Frank-Lloyd-Knight

You'll get over it. I still make my horses like this:Norman Knights.

I noticed that too -- looks like a technic gear of some sort. I wonder if it connects to a spool inside to reel in the string web she wraps around frodo.

Since they ARE Legos, just build it a different way.

I think all of the sets look alright individually. My only critique is that as a collection, they all look the same, and sort of monochrome -- namely mostly fights with orcs on top of piles of grey rocks/stone walls. I think they might have deferred releasing one of these sets in favor of a second peaceful set with a bit of color in it (Maybe something like leaving Lothlorien in the elven boats, or one of the numerous forest scenes) just to add some variety. But of course this is just the first wave, and the unofficial pictures might not give the best representation of the actual sets.

I did consider that: I'd say that was more likely due to an economic slump causing a severe hit to overall sales for several years (2002-2004) with excessive stock left on the shelves. The Star Wars theme was introduced in 1999; and new Lego Space products continued to be introduced through 2001 concurrent with the Star Wars theme. A positive outlook didn't show up again in the annual report until 2005; then in 2007, Lego introduced a new space theme, and has continued introducing new space products side by side with Star Wars products since that time. It's also worth noting that during the hiatus of the Space them, there were two new Star Wars movies coming out to support such a licensed product. But I don't think anyone at TLG ever said that since Star Wars was a space theme, the company had to discontinue all of its own space themes. I just think everyone is jumping the gun a bit by assuming that Kingdoms is done away with. Maybe they will cut it as they did the Pirates theme -- I just don't see any basis for a pattern yet.

He needs a fish, too.

I'm not convinced that Kingdoms will be discontinued. Yes, on one hand Pirates of the Caribbean did come out as the Pirate line was wrapping up. But on the other hand, Star Wars was never the death knell for any of Lego's own Space themes.

I agree. In recent cataolgues, there have been separate photographs among each set theme showing only all the minifigures from that theme with the imperative statement, "Collect them all!"

You are right -- the two wagons are quite similar in style and would look good together. Thanks for telling me about posting images. I wasn't sure what the local etiquette was.

Hi all. Being new to the forum, I thought by way of introduction that I'd post a little model I made for Classic Castle competition. Hope you enjoy. Gypsy Caravan

Actually, in the image, I do see writing on the ring. It is very faint -- white on the gold background.

A Lego Hobbit house would be interesting to see.

Isn't that what we all thought between about 1980 and 1999 with regards to Star Wars? As kids we were all making x-wing fighters and tie fighters out of bricks, then out of the blue Lego came up with actual Star Wars sets (and coincidently a lot of people start drifting out of the "Dark Ages" around that time). All this speculation on LOTR sets does have a familiar feel about it. Imagine a clear plastic minifigure for Bilbo or Frodo while wearing the ring.

I had sort of wondered about licensing rights when I heard of the movie coming out, too. That's when I first learned that megabloks had the license (Megabloks Smurf Village Thread). I'm sort of wondering if TLG didn't develop the Phrygian cap and the short beard as prototypes for a smurf-themed proposal which ultimately was awarded to megabloks, and then reused the molds for the collectible figs.

If I had to take a guess, I'd say that the Forbidden Forest set might follow the scene from the new HP 1-4 game. In this case it might be reasonable to expect a new piece for Fang. I also like the idea of the set having a unicorn. I don't actually have a copy of the game -- Does anyone know if the centaurs do make an appearance anywhere in it?