WesternOutlaw

It's the Johny Thunder torso from Jungle River (7410). I just changed the pants to black.

I really like them as well. I also like the tepee design and some of the rare elements like the tree stump and shields. I have the two larger sets still unopened. I ordered them from Lego when they were available, but never built them. I usually use the Chief's Tepee set when building any Indian MOC. I actually passed on the Rapid River Village (the largest set) when I saw it at a local toy store for 1/2 the price. I ended up buying from Lego at full price later.

What a great little scene. From someone who is still expanding his jungle, I love the forest. It's a nice blend of green trees and brick-built trunks. Nice job. I also like the band of crownies as they make their way through the forest (esp. the small cart which is a nice custom addition). And lastly, Forestmen! Outstanding! This MOC has some great elements and overall looks great.

I've said this before, but if enough people expressed interest in the theme (building MOCs and sharing their creations), I think Lego would listen. In regard to these figs, I really like how Shorty came out. I've been wanting to make a midget cowboy for a long time, and never tried. The Buffalo Soldier is the only fig that isn't new. I used the idea in one of my Grave Stone MOCS, the Shady Inn II.

Interesting points you make. I would tend to agree with you regarding the lack of popularity of westerns in modern culture. But at the same time, the "cowboy" sets seemed more popular to me. They were gone from the shelves, but yet the Indian sets were still collecting dust. I would have loved to seen a Zorro line as we've discussed before. I recall buying Main Street which contained a man in a cowboy hat. Later, a gas station (6375) came out with the same figure. We used the figures/or the hats, and horses from the old yellow castle to portrait cowboys. Our play focussed on cowboys vs. cowboys rather than adding Indians to the mix. Aside from this one memory, I don't recall playing cowboys/Wild West any other time. It was only later that my WW interest peeked after the theme was retired. The theme (combined with trains) really started my fascination with Lego again (and perhaps Adventurers). It's funny. Kids play very graphic games these days in which shooting at others and lots of blood is becoming a standard. Yet the historic battles between Cowboys and Indians are risky to those trying to stay "politically correct". I see a completely double standard here. In addition, there is no reason that Cowboys and Indians can't be mixed in a friendly fashion rather than battles between the two nations. It's all how sets/themes are portrayed. One idea for a new Indian sub-theme could involve more focus on the mythical aspects of American Indians. Legends of mighty Indian warriors with mythical creatures like wolves, buffalo, or other creatures would be interesting, as modern Indian pictures often depict (sort of like the Viking sets). A theme like this might even appeal to children. - just a thought.

Thanks Batbrick. Just thought I'd add a little short story to go along with the MOC. I always enjoy adding some legends of Grave Stone. I also like adding unforseen twists. Thanks. Yes, suspense does not always have to end with guts 'n gore. Appreciate you pointing this out. I needed to add a little accent color to the rocks (perhaps a few black pieces like in the Bandit's Hideout set). I didn't pick this up until I photographed the rocks discovering that they looked a little plain. I may still add and post an image. This was just something simple that I put together with pieces from Fort Legoredo (+ a few extra). EDIT: I revised the mountain a bit adding some additional black and grey bricks (+ did a little work on the waterfall). Here's the result: And the backside which I didn't show in previous images:

Honestly, it does not. I had taken Picture #9 yesterday afternoon which was this image, then adding #10 and #11. Just never shared #9: Anyone who went to the Maj.com folder would have seen the image which would have been a spoiler. Today's images are a new set. I do believe that Indians and Cowboys do not need to be at war to make a good scene (from Playmobil sets as an example).

I honestly did not like the sets at all when I first saw them. The totem poles and the rest of the construction just didn't look well-designed. What is outstanding; however, are the figs, the tepees, and the accessories. I esp like the details of the Indian faces (including the noses). I think they are some of the most detailed faces that Lego has designed. Oh, don't forget to check out the exciting conclusion of Ambush at Bridge Canyon for a small tastle of a new Indian MOC.

Ambush at Bridge Canyon: Conclusion We last left the Captain of the US Cavalry Division #4 out of Fort Mohave and two of his troops somewhere past Bridge Canyon. They were well within Indian territory on their way to Fort Jacinto south of the border. Two fierce Indians stood watching the troops pass through the canyon: But when the Captain and his men saw the Indians, they quickly recognized them as Building Bear and his squaw Talks a'Lot, two Indian trackers who have helped the men on more than one occasion. They raised their hands to offer a friendly greeting: Then shook hands before laying down their weapons: The Cavalry then sat down with the mighty Indian warriors over a campfire and coffee sharing heroic tales of battle and mystery: The Indians told a story about a lost mine and a mysterious Ghost Town somewhere in the Mohave desert... :skull: The End

I know what you mean. The Chief was included in three of the sets (Rapid River Village, Chief's Tepee, and Tribal Chief). This was three of the five of the main set collection. But isn't it the same issue with other themes (like Indy as a recent example)? I think Lego does this so that each set is almost a "stand-alone" set. Yes. The theme could have benefited from more scenes (similar to Playmobil). There could have been a Buffalo Hunt, an Indian Scout/Tracker with Canoe to help some Wild West explorers, a Medicine Man, and perhaps an Indian with Wolf. More animals would have really added to the theme. A conflict/war with the cavalry would not have even been necessary, but I would have liked to see the Indian and Cowboy sets intermingled. Here's a few sets Playmobil offered:

I liked the indices on the Main page as opposed to an index of an index; rather than all the other pinned items.

I broke out a few of my Wild West Indian sets over the weekend; and as I was looking at the detail of the figs and a few of the accessories, I couldn't help to think, why weren't the American Indian sets more popular? Back when I was collecting Wild West sets after the theme had been retired, I remember going to the toy store looking for coyboy sets, only to find a lot of the Indian sets on the shelves. They just didn't seem as popular; at least in my opinion. I've heard a similar discussion re. the Islander sets and their relationship with the Pirate theme. Do you think that the Indian theme can be compared to Islanders with the Pirate theme? Did/do you like the Indian sets? Was this a sub-theme of WW that Lego should have discontinued sooner, or do you think the sub-theme should have been expanded? Discuss your opinion here. Here's a couple of images of some of the great figs included within the Indian theme:

It's all the old grey (from Fort Legorado). Just a few more images: The troops make it to the end of the canyon: The female has climbed down from the rocks. What are the Indians up to?

Ambush at Bridge Canyon Updated Image (4/26/08): My latest creation is a blend of Union Troops and Indians at Bridge Canyon: Three troops from Fort Mohave making their way toward Bridge Canyon: But who is that hiding behind the rocks: It looks as if that might be an Indian brave: The two troops walking through the canyon do not notice: And on top of the mountain is a female warrior with spear in hand: The thirsty men decide to stop for a little drink of water: The Captain has made in through the canyon, but is he safe? What do you think? To be continued... Comments welcome.

Thanks for the feedback. I figured he meant the Buffalo Soldier, but it's kind of hard to portrait one with a yellow face.

Thanks. I think Shorty looks like he could be Flatfoot's brother

I was tinckering with some Wild West figs and a new backdrop, and thought I'd share the results: From Left to Right: Shorty, The Kid, Two-Shot Tom, and Buffalo Soldier. - still working on the names. Without backdrop:

Thanks Hollis. That's really nice of you to say. Appreciate the feedback. I purchased a new computer after Christmas and do not have a phot-editor or web software, so it's stayed static for the past few months. Once I get some new software though, I'll be cranking again.

Excellent scene! I love the tripod.

When does the Atomic Wedgie and Swirley-fest start? *wacko* I'm ready for some real fun!

It's a bit bloody for even TheBrickster's taste, but it's still a really nice creation. I esp. like how you added the round 1x1 pieces on the windows (very clever), and the couch for the maiden. Really slick SN. Nice job! *thumbup*

Oh, I almost forgot. Just substitue Garden with CASTLE. CASTLE PARTY on UTube.

Darn it! I need to start clearing some jungle to build an air strip. Awesome exclusive. Thanks for sharing on EB.

I'm going to a Castle Party to reminisce with my old friends A chance to share old memories and play our songs again When I got to the Castle party, they all knew my name No one recognized me, I didn't look the same SWIRLEY TIME: But it's all right now, I learned my lesson well. You see, ya can't please everyone, so ya got to please yourself EB members came from miles around, everyone was there Sinner brought hir walrus, there was magic in the air 'n' over in the corner, much to my surprise Batbrick hid in Batman's cape wearing his disguise lott-in-dah-dah-dah, lot-in-dah-dah-dah I'm going to a Castle Party... - Lyrics by Ricky Nelson and TheBrickster First round of Swirleys on me! Very creative ExoBuilder. I love the pictures.

In honor of Castle Month, I thought I'd share the following set I picked up during my recent visit to Legoland. The set is a Castle Photo Frame which sold for $10 (USD). I thought it was a neat souvenir from the park. A closer look: