twenty6twelve

I think your collection goes back a bit farther than that - I specifically remember seeing you have quite a few classic Space parts, at least half a Galaxy Explorer and a handful of pre-'78 armless/legless/faceless fig parts.. </off topic> Great to have you here, Stims, and good luck with sorting out your collection! Coming out of your dark ages brings with it the potentially arduous task of sorting through your childhood collection - but it's worth it in the end. Hope to see you sharing something with us soon!

While I'd admire such an effort, I sincerely doubt that such a feat would be possible outside of LEGO's own model shops, unless the author of this massive project is the wealthiest AFOL on the site - not to mention 31 feet of uninhabited horizontal space in which to build it!

As he's using DCC, he's more than likely using an 'under the baseboard' solenoid switch machine, much like those used in non-LEGO model railways, like this one.

DCC, short for digital command control, is a universal standard digital control system in use over multiple model and toy train scales over the past 20 years. There is a AFOL variant for Mindstorms that dates clear back to 1999: http://home.surewest.net/markril/lego/dcc/ Your take on control is an interesting one, Patrik. I especially like your application of modules in a relatively small space, illustrating that not everyone needs a huge, LEGO dedicated room to have a train layout.

Your wide faced noses very closely resemble ALCO units as Fugazi mentioned previously. I wouldn't have imagined that the distinctively wide 'face' of these locomotives in 6-wide, but you've managed to do capture it quite well, if only unintentionally. You've churned out some nice designs. Here's hoping you have one built in the plastic soon. (:

The bogies are definitely nice - but what stands out most to me in particular is the doors you've added. They might be simple and non-functional, but they add a world of difference in my opinion. The most recent round of official train designs, while some of the best we've ever had, seem awfully awkward without proper doors. The use of those spring pieces is pretty ingenious. Too bad they aren't produced any longer..

What a fantastic surprise -- first day purchase for sure! Pretty sure this tops even the Emerald Night on the gorgeous list.

Thanks for the prompt answer! That's unfortunate - back to the drawing board, then.

Subjective opinions ahoy! In my opinion, stylistically there's been no set like the Emerald Night. Very clearly designed for AFOL train enthusiasts, and it shows. My only gripe is that it's already gone. The long-lived availability of the 4558/10001 Metroliner is a testament to it's equally long-lived appeal. Although objectively limited in it's alternative model possibilities by it's two piece nose/windscreen, as a classic electric train set it probably rivals only the 7740 in popularity.

Am I mistaken, or is it possible to add a third (central/middle) pair of wheels to the current PF train motor? It looks as though the center hole is just an ordinary Technic hole.. I can't tell from images on the internet and I'd like to know before counting on it as a design feature.

I wouldn't consider it pretentious at all, Gary, considering all that you've contributed toward this community. In fact, I'd love your autograph. I don't think I can pass up the chance to own a tiny bit of Lego literary history and download your exhaustive collector's guide. Consider it sold.

That dental office is fantastic - I love the tooth signs. The color scheme is engaging and I can't wait to see what you have in mind for the third floor and roof. Definitely looking forward to seeing this complete. A minifigure likeness of your wife might make a nice tribute in the office.. perhaps removing a plastic cavity from some poor child minifig.

2 points - Siercon & Coral 2 points - ZCerberus 1 point - TAFOL

3 points - Ninjanin 2 points - Oky

3 points - Kristel 2 points - SilentMode

3 points - Trijntje 2 points - ZetoVince

Some fantastic insight into your work, LH. Definitely plan on purchasing a copy from you come payday. Set 6500 has mystified me ever since I first came across it's catalog image a few years ago. Not only because of the differently printed 7-stud road plates seen nowhere else, but especially because the pizzeria and "Super 2" shop resemble the identically named/similarly styled buildings from the original Lego Island PC game - which was released in October 1997, long after this set had appeared and had gone unreleased. Coincidentally, within the game, the Super 2 shop is one of several buildings which cannot be entered despite being advertised in-game over the radio. This may simply be because of time restraints, but it's still interesting nonetheless that an unreleased set is an inaccessible feature.

A butcher in front of a pet shop by any other color.. a bit ominous, don't you think? Nicely done. Dark medium flesh melds well with the subdued color palette of the official modulars.

Whatever became of your yellow, 8-wide building? Despite your dissatisfaction I quite liked it's design. I hope it's survived. Perhaps another color might suit it best? Tan, maybe?

Really nice work here, Zidane - as previously mentioned several times over clearance is an issue, but as a diorama your creation is really quaint. The masonry pieces beneath the arched base of the platform and the color scheme really give it character. Really like your design for the handcar, too. Haven't seen those wheels used on a rail vehicle before (in fact, I don't think I've seen those wheels period - there've been a lot of new molds since I was gone from the hobby. As for getting your creation indexed, I'd contact The Brickster. He's the moderator for this forum.

Howdy from Indiana My story is one you've heard many times in the past - I grew up with Lego, and I can fondly recall pestering my mother for "the smaller Lego sets" by the age of 5, having only been supplied with Duplo until that point. Lo and behold on my sixth birthday I unwrapped a copy of 1821 Rally Racers and from that point on, there was no turning back. I managed to convince my parents into taking me to Legoland California's opening day and they must have been hard-pressed to coerce me to leave when the park closed. About a decade later in 2007 I slipped into a 'dark ages' period, when school and familial responsibilities took priority and I wrestled with the notion of being in my late teens and 'still playing with toys.' I parted ways with my collection behind and moved to the other side of the country. I entertained little thought of the brand until deciding to visit the inaugural Brickworld Indy nearby to reminisce where I encountered not only many of my childhood sets, but some magnificent displays from the users of IndyLUG. Upon seeing a favorite train set being set up on the huge layout, I wound up speaking to the man setting it up - Jeramy Spurgeon, who spoke to me of the world of AFOLs, MOCs and the like. I was fascinated by the concept, but life dictated my time spent elsewhere. Bumbling around the internet a few months ago I came across the latest entry in the modular building series and fell in love, deciding that it was time to try a new perspective as a young adult and return to the hobby. Trains have always been a passion of mine both in the steel and in the brick - my first train set was 4565 and it quickly became the centerpiece of my childhood town setup. I ended up getting the Metroliner as well - probably one of the sets I miss the most. My collection as an AFOL thus far only includes the seven modular buildings, but I'm currently tossing around a few ideas for designing a narrow gauge locomotive and train inspired by the works of late cartoonist Rowland Emett, which once complete will be Bricklinked and my first MOC as an adult: As a bonus, have some images circa 2000 of a childhood creation which, although crude, should be recognizable. <br class="Apple-interchange-newline"> Nevermind that - most creations do. Your design is gorgeous though - I'd love to see it built!

3061 City Park Cafe - a gift for my mother, whom I bought a few other Friends sets for earlier this month. The theme convinced her to dip her toes into her son's hobby and now she's hooked

Let's hope your carousel doesn't wind up in the hands of Sid... ! I doubt it will though, if for nothing other than a child that age probably wouldn't have a parent willing to spend 350 euro on a single set.

Fantastic model. Love the variety of connections using the tiles and clip plates to mimic the boarded windows and the blending of grays. Models like these really make me question my choice of scale