WesternOutlaw

Definately. I use a black hat for the Phantom Ride (same torso as the black-dressed bandit): No outlaw would be complete without a black hat: - with the exception of Klaus-Dieter (sorry KD - ran out of black hats). Nor would any kick-@$$ hero:

Interesting points. I love the Tiki Bar BTW! I find that when I use the log pieces, they really add a nice quality of detail to the design. I was building a small ranch house yesterday, and couldn't figure out why I didn't like it. I used regular brown pieces. Perhaps I'll rebuild with log pieces and take a picture of each for comparison. Log pieces seem to give structures a more rounded look. Most of my Grave Stone MOCs (Collection 2) used log pieces, and I really liked the final product. Here's a shot of the Whispering Windmill, one of my more favorite MOCs that use log pieces. PS. I lik your fort as well Batbrick.

Most Wild West Lego enthusiasts will recognize the distinctive brown log brick that came in 1x2s and a 1x4s, in most Wild West sets. I've been building with a collection of these bricks from the WW sets as well as a moderate collection of regular brown bricks that I picked up in Legoland. My question; for those of you who build with both types of brown pieces, do you find that log pieces looks better in MOCs. This question is specific to Wild West, Adventurers, Vikings, and other historic MOCs. Do log pieces add an element of detail? Do they really look like logs, since they are vertical vs. horizontal? Or do regular brown pieces achieve the same thing? Discuss your opinion of Lego Logs here.

Exactly. If someone made the mistake of displaying the set, they should have to sell it. Instead they choose to lie and say that the set has been recalled. This is a terrible business practice, that I consider unethical. Shame on Walshmart!

Yes. Also I'd like to point out that none of the newer 90s WW sets contained a black cowboy hat. Go figure? Something the WW theme never offered but should have. How can one have a WW town without a train. Trains played such an important role in the Wild West. Yes, I agree with you. The last Western was "3:10 to Yuma", unless you count "There Will be Blood". These are not movies for the little Lego builders though. But at the same time, Lincoln Logs, Best Lock, Playmobil, and Schleich offers or have had Wild West sets in the past few years. There must be some interest still in the WW. I consider the WW theme to be a "generic" theme like Castle and Pirates. These types of themes do not take movies/licenses to be successful. If Lego were to create a good quality WW theme, perhaps even merging it with trains for the adult fans of Lego, they would probably do well with it. I'm not sure about the theme for the younger children considering WW popularity (or lack of it at present). A "basic" WW set similar to the classic town set depicted above (set 365) would be a nice set to "test the waters with".

Good thing I let Sne wait for the answer. Seriously though, since we are revisiting this thread, this is really a terrific MOC. I like the color combination of tan and the orange-brown color, esp on the roof tops. The water tower with hose and barrel is also a great detailed addition to the MOC.

I do to, but one has to keep in mind that these sets came 20 years before. They probably provided some inspiration to the WW sets of the 90s.

Thanks KD. The real one doesn't have much of an interior, just a back section (which I did not add to this MOC). In any case, my next Grave Stone MOC will have an interior. This was just intended to be a replica of the building in Rhyolite (mostly facade).

I had the same problem today at Walmart. The items came in yesterday (according to the clerk). Most had been placed in the back room, but a few were left on the shelves by accident. The item scanned as "recalled". The cashier tried to tell me it might be the paint from China. I knew better, and she called a manager. They did not sell me the item. I find this so silly. In another month, the shelves will be cluttered with them and maybe even go on clearance in a few months. The sets aren't numbered, nor in low production numbers. If it were my store, I'd have a first come, first serve philosophy, unless I had some sort of special event planned.

I remember buying the old yellow castle with the brick-built horses. Back then, I thought they were neatest things. I missed out on all the castles in the 80s. In fact, my first "real horse" was those contained in the Wild West sets from the 90s - after a long Dark Age period. I never owned a single one either. I'm not sure why? Definately. I really like the steam train - basic bricks, but awesome building/design. I'd love to see Lego offer a basic WW bucket with lots of parts and WW elements. It would make for a great set.

Wow! Thanks for sharing 007. I don't know where to begin. The entire collection is like eye candy for me. What really stands out is the little details of some of the buildings/scenes. I'm really liking that design/style of the stage coach in the first image. I also like the interior of the bar with all the glasses, the piano, and the bull head on the wall (a nice touch). What a mountain! That's really impressive. And lastly, my favorite of the buildings is the red school house - and not to forget the outhouse. Overall, this is definately one of the better WW displays I've seen. Excellent!

I was looking at some old Wild West sets today on a few of the Lego sites, and I couldn't help admiring the simplicity and look of some of these classic sets. They made me want to put together some sort of image collection since some of them span a few different themes. There may be more, but the following is a collection of the sets that I came across and knew from knowledge: Aren't they great? I really like the Texas Rangers set, the Town, and the old Steam Engine. These are among my favories. The Texas Ranger set inspired me to build Spring Valley Ranch last year. For the Wild West fans, do any of these sets spark your interest? Have you built any MOCs based upon these classics? or, do they inspire you to build anything special? Share your thoughts.

No, this is it. I just wanted a simple building (or facade) that looks like the real Cook Bank. My next MOC will be something different. If I do choose to build a larger building, I'd like to have some interior detail. Good idea, but this is pretty much done.

Thank you all for the feedback. No; judging by pictures that I've seen, they are just window ledges. I just used the tan pieces for contrast. Excellent idea, but I won't be adding these components to this particular building. I was actually trying to capture the simpleness of the real structure in Rhyolite. For another MOC; however, definately a great idea. Some debris and/or a few other spooky elements would have definately tied this into the Grave Stone genre a little better. I think I've figured out how to use my new program now (or at least enough to get by), so I may be pursuing a few more Grave Stone MOCs. This was really just a test run, but good ideas. You know I enjoy the development of the characters and story surrounding Grave Stone. Again, thanks for your comments. EDIT: I added one of Grave Stone's most notorious spooks, the Card Creeper. He serves as a prelude to my next story surrounding Grave Stone. His story was revealed in the Dark Tale of the Whispering Windmill: Grave Stone legend says that the Card Creeper was notorious for card cheat'n in many crooked games of cards. On a dark and stormy Halloween night, after stealing hundreds of dollars from a drunken bunch of outlaws, the angry men took matters into their own hands. They dragged the Card Creeper out to the Whispering Windmill were they stopped it and tied him to one of the windmill blades. Once the blades began to turn, the men shot at the Card Creeper nicking him almost a dozen times before a final shot to the head finished him off. Before that final shot; however, the Card Creeper cursed the men swearing vengeance upon all of them for what they did to him, laughing hideously with an evil grin on his face. Bang! He was finished. But that was not the end of the Card Creeper. Someone or something heard his curse and brought back his evil soul to seek vengeance upon his killers. Some even say it was the "putrid water" that runs under the windmill. On every Halloween night, the Card Creeper awakens seeking out each of his killers. And always found on his victim's body, is a black ace of spades.

I recently made a visit to Death Valley, but unfortunately was not able to visit the nearby Ghost Town of Rhyolite. Within Rhyolite is an old structure known as Cook Bank. I understand that the building is often photographed by Wild West enthusiasts and others interested in Ghost Towns. I shared an image of a large-scale version of Cook Bank that I came across on Moc Pages a few months ago (will add link later). It was a very well designed creation. I've been wanting to try a minifig scale version, and just yesterday purchased a new photo editing program to start creating digital/photo-edited backgrounds again. So I'm proud to share with you, my latest addition to Grave Stone, Decrepit Bank. The small B&W photo on the left is the actual building. Comments welcome. PS. Most of my time has been spent learning Photoshop Elements so I have not written any story yet.

Certainly not WhiteFang. We get ideas from each other. I got some great ideas from other EB members in this thread: Jungle Building Tips. It may be jungle, but there's a fine line between lego jungles and forests. Good luck, and if you add/expand to your great scene, share an image with us.

Interesting idea (Red Indians #215), but I doubt it. I think ImperialScouts addressed the real issue. Kids just don't find Indians as cool as cowboys; plus Westerns just aren't popular in main stream media anymore (movies and television). This makes the theme even more uninteresting for the little tots. I actually think; however, that Indian legend and folklore is becoming more popular these days as more people are proud of their Indian heritage. I see more and more American Indian items in stores (eg. dream catchers, arrowheads, feathers, skins, etc.), which I think is pretty neat.

I think they are though, if not "cooler". Anyone can shoot a gun, but Indians had to have other talents/skills (with bows, and other weapons). Plus there's always the mythical component to Indian legends. That's what interests me. As I said above, Lego applied fantasy to the Viking line in such a manner. They could do the same with Indians.

But could this take the Bat Tank? I'm not so sure...

I had Ben Hur on the list (under classic), and added Buccaneer, as another classic.

Agent Rick: You're definately the Dragon Master around these parts. What a great little set. I really like the classic dragon which reminds me of a similar style used for the Lego crocodiles. And the dungeon is pretty slick too. I like the use of the large gates plus the doors. Plus the set contains the blue wizard. Awesome! Great review.

Another great review Alex. Is that the same tent/construction as the tent in 5978, Sphinx Secret Surprise?

Definately one of the major disadvantages with the sub-theme. Wild West town sets offers different types of buildings, structures, trains, and forts. Indian sets are rather limited. Builders need to be extra creative with Indian MOCs. Don't forget to check one out here: Ambush at Bridge Canyon

Excellent review Alex. Thanks for sharing. I can't wait to buy this set once available. I really like the dark green leaf pieces. I like the cave/temple which will look great in my Jungle Diorama. Blending the dark green and light green works well for the vehicle. Overall, a neat little set.

That's great to hear Shock. I enjoy hearing the "pros" in regard to the Indian theme. Perhaps the lack of poplularity also stems from the quality of the larger sets. I like the smaller sets a lot, but not sure if the big canyon sets really appealed to many WW fans. I remember buying the Chief's Tepee (6746) and just using the tepee and the figs. The other sections (mainly the totem pole) didn't do much for me in the way of design. Here's a shot: