the enigma that is badger

Glad to see some other folks agree with me that a custom musket and/or pistol would be a fun and versatile addition to Brickarms! For a musket accessory, most likely the bayonet would be molded onto the weapon. The musket would then sold both with and without the bayonet (like the current M23 and SOCOM Brickarms pistols). However, Will is also aware there is an interest in a system that would allow for removable and re-attachable bayonets. See this thread and this other thread for more discussion on those ideas. While Will has not publicly announced any plans for such an accessory just yet, he is aware of how versatile such an item would be. Unfortunately, since cannons are a very wide and hollow item, they have the same molding issues as helmets. As such, a Brickarms cannon is unlikely. Keep those comments on a musket and pistol coming! badger

Unfortunately, Will is unable to produce most helmet designs due to the type of molds he uses to produce the Brickarms accessories. The type of mold needed to make helmets is more complicated and therefore much more expensive. As such, these molds are currently not financially viable for Will to invest in. However, I would say that muskets would also be very versatile accessories and could be useful for any number of MOCs. Looking forward to hearing from all you! badger

Hi folks! While Brickarms has always focused on weaponry of the post-WWII era, lately Will Chapman, owner of Brickarms and designer of its fine custom accessories, has shown some willingness to branch out (check out his soon-to-be-released limited edition needle and scalpel in this thread.) As a huge fan of the Pirate themes of old, I've been wondering if there wouldn't be a strong market for custom accessories that would fit the Pirate theme, namely a flintlock musket and pistol. Here's my question for all your Pirate fans: would you be interested in a custom Brickarms musket and/or pistol? I know many follow the "purist" mentality when it comes to their MOCs, but keep in mind that a Brickarms musket would be much more accurate to the firearm of the period than the accessory produced by TLC, would feature the detail and accuracy that's the hallmark of all Brickarms products, and be constructed of the same high-quality ABS plastic that TLC uses for their parts. Here's a reference picture for a quick guide to what a minifig accessory musket would be based on: This could be designed with or without the bayonet. Do you have an preference for one over the other? and the pistol: *Note that the pistol I'm suggesting lacks the blunderbuss-feel of the TLC pistol. What do you all think? Would accessories of this type be something that would interest you? Keep in mind that Will currently has no plans to produce these accessories, but should this topic get enough of a response, that's always subject to change! X-D If you'd like some, let me know here! badger

As if there was any way I could not love this! Really, fantastic work that captures the mood of the Black Lodge perfectly. Let's rock! badger

Thanks for the kudos! Really, LEGO has been a passion of mine for over 20 years, and it's exciting to be able to discuss with others who share the hobby. I do greatly enjoy posting in forums like this, although even more fun was to talk to AFOLS and younger fans in person at Brickworld last year. True, JT did start the trend of more explict storylines built around TLC themes, but then the characters and stories are broadly sketched in the extreme - who's good, who's bad, and a slight bit of character and story background. Even many of the older sets you mentioned have clear built-in story element with one faction clearly opposing the other. When a group of castle soldiers is show on the box running towards forestmen with swords raised or approaching the castle of another castle faction with a seige weapon, even the youngest of TLC fans can assume there's some type of conflict going on. I can even recall an interview with a TLC representative awhile back that part of the mission of TLC products was to provide older children a chance to better understand conflict and resolution through play. Aside from effect including axes in those sets would have on what the kids would learn, the intent is still clear: the sets had an embedded, loosely-defined story of conflict between two groups. Then we come to JT where characters are named, and the story is given a bit more depth: JL is somewhere with his companions looking for something ("the golden X" or some other babbles of history). True, the characters were more establish with names and some background but even this info was more archetypal than anything else (the explorer, the aged professor, the female reporter sidekick) that were as much staples of 30s Pulp as anything else in JL line. Conflict is also established with the clearly evil antagonist also after the "Golden X". Beyond that, how the story manifested itself was up to the individual builder. Then we come to licensed lines where detailed characters and story points are preestablished which by mental association limit play options. We know what kind of situations these characters should be in and how they will act in them because such moments have been played before us (many, many, many time in the case of the Indy films and myself). Just by pure association are we more locked into thinking only those situations and actions are appropriate to the characters by pure mental association. An example from social psychology: give a person a story with no ending, then present them with three ways the story could end. Generally, people will pick every ending with an equal probablity. Give them the same story and ending, but also tell them one ending is how it really happened (doesn't matter which one), they will show a clear preference towards the "real" ending. As social animals, we are powerfully motivated by social cues, and children emulating films and TV shows they've seen is a clear example of this. In JL and other nonlicensed lines, the storylines establish a framework that directs, but does not constrict the play. badger

And I'm happy to be here! Glad to hear you like the Auto-9. Really, it's easily one of my favorite weapons that Will Chapman has (almost) produced. Any more folks who dig it? If you like your Brickarms with a bit of sci-fi flavoring, here's the place to let me know! badger

Actually, it looks like that might be the way certain minds are thinking. badger

As I previously said: What I particularly disagreed with was your characterization of JT as a "rip-off" as this statement implies that JT also lacks any inherent value apart from the themes it shares in common with the Indiana Jones series and was conceived only to take advantage of the Jones series popularity and contribute nothing original. I'd bring up the example of Kurosawa's film The Seven Samurai which has been reinterpreted, remade, revised, and reimagined over the years than probably any other film in history. Some legimately bring something new and interesting to the formula (The Magnificent Seven, A Bug's Life) while others simply don't (Roger Corman's Battle Beyond the Stars). Again, the two certainly share pulp elements, but the JT line was clearly willing to explore areas of that field left untouched by the Indy films Instantly recognizable, yes, but in the context of those films. Show Indiana Jones fighting a soldier on a truck, and the average consumer can easily accept this situation given it's what they expect from the Indiana Jones character as they've previously seen him in that situation. Put Indiana Jones in the middle of an Oriental Temple or riding a dinosaur, and the familiar context is instantly lost, along with the power the recognition of the Jones name conveys. Could good Indiana Jones sets be made that are not directly inspired from moments of the film? Possibly. Would people recognize them as Indiana Jones? Most likely not, despite the fedora-ed minifig whipping away center stage. JT, on the other hand, was a blank slate with no preconceptions onto which TLC could write any story that they thought the public would enjoy. There was nothing unexpected or unusual about seeing JT in a new and different surrounding each new line the character's "stock" nature made him the perfect vehicle to explore all kinds of different themes naturally. Certainly, if they released new JT sets right after the Indy ones. A public expecting to see Indy sets would be confused as the character and story shift. However, after a period of time, new JT sets as innovative and creatively storied as the previously lines would undoubtedly be as popular as the original lines were. Keep in mind, JT is a line that ran successfully for several years, and despite your dislike for the line, continues to have many fans. Despite their popularity when new media support them, licensed lines (apart from SW) have always needed the boost in consumer awareness those films/tv shows give them while in-house lines where able to thrive on their own merits. Actually, I'm quite willing to admit he would visit Tibet as this is where he first meets Marion Ravenwood in Raiders of the Lost Ark. As for the rest, I can certainly envision the Indiana Jones character visiting those places, but as I have never read or seen anything depicting him doing so, anything I would say would be idle speculation. Also, you forgot Lancaster. With the power of the Ford name, who needs the Indy character! Really, I'm all for licensed lines, and I've certainly enjoyed the Indy sets they've released thus far. However, what I don't like is that licenses have come to dominate TLC product as the expense of in-house lines. It's only with the release of the new Castle and City sets we've seen a return to the values that built the TLC company - well-built sets with a variety of parts and figures that encourage creative thought and play, not merely repetition of a recently watched film or TV show. badger

Another great new accessory that Brickarms will soon releasing has been announced: the Auto-9. Read more about this great weapon here. Enjoy! badger

However, for another Indy film to occur, it would require the mutual consent of Lucas, Spielberg, and Ford. Given the fact this lastest film had a somewhat torturous development history in terms of getting all three of those individuals to agree to a script as well as working out scheduling issues, a fifth Indy film would like entail the same kind of difficulties. Of course, if Indy 4 makes an extremely large box office, that couldn't help to grease the wheels a bit ;-) badger

As someone who's been following spoilers for Indy 4 fairly closely, I can confirm this is correct. Mutt's "greaser" look is also a good indication of the time frame. Perfect of "The Outsiders" MOCs or depicting your favorite Wild One moments! ;-) badger

I'm not much of a car fan, but it looks like the racers will have some great new torso designs (Racer X in particular). I'll undoubtedly be picking up some of the smaller sets for a few of the newer elements and minifigs. badger

The prototype sets themselves all look like great starts, and I have to say I'm stoked about the idea of a Ventress minifig (by far my favorite character of the entire Clone Wars media blitz, particularly how she was depicted in the animated microseries). I am, however, still not a fan of the "animated" look TLC has apparently chosen to give the faces of sets based on the new series. Hopefully they'll show a bit more restraint with Ventress and the other new figs than they did with the Anakin in the new JSF set. badger

Frankly, I'd disagree with this statement. True, JT and Indy share common themes, but only due to the fact they both pull from the same source material: pulp of the 1930s and 40s. Should you say JT is a "rip off" of Indy, rest assured that Allan Quatermain or Doc Savage would be tapping on your shoulder soon enough. Of course, that isn't to say that Indy bringing 30s pulp elements into the public consciousness didn't at all influence TLCs decision to base a line on this theme but to make a 1:1 correlation between Indy and JT frankly shows a lack of appreciation of the inspirations behind the Indiana Jones series. Keep in mind, however, it was only after several years of SW sets did TLC begin to venture outside of the film continuity for sets. I'd also debate the viability of "EU" Indy sets. The Indiana Jones character is well-established in the public mind as existing in those three (soon to be four) films, unlike Star Wars that has always had a very strong presence outside of the films (comic books, novels, videogames, and the like). True, Indy has had some nonfilm media, but nothing approaching the kind of volume SW had on the market. As such, I can easily picture the average TLC buyer (particuarly parents) picking up a nonfilm Indy set and saying "I don't rememer this," and being somewhat turned off. That was the fun of the JT theme: it could pull from any of the 30s pulp elements without any boundaries. Trip to India? Why not! Dinosaur adventures? Worked for The Lost World! Aside from a fantastic variety of new elements, part of the fun of the JT line was where JT and his companions would end up next. I wasn't a huge fan of the idea of Indy sets, but what's been produced thus far I like. The prototype sets for Indy 4 look like a good start as well, but I, for one, still hold a place in my heart of JT. badger

Actually, I sort of like it. It makes for an interesting bit of SW nose art we haven't seen before. badger

We now have a reference pic of Ms. Blanchett from the film (via CHUD.com): Link to the reference pic Zooming-in on this pic, it looks like the Blanchett fig is going to be pretty accurate! badger

The only issue I can see is the cost of the rights. Given the box office take of the Lord of the Rings films, there's undoubtedly going to be the perception that anything Jackson-Tolkien related is a license to print money. As such, the licencing fees for Hobbit film(s)-related merchendise could potentially be very costly for the TLC. While I'm a fan of the Hobbit, I'm really enjoying the current fantasy-infused Castle line and would hate to see it end untimely to make way for (another!) licensed line. badger

Thanks for the great review! I'll probably be picking this one up if only for the minifigs (how can you not complete your Alfred Molina minifig collection?) and the idol piece. This is correct, and in pure serial film fashion, the pilot is has just hooked a big one just as Jones starts yelling for him to get ready to leave ;-) badger

I'd guess chances are slim-to none on that happening considering TLC has always leaned towards brick-built rather than molded heavy weapons. Look at how TLC made a weapon that most are calling an MG-34 in the Race for the Stolen Treasure Set. True, it's great to get a black lightsaber hilt, but you have to squint pretty hard to make that an MG-34. At least in my (completely unbiased ;-) ) opinion, there's but one man who's likely to create an accurate, minifig-compatible bazooka, and he's not currently planning to do so. badger

Fantastic review, Sinister! Really, as my recent attempts have taught me all too well, it's hard getting shots that good, and your pics are excellent. Nice work! I, too, really love how TLC has handled these vehicles - the design, detailing, and playability on both the trucks is great. That and I'm always up for a good troop building set. My desert faction was in need of some ground troops! Of course, as you've shown here, this amazing set can be made even better with a few Brickarms accessories added in for some historically accurate flavor. ;-) badger

Pictures from a German toy site:

Never thought I'd link to them for LEGO news, but CHUD.com has posted translated from German descriptions of the Indy 4 sets: LEGO INDIANA JONES Jungle Duel While Indy trys to handle the giant ants, Irina Spalko and Mutt start to duel with their swords. Mutt barely dodges Irinas blade which cuts the table in two. LEGO INDIANA JONES River Chase On their adventurous getaway from their opponents, Indy and Marion abscond in an amphibious vehicle. LEGO INDIANA JONES Jungle Cutter Indiana Jones and Mutt are stuck in their needy hideout. They're hiding from the soldiers' jungle cutter wich cuts its way uncompromisingly. Fortunately Indy has his Bazooka! LEGO INDIANA JONES Temple of Akator Indiana Jones and Mutt are on the climax of their adventure. They have to solve the secret of the lost Temple of Akator before it falls into the hands of the dangerous Irina Spalko. But at first they have to resolve the countless perfidies of the ancient temple.

I did call for a replacement a few years back when one torso I picked up was truly awful, but this one really isn't this bad at all; the macrophotography just exponentially increases the minor defects that you wouldn't usually notice under normal circumstance. badger

Sure, just PM me you or your parents' credit card number, and I'll head downtown this evening! But seriously, no, these sets pretty much tapped out my LEGO-budget for at least a month or so. Thankfully I haven't found the Indy sets as well, or having funds for little things like rent and food might be an issue! badger

$49.99 if I remember correctly Nope, just one. The mechanism that brings down the back part of the cockpit makes it impossible for a minifig (or two minifigs for that matter) to sit in the cockpit storage compartment. It's a pity, but I do still like the cockpit design. Fall off? No. Maybe swing around a bit? Yes. Still, it makes for a neat effect, though I hope stormtroopers don't get air sick easily. Nope, those were the only ones I bought. Sorry! badger