WesternOutlaw

Looks like a pretty nice set. I love that yellow net piece. Thanks for sharing this first review Meat.

91b, 91c Hello Pirate Fans! I don't get around these parts very often, but I thought I would share two recent creations that I actually posted previously in the History Forum. One is a ghostly paddle boat that infuses Pirate parts with Wild West, and the other Adventurers + Wild West. As I'm somewhat an amateur when it comes to ship building, I'm trying to work on different hull designs. Bloody Mary River Boat: With the lights on: Iron Side, Confederate Steam Boat:

Thanks fellas. This was intended to be an iron clad ship. I suppose it doesn't look too "iron-like" with a black hull. I was really shooting for something different than the normal blue and greys, and liked the classic firemen buttons and belt. Yes, they really do. And they offered both Union and Confederates. In fact, I think they still do as "add-ons". Thanks Slyowl. I'm glad you like the creation. It's one of my favorite sets. I'm not too fancy, so I like a simple, clean design as well. That's a great compliment Ratshot. Thanks. Damn straight!

Very clever. I think these work very well for your playing cards. Although posted last week, I think this might be deserving of a front-page. Nice!

It's time to enter the mysterious world of Magic. Not exactly a new creation to Eurobricks, but certainly a clever one, Captain'Spaulding has created a couple of deck boxes for his favorite card game. Pick a card, any card...

Welcome Andre - why don't you share a little bit about your train interest (and you definately need to get a train avatar ).

Very nice Selander. I love European electric trains that really have a lot of character. Your LEGO version is very well done, especially how you infused the red bricks and created the custom VR emblem. This deserves front-page coverage. Excellent!

Train fans are really outstanding LEGO builders, as demonstrated by this recent creation by Selander. Selander has created a LEGO version of the VR (Finnish Railways) Electric Locomotive. You'll quickly notice the vivid use of red set against the white locomotive with grey roof. A custom "VR" logo finishes off the 6-stud wide locomotive nicely (no pun intended).

As always, thanks for the feedback guys. It's great to have a small core group that always takes time to provide comments on your creations. I wish I could take credit for the design of this little boat, but it's much of the same as that of River Expedition (with some modification and different colors). The picture came out very dark, but it actually has a few more details that aren't visible. I just might. I like Civil War history, and I draw some inspiration from Playmobil's Western theme that included Confederate troops, something definately missing from the Lego Wild West theme. It's not a paddle boat though. - darn paddle wheels always bite you in the @$$. Currently it can't be turned. It's mounted on one upside down slope and a 2x2 brick. I may change this though. I created the backgrounds based on the original Wild West Box art, with some modification, most of the shapes cut from other images. Unfortunately, as mentioned above, the image of the boat is a bit dark.

I agree as well. While movies and television have a huge impact on what kids want to play with, parents encourage their kids to play with what they enjoy as well. Wild West is classic , and "all things classic" seem to be in high demand these days. Plus, westerm-themed toys are very "playable", making them fun for kids.

Continuing my journey southeast of Grave Stone, the River Boat may be in a bit of trouble as this small Confederate Steam Boat makes its way downstream. The design is based off Adventurers set 5976 River Expedition with some modifications including the color, cargo, and Confederate naval crew.

Thanks for the feedback guys. The hull was a challenge, as I wasn't sure if I should make one or use one "ready-made". To tell you the truth, I think I'd really like one that floats - how's that for a challenge? I actually like the height, and the picture really doesn't do the creation justice, as it appears very tall and narrow. I've been working on a "day-light" picture, but using the original image as photo-editing took a lot of time with the chains and other details. Here's the same image with more an "official" Wild West backdrop:

LEGO Health Care in Tabletown Universal Health Care Article by TheBrickster Over the past year, there’s been much discussion in the United States over “Universal Health Care”. Should the United States adopt the European and Canadian models for delivering healthcare to its uninsured and underinsured citizens? If adapted, will the Universal Health Care option create a shortage of health care professionals causing long lines for needed medical care, and will the Federal Government deny expensive medical procedures for older citizens? What is the price of a socialized health care option? These are just a few of the questions being addressed in the Unites States over health care reform. The problem of universal health care goes far beyond the United Sates, and the need for better health care delivery is certainly one of the numerous concerns. Shortages of doctors, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and medical technicians are not only felt in developed cities, as well as third world countries, but also in your LEGO Tabletown. Since the late 70s during the development of LEGO towns and cities, medical care for minifigs has been lacking. One of the first comprehensive medical centers in Tabletown was erected in 1976 under the generic name of Hospital 555. While the brick-and-mortar structure provided demanding jobs for its four health care professionals, gaps in services were quickly an issue through the hospital’s lack of needed diagnostic equipment. In addition, single patient rooms were not available resulting in patient privacy issues and a decrease in patient satisfaction. While the hospital did provide emergency medical treatment through an ambulance and rear building emergency room, employee morale was questionable as observed through minifigs always having their hands in their pockets. Hospital 555, Medical Center or Mental Health Facility? A few years passed in Tabletown as minifigs watched the population boom and Government continued to utilize their limited budget on fire and police stations. Health care remained an issue and minifigs tried to stay well knowing that Hospital 555 was hardly a “patient centered care” facility. Some minifigs even stated that they’d “rather die than go to Hospital 555”. It wasn’t until 1980 that a Board Certified Family Practice physician would be enticed to move to Tabletown to provide services at a small Paramedic Unit located on 6364 Main Street. Unfortunately, the doctor’s 4-stud wide vehicle was hardly equipped to provide emergency medical care, and through house calls with an antiquated walkie-talkie in hand, the doctor rarely had time to treat established patients waiting far beyond 30 days for a primary care visit. New patients often waited in excess of 90 days. Tabletown minifigs demanded quality LEGO health care to be delivered in a new facility! 6364, Paramedic Unit or Family Practice? In 1987, Tabletown would get its first full-service Emergency Treatment Center (ETC), with two full-time physicians and one registered nurse. The new facility served as a “state-of-the-art” trauma center and quickly restored the smiles of Tabletown minifigs. Contributable to a highly innovative and “patient-centered” hospital design with sun-lit rooms, patient satisfaction was at an “all-time high”. The new hospital even offered its patients a beverage while they waited for their scheduled doctor’s appointment, through a volunteer program. Hospital 555 became a “thing of the past” and was quickly converted into a mental health institution while the new ETC continued to flourish. ETCs’ patients were highly satisfied with their medical care, and those that left with a frown or complaining of depression, were quickly sent to Hospital 555 by way of a 4-stud wide paramedic convertible. 6380 Emergency Treatment Center - High Patient Satisfaction Though ETC was an efficient and effective medical facility, funding continued to diminish as more fire and police stations were constructed. In addition, uninsured minifigs from new LEGO themes created a strain on available resources and the building quickly deteriorated. The concept of a “World City” did not exactly include universal or “World Health Care” as the cost of such a program would be astronomical. Years passed before discussion to even fund another hospital or medical center began. High atop a hill far from the “hustle and bustle” of Tabletown, a new hospital would break ground. It took over 20 years to construct with new permit requirements and “red tape”, and the design did not even come close to being as good as Classic Town's ETC. With just two full-time physicians and an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), the hospital served as a meager attempt to provide health care to the ever increasing population of Tabletown. Even its location was a poor decision, although it did offer a “Flight for Life” helicopter transport. 7892 Hospital - Access an Issue So, where has the debate over “Universal Health Care” left the minifigs of Tabletown? LEGO health care remains an unsolved issue in Tabletown. How will its Government pay for the necessary medical services for its minifigs without raising taxes? Is socialized medicine, similar to the European and Canadian models more effective than a private system? Will minifigs continue to pursue careers in health care under a socialized system where government contracts cap pricing/revenue? Will waits and delays for needed services increase under another government-ran program? Is there any hope for a new LEGO modular hospital? These are just a few of the many unresolved questions in the debate for Universal Health Care. Until then, elected Tabletown politicians can always devote more resources to fire and police stations. Resources: www.lugnet.com EB Classic Town Reviews

Very nice Steve! I've been wanting to build some cliff dwellings. You've beat me to it. I don't recall seeing this MOC. Is this a new creation? -very nice (and original).

I can't believe I missed this? I've got to get out of that Trains & Town forum more often. Excellent Oky Wan! On behalf of Train Tech, on this day of November 11, 2009, I hereby grant to you an honorary train tag for this most unique and creative train. Love that Santa Fe-style engine. Overall, a very original design.

What do you get when you combine Agents with Trains? How about Dr. Inferno's Cargo Train of Doom? Posted a few days ago, Oky Wan Kenobi successfully demonstrates that any theme could be integrated with trains to create a "train-tacular" fusion of themes. At first glance, you might even think that this creation was an entry for the Build a Ghost Train Building Challenge with it's use of black and orange bricks, but the colors are in fact the perfect combination for a train belonging to the dreaded Dr. Inferno. Although not posted in the Train Tech forum, Oky Wan Kenobi will be receiving an "honorary train tag" for his most unique train creation.

Recently, there's been a lot of discussion about what fans want to see in the Wild West theme, and the first thing that comes to mind is the expansion of a western town. But does Wild West always have to be about cowboys and cavalry? How about our good friends, the American Indians, who we sometimes seem to forget. Yes, we talked about a Buffalo Hunt with a few Indians, but how else could we expand our American Indian villages? -A few extra tepees? -A few strategicly placed canoes? -A medicine man? But what else? Do you have ideas that could expand the American Indian sub-theme? What was missing in '97 and what else might you add? Share your thoughts.

Very nice Batbrick. As a fan of Batman, I really like this sewer lair. First, let me start by pointing out the nice street design with the clever use of the gray roof panels. I would never have thought of using these for a street, adding the white stripes, and the other section with the tiles. Great design idea! It's nice to see you incorporate the Shanghai mobster vehicle, which works very well with the Batman theme. Delving into the depths beneath the secret manhole cover is where all the action continues. I love the design of the pipes which gives me an idea for something I was planning to build (if I can get enough grey). Crocs, chains, sewer water, all of which are nice additions to the underground sewer. I like the ladders climbing up. It's scenes like these that are both extremely "playable" but at the same time immensely detailed making a "top notch" MOC. I'm also very impressed with your entire concept of creating a sewer lair under an action-packed street. This makes me want to break out the old Batman sets and get building. Sweet! and quite deserving of a front page blog.

Beneath the streets of Gotham, something lies within the sewers, something wretched, something reptilian... Could it be the secret lair of Killer Croc, nemesis to everyone's favorite caped crusader? Holy Batstreet, it is! Built by our very own Batbrick, make sure you check out Killer Croc's Sewer Lair.

It's there, under vehicles. Couldn't leave a river boat out.

You're welcome. Now go make a train-related avatar to show you support the theme.

Nice job KD! and thanks for the words of encouragement Bonaparte and other WW fans. It's great that you guys are supporting the theme by encouraging and promoting the report through EB. When I joined EB back in 2005, I was one of just a very small group of fans that appreciated the Wild West theme. Over the years, I have seen the interest really grow, and it's great to hear that many of you; some who don't even own a WW set, want to see the theme offered once again. I see so much that LEGO could offer as part of the theme, as mentioned in the report. Old Mexico, Civil War, Ghost Town, to name just a few. KD and other WW fans: thanks for keeping the interest alive by this article, WW mocs, and topics. Regardless of what LEGO does, the theme will never die unless we let it. Long live the Wild West!

Do you remember these Wild West topics? Help Dusty Miller Ideas for New Wild West Sets Petition to Bring Back the Wild West Theme Wild West fan Klaus-Dieter has summarized EB member feedback regarding the Wild West theme; and through our ambassadors, will be sending the report forward to LEGO. While the outcome is uncertain, the article provides LEGO with lots of ideas and stresses how many of us want to see the Wild West theme return. Make sure you check out the article here.

As a big fan of Playmobil, I really like this LEGO rendition. Nice clean tudor style walls with a great roof design. The colors are perfect and the added details make it very nice. Great job!

Capt'n Z: Your interview with Jamie was the first that I heard, but I think you guys do an outstanding job with your interviews. I think the overall idea to have an audio interview combined with the music makes them very unique and creative. You have good questions, and a nice demeanor that welcomes honest and good responses. I'd like to see you expand outside the pirate realm even more (like you did with the Emerald Night for trains). A+ for Behind the Helm.