WesternOutlaw

Interesting idea Dremweb. I've tried making numerous Lego maps over the years and failed miserably (because I don't have the talent)- mainly with Adventure themes. You could possibly add sections to the map based on the different Pirate themes/sets. Like having Enchanted Island on the map, the Eldorado Fortress (City of Eldorado), Sable/Saber Island, and all the other sets that I don't know the names to. Neat idea though. Please share what you come up with.

I was sitting here pondering over what would make a good Adventurers sub-theme for 2006 or 2007. Here's a few of my thoughts based Adventure movies released in the past few years: - Hidalgo with Arabic desert buildings, treacherous villains, and horses - an Arabic Desert theme. - Sahara with more modern boats, planes, and lots of palm trees - kind of a Dino Attack Theme but more desert vehicles and no dinos. - Flight of the Phoenix. Again, desert based, with a few sets including the large Phoenix cargo plane, a small desert airport/base, oil rig, and a fig set with desert nomads - similar to the Outback theme. - King Kong (here's a great license that Lego could have jumped on). Complete with a large adventure boat two to three times larger than that in River Expedition. Island sets could include a native fortress (like the Viking Fortress) but much taller, a few native statues, ruins, and jaged skull rocks/statues, island natives (like those in the Enchanted Island set), Kong, dinos, and killer insects. This would have definately been a Jungle theme. Lego missed the boat on this one. It's time for Lego to re-visit the Adventurers theme. Share your thoughts about future Adventure sets.

The sail is about an inch from the main deck and can rotate 180 degrees. The front section stops it from turning all around. It's not bad at all, esp when tilted at about 45 degrees which enables one to have full access to the main deck (as pictured in the 2nd "diagonal" view).

Just posted a pic review of the Emperor's Ship

Emperor's Ship 7416 - Orient Expedition (China) Released: 2003 Piece Count: 175 MiniFigs: 3 Original Price (USD): $20 I thought I'd do a pic review of this set based on discussion from a poll re. Favorite Adventure Boat A side image of the ship docked in Adventure Harbor: A diagonal view of the ship. Notice the great color combination: The front of the ship. Nice use of the horse armor: I really like the rear of the ship with the lanterns. I love the lantern pieces: Lord Sinister (aka Brickster) standing at the wheel: The front crossbow weapon. It can be moved 360 degrees: And my favorite part of the ship, the cargo compartment: The cargo compartment opens to reveal a small area for hiding barrels, weapons, or even treasure: And within these barrels, four precious gems: A top view of the ship: And I must say that I love these figs, esp. the guards with much detail. And the faces were nicely done: A closer view of one of the guards: A close-up of the sail: The front of the box: And the back: Conclusion: In my opinion, this set is one of the best Orient Expedition sets (esp. considering the set was only $20); a great value for a nicely designed set with much detail. Some say that this ship is more along the theme of Ninja, and I can't disagree, but it is still a very nice addition to the Orient Expedition theme. The ship compliments the Dragon Fortress (7419) and the Passage of Jun-Chi (7413) as the color combination (red, black, and tan) are used in all the Chinese sets. I picture Johny Thunder's team trying to cross a river on their way to the Dragon Fortress, only to encounter the Emperor's Ship. Crossbow bolts fly through the air as gun shots fire! What will happen next? It's up to your imagination.

Interesting points Brick Miner. I can't say that I disagree with you regarding the Chinese sets fitting in well with the Ninja theme, esp. the Fortress and the Ship. In fact, when I first bought the Emperor's Ship, I pulled out 3050 Shanghai Surprise to create a battle. The Emperor's Ship is one of my personal favorites of the Orient Expedition sets. It's a great ship. But I think both sets were great additions to the Orient Expedition Adventurers theme and the Dragon Fortress an awesome set as well!

Addressed to Lego Ambassadors, an official statement from Lego re. the future of the 9V System. The following was posted on ILTCO: Dear LEGO Ambassadors, We have read some comments on different forums where people express their concerns and ask questions about the future of the current 9v LEGO Train system. At the moment we can only share few details about this as we are still finalizing the plan for what we call the "LEGO Hobby Train" which will be based on the current 9v system. We will continue to sell the current 9v system including the train motor, metal tracks and the speed regulator through LEGO Shop@Home and LEGO Brand Retail only, from mid 2006. In early 2007 the decision will be made - based on sales performance of the 9v system during the fall of 2006 - if we will continue the 9v System with metal rails after 2007. We will release more information about the "LEGO Hobby Train" project in August 2006 at the latest. Hopefully this information will ease your concerns for now. Steve and Jan LEGO Community Development Team -- steve witt Community Relations Coordinator LEGO Community Team I'm wondering about the "Lego Hobby Train" project esp if the 9V system gets cancelled. Maybe there is at least hope for buildings and other structures as part of this program.

Lock him in the Stockade with the rest of them scurvy pirates! I agree with him as well regarding the +s of the Emperor's Ship but disagree in regard to his comment about most of the other ships looking dismal. They just don't have sails like those rat-infested pirate ships he use to.

I'm really between two vessels, the boat in River Expedition and the Emperor's Ship. Of the two ships, I vote for River Expedition because it is more an Adventure boat. I like the overall look of the boat, esp. the mast and both below and above deck (steering) areas. I like the way the top easily removes from the lower deck for "playability". The chains, port and starboard lights, steam stack, and gauges add some nice detail to the ship. The Emperor's ship is a very nice model as well (this was close for me). I esp. like the colors, secret cargo compartment, and the Emperor's guard figs. The little boat in 7410, Jungle River is a great little boat, nicely designed with a lot of detail for a small little set (plus it came with a croc). And for a very small set, Mike's Swamp Boat is among my favorites for just a few pieces (and Mike's a neat fig with his slingshot torso). I liked the concept behind 5975 T-Rex Transport, the ship is long, but not very detailed. The Dino Island sets just weren't very good. Maybe I'll do a pic review sometime of River Expedition and the Emperor's Ship as a "Blast from the Past".

Very good distribution of votes, but it appears that 5988 Pharaoh's Forbidden Ruins, largest of the collection, is among the top favorite; followed closely by Sphinx's Secret Surprise (which I voted for). I just wish I had 5988. The set is quite costly on Ebay.

Johny Thunder and fellow adventurers travel through the dangerous rivers and waters of the jungles, deserts, islands, and Orient. To do so, they must rely on sturdy ships, swift boats, and makeshift rafts, and may event encounter an enemy aboard another vessel. Of these adventure boats, what is your favorite?

Nice start of a good MOC Sting - it could be an Eldorado Tower. Are those red brick sections stickers? I never had any of these sets and am unfamiliar with the pieces. They look good. You should complete (and if you ran out of pieces, try making it smaller. This happened to me a few times. I nominate Sting for a rank in the Stockade Phes (if you read this).

I think the real issue with 9V trains is not so much the price or the fact that a new RC system will allow more expansion and/or capabilities; it's just that trains are no longer popular with children (Lego or otherwise). It is disappointing but Birdie's comments about Lego trains taking up shelf space while the other themes are moving is probably true. I don't think price is really an issue at all and based on the recent pricing of the new cargo train due out in August, I doubt that an all plastic track and RC system will be cheaper than 9V. We're fighting for the 9V system, but we may have to fight for Lego to continue the train theme down the road (or track). Lego should consider making some new movie trains, like the Polar Express, a 9V Thomas Railway, a Gotham subway train, and other adventure trains that might appeal to kids who like Batman and Bionicle. It's time Lego starts looking at other train ideas, Christmas/Holiday trains, an animal/circus train. Lehman Toy Trains/LGB have made a wide variety of different engines and cars for younger children over the years (like an exploding dynamite car, dinosaur, aquarium car, etc.) while they continue to offer very detailed and realistic engines and cars. It's time Lego does the same offering more than just a cargo and passenger train.

As always, it also helps to contact Lego Customer Service by E-Mail to complain. In fact, it's important that you do so if you want to see them continue 9V.

Definately needed some buildings: a palace perhaps, armory, tent market, or hotel to name a few. I think the vehicles were pretty good. I don't have 5988 (the largest set), which I never saw in the stores during the year it was released (at least I don't remember). I love the truck in the set though and even tried building a few times.

I think it's much better than the both of them! But the 2nd is more a jeep than a car.

I wish I had the tan bricks, but yellow is probably the next best thing.

I find these little mysteries very surprising and enjoyable. Not everything should be spelled out. This adds an element of mystery and adventure to these sets. I actually agree with Phes on this one.

Interesting indeed, I was wondering this myself. Also his name is written at the top of the monolith above Horus. Anubis was the most mysterious of the Egyptian deities, lord and protector of the dead. On the walls of some of the oldest tombs of the Old Kingdom, his name appears; and as funeral rights played such an important role in Egyptian religion and culture, he was in fact an important guardian. Answers to his mystery lie in the tombs of Cynopolis. Definately!

I'm not sure which catalogue you're referring to? Whichever, I don't believe I've seen.

As I've been building a few Egyptian Desert Adventure MOCs recently, I've been looking at the hieroglyphic pieces from set 5978 (Sphinx Secret Surprise) wondering, I wonder if these pieces say anything? Much to my surprise, after translating the symbols to English letters, I discovered that each symbol does in fact reveal a name- names of Egyptian deities/gods. On the top of the tallest monolith, the name is Anubis; below Horus, and the 2nd smaller monolith has Thoht (or Thoth). This may be a misprint or possibly the Greek spelling for Thoth. In any case, I appear to have discovered the true secret of Sphinx Secret Surprise. If this is nothing new to the adventure fans, please disregard. I think it's rather neat.

LSAH has the MOT cars (passenger train, caboose, and hopper) on sale in the US. Also on sale is the 9V motor, transformer, Train Engine Shed, and the Train level Crossing. Perhaps they're making room for the new train sets and eliminating their final remaining stock of these older sets. Not sure, but these sets have all been reduced.

Well, I wrecked this MOC last night to use some of the pieces for a new project I'm planning. - always disappointing to have to disassemble what takes you a lot longer to build.

You got it.

Interesting choice BM. I like this little set as well, esp. the Anubis treasure chest statue. I think just the design of the top portion adds a point to the set. I also like the way pulling the scorpion spear causes the top to lift open. It is a great little set with a lot of value. I had to go with the Sphinx's Secret Surprise. I may do a pic review of this set down the road, but I like the overall look of this medium-sized set. It has some great features including: - The sphinx with lever that causes the Mummy and front opening to slide off - The Egyptian monoliths with hieroglyphic pieces (set includes 3)- + the hidden area under the tallest one - The sarcophagus (although black without design) - The Mummy! Best detailed fig of the Egyptian sets - A total of seven figs (including the skeleton), three with pith helmets. - A tall palm (taller than that of set 5938) - An excellent baseplate with steps, brick designs, two secret sections, and slope - A pretty good jeep - An OK statue of Anubis (although I still like the one in set 5938 with treasure chest - The camp fire - A lot of accessories including a very neat sextant with magnifying glass tool to read maps - Four map tiles - all different I don't care for the tent. For the above reasons, I vote for 5978. Brickset Link 5978