WesternOutlaw

In our current state of high fuel prices and recent observation of Speed Racer and Agent vehicles; I can't help to wonder, should Lego go green when it comes to their new automobile designs? Let's analyze this question further by a brief flash-back of Lego mini-fig scale vehicles. I remember when Lego cars were one seat/4-stud wide (with doors), with an occasional backseat: They were able to fit in garages like this one: Even with the introduction of licenses like Spider Man; although we lost doors, vehicles were still 4-studs wide (not counting the ambulance). Johnny Thunder's Scorpion Tracker provided a little more roomy interior at 6-studs wide, but we're still talking a fairly small vehicle: But then, Lego started making the "big boys". Some, like the Batmobil is only a one-seater: Speed Racer vehicles may be two-seaters, but check out how large they are: And the new Agents vehicle: So; back to my question, is Lego building cars too large? Let's consider the pros and cons? PROS: Cars are very detailed They sometimes allow for your favorite minifig to hawl his/her friends around in a passenger seat They just look cool "Hot Rodding" them is more fun CONS: They don't fit in that favorite classic garage Roadplates are too small (unless you drive in two lanes) 10-15 miles per gallon (I don't know what that is in liters or meters) More environmentally responsible Based on the above, I can't help to think that Lego should go green and make their vehicles a little smaller. What are your thoughts on this subject? Wider road plates and bigger garages (or) the return of the 4-stud compacts?

I think he's referring to 5614 called the Good Wizard (although I think he looks like Gandalf the Grey). The set appears on the LSAH US site under the Castle Theme page. It just shows that it's unavailable in "this country" meaning US. With it on the theme page though, it's just a matter of time before it becomes available in the US. The other new 2008 Castle sets also appear. Here's the link: Lego Castle Products Page EDIT: I see that Mack also responded with a picture before this was posted. I was looking for the link. In any case, it should be available in the US soon.

Thanks. I just didn't put the hair piece on - never got around to it. This picture isn't too good, but it gives you an idea of the layout now. I'm still working on it though: I displayed the giant ants near the dock. Here you go: Overall, what I've learned from this display is tabletops are too small, and one can not have enough trees. Thanks for all the great feedback!

Good use for the extra piece. I hated to throw them out after ordering a whole bunch of leaf plants from Pick-A-Brick, so I separated them and used them as vines in my jungle: Here's a couple on the plane crash scene:

It's a really nice set and I like the colors, esp. how they blend in with the jungle. I love the natives (although I would have appreciated a few more). The collapsing stairs is my favorite of the traps. I'm not real fond of the laser thing on the top. It looks fine, but as mentioned in the review Alex provided, it doesn't work well. It gets stuck when lifting. I hate all the stickers. It's like no piece has a printed decal (at least nothing larger than a 1x2 tile) - my biggest complaint. Here's a few more pictures of the set: Good suggestion. I intentionally left out the shrubs to keep the set as original as possible. I suppose some additional greenery would add to the ancient jungle look as you've mentioned. Thanks for the tip. After adding some tan plates (which are 1/2 the size of a regular road plate) behind the jungle near the backdrop, I discovered that the Jungle Cutter is too wide with the saws/cutting blades. Big downer here. I hate these huge vehicles that don't fit in well with mini-fig scenes and structures. I may leave it out completely. -------- Here's a few more images of the new Indy sets. The tree outpost from River Chase: I love the camoufage. It actually does blend in with the jungle well. The small tomb from Jungle Cutter: . I really like this and the new trees. The dark green is very nice. And the amphib from River Chase. This is a little large, but it works well with the truck and jeep from Race for the Stolen Treasure: Thanks for all the constructive feedback (both you BB and Athos (as well as others who have provided their comments)).

It's been a few weeks now, and I haven't received a response to my letter.

That's a good idea - thanks. Not enough trees BB? --------------------------------- Well, I redid the entire display yesterday (Sunday). The new Temple looks so cool, although my pictures don't do it justice. Isn't this slick? I'll post a few more shots as I get closer to the result I'm looking for. I need more palms though.

A little strange S.Owl, but creative none the less. I love Johny's expression. I to, would be terrified of that stay-puff Baa Sheep. I'm always impressed with the creativity shared in mocs like this one. Very clever.

Oh- excellent BB! You know I love this horror stuff, esp. Jack'O Lanterns. Clever use of the barrel. I like the Strawman. Is he an actual Batman villain or just a spin off from the Scarecrow. In any case, nice vignette (or should I say... chilling...)

Nice job ISC - very clever. I really like how you created the snow with the SNOT technique. For one who builds in a very traditional style (SOT), when I see stuff like this - it's like magic. Overall, a great scene!

Happy Birthday Yoda. Hope you buy some Lego for yourself.

Not really. I just mean that with the demise of modern civilization and order, I consider the introduction of Zombies just one more challenge for the survivors of a post-apoc event. Seeing them in mocs reminds me of the last Resident Evil movie. I suppose that they do add a certain action element to Post-Apoc mocs. Maybe - I wouldn't know where to start though. I would really need to put on my creative hat. Honestly though, I'm more inspired by actual history as opposed to something like post-apoc. If I do ruined buildings, I'd probably go the route of WWII mocs.

Thanks HB. I appreciate you saying that.

I understand and agree with you and others who point out that with Post-Apoc, you can combine elements from numerous themes for an endless variety. At the same time, building within a single theme, like Castle, Adventure, Space, (most others), limits the types of creations that one can combine, making building something creative even more difficult. I suppose it's just how you look at it. I'm one of just a few builders who build "Ghost Town" MOCs (myself and Brick Miner to be more specific). And my stories are dark. But at the same time, I don't see many other Ghost Town MOCs, unlike Post-Apoc. This is why I ask the question. Jungle interest comes from the recent Indiana Jones releases. While not many are building jungles, they are building Indy MOCs. I find it interesting that more "youth" seem to be drawn toward these types of stories. I don't mean that from an opinion or judgement perspective, but rather just an observation. I'm not into post-apoc and/or zombies so I'm pretty much indifferent on the subject . I suppose that sounds sort of strange coming from someone who likes the macabre and gothic horror, but blending zombies with the colapse of civilization is just one more challenge that post-apoc civilization has to overcome. Not at all Batbrick. I respect your opinion and value your thoughts on this subject. I was hoping you would provide some feedback on this thread as I know you've created some nice Post-Apoc mocs. Interesting points Iamded. I agree that some of the Post-Apoc MOCs that I've seen resembled Steam Punk. I had never attempted to build ruins before, until my Decrepit Bank MOC (pictured in my signature). After I was done, I thought to myself, if I added a few details and some soldiers, it could be a destroyed WWII building. Just for the record. I'm not knocking the Post-Apoc theme. Just curious as to why the interest in this specific genre. Many know that I enjoy horror, but post-apoc is something different (a theme/subject of it's own). It blends in Sci-Fi (sometimes horror), war, adventure, and other elements, as said above. Of particular interest is that Post-Apoc is just one of a few themes that focuses on torn/destroyed buildings. This is what I find most interesting. The average Lego builder designs "new" or "clean" buildings, not destroyed or ruined.

Interesting thoughts. I would also say that this challenge is applicable to all themes. Exactly. Why do some want to depict this with Lego, aside from the challenge of making something look good that is suppose to look junky (as you've said)? And where do zombies fit into the Post-Apoc genre? Are these part of many Post-Apoc mocs or just a few? Is this concept from movies like 28 Days Later and/or Resident Evil, others?

I've been wanting to start this thread for some time now as I've seen a significant increase in the number of post-apocalypse MOCs. Although there has been some really good creations over the past year, I'm personally not too interested in the theme. This brings me to my question. Why the interest in this genre? I'm curious to know from those of you who build or enjoy Post-Apocalypse MOCs.

Pretty slick. The Condederate decals would be excellent for building an Army to fight the Union. Thanks for sharing.

I hate to admit it, but I can really see the appeal of Fabuland. This little vehicle looks awesome. What a neat fusion of Fabuland and modern detailing. Nice job Hinck.

Well, I wasn't planning on it. That's why I took the initial picture of all of them in boxes.

I'm still not too sure with the addition of an airstrip to. I could possibly use this building as part of the depot. My intent is to use as many official sets in the diorama.

Good points. I was hesitant to add the train for this reason. Yes, also a good point. Enclosing it may limit playability and make scene set-up a little more difficult, but it may look better. Great suggestions!

Do you mean that in a good way or a bad way?

For those of you who collect or know about Star Wars Galactic Heroes, Hasbro has just released the new Indiana Jones Adventure Hero Collection. I find these little adventure guys pretty neat with lots of detail and great packaging. I had to pick up the complete Firts Wave. Here's a shot of the firts nine in the collection: The box, if opened carefully, includes a removable platform that can be used as a great display after Indy has been through all the trips and traps in your house: Unlike SW Galactic Heroes, these little guys include a few snakes and accessories. This particular item includes the arc with removable lid and ghost: As an added National Geographic Bonus (I love this stuff!), each figure set includes a map and map sticker. When you collect 6 map stickers, you can redeem them ( plus $4.99) for a special exclusive figure. The exclusive is pictured on the Indiana Jones web site, which is an Indiana on his white horse. Now I'm just debating if I should buy the four new 12" figures - I may pass on these big guys. Indiana Jones On!

Excellent ideas FT - thank you! Not only did you give me some planning ideas, but also background story for locating the various components. A few of my considerations: New Temple: I'm not sure if I want to place the new temple in the center of the display or the right side (since the Temple Escape is now located on the far left side of the display). Secondly, should it be straight or at an angle. Airstrip/Runway: I am thinking about adding a small airstrip. I'm not sure if I can get away with 2-3 green road plates as the runway or instead use tan baseplates surrounded with green ones. This is in anticipation for the new TRU exclusive plane set. I could also display a few of the German trucks on this bed of tan baseplates. Train: I wanted to add a small train around the Jungle. It may be too much, but a railroad always adds interest to a diorama. Jungle Cutter: Where am I going to put this big green monster? Do I wreck it and add vines and shrubs around it (or) create a jungle cutting scene? These were just a few of my thoughts in adding the new sets. I haven't built the temple yet (not sure how large it is), or started re-arranging the overall display. At the same time, I don't want to overpopulate the already full tabletop.

Neat little MOC H&C. I always enjoy seeing MOC wagons. The color really stands out. What made you pick blue? I think the combination of blue and brown looks good. I also like the highlights with the flags. This MOC would look slick with a photo/edited backdrop. Good job. EDIT: Reminds me a little of the new Duplo wagon.