Elander

Oh, is that so? LEGO is born for themes like Hobbit/LotR. And if not now innovative, when? Now has really the time come to be innovative! I keep by the example THE SHIRE: Serious; TLG has just to produce 1x small Hobbit-hole. In this LEGO-box put TLG 3x different doors (blue, red, green). So, and give that hole 2x -or 3x different smokestack- and maybe additional window options. And voila a new CREATOR hobbit hole is born. And if now this hole be modular. Than you can with just "1" developed hole to build a complete small hill. And the fantastic thing at this hill is -you can change the different door and can therefore create different hills. Now you to build your one's own Shire. -And that with only "one" small developed hobbit hole! And additional you get "variable" hobbits: So and now serious, why are "variable" minifigures absurd? That topic is complete full with "possible" ideas. -

Ideas: Late summer 2013 “LOTR: The Two Towers” (7 sets/410 Euro...370 USD) Hi, would be at least an “Exclusive MODULAR/CREATOR add-on Series” realistic? I do know that many of you would not like CREATOR sets (see some pages before) for license-themes (like LotR/Hobbit), but I think the possibilities are too amazing and I don’t want to give up this idea. Here my new offer: What do you think if LEGO would to induce a separate (limited) CREATOR line for such license-themes. These sets would be available only at LEGO.com or in LEGO stores and TLG could test if that concept works. Example: CREATOR fortifications, CREATOR creatures, CREATOR houses or simply other add-on sets. I do talk just about a test. TLG to develop 1x or 2x CREATOR sets (limited) and later we will see if these sets to go down well with the public. We talked here in this topic about a lot of CREATOR possibilities and maybe you will later like these ideas too!? Thanks for your comment, You are right. Ok, the LED wand is too heavy but that transparent horses and minifigures don’t work destroys a lot of my ideas. -“The Fellowship of the Ring” was partially easy, but “The two Towers” is getting catchier. At first, the areas become more complicated and larger (here would be some additional CREATOR-options really welcome) and second the lot of minifigures… Ok, I’ve (unfortunately ) to be realistic and have to cancel many areas, if I want to create a “realistic” wave for “The two Towers”. Ok, let’s start: The great battle of Isengard is canceled. Edoras and the “Golden Hall” are sorted out. Osgiliath and Ithilien are sorted out. Also my lovely CREATOR brickbuilt ent is sorted out… Main character minifigures like Faramir (ranger-outfit), King Theoden (bewitched), Hama (murdered by warg-rider), white Gandalf (as shining figure, meeting in Fangorn forest)… are sorted out. Uruk-hai characters, Warg-rider, Faramirs companions, dunledings, Arwen and some elves at Rivendell are also sorted out. But it is not enough. 410 Euro or 370 USD are definitive too much for just one wave… Additional are some characters like Eomer, Eowyn, Gandalf (generally) and so forth not at this wave because I hope I could get enough place for some important scenes at the next LOTR wave “The Return of the King”. The hopefully “realistic” ideas: 1) Tree-beard (3 minifigures), (25 Euro) Accessories: brickbuilt Tree-beard with wooden seats (branches) and big hands for Merry and Pippin. Green beard and big foots for to crush an orc Minifigures: Merry and Pipin (Lorien-robe), orc 2) Dead Marshes (5 minifigures), (25 Euro) Accessories: marsh with torches, small bush Minifigures: Gollum, Frodo and Sam (Lorien-robe), in dark shining deader Noldor-elf and deader Gondor-soldier 3) The Black Gate (6 minifigures), (80 Euro) Accessories: The Black Gate Minifigures: Saurons Mounth, 3x orcs, 2x eastlings 2x brickbuilt/ or molded trolls 4) Oliphount (3 minifigures), (70 Euro) Accessories: brickbuilt (inclusive new molded bricks) oliphount with tower Minifigures: oliphount-rider, 2x haradrim 5) “The Two Towers” Battle Pack (4 minifigures), (20 Euro) Minifigures: eastling, haradrim, Rohan-soldier with horse, uruk-hai (all figures get 2x face options) 6) Helm’s Deep, the Hornburg (11 minifigures), (160 Euro) Accessories: Hornburg with tower and wall, battering ram, large ladder with winch traction Minifigures: Haldir (armor), Aragorn (hauberk), King Theoden (armor), Gamling, Legolas (hauberk, green outfit), Gimli, Rohan-soldier, Noldor-elf, Uruk-hai commander, 2x uruk-hai 7) Helm’s Deep, the exploding Wall (5 minifigures), (30 Euro) Accessories: modular wall (exploding function), some bombs, ledder Minifigures: Rohan-soldier, Noldor-elf, uruk-hai (red face and baldy) with large sword, normal uruk-hai, bombing uruk-hai -And additional a small problem. What is with Isengard? Middle-earth without Isengard is like Disneyland without Mickey Mouse. Saruman, Grima Wormtongue and the Uruk-hai commander Lurtz (Boromir’s murder) should to get the Isengard tower. But I’ve no idea in which wave enough place for that LEGO-set is. I’ve put in “The two Towers-wave” the Oliphount and the Black Gate because at the next movie “The Return of the King” the places to become larger and get any more buildings and minifigures… …I am happy if LEGO really to produce the Hobbit/LotR, but also I realize that TLG would to develop just some scenes and not the genius possibilities. LEGO can develop 4x or 10x different Tie-fighters but Tolkien’s world could be really too huge for LEGO. It is very difficult to decide which buildings and characters must be canceled. Without CREATOR for fantastic battles like in Isengard with a CREATOR ent -or a small CREATOR hobbit hole for the Shire -or a nice CREATOR tree house for Lothlorien -or or or… (and I talk only about outbuildings; no big extra license problems) become the Tolkien-theme still catchier. And these buildings and creatures are technical possible to create for three variations. -The ent needs just a option for big hands –or small hands, -big nose -or small nose, -big feeds –or small feeds… (just different marks, the body keep the same) -The tree house needs for example just different branch- and little different window- or roof-options. The tree trunk keeps the same. [YES, –some of you means that your kids would badly want too many LEGO-sets. That is the reason why I wrote about a separate limited CREATOR line (only available at LEGO.com).] So, and I fears that I do to obsess me into a license-theme too much -which maybe don’t coming. The hopefully “realistic” ideas about a “Return of the King”-wave will be my last ideas about the Tolkien-theme. Many many ideas are listed here in the last pages and also in this topic. Theoretical and technical is the Hobbit/LotR more as possible –the only question is if you this license “really wants” and if LEGO want Middle-earth to implement “right”!? -

And when is the right time? –If Tolkiens “The Children of Hurin” to be made into a film? You’ll be waiting till the cows come home. Nope. I think now is the right time. Next year will some license-themes to expire and other license-themes to be born. That is every year the same procedure. -And why not for a Tolkien-license? At this time (likely 2012-2014) produces LEGO some excellent molded bricks and accessories. And after that time transformed LEGO all these developed parts into a next (non-licensed fantasy-theme). Why should LEGO just for a normal fantasy-theme to produce so expensive molded bricks? And I promise you. No, I do know it. If you to see the first LOTR/Hobbit-sets. –You will to love that theme! –And why? That will you see now. -I’ve tried to develop a realistic first wave for that theme. You to see, I’ve some areas (Bree, Amon Hen, …) and scenes (Bilbo’s birthday party with firework dragon, Nazugul attack at the Bucklebury Ferry, …) sorted out. Other areas likewise “The Shire”, “Isengard” and “Rivendell” will put into other waves for other movies. –So I to get enough place for other sets (scenes) for the first wave. Also I’ve canceled my idea about a “CREATOR series” (see last pages in this topic). At first I thought so you would like that idea –but you have disabused me. My ideas for a possible “real” LOTR list: Late summer 2012 “LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring” (8x sets/375 Euro…310 USD) 1) Saurons destiny (4 minifigures), (25 Euro) Accessories: LEGO brickbuilt Sauron (little exploding function) /or molded Sauron, small rock Minifigures: Elendil, Isildur, Elrond (warrior-outfit), Gil-galad (Noldor-king) 2) Last Alliance Battle-Pack, (15 Euro) Minifigures: Gondor-soldier, Noldor-elf, 2x “variable” orcs “Variable” means: 2(orc-torsos) x 2(heads) x 2(different faces pro head) x 2 helmets = 16 possible variations That Battle-Pack gives us following effect: -The Gondor-soldier you can to use for the following great battle “Siege of Gondor (Osgiliath/Minas Tirith)” -The Noldor-elf you can to use for the battle of Helm’s Deep -The two “variable” orcs you can to use for all other battles 3) Weather-top (3 minifigures), (15 Euro) Accessories: rocks and ruin Minifigures: Frodo as complete (invisible) transparent-figure, 2x nazguls (in dark shining-figures) 4) Ford of Bruinen (4 minifigures), (35 Euro) Accessories: water (blue and white transparent bricks) 2x blue transparent water horses, rocks Minifigures: Arwen (green rider outfit) + horse, Frodo (hurt), 2x nazguls (black rider outfit) + black horses 5) Moria-gate with Watcher (4 minifigures), (50 Euro) Accessories: Moria-gate (in dark shining printed bricks or stickers) with collapse function, LEGO brickbuilt Watcher Minifigures: Frodo (scared face/ angry face, classic outfit) with in dark shining stich (Frodo’s sword), Aragorn (classic outfit), Boromir (classic outfit), Sam (classic outfit) 6) Balin’s Tomb (7 minifigures), (70 Euro) Accessories: LEGO brickbuilt or molded cave-troll with broad shoulder for Legolas shoot-out, Balin’s tomb Minifigures: Gimli, Legolas, Merry, Pipin (all classic outfit), 2x Moria-goblins (short legs), dwarf skeleton (7) The Bridge of Khazad-doom (45 Euro) Accessories: LEGO brickbuilt/or molded Balrog with brick-light; his body is for fire a bit red/orange transparent, and his mouth and eyes to glow yellow (I hope that is not too extravagant). -Bridge with collapse-function. Minifigures: Gandalf with molded LED-gleam wand (8) Caras-galadhorn (7 minifigures), (120 Euro) Accessories: big tree house with steps (inside the house and at the white/green roof over the steps are some in dark blue shining bricks), Galadriel’s mirror with changing water surface function (blue water/Sauron’s red eye) Minifigures: Galadriel (shining figure), Galadriel, Celeborn, Haldir (classic outfit), Frodo (classic face, classic outfit), 2x Lothlorien-guards I’ve to make sure that not the “same” minifigure contained in different sets in “one” wave. –In that wave I did put 4x “different” Frodo minifigures. (That positive for that rule is that we keep for all minifigures the collector-effect!) Frodo’s variations: -Weather-top: Frodo as complete (invisible) transparent-figure -Ford of Bruinen: Frodo (hurt) -Moria-gate with Watcher: Frodo (scared face/ angry face, classic outfit) with in dark shining stich (Frodo’s sword) - Caras-galadhorn: Frodo (classic face, classic outfit) So, now I’m excited about your comments. I do know that these license-sets are for the “price-performance ratio” as compared with a non-license theme like “Fantasie II” very expensive. –But if LEGO now to invest for that license and to molded new elements for these places –than kill LEGO two birds with one stone. Today a fantastic Tolkien-license –and tomorrow a also fantastic Fantasy II theme.

Simulate LEGO’s LOTR/Hobbit “Masterplan”: Hi folks, I want to start an interesting sub-theme into this topic here (I hope that is no problem, because I do not want to start a complete new topic). “What do you think which and how many and how expensive sets would TLC develop for the Hobbit/LOTR theme? “ That subtheme shall be no stupid “wish list”. No, I want to talk with you about a possible “real” set-list. -Possible real sizes, real prices and about a real set-collocation for important areas. (You do know, for me “as huge Tolkien-fan” is it extra difficult job .) I think in order to calculate “a realistic list” is it important to prepare a comparison based of other themes. I do to analyze the both themes “Harry Potter” and “Pirates of the Caribbean”. At first is to list all sets incl. all prices (for me (Germany) in Euro/ for many of you in US Dollar). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Harry Potter: Autumn 2010 – Summer 2011: (total 10 sets = 635 Euro/588 USD) (1 USD = 1,08 Euro / 1 Euro = 0,92 USD) Autumn 2010: (6 sets = 370 Euro/341 USD) 1.) Hogwarts Castle: 130 Euro/130 USD 2.) The Burrow: 70 Euro/60 USD 3.) Quidditch Match: 26 Euro/20 USD 4.) Hagrids Hut: 50 Euro/40 USD 5.) Hogwarts Express: 80 Euro/80 USD 6.) Freeing Dobby: 14 Euro/ 11 USD Winter 2011 [Exclusive-set: Daigon Alley: 150 Euro/150 USD] Summer 2011: (3 sets = 115 Euro/97 USD) 1.) The Forbidden Forest: 15 Euro/12 USD 2.) Hogwarts: 60 Euro/50 USD 3.) The Knight Bus: 40 Euro/35 USD ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pirates of the Caribbean Summer/Autumn 2011 (total 9 Sets = 539 Euro/472 USD) (1 USD = 1,14 Euro / 1 Euro = 0,87 USD) Summer 2011 (8 sets = 439 Euro/372 USD) 1.) Isla de la Muerta (27 Euro/20 USD) 2.) The Mill (50 Euro/40 USD) 3.) Fountain of Youth (27 Euro/20 USD) 4.) Whitecap Bay (90 Euro/80 USD) 5.) Queens Anne’s Revenge (130 Euro/120 USD) 6.) Captain’s Cabin (15 Euro/12 USD) 7.) The London Escape (60 Euro/50 USD) 8.) The Cannibal Escape (40 Euro/30 USD) Autumn 2011 [Exclusive-set: The Black Pearl] (100 Euro/100 USD) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ok, this comparison share us that TLC pro year to budget for a license-theme ca. 10-12 sets to 600 Euro/550 USD…650 Euro/600 USD. The next step is to figure out: -How could look the “master plan” for LOTR/Hobbit: Late summer 2012 “LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring” Winter 2012/2013 “Hobbit: An unexpended journey” Late summer 2013 “LOTR: The Two Towers” Winter 2013/2014 “Hobbit: There and back again” Late summer 2014 “LOTR: The Return of the King” -> In total 5x waves for ca. 2,5 years! 2,5 years x 10…12 sets = ca. 25…30 sets = 1500 Euro/1375 USD…1800 Euro/1500 USD. Ok, now I to issue these 25…30 sets into 5x waves: EXAMPLE: Total = (1800 Euro…1500 USD)/28 sets = average (+/-)60 Euro or 50 USD pro set 25…30 sets/ 5 waves = 5…6 sets pro wave 5…6 sets pro wave x 60 Euro or 50 USD pro set = (300…360) Euro or (250…300) USD pro wave Simulate: Late summer 2012 “LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring” (6 sets/ ca. 360 Euro or 300 USD) Winter 2012/2013 “Hobbit: An unexpended journey” (5 sets/ ca. 300 Euro or 250 USD) Late summer 2013 “LOTR: The Two Towers” (6 sets/ca. 360 Euro or 300 USD) Winter 2013/2014 “Hobbit: There and back again” (5 sets/ ca. 300 Euro or 250 USD) Late summer 2014 “LOTR: The Return of the King” (6 sets/ca. 360 Euro or 300 USD) So, I believe that list could be real. These data are calculated by the license-themes “Harry Potter” and “Pirates of the Caribbean”. After the Hobbit movies ends (unfortunately ) the merchandising industry and TLC could seeks other license (or non license) -themes. Ok, if now TLC really to develop LOTR/Hobbit (2012-2014); how could look these five waves including budget? Let’s that case simulate. Which areas are your absolute favorite areas and which places could be sorted out? What is possible and what is too extravagant? Which locations are unimportant because the same minifigures are already in other places (LEGO-boxes)? IMPORTANT: Every LEGO-set needs one’s own peculiar charm. Every LEGO-set wants to be bought. You can every character put into different sets –but these characters must have different marks (hurt, bewitched, other clothes, angry, happy… what you want). And also important: Look to it –your budget should keep un-exceeded (max. budget pro wave = 360 Euro/300 USD; that rule is for me extra rigorous ). I believe that task could make fun. Ideas are welcome!

Damn, TLC why do you produce “flash”-heads for the license-themes? We would not have now the “yellow-flash problem” and everybody would be a little gladder. I believe the most people here prefer Fantasy II before LOTR/HOBBIT only about these “flesh”-minifigures! And that can’t be, or!?? Damn, LOTR/HOBBIT has sooo amazing minifigure-possibilities. So many peoples, so many cultures, and every folk would to get his one’s own cool style!! Human-peoples: Gondor, Rohan, Esgaroth (Hobbit-theme) Dark-peoples: Easterlings, Haradrim, Corsairs of Umbar And my favorite army: The in dark shining “Army of the Dead” Elves: -Rivendell (civilian-outfit), Lothlorien- , Mirkwood-elves inclusive banners Orcs: -Moria goblins (short legs), Uruk-hais, Misky-mountain goblins (large legs) inclusive “the great goblin”, Mordor orcs Dwarves: -13x! collectable dwarf-minifigures (from Bilbo’s fellowship) for the Hobbit-theme! And those will to add with warriors of Durins-folk by the “Battle of the Five Armies” And the most important minifigures! -The Hobbits! –I do not want see Fantasy II hobbits. I do want the original! That is insane! The most people prefer a non Tolkien-theme because those do not want “flash” minifigures! “Flash”-minifigures are incompatible with Kingdoms “yellow”-minifigures. NNnooOOOoo!!

Good point! I understand, if I want to create a CREATOR set related to important “main-buildings” (for example a CREATOR set concerning the two towers Isengard and Barad-dur) –than I could get license-problems. But if I want to create a CREATOR set about just outbuildings like walls or normal towers –than could it happen. In that case are to clarify the license-compatibility conditions. -And of course, if that building technical in different variations possible is. Uff, For my ideas a baaad point! I think, it’s worth trying! –May be work it!? I believe our conversation will better and better!

Ok, I agree. You are right and I’ve to be more realistic… Ok, I agree -7x several sets for “one” battle in “one” wave are too many. What is in that case to do? The positive of the “Battle Packs” is –these are all flexible. I mean you could put these sets in other waves for other themes. -CREATOR creature set (chapter 2) for 3x different brickbuilt war trolls: That set suits for example to the “Black Gate”. -“effective” orc battle-pack: That set suits also to the “Black Gate” or also (for example) for the last decisive battle against Sauron (2.age theme); ->last fight with King Earendil, Elf-king Gil-galad and Isildur. -effective “army of the death” battle pack: That set could suits to “Dwimorberg (chapter 5, city of death)” if TLC to decide that they to develop 1x shining CREATOR house for that city. -Gondor/Rohan battle-pack, inclusive horses: Ok, that set could be split. –The Rohan-riders suits to Helm’s Deep. Therefore could LEGO develop 1x other combination Battle-Pack including Lothlorien-elves. And (for example) 3x Gondor-soldiers could go into the modular CREATOR fortification set. -brickbuilt oliphount with tower, inclusive harad-minifigures: Alternative area could be “the Battle for Ithilien” against Faramir and the rangers. -The good thing is, it is possible the Battle-Packs to change into other different themes. Now we have for the siege of Minas Tirith just 2x sets: -CREATOR siege set for 2x variations: (Inclusive a Nazgul with flying beast.) Variation A: Siege tower/Variation B: 2x different catapults. -Grond the big battering ram. And I agree that the costs for these sets would be amazing (like Harry Potter or Star Wars). The different new developed bricks and prints are just two examples. But I am also absolute sure that LEGO would find a great audience (young & old) who would to buy these sets. You know, I love Middle-earth. I want just to show you what possibilities this place us can give. And CREATOR gives us really a chance to develop that world. Some people would really to buy 2x, 3x or more times “one” CREATOR set for an explicitly place (for example the Shire). And here are variable minifigures really welcome. –That print investment could be really profitable. Nobody wants 7x same hobbits. And it is after all a chance that a ready sale to happen and the shelves could be fast empty without to remove the sets back to LEGO. -Ok I agree, if kids to see that it could work to build with multi-parts (variable CREATOR sets) whole locations. ->Than these would want more and more (snowball-system). What do you think if TLC to put lesser CREATOR sets in “1x wave”. But at first (I want to be now realistic) is to test if that CREATOR-system really works: Ok, what do you think if TLC does undertake a CREATOR “experiment”. -Maximal 2x CREATOR sets for the 1.st wave. The other sets are normal classic sets. After we will see if that work!? --------------------------------------------------------------------------- How could look a master-plan for the Tolkien-license: -Late summer 2012: LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring -Winter 2012/13: Hobbit 1.st movie -Late summer 2013: LOTR: The two Towers -Winter 2013/14: Hobbit 2.st movie -Late summer 2014: LOTR: The Return of the King -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Which Creator sets could be possible for LOTR “The Fellowship of the Ring”: The Shire: 1x modular CREATOR hobbit-hole with some “flexible” hobbits (that set could also be in the second wave “hobbit-theme”) Lothlorien: 1x CREATOR tree house for 3x nice tree house variations. And which Battle-Packs could TLC develop for the 1.st wave: -Moria: flexible goblins (short legs) -the “Last Alliance” against Saurons forces: Gondor-soldiers/Noldor-elves ->positive transforming: These Gondor-soldiers are compatible to the “Siege of Minas Tirith” and therefore are no more Gondor-soldiers necessary. These Noldor-elves are compatible for the “Battle of Helm’s Deep” and therefore are no more Noldor-elves necessary. -Saurons army: “flexible” orcs ->positive transforming: These orcs are applicable for all other orc-battles (see Hobbit-theme/LOTR battles). Also could LEGO to discard the Moria-goblin Battle-Pack and put Moria goblins only in a “Balins Tomb” battle set. This process to save the great many of Battle-Packs and creates place for other sets. You see, I try to be realistic and try to keep all things short. Huge locations in just “1x” or “2x” CREATOR set(s) and variable “Battle-Packs” for different battles. (I give my best, and I hope you are now more cheerful about my ideas.) -

Yeah, yeah, -that is the fate of the visionary. At first all laugh –then the following. -The Siege of Minas Tirith/ Battle of the Pelennor Fields- Hi folks, this could be definitive the greatest battle in LEGOs history. Our task is now to develop a concept for that battle. Is it possible this battle economical to transform in LEGO style? We know the battle of Hoth (Star Wars), if we add all developed Hoth sets –than we can to build our own Hoth battle. Similar to that procedure we have to do it for Minas Tirith/Pelennor. Here in that topic I’ve tried to explain how LEGO economical to create abstract battles and locations like Isengard. The key was (and will be in future) skills based on CREATOR. Ok, let’s get down to business. -At first we have to analyse and to divide up that city in different sets: (Minas Tirith has in original 7x wall rings. For a good seller and playable Minas Tirith is 1x city wall ring enough.) -The Citadel: Definitive is that our “main-set” (inclusive “main-characters”) for Minas Tirith. That big set is to declare as “highlight” (every wave has 1x highlight –that would be a “highlight-set”) -Modular CREATOR set for 3x house-variations. –You can to connect every modular house-variation with the city wall. Attention (chapter 6: Dynamic Bricking): If you to add 2x CREATOR houses –than you get enough good bricks for a nice great house with exploding function. –TLC has developed 1x CREATOR set, if you want the complete house series –than you have to buy 5x houses (in total 2x houses for exploding house, 3x variable houses). -Modular CREATOR fortification; 1x modular CREATOR set -for a city wall, a tower and a gate. All variations are modular. The gate is to connect between the Citadel and the city wall. Attention (chapter 6: Dynamic Bricking): If you to add 2x CREATOR fortification sets –than you to get enough good bricks for a long wall with some exploding functions. Also you can with 2x CREATOR fortification sets to build the great city gate. It is your own choose how large the diameter for the city-wall ring is. Also it is your own decide how many towers your city need. With these creator sets you can build a very huge Minas Tirith, also a smaller Minas Tirith. For the complete fortification for a UCS Minas Tirith you will need in total (estimated): The wall ring in a line: [wall]-[tower]-[2x wall/1x large wall]-[tower]-[city gate]-[tower]-[2x wall/1x large wall]-[tower]-[wall] + [gate] for Citadel Total = 13x CREATOR fortification sets –and LEGO has for that case developed just 1x CREATOR set! Again: It is your own choose how big that city has to be. You can also to buy just 2x CREATOR fortification sets for 1x wall part and 1x tower. And behind the wall you put 1x CREATOR house. All modular CREATOR sets are just great variable bricks. -Your imagination to create that city. So, I believe with Minas Thirith we are finish. LEGO has developed 2x modular CREATOR sets (for LEGO therefore no risk) and we “can” create a huge city. For my case here is to buy 5x CREATOR houses and 13x CREATOR fortification sets and the “main-set” –the Citadel. In total 19x sets. Ok, and now the battle: -Siege “main-set” –that could be Grond the great battering ram. (chapter 8, effective design): If you wnt to catch more peoples for that LEGO set. -Than need that set more flair. What do you think about a brick light for lightning eyes and a fire-mouth. Some people could that style more interesting. My advice for a main-character (minifigure) could be the orc-general Gothmog. -CREATOR siege set for 2x variations: In these set is place for a Nazgul with flying beast. Variation A: Siege tower/Variation B: 2x different catapults. And for the battle: -CREATOR creature set (chapter 2) for 3x different brickbuilt war trolls. -brickbuilt oliphount with tower, inclusive harad-minifigures! Wow, this are in total 2x LEGO developed siege sets and 2x LEGO developed battle sets. -And here follow the battle-packs (chapter 3): -Gondor/Rohan battle-pack, inclusive horses! -“effective” orc battle-pack -“effective” army of the death battle pack In total has TLC developed 7x sets for the siege and the great battle. And I’m confident that a lot of people would to buy many of them. The money is rolling in! So, your comments are welcome. That is just a simulate list and all sets are just examples for this developing concept. I’m absolute confident that CREATOR the right way and LEGOs future is. All things will be possible and you create with modular CREATOR “bricks” your own world. Your imagination decide how have to be your city. TLC has no risk and we have fun! –And why should that concept no work?

My theory about the audience for Fantasy II and Tolkien-license: (I talk about people who like the adventure/fantasy-theme.) Fantasy II -Young kids (6-12 years): Would like Fantasy II to 100%. These like cool minifigures and are happy and the parents may pay it. -Elder kids/adults (12+ years): Some like Fantasy II (because this theme is nice and not too expensive), but for others is Fantasy II too childish. Together these would like Fantasy II to 50%. Tolkien-license -Young kids (6-12 years): Would like Tolkien to 100%. These like cool minifigures and are happy. But unfortunately is the license very expensive –do the parents to pay it? I have no idea about LEGOs sells for that audience for Harry Potter/Pirates of the Caribbean. ?? -Elder kids/adults (12+ years): Comparable to Star Wars. -Based on Middle-earth’s cult status and videogames. But that license is very expensive. (Do some people no buy Star Wars sets and to switch over to Space Police? For which audience to sell LEGO the most Star Wars sets?) –I to think that the elder kids/adults would like the Tolkien license to 90%. I believe the demographic raises and the customers to advance in age! Let’s keep (for a compare for Tolkien) by the Star Wars theme: By which audience generated LEGO more money? –The young kids (6-12 years) or the elder kids/adults (12+ years)? -The young kids are (in bulk) more, but their parents to buy no so many expensive sets. -The elder kids/adults are fewer, but these to buy very expensive sets. TLC revenue for sold sets is in summery for 50% younger kids (6-12 years old) and 50% elder kids/adults. And which situation we would have if TLC marketed Fantasy II? No videogame-industry, no cult –fewer elder costumers. And that is a problem. The production costs keep lesser and the sets get (in bulk) fewer quality. In that case is Fantasy II like Space Police, a B-movie. ->And a Tolkien license would be (like Star Wars) an A-Movie. What I did write: “TLC has to be creative and innovative BECAUSE his toy creative and innovative is!” -LEGO developed CREATOR, now has the time come to use it. Let’s talk about Minas Tirith… To be continued Elander

My mind about licenses, wrong concepts and broken rules: -Yep, LEGO has produced STAR WARS and another Space-series together in the same time. May be had some of the other Space-lines a false concept (too childish; you know that kids want cool things). I‘ve no idea why LEGO has broke up the “Classic Space” line. It would be interesting if LEGO would produce a new Space line based of the old style. I believe that would sell well. If now LEGO keep the present “Kingdoms”-style (that is the “Classic Castle”-style; and that style is cool), and would to add the Tolkien license line (and that line is also cool). Than would LEGO has 2x lines (historic line/fantasy line) there sell well. -> I remember that STAR WARS and Mars Mission had also sold well. Why not in combination: Middle-earth & Kingdoms? I prefer that every license theme has an alternative theme (non-license theme). That this concept to work, that we have seen during other themes. Which false concept had Harry Potter? Ok, STAR WARS has produced within 12 years 3x different Slave 1s, different AT-ATs, different AT-STs, different Naboo Star-Fighter, and so forth… But in the case of Harry Potter was the problem that this standard operating procedure (with different Hogwarts Expresses, -castles and Hagrid Huts) to came out in a too short time (2001-2005). These 4 years are definitive too short. I think, in that case LEGO would have found it better to develop modular sets for the different class-rooms. And no complete huge castles. For Hobbit/LOTR is that concept no way…. …and you can really believe me (inform yourself at “tolkiengateway.net” or other websites). Here we would get another problem: How it is possible a lot of things from Tolkiens huge world to transform in LEGO-style (with which skills that could be possible I’ve tried to describe here in this topic). Pirates of the Caribbean: “Pirates of the Caribbean” is a wonderful license with a lot of possibilities. For Tortuga, Port Royal or other places could LEGO also to work by CREATOR (that’s also just houses, rocks and caves). But what I don’t like is that TLC ever and ever again to broke the most important rule. Why they put ever the same minifigures in different LEGO-boxes? Where is here the collector effect? I don’t see the commercial effect? Why should I to buy another LEGO-box along with Jack Sparrow and the same guys if I have exact these versions 3x times? Everybody knows that this bad business is. And should LEGO in future more work by CREATOR (and I’m firmly convinced that modular CREATOR LEGOs future is; just see alone the economic possibilities) than must not LEGO to put collector minifigures (main-characters) in these modular CREATOR boxes. That is the absolute main-rule number 1! TLC can develop different sets with the same main-character, but no sets in CREATOR style. –Why should somebody to buy “3x times” the same main-character like Indiana Jones (here in that case Bilbo Baggins)? The guy would to feel cheated. –Also bad business! -CREATOR sets are to combinate with soldiers/ “flexible” variable civilians… In the case that TLC want to put the same character in other different sets –than has different marks to tag that character. TLC has to think about the collector-effect. This collector-effect is very good for that merchandising business and TLCs customizers don’t to feel dull. So, and now the most important question: How many licenses are economic compatible? I know 3x kinds of guys. The action-, space- or the (fantasy/adventure)-guy: -The action-guy become more like the action heroes for example Spiderman, X-men, Batman… -> Yep, for that guy will next year to come up a wonderful license! -The space-guy has always STAR WARS, no question! Trekkies, I feel sorry for you. -The fantasy/adventure-guy has at the time POTC and Harry Potter –but how is the situation next late summer? Harry Potter: I believe that theme ending now. The merchandising will still no longer alive. LEGO Harry Potter Years 5-7 could be the last sign for “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”. POTC: Puzzling, why put TLC Davy Jones in the Black Pearl? What is about the Flying Dutchman? POTC has enough potential for some waves more! May be clocks TLC that theme and waits for POTC 5? I don’t care…. ….but IF next year no more sets (based of Harry Potter and POTC) come out–than (in that case I’m absolute sure) will come the Hobbit and LOTR. And in that case will TLC also definitive fight for a LOTR license. The economic possibilities are amazing! Like kids “Classic Fantasy” more as “Middle-earth” and would Middle-earth to rob children’s own fantasy? -I believe no! Why: -At first, the most of the young kids has no idea about Middle-earth. -For these are all guys (from different LEGO-boxes) ordinarily normal cool characters. If they to play with the “Nazguls” or the “King of the Dead” –than these has very cool minifigures and to develop by her own fantasy for these minifigures their story. May be these have an elder brother and he to tell them a bit about Middle-earth. -the elderly kids: Do these to know something about Middle-earth? –Sure. I can’t to list all the different LOTR-videogames whichever these to play. And now really: What would the elderly kids prefer: -“Classic Fantasy” or “Tolkien license”? And what do you think about yourself? –Would do you more like a really LEGO Rivendell, Bag End or (like Samwise Gamgee) a big oliphaunt? –or do you prefer more classic fantasy? –Without expensive license and bricked only with LEGOs classic orcs, classic dwarfs and elfs (“I don’t like fantasy” does not apply)^^ ? …I believe you to know what I prefer.

It will sell WELL. LEGOs only task is to catch the adults and the children. Children loves action: Middle-earth is complete full with action. The kids will love these LEGO-boxes without to know the movies. LEGOs task is every LEGO-set, and I mean every set, to give his own flair. And with Middle-earth it is too easy (in this topic I’ve shown you a LOT of possibilities). And what is about the adults? –They love beauty architecture designing. And now seriously: Who about you would not like a beauty Rivendell? Harry Potter has the exclusive Daigon Alley and Star Wars has a perfect exclusive Imperial Space-Shuttle. And what is about Middle-earth? ...come on, where are the visionaries? LEGO is born for themes like Middle-earth. Here will (like Star Wars) all generations be connected. And why not for some locations in CREATOR style? We talk about houses, walls, rocks and caves. These buildings are no complicated spaceships and perfect for CREATOR. For LEGO a perfect possibility to sell many sets and we have to decide what we want (all explained here in this topic). If you want from every location only the main-building inclusive main-characters –than buy only the main-buildings. But if you want a complete location in UCS style inclusive massive armies –than has you the chance with just 1x or 2x developed CREATOR sets extra to build this complete location. If you want all of them –than will you to need 2x jobs extra. Amazing, that is for everybody a “win to win” situation! -excluded your wallet. And LEGO videogames based of the stories of Middle-earth. –Also amazing. Damn, maybe it is possible to play these huge battles in LEGO-style. Here are also endless possibilities: -large levels, many locations -a lot of characters -different stories, different tasks, and so forth... LEGO videogames for Middle-earth will be another factor to catch the kids. In combination with videogames, exclusive architecture buildings for adults and playable battles (in CREATOR-style) will that theme at 100% an absolute economic success.

I don’t know if LEGO get the rights for LOTR, but now let’s in this case to simulate that LEGO get the rights.... I hope LEGO would be not conservative and will be innovative and will to transform Lord of the Rings with CREATOR. Houses and walls are not so complicated like spaceships and can be transformed in some variations. For LEGO is that system no risk because they haven’t to develop a lot of sets and we could buying many of them. And if LEGO would not go this way –than has TLC internal a big problem. Just simulate: a couple of sets for a wave for the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit: -Ok, again... let’s add some places by my column (a few of you are really stubborn) : The Shire (chapter 6), because the Shire cool is: (2x sets) LEGO has developed 2x sets –if we want that place complete than we have to buy 7x CREATOR sets plus Bag End (main-set for main characters) = 8x sets. The Black Gate (chapter 4), because here we will find a lot of action: (2x sets) LEGO has developed 2x sets –if we want that place complete than we have to buy 4x CREATOR sets plus the gate (main-set for main characters) = 5 sets. CREATOR Creature (chapter 2) war-troll set for a nice Black Gate battle: (1x set) LEGO has developed 1x set –if we want all variations than we have to buy 3x CREATOR sets. Helm’s Deep (chapter 8), because all want it: (2x sets) LEGO has to develop 2x sets –if we want that place complete than we have to buy 4x CREATOR sets and the Hornburg (main-set for main characters and every wave need 1x highlight; -that is our big set for this wave) = 5x sets. 1x Uruk-hai Battle pack for a nice Helms Deep battle In total: LEGO has developed 8 sets (like POTC) and can sell: 8(the Shire) + 5(the Black Gate) + 3(CREATOR creature) + 5(Helm’s Deep) + some Uruk-hai battle-packs = 22+ sets So, TLC has to be creative and innovative BECAUSE his toy creative and innovative is! And if these company not going this way –than is the party over. We living in a very hard commercial world and I believe I have nobody to explain that conservative management NO way is.

How can LEGO create Lord of the Rings? Chapter 8: Effective designing for Middle-earth In Germany we say: “Alls things has one and –just the bratwurst two”. Now comes the end for my column “How can LEGO create Middle-earth”. We walked around Middle-earth and have learned how we have to create that world. With new skills we have build different locations for everyone. –For everyone? –Is everyone a Lord of the Rings fan? –Yoda would say: Much to do, we still have! Creator has given us the skills to be creative. We can design every location without to develop many LEGO sets. But in that case we have to design these locations creative and effective. We have to catch the children and their parents. A little boy and his daddy are neutral persons and they have never heard about “Lord of the Rings”. They to be located in a LEGO store and the shelves are filled with different themes. Woha! –Here is a large choice. The boy to need action because he loves action and his daddy need a happy boy. -A dragon aquiver his attention… Middle-earth is filled to capacity with action and special-effects. Our task is now these both features to transform into our developed creative LEGO sets. Let’s start our last journey to Middle-earth. At first we visit Smaugs cave (Hobbit-theme). Who we to meet? Smaug the dragon and a invisible ringbearer, named Bilbo. ->we get in LEGO-style: Bilbo –a complete transparent minifigure Smaug –a nice brickbuilt dragon Ok, what we have to do? Right! –The dragon to need flair. -Give him orange “light” for his eyes and his mouth. Daddy thinks: “Aha, that LEGO-box is a nice toy for my little boy. Those little special-effects are interesting. I kind of like it” Now has a “balrog” quiver little boy’s attention. That looks like a bit more action. In that case we get in LEGO-style: Gandalf with magic wand: -the top of these wand can per a LED-light to glow. That function has to be design. A brickbuilt brighter balrog: Red-/orange-/yellow-transparent bricks have to be connected with a “brick-light” in connection with other black- and dark grey bricks. And the bridge with collapse-function. WOW! The little boy is excited and his daddy is intent. Nice action and some special-effects. –bought! But what is about the buildings? Every building has to be especially effective! We know shining buildings (chapter 5)…. [Lothlorien has to be created: LEGO develop 1x Creator tree house ->we get 3x different variations -The boles are same, just some branches and the houses looks different. The steps will be roofed with normal bricks and BLUE-SHINING bricks. ] ….and now we want buildings where we discover action: “Helms Deep” –good example: -here we will find a exploding wall! What we have to do? –at first to analyse these location and to figure out which skills we have to use: In these case very simple: -we declare the “main-set” ->Logical, the Hornburg. That is the best set for our main-characters (example: King Theoden). And what is about the wall? ->Logical, modular bricking (chapter 1). 4x modular sets in series are long enough. In that modular set are 2x “flexible” rohirrim-soldiers (chapter 3). What we have now to do? (Chapter 6, Dynamic Bricking) 2x modular wall-sets bring enough good bricks for a nice exploding function. 2x modular wall sets will be transformed into 1x exploding wall set. That modular exploding wall set (hidden Easter egg) will be longer as a normal wall-set. -what is the result? -LEGO has developed 2x sets (Hornburg/modular wall) and we have to choose how many we want. For LEGO a “win” – “win” situation. For a complete Helms Deep we would buy: -the Hornburg (main-set) -2x normal modular walls -(hidden Easter egg) 2x modular walls for exploding wall These skills are to use for Minas Tirith (no panic; for a complete LEGO developed Minas Tirith is 1x wall-ring, some houses and the citadell enough). Here we get for example some exploding houses. And that is your homework. How would you create a commercial Minas Tirith? Which skills would you use? I am very agog about your result! So, our journey has now ended. I hope you had a bit fun and liked my column. We know now that a LEGO-Middle-earth technical possible and very lucrative is. I just hoping that someone from the LEGO-develop team has read that column. Thanks for reading Elander

How can LEGO create Lord of the Rings? Chapter 1: Creator Buildings in modular-style Chapter 2: Creator Creatures for huge armies Chapter 3: Customizer, your hour has come! Chapter 4: Clever Connecting Chapter 5: Let it shine Chapter 6: Dynamic Bricking, hidden Easter eggs Chapter 7: Global Bricking, connecting skills -Impossible thinks will be possible We know people they want it big and we know people they want it small. And LEGO want no risk. Is it possible that all to connect? -“Clever Connecting” and “Dynamic Bricking” has shared us that skill. That skill based of CREATOR. And CREATOR is the key to create a Middle-earth for all people. Someone to want the complete location and others want only the main-buildings. The “Black Gate” and the “Shire” were two examples. Our journey goes now to big complex-systems like “Isengard”.Here we will find a fascinating battle. The “ents” attacks Isengard. In LEGO-style for the most people too huge and too expensive. What we have in that case to do? Than we know: Some guys want it big! Some guys like locations in huge UCS-styles. –Let’s give these that option. Let’s to begin to give these abstract area a LEGO-style. Global Bricking, be creatively and keep parts small: 1)At first we have to analyse that location. We get “Orthanc” -the black tower, a wall-ring, some gates, excavations with construction equipment, a dam break, water, a lot of ents and orcs. Witch skills we have now in that case to use? 2)We have to think about “Clever Connecting” (chapter 4) What have to be the “main-set”: –The “Orthanc-tower” That is a wonderful place for our main-characters. Good day Saruman. The wall and the gates gets the same size and will be transformed into 1x “3 in 1 CREATOR set”. –the modular gates and the walls shape the wall-ring. The wall-ring is variable. In that case it is your own choose which diameter it has. Also it is your choose how many gates Isengard need. For a complete closed wall-ring, we to need minimal 8x creative wall-ring parts. 3)Now we to use “Dynamic Bricking” (chapter 6) Let’s to design a creator “excavations with construction equipment” set. ->We get 3x different variations. Attention: 2x creator “excavations”-sets plus 1x creator “wall ring” set give us the right elements for the dam. ->We create with these sets the “breaking dam”. (The “breaking dam” is our hidden Easter egg). Also is the dam modular and can with the wall be connected. 4)Ents We need 1x creator brickbuilt ent set (chapter 2). ->now we get 3x different ents. (The bodys are the same, but the marks are different; long nose, different large hands, … what you want). 5)Orcs We have created 2x different creator building sets. In these sets we put 3x flexible orcs (chapter 3). How many variations we will have? 3(different helmets) x 3(different heads) x 3(different torsos) x 2(different faces pro head) = 56 variations If you want a complete Isengard-building that you to get “creator” sets in total: 7(creator wall-ring parts) + 3(breaking dam parts) + 3(excavation-parts) = 13x creator sets 13(creator sets) x 3(orcs) = 39 flexible orcs ->Nice army! 56 variations > 39 flexible orcs ->suits! So, what offers that result? What options we have? LEGO has for Isengard developed 3x building sets (1x “main-set”(Orthanc-tower) and 2x different creator sets). That collection will be add with 1x brickbuilt creator creature (ents) set. For LEGO no high risk because: You have now more options to choose: If you want it small and only the Orthanc-tower –than take only the Orthanc-tower. ->developed 3x creator sets- shells 0x creator sets ->for LEGO bad business If you want to add Isengard with some creator sets for a nice battle –than take some creator sets extra (for example 2x ent-variations, 2x wall-ring parts and 2x excavation parts). ->developed 3x creator sets -sells 6x creator sets ->for LEGO good business If you have any money and you love Lord of the Rings –than you have with these 3x developed sets the option to create your own complete UCS Isengard. (3x ent-variations, 7x wall-ring parts, 3x excavation parts and 3x dam parts) ->developed 3x creator sets –sells 16x creator sets ->for LEGO perfect business I hope my English is good enough and you can to understand my text. Yoda would say: much to learn do you have! Ok, but I believe my messages have you arrived. With many examples from different locations I’d described possibilities based of the CREATOR-series. And I really believe Middle-earth is, thanks CREATOR, a modern turbo money-machine! Forecast last chapter: Effective designing for Middle-earth Elander

How can LEGO create Lord of the Rings? Chapter 1: Creator Buildings in modular-style Chapter 2: Creator Creatures for huge armies Chapter 3: Customizer, your hour has come! Chapter 4: Clever Connecting Chapter 5: Let it shine Chapter 6: Dynamic Bricking, hidden Easter eggs Now we visit the shire. I love that place. Here is it beauty and peaceful. But unfortunately, just as little action-packed. No payable investment location. Damn, what we have to do? No way -to keep the risk down. We develop just “one” 3 in 1 creator hobbit hole. –we get three holes. In single-form has every hobbit-hole a hole in the side. That hole can with a second hole be closed. In total shape that 3x single hobbit-holes one hill. Ok, we get in total a complete modular building. –A hill. But what will happen if in that “one” 3 in 1 creator hobbit hole another construction plan is? For in total 4x creator hobbit-holes. And you can only with these four holes to build the “Brandy Hall”. Yeah, what a surprise! That Easter egg was in not “1x” LEGO catalogue! (Only the construction plan we have found in the LEGO-box!) -Damn, now we to get the great Brandy Hall and we haven’t one other hobbit hole. Ok, let’s buy three creator hobbit-holes extra. -At this time has LEGO selled to us 7x creator hobbit-holes! We have now a Brandy Hall and a beauty hill. But what is with the hobbits? Every time the same guys? No! (Remember chapter 3): In that case we to put into these creator box 3 hobbits. We have 7x holes a’ la 3 hobbits = 21 hobbits. Wow, that is a lot! Now are in these creator box 3x different hairs, 3x different heads and 3x different torsos. Every head has 2x different faces and now we will see what we have: 3 (hairs) x 6(faces) x 3(torsos) = 56 variations! -Ok, that is enough! LEGO has with 1x developed creator set no risk and we have fun! -But what we would need too for our shire? Right! –off course “Bag End”! That would be a wonderful place for our main-characters (our collector-minifigures). Say hello to Bilbo.^^ But what do you think? What do you think about "Dynamic Bricking"? Where (in which location) could be the next hidden Easter egg? To be continued Elander

How can LEGO create Lord of the Rings? Chapter 1: Creator Buildings in modular-style Chapter 2: Creator Creatures for huge armies chapter 3: Customizer, your hour has come! Chapter 4: Clever Connecting Chapter 5: Let it shine Do you know that guy. Is he cool, eh? -He can shine! In Middle-earth you can to meet many shining guys: -Nazguls on Weathertop -a shining Galadriel if she looks in their mirror -dead guys in the Death Marshes -aaand of course the King of the Dead and his army (1x “creatively” Battle-Pack, see chapter 3, would be epic). We all to known his hometown (Dwimorberg). Here it shines ever if comes visitors (at last our heroes Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli). Woha, that city do we want. Ok, what we need for that city? Shining bricks! –take the ghost. His body shines perfect. What we need too? Lucidly, -some houses! What do you thinking? Impossible? That city is too expensive? Remember: “Creator”-houses are the key. LEGO has just to develop “1x” creator house. If we need 3x variations by this house –than we can to buy these creator house three times for 3x variations. LEGO to develop “1x” creator house and has the option to sell it “3x”. Good business! But what we are doing if we want “Minas Morgul”? Here it shines ever! Remember: In this case we have to think about “Clever Connecting”. -Let’s to analyse “Minas Morgul”. Damn, is that huge! At first we have to disassemble this location. From the top-view looks Minas Morgul like a star with 5x prongs. -We to get a bridge plus main-gate, behind a tower coated with 2x wall-rings. -Outside a bigger wall,-inside a smaller wall. Ok, the tower coated with the small wall-ring we to declare (inclusive modular bridge) as “main-set”. Here we put for that location the main-characters (for example the Witch King). The big wall will be decompose in 5x parts (from the top-view these looks like prongs). In total we to get 6x parts (1x main-gate and 5x big walls). These 6x parts to get the same sizes and will be transformed into 1x modular creator set. The bridge (from the main-set) is modular. These you can to put in front of the modular creator main-gate. What is the result? -LEGO has developed just 2x sets (1x main-set plus 1x creator set) and you have now more options to choose: -If you want Minas Morgul in a “smaller-version” –than you have to buy only the “main-set” (the tower coated with the small wall-ring inclusive modular bridge). -If you want a great diorama by the front of Minas Morgul –than you have to buy 3x creator sets extra [1x for the main-gate, 2x for big walls (left-/ and right side)]. If you want a complete Minas Morgul –than you have to buy 6x creator sets for a complete closed big wall. In that case would LEGO to develop 2x sets –and could to sell 7x sets. Better business! And if now LEGO for Minas-Morgul to develop only 1x “creatively” Battle-Pack (Chapter 3, Customizer -your hour has come!) –than (if you want every different orc variation), could LEGO additional to sell 32x “creatively” Battle-Packs. That’s perfect business! To be continued Elander

How can LEGO create Lord of the Rings? Chapter 1: Creator Buildings in modular-style Chapter 2: Creator Creatures for huge armies chapter 3: Customizer, your hour has come! Chapter 4: Clever Connecting Before we started these topic we got that feeling that the way for a possibility Middle-earth is closed up. The sets would be too huge and too expensive. LEGO could never to develop so many Minifigures.... Now we to know that creativity is the only way to develop LEGO Middle-earth. "3 in 1 style CREATOR"-sets are the key and bring us back to the good old LEGO rules. Also has shown us just "1x" creativity orc battle-pack the option for 128x different orc-minifigure variations. After we got understand these new conception has the time come that we want to use it. Let's to analyse just one of these important locations. I prefer for example the "Black Gate" of Mordor. At first we have to disassemble this location: We get 2x great towers, 2x walls, 2x small towers plus gate. right ->to left [great tower] - [wall] - [small tower + gate + small tower] - [wall] - [great tower] We to pick the middle-part (gate plus 2x small towers). These part is for these location the "main-set" inclusive the important main-characters (minifigures, for example "Mouth of Sauron") Now lets to analyse the other 4x parts (2x great towers, 2x walls). These 4x parts to get the same sizes and will be transformed into 1x modular "Creator"-set. ->Now we get these following effect: If you want the Black Gate in a "small version" -than you have to buy just the "main-set" (the Black Gate inclusive 2x small towers) If you want the complete Black Gate -than you have to buy 4x modular "Creator"-sets extra. And LEGO has to developed just 2x sets! Some people like HUGE battles. In my last Chepter (Customizer, your hour has come!) are described "creative battle-packs). Now is your job to analyse the locations of Middle-earth (cities, fortresses....) and to think about "Clever Connecting". To be continued Elander PS: I hope someone, who read this topic, has connections with the LEGO develop-team. I really believe these “thoughts” are very interesting (also the ideas and thoughts by all other users). It would be superb if someone could help and to show LEGO this topic.

How can LEGO create Middle-earth? Chapter 1: Creator Buildings in modular-style Chapter 2: Creator Creatures for huge armies And today chapter 3: Customizer, your hour has come! In my last posts I shared you that LEGO has to show us how flexible we have to be, if we want to create our own middle-earth. Just “one” LEGO developed modular building “creator” set give us 3x variations (for example) of tree houses and we can to build our own playable Lothlorien (without Caras Galadhon, Galadriels big treehouse). Also we can to be creative concerning with “creator creatures”. Now I want to show you that we can also to be flexible concerning with LEGOs minifigures: We all knew the massive armies of Middle-earth. But how can LEGO effective to create these massive armies without to develop many sets? -Let’s talk about “one” orc battle-pack including 4x minifigures. So, Customizer, now has your hour come. Be creative and to develop 4x different torsos plus 4x different heads including 2x different faces pro head and 4x different helmets. Now we get 4 (torsos) x 4 (heads) x 2 (faces) x 4 (helmets) = 128 varying kinds of orcs. -If we want every variation of orc in our army than we have to buy this “one” LEGO developed orc battle pack 32 times! [The point is. LEGO need for LotR/Hobbit a new effective merchandising-strategy. With some developed modular “Creator” sets is it possible to create Middle-earth. And the commercial efficiency will be amazing.] I hope someone, who read this topic, has connections with the LEGO develop-team. I really believe these “thoughts” are very interesting (also the ideas and thoughts by all other users). It would be superb if someone could help and to show LEGO this topic. To be continued Elander

Hi, I don't write about my wishlist. My wishlist will you find here. Many user meaning that LotR to big for LEGO is. I want to explain "how LEGO can to create LEGO Tolkiens huge world without to develop many huge sets". Here we talking, if it possible to develop this world and if LEGO LotR/Hobbit really come out.

How can LEGO create Lord of the Rings? Chapter 2: Brickbuilt Battle-Packs How is it possible to merchandise Tolkiens HUGE world? I decribed in my last posts that modular "Creator-sets" are the key. LEGO to develop one set. And we want that 3x. Example for Minas Tirith: For a city wall-, city gate- and for a city house version. -> We to buy this modular creator set 3x and we got a playable Minas Tirith. (without the citadel, these main sets are extra) -> with two developed sets is it possible to built a huge location. Now follow the next step. The brickbuilt creatures: Middle-earth is a place were we find many many creatures. The question is: How can LEGO to create many creatures without to develop many sets? -Right! The key is the same. Creator-sets. In the Hobbit-theme we will see many creatures like eagles, giants or spiders. A new "brickbuilt crature battle-pack series" in creator-style would give us the possibility to got eagles with different marks. The bodys are ever the same, just some marks are different. ->brickbuilt war-trolls would become different armor-options. You see. The effect is the same. LEGO to develop "one" creator "creature" set and we to buy for a greate army many of them. (I personally would love to see a creator ent battle pack with 3x different ent options) Middle-earth in LEGO-style could be the greatest LEGO-adventure of all time. A complete new and very effective merchandise-system. To be continued. Elander

Hi, I wrote about just 4x sets for two complete peoples. Modular sets to combinate with "3 in 1" Creator-sets is fantastic. LEGO have to develop a few but effective sets. And you can with many of them create these huge locations. No problem. I believe LotR don't need a cartoon. If children see these dudes in LEGO-style, than they will love them without to watched the movies. The "Modular-system" is a snowball system (pyramid scheme) and will happen. Many dudes would to built with these "3 in 1 modular creator sets" a complete city (Minas-Tirith without rocks, that would be too heavy)^^. After that would LEGO to develop more huge areas (locations) with just two sets. Come on. Don't chicken out! LotR will work.

Ok, I hope (at least) one from the LEGO-development read your post and will reconsider this procedure (problem). I thing our ideas are too good and very very economic. Pay attention! We still have some aces more in the hole. How can LEGO create Middle-earth? Chapter 1: Creator Buildings in modular-style First; -as far as we know are the locations (Helms Deep, Minas Tirith, Edoras, .....) to big for LEGO-sets. But this is not more the problem because we know that "modular-composite sets" this huge location to add for the most part. So what's now the catch? -Right! LEGO would never produce so many LotR-sets. -I love these CREATOR-series. <-here for example a house in a 3-in-1 style. You can built a house in three variations. Superb! Back to LotR. Ok, give every location a main-set. Two examples: Edoras - the Golden Hall. Lothlorien - Caras Galadhon. In these "main-sets" are located the "main-characters". Now has Lego to give these locations a set in a 3-in-1 style with lesser famous characters (just soldiers and/or civilians). For Lothlorien a treehouse for three several variations. For Edoras a "3-in-1 set" for a house, city gate and a city wall. The city gate and city wall are modular. So, at the time has lego just 4 sets produced. And now want every LotR-fan for these huge locations at least 3x "3-in-1 (modular) sets". And now begins LEGOs buisness with LEGO LotR. (And everybody know: Tolkiens World is HUGE) I hope somebody from LEGO read these posts here. That could be later more as important... The next ideas will coming soon. Elander

I think LEGO Lord of the Rings has to based of a new modular-set theme. It's time for a new kind of set-revolution. I mean like the modular exclusiv city houses just in smaller versions. Why a complete Minas Tirith or Helms Deep set if LEGO could produce this locations in several sets. For example Moria: (3x modular-sets) -The gate and the Giant Octopus of Moria Moria Gate (luminous stickers in dark) with collapse function, LEGO created (brickbuilt) Giant Octopus -Balin's Tomb (Balins mausoleum) inclusive Frodo with Sting (LED lights up) -The Bridge of Khazad-dûm Gandalf with magic wand (LED lights up) LEGO brickbuilt Balrog (red/black bricks, inclusive red/orange transparent bricks for LED lights up) Bridge with collapse function What do you thinking? Is that system realistic?

I hope for LotR next summer when the Harry Potter theme ends. Early 2013 is to late. This theme has to many possibilities than to be a short theme. 1999 began LEGO Star Wars 6 months before episode 1 too. I can't believe that LEGO won't to bring out LEGO Lord of the Rings. I love the brickbuilt dragons from the "Viking"-line. A brickbuilt ent would be superb. I would to die for a brickbuilt ent battle pack!

Here is some stuff for our wallets. ^^ klick I thougt, I could to transform Tolkiens huge world complete into LEGO set-ideas. Fuggedaboutit! This theme could be bigger than Star Wars (if LEGO wants). Of course would the "Tolkien" line not be the end of the "Classic Castle" line. It would be the same thing like Star Wars and Mars-Mission, Space Police, NASA-Program, Alien Conquest and so forth... I hope for these dudes. LEGO could customizing 100 different peoples. And these dudes would be amazing. The elf from the series 3 CM or the orcs and dwarfs from the castle-line would be no comparison. The Tolkien-minifigures would be generally some levels "better". I'd be interested in knowing how would be looking the LotR-sets? In module-style for Grond the Battering Ram and the Gate of Minas Tirith like 6062 Battering Ram and 6059 Knights Stronghold. LEGO have to create Minas Tirith in module-form. Everybody would for Minas Tirith to order every module-set. The Orthanc Tower could be looking in 7093 Skeleton Tower form. Every location must be smaller than the original sizes (see LEGO Hogwarts-castle or Death-Star). And LEGO have to create new bricks (elements) for a fantastic Rivendell or a beauty Lothlorien. But do you know what me make creasy? That all is no reality. That is just wishful thinking. AAHHRRGG PLEASE LEGO!