4WD

I own neither of these, but opinions seem to vary on both. I've read on Brickset and elsewhere that there is no steering system for The Tumbler and that it is also delicate. That makes both of these basically stationary models, as expected. That said, I find The Tumbler to be a unique and beautiful model. Its looks have people divided but I find it more interesting than the Town Hall. Even with the higher piece count it still looks plain IMO. There are some who don't bother with piece count anyway. So I'd say Tumbler over Town Hall. How about Tumbler or Orthanc?

Thanks guys. I will try and pick one up soon. I haven't been to a LEGO store in a while, hopefully they still have them in stock (I noticed some exclusives get pushed to online only to save shelf space).

I'm just curious, does anyone knew when the Tower of Orthanc will be retired? I fear it will be phased out when the BOFA sets are released, and I'd really like to get my hands on one.

I really love picture reviews because you get some really beautiful, detailed images of the set you want. The only disadvantage is getting the angle you want of each set, but even in videos that is troublesome. Plus you can always ask and (hopefully) get the picture you've been craving!

Nicola Lerra - The New Era, from the end of the Amazing Spider-Man 2 final trailer.

The Spider-Trike vs. Electro set. I actually think Electro's lighting base is pretty neat, it's like he's ascending in all his glory (and believe me, the figure is pretty glorious). The rest can go.

I'd like to grab an Ultimate Collectors Series B-Wing and a Parisian Restaurant.

I recently bought the UCS Red-Five X-Wing Starfighter and I was looking for a decently priced companion piece. I've been very drawn to the B-Wing, but I'd like to see them together on display in a clear picture before I buy them. Can anyone help me out?

If reading supportive hobby advice and C.S. Lewis quotes could stop all world insecurity, Eurobricks would be dishing out the cure. I'm glad things worked out for you LukeWarmTea.

I started at the exact same place with Town and Arctic. Funnily enough, I was obsessed with trains more than anything at that age. I found The Clone Wars was hit and miss (especially involving the 'force family' on Mortis that you mentioned). One story choice that I REALLY didn't get was the romantic relationship between Satele Shan and Jace Malcolm in The Old Republic. It surprised me, but I wasn't in total shock - I'm sure there have been worse oddities in the Expanded Universe. Still, the LEGO subtheme spawned four sets, two of which were well-detailed spacecraft, so I'm not complaining on that front. I generally build LEGO Star Wars for the cool ships and locales instead of the story, but there'd be nostalgia for me too if it stopped. I've followed the theme for 14 years, and whether we have official sets or not I don't think I would ever stop making starships, at the very least.

I was five when LEGO Star Wars started, and that's actually what got me into the movies (and a few of the games). If LEGO Star Wars came to a grinding halt I would be incredibly shocked, but I would find it easier to move on than others; mainly because much as I love it, there are so many other ways to get a 'Star Wars fix' these days. Episode VII. The Old Republic. Soon, we'll have the new Star Wars: Battlefront game and the Rebels TV Show. It's almost tiring. I would miss LEGO Star Wars mainly because I love building space ships, not because I would miss Star Wars. I know that those who grew up with Star Wars in the eighties would feel differently, which I can respect. I think that whichever of the two (LEGO or Star Wars) grabs you first is what will never let go. Great topic, by the way.

kinggregus, While I can't say for sure, I'd think the Pet Shop would be a good height and look for the Parisian Restaurant. If you check out MetroiD's recent (and fantastic) review, he has some pictures up of the two modulars connected. You mentioned that you were disappointed with the last two modulars, but I particularly like the look of the Palace Cinema and I was wondering how it'd look next to the Parisian Restaurant. I know it's a heavy request, but I'd be forever grateful if you posted a picture of the two attached.

That sounds awesome. I mean, I'll probably stick with John Williams, but a pretty cool find nonetheless. I'm still on the soundtrack bug, with no signs of stopping. I've been listening to Rayman Legends' soundtrack, which is fantastic in every way.

Hush. He's in both of the LEGO Batman games, and he'd be a relatively easy figure to make. It would be cool to see him with the Lone Ranger pistols.

I'd like the Lake-town Chase from the Hobbit line for the 25th, but post-Christmas I'll be aiming for Orthanc.

Oh nice! I don't think you'll find it on the official soundtrack though. I can't find 'Age of Dragons' for you, but I do see 'New Beginning' on iTunes. The album is Existence by Audiomachine.

I agree that An Unexpected Journey had a stronger beginning. I haven't finished the entire score yet but I have yet to hear the Dwarf motif (Misty Mountains sans lyrics) and that saddens me. 'Feast of Starlight' was pretty nice though. Back to listening!

So the soundtrack (standard and deluxe) came out today! Thoughts? I'm a soundtrack freak and I love it so far. I've listened up to 'The Forest River' (10/29 songs), but I know the best songs will be devoted to everyone's favourite dragon. Also, three days until release!

I've been a LEGO fan all my life, and I can't see myself calling it quits anytime soon. I restarted my LEGO collection soon after I had given away my old one, so most of the time I spend that involves LEGO includes rebuilding/refurbishing my older sets (2008-now). Recently I started a LEGO room in our basement, which so far looks awful and needs new furniture. The community part still scares me, but I'll eventually I'll stop lurking the forums and meet some great people.

Great review! Thank you for it. I actually love this set and so I gave it a 5. I thought the modular build was enjoyable, the double diagonal staircases were interesting and the creepy end result was well worth it. It also makes a good showcase for its array of minifigures. Radagast is one of my favourite minifigures in years, and despite a boring Gandalf repeat and a disappointing Necromancer, I found the the three Orcs (Azog in particular) to be quite detailed and appealing. I can still understand people's issues with this set however. As an owner of Mines of Moria I can say that it had a better design and included the Cave Troll for a slightly higher price. Finishing the scene also makes this set more expensive, but I like being able to choose my price point to a certain degree.

Thanks for the image CM4S! I used to dislike that set for some reason, but it actually looks great here (in a clear image, especially!) I think the dragster is great and the Batmobile is astounding. Plus, we get Flash and a well-updated Riddler. Freddy Bricker, I do echo your thoughts on the cane, but the colour sure beats the red crowbar he had in the Funhouse.

That's a really good attempt! I love the surrounding 'base' you've made around the water as well. It makes it look majestic, even for a rowboat.

Thanks for the title. Although it's just an idea, the 'Dead Men' part makes me wonder... Or perhaps... Or even better...

Deciding to get the QAR instead of the Black Pearl here. I wanted both, but the Pearl practically vanished from local shelves while the QAR lingered for a while.

LEGO Batman 1 and 2 tie as best for me. I just 100% beat both this summer and I'm very glad I did.