WesternOutlaw

This afternoon, I was fortunate to find the complete collection of LEGO Kingdoms at my local Toys R Us store here in the Western United States. While I was tempted to buy the large Knights' Castle, I'm a sucker for prison towers and the darker forces, so went with 7947 Prison Tower. While the pictures probably don't do it justice, I hope you enjoy this review of the new set. Set Name: Prison Tower Rescue Set #: 7947 Theme: Castle Subtheme: Kingdoms Year Released: 2010 Pieces: 365 Minifigs: 5 Horses: 1 Price: $47.99 (USD) As you could see from the initial image, LEGO boxart keeps getting better and better with the beautiful imagery and backgrounds. The back of the box: Pictured are some of the moving features of the set: Just four bags are contained in the set: With two sets of very piece-by-piece instructions: I love the new orders/factions of knights (the reds and greens ). The princess belongs to the order of the reds. Her face can be turned to show a scared expression (not pictured): The classic white horse has some nice unicorn armor: My favorite of the new orders are the greens. I love the classic shield: The set includes a treasure chest with gems and gold, plus some extra weapons: Moving on to the tower, let's start with the portcullis: Right angle view: And the right side: Above the portcullis are two griffins that stand guard as part of the second floor: And the third has a hot caldron of fire: To the left are steps that lead to the tower. A bar can be swivelled down to block intruders. (Major security issue here) At the top of the steps: Let's take a look at the interior starting with the ground floor. Furnishings anyone? Here's the back of the tower after climbing the stairs: Two sets of stairs provide a roof for the ground floor: At the peak, one can climb to the prison tower (third floor): The prison tower has no additional furnishing providing a 'move-in ready' extra: At the top of the lower tower is the best feature of this set, a winch to lower the portcullis. It is fun to lower and raise the gate: An image of the entire tower: And the backside: Adding the minifigs to the scene: Batttle shot: Lastly, the extras: My Thoughts: This is tough. It's not Classic Castle... okay, now that I got that out of the way... While I actually like this set for a few reasons, it does have a Knights Kingdom feel to it with the large molded pieces and lots of big bricks. 'Kiddie-alert' comes to mind. I actually bought this set for the brown, green, and black elements which provide some great pieces for that forestmen hideout that I've always wanted to build. I've always been a fan of 'green sets' and with the fantstic factions, they drew me to this set. It's not forestmen, but it's the closest right now. The tower does need some furnishings. It's completely bare save the treasure chest and the poor field mouse that couldn't make a meal in the barren tower. I also like the working gate. In fact, it reminds me a bit of Playmobil (they had a Baron's Prison Tower that also had a lifting gate (although the design is very different)). I won't judge the different aspects of this set seperately (e.g. piece selection, playability, price, etc.) because I'm not sure that I'd rate any of them very high. At the same time, I'd give this set an overall rating of 'little above average'. I don't regret buying this set, and once I get it on a table with some trees and surroundings, it will probably look a lot better than my pictures with it standing alone in front of a white backdrop. I do like the multiple sets of steps in terms of the playability aspect and with the figs, this makes a definite buy for those of you who plan to collect the Kingdoms collection. I look forward to seeing what you guys think of this set, especially the castle fans.

Thanks for the info - interesting information.

Spooky - but I'm still not sure about those chicken bones.

Dang nab it! Five sharpshoot'n cowboys less on the market. Seriously, nice collection Peppermint. I like this set better than your Diving Club. I got my cowboy yesterday. I'm going out today to pick up a few extra figs.

Some like to go out as soon as they hear a new set is available, joining the hype on the Internet. They may review the set, take pictures, write an article, or discuss their find on various blogs/community forums. I compare this to going out and seeing a new movie the day it's released. On the other hand, others choose to wait a few months to make their LEGO purchase, reading reviews and other on-line information about the new set first. These would be like those that purchase the BluRay or movie later after all the hype is over. The experience is different (not quite as exciting). Does this help explain my analogy?

I picked up a set from my local TRU (here in the states) yesterday. They're terrific! Now I understand why everyone is buzzing about them. I haven't read this entire post, so someone may have mentioned this already, but I can't help to wonder if LEGO might offer a complete set as an exclusive. What do you guys think? Is it more fun to just collect them in the stores? Most will buy more to get a complete set.

Love those Divers Peppermint! Nice job. I picked up one today and may add to my Creature Quest.

On bottom, but some on top wouldn't look bad either.

Thank you all for the comments and feedback. It really is interesting to read others' thoughts on this subject. I love new sets as well, and enjoy picking them up when they're new. I waited to buy the PoP Battle of Alamut set finding it 20% off at my local TRU. Great find! Unfortunately, I did buy the Toy Story Western Train at full price (because I really wanted the set). This week, it's on sale at TRU. In terms of waiting for sales, it is a chance and depends on how well you like the set. This article isn't focussed on waiting to take advantage of a sale price or a discounted set; but rather, I wanted to provide some thought on other aspects that one can enjoy while waiting. It seems that a discounted price is the number one advantage, but I honestly find the set reviews and research a fun and enjoyable thing to do before buying a set. Sometimes, simply buying a set because it's new or to finish/complete a theme takes all the fun out. This is especially true if you just add it to your stack of MISB. It's much more enjoyable to buy a set that you really want.

Nice design Tim. Thanks for sharing. I love these types of trains. --- On a side note, it looks like the new City Advent calendar will have a small narrow gauge/mini train. Are any of you interested in this set for the train?

Welcome to Train Tech Harmacy (even if you've been around for a while). Mindstorms do open up a whole new aspect and possibilities for LEGO Trains. There's been a few applications shared here in Train Tech, and I've been impressed with the layouts. Hope to see you share what you come up with.

This evening, I would like to present a review of a lost set that I came across in a stack of boxes. Jurassic Park III - Spinosaurus Attack Studio (place intense action music here... da, da, da...) Set Number: 1371 Theme: Studios Subtheme: Jurassic Park III Year Released: 2001 Pieces: 178 (according to box) Minifigs: 2 Extras: Spinosaurus (grrr...) Price: $35 USD / $25 Euro Starting with the box, impressive artwork shows the attack of the Spinosaurus: Back in 2001, LEGO was still showing alternate models on the back of set boxes, something I really miss in newer sets: A closer look at the boxart shows a small boat being attacked by Spiney: The set can be divided into five components: a tree, camera, airplane, Spinosaurus, and accessories. The tree is rather blocky but has five large leaf sections: Not much to say in terms of the camera, although it has a nice printed slope brick and removable film tile: The small airplane is my favorite part of the set and actually looks a little like the real deal. I like the classic four-stud wide design: Nice trans. blue window elements contrast with the white bricks and window frames nicely: The top can be lifted open for added playability: Three wheel sets provide the airplane with nice rolling ability for take off and landing: Two figs are included within the set but for the life of me, I can't figure out who the guy in black is suppose to be??? Jeff Goldblum maybe? Other? I'm really not sure, but he has red hair: The dreaded Spinosaurus is along the same line as the Dinosaur sets. He's easy to build and probably enjoyable to smaller children: The airplane can be attached to the tree with its 2x4 + round hole plate (pictured on bottom of airplane image above). Watch out Jeff Goldblum stand-in, Spiney's a carnivore! The set also includes some extras including another camera and additional windshield (in case Spiney breaks one). That concludes the images. Let's talk about some thoughts of this set, shall we? For Action (playability), I give this set a 5 out of 5. Tree + airplane + dinosaur = triple the fun! As with other Studio sets, LEGO can keep the cameras. If I play Jurassic Park, I'm not going to make a film of the play, but rather just swoosh the airplane through the air, crash on the tree, and attack with Spiney. Adding a producer and cameraman oversteps my limited imagination and use of two hands during play. In terms of design, I actually like the tree (which I have used in my Jungle Adventure). Adding a few vines and maybe a monkey would make it better. The camera is useless, but as I mentioned above, the airplane is a real classic. Brick-build, 4-studs wide, and a hinged top + wheels = perfect combination of elements for a small LEGO aircraft. In regard to our friend Spiney: while he may not appeal to many AFOL, this one is for the kiddies and if they want to recreate scenes from the movie, what better way? Brick-built you say? A Viking-like dinosaur would take away the fun (at least in my opinion). The problem with Spiney is that his single leg piece loosens over time. This causes him to fall down when placing him in attack position. I'll rate this set 4 out of 5 for design. Piece selection is moderate with a few nice elements like the tree leaves, trans blue windows, and airplane slopes. - probably a 3 out of 5. While the original price for this set was $35 here in the US, I found it for a mere $14.88. I'd say that was a real bargain back in the early 2000s. At $35, I'd probably rate the price a 3 out of 5 (moderate). Overall, (without doing the math), I would give this set a 4 out of 5 for its fun factor. What do you think? Share your thoughts.

Amazing! Thanks for sharing the great images. Love that sombrero! Edit: oh, and I love that Roman centurion.

Very nice KD. I think this is one of your better Western MOCs. The use of blue log bricks makes it most unique, and I think the color works well. The blend of blue and brown would not have been a color choice that I would have come up with, but they do look good together. As always, nice interior details. Love the bed! It's also nice to see a removable roof(s), something a bit different than the old Wild West theme. My only suggestion is to lift those cacti up a bit. They seem a little short. Aside from that, your LDD MOCs keep getting better and better. It's great to see the WW theme still alive.

Continuing his fantastic modular LEGO town, BlueBard shares his recent creation, a Green Cafe Corner. Visit the EB Town Forum to see the interior and other details of his splendid LEGO Modular.

Outstanding review Holodoc! Thank you for taking the time to provide a comprehensive and high quality review. My thoughts in regard to this train are pretty simple, and that is, I want it! LEGO cargo trains have a very special place for me and I love to see LEGO still producing them - a timeless subtheme/component of trains in my opinion. The engine is very nice and it is good to see LEGO change the style from that of the past two cargo trains, that you've nicely pictured for comparison. I have the other two as well. It is unfortunate that LEGO didn't provide lighting for this yellow beauty. It is strange to see the wire permanently attached to the motor. Those smaller Octan tanks are quite nice and I agree with you. One would make an excellent stand-alone train car. The smaller size looks much better than the wider ones from the MOT collection. I especially like the design of the middle section with ladder. I like the mini car transporter, a nice addition to the train; and it's been a long time since LEGO offered one in a set. The container transporter and crane add to the quality and play value of the set. Let's see... 158 Euro puts this train at close to $200 dollars here in the U.S - pricey. I hope to see a lower price tag, but overall, it is a nice one that I'd love to add to my collection. Thanks again for the fantastic review!

Eurobricks Train and Town fan Holodoc brings the EB Train Tech Forum an amazingly detailed review of the new LEGO Cargo Train 7939. 2010 is certainly an outstanding year for LEGO Trains!

All That Hype An AFOL Article by TheBrickster The Affliction Do you consider yourself an adult fan of LEGO (AFOL)? If so, does the thought of a new LEGO set or theme give you a ‘warm fuzzy’? Do you find yourself combing LEGO community web sites in search of any grainy picture or information that might hint of a new set? If so, you are probably not an exception among fans of the LEGO hobby. The thought of a new Star Wars, City, Train, or (insert any of your favorite LEGO themes), and especially a new exclusive truly sends LEGO fans in an excited frenzy that quickly spreads through blogs and front page news. AFOL then begin a relentless pursuit to acquire preliminary or ‘sneak-peak’ images of that new set that they can share with the LEGO community. While many suffer from this usual phenomenon, one cannot help ask the question, ‘Why all the hype”? Will most new sets not be on every department or store shelf at a store near you? Will the set be limited in production or only available for less than one year? Will the set be numbered or contain an exclusive collectible brick by LEGO? While the obvious answer to these questions in most cases is ‘no’, many AFOL sometimes get so wrapped up in the hype, they miss the enjoyment that comes with a slower of more methodological approach to purchasing the new LEGO set. Some AFOL run out to the toy store in search of new LEGO sets, simply because they want to be the first to own them. Others are compelled to rip open the contents of a new set and begin taking numerous pictures of the pieces to post or blog on a web site. Some are simply addicted to ABS. If you suffer from any of these LEGO fan afflictions, you may want to think about what you’re missing. Take Time to Enjoy a Review As someone who often waits for sets to be available for greater than one year before purchasing, it is interesting to read the numerous reviews of a newer set. Eurobricks is a community LEGO site that always has early set reviews. Through its Reviewers Academy and broad number of fans of a diverse variety of themes, one can always count on Eurobricks’ members to share early set reviews. While the pictures say 1,000 words, it’s also nice to read a quality narrative with critical thoughts on any particular set or new theme. This is especially true when contemplating buying a new set to complete a theme collection, or if the set is a pricey one that may not be as enjoyable compared to the picture on its box. Quest for the Retired Set Getting your hands on a new set is certainly fun, but looking for a retired set can be even more enjoyable. Thumbing through a book like the LEGO Star Wars Visual Dictionary and discovering a non-purchased set that is near retirement or no longer on toy store shelves creates an entirely different challenge. Searching second hand toy stores and the web for these sets; and finding them, can create an immense feeling of accomplishment. Sometimes the ‘hunt’ can be far more enjoyable than the ‘find’. Fun In Research Another enjoyable facet of collecting LEGO is the research after a set or theme has been available for a while. As more set reviews are posted to the web, articles begin ‘popping up’ on Wiki sites and blogs. It’s fun to read these critical thoughts and analysis before purchasing a new set or theme. After your purchase, these articles are not nearly as interesting or stimulating to the LEGO senses. Sales Sales Sales From an economic perspective, purchasing new sets when first available does not create an opportunity to take advantage of discounted or clearance prices. Brand new LEGO sets are seldom on sale, and never on clearance. As a general strategy; if you like a new theme, you might try purchasing the smaller sets first waiting a few months for the larger sets. The higher the price, the better the opportunity for your local toy shop to discount it. Be careful with exclusives though, as LEGO has been known to discontinue these sets prior to the usual two year availability. Many angry LEGO fans discovered this with the Winter Toy Shop during the Christmas season of 2009. In fact, exclusives are in a category of their own as most are not even available in local toy shops. Other sets can go on sale or clearance through the LEGO Shop at Home (SAH) website, but be careful, when LEGO SAH discounts a set; it is quick to be sold out. Other Considerations Stop and ask yourself, 'What will you do with the new set'? Will it simply be added to a stack of mint in sealed LEGO boxes on the top of your closet, or do you really want to build it? Where do plan to place the set after the build? Is there room on your train and town diorama for the new set, or how about your already full bookshelves? Do you plan to 'piece-out' the set or are your tubs filled to the hilt? Can your budget accomodate one more purchase this month, or maybe it might be better to wait until you pay off your credit card or collect on that IOU? If the answers to any of these questions indicate that it may be better to buy the set in a few more months, you may realize that you didn't really want it to begin with (as you look upon a stack of unopened Racer sets). Try the BluRay Experience This article will most likely not result in a change to your LEGO purchasing practice, but hopefully, it does provide some alternatives and other considerations to the overwhelming need to go out and purchase that brand new set. The thought of waiting a little longer to get the same set either through availability or by desire can be compared to an analogy of a new movie release. While some love to wait in line at a busy cinema to experience the thrill of a new movie premiere, others might prefer to rent or purchase the same movie on BluRay months later for a quieter, more subtle experience after all that hype. -TheBrickster

It's always enjoyable to see how different LEGO fans layout their towns. You've got that nice hard wood floor that helps provide a good, stable, and level foundation. I like the curved plates around the water fountain from the Town Plan. The images from the Airport control tower are pretty clever, and I love that Metro Tower! Great collection of sets! - although wearing that bra on your head sounded like a fun alternative. Thanks for sharing. EDIT: I look forward to seeing how you add a train.

Interesting topic. I would have to go w/ Galaxy Explorer. It's an awesome set and brings back a lot of great memories for me.

Thanks for sharing an early image review of this station BTT. I've added a poll and indexed this review (also front paged!) I would ask that you please watch your image size though. Our site guidelines are 800x600 max. Usually 640x480 works just fine for image reviews. In regard to this set: even though I find it more of a platform than a station (although there is the small structure), I really like the overhead bridge. I think LEGO trains always look good driving through tunnels and overhead structures for added fun. It's a nice set, but I'm still thinking about how I'd rate it overall. EDIT: I rated it a 4.

EB is proud to announce another 2010 LEGO review! LEGO Train fan 'Brick Town Talk' shares a review of LEGO's new 7937 Train Station in the Train Tech Forum. Make sure you hop on the fast train to check out images of this latest LEGO Train & City set.