Cutty

Since there is nothing more to say, that wouldn't have been remarked already I just say: Wonderful MOC! I just love all these little details, especially the tent area and all the bright colours around the jousting square. It feels just the way a good Castle-joust should feel like... and "hooray" for all the crownies taking part ^__^! Be well all! Cutty

TLC laid off that barcode identification after Series 2! They changed their method of individual identification to small raised "dots" or "bumps" on the lower edge of each package's backside, which are hard to see and feel. It's possible to observe them under the right lighting coditions however. The cheat sheets for S4-figures can be found somewhere in this forum, yet I am seriously too lazy to find a link for you. Perhaps you just re-read through some pages back and find them yourself. Once you see the list the whole matter concerning those dots will become very self-explanatory, really! Just make sure you got a proper source of light for identifying your figs! Be well all! Cutty

Most awesome man! Fantastic! There are so many ideas I myself had for fantasy mocs implemented in this awesome MOC I can't even count them! The structure itself is built perfectly and gives away a sense of "dwarvenness" I never encountered in anything comparable. TLC official Dwarven Mine is a mere sham compared to the architectural features here! I like all the small mosaic parts on the floor and walls the most. The door-designs (those are supposed to be doors in dwarf-size, aren't they?) are a close second. I'm not entirely sold on that big ancestral statue, but it fits the scene anyway once you try perceiving it as some sort of anachronistic cultural heritage. Which fits the pop-culture dwarves, with all their focus on clan history and elder lore perfectly anyhow. Now here's a thing I had planned but never got to: Bionicle masks as deco elements! They just fit and enrich the whole scene like nothing brick-built could in this way! A perfect juxtaposition of angular architecture and smooth deco. The entire structures base is another point I love! Although it's sort of "in" to build dioramas this way nowadays your way of decorating the rim according to the main model vivifies the whole build even more. Secondly you thought of diversing Dwarven clans the same way I did, by giving them differently coloured arms (edit:) and beards (how could I oversee THIS detail?)! Great stuff! Both rowing factions look pleasantly aggressive as well, which is hard to achieve given those small legs are not posable. But what struck me most was that super cool group of adventurers! The troll-mage is my favourite (though I'd prefer my trolls to be bald by default ^__^°)! Enough of appraisal! I bow my head humbly and enjoy the ride! Thank you! Be well all! Cutty

That's what I was saying pages ago ^^. But it's a good thing people catch up to a common idea. I already see entire Heroica-layouts swapped and traded (custom levels, so to speak) via LDD-files or other media! This could even become a new forum-build project once we get info on the gameplay! Anyone up for it? (This might even be a chance for me to get used to LDD, which I haven't used ever since its very first iteration years ago...) Another thing: all those brick-built bigger monsters from previous games make very good epic encounters I'd say. And there's room for even bigger stuff still! Be well all! Cutty

Good job on those BF-updates! I really like those! Be well all! Cutty

I'm not a set keeper per se. Although some might stay assembled until I get to part out and sort the elements. There's just one instance I feel the topic's question might apply: Lego games! I usually get me those I like for their play-value and some multiples for parts. This way I have collected some copies of Lunar Command, Orient Bazaar, Minotaurus and Lava Dragon... Be well all! Cutty

Top-tier stuff! I loved the "Adventurers" line but never got around to get me 7417, so I feel as if I'd missed something. Your IJ translation + update really brings back fond memories. And everything you claimed your version had in advantage over the original is true! At least in my book ;-) The prayer-flags are especially awesome! The temple with the golden Buddha should have been in the original set. Your version is far superior. Be well all! Cutty

"Someone set up us the bomb!" scnr Seriously now: I like both models very much. The bomb, although simplistic in appearance, really captures the iconicity one would associate with the term "bomb" in contrast to a wild conglomeration of clocks, wires and detonator-packets most real-life explosive devices would be... But what I really like is the political dimension of your build: Bringing together a serious topic and a childrens' toy is always a tricky path to wander, yet you pull it off with ease. I am impressed! Be well all! Cutty

I'm sorry I cannot present any pictures as of now. I always mean to get them ready to be photographed, but my schedule is overfilled right now... sounds like a petty excuse, but without any exaggeration, it's a hard time for me right now. Which is the reason why my collection is rather disorganised right now. I see whether or not I might be able take some pics of them in the near future. But here's something I overlooked to include in my initial post: Although the crownies have three torso-variations at their disposal, I found the newer Kingdom's-"archer" torso would benefit them as well. So a simple swapping of red arms for dark blue ones works wonders. Alas, the torso I mean IS very universal in use: Before they became part of my crownies they were part of an experiment in creating armed rangers as allies for them by using dark green arms. What these "experiments" imply in regards to the thread's title I leave to you ;-) . Be well all! Cutty

Thank you for the effort of "guiding" us through your experience! The werewolf is fantastic and easily makes my list of most wanted S4 figures. Even more so after having seen your pics of him. Seems as if I'd need to hunt down more elves and later werewolves to give the first a little more variation by recolouring the latter's hairpiece... well, more like its ears, but you get the idea ;-) . After this brilliant entree of S4 into fans' homes I wish everyone here a very successful hunt for his/her favourites! Be well all! Cutty

I beg to differ: Although they lack "brightness" on an overall scale, the combination of darker and lighter hues of blue, combined with grey (silver!) and gold accents emanates an aura of regality rarely matched by other factions. Especially included their successors, the new current lion knights! And this is only speaking, taking their out-of-the-box forms: I updated my crownies, my most numerous faction by the way, with additional sparkles of red and white (via plumes) and individualised every mounted knight so far, including one "desert adventurer" and the mandatory "black knight" into the parade. I even went a little overboard and made an "iron-man-knight" by combining a KK2 King-Mathias' set of arms and the according hip part with leftover material from the others. And the additional shade of blue looks so obviously yet comfortably out of place (perfect for a "super-hero-costume" ;-P ) that it's beautiful again. Next project would be to get me some of Kingdom's lion-factions knights and swap hips and legs with my crownies to spruce them up even more, while the lions do get some treatment in form of added browns and black. Works for me! Short: Whenever such an "issue" arises, try a change! It all boils down to individual tastes and preferences in the end. I like my crownies and will strengthen their appeal even more over time. Come time, come (new) parts (to use)! Be well all! Cutty

I have seen this topic afloat in it's subforum for quite some time now and as it managed to reach over 15 pages of answers I finally feel inclined to add my spice to the melange ( fuelled by enough cabernet sauvignon that is ^^). How many minifigs do I own? Now, I haven't counted them, but definitely too many of them reside in my vicinity. This is partly a matter of ongoing collecting and newly acquired loads of collectable minifigs. Fun thing: Usually my collection is stored in a spacious room a story above my flat, yet, as temperatures dropped over our harsh winter, most of my minis migrated to my kitchen table and took residence there, where they still dominate half of the surface. And these are only a fraction of what still lurks in boxes dark above ^^. All in all one could argue that I own more minifigs than healthy. Or manageable for that matter. Even so, I feel my perception of minis as a whole has changed towards seeing them more as "parts supply" than "play figures" as most of my figs undergo at least a moderate procedure of customisation before being "accepted" in my collection. And thus, having a myriad of dismembered minifigures at my disposal, I say I got more figures than healthy ^^ Be well all! Cutty

The "gladiator" figure is actually portraying a certain type of gladiator and given the pics I know of the figure it's most likely the "provocator" type of gladiator. And indeed, as seen here (click me!) it is a flexible arm protection. Good eyes there Ogre! Be well all! Cutty Now that I re-read Ogre's post: it does appear to be a murmillo helmet-wise, yes!

Mmmh, the april store calendar for Germany's Lego stores isn't available yet, so I couldn't check, whether or not this is being an international thing. I got a tingle in my gut somehow, hearing that the US weren't exactly well stocked on S1, that this is going to be statewise exclusively... Although I'd hope TLC pours some goodness into it's BAM-trays here in Europe. I'd love that! Different note: Are US store calendars out that early every month? Be well all! Cutty

I found it to be an imperative to check inventories when stocking up on sets. Getting multiples is also a good way to amass useful parts in larger quantities. Frankly, whenever I intend to shop for Lego and a relative/friend is with me I always get the "But, you already own this/that set, why buy another?". My answer: "It's Lego! It's elements for building my own stuff, not what's on the box!" I don't even get how "official-set-centric" some characters can be... I usually build a new* set according to instructions once to see whether there's something interesting to do there. Most I break down after a day or two. Some smaller don't even survive that long. And after that it's all parts to be used elsewhere. I hope there are some insights into my way of collecting elements for the sensible reader hidden in the above, as I'm way too tired to give a final summary ;-) Be well all! Cutty *new = first copy bought

Although the relevant information of my post would obviously fit better in another forum, yet however: In my dire anticipation of heroica's arrival I struck gold yesterday as I found some other games at insane discount. I got me two copies each of Minotaurus (at 9,99€) and Lava Dragon (at 6,99€). Gotta stock up on useful microfigs come adventuring time in summer ;-) Now I'm wondering whether to reapply funds from other projects into getting more of the above or not... my inner custom devil-minifig of course advises to spend, spend, spend, but... ;-D Be well all! Cutty edit: picked up the last two discounted copies of Lava Dragon and even found Meteor Strike at 50% off at another store. Just how lucky do I get from time to time? =)

I thought the exact same upon seeing the first collectable series 4 pics. I wasn't sure whether or not it was the same piece in that Star Wars set, but this seems to confirm it. A lorica segmentata would be the obvious choice for this piece. Or any kind of generic fancy-print fantasy armor for that matter (psst! LEGO, listen! Give us LOADS of those, right? Thanks! ;-) ). I hope it's used more in future sets. Be well all! Cutty

Cool moc! Having studied classics and archaeology for quite some time and having been in an actual mithraeum once I can assure you that your rendition gives away a very authentic feel! I especially dig (yeah pun, bite me ;-) ) the inconspicious entrace to the subterraenean temple. Its interior with the archwork and all the torches are excellent, too. Only the statue seems a little understated for this immortal sun-deity. Thumbs up! Be well all! Cutty

I'm not really sure you understood what this thread was about, because it sounds as if you meant TLC won't re-release classic sets and themes as they were back in their days. This thread however deals with the question whether or not old FACTIONS, that means specific "groups", with their heraldry and specific colours, of past themes should be re-introduced in a modernised and updated fashion. This on the other hand has nothing to do with TLC still having the old molds from back then simply because they wouldn't be required to release a NEW theme with NEW parts for NEW customers and just applying an appropriate print to the figures, hence: the emblems of older factions. Which is entirely feasible. Be well all! Cutty

My best guess is that the blank green microfigs are yet to be finalised. I can NOT by the heart of me imagine TLC would release such awesomeness in boxes and pull some cheap move at the same time in not giving every single microfig a print. This would be so unlike the generous Lego company I got used to over the last months... Be well all! Cutty

Although I'm quite disaffected to Star Wars nowadays there's still some sympathetic nerve for the OT and especially "A New Hope" in me. May I say I like your rendition of the Landspeeder far more than all of the official versions ever released? You captured the basic shape and proportion while doing so in a fresh and very very effective way. In fact I froze for a moment looking at the pictures and thought to myself "Hey! This makes you want to watch Star Wars again!" which is a RARE occurrence with me, really and quite an unusual one as well! If you take this as an indication for quality I don't dare to impose, but you made a former fan very happy with this build. Thank you! Be well all! Cutty

I'd love to see some updated castle-factions make a (somewhat) return in the future and if only as a singular updated knight in some hypothetical jousting-set. If he had a two person entourage of warriors and a herald perhaps that'd be even better yet not necessary. Other folks have already stated we might see a future collectable minifigure paying respect to the olden days of classic castle-themes. This sounds like the most feasible and realistic way of implementing such a project. Think of all the, now grown and parents by themselves, people who might recognise, say, the black falcons' emblem and undertake to get that fig meanwhile getting some others that might draw them back deeper into Lego all over again ;) Perfect marketing through nostalgia! (To quote an ad from my favourite graphic novel "Watchmen": "Nostalgia - Oh, how the ghost of you clings!" Sounds fitting at this point ;D ) Be well all! Cutty

You go way overboard in evaluating this matter! Other people might strongly disagree with you and actually prefer the newer version of the lion-faction's king. Some might be entirely indifferent and just accept the fig as is. Stating however that a whole set's design was cheap because YOU deliberately CHOSE to find a change to be cheap is, well, a cheap and shortcoming mode of thinking. Just take some deep breath, relax and try to reevaluate the situation: Doesn't this newer version offer some possibilites the older does not? I say no! It does give you however a king in a less martial attire, perfectly fit for a carriage ride or holding an audience in his throne room. That's the place where it begins to become cheap: lacking variation, now fixed for your convenience by TLC itself. Enjoy! But frankly: It is now that you pointed out the change that this very set first became interesting to me! I got 6 king-torsi from the advent calendar and find them to be mostly useless in multiples (well unless you imagine a kingdom with one king and five full grown princes competing for succession... "Stardust" anyone? ;) ). This new torso offers to me a good new aspect to sink my teeth into. So thank you Lego for another useful piece to have! Be well all! Cutty

Yeah! I hope for the same! A genuine heroic adventure driven fantasy-theme would be the bomb. Kingdoms' stronger focus on the mundane aspects of a potential castle-theme is all good and proper, yet since it's launch it doesn't feel "round" to me, as if something was missing. Even it's factions are bland in comparison to crownie-knights, skeletons and trolls. The upcoming civilian sets will be fantastic but essentially they're just cherries to pick and would have worked just the same, if not better (!), as a continuation of Castle, simply BECAUSE civilians could be part of either faction. If Heroica became, say, a fantasy-world action-theme however, that'd be nice to have in addition to Kingdoms. Given the scale of action a thing as Heroica could produce I'd guess it'd be a three-wave theme similar to Atlantis. But the worst thing is: Up until this point all the above is just wishful thinking *weeps*... Be well all! Cutty

I see where you're coming from, yet I rather have my trusty crownies defend their loved ones, most likely civilians. It doesn't feel right to me having an army of well equipped soldiers and nothing for them to do other than standing guard needlessly and defending the king's treasury at the most... Well, I'm a sucker for logic AND emotion it seems. And for emotional and logical backstories that is ;-)