General Magma

Hey there, I've been looking to replace my old compact camera with a newer and better camera, but after a while of searching, I still find myself getting lost in a sea of options, so I'd like to hear some recommendations for good cameras. I've been eyeing DSLRs for a while, but I'm not sure if that would be worth it. My budget isn't too high, I'd prefer to go for a camera around €200, and I'd be willing to push it up to €300 if there's something really good for that price. The picture quality, of course, is of great importance to me, so the bigger the sensor, the better. I'm looking for a camera that I can use to take great photos of LEGO (MOCs, figures, you name it) with and also one that would be proper for anything else, but specifically bearing LEGO in mind for now. Would also be great if it were useful for things like Brickfilming, but that comes lower on the list of priorities. I'd like to hear your recommendations & possible experiences with good cameras. I'm not really an expert when it comes to stuff like this, so further tips would also be helpful and most welcome. Thanks in advance!

Update: Picture with most western wants:

Wondered about how well those were doing a while back, too, when I saw a Playmobil Western box somewhere. Certainly it can't be gone forever, I think - if "The Lone Ranger" did alright while the movie bombed, then I'm sure a regular Wild West theme would do better. Quite curious indeed, let's hope that's the reason. There are plenty of things possibly pointing towards a new Wild West theme now... That would be a great idea - I say bring it on!

Wild West-themed LEGO things seem to have been becoming more and more prominent the past few years. After the "Lone Ranger" line from a few years ago, I've been wondering if we might get to see the actual non-licensed LEGO Western theme finally return after a hiatus of nearly two decades. Especially what with the Western figures that are being released in the Collectible Minifig series (a Western figure for two series in a row), and the fact that new non-costume molds for CMFs usually hint at something more. Note how there are currently two Wild West headpieces that have only been used once so far, both recently, and that the theme showed up quite prominently in last year's The LEGO Movie. One of the headpieces first made an appearance in TLM, only to be used on a CMF later on, and it seems that other pieces (molds) shown in TLM also end up being released. Which leaves one unreleased cowboy hat (a rather tall one that was worn by almost every cowboy figure we've seen in TLM). I think this either means that we'll get yet another Western figure in one of next year's CMF series, or that there is a new Western theme on the horizon. Obviously hoping for the latter. Maybe it's neither, but I very much doubt that. So, let us all discuss this matter here. Do you think it's likely there will be a new Western theme anytime soon? Was 'The Lone Ranger' enough for you already, or would you like to see the return of non-licensed Western sets? If so, what would you like to see in a new theme? Thoughts & wishlists are welcome, of course, but if you've found anything else that seems to be hinting at a new Western theme, do tell!

I myself would really like to see a continuation of the Space Police (3) theme. That was, and is, one of my favourite themes of all time. The crazily awesome aliens, the great ship designs and wonderful figures and the originality for a LEGO theme were some of many things that made it fantastic for me, and I was so disappointed when it ended nearly five years ago. (How time has flown!) I'd love to see more of those alien figures and maybe even have Blacktron thrown in the mix as the main enemy of the Space Police.

Updated with new wants. (Space) Main space wants are ALL Space Police 3 figures from wave 2 and 3 (mainly criminals Craniac, Jawson, Rench, Squidtron & the purple suit alien), officers & spiky helmet alien from wave 1, and the old UFO, Spyrius, etc. figures (aliens & droids).

Hello! I'm looking for Wild West figures & parts - certain old figures might be welcome, but I'm mainly looking for newer Wild West stuff, meaning the CMF figures and Lone Ranger figures, & separate western-compatible parts like torsos, legs, cowboy hats, bandanas, indian hats, horses, guns & other accessoires are also certainly welcome. The following are all of the wanted figures I could think of (figures marked with an asterisk (*) are of higher priority): - Cowboy [series 1]* - Indian [series 1]* - Indian Chief [series 3]* - Bandit [series 7]* - Amazon Warrior [series 7] [Preferably head only] - Tomahawk Warrior [series 10]* - Robot with hunter hat [The LEGO Movie Series] - Robot female with dress [The LEGO Movie Series] - Prospector [series 12] - Sheriff [series 13] [Preferably legs only] As for The Lone Ranger, most of the figures like the cowboys, indians, cavalry soldiers, etc. are likely on my list of wants. Also looking for most of the newer Star Wars aliens. Space - Old UFO, Spyrius, etc. figures (Droids/robot-like figures and aliens mainly)* - Alien Conquest (Aliens, some of the AC soldiers) - Galaxy Squad figures (Insectoids and robots mainly, also some Squad troopers) - Space Police 3 (Officers, especially from wave 2 and 3 (purple hat alien, Rench (lime tentacle alien), Squidtron, Jawson & Craniac. Blacktron torsos also welcome)* - Ultra Agents villains - CMF Series 14 Aliens & Space Troopers - CMF White & Orange Battle Mech - CMF Blacktron Battle Mech - CMF > possibly other space figures As for my haves, I've got Star Wars figures, CMFs, castle (Crown Knight Fantasy Era mostly) and a smaller amount of figures from other themes. If you're looking for anything specific (out of those or anything else), tell me about it and I'll see if I can find what you're looking for. I am located in The Netherlands. By trading with me, you accept to be willing to ship first.

Updated

I heard it quite a long time ago, somewhere early last year, I believe. Somebody spoke to one of the people responsible for BrickForge (if I'm not mistaken), and it was said that they were planning to do more LOTR stuff *if* the line were to be discontinued, because they didn't want to interfere with things that may possibly end up being released by LEGO themselves. But by the looks of it, they won't have to worry about that anymore... so let us look forward to new LOTR BrickForge items. Hmm, you seem to be right - strangely, though, the colour is off. I've seen it appear as blue here and there but when she first appeared in the film, her outfit was darker than that sand blue colour. Should've been dark grey-ish or maybe even a shade of green, not sure though. And yes, I wrote that with Hilda-Bianca in mind, I've never known her name until now, though. But I guess they could call it "Lake-Town Woman", anyways.

I had to choose between Tilda and a (more useful) armybuilder, and I figured Tilda and Sigrid look a lot like each other so I went with the other one. Tilda could still show up in a third series, though. The Arwen we got with the CoE was actually her in her Rivendell dress. By riding/travel outfit, I meant this: On a side note, I've added a third list for The Hobbit now, including Tilda.

I suppose a LOTR CMF line is the most unlikely thing to happen to this theme, but at least we can have some good lists of the missing Middle-Earth figures in here so customizers might be able to pick out a few and create the unmade characters. I also heard that BrickForge was considering to release Witch-king and Gondorian helmets (or more), does anybody know more about this?

This is what I think would work for CMF series for both themes: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: 1. Sauron (Armoured) 2. Bilbo Baggins (old, travel outfit) 3. Moria Orc (Armoured) 4. Frodo Baggins (Mount Doom outfit) 5. Uruk-hai General 6. Celeborn 7. Gondorian Soldier 8. Faramir 9. Rohan Royal Guard 10. Gothmog 11. Morannon Orc 12. Sméagol (Pre-Transformation) 13. Rosy Cotton 14. Éowyn (Dress) 15. Aragorn (Helm's Deep Chainmail) 16. Denethor Second series: 1. The Witch-King of Angmar (Armoured) 2. Gollum (Smiling Facial Expression) 3. Guritz 4. Samwise Gamgee (Mount Doom outfit) 5. Rohan Commander 6. Ithilien Ranger 7. Arwen (Travel Outfit) 8. Wild Man of Dunland 9. Morgul Orc 10. Haradrim Soldier 11. King Théoden (Brown Edoras Clothing) 12. Pippin (Gondorian Armour) 13. Merry (Rohirrim Armour) 14. Isildur 15. Elf Soldier (Second Age) 16. King Aragorn Third series: 1. Elendil 2. Shagrat 3. Gloin (old) 4. Gil-Galad 5. Armoured Elf (Helm's Deep) 6. Gondorian Soldier (Second Age) 7. Uruk-hai Crossbowman 8. Éowyn (Dernhelm) 9. Orc Warg Rider 10. Easterling 11. Barliman Butterbur 12. Gollum (Scared Facial Expression) 13. Lurtz (Armoured) 14. Madril 15. Corsair of Umbar (Captain) 16. Gondorian Citadel Guard THE HOBBIT: 1. Bilbo Baggins (Yellow shirt, no coat) 2. Thranduil (Armoured) 3. Master Worrywort 4. Bolg 5. Elrond (Red Armour) 6. Fimbul 7. Lobelia Sackville Baggins 8. Ringwraith (Second Age Armour) 9. Azog (Armoured) 10. Alfrid 11. Iron Hills Dwarf (Armoured) 12. Mirkwood Elf (Armoured) 13. Gundabad Orc (Armoured) 14. Lake-town Civilian 15. Thorin Oakenshield (Final Battle Gear) 16. Sauron (Flame Version) Second series: 1. Bilbo Baggins (Mirkwood, ripped clothing & spiderwebs) 2. King Thror 3. Erebor Dwarf (Armoured) 4. Dwalin (Young) 5. Mirkwood Elf (Guard Armour) 6. Lindir 7. Bombur (Armoured) 8. Belladonna Took 9. Thrain (Armoured) 10. Narzug 11. Orc Dungeon Keeper 12. Thrain (Dol Guldur) 13. Goblin Mercenary 14. Otho Sackville Baggins 15. Sigrid 16. Galadriel (Evil) Third series: 1. Bilbo Baggins (Return Journey outfit) 2. Gandalf the Grey (new combined hair & beard mould, battle damaged & regular face) 3. Tilda 4. Girion of Dale 5. Percy 6. Grinnah the Goblin 7. The Old Took 8. Dale Soldier 9. Dwarf Woman 10. Laketown Fisherman 11. Braga 12. Elf Musician of Rivendell 13. Bandobras "Bullroarer" Took 14. Woman of Laketown 15. Rivendell Elf (Armoured) 16. Bilbo (old, regular) If only this were possible... it would fill up so many gaps and satisfy dozens of people with extra figures.

Got the LOTR sets 'Council of Elrond' and 'The Wizard Battle' along with the 'Witch-king Battle' set from The Hobbit last week.

Update with a picture: (Click to see)

Good day! I've been thinking of making a large amount of customs, specifically LOTR, to fill up the gaps left behind by that theme. However, I'm looking for a way to add nice and clean looking lines (mainly black, but something for orange cheekbone lines as well as orcish colours may also be necessary) onto minifigures. Mainly faces (for custom heads), but also torsos, legs, etc., that's what I'm trying to improve on now. Before this, it has usually been tiny details and painting larger things that didn't require smooth, thin lines. I've tried the usual thing - painting them. But that usually leaves me with a sloppy looking figure head that doesn't even look close to being LEGO quality, even though I'd like to make some custom heads that would fit quite right in with official ones. The next thing I tried was a permanent marker. I've used it a few times now and it works well for applying lines (either over painted sections of figure parts or to paint in between the lines later on) - the problem, however, is that whenever there's a light, any kind of light, shining upon the drawn-on piece, it gives this shiny, reddish look to the drawn-on bits, instead of them remaining black. So I would like to know what the more experienced customizers use for things like that - minifig faces, custom torso & legs, etc. - and how they manage to create a clean LEGO-like look. Or, if anyone perhaps happens to know about a permanent marker (or something similar to one) that would not become the victim of a shiny, reddish glow when used on a LEGO piece (which would then be faced towards a light source), then I'd like to know. Any other tips for clean paint jobs would be welcome, same for any other customization tips that would help me with any of this! Thank you for your time.

Hello all! I'm looking for various minifigures from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. I have various Castle (Fantasy Era), Star Wars (celebration Luke, etcetera), CMF (incl. Spartans & Hazmat) and miscellaneous figures that I would be willing to trade. Just ask about a theme or certain figures and I'll check if I've got them. Below is an image followed by a list of the figures that I'm looking for, but you can offer any LOTR and castle parts and I'll see if I would like to have them, if you don't feel like browsing through this entire thing. The picture should cover most things, though. (AMAP = 'as many as possible') (! = priority) Some of my haves (you can ask what else I've got - and my wants are under this pic): Wants: LOTR - Gandalf the White ! - Mouth of Sauron (Preferably with horse) ! - Pirate of Umbar ! - Ghost soldiers (AMAP) ! - Uruk-hai (Preferably fully armoured with weapon and shield, White Hand Uruks are welcome too) (AMAP) ! - Uruk-hai Berserker (AMAP) ! - Moria orcs (AMAP) ! - Mordor orcs (a few - loose heads are welcome too) - Ringwraith (Preferably with horse) (x7) ! - Saruman (Orthanc robe version) - Grima Wormtongue - Rohan soldier (Several) ! - Éomer (A few - helmet, legs and shield alone are welcome too) - New mold horses ! - Grey Warg (AMAP) ! - Brown Warg (AMAP) ! The Hobbit - "Good Morning" Bilbo (Polybag) - Oin ! - Gloin ! - Elf Guard (Barrel Escape) - Elf Butler (Barrel Escape) - Mirkwood Elf (Hair, Mirkwood Attack) - Mirkwood Elf (Hood, Mirkwood Attack) - Mirkwood Elf (Polybag) - Thranduil - Goblins (Goblin Town set, all 3 are wanted) (AMAP) ! - Hunter Orcs (Warg Attack) - Gollum ! - Elrond (Armoured, Witch-king Battle - Legs & torso only would be preferred) (AMAP) !! - Witch-king (Witch-king Battle) (x8) ! - Galadriel - Azog (Dol Guldur Battle) - Azog (Battle of Five Armies) - Necromancer - Radagast - Bard the Bowman (Laketown Escape variant, regular) - Bard the Bowman (Attack on Laketown variant, battle damage) - Bard the Bowman (Battle of Five Armies variant, dark blue clothing) - Bain - Beorn (x2) - Tauriel (Attack on Laketown variant) - Hunter Orc (Attack on Laketown variant) ! - Gundabad Orc (Dol Guldur Ambush variant, preferred with hair, armour version wanted too) ! - Gundabad Orc (Battle of Five Armies variant) ! - Thorin Oakenshield (Laketown Escape variant, blue robes) - Thorin Oakenshield (Battle of Five Armies variant, crown) - Master of Laketown - Laketown Guard (AMAP) - Dain Ironfoot - Bilbo Baggins (Lonely Mountain variant, blue fur coat) - Balin (Lonely Mountain variant, armoured) - Dwalin (Lonely Mountain variant, armoured) - Kili (Lonely Mountain variant, armoured) - Fili (Lonely Mountain variant, armoured) - White Warg - Grey Warg (AMAP) - Brown Warg (AMAP) - Eagle (Possibly) - Smaug (Possibly) CITY - Bear (Dark Brown) Shoot me an FM if interested! I would like to finish trades as soon as possible, and we must both have a clear list of what we're sending each other in the end. This is to avoid problems I've encountered and learned fom before. By trading with me, you agree to be willing to ship first, which can be negotiated in some cases. Location: The Netherlands Thanks!

Oh wow, this is brilliant. I remember seeing "Copyright" when it came out and loved it, so I was happy to see Henri & Edmond again! This is very professionally done, everything - from the writing to the sets to the animation, it's all fantastic. One of the best Brickfilms I've ever seen, and I have seen many. Keep up the amazing work - looking forward to seeing the next installment!

Well... Thanks for the news, even if it's... extremely disappointing. They could not have given us a more useless figure. Really? They choose Bain over an old Bilbo figure? Sigh... First LOTR wave was nearly perfect, but then came the horrible decisions that blew the rest of LEGO Middle-Earth's potential apart. What we've gotten is good, nonetheless, but I really wish they could've just given us an old Bilbo figure. Would've covered both a Hobbit and LOTR figure... Gonna need to get it anyways, for the sake of completing the figure collection... but really? We could've finally gotten an old Bilbo, and then we get... this...

Just got back from "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies". Great film, best of the trilogy. Shame it was so short, though. Still great overall with a nice way to connect it to FOTR at the end.

Well, looks like I'm not the only one rooting for Prize E... Good luck all! And congrats to the first winners.

Oh wow, the raffle prizes never cease to amaze! Really rooting for those Guardians of the Galaxy figs.. or Joker & Bats! Many thanks again, CopMike & all who are involved. These raffles always make the holidays even brighter than they already are, every year.

What better gift than a kickass new electric guitar that can magically create pizzas? Aim at the table, set volume to "PIZZA", play your song of choice and there it comes! Thanks, CopMike, for yet another great raffle!

Thank you! I do think the same. Perhaps it will be time for a new camera soon..

Thanks everyone! Good luck to all participants! Do you mean any specific picture, or just in general? Either way, I am aware of the quality and will have to try doing some lighting experiments soon. But nonetheless, I still think a new digital camera might be of great help - and right now, close to being the best solution.

MEC Category B: Battle of Dunland > http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=101989