I post it :wink: .

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Alright I've started work on my set (the new 29.99 one) and I'm wondering if anyone already has some sort of idea to go with the queens empire. So far I'm thinking of a grey colour scheme and an overall bulky appearance on their vehicles, while the rebels are going for a more brown and ramshackle design.

Is that alright with everyone? I just don’t want to end up seeing someone post a set that completely contradicts my own right before I post it :wink: .

I'm thinking of going for a more black, twisted design that looks more "evil" than the gray/brown look of the rebels. Feel free to exploit your artistic license though. :tongue:

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Hey Algie, its going to be a little longer before I can post the pictures. I've been very busy. Sorry. Up eventually.

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A little late but I remembered to make the impulse!

lego_003.jpg

What do you think? Not too shabby?

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A little late but I remembered to make the impulse!

lego_003.jpg

What do you think? Not too shabby?

Pretty damn nice. What's it called?

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