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WesternOutlaw

Eurobricks Fellows
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Everything posted by WesternOutlaw

  1. Interesting thought - you're the only one that mentioned this. The SMH really has me wondering. Good eye - I didn't look at these closely. - stranger still.
  2. These types of topics belong in Buys, Sells, and Finds. Topic moved.
  3. Hey BM - I just stumbled upon this message. Welcome back, and it's great to see you pursing your true interest. I always knew you had real talent. I was just thinking about you the other day, wondering how you were doing. Sounds like you're doing well, so that's great to hear. Have a wonderful holiday season and it's great to have you back on the forums. I haven't done any WW in a long time.
  4. Hey guys- A while back, I remember a topic or a message I got from LSAH re. new packaging for larger sets in response to LSAH's crushed shipping box issue. Do any of you remember seeing this? I tried doing some searches but could not bring anything up, in addition to reading through a few hundred SAH messages. Anyone remember? Is LEGO using different shipping boxes/packaging for large sets?
  5. Thanks for the feedback all. I'm glad you like the review. Despite the short and stubby bi-plane, it's still a nice aircraft. Thanks for front-paging WF. Happy Holidays! Just passes in front of them. Also, it would have been nice for the gun to rotate.
  6. This is really nice. I love the colors. Please watch your image size though as our site guidelines are 800x600. Much appreciated.
  7. A mysterious Obelisk in the Egyptian desert... a blue topaz jewel of ornate splendor... flying mummies, and a biplane that may hold the key to unlocking the riddles of Flying Mummy Attack. Yes, I find Pharaoh's Quest set 7307 Flying Mummy Attack most intriguing from both a mystery and a set design aspect. This review will shine some light into the mystery. Set Name: Flying Mummy Attack Set Number: 7307 Theme: Pharaoh's Quest Year Released: 2011 (early availability in Dec 2010) Piece Count: 125 Price: $19.99 (USD) Minifigs: 3 Flying Mummy Attack brings high-flying adventure to the Pharaoh's Quest theme with a hot new adventure biplane and some flying mummies for added swoosh appeal. I absolutely love the Pharaoh's Quest boxart especially with added pictures on the boxart. A rear view of the biplane is pictured on the back of the box with Jake in bomber jacket holding the treasure of the set: Opening the box, I discovered three bags of pieces and a few extras: Individually wrapped were the prized "Mummy Wings". Made of hard plastic (not the soft cheap variety), these wings are certainly a great new mold that I look forward to seeing in different Egyptian Desert MOCs. They are attached to the Minifig neck piece like a backpack: Just when I thought this new adventure theme would not include stickers, I was disappointed to find a sheat within to be used on both the biplane and obelisk columns: The sticker sheet leads me to Mystery #1 regarding Flying Mummy Attack. The airplane is obviously a biplane of the Sopwith Camel variety (see the red and blue circled bullseye decals. Why the Spirit of St. Louis decals? I'm not an aviation historian, but aren't these entirely different aircraft eras? Let's talk about Jake Raines in bomber jacket a bit. I love the traditional brown bomber jacket look Jake has in this set. Wearing old-fashion goggles, LEGO created a nice fig here with added wings and a fine back-of-jacket design. Strangely, I can't help to ask what "SMH" stands for. Perhaps some of you may recognize the initials, but I'm at a lost - Mystery #2. Is SMH Smithair of Georgia (in the US?) or perhaps Sydney Morning Herald, Australian newpaper? I suppose we need a little more info on Jake. Continuing, Flying Mummy Attack also includes two of the same type of two-faced mummies, but this time with Ra headpiece. As mentioned above, the wings fit over the neck like a backpack secured by pushing down on the head. NOTE: the wings are not attached to the headpiece. The main structure in the set (aside from the biplane) is the rather tall obelisk. Unfortunately, the column pieces require decals. On its top is a 2x2 area that you can place the gem and its dark blue holder/base. The idea is to have the biplane swoosh by with retracting arm and grab the gem from the obelisk (all while avoiding attacks from the flying mummies with spears): The reason I bought this set was definitely for the new biplane. Let's take a look: While the new dark red color looks great, I must admit that I am a bit disappointed with the biplane. I expected something a bit longer with a better design. Rather, the biplane seems like something that should be a stand-alone $5-$7 set, similar to 5928 Bi-Wing Baron from the Adventurers Desert theme. Compared to previous adventure bi-planes from LEGO, like the one contained in 7417 Temple of Mt. Everest (Orient Expedition), LEGO missed the mark on this one. Turning the propeller blade upward gets in the way of the machine gun - another criticism; plus, my propeller doesn't seem to turn smoothly (even after tinkering). The overall shape just seems short to me with a large propeller area. I do like the wheels on each of the wings making the plane more realistic. It will be interesting to read how all of you like the bipane. Maybe it would look better with decals (which I don't generally use). The below boxart image pictures the retracting arm used to grab the gem from the obelisk: So let's recap this review. PROS - Jake Raines in bomber jacket minifig - Two new-mold mummy wings - Ra headpieces - New fresh color (dark red) used for bi-plane - Curved wing plates - Wheels on wings of bi-plane CONS - Stickers (esp. for the columns pieces of the obelisk) - Value for the money. I think a stand-alone bi-plane under $10 would have worked just as well - although treasure may not have been possible. - Short and stubby bi-plane design - Compared to Desert Adventurers, the obelisk doesn't look as good (doesn't open either) Final Thoughts $20 (USD) is a reasonable price for a LEGO set, and a price range that I particularly like. I couldn't wait to buy this set for the bi-plane. For me, early airplanes/bi-planes just add fun to an adventure theme, reminding me of classic adventure movies like Lost World and the People that Time Forgot. At the same time, I was a bit disappointed with the overall size of the little bi-plane. Having something like the Indiana Jones bi-plane (a two-seater) in 7198 Fighter Plane Attack, would have made this a fantastic set! Rather, the little bi-plane is just okay. Overall, I rate this set a 4. Perhaps after some swooshing, I'll like it more. I hope you enjoy this review and comments are always welcome.
  8. Absolutely fantastic! I love the train. It has the class and charm of old 12V LEGO trains with elegance and style from modern building techniques. You did a great job on the detailing of both the locomotive and the green passenger wagon. It's a superb Christmas train that would make a great set. Your station is equally impressive with nice colors and sharp details. Great entry here!
  9. Here in the United States, we have a deep tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving, a day of thanks originating in the 1600s, proclaimed a national holiday in 1863. Everyone celebrates Thanksgiving a little differently, especially the Thanksgiving feast, some with the traditional Turkey, stuffing, and yams, while others with foods from their country of origin. Thanksgiving, as most know, is not about the food; however, rather the time for families to celebrate the holiday together giving thanks to the good things that they can share. As EB has held a special place in my heart for a long time, I'd like to share some good sentiment with all of you, and hope that those of you reading this topic may do the same. I'll go ahead and start by thanking all of you for making EB a fantastic LEGO community that we can share our hobby together. You guys bring out the best in collecting, building, and sharing LEGO interest over the web. In addition, special thanks to our Admins and Moderators for always diligently working behind the scenes to keep EB managed smoothly. So, regardless of whether or not you celebrate Thanksgiving, please feel free to share your thanks as part of this topic. What Are You Thankful For? -a brief moment to reflect.
  10. Loud train whistles for Murdoch17 and Seany. Welcome to the forum guys!
  11. Welcome smittyfan. I'm sorry to hear that you were never able to pick up a Holiday Train. I do like the Toy Story Western Train though. Personally, I don't recall another holiday train. In any case, I hope you enjoy the forum.
  12. Thanks for the great review Hinck. Your pictures are very clear and crisp. I had this set in my hand on Sunday but ended up choosing the biplane set instead. I wish I still had my Desert Adventure table set up. These new sets (as well as a few from Prince of Persia) would have really added to the Egyptian theme. In regard to this set, I think it's a creative idea to have a giant snake; although I would have been just as happy with some Egyptian ruins and a smaller creature. The vehicle brings back memories of the old Scorpion Tracker, although I must admit that I don't like the dark red as well as the old tan car chasis piece (especially with the larger wheels). So the special artifact is the gold scarab in this set - nice. For a rating, I think I'm between a 3 and a 4 for this set, but not a 5. I plan to buy, but can't say that I would rush out to do so. It will be interesting to read some of the other comments. Again; however, great review!
  13. Yes, they are standard plates, just larger sized. Great idea. The seaplane would make a great accessory set to this cabin. I had not thought of adding, although Playmobil has a seaplane that is part of their wilderness theme. The two fit well together. I don't believe it's available on SAH yet, but at TRU, and I think on their web site as well. Lately, TRU has sets before LEGO SAH. Standard plates - sorry for referring to them as thicker baseplates. Yes - it's nice to see the more Town compatible set with minifig. It's a good move for Creator. Interesting thoughts all. Thanks for the feedback Arigomi. I was shooting for the "cabin-feel" with some added wood - adds a different look compared to white backgrounds.
  14. In a small green valley nestled within the Rocky Mountains, tall pine trees surround LEGO's latest Creator set, 5766 Log Cabin. This "3 in 1" set offers rest and relaxation for LEGO Town fans, as they can imagine the sounds of a babbling brook and perhaps even Rocky River in the distance. Log Cabin Set #: 5766 Theme: Creator Year Released: late 2010 Piece Count: 355 Minifigs: 1 Retail Price: $30 (USD) Accessories: Raft/Kayak While the image of the little Log Cabin as part of the boxart is certainly vivid and colorful with its brown walls and yellow and tan door and windows, I was surprised to not see green pines, valley, and river in the distance. Rather, the background image of bley monochrome pines look more like a modern World City. Like all "3 in 1" Creator sets, LEGO builders will love the three varieties of Log Cabins pictured on the back of the box with instructions contained within: In addition to the main model, cabin fans can build this low-sided roof cabin with small stream and bridge... or this hinged folding two sided cabin similar to LEGO System's classic Town House. I was surprised when opening the box, to discover not a thin green standard 32x32 stud baseplate, but rather these thicker green baseplates (16x16 and 8x16). I did worry that the size of the cabin was going to be small, but would later be okay with the size. Log Cabin includes one Happy Camper minifigure; I'll nickname him Bob. Bob has a nice green backpack to store his provisions. With not much to do in the deep forest, aside from wood chopping and fishing, Bob has a bright yellow raft or kayak for some river fun. The kayak was a fun little build, although I would have been equally happy with LEGO's one-piece yellow raft, although I do recognize this is Creator, and it's about building components, rather then "pre-fab". It's also nice to see LEGO designers creating these little additions out of bricks, and the design is good. Having the kayak and the small blue water baseplate, I'm tempted to create a forest scene with an extended river and lots of trees. NOTE: Not pictured on the bottom of the raft are two round upside-down smooth tiles that I didn't get around to placing on the kayak. What I find most awkward in this set is the tree. I think the designer(s) chose to try something a bit different here, and it just doesn't seem to work for me. A taller, pine-like tree would have looked better next to the cabin. Maybe I just need to warm up to the design and appreciate it for what it is. A small campfire outside offers two chicken drumsticks for dinner tonight. I like the simple design which looks good. The black rod is later used for the railing of the bridge for one of the alternate models (pictured above). Creator houses (and cabins) are always sparse of interior furnishings, although they offer easy accessibility for play (not sure why). Inside the Log Cabin is a nice fireplace; however, along the left (West) side. The grey bricks are also used for an exterior fireplace in one of the alternate models. I like the brown walls of the cabin, but can't help to wonder how log bricks would have looked. Perhaps they would have been too busy. Overhang at the ends create the "log-look". I like the tan frames and yellow pane windows, and appreciate having five of these and a matching door within this set. The roof of cabin has its own assembly and attaches to the house as one piece. It seems easy lift on and off, and I like the dark red (although the picture color looks more like standard red). Dark green would have been an interesting color for an alternative. The right side of the roof has some bull horns which provide a nice addition of detail to the cabin. Western fans love bull horns! Mess with the bull, you get the horns... I digress. One of my favorite aspects of the cabin is the use of classic brick hinges. Yes, hinges are back! This takes me back to the Fire Station I had in the late 70s/early 80s, as well as Classic Castle. It's great to see them used for the large back wall, which after opening, allows easy accessibility to the interior. It's just too bad there's no furnishings to fiddle with. The hinges are also used to close/open one of the alternate models in Classic Town townhouse fashion. After building the set, one has a nice cabin and river scene with a strange tree in the background (Reminder to self: must get over the tree). Some additional close-ups of the cabin. Comparison with the Classics For an old dated Classic Town fan out of the 70s and 80s, I'm going to compare this set to Rocky River Retreat (6552), as I think the play after building may offer similar aspects; both sets have a cabin, a small river, tree(s), and a kayak. Does it offer the same play value? Unfortunately not as Rocky Retreat has more accessories, a vehicle, and a bridge for added play. What the Creator Log Cabin does offer; however, is standard and useful pieces, and a cabin that one can furnish for added playability. As mentioned above, I'm tempted to expand this cabin to create that wilderness scene with lots of trees, greenery, and perhaps even some mountains and a river as part of the landscaping. Compared to Other Creator Houses Compared to other Creator Houses, like the Beach House and Apple Tree House, the Log Cabin does not have as intricate designs. What it does have are the wonderful hinges and better accessibility for added play value. The brick-built kayak is cleverly designed and certainly adds additional fun. For the price, I don't think $30 (USD) is bad at all, especially considering the alternate models with instructions. I do wish the roof had some sloped caps at the top though, as the entire roof just seems unfinished to me. The colors look great as I like brown, yellow, and tan, (as well as the newer dark red roof slopes), and these are all useful pieces for building later. LEGO certainly "hit the mark" on this one. Log Cabin appeals to the non-licensed basic builder, the Classic Town fan, and the "brick collector". It will be interesting to read your comments in regard to Creator Log Cabin. I look forward to the feedback, and since I've been neglecting Town a bit lately, it's nice to share a topic here in our friendly EB Town community.
  15. Thanks for the front-page WF! EB is always breaking the news. So I did - thanks for noticing. Thank you all for the feedback. EDIT: but I am surprised anyone would rate this is set "Poor". Notice these individuals never seem to comment in regard to their rating.
  16. Ancient Egypt... Curse of Anubis, LEGO returns to Desert Adventurers with their latest theme, Pharaoh's Quest. First, let me applaud LEGO for returning to the tan deserts of Egypt by introducing a new fresh theme, Pharaoh's Quest. Scheduled to be released in December 2010, sets have begun to pop up at Toys R Us stores as well as LEGO retail shops (reported by some). Sure, Pharaoh's Quest is not exactly the archeology and exploration of Desert Adventurers, but the new theme explores the legends and mysths of Ancient Egypt. Children will most likely appreciate the new creatures, weapons, and artifacts contained within the theme. For those of you unfamiliar with the new characters, Johnny Thunder has received a significant make-over replacing the out-dated "swab and debonair" explorer with the more-modern Jake Raines. Old Professor Kilroy has been replaced with Prof. Archibald Hale, whose diary contains information regarding the new theme on LEGO SAH's web site. I'll let you figure out the code to unlock the leather bound story. Set 7306, Golden Staff Guardians, is a $10 (USD) set that introduces LEGO fans to the Pharaoh's Quest theme. Three minifigs are contained within the set; two Mummy Guardians, and Mechanic. It is nice to see other minifigs highlighted within the sets, rather than multiples of Jack Raines. The 70-piece set contains pieces to build a small Golden Staff structure, and a hot two-colored motorcycle with a few additional pieces. I love the fresh, new boxart with Great Pyramids pictured in the distance. The reds and oranges of the box are colorful and vibrant adding eye-catching appeal to the theme. A small image of the five artifacts contained within the theme is pictured on the back and includes: 1) Gold, 2) Golden Staff, 3) Gem, 4) Scarab, 5) Scimitar, and 6) Pharaoh's Head-dress. Pictured is the new two-face Mummy Guardians. The splash of dark blue rags, and gold neck ornament and belt look good set against the light grey bandaging. Each mummy has a solid black head-dress and carries a new scimitar and scarab shield. One can either show two eyes or one eye simply turning the face/head. As mentioned above, the set contains the suspender-wearing Mechanic (not sure his name). He reminds me a bit of the scruffy boat captain from Amazon Adventurer's River Expedition set (5976) and Mike from Mike's Swamp Boat (5912), for Adventurer fans. I'm guessing the holes in his shirt are from maybe fixing one too many Phoenix Airplanes (Classic Movie: Flight of the Phoenix 1965/2004), or perhaps one too many gunfights. The new scimiars are rather nice with a more, rougher, metallic-like color and texture, rather than shiny and glossy-smooth. The scarab shields will provide some nice interior/exterior decorative ideas, or can even be placed on a tan baseplate like ants chasing Indiana Jones. The motorcycle has two main parts (black and dark red) with a few additional pieces for front and back tail lights. Two hooks can hold the rifle and stick of dynamite. Building the Golden Staff structure was a bit disappointing with not much to offer aside from a rod which causes the staff to fling off when pushed. Compared to the old 5938 Oasis Ambush with desert oasis structure and statue (comparable piece count and price), I would have preferred a better designed ruin for hiding the staff. The set includes a few extra pieces (pictured above). Summary LEGO has come a long way with its detailed minifigs. I love the new mummies! The weapons and shields are nice, as well as the standard accessories. I think a map and maybe a palm tree would have added to the overall quality/value of the set. The worst feature, in my opinion, is the little structure that holds the Golden Staff. It just doesn't do much for me, but does offer a few various "odds-and-ends" for maybe adding to a larger temple or ruin. I like the fact that LEGO didn't need to add any stickers for added design. All things considered, I'll give this set 4 out of 5 stars based on the above. Playability for motorcycle "swoosh value" is a plus. I look forward to buying other sets from Pharaoh's Quest and seeing what LEGO adds in 2011. I hope you have enjoyed this review and comments are certainly welcomed.
  17. LEGO Train fan k100m builds a colorful TGM-3 Diesel Locomotive. Make sure you visit Train Tech and share a comment if you like his latest 9V LEGO Train.
  18. Thanks for resizing your images K100M. I really like the color palette that you chose. The yellow railing compliments the blue nicely, and the splash of red looks nice. Interesting design - sort of a "cab forward" diesel locomotive. I really like the front end assembly. You did a nice job on the light - is that a custom decal? Well derserving of some front-page attention! It means that I replaced his initial oversized images with links. He had later resized them, which is appreciated.
  19. Really slick design Hinck. I think you did a fantastic job at capturing the look of the real deal. This is so "untraditional" in terms of shape/design. I know very little about these 30s "art-deco" type locomotives only seeing them in posters from train magazines. They were certainly slick and slylish, esp. for their day. The train in your picture almost looks like something from an Erector set. In terms of your model, you did an outstanding job on the front-end design - I could see it giving you the most difficulty. Great use of the slopes for the ladders. Nice color scheme, although I recall seeing a similar orange and black locomotive in a picture that looked pretty nice. Your colors resemble the B&W picture that you were trying to capture, and you certainly did a nice job. Do you plan to add a tender and picture the train together with your passenger wagon? Would love to see it. Great job! and it's nice to see you building trains.
  20. Hello Captain Becker. I haven't seen you around these parts. Hope you enjoy the forum - and I hope you enjoy your Emerald Night. Fantastic train!
  21. Nice job Benny. I've still got mine in the box and have been saving (for some unknown reason). I have to break out this little bad boy and get building.
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