WesternOutlaw

I just noticed that this set is available again at Lego SAH (US) for those of you interested.

They're busy given speeding tickets to holiday shoppers. Seriously though, we've had enough police to build a military state! Time to pursue other city folk.

On another note, I'm not a big fan of the Lego creatures. I think Lego is trying to copy the success of MegaBlock dragons by designing these. I don't even enjoy building them.

Not really. The first knights we saw (Yellow Castle) had no decorated torsos at all. It wasn't bad with the addition of plate armor, but definately plain without. I actually like the figs from the Gargoyle Bridge set, but I believe they are without decorated torsos as well.

Do you really think we'll see a new Castle theme? I still think KK will be it.

I've wanted a Civil War theme for years, esp. Confederate troops. Playmobil offered blues and greys but Lego never jumped on the wagon! Here's a shot of my very limited collection:

Great selection of ancient Roman/Greek Gods and Demigods. Would make a great Clash of the Titans diorama.

True about the train sets. One does need an existing layout already, but the High Speed makes a great starter for a train. In addition, the passenger car (not pictured) is also under $25 and one can by a few to add on. In regard to the Green Passenger Train included in the list: I love this set. I like it because it really has a classic train feel; and although the roof does not easily lift off like other passenger cars, the nice brown chairs within makes up for it. One day I plan to use a few of these to make that Adventure Train I always wanted. Sound like you have a good collection. And not listed because of the recent release, the new Classic SW AT-ST is definanetly on my list.

Arrr! A pirate mystery! :-/

Pondering over what 2006 Lego set to buy? Polling Eurobrick members on what set is better? Not sure what to use as stocking stuffers for the kids? Try TheBrickster's Top 10 Holiday Picks for ideas. If you're looking for great Lego sets under $25, try some of these. They won't break the bank and are great introductions to some of Lego's better themes. Have fun and Happy Holidays! 1) 10157 High Speed Train Locomotive: while you're still able to purchase this set from Lego SAH, a nice little loco to start that green/white Holiday express. 2) 10015 Passenger Car: a great add-on to your existing train collection, this passenger car comes with 14 green train windows (3x2), two green doors, and lots of brown chairs. Piece it out to build a "real" Holiday Train or add it to your existing rail for some holiday fun! 3) 7900 Heavy Loader: A must for the train, city, and construction fans, this loader includes a bridge for your holiday train. Great construction set with a lot of possibilities. May be used to carry small articles of jewelry across the table for your favorite Holiday sweetheart. 4) 7239 Fire Truck: Nice addition to your city fire department, this fire truck includes two detailed white-helmet firemen figs, a small fire boat, and lots of accessories to put those tree fires out. 5) 7903 Rescue Copter: For great rescues from on top of tall Christmas presents, the Rescue Helicopter is sure to fly. Includes three figs and open section in back to load a gurnee (when that credit card bill hits in January). 6) 8673 Ferrari F1: Race to the Christmas tree with this Ferrari F1! Great little red race car with five figs. Figs can be used as Santa's Helpers. 7) 8821 Rogue Knight Battleship: Attack the outpost of Sir Kentis the Green by sea! Includes two Rogue Knights with "metal-looking" helmets, Sir Kentis, battleship, and small outpost with attached catapult. 8) 7780 Batboat: Hunt for Killer Croc: Race across Gotham swamp on Batman's Hovercraft. Includes hovercraft, Killer Croc's jet ski, Killer Croc, and Batman. Get a head start at Brickster's 2007 Spooky Halloween Minifig Contest with Killer Croc! 9) 3825 Krusty Crab: decorate Sponge Bob's "home away from home" while you flip some Krabby Patties! OK, it's not the best set, but a fun set to liven up your Holiday "get-togethers" with friends. Includes Spongebob, Squidward, and Mr. Krab. 10) 6206 Tie Interceptor: fastest fighter in the Imperial Navy, command the Interceptor against the Rebels as they end their holiday season by escaping the picturesque mountains of Hoth. Is that Santa's sled in the sky! Nope, too fast! Must be a new Tie Interceptor. Well, you've had it! My 2006 Lego Holiday Picks, all under $25 (USD). Not sure what that equates in Euros, but I figure it's all equivalent!

No. Nice set, but I was thinking of brown pieces in the shape of a ship.

Maybe if you compare with classic city and castle, but I remember when more sets had no mini-figs at all, like the creator sets now. Lego has always been an expensive toy; but considering the quality, they were always worth the price in "play value". Now quality is diminishing.

Definately not. I'm just wondering if I am mistaken. I thought there was a large set with the bottom of a ship. I've searched quite a bit, but have not found.

Very good! I like this one the best: "Your resolve to open your advent calender one day at a time won

Lego is just like any other company these days. Quality and craftsmanship has gone down considerably. I don't know if this is a result of the increased demand, the time needed to turn products out to the market, overworked and under-motivated employees, or a combination of all of the above. I have this argument with a lot of people these days, and it just seems that whatever the product you buy(regardless of price), it seems that there is ALWAYS something wrong with it. What is most disappointing is that the more one seems to spend expecting a higher level of quality, the more things wrong with the product. I can handle mistakes like the one that you mention, but what most irritates me is cheaper plastic pieces. This I've seen in many sets and if Lego continues with some pieces, they may start making many this way.

No, I've seen both of these, but nether is the set I'm thinking of. You're correct, but I thought there was a diver set with the base/bottom of a ship similar to this new AR set. I'm going to do some research. Maybe it was a MOC I saw a while back, but I could have sworn Divers made a set like this. This is the closest I could find, but I really thought there was a larger set with brown pieces:

It's a neat looking set. Does anyone know the Diver set with the shipwreck? (I thought there was one).

This is a great little set. It has some great neat pieces (like the window and roofs that Steve mentioned), and it can be used for different themes (City, WW, Airport, Adventure). I was tickled when I found this set several years ago.

I like the construction sets/pieces. Great additions to your city!

I know nothing about war-gaming, but isn't it more than just Mechs (historic figs/armies too)? If what you say is true, I very much see your point. It doesn't look like a busy forum either. Perhaps it was a new idea. But in regard to AR, it's just a few sets. Look at Vikings and Batman, and they were good themes that will be expanded. Based on past history, interest in these diminish as soon as the hipe of a new theme burns out. Then they'll be burried with Davy Jone's locker.

I thought this topic was discussed before in the threads mentioned above.

Great idea Alex. Very original idea. It's fun to see each surprise, esp. if you don't own the calendar. I regret not ordering one when available at LSAH.

I can't speak for the mods, but probably because the subject is so much different than discussions re. different themes. I wanted a separate Mystery Forum a while back for the same reason.

Late 60s to mid 70s, like the Blue Train era. This is another reason that it's fun to look at these old catalogues.

Exactly. There are much bigger themes than AR that would be much more deserving of a separate theme.