WesternOutlaw

I don't know about this, but I'll go with the majority. VOTE ADAM/FRED Sorry my son...

I think he's playing the Pagan Un-Believing Excommunicated Traitor. - I think.

You should judge a man by his actions, not by the false accusations of others. My innocence was proven once before; and if I'm not mistaken, once after that. If you would like to question me about anything, you may trust me to speak the truth. I will answer any questions. You are judging me on the failed attempt on my life - by a traitor. What could be my defense against this? Nervously pulls out "1,001 Defenses from the Best Medieval Defense Esquires". Let me see... I think I have one (NO) Not that one... Let me try this... NO... Oh $HIT!... EDIT: (still thumbing through book)... OK, I think I have this one (NO)... Well, how about this ONE, NO! Damn! - these really bite! Got one... No, let me try this one... This one is better. wait... (Pulls out a noose from under his robe)... OK, I give up... Here you go, if you must!

I shall be forced to EXCOMMUNICATE you from the Church and the KINGDOM. Your soul shall rot in the fiery plains of darkness, for this blasphemy... This man is a TRAITOR! And wants me dead. I call upon all the loyalists in this room to vote against him, in the name of the Church and of the Kingdom. Yes, good deductive reasoning my son. You shall be granted a special place in the Church. You shall rise from the ranks of Alter Boy to Alter Man! Yes, such a ploy is definately absurd. The acts of a traitor were thwarted in the night by the grace of Heaven. I have lived to share His word, and continue to protect the Kingdom. Those that vote against me are against the King and the Loyalists. Definately an unsettling turn of events. I thought proof of my loyalty was provided earlier in the week, yet a shadow is being cast upon me now. Look at that shadow closely, and trust in the one that does not sneak about in the night. I ask you to trust in me and the good of the Loyalists. (begins to have another vision) Like a Prayer

Outback Amazon Crossing G'day Mates! Another fine review from the Legoland's Desert Down Under. This set makes for an excellent addition to your jungles, deserts, outbacks, or other wild and untamed places. Set #: 6490 Theme: Outback Year Released: 1997 Piece Count: 117 Minifigs: 1 List Price: $15 (USD) Starting with an image of the box, one can conclude that this doesn't look like the Amazon at all, but rather the Outback: On the back of the box are some great alternate models, including a creative idea for a crocodile zoo scene: The instructions have the same images on the front and back: The set comes with one Outback fig, a man dressed in green with a bright red cap - I call him the Crocodile Hunter. Also included in this set is a crocodile, some bones, a skull, backpack, pan, and a few extra trans. round 1x1s. The tools are pictured on the truck: Now here's a great desert/rugged terrain truck: Ready for some 4-wheel'n fun. I love the liftable top window/sun roof and the windshield. I like the use of these colored trans. blue pieces that contrast against the yellow, rather than hide like regular clear pieces: The truck has a few hooks/clips to attach a pick, rifle, antena, and camera. Also attached is a water/oil can and an extra tire that just rests in the back section: The front end of the truck has a great winch and hook to help the truck out of hard places: Working suspension helps the vehicle travel on rough terrain: The truck is just half the fun. This set also offers a nice bridge/creek bed for the truck to drive across: I like the use of six fence/ladder pieces for the bridge. The two in the center have double open sides. Here's the left side: And the right side with a single burp as a mountain/hill: I really like the use of the tan and brown baseplates representing desert and water. The complete set as the Crocodile Hunter tries to climb back into the truck after attaching the winch: Final Thoughts: I've always liked this little set. It offers a great amount of playability with the wonderful little 4-stud wide truck and bridge scene. A few years ago, Playmobil offered a Desert Racing Theme and had this set as my favorite of the collection: Desert racing and adventures through dry creeks and rough terrain make for a great theme. Hope you enjoy this review and consider picking up an Outback set (or two) if you can still buy at a reasonable price. Happy Outbacking! The complete Outback theme: 6444 Outback Airstrip 6487 Mountain Rescue 6490 Amazon Crossing 6550 Outback Desert Racer 6553 Crisis News Crew EDIT: I dedicate this review to the memory of Steve Irwin (1962 - 2006):

Thanks Bullet. I appreciate you saying that. It took a lot of work to find all the pieces; but well worth it, esp. after the set is restored in its original condition. I plan to bag the pieces and label them very well - I don't have most of the boxes either (at least for these early 80s sets). Yes. That's a very good point. As a kid, I had mixed feelings about the inclusion of roadplates. I never thought they looked good as stand alone sets, and having those first initial sets with roadplates made me want to go out and buy more to add to them. I suppose that was a good marketing ploy by Lego (either intentional or unintentional). In addition, Lego catalogues had great town pictures with roadplates. If I can come across some pictures, perhaps I'll post.

Yes! That's appreciating the age and unique parts - THANK YOU!

Even though, little sets <$10, like the new Coast Guard 4WD & Jet, and the Quad are great little City sets. Lego seems to be returning to good quality small sets with their latest City line-up. You should look for them and resurrect it. It really feels good after you've found all the pieces and put a set back together again (as it was when you first bought it).

Yes, I really agree with you in regard to the boxart of sets likes this 5150. They did have a "warmth". It was the combination of bright vivid colors like blue and green with soft background imagery. The art did not overwhelm the sets, but rather enhance them. Very good point.

It's great to see someone reviewing a TRAIN! This set is definately a FIVE! Lego hasn't made a complete train SET like this in a long time. The Metroliner is really a legend among classic trains. The great level of playability and detailing makes it a terrific model. Specifically, I was just noticing the details of the passenger car. It has a sink! - How cool is that? And 11 minifigs - when was the last time Lego included 11 figs in a single set? A truly outstanding train set. Thanks for sharing images as I've always wanted to see it up-close. It would be awesome if you could share some single side shots of the cars.

Nice to see another fan of this set Jessica. This is one of my favorites of the new Castle line. I shared an image review around the same time last year: Skeleton Ship Attack.

Outback Desert Racer G'day Mates! Today from the Legoland's Desert Down Under, I'll be sharing an image review of Outback Set #6550, Desert Racer Set #: 6550 Theme: Outback Year Released: 1997 Piece Count: 48 Minifigs: 1 List Price: $4 (USD) Starting with an image of the box: And the back side with three alternate models: Instructions and decals: The pieces: A side view of the vehicle: Diagonal view: One minifig: And the complete set: PROS: - Price is under $5 ($4 USD retail) - good impulse set - Goes well with other Outback sets - Combination of yellow and green pieces - Working doors and liftable top for playability CONS: - Stickers on doors, hood, and 1x4 tile. No printed pieces - No accessories (a wrench, gas can, and other extras would have added to the set) - No extra tire for blow outs SUMMARY: I picked this set up new a number of years ago as a true "Impulse Buy", after buying one of the larger Outback sets (Amazon Crossing or Outback Airstrip). It's a neat little addition to the theme with its working doors and playability factor. Although I only built it once before today, I would buy again if I had the opportunity. Hooroo for now! Some good Aussie music to leave you with: Down Under

I did not know that Europe had a different quad (or at least one without the bazooka). Interesting that the gun was removed from the European sets, or added to the US sets. I sort of like the chain. I also notice a big difference in the boxart. Destroyed city to prehistoric volcano. I wonder if the story was different as well? Thanks for sharing a good picture. ----------------------------------------- Well, it does look like the Dino Quad has the upper hand; almost double the votes.

Spirits anyone?

Thank you all for taking time to provide your feedback re. this vintage set. I appreciate the fact that many of you weren't even born when this set was released, but yet you can recognize the quality of early Lego design, and without minifigs. What I think is most interesting about this set is its age. To think, this set was released in 1974 (1973 according to Lugnet). That's over 35 years old! The printed parts are still in good shape. I think it's due to quality paint and plastic during this era. In any case, I enjoy reading your commenst and thoughts re. this true classic.

That would be an example of THRIVING MEGA-METROPOLIS as opposed to a slow-paced Classic Town. I wonder what your roadplate to building ratio is? I think I can actually make out a FOCAL POINT in your City. The soccer field serves a a great Town City Square. This is what my layout would look like if I were to build every set in my Town collection (minus the crane). I'd hate to have to dust it. Thanks for sharing DS.

Thank you. That's good to hear. In regard to your question, there's a few ways you can go about connecting your buildings: 1) My preferred method is to remove the roadplate from your town after you've created your road layout. Then, build your structure on the roadplate and return it when you are done. 2) If this approach is not feasible due to having to take up a few baseplates, do a stud count of your studded area when the roadplates are together. For example, one of the road plates pictured in the article above has 9-studs of space between the road and the edge of the plate. Combining two gives you an area of 18-studs wide to work with. You can build on a separate baseplate, then remove and add to your town when complete. I also do this sometimes. 3) Build your structure directly on your road layout, one brick-at-a-time. 4) For larger buildings, it may not be feasible for you to build on one roadplate. You can use a standard green or grey plate to build your structure atop. When complete, place it in your town as either a "focal point" (town center), or "dead zone" (an area where your road plate ends). In the picture above of the "Classic Town Restoration - June 2008", look for the red town house with blue roof. You could call this a "dead zone", my term for an area where the road plate ends. The fires station to the right of the picture is another one. Most importantly, try a few different methods to see what works best for you. I hope this answers your question. Good luck with connecting those buildings.

Building a Classic Lego Town: 7 Tips for a Terrific Tabletown Upon reconstructing a number of my classic town sets ranging between the years of 1975 to 1982, I had trouble with a layout that worked well in a limited space. In addition I wanted a small classic town that looked as if the sets were made in the same era, yet combined sets spanning over seven years, an issue not uncommon to long-time Adult Fans of Lego (AFOL). To offer some advise on the subject, let me offer 7 helpful tips for building a classic town layout. 1) LOCATION Pick your location first. Will your town layout be on a floor, a desk, or dining room table? There is nothing worse than building a large number of sets or MOCs and setting them up, only to find out that your space is too small, or you can't keep your layout on the floor. I prefer a table. The reason being is that I like to sit comfortably on a chair as I move my baseplates/roadplates around the table. Definately avoid places that get direct sunlight. You don't want to pre-maturely age your white bricks. Although not required, it's also nice to build near your location. Otherwise, you must lug your sets/MOCs to another room risking the chance of dropping your creation and/or those town vehicles rolling off your baseplate in transit. Pick a location that you can keep for a while unbothered (away from kids and pets) and not have to move anytime soon. This will assure that you can enjoy your town before having to destroy. 2) SIZE How many roadplates should you use? As a general rule, figure a (1.2 to 1.6) to 1 ratio for roadplates to buildings you plan to add. Using a 1.5:1 ratio will result in a nice/moderate amount of roadplates to buildings. This gives your town driving space which helps the playability factor. There is nothing worse than a town/city so filled with buildings or structures that you can't swoosh or zoom your cars through. EXAMPLE: I'm planning a town with approx. 9 buildings. Multiplying 9 buildings by 1.5 is 12.6 (rounded to 13) roadplates. Lay out 13 blank roadplates on your table and see if this amount fits. Overhang is not good. Consider adjusting your number of buildings based on the 1.5:1 ratio. Only have space on your table for 10 roadplates? That's about 7 buildings. NOTE: I've based this ratio on standard town sets from the early 80s in which one building (like a police station as an example) generally takes up one roadplate. Adjust your ratio based on how full you like your town to look. Not a math wizard? You can always try the practical approach by laying out your roadplates on the tabletop until full. Start constructing your buildings one at a time placing them on your table with roadplates. Keep building until full. This I call the "shotgun approach". 3) FOCAL POINT Create a focal point. Using your FAVORITE or LARGEST set in your collection, place the set near the middle of the town and build around it. This could be your Yellow Castle (ok, that was mine in past towns), Main Street, or a Train Station. Visually, creating a Town Center adds a visual appeal to your town that immediately catches you or the person looking upon your town. Keep in mind that your Town Center does not need to be a building, but could be a park with a green baseplate, or other interesting MOC/set. Here's an example of a Town Center: Yellow Castle Serving as a Focal Point 4) SCALE & STYLE When combining buildings/sets from different eras, make sure to stay in scale. A little Octan Gas Station from 1985 will not look good placed next to Cafe Corner. This goes the same for mixing 4-stud wide cars with new City vehicles that are much larger. Style is also important to maintain when mixing a wide-variety of sets. For a more realistic Classic Town, don't mix Harry Potter or Batman with City. Combining these sets may look awkward. The exception is perhaps if you use a different themed set as your TOWN CENTER (see image above). Old Lego Idea Books and catalogues provide good examples of classic towns. 5) LESS IS BETTER For Classic Town building, as mentioned in "Step 2: Size", "minimalist" style building works better than elaborately detailed MOCs and overcrowded streets. Too many vehicles take away the fun of "playing" in your town. As someone who has multiple sets of a similar theme (like three different fire stations), pick your favorite or the one that most goes with the style of your town, unless building a very large scale layout. A town that only has a few houses, doesn't need more than one fire station. 6) LAYOUT Build one set/MOC at a time on a single road/baseplate each, then add them to your town. This allows you to place them in different locations to see what works the best for your town. You can always remove your base/roadplate from your creation to place it on another roadplate within your city. Sometimes you need to do so to make your roads connect well with one another. Avoid adding all the "little stuff" until you have finished placing all of your creations on your layout. This includes fences, figs, and other accessories. 7) FINISHING TOUCHES Connect all of your roadplates with your favorite connection method(s). This could be trees, 2x2 gray plates, a bench, and/or other combinations of pieces. Be creative and try different things. Avoid using the same method throughout your town, which looks boring and uncreative. You might also consider adding some landcape or scenery. Patches of trees, a small park, fence area, or other additions add a nice visual and unique look to your town. The great thing about Lego is that if you don't like what you've created, you can always rebuild it. I hope you find this article helpful for your town planning. My recent Classic Town, although I'm still adding to it: Classic Town Restoration - June 2008 Happy Building! - TheBrickster, Classic Lego Town Fan

Excellent observation and point WhiteFang. You've got a good eye for the details; and as always, thank you for taking the time to share your constructive comments. I always enjoy reading your thoughts on any particular set. I have not 'DC'. To be honest with you, I've long since forgotten this set. The green shirt guy also appears in the Outback sets. They include crocodiles and other adventures. Usually I write about mysteries though, rather than adventure. Interesting question. Wow! I feel this set is extra special if Holodoc gave it a 5. You've been very conservative with your "High Fives", so this set MUST be a great one. I'm glad to see you appreciate its classic quality. Funny S-8, I thought of you when posting this review because of your avatar. I almost sent you a private message about it. You must like it a lot to have used the decal for your avatar. Excellent! and thank you for your great comments. 6673 is a pretty slick set as well:

That's great! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I went with the classic look of the Beach Patrol, although I like the Dino Attack fig better. The Beach Cruiser reminds me of something out of the Divers theme, esp. with the diving equipment. Both are great little sets though.

In this exciting Image Review Face-Off, the resilient World City Dune Patrol (7042) meets the menacing Dino Attack Sprinter (7473) for a challenge to see which Lego Quad is most favored by Eurobrick members. Inspired by White Fang and our famous news crews' Interview Review of Coast Guard Quad Bike 7736, this review is a challenge between two other fantastic 4-wheelers. Vote for your favorite quad (leaving the Dino Attack dinosaur in the dust). Some images of the boxes of both sets: Beach Patrol 35 Pieces - Released 2004 - $4 (USD) Dino Sprinter 42 Pieces - Released 2005 - $4 (USD) The Dune Patrol has a "Classic Town" look with it's bright yellow pieces and "beach'n" orange fig. A stark contrast to the darker crimson and tan Dino Sprinter with Post Apoc-style fig: The Dino Sprinter quickly takes the aggresive lead: But wait, the sand-covered Beach Patrol is able to get in front of the Dino Sprinter, but "Digger" has something that may even the score: It worked! But the Dino Sprinter is first to see a small "blip" with his blue-radar gun. It's a dinosaur in World City! The Dino Sprinter jumps ahead: OUCH! There's a BUDP in the road - Big Ugly Dinosaur Piece. Both quads and LUDP - Little Ugly Dinosaur Piece escape quickly! You decide which Quad Set is the better of the two. Here's a shot of Digger and the Dune Patrol Driver: And their two great quads: Hope you vote for your favorite Quad and enjoy this review. WARNING! Beware of Mutant Lizard Dinosaurs, both BIG and SMALL.

Interesting. I didn't even realize I had a diary - thought that was just another incomplete Dummies book. How dare you spy on me, esp. considering I shared my fine wine with you. And to think, I thought you were really interested in becoming an Alter Boy . No member of this group has provided me with any information. What little information that I have gained from the "Secret Order" has been riddled and generally false. In fact, one of my votes for a loyalist was based on such information. You need not concern yourselves with WHO I receive information from, as this person visits infrequently. You could have shared your concern with me, my son - in the privacy of a confessional. Instead, you chose to spy on me to discover that my dedication is truly to the King. Your repentance will be great for such an act, something that I may not be able to grant you in my humble position as a mere Friar. You may need to kneel before the Grand Pupa himself and kiss his fez 1,999 times for such forgiveness. I am embrarrassed, humiliated, and ashamed of what you have done My Son...

Do you have any favorite sub-themes for Classic Town or era that you particularly like?

Thanks Soccer. Yes, it's really fun to review the older sets (esp. those that you only built once before). There's more coming.

What a clever review of a neat little set. I picked up one of these last week, but have not opened it yet. It reminds me a lot of World City set 7042, Dune Patrol released in 2004. I like the EB characters depicted in the review. Nice job!