Karlson

Yes, I did have to use a few additional grey platform pieces to make up the length of the display. For the most part; however, this is from just two regular sets.

I am planning on selling my duplicate minifigures on eBay in order to get $$$ for more Lego sets! But my biggest problem right now is not having enough space to display all the sets I own.

New Hobbit trailer! Any ideas on Desolation of Smaug sets for this winter? I'm hoping for a cool Lake Town one.

Similar to the new Battle at the Black Gate set, I purchased two Council of Elrond sets with the mindset of combining them together to create a more dignified display piece. This is what I've come up with so far. I plan to continue to build upon this piece by adding the Rivendell hall that houses the Shards of Narsil (the blade that cut the One Ring from Sauron's hand in the First Age.) I suppose that means I'll have to cut up one of the Lego hero swords. The task of making the mural of Isildur battling Sauron will be another task altogether. I'd also like to add more trees with those amazing orange leaves; I may have to purchase yet another Council set. So far, this has been my favorite set to design (or rather build upon from the original set.) With the Fellowship of the Ring being one of my all-time favorite movies, this scene is firmly implanted in my mind and to recreate with Lego bricks was an absolute blast. (Disclaimer: I know Thorin Oakenshield was not at the Council of Elrond - he just wanted to be in my initial test shots of this display piece!)

I like that a lot; it reminds me of something from the Warhammer 40k universe.

I was really unhappy with the 'Battle at the Black Gate' structure included in the set since it was, in all actuality, only half the representation of the Black Gate of Mordor. Furthermore, the instruction booklet did recommend combining two of same set together to form a larger version; however, that too was incorrect since it created two different gates! So, with my beginner experience in freelance Lego construction, I decided to combine the two in the correct fashion to form my ideal imagining of the Black Gate. Now all I need is some Gondorian soldiers! (...and of course lots of more filthy Orcs.)

This is awesome! I really like the fallen Gondor statuary you implemented into the scene. It perfectly captures that tense feel from the film. You should totally do an Amon-Hen battle MOC with Boromir, Merry, and Pippin fighting off Uruks (as well as the ominous approach of Lurtz in the background.)

Thanks. I'd love to add more greenery around, but I can't add it if I don't have it!

A gang of vile marauding Orcs begin a vicious attack against a small stone outpost in the heart of the forested wilderness of Ithilien. Luckily, Gondor's greatest captain, Boromir, is nearby and rushes to aid the encamped rangers. It's a time of darkness and shadow for the world of men throughout Middle-earth. Only true heroes can keep the forces of evil at bay during this uncertain time.

Awesome video! This is the only set from the new LotR wave that I'm still on the fence on, but this video definitely makes makes me want it a bit more. (I just don't know where I'll put it! Helm's Deep and the Black Gate are taking up all the room in my room.) I'd love to see you do some more stop-motion Lego LotR videos too. I'd like to get into that, but quite honestly I think I lack the patience. Once again, great job on this vid.

I'm not a huge fan of the beak either; perhaps there's a way to modify it to become down-curved and pointed. Once Orthanc is released, I think this eagle will look really great if suspended in the air just above the tower.

Thanks Combee! Your setup is one of two options that I had in mind. The other is to make the gate itself very long (combining two individual gate doors into one large door) with the towers on each side. I also ordered the Lone Ranger Calvary Set just for the white horse because we all know Gandalf is going to need his trusty steed Shadowfax. I like your eagles above as well, but personally I think the eagles in the Black Gate set are just a bit too small. I ordered the Fierce Flyer set from Lego Shop and plan on modifying it slightly to make it all brown instead of its official appearance of a Bald Eagle. I think Gandalf will look better sitting atop him than the smaller one. Also, it has working talons for picking up orcs and hobbits alike!

Hello everyone, I am a new member to the forums but have read along with posts for several months now. I decided to create an account so I could ask for some advice/help. Up to this point, I have bought nearly all the LotR sets and built them as they should officially be built (from the instruction manuals) while adding and tweaking parts such as making the Deeping Wall on Helm's Deep longer and the tower larger, etc. But now, more and more, I feel the urge to expand from the official sets, especially the new ones. I just ordered two each of Council of Elrond and Black Gate and desire to combine each of them together to form a larger version of their official form. I was just wondering if anyone had or was planning to do this as well? If you could post photos of these sets combined so I could get some ideas that would be great.