WesternOutlaw

Very nice images DCI. Thanks for sharing (and welcome). This is the only set of the Kingdoms collection that I haven't purchased. I look forward to doing so after seeing your images. Is that the baseplate from 6071 Forestmen's Crossing pictured by your castle? Sharp! I would be happy in owning just one of those fabulous Forestmen sets. In any case, the castle looks fantastic in an outdoor setting.

This is splendid 'de-marco'. I really like the tranquil design that you've captured here. While the creation doesn't seem to have a lot of pieces, you've demonstrated how using the right pieces effectively can produce a fantastic MOC. It seems like a simple design, but it is probably far from it. The sail and rigging really came out well; as well as the front of the boat. I think this little MOC deserves to be front-paged! Great job!

'Sailing, takes me away to where I'm going', is the thought after seeing 'de-marco's' majestic LEGO Sailboat. His one-man craft has already set sail inside the EB Town Forum. Enjoy the simple yet tranquil style as a cool sea breeze blows you into our LEGO Town Community.

Thanks LT. I was going for Robin Hood - but Little John is actually a great idea for another Forestman Fig (in fact I was known as Friar Brown in another life ) I'm not sure I know what you mean. Here's those additional images I promised: The ingenious design allows you to lift the wagon and hide a minifig inside: Closing it back up looks like this: Pretty clever design, isn't it?

Yesterday, I spent the better half of the evening trying to re-create the old Forestmen set, 6042 Crusader's Cart. While this is not an exact replica due to piece variety/colors, it is based on the original set with the addition of my favorite of the new LEGO Minifigure series, Foresman/Robin Hood. My photo edited picture didn't come out that good (due to the original image), so I will share a few more pictures this afternoon including the clever little hiding place for another Foresman. I must say that I really regret missing out on these fantastic sets during my long Dark Age period. Here's the new set, Forestman's Wagon: Revised 5/26/10 Revised 5/25/10

This is an excellent set to build those pig armies. Poll added. Thanks for the review.

Ya, I think the Prison Cart is a better set as well. This set will most likely be around half the price ($5 USD) in most stores. TRU always jacks up their prices. I actually want a $5 set with about three figs for the value. All of these Kingdoms sets seem to be limited on the figs (esp. the Dragon Knights).

Here's our new Kingdoms Red Knight with the red knight from the old Yellow Castle: He is on a new horse because I didn't feel like looking for the old brick-built pieces. Oh, and I think this is the knight you guys mentioned you wanted to see for a comparison:

My thoughts exactly. Well deserving of a front-page! That layout looks fantastic as well.

LEGO Train Fan Bricktrix builds an awesome rendition of Harry Potter's Hogwarts Express. You can see more pictures and discuss this ornate LEGO Harry Potter Train in the Train Tech Forum.

I'm a sucker for $20 (USD) sets, so today at TRU I had to pick up 7948 Outpost Attack (and the impulse jester and wizard but that's another story). Set Name: Outpost Attack Set #: 7948 Theme: Castle Subtheme: Kingdoms Year Released: 2010 Pieces: 194 Minifigs: 3 Price: $19.99 (USD) at TRU The galliant red knights don't seem to suspect the Dragon Knight's catapult as it approaches in the picture on the back of the box: Wall stickers provide the castle with some extra detail: To my surprise, the set includes just two numbered bags: Three figs are included; two red knights, and one Dragon Knight: Once again, it's a good thing the Dragon Knight has the catapult, because he's a one-man show. I love these figs : This catapult is definitely larger than the smaller 7950 Knight's Showdown, especially with the large wheels: Here's an image from above. It does include two round projectiles: I think the tower makes this set: Unfortunately, no ladders are included as a means to climb to the second floor or outpost at the top: Side view: The middle wall section (second floor) slides out for attack/destruction play: Pictured is the removable wall section: The only other highlight of the tower is the lion/griffin flag that hangs over the entrance: Extra pieces/accessories: With the additional green/dragon knight, my Dragon Army is now at five. I will certainly enjoy buying one or more of the battle packs. Thoughts On This Set Outpost Attack (7948) is one of my favorites sets of the new Kingdoms collection. While it doesn't necessarily draw ones attention to the theme, I think it makes a very nice outpost that can be easily transformed to a Dragon Knight tower with some different flags and a few green cheese slopes. I may just do so in fact. The figs in this set are not much different than other Kingdoms sets, except for the dark grey helmet on the Dragon Knight. The tower design is rather simple, but I think it looks pretty good. The larger catapult is definitely better than the small one contained in 7950 (as mentioned above), but I'm not a huge fan of all these seige weapons. I'd rather the pieces be used for the main structure. The highlight for me is the two Dragon shields used on each side of the catapult. Now I plan to create a small battle scene with this and the Dragon Knights' Prison Tower. Oops, almost forgot, I would highly recommend this set for $20 USD. It makes a nice introductory set to the Kingdoms theme.

As a Classic Castle fan, this fortress is far from the days of yore; but at the same time, it does offer some unique aspects like the portcullis. For comparison purposes, I think this set can best be compared to 8876 Scorpion Prison Cave, and having both sets, I think this is a better set. Personally, I'd love to see LEGO Castle return to the days of Forestmen fortresses, and while this is far from it, it is much better than Knights Kingdom. I suppose this set is just more for the kiddies than adult fans looking for sets like the Medieval Market Village. Here's another image of the set with some brighter lighting:

Fantastic Classic Castle set! Is this the one that the newer Kings Castle is based on? It's 100 times better.

Beautiful set! Thanks for the review Dale. This style reminds me a lot of Playmobil, especially with the red tower roof. I had this set in my hands Friday evening, but I may wait for it to go on sale. TRU has a habit of marking these large sets 20% off. I love the new knights, and this looks like the flagship of the collection.

Thanks guys! Trying to keep the look of the original procession wagon, although I did swap out the wheels because I hate using rubber tires with Medieval creations.

Thanks for the comments fellas. So you think the colors on the Crownies clash with those in the classic set? I didn't think they were that bad, but it sounds like a few of you agree. Maybe I'll have to rebuild with some new colors. I had thought about using different colors but I was trying to keep the main set as close to the original as I could. I must add that I love the new Kingdoms' knights.

Introducing my Kingdoms Dragon Knight collection:

Introducing a Classic Castle + Kingdoms creation. This is a restoration of the Classic Castle set 383 Knights Joust with elements/figs from the new Kingdoms and Castle subthemes.

Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy come to mind: "To me, clowns aren't funny. In fact, they're kinda scary. I've wondered where this started and I think it goes back to the time I went to the circus and a clown killed my dad."

Glad you like the review fellas. Interesting thoughts, and pretty mixed views as to the design and colors of the set. I'll be buying him next.

This is an amazing MOC Svelte. I love how you've created a long realistic bridge as part of the the fortress (a design reminiscent of European castle bridges). The bath house at the end is most unique and is a fantastic representation of the opulence of Nizam's wealth. That middle section with the trans blue bricks looks so good as a bath house splash. Blue and white tiles work well for the flooring. In regard to the main structure, I find the overall color very nice and so different from that of most MOCs among the LEGO community, only made better by the splashes of gold with the radar dishes and scorpions. I also like the use of the trans green 1x1s for the small stream. You've done a most impressive job at building a LEGO creation based on the entrance to Aleppo. I'm completely unfamiliar with this type of architecture but after seeing this splendid creation, I want to look more at this design style. It's hard to top certain creations that one makes; in your case the Grand Emporium (your version), but I think you've done so here. It is a completely different genre, but this impresses me more. Great job!

My second review of the Kingdoms collection is definitely a sweat set. 7950 Knight's Showdown is the smallest of the collection (not counting the impulse sets/figs). Set Name: Knight's Showdown Set #: 7950 Theme: Castle Subtheme: Kingdoms Year Released: 2010 Pieces: 61 Minifigs: 2 Price: $6.99 (USD) at TRU I must say that I love the new Kingdoms boxart. The colors are a nice blend of blue sky, lime green fields, with darker green grass. Here's the back of the boxas the two knights duel it out with their short swords: The set has two small bags inside: These figs are a little different than those contained in the Prison Tower. The green knight looks a bit like a dungeon master with his black and grey armor design. The only green is the plume on his bucket helmet. Aren't the bucket helmets awesome? Taking them off to look at the knights' faces closer, I swear I've seen the face of the red knight before. I can't say that I like the old helmet style of the red knight: Aside from the figs, this set includes the catapult: and a small sword rack (note: furnishings for the prison tower) The catapult design is simple yet effective, and one can attach shields to each side. Unfortunately, only one red knight's shield is included. I think the sword rack is just a little extra that was thrown in for a bonus. A picture of the complete set: and the extra pieces (note: the round 1x1s are the projectiles for the catapult): My green army is slowly getting larger: Thoughts Knight's Showdown is a great little starter set to provide you with an introduction to the Kingdoms theme. It's probably not the best army builder, but a few of these sets certainly help the cause. The catapult design is nice and while it moves pretty well with the barrel lid wheels, the catapult itself seems a bit small (and short). Not much more to say other than I would definitely buy this again; in fact I may buy a couple extra. Now I plan to open the prison carriage to add to my green army. I'll post a picture once I have a few more figs. I'm looking forward to the troop packs.

Here's the left side: The top of the tower with tilting caldron: And pictures of the figs without their bucket helmets. Also is the back of the princess: You're welcome. Glad to hear that you like this set. Now I'm adding my additional green army from the smaller sets. Oh, in regard to the large pieces: it's not so much the size of the pieces. It's just the combination of elements - sort of a mish mash of bricks that I remember from the early KK line. I still like the set though; and while the pictures don't do it justice, it looks pretty slick set up.