WesternOutlaw

OK, I figured out how to make the decals/stickers yellow. This looks much better:

I'm a huge collector of 9V trains (sets, track, etc.), but when Lego first intruduced the new RC system and assured us that, "we'll have play trains for the kids but keep the 9V for the hobbyists (AFOL) and metal rail will continue in bulk, I was reluctant to believe this. Why would they have both systems running parallel, one much more costly than the other? (at least track). At my local TRU today, I was fortunate to run into a Lego rep who I asked, "is the 9V line being discontinued"? She said that there has been much discussion re. whether or not to keep the 9V system and she's not sure the future of the line". The new trains are due out in August by the way, according to her. I would really hate to see the 9V system eliminated, but not surprised that Lego would do this to us loyal train collectors. Lego is interested in dollars, and kids, their primary market, aren't in to trains. AFOL are a secondary market as demonstrated by Lego time and time again. In any case, I think the future of the 9V system looks bleak and don't be surprised if Lego SAH deep discounts all the 9V sets to eliminate remaining stock. :-(

The Ghost Rider (or Phantom Rider actually called) is the spirit of a dead outlaw. Much of his background is shrowded in mystery, but legend says that he rides out of the Dark Chasm during full moons seeking vengance upon the Town of Gravestone. Some say he was hung unjustly while others say that he owned the deed to a gold mine that was stolen from him; his spirit haunting the hills and mines near Gravestone. Much of the mystery also lies within the dust-covered buildings of Gravestone, a once booming little town whose inhabitants left after the gold in the nearby hills was picked dry. Some say that there is an ancient Indian curse on Gravestone and the Phantom Rider has something to do with that curse. Gravestone is now merely a dilapidating old ghost town that only a few call home, but on any night with a full-moon, those foolish enough to stay the night in Gravestone may see the ghastly glowing green eyes of the Phantom Rider staring at them; and that will be the last thing that they see. *skull*

I scanned the Lego stickers, but unfortunately, the clear stickers have white backing. The result is this. I may try a few other techniques.

Thanks. Definately. I've always liked the Egyptian Desert Adventure theme, just don't have many pieces to work with. Thank you very much for your comments ApophisV. From an early age, I would generally get a new set, build it, and leave it set up a long time not mixing the set pieces with others. This often times limited what I could build. My new system is starting a collection of pieces (bulk) and infusing one-two theme sets with them (for specialty pieces). That's why you see a lot of basic bricks and plates in my MOCs (that's mainly what I have to work with). In addition, this was a technique that I had not really tried before (building from the inside out). I usually build the outside of the set, then fill in the inside with the details. This was completely the opposite after several attempts to build the outside first (inspired by Athos's vignettes that I always enjoy). I'm going to try more MOCs using this method and see what I come up with.

The camera that I used to take these images is an older Sony 2.1 Cybershot. - It takes very good close up shots (in fact better than a newer 5.1 that I use). I'm very partial to Sony digitals though.

The instructions would be very simple but if I explain, it would somewhat spoil the surprise.

No, actually I had an adventure in mind (rather than a mystery), but it would involve riddles and clues.

No problem BM. In regard to my mysteries, I build MOCs as inspiration from the stories. The story usually comes first for me (at least in regard to the mysteries). In fact, Crowley Mansion was built by another member (Bloody Jay) based on the story-line. I suppose as I get older, the stories are what inspire me to build (not playing with the set/MOC like when I was a kid)- and I also enjoy writing. I would encourage you to share your stories because words are just as important as images. What's the saying? (the book is always better than the movie) - but then again a picture says a thousand words. In any case, as an AFOL, it's the stories that I enjoy more than the play, but members (like Phes) will sometimes ask for a story when sharing images (even when sometimes there is no story). It is all about enjoyment, and we all have our different interests just like with hobbies.

Now Phes, if I start giving you clues, that would spoil the mystery of it all.

There's a few in Bulk Tub 4496 (Lego's 50th Anniversary set) - $20 USD. I thought they were a nice touch too.

I don't generally build vignettes but after several attempts to build a pyramid/Egyptian tomb, I was having no success, so I thought I would try to build a tomb from the inside out. The result is a MOC that I call Curse of the Mummy (could always be a prelude to an Egyptian Desert Mystery). And Phes; once again, no arches. I'll add more images in a bit.

Thanks for the feedback (Aredhel and Phes). I ended up wrecking the town and boxing up all the pieces. The Shady Inn (version 2) was the largest of the buildings that included a bar, upstairs, and two hotel rooms. I thought I had taken a few more images, but I can't seem to locate.

i would like to see "ghost town" be simply a group of well crafted MOCs !!! not a "mystery" game. its cool you want to tell stories with your legos, but im not sure a public venue is the most correct fashion. however, if board members enjoyed them in the past, i respect that. - brick miner Thanks, but I disagree with you in regard to sharing Lego stories (mysteries) in a public venue. I can't speak for the other members but I do think the participants enjoyed them. Take a look at the mystery threads and the post counts for Murder on the Lego Express, Mystery at Crowley Mansion, and Paradise Lost. I suppose you weren't a member when these mysteries were being shared, but they did get a lot of activity. This is one of the best things about Eurobricks, and that is, one can share their creativity in many ways through these message boards. The number of posts/responses is a good measure of how well people receive what you share. But I must admit that interest has faded away compared to before, but there's no limit to ideas and the creativity of the members who post regularly. I went ahead and posted the images of Ghost Town as Phes recommended (but as a new post). Ghost Town Imagery

I've posted some of these images on different threads, but here is a collection of Ghost Town images. These were inspired by a mystery that I wanted to do on Eurobricks, but members seem to have lost interest in the mystery idea. In any case, here are most of the images: *skull*

I've somewhat shared them on different posts and don't have too many left. Most are posted and can be found under my Index of MOCs and Images. Also, I edit the original images to give them the mystery-look that does take some time. I've actually got something else in mind re. Adventure but this idea won't be a mystery like I've done in the past.

Good suggestion Phes. I thought about adding arches myself. I've since wrecked this and have something else in mind.

Members don't seem too interested in mysteries anymore. Murder on Flight 514 was left unsolved after several attempts to keep the mystery going. I ended up destroying Ghost Town with just pictures to remember. Maybe another time when a few people have the interest. These take a lot of time and work. Welcome Nothing (although I'm not sure about your name).

WELCOME BRICK MINER! Glad to see another Wild West fan join Eurobricks. I saw your avatar this morning and realized you must be a western enthusiast. It's a pleasure to read your post(s). I never liked the name Pirates and Castles either which leaves out Wild West, Adventure, and Ninja (all very good themes). And Phes, I just drew my six-shooter after reading the idea to call this board, "Pirates and Other Historic themes". Men have been hung for lesser things! Dang 'Nab It!

The Dragon Fortress is a remarkable set. I liked this so much that I never opened the box. It's one of a few sets that I'm saving. Very nice. I also like the Emperor's ship very well (esp the secret cargo compartment). The Chinese figs (as well as the other Orient Expedition sets) were very nicely done. I don't have the large Egyptian set, but I did vote for the Egyptian Desert Subtheme. The smaller sets were my first Adventure sets and although I love the entire Orient Expedition subtheme, I really enjoyed first buying the desert sets when the movie Mummy came out. I do wish Lego would expand or re-visit the Adventure theme. I love all the adventure subthemes (with the exception of Dino Island that is just OK (most of the sets lack detail and good design). But I'd love to see the Adventure theme once again.

From the dinosaur infested jungles of Dino Island, along the crocodile infested waters of the Amazon Jungle, through the hidden tombs of the pharaohs in the Egyptian Desert, following elephant caravans through India, along the highest snow-covered peaks of Mount Everest, to the mystical shrines and temples of China, Johny Thunder has ventured. Of these wonderful but treacherous places, where is your favorite expedition? Choose your favorite Adventure Subtheme noting why you like it best.

Thanks. I haven't done too much with Western MOCs for some time. Murder on Flight 514 had me doing the plane scenes for a few weeks. I'm starting to pull out the Adventure sets again now. I rotate through themes but Batman may catch my interest (depending on how soon the Batcave comes out). I'm on Adventures right now so you may be seeing a few of these sets and MOCs pop up, but I always return to one of my favorites (Wild West). *pirate*

I'm just teasing you Phes, please don't take it seriously. Like much of the material contained in the forums, it's always an outlet for sharing our creativity. Good voices. I'm curious what a mystery, western, classic castle, train, and adventure mini-fig would sound like, all rolled up into one??? Perhaps Ghost Rider sounds like Jack Palance as Curly in the movie City Slickers (if you've seen it).

Sure, and one of those voices told you that (perhaps Captain Roger, or even the seal). Yes, your friends are waiting for you. They've kept your place just as it was- pirate Lego as you left it. But we will have to give back the tape recorder now... ;-)

Did someone say Mystery?