WesternOutlaw

This would be interesting to see.

A nice western backdrop would really add to your photos.

Thanks HB. More pictures are also available under the Jungle Adventure WIP thread. What are you planning on building/backdropping?

Neat. How large is that? I did not know that a backdrop was included within the large Studio set. I'd love to see lego make some more of these. You don't have an image with Cafe Corner, do you?

Thanks for the info SlyOwl.

As some of you are aware, over the past few weeks, I've been building a large Jungle Indy/Adventure Diorama (Jungle Adventure). It got me thinking, how many of you have tried to make your own custom backgrounds for photos? Sure, one can photo-edit a background using Photoshop or other software program, and/or take images of their MOCs surrounded with white sheets, but how about a real background? Personally, I like the real thing, and it looks great when displaying your MOC. As an example, I found this high quality image on the web: After re-printing the image a few times (and reversing/mirroring the image), then gluing the pages on some cardboard, this was the outcome: Before: After: Share your tips on creating backgrounds for your MOC displays.

I tried finding on Peeron but could not. Is that an official Lego piece? If so, do you know the set? PS. Off topic, but: I like your avatar SlyOwl. It reminds me of a favorite Lich: Lich

It looks like a modified Scorpion Tracker. Nice *wub* . PS. But don't forget to check out an equally nice Jungle Adventure/Indy Diorama under the History & Adventure Forum.

Check out this great Indy diorama that I just found on maj.com: Isn't this impressive? *wub* I love how the scene includes both desert and jungle.

I'm interested in how he created the mirror. I see a clear window, but I'm wondering what's behind it? In comparison to a bar I built for my Casablanca club, it's a lot better:

Check out this awesome little saloon vignette on Flickr. Having tried to build a few bars before, I really like this one: Saloon Vignette by Corran

Awesome! What an excellent little set. I've got to have one for my Jungle Adventure. It will look better than the Scorpion Tracker: I love the dark green. *y*

I love the custom palm trees:

Nice job Spielbrick. I knew that Indy's hat would look good for Wild West. You've pulled it off real well. I'm not sure who the guy at the end of the chain is though? - that's not Tuco or Angel Eyes, is it?

Interesting topic DJ Force. I too, have felt these thoughts, esp. after moving almost two years ago. All my Lego was packed away, and I needed to move an entire household (not just the Lego). In fact, I still have the majority of sets still boxed in the garage. My strategy, and also for space, is to pick one theme at a time. As an example, I'm doing Indy/Jungle Adventure right now (Jungle Adventure). This keeps me busy with one theme without any focus on all the other great sets and themes stored away. More so; however, I have a problem decididing which new Lego theme I want to invest in and spend time building and displaying. I've got all the Indy sets built (some of which are displayed in my jungle), and others on shelves. I've got just a few non-Adventure sets on shelves (including the Crab Crusher Sub and a few misc City sets). Much of my focus is trying to balance time with work, family, and the computer (plus some Lego building time). My recommendation is that you get your house in order as a 1st priority and while you do so, give yourself a little time to buid Lego if you need a break. Once you get the house organized, then you'll have lots of free time for building that zoo or other display you want to pursue. I wish you luck. *y*

Day 3 is slowly ending as a bright yellow sun fades into the distant horizon. A coyote howls as an orange-red tequila sunset illuminates the Lego Wild West backdrop. A troubled barmaid sits in the saloon worrying over what she has done to the poor old debuty known as RicePatty. Her thoughts are on another place far from Gold City, a place with more excitement and rather than dusty tan baseplates, green palms and murky chartreuse waters. *wub* This place offers her a taste of the exotic, a place of beauty, mystery, and intrigue. Out of a desperate attempt to be free of the boring hell that was known as Gold City, Molly Brown walks behind the candle-lit stage where it has been years since the western showgirls had danced to the sounds of joyous piano music. Hanging from the ceiling is a thick rope that she ties around her neck stepping onto a wooden crate filled with dust-covered garments. Molly jumps into the air knocking the crate over! 8-

Thanks LL. My only complaint with the backdrop is the repetition in the one picture that's 8.5 x 11.

I went to my TRU today (here in the US), but no luck. The only new set was the Battle Wheel.

Excellent review Dr. Sinister. Your images are very good quality and very crisp. I love the ship. This is a great addition to the Castle line-up and probably the best of the 2008 sets (at least so far). I really like the cage and how the railing is constructed. The ship is large enough to give you some room to add some addition details, which is a plus. The small row boat is a nice plus too. Overall, a great set. I'm looking forward to buying. The only thing is that I have to break out all my Castle sets again, just when I was enjoying Indy. Great review and thanks for sharing! *y* PS. On a side note, I'm admiring your counter top. Is that quartz?

Background Fun I was considering a few different backdrop techniques, and decided to create one using my photo-printer, high-gloss paper, and some cardboard. Although I would have preferred a nice Lego Indiana Jones jungle background scene, like on the cover of the latest Lego SAH catalogue (or even the official web page), I could not find an image large enough. I ended up using a high quality rainforest image reprinting it several times to create a mural. The result is this, which has not been photo-editted: And the whole diorama: Once more shrubbery and trees are added, I think the background will blend in nicely. I'll take a few more shots tomorrow.

Today's addition is Orient Expedition Tygurah's Roar (7411). It's part of a small island combined with the bridge from Border Ambush: EDIT: Action shots:

Simple design, but yet very impressive. Building with individual bricks must have taken a lot of time. I esp. like how the wall is higher around the green hill, like the real thing. Very sharp! *y*

I love the guy on the bench with the newspaper. Overall, nice job! *y*

Thanks LL. I'm really enjoying building this as well, a little at a time. My latest addition is the bridge from Knights' Kingdom Border Ambush (8778). Combined with the shrine from River Expedition, I think it makes a great addition. And the whole scene now: EDIT: Action shots:

Yes; once again, some more great ideas. I was playing with the 5-bunch of green snakes from the Lost Tomb earlier trying to hang them from trees. It just didn't work though, so I may try scattering the total of 10 snakes around the jungle. I've got the white horse from Indy's chase set, and I'm sure I can find a few more spider webs. Thanks again. I picked up Creator set 4916 (mini animals) today just for the two palms within - can you believe it, just for two palm leaves. I can't wait for my Pick-A-Brick order to come in. I really appreciate all the great suggestions. *y*