WesternOutlaw

Brick Yard Set #: 580 Year Released: 1975 Piece Count: 195 Minifigs: none List Price: unknown My first Lego town set was this great Brick Yard (Set #580). The set was far ahead of it's time as it contained some very nice elements including printed Legoland 1x4 bricks, 1x2 black tyles, the blue dumptruck piece, a working conveyer, the yellow crane piece with spring, and a green baseplate that had smooth sections for the vehicles. What a great early town set! Starting with the instructions, they are worn and unfortunately missing one section. I suppose I'm lucky to still have them after all these years. The dump truck. I've always liked the large blue basket piece, but never used it in a MOC. I saw it once used as a mining car (perhaps on Brickshelf): The front-end loader (for lack of a better name): The crane that rolls very nicely on blue track pieces. The original black string was replaced by the white string that you see in the picture: A conveyor mechanish lifts 1x1 bricks up to the second floor where they can fall into the dump truck parked below: Here's a shot of the upper section. I've always loved those printed Legoland signs: And a larger view of the building with lots of yellow 1x6s and 1x8s. The set also includes the unique 3x2 windows and a small 2x3 door. Lastly, a view of the complete set: The Brick Yard, released in 1975 is truly a classic town set. Hope you enjoy this classic review. It's fun to reconstruct these old sets.

WF: I really appreciate your comments and comparison of this great classic with the new police plane. Some people forget that this set is 30 years old. While I myself did not give this set a five (rather a four), it's great to see that others (like yourself) can appreciate the value of a vintage set. I agree completely with your point about this set being completely made of bricks vs. "<insert that tiresome argument>" pieces used in newer sets. Further, specialized pieces did not exist in the late 70s making sets like this even more difficult to look realistic. Considering all of the above (age, design, brick-built, color, and playability, I rated this set a four. While I think the new Police Plane looks awesome, it does use the large "duplo-like" pieces to give it the sleek look that it has. I own the last passenger plane set that also has some of these pieces with decals. They look good, but aren't too much fun when it comes to building, plus one is pretty much stuck with building an airplane with the specialized pieces. In any case, I thank you again for making some very good points and critical review of the Sea Plane. I hope that others can appreciate the value of this set. It appears that the majority of the comments have been very positive. I did think that many would rate this set lower based on comparison with modern standards. It's great to see that you can see the quality of vintage sets like this one.

6927 All Terrain Vehicle Year Released: 1981 Piece Count: 167 Minifigs: 2 List Price: $14.50 A very unique vehicle in the Classic Space collection was this "All-Terrain Vehicle" which I always considered more along the line of a Mobile Lab. The set introduced/infused white and black bricks with classic blue space pieces. The result was this great classic vehicle. The set includes two figs (still red and white): Here's a view of the vehicle which is really two components, the vehicle itself and the lab section: I absolutely loved the the blue windshield slopes (2 included), and the unique upside-down large blue slope: In the back of the vehicle is the blue lab: The back section of the vehicle has hinges that allow the jets sections to open: The brick design fits perfectly into the lab, and when opened, the lab falls to the ground: NOTE: the little round trans. red 1x1s allow the lab to slide up and forward when the jet sections are closed. I tried taking off the red 1x1s and the lab does not lift as easily with them. The design is very clever, esp. for a classic set. Here's a shot of the stand-alone lab: Unlike earlier Classic Space windows, this set has train window frames with yellow windows. The top of the lab lifts up for playability: Inside the lab are several computers and a swivel chair: Back to the vehicle, here's a shot of the cockpit with white steering wheel: The left side has an upside-down wrench and black antenna: The right side, a walkie-talkie and another antenna. The antennas can be used as breaks to keep the middle wheels from moving: Here's ashot of the under carriage: And a final shot of the complete set: For those of you following my Classic Space reviews, this is review number 9 of 10. My final review of an-all time favorite will be coming soon. Hope you enjoyed this review. Comments are always welcome.

Thanks BDB. I'm glad you enjoyed the "nostalgia". Thanks T. Great rating for this vintage set. It was so much fun "back in the day". Mak: as a new member of EB whose made one single post, I suggest that instead of pointing out the negative and being insultive (at least this is how I am reading your comment), you first introduce yourself and/or contribute in a positive manner. While a "classic" or "vintage" tag is not a bad idea at all, most who see a "three-digit" number realize this is early Lego. The release year is also provided in the review. At the same time, comments are more valued when a constructive tone is used.

There's more classics coming soon!

Hospital Set #: 555 Year Released: 1975 Piece Count: 222 Faceless Figs: 7 List Price: unknown Lego's first hospital was a great set! It included the main hospital building, an ambulance, wheelchair, gurney, and seven faceless figs. For 1975, this wasn't bad at all. Starting with the instruction. These are still in pretty good shape. As a child, I wasn't too "into" hospitals. The ambulance is quite simple, and the stickers have long since worn off: It does have some white shutters on the back that allow the gurney or a minifig to be placed inside. Two figures attached to the gurney carry a sick/wounded man: Another attendant pushes a lady in the wheelchair: A man rests on a bench outside the hospital. I always thought the yellow leg piece was uncommon: A nice hospital design on the roof: The red hospital. I always thought the use of the 2x2 grey tiles was a nice addition for the ambulance to roll on. And a shot of the entire set, minus one female hospital fig that I forgot to place in the scene before taking the picture: Hope you enjoy the review of this great classic hospital.

KD: of all your fig sets so far, this is my favorite. Overall, they have a nice blend of colors and look as if they could be classic Lego WW figs. The guy in the red looks likes he's wearing Long Johns . My only question is why did you go with all standard smiling faces (not to say they don't work)?

Sea Plane First, I'd like you to sit back for a moment and take you back to a nostalgic Lego time frame, 30 years ago. The year is 1978. The time is 10:00 on a Saturday night. A young boy is sitting next to the couch in front of a television, building a great Lego set that he got from "Santa". He open's the instructions quickly to build the following blue sea plane: He pays no attention to the alternate models pictured on the instructions: Starting with a little motor boat, the pieces come together quickly: Then, a few faceless red figures before the main model: A glance at the television... as he builds the model. It didn't take as long as expected despite the numerous blue bricks and bottom upside-down sloped pieces: An awesome propeller complimented with some yellow 1x1 round bricks (new pieces - yay!): A side view of the model after lying on the floor: And a little cockpit where one pretends the figures fly the plane: Now it's time to re-create Fantasy Island with Set #712, the Lego Sea Plane. SPLASH! It's time for bed. In the morning, he get's to play Sea Plane! Set # 712 (same as 371 from 1976) Year Released: 1977 Pieces: 230 Faceless Figs: 2 Price: Around $10 - $15 USD. Hope you enjoyed this review! It brings back some childhood memories.

Steam Shovel with Carrier With New Picture Update! Set #: 730 Year Released: 1973/1974 Piece Count: 101 Minifigs: 0 List Price: approx. unknown One of my oldest sets that is still intact (meaning I was able to find all the pieces), is this classic set from1973/1974, Steam Shovel with Carrier. Did you think 6-stud wide vehicles were new to Lego City? Well, not really. This classic is in fact a very early version of 6-stud wide vehicles pre-dating the armless faceless minifigs. The set includes a number of very unique pieces that have not been made again. Starting with the instructions, very worn and tattered, but still useable: The flatbed truck. Isn't she a beauty? The flat bed is 24 studs in length (and that's just the length of the single red baseplate). This is the cab of the vehicle. It uses the classic 3x3 doors with clear upper section: The Lego "Steering Brick" is original (no decals). It is connected to a rod that steers the wheels at the base. The brick also keeps the steering column from falling off: How about this for a rare piece? It's a 5x6 blue baseplate with hole for the steering column: And heres the wheel set and steering column attached to a very unique black baseplate: Here are some of the pieces (all original) used on the cab. No decals here. The blue 1x6 was also used on the Moon Landing set (#565) I should point out that very early Lego sets used this type of steering design for it's vehicles. I have a few more of the holed-baseplates and a white steering column from an earlier set that was handed down to me. I have no idea what the set was, but know it must have been VERY old. Moving on to the flatbed, at the end of the 24 stud baseplate are two hinge pieces that allow the Steam Shovel to drive off the flatbed: Now the Steam Shovel; red and yellow, a nice color combination for a construction vehicle. Here's a close-up. I could not locate a 2x6 yellow brick (as common as it is), so replaced it with 2 1x6 bricks for rebuilding: The other side of the vehicle shows the spool piece. These are what the early ones look like. They even had a metal turning device: Moving the pulley up lifts the steam shovel arm: Here's the complete set: And pictured with some construction figs: Close-up: A shot of the Steam Shovel with Carrier as it makes it's way through Tabletown: One of the best things about a set like this is that you can haul just about anything, including... Another construction vehicle: Or even a few classic 4-stud wide cars: Final Thoughts: Although this set was from a pre-minifig era, it's an all-time classic. Using just simple bricks, Lego was able to design a nicely detailed set that can be easily incorporated into a more modern town. I may try mofifying the cab and the steam shovel to allow the inclusion of minifigs. Hope you enjoyed this pre-Classic Town set review!

Was this not the name of the puss? I would remind the loyal and the brave that sneaking around by night like assassins is devilishly fiendish and against the teachings of both the Church and the Kingdom. There are other ways to catch a killer. I would suggest that the loyalists start representing themselves as the nobility they are; otherwise, we may never distingish between the good and the bad (although I'm starting to get an idea of who the UGLY are).

Awesome! I had not seen these before. They would really make nice plates for a SW Death Star scene. Thanks for sharing.

It is the spiritual presence of the Angel Michael. He whispers the truth to us. (pulls out "Interpretation of Angelic Spirit Whispers For Dummies") - YEP'ERS! I'd recognize that BIRD anywhere. DOUBLE VOTE meow! VOTE GENERAL SPENCER - An additional vote for Puss Cats (pulls Moris out a second time from under his robe). (Looks to make sure no arrows or attack dogs appear from the sky )

Bold? - by asking questions rather than lynching the damned. I think not. It is not the Loyalists I fear, but rather those that sneak around in the night. Are you one of these demons that must do the devils bidding in the shadows? Your accusations and near threats of finding me "unsafe" tonight cast suspicion of your "good intentions". I do not need an invitation to join Loyalists for they know that I protect the good and righteous without bribing me to join them to protect myself. These are not the actions of the Graced nor Noble, but rather the actions of one who fears the Light of Good. I shall shine it upon you, and Rodrigous, and others who cloud themselves. If by the hand of Satan, I am cast down; then I do so with anticipation to join the Angels in Heaven. Let those of you who have heard his words know that I am suspicious of two, General Spencer, and the Lady Suzanne. VOTE GENERAL SPENCER If I shall walk through the Valley of Death, I shall fear no Evil.

Excellent review SC. Thanks for sharing. The figs are awesome. I really like the female villain - an excellent face. I also like the agent uniforms. The laser gun is perfect. It has that Peter Sellers/Pink Panther dooms day device look that I envision when I think of laser destruction. The volcano has some neat features as well, like the trans. red/orange lava. It is a bit heavy on stickers though, as are many new sets/themes. But overall, I think this set will really appeal to the kids. - A great review of a neat set.

What a neat little ship Phred. It reminds me a bit of the Emperor's Ship (perhaps it's just the color). I realy like how you made the custom rigging. It looks good. I have not seen too many ships this size. I like the overall dimensions, and it looks fun. Great job!

306 Lunar Landing Plates Year Released: 1979 Piece Count: 2 Minifigs: 0 List Price: unknown As part of the Classic Space Collection, Lego offered two sets of moon plates. One was a set of two crater plates, and the other, this very useful Landing Plate set. Not much to review, but worth sharing a few images: The landing plate: And T-Plate: The two plates connect to form this very nice Classic Space landing platform: Set 497, Galaxy Explorer included the landing platform, but the one that I had was lighter in color than the one contained in this set (at least the yellow circle). Future Lego space sets could benefit by having similar road plates. Share your thoughts.

A wise choice my son. What did you say your name was? To make sure the Church tiding envelopes go to the right person.

LOL Wait, I'm having another .

Perhaps, but I have seen and heard things that I can not speak of. I would ask that you trust me and have faith in my wisdom. Let the Generals answer my questions and then decide who is lying. What else would you do given these bits of truth and deception... Rely on the insticts of Puss Cats? We also need to explore the Garden of the Lady Suzanne. I'm very interested in knowing what exactly she grows in the courtyard garden??? POISON, perhaps...

General Spencer: In the name of All Things Good, you shall speak the truth of last night regarding your wereabouts, or forever be doomed to the fiery plane of torment! I notice that you wear the same cape as General Marcus. Could you explain? How difficult would it have been for you to change your pants to those of General Marcus? Where were you last night? I don't trust you General Spencer and I will be watching you closely (looks around for shooting arrows from the sky). General Marcus: I'm sorry that I must ask you these personal questions. I believe you are a man of faith and innocent of these wrong doings. Do you take your pants off to sleep? If so, where do you place them? Do you keep your room locked? If so, who else might have a key (perhaps another General, and I don't mean Veers). Have you ever served as an alter boy? OK, strike that last one. All Generals who are guilty of wrong-doing, please take a step forward. NOT SO FAST General Spencer! At least not until you answer my questions. Early Medieval Telephone Invented by Galileo Call for General Spencer, it's for you... It's General Marcus, he wants his pants back! And Lady Suzanne: Where art thou?

Sorry about the double-post, but I received my exclusive Indy Adventure Hero set today and wanted to share some pictures. Check out this box that I received in the mail: Backside Front Corner: Side view: Inside are the two figs enclosed in plastic: The white horse: And Indy: This concludes my Indiana Jones Adventure Hero Collection. I know that most of you die-hard Lego fans aren't into this stuff, but it was a fun little collection that gets one away form building a bit. Hope you can appreciate Adventure Heroes.

(Walks into the room pulling a cat from under his robe). Was this what you're looking for? What a long night. I had the strangest .It was a vision that the Lady Suzanne is not what she appears to be. What grows in thy garden, my Lady? Perhaps you can tell us of your green thumb? General Marcus is not a killer. He is too clever to have given himself away this easy. I suggest that we turn our efforts towards General Spencer instead. I have been watching him closely over the past few days. He and Lady Suzanne should be questioned immediately.

Thank you all for the great suggestions. I broke down and purchased the Recon Drop Ship that I've been admiring for some time. I have mixed feelings in regard to the set. Perhaps I'll share some comments as a Classic Space fan.

I don't own the Starfleet Voyager, but I did Mars Mission-up the Surface Explorer. Here's a link to the MOC: Mars Explorer

I've been experimenting by combining some Class Space sets with Mars Mission, and came up with this MOC (mostly based on the Surface Explorer #6880): Comments welcome.