Still Raindrop

Very nice review of a neat little set; the buggy has a very Mad Max feel that a few of the other World Race sets have.

Looks like the female adventurer is named Helena Tova, and the mechanic is named Mac McLoud (judging by descriptions from the TRU website).

The Build First, a random instruction page. We begin our build by making a column. Three steps and we're done. The build then begins on the main part of the sest--the Seabed Strider. Within a few steps, I noticed that there are two connection methods used right next to each other--a click-hinge and a clip. I'm not sure of the reason for this; it operates just like a regular click hinge. Perhaps it's for extra stability if the hinge gets loose? A few steps later and the body is done. I like how the lights look. I'm not sure why--they just look cool. Next, we build the two little propellor/engine modules. We then attach them to the aforementioned hinge and clip. The last things built are the leg sections. Here are a few views of the completed set. It looks nice as an underwater mech, but unfortunately, this is as far forward as the legs go. Not very useful for walking around the ocean floor (not that walking is the best way to get around the ocean floor, of course). But that's what the transformation feature is for, right? Well, here are a few shots of the transformed walker. That's how LEGO says to do it. I'm not sure whether I prefer it in the official, "frog kick/Superman" position, or in a slightly more closed one. Here are the leftover pieces. Nice to get an extra set of yellow flippers. Thoughts What are my thoughts on this set? Well, they're very mixed. As I mentioned, the Hammerhead Warrior is one of the coolest minifigures I own. Nevertheless, I can't help but feel that the set itself fails to deliver. I am very disappointed at the mech's lack of poseability. I mean, it looks cool and all, but you can't move it into any sort of walking position for an action pose. It just stands there. What's the point of making a non-moving mech? It's not very playable at all. I would even have preferred the old sliding method that the old classic space robots, Roboforce sets, and original AT-ST used. At least you could play with those and put them into cool walking positions. This one is just static. As far as the transformation goes, I like that a lot less than I thought I would. Sure, it's better than the walker mode, but it looks rather awkward, truthfully. the legs don't look like part of a submarine as much as they look like, well, legs. The undersea scooter mode still looks cool, but the legs detract from it. In conclusion, I would have a really hard time recommending this set to anyone. The hammerhead warrior is awesome, but you can get him in another set, and, quite frankly, the vehicle in that other set looks better than the one in this set (and it would make a better parts pack). The shield is the only unique item, but that can probably be picked up on Bricklink soon, at a much cheaper price than the $10 the set is going for. As much as I want to like this set, it just feels like it falls short.

Thanks for the review! I really like that Jeep, as well as the minifigures. The girl is great, and I really like Jake Raines. You've mentioned it twice, but I don't really see how he looks like Elvis. I mean, he has sideburns, but that's about it.

Thanks, everyone--glad you liked the review! I agree, the scarab has a certain cuteness factor. And Sirens-of-Titan, you put it really well when you say that the scarab is like a minifigure. I agree, and it is doubtless my favorite of all the brick-built monsters I've ever had. I want to add that, after putting both this set and the new Atlantis Seabed Strider set together, I still prefer this set, even though it's half the price. It is rare to get a set that feels complete at only $5, as has been pointed out--most feel just thrown together. This feels more complete than even some $10 sets. In addition, I really like Jake Raines. I had my doubts, but I think he's a worthy successor to Johnny Thunder.

Thanks, everyone--I'm glad you like it! Maybe I will try putting something in between the living room/bedroom and the kitchen. And CriticalBrick, you can certainly use the shower curtain idea. That's part of what I love about the LEGO community--we inspire each other (though my contributions, as far as inspiration goes, are pretty slim).

I like it--although I feel that the poor parishioners are going to freeze their rear ends off while sitting on those ice pews if the sermon is too long!

I went to Toys R Us today, and picked up a few of the new 2011 sets. In this topic, I will be reviewing 7977 Seabed Strider, which I got for USD 10. The Box The box has attractive artwork on the cover, with some bioluminescent fish and a temple in the background. The back of the box shows the transforming feature and a close-up of the Hammerhead Warrior. The Pieces Pouring out the contents of the box, one finds two polybags, instructions, and a small sticker sheet. The contents of the bags. Here are some of the more interesting/unique pieces (minifigure pieces not included--I'll show those soon). The trident is the newer mold. I know that these came out in last year's sets, too, but I only ever got the old mold, so I'll show a comparison. I was pleased to find that the new mold is also unable to do this. The Minifigures The diver is ok. That just about sums up my feelings on him. I think he's a step down from the previous divers, especially in the level of detail on his torso--it feels almost like a 90s print. I do like the printing on his legs, though. The Hammerhead Warrior, on the other hand, is simply beautiful--and I don't just say that because hammerheads are my favorite sharks. The headpiece is fantastic in both look and feel--the softer plastic gives it a sharkish, cartilaginous feel. I can't fully capture it in photos, but I can try! In addition, the trans-red head is great, too. The printing on the teeth is a little thin on mine, but that's ok--the red underneath makes it look like the rows of teeth (which they did very well) are bloody! Part two will be coming later--I have to get to work!

So, I went to Toys R Us today and picked up a few of the new 2011 sets. The first one I'll review is set 7305-- Scarab Attack, which I picked up for USD $5. The Box The box is nicely laid out. Since there is no action feature, the back of the box shows a very similar scene to the front. As a side note, it looks like the boxes this year are actually getting thinner! This doesn't affect smaller sets like this one, but many of the medium-sized sets have boxes that are the same thickness as this one. The Pieces Upon opening the box, two polybags and the instruction sheet fall out. There is no sticker sheet. Here are all the parts freed of their bags Here are the interesting/unique pieces. I haven't seen those claw parts in light grey before, and the pearl gold is different from the other gold that I have (the metallic gold from the Dwarf Mine set). I really like the designs on the scarab's back. Here's a closer view--note the hieroglyphic LEGO brick. Minifigure Here he is, Jake Raines himself. And here is Jake, standing next to the previous main adventurer character, Johnny Thunder. I have to say, Jake looks a lot more rough and ready, for the most part. He's not too smart, though, to be in the desert without a hat. They both have the weird sideburns, too. The Set To start, here's a random page of the instructions. We start off building a small campfire. This goes by very quickly. We then begin building the base of what will become the scarab. It doesn't look too much like a giant beetle statue right now... Ah--that's more like it. The completed scarab. I really like it--it looks like a statue that came to life (just as LEGO intended), and it really does look very much like a scarab. Next to Jake, for size comparison. Conclusion This is a really neat little set, and a great introduction to Pharaoh's Quest. Although it is a shame that it doesn't have a mummy, that would have driven the price up. Besides, the scarab serves as the antagonist, so a mummy isn't really needed. The set is simple, but it feels complete and well planned out. Moreover, it doesn't feel like a throwaway set--sure, we get another Jake Raines, but that scarab is too awesome to leave out if you're going for the whole collection. A very satisfying set.

That's true--I had forgotten about the lime parts. Don't get me wrong, though--I think the sets look incredible! I just don't like this year's colors as much as last year's.

Thanks for the review--I've warmed up to this set a little. I still don't know if I'm going to get it (living at the foot of the Rocky Mountains myself, I have been in and around many log cabins, and am still slightly disappointed that this one didn't use any sort of round bricks; a SNOT cabin would have been awesome), but I do like it more than I thought I would upon seeing the initial photos. That, I think, signals a successful review!

I also dislike the switch to red and yellow--I liked the new shade of trans green, and the green didn't leak over into any solid-colored parts, just the transparent ones (with the exception of the minifigs, which I actually preferred-- yellow is minifig flesh to me, not yellow clothing).

Hey, guys. I'm still working on my ophthalmologist's office (my lack of both tan bricks and money have put me behind schedule), but I'm currently working on the interiors. I'll reveal the interior of the downstairs when I eventually make a topic for the MOC, but right now I wanted to ask what everybody thought of the interior for the upstairs apartment. Please let me know! Here's what someone who had just opened the front door would see: Next up is the kitchen: The living room/bedroom. That's a sofabed, so it can be a living room by day, and a bedroom by night: Two shots of the bathroom. I couldn't really get a good picture of it, due to its being so cramped: A couple of details--here are some light switches and the thermostat: Finally, here's the layout: What do you think? Is there a way I can improve it and make it more realistic? Let me know, please!

I checked Target, TRU, and King Soopers (Colorado's Kroger-owned store), with no luck. Perhaps they'll make their way down to Colorado Springs soon... all I know is, I have never seen a single collectible minifigure on sale here (I had to drive to Denver to get my series 2 minifigs, and I only got those because a friend who worked at the LEGO store bought them for me). I saw an empty box for series 2 at Target, but never any minifigs. I really hope they're actually available here. By the way, where did people get the idea that the rapper was a "street punk?" In America, at least, "punk" is a very different subculture from the one portrayed here. Due to the microphone and the boombox, I would peg this guy as a freestyle rapper, though he could more broadly fit into the hip-hop culture, perhaps even thug culture. But definitely not punk.

I just applied--wish me luck!

Well, autumn is nearly gone here where I live, so I figured I had better get this picture out quickly! This is my modified Apple Tree House, complete with some autumn trimmings. Usually the leaves of the tree are green, but I decided to switch them to yellow and add some fallen leaves, as well as a rake. I suppose that's really the only autumn-specific change. I also made a few changes which I use year-round: I removed the layer of grey plates and the satellite dish, and I filled out the driveway. And, again, I changed the tree, too--it's just usually green. By the way, that's me and my wife standing out front.

As of a few days ago, the TRU in Colorado Springs didn't have any of these sets, but we seem to get things slightly later here. I wonder when LEGO will update the website, so we can get the names for the remaining two characters (that is, if they have names. I hope they do).

Interesting--it appears that, with the exception of the Ninjago game, all of the games this wave will be rather small. I hope the gameplay doesn't suffer because of this (though I'm not sure how many fellow AFOLs are concerned about the gameplay, as many seem to see the games as parts packs).

Valid point. I guess I let my excitement get to me--I've wanted to build a good log cabin for a while now, but I don't have nearly the amount of brown cylinders that I would need, and I doubt my building abilities when it comes to the complex techniques that people with good LEGO log cabins use. Thus, I was a bit disappointed. It still looks like an OK set, just not one that I think I'll be getting.

Wow. Just . . . wow. This theme is looking better and better with each new look we get at it. I do hope I get some money for Christmas, with which to pick up a few of these sets.

I'm almost afraid to enter this, as writing and LEGO are two of my favorite things, and I'd hate to be rejected. Ah, well--it'd be worth it to say I tried! So, do we know whether they want story samples, or just resumes?

It is unfortunate that neither the log pieces from the wild west sets, nor some of the more clever ways of building a log cabin, would be options here, as the cabin does indeed look lacking. I've lived in Colorado for most of my life, and have thus grown up seeing (and staying in) many log cabins. This one lacks the distinct log look that really makes log cabins different from other kinds of houses. Now, perhaps they were just going for a regular old plank cabin, but I doubt it, judging by the overlapping/jutting out bricks on the corners. I really wish there were some simple and sturdy way to make a log cabin. Perhaps they should have introduced a new type of brick? Unfortunately, creator seems to have very few, if any, new molds.

I agree; it seems like Professor Charles Lightning and Gail Storm (or, if you prefer, Dr Kilroy and Miss Pippin Read) were in almost as many sets as Johnny Thunder. It's a shame to see that the girl and Archibald Hale are only in one set each, and both of those are rather expensive ones.

Great find! It was as I expected--the baseball player's team name is the Clutchers. A rather unfortunate name, I think. It is a LEGO pun, but it could also be interpreted differently. Still, it's a good figure (though I do wish the pinstripes were also printed on his pants and his arms). The tennis player is good, too, but I really want a couple of that fisherman. He would be a great addition to my beach scene! Plus, that beard would be really useful for a Santa Claus figure.

I'm really looking forward to the small minifigure set. Mr. Timms, I'm not actually looking forward to that set too much . . . it may be because I live at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, and it doesn't look too much like the cabins I see around here. It doesn't have the distinctive log-built look.