Eilif

A bit more research shows that the design asthetic I have in my head encompases not only Art Deco (http://www.decopix.com/) , but also Streamline Moderne ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streamline_Moderne ). However I stop short of Googie ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Googie ) and I don't envision it as being sci-fi enough to qualify for raygun gothic ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raygun_Gothic ). I've seen examples of all these styles before, but I never knew their background, or that they have such evocative names. Edit: Thanks for the info longtimelistener I was putting this post together while you were answering it for us.

Ok, so I'm considering branching off into a new design asthetic. It's been done before, but I don't know what it's called. Characteristic of this design asthetic would be... -Very influenced by the 30's and 40's -1930-40's styled automobiles -Art Deco Architecture with some gothic influences -Zepplins, and derigibles -Sky Captain and the world of Tomorrow -Batman the animated series. -Odd aircraft, like those seen in Crimson Skies -Unuusual large craft like sleek (non-steampunk) airships, and submarines a'la jules verne. How would I classify such a world?

Wow, what a letdown. I recently picked up this set, and I looked up this review to see what I was getting into. Not good news. The silver lining is that it was a "Damaged box" deal at Brickworld, so it only cost me $100 (half off the already lowered price) so it was definatley worth it as a parts pack, if nothing else. It's the last unopened/unbuilt "large" kit in my collection, so even if it is repetetive, I am going to build it anyway. It is likely however that I may substitute pieces to do away with the colored interior. I've already determined that after it sits on display for a while, I want to do a Zepplin as an alternate build. Looking at the parts list it looks like its the perfect set for such an undertaking.

I'm glad someone revived this thread. I recieved this set when it was first released. This is one of the best "deals"ever in the pirate line. 3 soldiers, a fort with 3 wall pieces, a boat, and a baseplate for less than 20 bucks! I remember being particularly happy to have another large size soldier flag.

I don't think it would happen, but I think that Cher would be ideal to play a later-year-fem-vigilante. I've seen the Dark night in the theaters twice, and I have to say that I'm sold on this new incarnation of the Batman mythos.

Great MOC you have there. If that's your ruined church, I think an intact church by you would be spectacular. One suggestion For improvement. Even though most fallen bricks would be taken by locals for building their own homes, there would probably be more rubble around. The interior floor looks fairly uniform. Perhaps some more 1x1 plates scattered about, and some more rubble on the outside of the church as well.

Alot of points of view here. I was surprised to see the number of folks who see little point in charity. Charity is often, but does not need to be, simply the byproduct of a guilty concience. I would put forth that the answer to the original poster is not "just give a bit" or "just enjoy what you have and don't worry about those out side your social circle" or "other people don't feel guilty, so why should you" or "charity is not an evolutionary imperative". Whether simply trying to push back guilt, or using various theories to justify turning your back on fellow man, these kinds of suggestions are, IMHO, generally cop-outs. The real answer to the question posed by the orignal poster is to look at your life and beliefs, and begin create balance in your life. This will probably develop into a lifelong process of self examination, but it has to start somewhere. For those of us (most folks on eurobricks) who find ourselves living fairly comfortably in the financially prosperous countries, there are two questions can help start you on the journey. After you have examined your beliefs and values... Asking one's self "do I need this?" is a great place to start. Of course most of us buy things we don't "need" all the time, and it must be stressed that it's OK to do so. We all have some requirements in our lives for recreation, self-betterment, etc, but start the conversation with yourself, and examine your own financial habits. There is really no better measure of what a person, organization, or community values than what they expend their resources -time and money- on. I've assisted with budgeting classes before, and it's always surprising to people to find out how much they spend on things that they don't care about, need, or even want. The other question is "based on my values, what human needs do I recognize, care about, or am interested in, and how can I help?" Hopefully if you've taken the first question seriously you will have found resources to put toward whatever "greater good" causes, issues or programs that reflect your values. Most of us will never achieve perfect balance between our ideals and our behavior, but that's part of the human condition. The hope is that we never stop trying.

Great job. Well made, compact, tells a whole story at a glance, but rewards a closer look.

Since the question was asked... 1) tiny rotors 2) dual cockpits (only seen on a few military copters) 3) stretcher extends beyone edges of fuselage when inside the vehicle 4) Extra long canopy (really only seen on military helicopters), and "military" design. 5) Black colorscheme for rescue vehicle. The the stretcher, minifig designs and rescue logo are the only things about this copter that really suggest that it is a civilian rescue aircraft. It's a toy set with alot of play value, but I agree with Karto that these kind of desgins really turned me off to alot of the TOWN and CITY sets of the 90's. On the positive side, the new CITY sets, with thier realistic non-futuristic designs have really tempted me to buy more vehicles.

About 2 years ago, I was considering this exact same issue. Until recently when my wife -largest earner in my home- entered school, I spent a copious amout of money on LEGO. It bothered me that I was spending more on LEGO per month than many of my neighbors (I live in an underserved inner-city Chicago neighborhood) spend on food in a month for thier whole family, and my LEGO hobby was benefiting me and no one else. Approaching it as I do, from a Christian perspective, I just didn't think this was a good reflection of how Jesus would have me to be using my hobbies/talents/resources. About a year ago, I asked the quesiton on LUGNET "What are you doing with LEGO to beneifit the greater human good?" I got very few responses. So I decided to do something about it using LEGO. In February, I'm starting a LEGO educational and personal development program at a local after school center. It's nothing huge, 10 local 3rd grade boys 10 sessions, over 10 weeks. I put a proposal together about 2 months ago, and already have help from folks like Hinkley and Brickology, a location, commitments for "letters of support" from 5 local community organizations, and -thanks to the folks at NILTC- pledges for 33% of the funds needed. (It's run by volunteers like me, but we LEGO costs money, and we want to let the boys keep their LEGO when the class is over.) I'm not saying this to get support for my program. (that topic will be forthcoming in a week or two. ) What I'm saying is don't feel guilty, get active! You can do it! There's tons of ways to be involved in service, and as I've learned recently, there's a multitude of people from all socio/religious/political/etc persuasions who are there to help, guide and work along side you.

I love this! A subversive invention of a truely disturbed mind. This is the kind of wierdness that really sets EB apart! However, I have to give it an "8" because it uses the new style non-shooting pistol. Also the body should have been yellow. As any vintage lego purist will tell you, we reject all "white-ies" in favor of yellow, the only suitable color for representing exposed flesh. Doggy bellies included!

A neat set with lots of accessories, but I never liked any of the LEGO helicopters with long streamlined canopies, as they are obviously more influenced by military helicopters and space ships, than by real civilian transport helicopters. I'd give it a 3 at best. Very good and thourough pictorial review though!

The American engines have a neat classic flair. However, having seen them all 3 in action, and judging soley by the engine I voted for the Crocodile. I find it to be the most visually interesting, and watching it snake it's way around a layout is really neat.

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I guess it's just my interpretation, since it was only tangentially mentioned by others, but when I noticed the line, I never thought of it as at all related to "city", rather I immidiately saw it as a visual and thematic combination of the Rock Raiders and the Adventureres Dino Island sets. Somewhat military-esque' imagery in an undetermined near-future, combined with typical adventure themes and non-brick-built dinosaurs. Perhaps Ironically, a short-lived line and short lived sub-theme combined to form another equally short lived line. I don't know if the line was successfull monetarily for LEGO. I assume it was. I do think though, that alot of lines are only expected to last a few years. Despite the inevitable disapointment of fans who take an interest in certain lines, 2-3 years of selling well, and then pulling the line before it dies a slow death is not a bad thing in the toy business. In interviews, LEGO execs have even stated that alot of lines are expected to be short lived, whereas other lines are expected to be revisted over the years. I myself was unimpressed with the sets, and didn't purchase any of them. In retrospect, it did have some very well designed large-ish vehicles. Also, the color schemes, and models were superior to the Dino Island sets which seemed -with a few exceptions- to combine mediocre builds with inconsistent color schemes. For example, I just picked up a nearly complete used 5983 Dino Research Compound. Great parts, lots of minifigs, and yet some of the most uninspiring builds I've ever seen.

Thanks for doing this CopMike Count me in.

Wow, this is great news! I was in AZ last week on vacation, and I saw the figs in the LEGO store display case, and I have to say that there was nothing custom or decaled looking about them. I suppose that is a moot point now that pictures have been posted but I just thought I'd put it out there. I'm really happy about what I've seen The sets aren't particularly inovative, the kraken (octopus) is less than impressive, and they seem to be putting catapaults and cannons wherever they can, but overall it looks like a good solid line of sets that are very reminicent of the old pirate line with ships, islands, castle-eque' soldier bases, rowboats, and all the other elements that we would expect. The new figures are nice and while they are a bit more cartoony, they don't look so odd that they couldn't exist in the same world as the previous Pirate lines. Next year promises to be my household's lowest for income yet, but I'll find a way to pick up a few of these sets.

Nice House. The color scheme and design reminds me of a large version the houses from the old "BASIC" line, which were marked by simple architecture and bold color schemes. A nice bridge between BASIC and TOWN, and the larger size houses of today. As an American, I see it and think "Southwest". I just got back from Arizona, and there's alot of similar architecture out there.

I agree that the recent space Factory sets were a bit overpriced, but I think this could have a wider audience than the Star Justice kits. Here's to hoping that this will have a price/piece ratio like that of Market Street. One thing about the naboo minifig. On closer inspection, that fig might not come with the set. I suggest this, because the Advent calenar is pictured with more dwarf figures than actually come with that set.

Wow, that looks great. I'm actually most excited that if it really is a "factory" set, then that great tan torso and tan minifig legs will soon be available on PAB online! THat should please alot of military builders. I'm not a racers fan, but this set looks like a really fun build with alot of neat parts. I'll definately pick it up if it's not too expensive.

I was curious about this. I remember reading a battle report a long time ago about a fellow who had played LotOW with LEGO. I remember that it wasn't MOCd particularly well, and it was mostly comprised of random pirate figs, but it seemed like a lot of fun. I recently picked up a copy of the rules, and I haven't tried them yet, but they look like they would work well in LEGO. Anybody tried LotOW or other commercialy produced games in LEGO? Also, I'm looking for an easy to play (something non-complex that non-gamers could still enjoy) ruleset that would acomadate LEGO adventureres style/era games. Any suggestions would be appreciated

Brilliant work. Very cohesive, and the fully developed and accessible interior suggests that it would work well as a playset or for display. The colorscheme is great. I don't konw whether it was intentional or not, but it has a very cold look to it, a'la nuclear winter or somesuch. Personally, I think the dirtbike looks much more appropriate in the post-apoc setting than it ever did in the Indy setting, but that's just my take on it. What are all the little blackthings below the viaduct?

One question. Is it a black sheep, or is it a charred sheep?

Wow, that's pretty dark. I like it. It makes me giggle guiltily, in much the same way as dead baby jokes. I'm fairly confident that Brickforge never saw this coming. Is this based on an actual practice durring ww2, or just something you thought up?

Great figs. I've not seen for a few dollars more, but I'll watch almost anything Leone does. I'll be eagerly awaiting your figs from "once upon a time in the west"