WesternOutlaw

While I love 9V trains mainly because of the old grey electric track, and many of the items mentioned above, the R/C system does have a huge advantage. There is no limit to the amount of track that one can run. I also own an LGB train as well as a Playmobil train that I break out during the holidays. The Playmobil train is R/C. It's great! All I have to do is insert the rechargeable battery, and it's good to go. I can sit on the couch and control the speed, reverse directions, etc. It's a lot of fun. I didn't buy either of the Lego R/C trains because I didn't like the thought of all the batteries, as well as another system, with a third style/variation of track (Old Grey, New Bley, Non-Electric). I am looking forward to the new system (just have to get over the "track thing"). But many of us have a lot of 9V accessories (track, transformers, and motors), and I think this is why the big campaign to save 9V. The lighting potention and electrics to power trackside buildings was limited - I think being the biggest disadvantage. I still like the power of 9V and the classic idea of plugging in the transformer to a wall outlet. Good question and good discussion.

I'm actually still working on the exterior, adding more details. I've about run out of tan, so I'm working on a few accent colors. I'll share more pictures of the complete MOC soon. The Ghost is from 10176 King's Castle. He was actually included in a number of Classic Castle sets. Although he does glow in the dark, I photo-enhanced the color to make it more green and brighter.

Spam removed. Just let us know when you spot it. Thanks.

Really interesting mix of themes. I like it. The mountain looks good with all the 1x2 slopes. My only complaint is that the cowboy should be shoot'n holes in some alien butt, not the other way around. Aside from that, great MOC! It's nice to see such originality.

Absolutely fantastic BlueBard! What an outstanding creation. I really like this smaller sized Modular, not as large as the Green Grocer and Cafe Corner. The sign and the colors immediately catch my attention. The details inside are wonderful, esp. that back room with Mafia. This deserves a BLOG! Great gob and my favorite of your collection.

How about a train station or other trackside structure for the Emerald Night? Wouldn't that be unexpected?

Thanks KD. If I had more tan (already made two large tan Pick A Brick orders (pricey$$$)), I would have liked to create a much larger model, closer to the original. I had been looking at numerous pictures prior to visiting Death Valley, studying the architecture and floor plan. I guess you could call Grimwell Manor a "Scotty's Castle Inspired Creation", as it's not really in the shape of the actual castle; perhaps just the Clock Tower. To answer your question though, since making Grave Stone Cemetery, I had thought about making a Boot Hill-type Cowboy Graveyard inspired from the classic western, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. I wanted to make it on the top of a hill, but not quite sure how to do so with very limited bricks. I did think about creating a 2nd version, but I didn't really plan to make one in the fashion of Scotty's Grave, as there's not much more than the large cross and a tombstone. A large single cross would be interesting. Maybe I'll experiment a bit - nice idea! What is interesting about my recent visit to the grave; however, are the four Scotty quotes printed on the monument. I had just attended a work-related class that was talking about how to keep a good attitude (a week before visiting Scotty's Castle). There was a book mentioned (can't remember the name), that mentions four secrets to success. They are the same, so I found this very inspirational. I also picked up a few small rocks on the hill as a keepsake. I thought that was kinda neat. I'm no geologist, but they are rather heavy for their small size, perhaps an ore of somekind? But maybe I will build a small gravesite. EDIT: KD: It's interesting to read your thoughts of Scotty's Castle as a fellow Wild West fan. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Just spotted it on LSAH. Thanks for the info.

Okay folks. I think we can all express our opinions without name calling and labelling. Let's understand that everyone has a different opinion, and focus on the topic/subject rather than insulting one another. This is fun place in which we can share our interests, in a mature and professional manner. Let's keep it fun, please.

I have to admit that while I love the train and the future potential of the power system, $100 (USD) for the train and another $100 for the power system package is pretty high. I suppose we have to look at the Power System from the perspective of all that it can do, and not just for trains. I'm wondering if Lego will offer a package deal for both (train & power system), before I order them separately.

Sorry about the double post (we mods usually frown on this sort of thing ); however, I've been working on Grimwell Manor and wanted to share an image of the new revised castle. Still adding, but this particular image was taken in natural light (unfortunately in the shade). I'll continue to share additional images as I make major additions. the castle is getting quite large (although the picture is a bit deceiving).

I look forward to seeing pictures and reading your review. This set has a Classic Town feel to it with the bicycle and shop. Looks very promising.

Very nice SD. Something about this reminds me of old Classic Castle. (perhaps it's the green dragon). I love the yellow and red color combination. Very clever idea to blend new castle with old with the ogre and dragon. Your MOC looks fantastic!

Very nice KD. I enjoy seeing your acual brick-built creations. Over the past few months, I've been looking at Spanish-style missions, villas, and architecture. Judging by your creation, I see that there are some similarities between Roman and Spanish design, like the courtyard. Your courtyard looks very nice. I also like the colors that you selected. The red roof is very fitting and adds to the style of your creation. I would love to see this in a minifig scale creation with some Roman senators, but I'm sure it would require a lot of bricks. Nice job!

Very impressive Xplmy. I really like the uniqueness of this combined group of figs. The mood that you've captured with these dark knights is outstanding! The little additions like the large talismans or decorative symbols using the bats is very clever. I'm amazed at how much this entire seen does NOT look like Lego, but rather an alternative building system, with a much darker theme. I can envision a large black dragon in the sky above these figs. I'm impressed!

Tick! Tock! Tick! Tock!... Good Ol' Tex has expanded his foreboding castle, Grimwell Manor. After nearly a year of bloody construction, this recent addition stands as the tallest structure in Grave Stone. While Tex is quite proud of the monumental Clock Tower, something isn't quite right. Since completion of the tower, strange things have been occuring. Right before midnight, a strange green glowing figure can be seen climbing the stairs to the tower, as if summoned by a mysterious force. Some of the local Indians whisper of the Spirit of Nukpana or "Evil One". They say He has been summoned by those seeking retribution for the young Indian men who lost their lives to build the great structure. And when the clock strikes midnight, a horrible moaning sound comes belching from the inner workings of the clock tower. My latest addition to Grimwell Manor, which nearly took most of my remaining tan bricks, the Haunted Clock Tower. I'll share some additional pictures soon. EDIT: Please see the Scotty's Castle Mystery Tour that has inspiration images of the actual clock tower.

What a clever creation! This is the most original use of a Wizard's hat that I've ever seen. Excellent!

Nice review Starstreak. I did move this from Trains & Town to OTHER THEMES though, where the RACERS theme is posted. I don't own any Racers sets, but I really applaud Lego for trying to capture the Hotwheel/Matchbox car fans with sets like this. I think it looks very nice and have been looking at it in the Toy Stores for some time. I really like that grey coupe (my favorite of the cars). Thanks for taking the time to review this set. It looks great!

Excellent Hinckley! You really did a fantastic job with creating the Smart House in Lego. I esp. like the brown wood exterior sections. The small window design works well. I don't have any suggestions as to how to improve your creation (as it's far better than I could have done with my basic building style). The more I look at it, the more I like it (like the stairs in the back). Definately a piece of art!

Thanks SD. I don't usually do this, but I've been experimenting with a few different backgrounds, with the same image: Here's the same MOC with a day time background (an image of Death Valley). Unfortunately, the tan ground/mountain doesn't do too much for the same color base. I may try your suggestion and photograph it in the sunlight.

Very nice Benny. I'm very unfamiliar with Asian trains, and it's neat to see you building these in Lego. What stands out for me is the combination of colors (the green, grey, and blue and yellow stripes) - a very unique and pleasant color variety. It really adds interest to the creation. I also like the way you created the observation window (simple, but very creative - like that of the orginal train). The extra little details you took time to add finishes off the MOC nicely. Great job on this! I'd like to see it run along some track.

Outstanding article Dragonator! You know which two I like. Now I want one of those Colts (hell, even that mini Derringer looks great). Well done!

We're always looking for image reviews. Pinned under the main Trains & Town Forum is the Review Index. You can check out what sets have been reviewed and which ones have not. It would be even better if you have some of the sets that haven't been reviewed yet.

Welcome BACK Accurate. It's great to see you've decided to collect the Town/City sets as part of your Lego interest. Your pictures are very nice and enjoyable to look at. EDIT: I like the forklift of the cargo truck very well. Great set!

I think many of you are getting hung up on this being called a castle. Compared to European castles of the Middle Ages, I can see why some don't consider it a castle. While I have no issue with it being referred to as such, Scotty's Castle was a nickname for what it really was, and that is Death Valley Ranch. There are also homes a lot older throughout the U.S. that aren't called castles. To me, this is a Western "Romantic Castle" containing architectural features of a Spanish Castle - but let's not get hung up on a name. That's not what this is about. Although the Wild West era took place before the 1900s, this house is really part of "Old West" history in Death Valley. Thanks Teddy.