WesternOutlaw

OK, I vote for 'nostalgia'. As an AFOL, I can definately relate - esp when my 1st computer was an Odysey that played three versions of pong in black & white. Does that count? If not, how about an Atari before they slapped "2600" on it. If that doesn't count, then a Commodore 64 with tape drive. - ok, we're really starting to date ourselves now... I guess I'll just ask the question, when did you last buy a set that had a 2x4 "traditional" brick. Does lego still make these? It's been a while since I can remember building with one.

On the contrary, I believe it is a combination of technology and toy availability that has reduced the attention span and helped create an "instant pleasure principle". Children do not play with toys as long (esp. the same toy). Video games have taken children away from tradional toys as well as battery powered, voice activated, remote control, microchip toys that quickly find their way to the toy box. What has made Lego successful over the years is a bucket of standard/traditional bricks that can be used to make thousands of different and new toys keeping children building for hours. We did not have Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Spider Man, but rather an imagination to build models with what we had eliminating the need for the specialized piece in the exact color. I read somewhere that Lego plans on getting away from future movie themes and getting back to traditional sets. Look at the popular sets (esp. for collectors such as us). I thought that one of the best 2003 or 2004 sets was the train engine shed, and I'm sure others would agree that more city building sets would be excellent. I didn't buy Doc Ock's hideout or the Final Showdown because of Spider Man nor did I buy Hogwart's Express because it was Harry Potter - I bought them for a bridge, a building for the doc, a new red train, and a station in unique colors. I think the Duplo sets are great and I'm sure young children will love them - esp. that Jumbo Jet and the new castles - most excellent. But hours of video games and internet definately takes time away from sitting down and building a great model.

One nice thing is that they can give us news before available in the US. To counter that, we have Walmart that may sell them at half the price.

I didn't care much for the indian sets initially, but after trying to obtain them after Lego discontinued them, it was fun. I'm really getting off topic here, but I liked Gold City Junction and the Gold Mine the best. I like Old West history to begin with, but add a Lego theme, and it's all over. Not sure why Lego picked the Sheriff's Office as a re-release but I think they're coming again (search Western on the Lego Web Site). Fort Legorado, however, is awesome. It was one theme that only lasted a short time and was never re-visited (unlike pirates, castle, etc.) I have all the sets in the theme and don't care to see them re-released as legends or once again, but rather new sets to the theme - esp. a Western Train sub-theme with water tower, old church, saloons, etc. I think the train buffs would enjoy as well. But, westerns are not as popular as they were in the 70s and 80s. Kids aren't into cowboys and indians anymore, but rather dragons, monsters, and Bionicle. In any case, I hope to see them again, but appreciate most of the themes, esp. those that Lego has not made in the past.

OK, we're certainly both entitled to our differing opinions, but I think we'd both agree that it's a neat theme.

You left off one very important theme. No hints....

My apologies Bloody Jay. I do like the theme- honest. Please don't get me wrong. Just don't care much for the Bionicle dragons. I'd prefer other mythical creatures like those mentioned above or a kracken (like in Clash of the Titans, or sea serpents for the sea battles). Dragons are just so cliche' and I think are better used for Knight's Kingdom instead - but they're not that bad. Keep in mind that I'm a Lego traditionalist still trapped in the 80s. Main streets, gas stations, buildings, and trains appeal most to me (not to mention Return of the Western Sets- that one day will happen)! I am looking forward to seeing these sets. I like the ship and the figs most of all and will probably be buying. In addition, I hope the rumor is true as well. I'd love to see some other historic themes.

I'm not a Viking historian, but it's something I noticed when I saw the Lego Viking Ship with the red/white sails and overall design. I collect both Lego and Playmobil (of which both I love) and always noticed similarity in themes and sets. It made me wonder which took themes/ideas from the other. Look at the similarity in the sets - they probably get ideas from one another. In regard to MegaBlocks, I've stood in TRU at MegaBlock Dragon displays quite impressed. I think the Dragons theme is probably the best MegaBlock offers. I've never cared for MegaBlock quality, but after buying a single dragon, the dragon quality isn't too bad (esp. compared to Bionicle). Given Lego's financial issues and rising competition with companies like MegaBlocks (or whoever makes them), it's not surprising that Lego is starting to make dragons. It's proven to sell to child markets, and I don't blame them for competing. They can use Playmobil and MegaBlocks as successes for themes. My comment was a bit sarcastic but I did mean it - and I do believe there's more than just random theme "stereotypes" (as you called it). Watch for other sets and other themes down the road and you'll observe similarities as well. Many copy Lego and I don't think Lego is above copying others (esp. if proven successful). In any case, I still like the vikings theme though and look forward to buying some of the sets. Thank you and others who take time to post information so we can all share.

The Greek mythology theme is a great idea. I'd rather see some Synbad or Clash of the Titans monsters than the Dragons in the Viking Theme. You won't see Lego do this theme until Playmobil or MegaBlocks does it first and is successful with it. Then again, I prefer Lego start a new Western Train theme.

On a side not, Mr. Bionicle: that's a cool avatar. Did you make that custom or is it from a magazine?

Not yet available in the US.

Nice attempt to copy the Playmobil Viking Theme and mix it with MegaBlocks Dragons. In looking at the stronghold, I would prefer to have more traditional brick walls than the catapult contraption on top and the use of specialized pieces. The figs look neat, but I don't care about dragons. If I wanted dragons, I'd switch to MegaBlocks. This does, however, give me an idea for an alternate model with my Legorado fort. It's funny how Lego claims to never use the good ideas that all of us come up with, but they'll copy ideas and models from opposing companies in a heartbeat. If any of you are familiar with Playmobil, they just need an arms/treasure wagon to complete the deal! This is a nice theme though, and I think the ship and the figs will be the best. Now we just need a Viking Clickable Smile!

Don't get me wrong, I like it, and it probably is to scale, but put it next to my train city, and it dwarfs my largest building which is the train engine shed. I have seen these monsters in huge pits, but not sure how it would look when it takes up 2 road plates in my city (if I can make the space). Fans don't shoot me, but it reminds me of a Lego Tonka - but it's still a great model.

A few observations re. the catalogue: Although the dump truck looks great, it's seems too large in proportion to the mini-figs. It's like the new construction sets are built in three sizes, small, medium, and jumbo-sized. Would have loved to see a garage for all the smaller construction vehicles. The viking "sneak peek" is great at getting you interested in what's coming. Nice visual with the fog and have to agree with the opinions re. the logo/emblem. It does rock! Looks like no new trains in the 2005 "line-up". I still have my fingers crossedthough. Lastly, I'd love to see some of the numerous duplo sets made as regular city sets, esp. the large airplane with detail like the dump truck. Maybe we'll see more if the truck does well. Overall, nice 2005 line-up. Looking forward to availability. :)

Since you asked, just about any set from any other theme (City, Train, Adventure, Space), even figs only. I like to remain optimistic- maybe the other sets might be better.

While it's great to get these WM deals, which even I take advantage of. This is how WM is putting competitors out of business. A normal store could not give these sets away at cost or below. It certainly is fun to find these deals though. I've been to a few stores in my area but have only found a few sets - no Star Wars, mostly the Spider Man which tells me that they didn't sell very well.

Also available at LSAH for $3.99 (us dollars): => http://shop.lego.com/product.asp?p=4879 Even more dissapointed. It's not even an exclusive set. >:(

:( I didn't see any other posts re. the Brickmaster Surprise Set, so here's one: I received the Jan-Feb 2005 Brickmaster Surprise Set 1 of 5 today. I live in the Western US and the set just arrived today (Tue, 1/25/05). The set is 4879 Bionicle Rahaga Iruini. As a old-time collector, I'm dissapointed, but I'm sure the Bionicle collectors will be happy. Hopefully, the other sets might be City.

Found Spiderman's Train Rescue at WM for $17. Not $8, but still beats $30.

Thanks for explaining lar. I'm glad that Lego did go with BNSF then. I really do like the set, as I do most of the train products. It was really neat to see the real thing (even had to stop for it). Overall, it's a great set. Can't wait to see what it pulls.

Thanks for sharing the pictures. These sets are highly detailed. The only problem is they won't fit in my city because of the size (esp. 7249). I never thought I'd be asking for a <insert that tiresome argument> version, but this is one set that makes me want a smaller model.

I'm somewhat surprised that the set wasn't built in yellow as pictured in "Getting Started With Lego Trains". I think that the all yellow is a common color scheme in the Western states of the US. I took a picture of a similar engine last summer in Boulder City, Nevada. The green and orange is much more exciting, however. I am wondering what the rolling stock will look like. Do any of you have any ideas? I'd love to see some box cars and some container cars as well.

:oo I was driving through Arizona today and actually had to stop for a long freight train led by two BNSF engines. This is the first time I've seen one (or two) in person. It was so ironic having just posted a message about the train yesterday. I wan't even sure if this color scheme really existed (or at least isn't just a historic engine). In addition, numerous double-stacked container cars were Maersk Sealand. Gives me some ideas. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture, but it was really neat to see the real thing.

*satis* I purchased one and think it's an excellent set. I love the color combination (esp. the new dark green color). This is a unique set in design and color. Unfortunately, the top does not lift off like the Super Chief to allow a view of the engine. The top of the front compartment does lift off to insert the driver. This is a great set and I can't wait to see the rolling stock that it will pull.

:) I would love to see the croc re-released by Lego. All of these early 9V trains were excellent. I hope this info is more than a rumor. I would definately buy!