Shuebmabow

Is it unreasonable to hope for those main characters to possibly be new variants? :) (i.e. Mithril Bilbo, Ravenhill Thorin...)

Knowing this, we know that this is (most likely) our Target DVD release exclusive. What other opportunities are there for exclusives? Maybe a DK book or something to accompany the DLC if it happens? Also, is the Target DVD Release Exclusive the only DVD Release Exclusive?

The words of Kevin Ulrich - "I also had a conversation with some of the marketing guys inside LEGO, and they said it' pretty much done after the BOTFA sets, aside from maybe a couple exclusives with the DVD release next year. Maybe." (Kevkipo posted about this back on November 15) So he did indeed say there is hope for one or two more if TLG is feeling in a giving mood.... Also, the images we have of the figure show that clear casing around him. What form of exclusive in the past has had that same casing?

Extremely disappointed. A new minifigure is always welcome, but A) I'm pretty sure Bain wears this in DoS, yet they are selling it to promote BotFA and B) Why this figure over Bolg, Old Bilbo, or even Alfrid? However, we knew that there would be at least one exclusive in 2015 via Brotherhood Workshop insights, and IIRC, he stated that there was a few.... Right?

Now that all of the behind the scenes books concerning BO5A are out, I've been looking through them and buying some. I'm finding a lot of Ravenhill stuff in those books, so I decided to try and MOC it. I have done A LOT of work (12 hours for each of five days and three restarts) on this project so far, and the only way to describe it is massive. I'm building at minifig scale and the quarter of it I have finished is becoming too large for my workspace already. The icy stuff will be the hardest part, so any suggestions as to how to make the ice and waterfall would be more than welcome. I'll put a few pics of the WIP on my Flickr momentarily,... :) I also have a ram design that I can't take total credit for because it was half inspired by someone's (I cannot remember who specifically) idea that I found in an Erebor MOC somewhere on Mocpages. Anyway, I think the ram looks accurate enough, and, with the addition of antlers and a color swap, could be used for Thranduil's elk. I'll include a picture of that with the Ravenhill ones. Again, feedback is helpful.

Show them all, please and thank you!! I think the armor and weaponry are my most anticipated things for this next movie! Only 19 more days guys :) but I get to see it before it's officially released!

So I've been looking around on Bricklink for a few weeks for some neat LOTR/Hobbit stuff that I can get for a good price. Yesterday, I came across TLM for only 30$, which is amazing even though the minifigures and Smaug are excluded. (I sought to extend my Erebor and I have had the complete set since mid September, so the minifigs' exclusion is no problem for me.) Also for the same price I bought DGB, which also excludes the minifugures, but is nevertheless a pretty great deal. My point is that if you're looking to expand your location models like I am, then there's some phenomenal deals on Bricklink now for sets lacking their corresponding minifigs. :) On a side note, am I the only one who thinks that TLM would look a lot more movie-like if it were Olive Green rather than the over-bright sand green that we got? I'm not complaining, but just wondering...?

Mine is at https://www.flickr.com/photos/125956731@N06/ Kevkipo's should be at https://www.flickr.com/photos/77334655@N07/

I have a second design. I actually had the idea to use these wheel covers for the prongs, and I just uncovered it. I think it best resembles the film Windlance. Pictures will be uploaded on Flickr momentarily.

Alright, my first design is up. I know it's discolored and lacking a few aesthetically necessary pieces, but three pics are on my Flickr. Also, there is a small portion of a Bag End WIP in the background of one of the pictures. I have uploaded pictures of that MOC as well.

Actually, that's on my list of things to try and build today. I think there's a simple way to add the spring mechanism.. I'll let you know if I upload a pic of it later on my Flickr.

Check out the Windlance from the Lego Hobbit Videogame. It looks awesome and is partially functional. Some pieces aren't available in the necessary colors, but substitution won't look terrible.

Brotherhood Workshop recently posted on their Facebook about the end of the LOTR line, so I guess that concludes any hopes of future sets. I trust that they know that the Middle Earth lines are done; they have TLG insight.

It hardly matters to most of you I'm sure, but they re-colored Dwalin's eyebrows this year. They used to be reddish-brown, but in 79018, mine came with dark brown eyebrows, which IMO looks much better. (I'm not sure if this was just a misprint on my mini figs)

Is the possibility of a LOTR and a Hobbit DK book too much to hope for?

I hope I'm wrong, but haven't we already ruled out the possibility of a special December giveaway? The Blu-Ray and DK Reader ideas sound feasible though.

The Arkenstones are the only printed pieces in the set.

The blue and orange thing is indeed an alternate spot for the Arkenstone. The set came with 2 Arkenstones :) I'm assuming that one was extra, but there is two places for the Arkenstone.

We got the exact same eagle in BotFA as in BatBG.

If you guys want some great reviews on the sets, check out http://www.bricksandbloks.com . MaxGoof has composed reviews for the 4 new sets, and I have provided him with some pictures, some details not previously recognized, and more accurate information for his readers. I think that he has covered some good and trustworthy information in these reviews, so definitely check out his articles.( His 79017 review should be out sometime tonight.) As for my Flickr photo uploading spree today, I think I might continue posting pics on Flickr every once in a while throughout the next few days, depending on what you guys want to see.

Where would I find the UPC on the boxes? I could get you all four if I can find them... :)

The Mohawk thing does not come off. Speaking of the helmet, I think it's a fantastic mold, even if it seems overlarge. The level of detail on the piece surprised me upon first building Dain.

Posted a pic of the extra pieces (which included an extra arkenstone!!), the mini fig checklist, the boxes all together, and a panorama of all minifigs. :) (Sorry if I'm posting a bit much, I just want to make sure you guys are updated as to what you can see on my flickr)

Smaug's wings are a durable rubber. They bend easily and nicely. I am working on a group shot, a pic of all boxes together, and the pic of the character checklist.

I forgot to check around for a new polybag while I was at the store yesterday, so I honestly don't know...