WesternOutlaw

Nice job Smokebelch! I've always been a fan of Ghost Busters, esp. around Halloween. Now you need an Ecto-mobile for them. This is one of the cars from 10200 Custom Car Garage.

Thanks for the info. I'll check it out. Would you by chance have a picture of one of these cases?

Hi Brickimad, and welcome to EB Trains & Town. I would suggest you introduce yourself in the "Hello, My Name Is..." forum so that others who don't frequent our town can get to know you. Thanks for sharing a picture of your Emerald Night. It's definately a majestic set. I got mine yesterday and built it last night. I'll share some pictures later, as I'm rebuilding my tabletown. It's nice to see others who are train fans on the board. I've also got a pretty good collection of most of the 9V engines and rolling stock. I just wish I had some of the "oldies" from the blue and grey track eras. In any case, welcome, and I hope you enjoy Eurobricks.

What a fantastic review SC! The pictures are so colorful and vivid. This set is definately a step in the right direction for Lego that brings back some of the feel of Classic Town. While very large, the bus is nicely detailed, and really stands out as the better component of this set. I have a few mixed feelings about the rest of the set. I can't quite explain it, but it seems to be lacking something, I'm not sure what. Perhaps it's the detail? The main building (pizzeria) is large, but its exterior is pretty simple. No part of the design really stands out, other than maybe the nice sun roof windows. The bicycle shop is kinda nice. The sticker for the sign helps add detail. Thanks for bringing us a wonderful review, but I'm not sure that I'm a huge fan of this set. Maybe after looking at modulars, it takes away some appreciation for this set. It's definately a lot better than the construction site (7633). As always, I'm loving the figs, esp. the skateboarder. I'm going to go back through your review and look at each of the pictures closer.

I think it's definately time for a new level crossing. In addition, some track-side structures would be awesome. I'm really wondering if new items might be in the 1900s style like the Emerald Night, or just a collection of various trains from different eras. It's fun to speculate.

Wow! That's a long time for a train (not saying that it's bad). I know the Super Chief and BNSF engines took quite a bit longer than previous trains, but the finished products are definately well-worth the time. I often ask this question, because after spending a long time on a set, I'm reluctant to break-it apart any time soon. I'm thinking how I might set of my new train layout now??? Break out the old Train Engine Shed... Perhaps even the Super Chief and BNSF... Should I leave the Farm in the background... What will I do with my Classic Town display... Grimwell Manor... Decisions, decisions...

Thanks Cap'n Z and Holodoc for answering my additional questions. I can't wait to turn those lights on brightly and take the train for a spin around the track. The placement of the I/R Receiver looks rather clever. Would you say that the entire use of the PF system is a bit complex, and/or takes some getting use to; or rather, just another day in the life of a Lego builder? What's the build time of this entire set?

Cap'n Z: After re-reading your review a little closer, I have a few questions. 1) The light kit/wire has two lights. I'm guessing one is used in the center of the large radar dish. Where is the other? 2) Where is the I/R receiver placed, next to the motor? Again, a very nice review and I'm really interested in seeing how this new PF system operates, esp. reading Cavannus' additional remarks. EDIT: also, does the tender open? A view from the top would be interesting to see.

While some of us still don't have our Emerald Night, and others wait to see what else Lego may add to the new rail line, what do you think will be next? A few train cars to add to the beautiful Emerald? Another awesome locomotive? Perhaps a Wild West steam train? A classic 1900s train station? Or other trackside additions? Where might Lego take the new train line? Share your thoughts.

Cap'n Z: this is a beautiful review. It's a gorgeous set. I can't wait to get my replacement and build (next Monday). I'm sitting on one that was damaged in shipping. Your pictures/angles are fantastic. I like the fact that you put it on the patio railing. The colors and 1900s era design look better than in the pictures of the box. I want mine! NOW! Great review and thanks for sharing!

I'm really enjoying the entries so far. This is a great contest White Fang. Thanks for coordinating.

Rather than buy new plastic track, I plan to use my old 9V metal track. That way, I can still have all my old 9V engines and run the new battery-powered Emerald Night. I think this should work okay.

Rupi: I love it! This should be an official set. Very clever creation. I love that custom hot dog stand with excellent sticker. The scene is perfect. Blogged!

In addition to the basic color palette, the overall design was much simpler (esp. sets from the late 70s to early 80s). You could almost look at a picture and build from a single image. This made building and MOCing very fun. It was that "minimalist design" combined with simple, yet very effective design. Sure, 4-stud wide cars were not as detailed as the 6-8 stud vehicles now, but the design was smart. The same thing goes for buildings. In regard to European design, I'm thinking of the late 70s/early 80s sets that had the steep roof tops, tudor design, and castles; in addition to the old DB train sets. These sets were strongly influenced by a European look about them. While these design elements didn't exactly continue in the mid to late 80s and 90s, the charm of the sets continued, like Main Street. So "old-world" charm is what I'm getting at, and it was fantastic. Sure, the sets weren't as detailed as modern city with the use of SNOT techniques and numerous tiles, but that's what made these sets extra special in my opinion. Lego didn't need to design highly complex creations. 4-stud wide vehicles and open back buildings were able to capture a great design with much less, an excellent attribute of Classic Town. But don't get me wrong, just because I love Classic Town, that's not to say that I don't like modern City. The trains, buildings, and vehicles have been fantastic, esp. in the last few years. But as sets are so much larger, creating nice simple town displays is much more difficult, requiring larger space and more room for displaying, plus a lot more time to build the set. I enjoyed the simplicity of Classic Town, and until trying to build my 1979 Classic Town Contest entry, I had forgotten how enjoyable building a town scene was. Great comments everyone! Certainly interesting thoughts re. CLASS in Classic Town.

What a beauty Eti! Great job. This really has the makings of a "top-notch" entry. All have been fantastic so far. I love the overall design reminiscent of the old red train station with the arch over the 2x2 windows, and the clock. The overall design works very well and your interior details are superb. I loving that cypress! And the yellow school bus, just excellent! BLOGGED!

I always enjoy seeing these BEFORE and AFTER pictures. Usually, a cat or pet is often times the "hurricane". Sorry to hear about your unfortunate event. But then again, if your two boys (and cousin) had fun, that's what Lego is all about.

Great pictures Holodoc! Thanks for sharing. I received my Emerald Night today, and couldn't wait to bring it in to start building. Unfortunately, my set (as well as the box for the flex track) was severely damaged. My local carrier (UPS) always seems to smash larger boxes and with the bubble bag shipping material, this causes the set to get smashed. After calling Lego, they will be sending a new one that should arrive Monday of next week. Friday, they'll have the damaged box picked up. In addition, I'm receiving each of the components separately (although I ordered the collection at the same time). I'm still missing one or two of the components (I'm not even sure what). I'm so disappointed! I was seriously thinking about ordering some of the modular city sets, but after this, I don't think I'll be doing so. I'd hate to receive them smashed as well. Very disheartened!

Great comments everyone! Definately a few reasons why we love them. I agree with the majority of the opinions. I went ahead and added two additional choices to the poll (opportunity for creativity and rarity/scarcity). I don't know about the "warm fuzzy feeling factor". This is more of an emotion/feeling than a reason. I definately get it though, and it's probably the nostalgia factor for me. I actually voted for nostalgia factor. As I get older, I realize that I am drawn back to my childhood. As an example, I wonder if I would still like Classic Town had it not been so predominant during my childhood? If ExoForce (or any other theme) had been popular during this time, would I feel the same about it? It's very interesting to see the comments of younger collectors who were not children during the early - mid 80s. Do you like Classic Town compared to the new City sets? This thread might better answer the question.

Then why are you reading this thread and responding? (and no, I don't want you to answer). This is about Classic Town.

Over this past week, I've been looking at all of these great Classic Town sets to get a some nice ideas for the terrific EB Classic Town Contest. It got me thinking, just what puts the CLASS in Classic Town? Is it the color variety? the classic European charm? "minimalist" design? the old 4-stud wide vehicles, and/or other? While I know the answer to this question may be a combination of things, what do you like best about Classic Town? Another interesting Trains & Town discussion...

Interestingly, I actually had two of the red doors you mention (from the old yellow castle). I wanted to use them for the building part of the garage. They were a bit wide and I wasn't able to have a window with shutters, so I removed them. I must say that I like the roll-down garage doors though. There more fun to play with. Wasn't that great! One didn't need a whole table for a single building. Sets have gotten so much bigger. It was 1981 when 6383 Public Works Center was released with the red roll-down garage doors . I think 1990 is pushing it a bit. I had a feeling you'd like this one WF. Thanks for the blog! I'm glad you like it. Thanks. I think I may modify it slightly though, perhaps adding a row of black bricks at the base. In addition, I'm not happy with the taxi sign. I'll have to check that out. Shell colors, let me see... I was thinking Exxon. I'm glad you guys can appreciate the classic style. Thanks for the feedback. I forgot how much fun these little sets are to make.

Over the years (esp as a kid), I build a lot of "Vintage Style" buildings due to many of the old 4-stud high doors and the old windows, as well as a lack of minifigs. I know what your saying. But if I had to build one or the other, I love the newer classic style, which took on a more playful style (with open backs, figs, etc.).

I've rearranged the tiles a few times, removing the checkerboard pattern. I'll post a picture once complete. In the actual Scotty's Castle, the tiles are all red, with grout. I thought the brown would break it up a bit, but still working it. Tile work is tricky.

I've been wanting to build a retro garage for a long time, and after looking at the taxi to my EBCTC Entry, "1979", I thought, How about a Taxi Station? So, not the best picture, but a classic none-the-less, Taxi Station: And a little nostalgia for those of you who remember:

The mysterious Grimwell Manor expands once again... An image of the entire castle. New additions include the "West Wall" with movement of the Ghost Tower. A gate now allows entry along the west wall. In addition, a small cactus garden has been planted toward the front to create a splash of color. In this picture, you can see the new guest room toward the back of the castle. A small Spanish fountain has also been added within the courtyard. Lastly, a pathway of Spanish tiles have been layed in the courtyard, and when more are received, they will lead a path to the East Entrance and Front Gate.