Adam

b]Set: Speed Racer and Snake Oiler Set Number: 8158 Theme: Licensed/Racers Pieces: 242 Minfigures: 2 Sale Price (USD): $19.99 Year of Release: 2008[/b] (Above information from Peeron.com) As a kid, I always loved Speed Racer. I watched the animated TV show regularly, was amazed by the many stunts and gadgets, and enjoyed the humorous, "Ohhh:oh:! OHHHHHHH:oh3:!!!"s from Speed. Because of this, you can imagine how pleasantly suprised I was to learn not only that a movie was to be released, but that a series of LEGO sets were going to be in stores shortly after. I ended up not watching the live action flim (I thought it looked stupid and overated), but I couldn't resist the urge to pick up LEGO replicas of the Mach 5 (Speed's car), the Shooting Star (Racer X's car), and the other vehicles and characters. For a mere $19.99, I enjoyed this set quite much. Now, on to the review. Instructions and Minfigures The front of the instructions. Nothing unusual, it basically repeats the box art. See Peeron for a picture of the box. First, my apologies for not having box shots. I was forced to throw the box out. Now, the instructions are normal, giving us a graphic, the name, and set number. The back of the instructions show other sets and notes about LEGO raffles. Here we have three sets, featuring Star Wars, Bionicle, and City. The usual contest information is also dislplayed. A random instructions page (page 5). The minifigures. On the left is Speed Racer, with Snake Oiler on the right. The set includes two minifigures, and very nice ones, too. Speed's helmet has a cool printed "M" on it, and his torso is great for any town citizen. Snake Oiler's deep red helmet is good for your collection, and his sort of punk/Chinese outfit is good for a gang and such. And with the helmets removed. With the helmets off, Speed looks strange. His eyelashes are girly, giving his face a "she-man"ish effect. Snake Oiler, with his gold sunglasses and stache would make some think, "A gang face," while it makes me think "Porco Rosso" . The Mach 5 The sleek Mach 5. Note the numerous "M" decals and the "5"s on the side. The Mach 5 is a good looking vehicle, and at about 19 studs long and about 10 studs wide, it's well sized. The decals are nice, and the overall design is very cool. The front, where you can see the large "M", the headlights, and the curved windshield. The "M" looks nice from a distance, but up close it's kind of ugly. THe main part of the "M" is split between THREE bricks, with the "sides" on a single brick. The "sides" and the main portion don't quite line up, and the total amount of stickers for just the "M" is three. However, the front is very nice, with certain curves raised at the correct points, and the window shield is a must. The back of the car, with one sticker. The one sticker on the back is the "exhaust" or whatever, and there is a strange looking space right above it. The missing piece may be a mistake on my part, but the instructions say not to put a piece there. However, it can easily be modded in. The back also has multiple curves, giving it a "streamlined" effect. A view from the side. Notice how the upper curve goes above the windshield. From the side, we see the "5" on the side, which is replicated on the other side. The arch over the wheels are very nice, not <insert that tiresome argument>, but just the right size. Also, remember that this car has some nice hubcaps. The bottom of the car. You can see a bit of the wheel design and the base of the structure. The wheel design. The wheels are supported by a long Technic axle that goes through two bricks and sticking into the wheels. Two gray Technic pieces hold the wheels in place while still enabling it to turn. The seating arrangements- there's room for two! You must have noticed before, but there are no doors on the Mach 5 or on Snake Oiler's ride. Ah well, Speed doesn't use the doors in the TV show anyway. With two occupants. There is room for both without if seeming squished. With two in the car, there's about a 1 stud between Snake and Speed's hands. The other arm rests on the side, and, as with every LEGO vehicle I can remember, the minfigs can't reach the wheel. The curve above Speed acts as a "headrest" of sorts, and appeared in both the show and the movie (I think). However, it's a little too far to the left for it to really work. A shot of Speed Racer in his Mach 5. As you can see, Speed looks perfectly at home in this vehicle, and with a slick design and awesome decals, this a must for any racing scene or sports car. A dissapointment for me was that it lacks some of the gadgets (from the TV show- Speed presses a button on the wheel and something happens). The Mach 5 won't be jumping gaps or climbing walls unless you mod it. Snake Oiler's Car Snake Oiler's somewhat ugly- yet not out of place- ride. With lots of "scale" decals, an orange and black color scheme, and a hint of lime green, Snake Oiler's car looks more like something you'd drive around on Halloween, not on the track. The stickers are annoying, with some tiny "cheese slope" stickers that you can't get off your finger. It's got a bit of a scrunched look, but it's got some good atributes as well. The frontal view. You can see those lime green studs, and now you ought to know what I was talking about. On the front, we have the "snake's head" (or, to go with Snake Oiler's suit, a Chinese reference: The leaders of Chinese triads are called "Dragonheads" or "Snakeheads". The theme may be derived from that, but I haven't seen the movie, and don't know for sure.), with "fangs" on the front to emphesize the snakeyness. There's a comic in the LEGO Club magazine where Snake uses his "fangs" to steal bricks from other cars, giving him a turbo boost. I somehow doubt he steals LEGO bricks in the movie . The back, with the awesome nitro engine-thingy ready to go! Below the raised platform, the "engine" on the back gives you a "fast and furious" vibe. No reptile stickers here, but there are a LOT more to come. The side of the car. #12 Hydr-A-Cell is pictured where the door should be. Get it? As is noticable, this vehicle has a boxy design and a random color shceme. THe black is thrown in at certain spots, and though it fits with the orange, it has a "just put there" feeling. Also, this set has NO HUBCAPS! The bottom of the car, which has the same wheel design as the Mach 5. But what's with the blue and orange?! The seating arrangments are basically the same as the Mach 5's, but the "arm-rest" is a stud higher. Notice the black and orange reptile stickers and the "radiator" sticker that goes on the large black curved piece. As in the Mach 5, there is a gap in this car, yet not in the back. It's easy to see, right behind the seats. It seems sloppy, but as with Speed's car, it can easily be modded to your liking. This shot shows what the car looks like with two in it. It's the same spacing as in the Mach 5, so I took a picture of the side instead of a front-on view. In both the Mach 5 and Snake Oiler's car, the steering wheel is unreachable and the minfigures are looking above the windowshield, but, when playing, it's hard to notice. A pic of Snake alone in his car. Snake's car is sort of ugly yet cool at the same time. It's a strange combo, because it's difficult to imagine something being both (a LEGO, I mean), but it is. The stickers don't go together correctly (a spot on the reptile skin doesn't merge with the other half of that spot), yet they fit the car and I can imagine Speed thinking that it's going to be a hard race. Snake himself is cool, though his dark red helmet and pants clash with the orange and black combo, as does the random lime green studs. In the above photo, the raised thing that's on most race cars is clearly visible. That is a nice looking feature, and though the black and orange are too "blunt", kids wont notice it when they're zooming it along the kitchen table. Snake Oiler's car isn't as nice as the Mach 5, but it's an OK car. The Rating Based on the box art/instruction cover graphic. Go here to see a pic of the box, from Peeron.com. Here he comes, here comes Speed Racer, he's a demon on wheels....! Playability: 4.5/5- the set is fun to play with, but it lacks some of the Mach 5's key gadgets (ie. the jump feature) Minfigures: 3/5- Speed is kind of girly, but they're decent figs, good for various MOCs Design: 4/5- if it were just Snake Oiler's vehicle, the score wouldn't be so high, but the Mach 5 is really well designed Overall: 4/5- A great set, if for parts, a Racers moc, a sports car, or just for your collection The set's value is decreased by the quality of Snake Oiler's car, which is only decent, but the Mach 5 brought this set up for me. At $19.99 for a 242 piece set with some nice cars, two awesome windshields, new wheel curves (the thing that covers the wheel- mudgards, I think), and two pretty good minfigures, this set is cheap, and definately worth your while. I'd reccomend it to fans of the TV show/movie, or people who aren't fans as well. This is one of those sets with many uses, and If you have an opportunity to purchase it, don't hesitate to do so. Brickshelf Gallery (when public) Peeron page Brickset page Thanks for reading!

Name: Jedi Starfighter with Hyperdrive Booster Ring Set Number: 7661 Theme: Star Wars Pieces: 575 Price: $49.99 USD, 49.99 Euros Minfigures: 2 Year of Release: 2007 First off, let me apologize for my lack of reviews lately. I've been very busy, but I've finally found the time to take pictures of a couple of sets and post reviews. The Jedi Starfighter with Hyperdrive Booster Ring is a bit of a mouthful, so throughout this review it will be reffered to as "JSHBR". When I first viewed this set on Shop@Home, I was very impressed. Generally, every 100 pieces is about $10, so when I saw a near 600 pices set for $50, I recognized a slightly good deal. You certainly get a lot with the JSHBR, including the first and only Kit Firso minifigure. Another great feature of the set is the starfighter itself, which is cool and slick. Now, on to the review. Box, Instructions, and Minfigure(s) The front of the box. The back of the box. The front of the instructions. The back of the instructions- whoa, what a collection! A random instructions page- #51, I think. The minfigure- Obi Wan Kenobi. Fleshie! For some reason, when I purchased this set, one of the key features was missing- Kit Fisto! Even his lightsaber wasn't present. I gave LEGO a furious telephone call, and they're going to send one over. About Obi Wan, he's a good figure, with a gold band connected to the microphone-thing that is obscured by his hairpice. This is a picture of Kit Fisto from the LEGO cache, taken via SnagIt. The Starfighter Obi Wan's Jedi starfighter. Pretty awesome, isn't it? The front and back- notice the rear engines and landing gear. Interesting piece! I wonder what's under the flap... It's an engine-thingy! That's three stickers, right there. The open cockpit. I'm glad that a brown seat was included, not some black or white one. The controls. Obi Wan's control's are a very nice design- the front of the cockpit and the lever are attached by a mere technic piece. But why is the control red?! Obi Wan fits sungly in his seat. A view of the closed cockpit. Obi Wan, always ready to take out the big guns. The landing gear, open and closed. The Hyperdrive Booster Ring The Hyperdrive Booster Ring. This is an essential part of the JSHBR, and it's HUGE- so large, it's difficult to take a picture of the whole thing. The ring's skeleton. First of all, sorry for the dark picture. This is a very confusing build, and I messed it up quite a few times. Most of it is symetrical, but not all of it, so when you get to a part that isn't symetrical, you mess it up. I constantly wonder why there are orange and green trans studs on the bottom. Atop the ring goes two blue and white plates, foriming the meat of the structure. The engines. There are two symetrical ones, and another that is slightly smaller. All of them give off a "powerful" feel, and the effect is very nice. The center portion, where the ship slides in. Flick-fire missiles. Does TLC think that they have to incorporate them into every set? The piece that will clamp down on the starfighter, holding it in place. The ship in the Hyperdrive Booster. The ship is held in place in this very yellowy picture. Two pieces on the botom of the ship slide in two holes. Cute droid. The Rating Playability: 4/5- This is a great set, and with a booster ring, ship, and supposed to be two minfigures, it's worth your while Minfigures: 4/5- Obi Wan is great, and I hear Kit Fisto is very nice, too Design: 4.5/5- The great looking starfighter, nice, powerful ring, and incredible overall effect deserves a good grade Overall: 4.5/5- Near perfect, except for some minor quibble over colors and such The JSHBR is an amazing set, both cheap and fun. It has a great level of playability, adding an extra minfigure where there would usually only be one (I didn't get him, though ), and the overall design is very nice. The starfighter is well built, with cool wings, effective landing gear, and a good looking cockpit. The ring itself is pretty good too, besides the fact that it's a skeleton of technic pieces with some cool plates on top and two flickfire missiles. In the end, this is a set that I'd recommend to fans of Star Wars and those who are not fans, as this is definately worth noting. Brickshelf Gallery (when public) Available at LEGO Shop@Home! Brickset page Thanks for reading!

Man, you can't use an emoticon unless you made it, can you? Yes, it is Blackron and Fabuland together- I'm hoping for the SP to be Fabuland- for instance, CopMike is the general It's also funny that in that same interview, there was yet another reference to Fabuland.

Here's a preview on the rules for my mafia game: Fabuland's capitol is a popular and bustling city, and our animal friends even mingled with regular minfigures. However, a conflict has risen in Fabuland- the mayor has recieved a tip that a group of highly feared serial killers has come to the capitol, and must be found and elimanated. Unfortunately, the killers are masters of deception, and have easily hidden themselves by merging with the cowd of citizens that populate the city. The mayor has alerted the people, and informs them that they must do all they can to assist the investigation taking place. Once the community has come to agreement on who one of the murderers might be, that person is trialed and executed. But the good Fabuland citizens must work fast, for their ranks could be easily infiltrated while the killers are at large... What do you think? It's only the story, and I'd welcome any suggestions! I'm currently trying to obtain Fabuland pieces (I don't have THAT many), and if you have any for sale, please go here! :-)

I believe it's from jipay's little vignette where Prince Sinner must offer a mouse on a platter to a feline princess.

*Wolf whistles* Whew! Wow, I mean... you're...

Thanks! I've PMed you back; those items are great!

Hey. I'm in desperate need of Fabuland figures, accesories, and key pieces. I'm willing to trade some good pieces or buy them at a REASONABLE price. The "key pieces" section basically refers to windows, doors, few-pieced vehicles, and roofs. Thanks to those that can help! Edit: ExoBuilder has very graciously offered me some pieces, so thanks! However, even more would still be most welcome.

With Trexxen/IS's Pirate Mafia idea out in the open, I'll introduce mine. *drumroll...* A Fabuland Mafia game! I'm working on some MOCs for it, but I'm still awaiting some BL orders. I'm considering peddling for Fabuland parts in the BSTF forum...

You do look very pretty with all of that makeup...

Adam - Al v AgentRick57 - Rhonda v Bob the Construction Man - Betty v canadianD - Carter v DJ Force - Florence v ImperialShadows - Ivan v IScreamClone - Iris v lego12 - Lee v Norrington - Neal v Pencoin - Pete v professor flitwick - Flint v ptdapen - Mayor randomparrot - Patty v Scyzoryk - Sky Sir Dillon - Dillon v spaced_out - Steve v stash2sixx - Stan v Thomas B. - Tom Trexxen - Trekk v VBBN - Veronica v The emphasized three are on notice!

What about broccoli with spinach dip?

I broke my little solar-plexus meow meow meow!

Curious that your husband has an accent and you don't....... I'll take fish n' chips, please.

You were temporarily blind and didn't look at the frontpage. I hope that everyone who is not confirmed confirms. Remember, if you don't confirm by tonight...

Adam - Al v AgentRick57 - Rhonda- confirm! NOW! Bob the Construction Man - Betty v canadianD - Carter- confirm! NOW! DJ Force - Florence- confirm! NOW! ImperialShadows - Ivan v IScreamClone - Iris v lego12 - Lee v Norrington - Neal- confirm! NOW! Pencoin - Pete v professor flitwick - Flint- confirm! NOW! ptdapen - Mayor- confirm! NOW! randomparrot - Patty v Scyzoryk - Sky- confirm! NOW! Sir Dillon - Dillon v spaced_out - Steve v stash2sixx - Stan- confirm! NOW! Thomas B. - Tom- confirm! NOW! Trexxen - Trekk v VBBN - Veronica- confirm! NOW! That's who needs to confirm- I made it a little easier than looking for a "v".

I am such a n00b! Adam left Wouwie's last question unanswered when the thunk of a giant metal foot landed outside the base. The AT-AT had finally caught up, and while Easy 501 looked around confused, the others gave knowing smiles. "I have an idea on how we're gonna get out of here," Adam laughed. "But about how to find Jim, I don't know. He'd probably oppose the idea of getting back to whatever you guys," Adam gestured to Oky Wan, MacK, Loken, and Thok, "arrived in on the AT-AT. I figure that the best thing we can do is scan the area for humaniod life forms-" MacK intergected with, "But the battle isn't over! Jim could be out there dying! And just to save our sorry butts!" Adam rolled his eyes and said, "Well, if you had let me finish my question, I could have told you the rest of the plan! I was going to suggest that Oky Wan and Loken go in the AT-AT while Thok, Rex, MacK an I fight off the droids-" Wouwie mumbled, "I'll... hold the base, perhaps..." "- and search for Jim. Everyone OK with that?" Seriously, everyone OK with that?

HA!! You made me laugh so much that I gave you a Chris Matthews laugh! Seriously, RLF 5 is awesome. The Blackron reference was a nice touch, and the "is she hot?" line was pure genius. BTW, what does RLF stand for?

Hello, all! Name's Al- I'm a Personal Trainer. Don't ask. Bob! You're only in Mystery Castle! With Fred! Not here, in this game! Oops. Sorry. Looks like my split-personalities are gaining up on me again. Sorry. Bob, I mean Betty, I think Iris is pantless because she has beige bants. Notice, we're yellow.. BTW, I think IS, oops, Ivan, and his wife should be the ones baking the cakes. I mean pies. Vote: No one. Man, this is fun! (OOC: Looks like fun!)

I'm ready to play! I'll be changing my avatar now...

Tropic Thunder is hilarious, definately worth a watch. I just saw the new HP6 trailer on You Tube, and, frankly, it sucks. Little Voldy is terrible, Dumbledore sounds like a bumbling, senile fool (dumb-er-door ), and I can't wait for more bad acting from Daniel Radcliff. I remember the "Happening" trailer- that looked so stupid.

I can finally understand the TRUE meaning of your title! Sometimes I think mine can use a little elongation.

There are no LEGO Stores in Venice to my knowledge- do you disregard the gondolas? Anyway, congratz to- what was it? Massachusetts? And Californa, I've heard about that one. But how about some stores in Venice and surronding city-states?

I watch it all the time! I was actually hoping for some myself... I'll see if I can make some, though you can probably use some of IS's for the farmboy decals. BTW, I HATE Lana- she is the most annoying character ever invented.

Looks like I've got a lot of clearing up to do! The battle we encountered (where we crashed) was a side battle, not the main one. Sorry, that's how I interpeted it- I didn't think the full CIS attack would be a couple of Spider Droids. Also, we were taken to the base, and offered to go in the AT-AT, but Jim didn't want to. Sorry, I'll edit the post. (BTW, can you PM me your thoughts? That way, I could incorporate them if they are similar to my storyboard.)