kibosh

Agreed. The second book was fantastic, and this looks good, too.

Sooooooo awesome.... That thing is massive! And I am a sucker for LED lighting in a LEGO model.

You really captured the exploding wall very well! The only thing I'd like to see improved, is a couple of the bricks coming further out of the wall from the blast. it looks like a few have a 1-stud offset. I'd like to see one coming WAY out. Love this presentation!

Funny. In my mind, they have the same shape as that corridor that connects them, just smaller like that image shows. Based on that, yes, you have nailed them! Where did you get image, btw? Have any more like it from various angles???

Very true. He truly is evil personified. That's what spoiling your kids will do!

Awesome! I loved that movie. I don't think I've ever seen this ship attempted in LEGO. Nice choice!

I can't believe now that I have LEGO money once again burning a hole in my pocket, the Rancor Pit no longer seems to be going on sale.

This really is fantastic. You vegetation is done very well. LOVE the carriage, and your queen is beautiful. She looks like a happy, nice queen. Unlike Queen Cersei...

You're talking about the section where the ramp descends from, correct? They are a a bit more rounded than they could be, but I don't think it's too bad.

Awesome. Thanks!

This looks great so far! I agree with you that the UCS Falcon just seems too big. And of course, the other versions are too small. I can't wait to see how this turns out. Especially the always tricky cockpit...

I really like that massive dragon skull built into the fortress. Can we see some clearer shots of that? It looks to have a great shape.

Were your older bricks left connected for a long time? In other words, did they sit as a built model for an extended period of time? Bricks do lose some of their clutch power when put together too long. It's like it stretches the plastic.

Very nice! Love the composition, and depth of field.

Agreed. I have the EN, and I still want to do an all black version as well. Find a color scheme you like, that is cheaper, and go with that. I could make the carriage car build cheaper as well. Do you plan on only displaying the model, or actually running it? You might be able to get away with just building the engine. And that does look great in red!

I think this is true. To a degree. But it's largely an influence of Star Wars collectors in general. I used to be one of them that had to have every single variant of every single action figure. I don't think it's the case for LEGO fans who happen to collect Star Wars. The good news for LEGO fans is you can usually sell the minfigs to SW collectors for a hefty profit. They don't want the bricks. BTW, I still have hundreds of unopened SW action figures if anyone is interested... For the reasons already mentioned, I generally don't MOC Star Wars models. I MOD them. I take the X-Wing, and make it slightly better. My next project is taking Jabba's Palace, and really expanding it properly and fill it with the proper minifigures. It will also be my first attempt at adding LED lighting. And I will start a WIP thread if people are interested. As for the lack of alternate model pictures on the box, that is not exclusive to Star Wars. LEGO has dropped that on every line except Creator. And that happened a while ago, sadly. I used to LOVE that aspect of LEGO. The active encouragement of imagination. For the family that is new to LEGO, and might not know what it is or what it can be, they might think what you see is what you get. I really think LEGO should show that you can do more with the bricks on the box.

I think this was the motivation I needed to finally undertake this epic project. You're right. The longer you wait, the harder it is likely to be...

Love seeing the evolution. Great idea for a build. Love the military precision exhibited in the Border Barracks.

Wow. At first look, there is a lot to love here. I will have to spend some time examining this beautiful creation.

Great set! Would have bought all they had at 50% off. You could sell the extra cave trolls alone to pay for all that dark gray brick. I just can't get into that set. It's been 25% on Amazon US for as long as I can remember. I'll bite if it ever hits 50%... Totally agree. I can't get excited by The Hobbit sets. Ordered An Unexpected Gathering, and might pick up the warg set if I can get it on a good sale.

I'm shocked how often this topic comes up, and how divided people are on the topic. At the end of the day, who cares what others consider "pure"? What does it matter? Build what YOU like HOW you like. The only time I could see this really being a concern is if you participate in a LUG. I recently joined my local LUG, and in our displays, the the only non-LEGO allowed is custom stickers. The rationale is LEGO uses stickers, so it's ok for displays. No modded nor painted parts though. Not sure if this is a LEGO rule, or just the way our LUG operates.

Gotta, say I am really enjoying this set. Glad I bought it. It has way more tan and dark tan pieces than I realized. And lots of useful pieces like arches and 1x1 bricks with side stud. Great set overall, and just BEGGING to be expanded and improved. Highly recommend it.

Your interiors are stunning. LOVE that dining room table and chairs. Seems so bright and cheerful with the yellow inlay. And your approach to staircases is very unique.

Wow. I really like this creation! Reminds me of a scene out a movie. great execution. LOVE the crumbling walls.

Huh. I never would have thought to check Kroger. Might be worth a look!