WesternOutlaw

Thanks for that very nice feedback AS. I'm glad you like it. Now it's going to take another twist.

Murder on the Emerald Express Chapter 5: Disneyland or Deliverance? The train has made an abrupt stop in the strange town of Willoughby! Engine trouble or sobotage? Who knows... but what the passengers and crew do know is that they will be here for some time longer than they originally suspected, until repairs can be made, or... or... or something else... And there's something not quite right about these friendly towns folk that have just about jumped on the train to assist, wanting to tell so much in just a short time. Who are these people really? and what is their motive in assisting with repairs? You do not know, but Conductor Max is recommending that since there's no use staying with a train needing extensive repair, that everyone attempt to explore the town a bit with some of the locals. At this time, the format of this mystery will have a Dynamic Spin! What's a DYNAMIC SPIN, you ask? Passengers and crew must divide themselves into groups of three with assistance from three of the towns folk (forming four groups of 6. One group will only have 5 individuals) The Groups Group 1: Looking for Repair Parts Group 2: Exploring the Mysteries of Main Street Group 3: Visiting the Friendly Farm Group 4: Getting Out of Town You can form your teams in this thread whose mission will be to FIND A WAY OUT OF WILLOUGHBY. The first team that successfully finds a way out of town will win, followed by any of the other teams. Watch out though! Not all the towns folk can be trusted. Some of them want to leave, others want to stay. Their mission is a bit different and that is to either help your team or to harm it. Either way, you will need to rely upon one another to get out alive! Each team must elect a team leader who must be a train passenger or crewman. Your Life Points as well as your ability will soon be tested. This mystery will soon Dynamically Spin into four separate sub-chapters (the groups mentioned above), each with their own thread. Dynamic Movement will be eliminated with the new threads. All posts are to be made openly withour private messages or dynamic movements. You can PM me with questions at any time. Now, feel free to form your groups in this thread as you discuss "who will be with who" in this rather bizarre Dynamic Spin! The story will continue after each of the four team leaders state, "Our Team is Ready". EDIT: Oh, and each team gets to choose which group/sub-chapter they wish to be part of (from the list above).

And the best line in Chapter 4 goes to Imperial Shadows!

"Strange things a'happen'n here", seems to be the concensus of the passengers and crew of the Emerald Express as some rather strange townsfolk have approached the train willingly offering their assistance. After some debate over whether or not passengers should be let off the train, the Conductor makes the decision to allow it; however, "the people in the town WILL NOT be allowed to board the train. They are definately a strange cast of characters", he tells. Conductor Max first calls upon Engineer Steve Thomas and Brakes to have a closer look at the damage to the locomotive and this "supposed coal issue". "We need to perform a thorough diagnostic check of this engine problem" and begins looking at the engine very closely, followed by Steve and Brakes. "This is definately worse than I thought", he states... "just take a look at the Johnson rod". Steve and Brakes get down on their knees and look at the Johnson rod... Max explains, "The drive train assembly has a rod (called the Johnson rod) that is too short, and sometimes comes loose resulting in locking of the gears. Any friction created under the coal burner (including misplaced or sometimes wet coal), can cause the vertical gear to become loose from the Johnson rod and stop the train. The Johnson rod is made by the Technic Company, a private company whose parts come from Mexico. Emerald Lines has had quality issues with these Mexican parts, but due to our current economic situation, has continued to use this cheaper supplier. The damages are more serious than I thought, and I'm not sure if this town will have the needed replacement parts. We may start by asking some of these Deliverance characters if they have a train engine shed in town. I'm afraid that we're going to be here a while! Welcome to Willoughby everyone". NOTE: DYNAMIC MOVEMENT HAS BEEN TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED Chapter 5 coming soon...

Minus 10 life points for that Buster! Just kidding

Secondary Characters: I would recommend that you either change your avatar or your signature to include your picture and name. This will help the passengers get to know you. If not, don't force me to make you wear, "Hello, My Name Is..." name badges.

Oh, it will be...

Murder on the Emerald Express Chapter 4: A Stop At Willoughby The Emerald Express has suddenly stopped along the tracks! Engineer Steve Thomas runs into the Dining Car telling the passengers and crew that there has been a mechanical failure with the locomotive. All stare at him still in shock over what has occured A few individuals look outside the train reluctantly to see a sign that reads "Willoughby". NOTE: Dynamic Movements have been temporarily suspended in light of the current situation. They will resume when announced. All secondary participants may now join the Mystery at any time.

As the passengers and crew aboard the Emerald continue to bicker over the mysterious knife found in Passenger Car #2, and whisper between small groups blindly making a variety of false accusations, the rain outside slowly fades and a bit of sunshine shines through the dripping windows. Just when a beautiful rainbow begins to illuminate the sky with vivid color, the train comes to a screeching halt! People are flung through the train like rag dolls as the sounds of thumps, thuds, and crashes fill the halls. All becomes quiet for just a brief moment, before Steve Thomas comes running into the Dining Car. "There's been a mechanical failure with the locomotive! " he yells loudly, "we've got problems". End Chapter 3

It's funny. I've been having a hard time keeping up with all of the activity, esp. the Dynamic Movements. Things are going to get a whole lot interesting really soon...

What a fantastic set! I love the Charles Dickens-like architecture of the house. A complete Christmas Village along this variety would be awesome, and a nice display for the holiday. This set is definately a keeper! I'm glad I picked up a Christmas train last year, that will make a nice addition to a Christmas scene. Lego has really been turning out some great sets. It's just hard to focus on one theme with all these superb sets.

Interesting points all. I steer toward freight trains because it does allow for a wide variety of different types of rolling stock. I like wagons with cranes, hoppers, and box cars. Also, Wild West trains mix freight and passengers wagons - a very nice thought.

"More vishpering", Schmelt says again, "ze food is getting cold. The last persons on the table will have to do the douches". (Ameri-wit from the All Seeing Eye)

Ding! Ding! Ding! Dong! "Lunch is now being served in the Dining Car", Shmelt's voice is heard through the train's stero system. "You may resume your private conversations and shnooping after desert please", he adds with more Euro-wit. Then he looks at himself with a huge Regis Philbin grin and says - "God I'm Good"!

Thanks for sharing these great images of your layout Lockt. I just love your Brick Rapids Mountain. The mountain serves as a great focal point, esp. the waterfall that adds nice color and creativity to your creation. I also can't help to notice Rocky River Retreat - I love that set and regret not buying it a few years ago when I saw it at a reasonable price on BrickLink. I've been wanting to add a second layer of train to my small layout, but due to the lack of table space, it's very difficult. I'm really impressed with how you added your mountains. I'm interested in seeing how you created the front area of track where there are no mountains. Raisers perhaps? I'll check your link when the images are available. Overall, very nice. Thanks again for sharing!

It is 10:30 in the morning aboard the Emerald Express. The passengers and crew are beginning to have many "private conversations" as they walk about the train snooping for clues and information. The mysterious Elizabeth Thornton was never met aboard the train, althoug her name did appear on the guest list. A knife was found laying on the floor of Passenger Cabin #2, and quickly locked up in the LUGGAGE/SUPPLY CAR by Brakes and Shmelt. A "penny-annie" poker game has begun in the Dining Car between Mark Williams, Austin, Greaseman, and Herman. "Looks like another game of D&D between the nerds", Arin states before walking out of the car. Seems she gets a little cranky without much sleep. "Here, throw these 20-sided dice at her and let her add these to her rock collection", Mark chuckles. Austin shares his straight flush before asking, "another round gentelman"? grabbing the small pot of money once again. "That makes 5 consecutive rounds", Greaseman adds, "how's he do it". "It's all in the cards", Austin responds. After sharing some light-hearted "Euro-wit" with the passengers, Schmelt begins preparing lunch. A light rain begins to fall on the Emerald Express's windows and the sky begins to turn dark. Conductor Max says that there may be a storm brewing outside. He then excuses himself to go to the Engine. Herman adds, "there's no bathroom there", Captain. Brakes follows quickly. Bulldog has asked to speak with Steve privately in his quarters. Steve accepts and chuckles as the two men leave the Dining Car as Austin wins another round. Jim Butcher also leaves to the Crew Car offering more drinks. And the lonely Ms. Eleanor finishes her crossword puzzle, the last word being M.U.R.D.E.R... :skull:

UPDATED MOVES: - Schmelt, Herman, Mark, Max, and Austin talking in the Dining Car - Eleanor works on her crossword puzzle in the Dining Car - Greaseman talking with Arin privately in Dining Car - Bulldog left the Dining Car with Brakes to go see the Engine. - Jim Butcher went to the Luggage Car, Steve following...

??? I believe you are in your cabin trying to catch up on some sleep. The conductor is currently in the Dining Car.

All are in the Dining Car in general conversation, except for the following: - Jim Butcher is talking with Schmelt privately - Bulldog leaves the Dining Car with Brakes to go check out the Engine - Steve Thomas goes back to his room to rest - Herman is talking with Mark after Bulldog and Brakes leave the Dining Car (but attempts to join Schmelt). - Greaseman is trying the same with Arin

It's a SNOT assembly. The cheese slopes are attached to one standard orange and one green 1x2 brick.

Continuing my reviews of the most fantastic and "train-tacular" train sets among Lego's official line-up, this next review is that of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) GP-38 Locomotive. Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) GP-38 Locomotive Vitals: Set #: 10133 Theme: Trains / 9V Year Released: 2004 Piece Count: 407 Minifigs: 2 Track: none List Price: $40 (USD) So, what exactly is a GP-38? A GP-38 is a United States diesel locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD). The engine was built between the years 1966 through 1971. Its 16-cylinder engine provided 2,000 horsepower. 706 of these locomotives were built, 700 for the U.S. and 6 for Mexico. Lego would offer one additional 9V model in 2004, designed in L-scale. Let's take a look at the boxart during Lego "9V glory years": Images on the back of the box sparked the fancy of many Lego Train fans: The same picture as the front of the box appears on the instructions, but on the baskside, a construction image with motor is shared: The set includes a small set of "see-through" stickers to decorate the completed model: I always liked the fact that this set includes not one, but two minifigs, a Conductor and Engineer. Is that Max and Steve? (Murder on the Emerald Express characters) The set also includes a set of grey walkie-talkies for communication, and a few extra parts: Here's an image after building the main unit without the extra components. Notice the yellow baseplate: The front control area has a single blue chair and printed 1x4 tile: Looking at a side view of the same main build, it doesn't look too impressive: Extra components include the back section, front cab, and the top of the front. The bright orange is a fantastic color for the small train windows: Here's the front once the additional components have been attached. It's already starting to look better: And the completed main build: As with most Lego Trains, each wheel assembly is a separate build. These two are identical: Also is the middle section/unit that is attached upside down to the bottom of the main build: Attaching the wheels and middle section, the BNSF begins looking like an actual train: Toward the back is the SNOT assembly with two red lights (unfortunately, these are not meant to light up): The completed nose section. I love the colors: An added bonus is the use of three 1x3 doors on each side of the unit: And the completed locomotive two-tracks long: NOTE: the stickers would really enhance the overall detail, but I never put them on. The train does not include a 9V motor, but does have an addition two grey wheel sides to cover the motor wheels. Assembly is included within the instructions. SUMMARY The BNSF is a wonderful addition to the 9V line-up of Lego Trains. The colors are the most impressive feature including new dark green, orange, black, and light grey. What a fantastic color palette! Secondly, the fact that Lego offered an imposing U.S. diesel locomotive is outstanding, and I'm sure well appreciated among Lego train fans. The high level of details contained in this locomotive can be compared to the Santa Fe Super Chief, but unfortunately, the roof of the main motor unit does not detach like that of the Super Chief, decreasing playability. I like to think that the colors make up for this shortcoming. This set originally sold for $40 (USD), which at the time, I thought was pricey. Now, I would not hesitate to buy this set for the same price given Lego's 2009 mark-up. I hope you have enjoyed this Lego Train Review. Please share your thoughts.

Nice job KD. I like how you have planned and organized your layout well. In regard to your older message, you can keep it open. I would just recommend that you don't post to it anymore. The pictures of all those awesome sets are terrific. I see so many that I have and do not (like the Metro Garage - what a beauty). EDIT: KD, I would recommed that you look into using Track Designer. It's a great little program (and easy to use (for even me)). You can build your road plates and train track, plus it will give you the overall measurements. It's a great program to design your town.

Chapter 3 is now open.

Nighty night... sleep tight... Don't let the bed bugs bite... :skull: "Working on mysteries without any clues... Working on the Night Moves" At 8:00 am, an extremely tired group of seven passengers and five crewmen stumble into the Dining Car like half-dead apocalypse zombies in search of coffee and tea. It has been a most unrestful night for them during their sleepless night filled with dynamic Night Moves. Sitting within the Dining Car as Schmelt brews some smooth Columbia Sierra Nevada coffee, they eagerly share their Night Move antics with one another. - Reenactment - Midnight: Herman waits for most of the others to sleep, then gets busy. He starts by tying a bright neon-pink Wham bandana with the words "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" around his forehead as he places camouflage green makeup below his eyes in Rambo-like fashion. Mission Impossible music begins playing through the Emerald's speaker system. Herman proceeds by pulling out all his "tighty whities" from a drawer tying each together to form a very long brown skid-marked rope; elongated by too many atomic wedgies. He sets a trip-wire snare with his not-so-whities in front of his cabin door as he sits upright in bed like a scene out of Leonardo DiCaprio's "The Beach". 12:01: "Brakes" knocks on all the Crew Cabin doors waking up the entire Train Car. He tells them he'd like to have a "chill-out session" over some waffles in the Dining Car. "Haven't you had enough Eggos for vone day", Schmelt tells him before all four doors are slammed in his face. The loud banging almost trips Herman's skid-marked snare. 12:55: Steve Thomas walks through the entire train making sure everything looks good, before beginning his shift in the Engine. He discovers nothing unusual. 2:00: Schmelt enters the Luggage/Supply Wagon where he ducks out behind some large Eggo boxes. He waits... 2:31: Conductor Max sneaks into the Luggage/Supply Wagon and opens one of the lockers with his master key. Schmelt shines a flashlight in his face as the two men look at each other with surprise and distrust. They return to their cabins. 3:00: Mark Williams sneaks into the Dining Car for a "midnight snack". He looks around, enters the kitchen, and begins eating an Eggo. 3:01: Austin sneaks out of his room quietly and walks through the Dining Car where he passes Mark Williams. "Howdy Pardner", he says to Mark with some surprise. Mark offers him an Eggo before the two men return to their rooms. 3:15: Arin Schafer sneaks out of her room (Passenger Car #2) to have a closer look at the location where the knife was found (just a few feet from her room). She gets down on her knees to look at the carpet closely. 3:15: Greaseman sneaks out of his room (Passenger Car #1) toward the Dining Car. He does not see Arin on the floor of Passenger Car #2 and trips over her falling to the ground. His head hits Herman's door causing the "Tighty Whitie" trap to snare! Herman lunges toward Greaseman and the two begin to wrestle in a pile of underwear until both are wearing them on their heads. An amused Arin can only laugh at the nerd fest as she begins humming "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go". Around 3:30, they all go back to their rooms still laughing over the underwear wrestling session. 3:33: Jim Butcher sneaks out of his room to the Dining Car. He looks around only to find some waffle crumbs on one of the tables. 4:30: Eleanor Grigsby is suddently awoken by "Bulldog" who pounces on her bed like a big 220 pound lap dog. He pins her down and asks her repeatedly, "Are you a man or a woman?... are you a man or a woman? I can spot a lyer"! Eleanor is able to get away, picks up her face that she placed in a jar by the door, and looks at Bulldog only to say... "I'm not a man, I'm just lonely". Bulldog leaves her room with his tail between his legs ashamed at what he had done. 5:30: Eleanor still can't sleep as she listens to the Beatles song Eleanor Rigby on her I-Pod. She grabs a crossword puzzle and proceeds to the Observation Car/Lounge where she waits until morning. 6:00: Brakes wakes up and checks the Engine. He finds Steve Thomas there sound asleep. After waking him up, Steve realizes that Conductor Max had never relieved him. "More coffee or tea anyone"? Schmelt asks...

To keep our story moving; at this time, I'm going to assume that the remaining passengers and crew members have retired to their rooms. Conductor Max and Engineer Steve Thomas each take a turn manning the Engine with a few hours "unattended time" between their shift change. This is the fun part... Now that everyone is alone and the fear begins to permeate, you begin to sweat. Where did the knife come from? Is it safe? or will it perhaps be used while you doze into an unrestful sleep? Trust no one... Jim Butcher recalls something falling out from someone's baggage. Could it have been the knife? What is this whispering among the crew and what "girl problems" can Herman be having, if that's what it is? Who might be outside your cabin at this very moment waiting for you... SLOSH! A vision of something out of Mystery Ship suddenly appears within your cabin window... A dream, it's just a dream... Each individual may make one "Night Move" aboard the train. To do so, send me ONE Private Message with the specifics of what you will do or attempt to do. For added fun, I need to know the exact time you notice on the watch/alarm clock before you make your move. - Title your PM "Night Move" - Exact Time (between midnight and 7:00 am) - What you will do (if anything) - please be specific See above to tell which train car you are in. After I receive 12 individual PMs, Chapter 3 will begin. Nighty Night!