hungryhobbit

I'm looking forward to purchasing this set on day 1! I am surprised that they did not include any horses in the set, although I could easily stick a couple in from other sets. I do appreciate the new molds, and look forward to displaying in all it's grandeur!

I'm really liking the furled sails and the lanterns - great look! Looks like they didn't overkill any of the snow pieces. The building on the right is made up of dark brown, dark green and dark red pieces. I wonder what the inside of the buildings look like, and if there are any other accessories?

Series 11 places in my Top 5 for several reasons: The 7 excellently designed figures of (Scarecrow) (Bavarian Lady) (Tiki Warrior) (Holiday Elf) (Yeti) (Mountain Climber) and (Constable) I believe these are the most accessories we've seen in a minifigure series (I count 25 pieces - including the crow) The compatibility of these figures/accessories with my other sets (Grandma, Elf, Yeti and sax in my Winter Village sets) (Rope for Samwise Gamgee - Nice idea Legomaster!) (Scarecrow in my Mill Village Raid set) and finally (the constable's stick for a decent bludgeon beater for Quidditch). Only downside are the following 3 figures: Diner Waitress (Terrible color) Evil Mech and Female Robot (Drab repeats from other series)

Here's hoping we get at least as many sets as last year, (unless they're planning on pulling something similar to the LOTR wave and include one huge set!) I wouldn't even mind a couple smaller sets introducing some new characters from Desolation of Smaug, such as Radagast, (the real) Azog, Bard, Thranduil, Master of Laketown, Beorn and Smaug himself. Since there have been two sets released already from the upcoming movie, I hope they include a couple from AUJ, such as the Hobbiton Marketplace, Radagast's House (or bunny sled), the Rock Giants and (I know it seems improbable), but the Troll Scene (with dwarven-sized ponies included!).

If LEGO did their research correctly and built the Tower of Orthanc according to the books and movies, it should be indestructible after building it. Definitely getting mine in October!

At first, I was worried when LEGO was only planning to release 4 LOTR sets this Summer. I can see why with three designers working hard to provide us with 1 amazingly detailed Tower of Orthanc! I will definitely be purchasing this set. It will match very well with my Orc Forge . I am curious to what 5 maps we will be getting in this set, and whether they are unique to this set only. It looks like the Shire map in the throne room, which makes sense (Saruman's love of the halfing leaf), and 2 unique scroll tiles in the library room. I cannot see the 2 maps in the attic (I am secretly hoping for a new Rohan map and Fangorn map). I am also hoping they make a $40-$50 range set that includes Treebeard, Merry and Pippin, King Theoden (With long hair & White Horse), another Gandalf the White (I know, who needs another Gandalf) and most importantly the store room from the Flotsam Jetsam chapter in the Two Towers. (Is it too much to ask for some new LEGO pieces, such as pipeweed barrels, ent draught, and some new food like cabbage?). So far I am very impressed with the level of detail LEGO is putting into the LOTR theme. Keep up the good work LEGO!

#5 by MadAboutLego - 1 point #10 by DarthNick - 2 points Both have a good storyline! Really liked your animation techniques DarthNick!

#2 by wonderpuddle - 1 point #7 by Kristel - 1 point #9 by Captain Nemo - 1 point Very creative - All three entries!

Yesterday I finally picked up the Mines of Moria set to complete my LOTR LEGO collection! (In my opinion, it is the best and most accurate set in the first wave - plus the 3 key fellowship figures and the cave troll!) Being a hardcore fan of Middle Earth and LEGO, I am really looking forward to the Hobbit sets and the LOTR LEGO game. I have a hunch that once the Hobbit movie is released, fans will be able to associate more with the sets. Right now, the Bag End set is the most popular, because it's a scene we are already familiar with ( - the dwarves). I am sure the Hobbit wave is just as accurate and revelant to the movie as the previous sets were to the trilogy. Looking forward to the 2nd LOTR wave, (plenty of time to enjoy the Hobbit sets and movie) but I have complete trust in LEGO in what they've designed so far. Thanks LEGO, for an exciting first year of Middle Earth LEGOs - we fans will be ready and waiting to set off on another (expected) adventure next year!

So many people are wondering about the inside of Weathertop? I can't believe how accurate LEGO is following the LOTR lore, but that looks like a palantir holder! Weathertop used to house a palantir according to the books! The other side looks like a trap door/spear trap.

I hope that a number of new minifigure items are created/developed for the Lord of the Rings theme: Mushrooms, Pipes, Food, Weapons, Armor, Candles, etc.

Although the new X-Wing looks great (My favorite version so far), I'm a little disappointed about the rubber bands (it puts a strain on the back part of the wings) and I hate the weight strain on the lower 2 engines. I'm in the process of trying to distribute the weight by putting two rubber bands in the back wings, and the other two in the front. Any suggestions on some rear/front landing gear? (Without changing the initial design?) I've added two more layers of LEGO bricks to the front landing gear, and added four layers to the back/middle part of the X-wing to take the weight off the engines.

#4 Dix - 2 #24 Sdrnet - 2 #27 dede_la-fee - 1 Nice work!

I was doing some research on why the Weathertop set (Tower of Amon Sul) would possibly open up. Based from the movie alone, there is no reason why there would be an interior area in Weathertop. Based on the books, Amon Sul was one of three areas to hold one of the three palatirs of the North Kingdom. Although a palantir would be cool on the inside, I'm guessing that it has to do with the playing feature of the set. Other possibilities would be a troll cave with treasure in it, or an area to find the athelas herb to heal Frodo. Another idea that occurred to me, is why not buy more than one of these sets? If you buy two, you can place them back to back (while opened up) to create an even larger Weathertop. At first this set didn't look that appealing at first glance. But the fact that it comes with a good figure collection, food items, scenery, a horse(s) and now it opens up to an area with a mystery use? I'm definitely buying this set!

OMG! The figures look even better than the preliminary photos! I'm glad Boromir's outfit resembles the movie, and his shield! The swords are new, but I hope they come out with special molds for Sting and Anduril for later sets. Did anyone notice the phial of Galadriel which Sam is holding? (Could be an upside down diamond). My only disappointment is Gandalf's staff, and I wish he had more hair than just the beard. Otherwise, looking great! For the enemies, I am pretty satisfied with how they look. Was not expecting to see these guys for awhile! I hope the moria/mordor orcs also get a unique helmet, instead of just hair. Gollum looks like a poor despicable creature, and the kind of figure to be pitied (Just how it should be). Best figure is definitely the Uruk-Hai - love the armor and weapons! Good job LEGO!

(Disregard)

Although I agree that the Lord of the Rings theme will not stretch out as long as the Star Wars sets, I believe there is a great possibility for at least three years + of material that LEGO can work with. As a die hard fan of both LEGO and Lord of the Rings, here is my list of future possible sets that have great potential for the next few years (excluding The Hobbit). Hobbiton: 1) Bag End (The hobbit hole itself with removable top, with interior rooms - kitchen and living room - and front lawn) 2) Bilbo's Birthday Party (Tents, banners, tables and a music stage for hobbit musicians) 3) Hobbiton Market (Like the Medieval Market Village, only hobbit size and more outdoor stalls) 4) The Green Dragon Inn (Exclusive set with local hobbits and Rosie Cotton) Bree: 1) The Prancing Pony Inn (Strider, Barliman Butterbur and inn patrons with man & hobbit bedrooms - possibly an outside stable?) 2) Bree Gate House - (The Gate of Bree, with watchman, hobbit, and Nazgul figures Moria: 1) The Bridge of Khazad-Dum (Collapsible bridge and stairway with Gandalf & Balrog + Legolas and Frodo and goblin archers) 2) Mithril Dwarf Mine (Mine Cart, dwarf skeletons, mithril and forge with anvil and bellows) 3) The Doors of Durin (Entrance into Moria with Watcher - or tentacles - and Bill the Pony. Rivendell: 1) Flight to the Ford (Arwen and Frodo + Nazgul and horses) 2) Elrond's House (Interior library with quest quarters and the hall of fire, with Elrond and Old Bilbo figures) 3) Council of Elrond (Elven chairs with figures from different factions of Middle Earth) Lothlorien: 1) Elven Watchtower (Tree outpost with Haldir and Elven warriors/scouts + goblins) 2) Celeborn & Galadriel's Throne Room 3) Docks of Lothlorien (Swan boat, docks with Elven canoes and Galadriel figure) Gondor: 1) Minas Tirith Summit (Throne Room, Gandalf, Faramir, Pippin, Denethor and guards) 2) House of Healing (Eowyn, Faramir, Aragorn) 3) Main Gate (Catapult, Grond, Gondor archers, Gandalf on Shadowfax and Mordor Orcs) 4) Gondor Signal Tower (Pippin, Gondor soldiers,and Gandalf) Stand Alone Sets: 1) Farmer Maggot's Farm (Fence, Farmer Maggot, Grip, Fang & Wolf - His dogs - Merry & Pippin with vegetables) 2) Flotsam & Jetsam (Isengard wall with Treebeard, Merry & Pippin) 3) Dead Marshes (Frodo, Sam & Gollum, with Nazgul and Fell-Beast 4) Isengard (Gandalf, Saruman, Wormtongue, Uruks and possibly an Eagle) 5) Baradur (Orcs, the Eye of Sauron, the Mouth of Sauron) 6) Amon Hen (Frodo, Boromir, Merry, Pippin and Uruks w.Lurtz) 7) The Golden Hall of Edoras (Theoden, Eowyn, Eomer, Wormtongue and Hama) 8) Gates of Mordor 9) Ent Moot (Several Ents with Merry & Pippin) 10)The Eastern Road (Hobbits with Ringwraith and horse, tree stump with mushrooms) 11)Oliphant (With Eastern Men from Haradrim) 12)Corsair ship (Aragorn, Legolas & Gimli and Men of the South) 13)Rohan Farm Raid (Dunland attackers and Uruk Hai and Rohan villagers) 14)Paths of the Dead (Indoor Tomb set) I am looking forward to the new set pieces and enemies (a LEGO wolf and eagle would be great!)

Although I agree that the Lord of the Rings theme will not stretch out as long as the Star Wars sets, I believe there is a great possibility for at least three years + of material that LEGO can work with. As a die hard fan of both LEGO and Lord of the Rings, here is my list of future possible sets that have great potential for the next few years (excluding The Hobbit). The Shire: 1) Bag End (The hobbit hole itself with removable top, with interior rooms - kitchen and living room - and front lawn/garden) 2) Bilbo's Birthday Party (Tents, banners, tables and a music stage for hobbit musicians. Bilbo, Gandalf, and Frodo figures, with party hobbits) 3) Hobbiton Market (Like the Medieval Market Village, only hobbit style and more outdoor stalls) 4) The Green Dragon Inn (Exclusive set with local hobbits and Rosie Cotton) 5) Farmer Maggot's Farm (Fence, Farmer Maggot, Grip, Fang & Wolf - His dogs - Merry & Pippin with vegetables. Farmland with a small corn field perhaps) Bree: 1) The Prancing Pony Inn (Strider, Barliman Butterbur and inn patrons with man & hobbit bedrooms - possibly an outside stable.) 2) Bree Gate House - (The Gate of Bree, with Watchman, traveling hobbits, and Nazgul figures) Moria: 1) The Bridge of Khazad-Dum (Collapsible bridge and stairway with Gandalf & Balrog + Legolas and Frodo and goblin archers) 2) Mithril Dwarf Mine (Mine Cart, dwarf skeletons, mithril and forge with anvil and bellows) 3) The Doors of Durin (Entrance into Moria with Watcher - or tentacles - and Bill the Pony, with certain fellowship figures) Rivendell: 1) Flight to the Ford (Arwen and Frodo + Nazgul and horses) 2) Elrond's House (Interior library with quest quarters and the Hall of Fire, with Elrond and Old Bilbo figures) 3) Council of Elrond (Elven chairs with figures from different factions of Middle Earth to represent - Dwarves, Elves, Men and Elrond) Lothlorien: 1) Elven Watchtower (Golden Tree outpost with Haldir and Elven warriors/scouts + goblins) 2) The Mirror of Galadriel (Galadriel, Frodo, and two sleeping fellowship figures, with golden wood/stream scenery 3) Docks of Lothlorien (Swan boat, docks with Elven canoes and Galadriel figure, with special gifts - Elven rope, Elven cloaks, and lembas) Isengard: 1) Orthanc Tower (Gandalf, Saruman, Wormtongue, Uruks and possibly an Eagle. Special palantir piece included) 2) Flotsam & Jetsam (Isengard wall with Treebeard, Merry & Pippin. Food + pipes and pipeweed barrel) 3) Warg Pens (Saruman, Warg riders, 3 Wargs & Warg Captain) Rohan: 1) Rohan Farm Raid (Dunland attackers and Uruk Hai and Rohan villagers. A simple bell tower with Rohan Guard) 2) The Golden Hall of Edoras (Theoden, Eowyn, Eomer, Wormtongue and Hama) Gondor: 1) Minas Tirith Summit (Throne Room, Gandalf, Faramir, Pippin, Denethor and Gondorian Guards) 2) House of Healing (Eowyn, Faramir, Merry, Aragorn,and Gondor Lady/Child) 3) Main Gate (Catapult, Grond, Gondor Archers, Gandalf on Shadowfax and Mordor Orcs) 4) Gondor Signal Tower (Pippin, Gondor Soldiers,and Gandalf) Mordor: 1) Baradur (Orcs, the Eye of Sauron, the Mouth of Sauron) 2) Gates of Mordor (Troll, King Aragorn, 2 Eagles, Gondor Soldiers) Battle of Pelennor Fields: 1) Oliphant (With Eastern Men from Haradrim + Easterlings, mounted Rohan Soldiers and Eomer)) 2) Corsair ship (Aragorn, Legolas & Gimli and Men of the South) Other Sets: 1) Dead Marshes (Frodo, Sam & Gollum, with Nazgul and Fell-Beast 2) Amon Hen (Frodo, Boromir, Merry, Pippin and Uruks w.Lurtz) 3) Ent Moot (Several Ents with Merry & Pippin. Stream with sundial for scenery) 4) The Eastern Road (Hobbits with Ringwraith and horse, tree stump with mushrooms) 5) Paths of the Dead (Indoor Tomb set with skulls and ghost warriors + ghost king) 6) Herbs and Stewed Rabbit (Frodo, Sam, Gollum, Faramir, & 2 Gondor rangers. A fire with a pot and cooking supplies) I am looking forward to the new set pieces and enemies (a LEGO wolf and eagle would be great!)