WesternOutlaw

Just keep in mind the "Swoosh Value" of the Flying Wing.

Outstanding review SC! Your images are fantastic. These new construction vehicles remind me a lot of the old metal Tonka Trucks. Thanks for sharing a fantastic review. BLOGGED!

Thanks for saying that Badsneaker. I really appreciate the nice feedback.

That's a really creative and fun idea. I had thought about doing something similar to keep my pirate sets together. My wooden chests are a bit too small though.

Thanks White Fang. I've told you this before, but I always enjoy reading your comments. You always have something positive to say, and also great thoughts on any topic. Definately! What's and Egyptian Desert Adventure without a pyramid? Unfortunately, I didn't order any standard 2x4 tan bricks. Can you believe it? I may have to make a separate order if these are available in tan. I would think they are. Mostly from Wild West sets. I've got a few more, but I don't want to open the sets. Thanks again for the feedback. I'm really looking forward to the tan bricks. I plan to build some ruins in the back to help create a better backdrop. I really enjoy these larger layouts/dioramas, esp. since you can continue to build on them over time.

I think from the value perspective, Peril in Peru is definately the better deal. But what about "the coolness factor"? The Flying Wing is pretty slick. It's also a creation that you can add some custom decals/stickers to (kinda like old airplane models).

7628 Peril in Peru Piece Count: 625 Figs: 6 Extras: Runway Tractor and Trolley Price: $49.99 USD 7683 Fight of the Flying Wing Piece Count: 376 Figs: 4 Extras: Tanker/Fuel Truck and Hidden Cargo Price: $49.99 USD The second Indiana Jones Face-Off is two great planes, Panagra Airways Aircraft and the Flying Wing. This one is a tough one for me, but I must say that I love the new Flying Wing. It inspired me to reassemble my desert sets as part of a Desert Adventure. I'm still deciding which set I like better, but let's see what you other Indiana Jones fan think of these two great sets.

Wow! What a great collection of Ninja-themed figs. I'd love to see you create a large-scale MOC with all of these WhiteFang. I really liked the Ninja theme, short-lived (like Wild West), but definately a great theme. I think we'll see a similar theme in the future, but that's a whole different topic. This is really a nice collection. Thanks for sharing WF.

What a clever idea to review each of the different sub-themes (locations) of the Orient Expedition collection. The use of the Chess Board also makes a very interesting backdrop. As someone who owns every one of the Orient Expedition sets (some in duplicate), I think it was one of Lego's best themes. The story and locations were equally nice reminding me of Indiana Jones without the license; and going back further, a cartoon I loved as a kid called Johnny Quest. As I was collecting these great sets, I put together an Expedition Journal with pictures and stories about each of the sets. I still have it, and it provides a great reference for the theme. Great review article! Thanks for sharing.

Oops! It doesn't. Sorry 'bout that. I was thinking favorites, as opposed to Wild West. I've removed. Thanks Jim. Adventurers are one of my favorite all-time themes; and although Indiana Jones is licensed, I see both themes very similar. I really like the Egyptian Desert better than the Jungle, but as I mentioned above, the desert is a little more challenging to add to. When I get those tan bricks though, I plan to add ruins, maybe a pyramid, etc. In terms of what's next; I don't know about underwater, but Mount Everest would be nice. Perhaps next winter.

That's a good suggestion. I had considered opening up the set to add an additional tent. There is actually one from Sphinx Secret Surprise (5978) on the far left side. You don't see it in the picture: Tent Here's a few more shots that help show the layout: Oasis Well of Souls Gate Aerial View

Thanks guys! I appreciate your feedback. Here's a shot of the diorama with the actual printed backdrop. The picture is a little dark, but it gives you an idea how the actual scene looks:

Updated 01-10-2009: ----- After purchasing the new Indiana Jones Flying Wing (a great set BTW), it inspired me to take down the new 2009 Pirates and build all my desert-related Indiana Jones and Adventurer sets. I had to pull all the tan baseplates that I could find (discovering I had more than I thought), to build the tabletop desert. Adding a small desert oasis, and a few other Indy props, the result is my latest, DESERT ADVENTURE. I was really trying to create something that I would enjoy as much as my last Indy diorama, Jungle Adventure, but with desert being much more barren, it's more challenging than a jungle. In addition, I created a large photo backdrop with sand dunes (along the same line as the Jungle Adventure), but it just didn't look as good as a digital background. This is still a work in process and I've ordered a good supply of tan bricks to create some Egyptian ruins, but here's what I have so far:

Thanks for sharing Aalya. I saw the set at my local Target a few days ago, but have not picked it up yet. I love the bench. It's really nice to see Lego offering these little "classic-style" sets again. My only complaint is the stickers. - still a great set! BLOGGED!

What a fantastic creation! You're a very impressive train builder Sav. It's also nice to read a little history about the engine. Thanks for sharing. BLOGGED!

The winner of EB's Build & Decorate a Train Car Contest is Dr. Brick, with his fabulously festive entry, When Reindeer Fail. To congratulate Dr. Brick or discuss the other outstanding entries, you may do so HERE.

And our winner is Dr. Brick with 20 votes! Congratulations on your outstanding entry! If you wish to congratulate Dr. Brick or dicuss the terrific entries, you may do so HERE.

Nice design KD. I've always fascinated by very small detailed designs like this one. The camera looks good and appears to be at the perfect level for your minifig to look through. Nice job!

I received my Lego SAH Catalogue (US) and Brickmaster magazine yesterday. The one page ad is not in it. (unless you mean the Web Site link - which I don't see). Sure - I don't have a scanner though, but here's a picture:

I've been checking out the Lego SAH web site for some time waiting for their official Pirate site. It's definately not up yet. In the most recent Brickmaster magazine (Jan-Feb); however, there's a full page ad that says "Set Sail for Adventure"... Pirates.Lego.Com I'm interested in seeing their new site, the names of the pirates, etc. Check the link periodically. It should be up soon. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- UPDATE!!! As we've been discussing around the forum, the official 2009 Pirate line has been launched and now LEGO.com has opened the brand new page featuring it here. I'm sure you'll be pleased to find it includes all the usual things you've come to expect: a product lineup, downloads including a poster, wallpaper, a screen saver and comics! Surpringly, it also includes a poll (it's a strange one, but amusing). So, what do you think? How would you rate the new LEGO Pirates product page? Please be sure to vote and then explain your answer, pointing out the things you love, the things you hate, and the things you wish were there. We'd appreciate the input, and I wouldn't be surprised if LEGO would be interested as well. Happy Sailing!

I couldn't have said it better myself WF! Nicely put.

Nice review. This is a nice little set. I like the fact that you can fit a few prisoners in the back. The colors and design work well. Blogged!

What a great set! Lego just doen't make sets like this anymore. This was one of those numerous Castle sets that I missed during my Dark Ages. Nice review PS. This made my Top 13 Ghostly Set List back in 2006. Great set!

This is a very nice review. The pictures are fantastic! I also like the humor with Dr. Evil. I really love those new sharks. I may have to break down and buy this set just to get some of those sharks (although I have one in the new Pirate set, Brickbeard's Bounty, that I haven't opened yet). In any case, thanks for sharing!

The Sidelines Scenes Contest winners have been announced on Classic-Town.net.You may discuss the results HERE.