Slegengr

I am fairly sure that piece is authentic LEGO. For some reason, they used strange pins on that piece. I remember this from seeing that piece in reality, and the BrickLink entry pictures confirm that the pins are just odd on this piece. Does Megabloks make click hinges the same as LEGO originals? My Megabloks experience, thankfully, is very limited...

If you are using Flickr, the best way to upload the image is to use the BBCode as Rick pointed out. If you go to your photostream and select an image, there is a small "Share" arrow at the bottom right of the image. If you select this, there should be different tabs at the top of the pop-up window to choose your share method. Select "BBCode". This will show a url link with a size drop-down list below it. Select the size from the drop down, then copy the url and paste it here on Eurobricks. I usually play around with the sizes a few times before finding a size I like. Also note that the url has formatting for the different portions. I usually only want the image to show up and be a link to the Flickr host image, so I trim off all text in the url after the first /url in brackets. The slash represents the end of a "link", so url starts a link, img starts an image, and those symbols preceded by a slash in brackets end the source information for either the link or the image. To clarify, the first url starts a link, the first img starts an image, the text is the path to the image, the /img ends the image path, and the /url ends the link (which contains only the image). The following text will show the image name and your Flickr username in text with links to the image and your flickr account.

This does seem like a good idea if we cannot break out of this tie. Just let the final round be made up of all three figures. It seems that @Robert8's prediction of a Eurobricks civil war in this round was completely accurate!

I do not know about European stores, but if you are willing to order on Bricklink from the United States and pay the shipping price, there are quite a few stores with high quantities and low prices. I am not near a LEGO store, so I went this route (I am from the US, though, so no idea about international shipping). You might try the store "Autobot". I have placed an order with them for the same piece and had a perfect transaction. They list international shipping as an option but I do not see cost estimates.

I find it interesting how many different types of considerations are used in comparing the figures. To some, army building is most important. To others, introduction of new parts is important. Some like the figure just for face value, independent of reuse and swapping. Many arguments used against one figure can just as simply be turned against the other figure. Both Elf and Scarecrow have detailed printing. Both have torso and legs that are distinctly matched together, though not completely unusable when separated. Both are an original introduction into the LEGO world. Both are based on existing stereotypes. Both are similar in some ways to other figures released by TLG. Both are distinctly different in some ways than other figures released by TLG (Elf is yellow-skinned, Scarecrow is not based on horror or "evil"). Both have a newly molded headgear. Both have a newly molded accessory that has been repeated many times since then (crow and bow). Both have a long-existing accessory that has been utilized by TLG in many sets (shield <with a new print>, pitchfork). The Elf has a cape, but the Scarecrow has no need for a neckpiece to complete the characterization. The Scarecrow has arm printing, but the Elf is from series 3 and may have had arm printing if remade in another series (see Elf girl in series 17). It is possible for a voter to love both figures (as I certainly do) but be required in this game to chose one over the other. No defense for a vote should be necessary, as this game is so heavily influenced by personal opinion. Stating why I like the one I chose is a nice discussion, but trying to promote the one I like by tearing down the other seems a bit silly. Both figures must be liked by some Eurobricks voters if the figures have made it this far in the game. I am glad both figures have been made, and both have uses in my LEGO experience.

I agree that the elf is definitely a great minifigure and very near the top of my favorites, but he is matched here against my top favorite CMF to date... so my vote goes to the Scarecrow!

As much as I would like the focus to be different as an AFOL, we must remember that the LEGO company is a children's toy company. I do not fully understand why they do not seem to reach out more to the AFOL market, as it seems like it could be significant, but they still make more money on children. It is simple enough to understand that children love the minifigures and accessories. They can relate to these parts the quickest with the human element attached to them. As we look backward on our early childhood days with LEGO, it is easy to remember building but the focus was more on the play value of storytelling. This is something the LEGO company understands quite well and utilizes in their business plan often. Any theme that receives more than one set slot usually has the main characters distributed over the sets. This is not to add focus to the minifigures, but rather is using the knowledge that children already are focused on minifigures and will therefore try harder to get all sets in a theme to have all characters in the story. As an AFOL, I would like to see pieces like those mentioned above, but that is not truly where the money is. I also think that if LEGO made a new piece for every possible architectural need, it would kill some of the creativity of the hobby. The limitations of available pieces are part of what I find interesting and challenging about LEGO building. Some obvious pieces could be added to the palette in lacking areas, but I do not want to see a new piece every time a new connection type is desired. I have also noticed that LEGO has produced many of these "long awaited parts" in the recent years. At this point, the long wait is not significant now that the piece is produced. I still have to wonder if some of this is due to TLG noticing the growth in the AFOL community and taking some steps to try to keep everyone happy. It would seem likely that we will continue to see these missing basic pieces added in the future. So, my conclusion is that minifigures are not receiving too much attention, but simple building elements are not receiving enough attention. As those elements begin to receive attention, then begins the game of trying to buy them in usable quantities and colors for my MOCs... this is a significant part of the MOC hobby.

As others seem to like posting teasers, I will do the same and show that I have not completely quit building. I have several large builds in the works, mostly just collecting pieces at this stage due to rearrangement in our house eliminating my build area temporarily. In the mean time, I have taken to LDD and BrickLink to plan and prepare for the builds. I plan to use the builds to tell about some of Stian's travels, so not all are located in Mitgardia. Since a tease is fun, here are three outlines to show the rough LDD plans and a small detail of the third one. These are just simple LDD shots to preview what I will be building in real bricks. I am looking forward to see what others are building as well! The Summer Joust brought forth many great builds, and I am disappointed I had no time to take part.

Great gatehouse, Maestro! The stone texturing and color choices work well here! I also like the rock and water beneath the structure. The use of trans-invisible plates makes nice water with the ability to change the under-layer color to add perceived depth. The wooden hoardings section is nicely built, though I must say it seems a bit out of place in this location. Is there a portcullis? It might look better if the bridge were a drawbridge or if the gatehouse included a portcullis or doors to allow for closing off the pathway when needed. I would love to see Tíre in its entirety, though I know this is not possible after deconstruction...

Very nice swamp build, ME! I really like the complex and realistic appearance you achieved with relatively basic and simple techniques! I have been planning some builds recently that push toward this same thought: not all structures are covered in heavy textures that must incorporate complex techniques to accurately represent. The color choices are perfect here. The walls and roof with some wear showing are built in a straightforward and beautiful manner. The large pier is a perfect addition to the build, and I also like the stone lower part of the building very much. The story is a marvelous way to introduce this build! Though I personally do not think the swamp lands would be my preferred area to live, you have piqued my interest with your builds. Out of curiosity from someone who has never been to a swamp IRL to someone who has: Are there areas of the swamp where the water is smooth on the surface with little to break it up? I always pictured swamps to have roots, plants, algae, muck, fungus, whatever sticking up through the water and breaking the smooth surface appearance. I suppose it depends on water depth preventing flora from reaching the surface (other than large trees like you included). If you happen to have any real swamp photos that look similar on the water surface to this build, I would be interested in seeing them!

This is one of the most stupendous underwater scenes I have ever seen built in LEGO form, Garmadon! The coral and animals are fantastic, but the background is by far the best part! The appearance from the color shift in the water background is just phenomenal! I must agree with others that the trans-invisible bricks are a bit too regular and show too much, but I do not have a better suggestion, so I will just continue to enjoy the beautiful view!

So you are building in Mitgardia while I plan to build a swamp in Nocturnus... times have changed!

That is one idea that follows exactly what I meant. I wish TLG would make affordable dark green headlight/SNOT bricks to allow the addition of more sticks and leaves. I like the way SNOT bricks look for swamp, it just produces a very smooth surface for a swamp if used in large expanses. Breaking up the smoothness with more sticks, roots, and leaves would give a more dense swamp appearance. I have plans for building a swamp (inspired by your builds) with alternating SNOT bricks and transparent tiles to allow for breaks in the surface and have started collecting pieces, but I have quite a few large builds planned ahead of the swamp... if I even find time to finish any of those builds with limited building space and limited spare time!

Man, you are quick on the draw with your response! I just added a comment to my post... It is indeed a tough choice between smithing and LEGO building, but LEGO wins for me. It is not as difficult of a craft, and it takes slightly less space and setup. I am not sure it is cheaper, though. With a great build like this, it is obvious that you enjoy your LEGO building as well!

I always notice blacksmiths, as I do a bit of smithing in real life. I would like to do more, but I do not have a shop yet and I keep spending all my little bits of non-work time collecting and planning for LEGO builds! One additional note from an amateur blacksmith: forges were usually built with a flat surface in front without enclosed sides to allow coals to be drawn out to a more open area. The enclosed portion preserves heat until the work piece is to be heated. I noticed that the depth of your forge looks about right. Most people seem to consider a forge to be a deep pit with coals at the bottom, which does not allow for much more than just burning coal and wasting it. A piece of steel is hard to heat by sticking it into a pit. It is much easier to bury the piece in coals on a flatter surface. I will have to research medieval blacksmiths a bit more to be sure of what I perceive as blacksmithing, as most of what I know is based more on early American farriers than sword and armor smiths.

Absolutely stunning, TitusV! There are so many neat details! Your Tudor style shines as usual. The docks are great, especially the narrow s-curve section. The stone texturing is superb with just the right splashes of color and texture variation. This scene appears so much larger with the up-close photography! I really like the small blacksmith station with a great anvil design and the nice forge!

Very nice build, Ayrlego! The inspiration from Gideon was instantaneously recognizable, and that is a good thing! That building style is very good for overgrown Meso-American architecture. The surrounding jungle is so very realistic. The little strip of water on the leading edge really adds a lot to the scene, as does the black background. It is interesting to see the introduction of the new large cats into builds!

Excellent immersive scene, Legofin! The forced perspective is both realistic and whimsical at the same time! The different buildings are neat, though I do agree on the comments made by HQ and ME. The little splashes of snow and ice with the blue flowers really adds a lot to the scene, as does the minifigure activity. As was earlier noted, the photography is not as good as it could be (though still better than some that I have tried!). I know photography of an immersive scene is very difficult, as I have both attempted and plan to attempt immersive scenes. As ME noted, I would try to use light outside on a cloudy day or full spectrum indirect or diffused lighting inside. Also check your white balance and ISO as mentioned by ME. Getting the proper focus in an immersive scene is difficult, but I recommend taking the picture from further away and cropping the outside to get down to the scene you want. This does lose some resolution, but seems to work better for focus to prevent portions of the scene from being blurred. The frustrating part is that the "real" scene would have blurred portions if you were to walk through this MOC, as you cannot focus on everything at once. In reality, your eyes would shift focus as you viewed different areas of the scene, but the photo has one fixed focus. Another thing to consider is to intentionally blur the forefront and background and put most of the detail in the center. This provides an interesting effect that some builders (such as Gideon) seem to know how to achieve. This is still a very nice scene, and I would love to see more detail on the build!

Just marvelous, LJ! So many details in a relatively small space! I like the architectural details, like the windows, domes, hanging curtains, tile work, and curving wall! The rock is very well built and really stands out with the stream and curved sloping path cutting through it. I also love the bits of green throughout the build! It is builds like these that have made me want to do some building in the Kali style!

Very nice Elven city, LJ! The color scheme and architecture are strikingly Elven, giving a mystical and majestic appearance! The use of cheese slopes and the many column techniques are very nice. A fountain and gardens with trees make an excellent addition to the Elven structures. The instruments are lovely, especially that harp! All of the figure combinations are great as well.

Very nice build, SK! There is a lot to note, and many others have already noted details, but I have to comment on some. The plate and tile arches are great! The texturing of the walls is just the right amount for a rougher-built Mitgardian keep. The round tower is just excellent and fits into the wall very nicely. The stairs, hoardings, and black roofs add just the right contrast to the gray/dk tan stonework. The interior is nice as usual, especially with the use of the bear shield color scheme. The amount of landscape and foliage is a nice contrast as well to balance the scene and make it more realistic. The battlements are marvelous, both the tops and the under-structure! The doll-house split technique for interior access is just a perfect finishing touch! Though it will probably never happen, I dream of the day that TLG would make some sets akin to this MOC.

Lovely build and story, Garmadon! I particularly like that water technique! The clean look to the wall and landscape is refreshing for a short story like this, as we often see so much heavy vegetation and very textured walls. That is a neat little cart design and amazing that it allows for such a well-hidden minifigure! Your well-written stories leave me looking forward to more of Barnaby's escapades! I really like the dark red/dark green color combination. That is something I have considered for quite a while and will probably use in the future, especially after the introduction of the rogue CMF.

Very neat barracks, Muakhah! The architecture is great for Kaliphlin, and I like that angled wall! You added just enough vegetation with the vines, flowers, and trees to add to the Arabian feel. Nice combinations for the troops! I think the use of yellow and fleshies works fine for areas with mixed skin tones.

1. TitusV 2. Henjin_Quilones 3. MKJoshA All were great entries, which made the vote difficult!

I am pretty sure they can. I do not have any of the blocks, but I do have a head from a pen that fits with studs. The connection is too tight to properly attache the head on a minifigure neck, though, so it might grip a stud pretty tightly as well. I cannot verify this in person at the moment...