Jordan S.

It was stated somewhere, informally, that the Crocodile would be used to gauge interest in AFOL-oriented trains and, if successful, could be the start of a recurring theme (much like modular buildings became). This was somewhat vague and noncommittal, leaving us train fans not really knowing where we stand (but feeling jilted by the Hogwarts Express).

Somehow the link to the video got messed up. I believe this is the correct URL for the video.

I think it's only natural that as we each grow and evolve, our interests in the LEGO hobby do as well. What we build reflects who we are and where we are in our lives at any given time. I've always been a fan of Town & Train themes first and foremost, both as a kid and as an adult. Yet, I can feel my interest consciously waning, if only because I've been building the same thing for so long and am looking for something different. While I still build a lot of Town stuff, I've been working in touches of other LEGO themes, like Castle and Pirates. I think this is just a natural reaction to build something more fantasy-related after having been rooted in realism for a long time. I feel like my own ability in the train theme has peaked and leveled off, so it's the perfect time to try something new.

When I design models in LDD, I'll typically use random-colored (or brightly colored) parts on the inside of a model. It helps me to distinguish which parts form the internal structure of the model, and as you said, it makes those parts stand out in the building instructions. Another reason I do that is so that if I order the model, I can more easily spot and distinguish the brightly-colored elements in a sea of mostly uniform-colored bricks. Typically, I'll use light green for the internal structure of vehicles like planes and trains - it's sort of similar to the green primer paint color used in real life.

I think you've picked up on something interesting here. Perhaps TLG's play-testing has indicated to them that their targeted "boys 5-8" audience for City sets just wants vehicles (and evidently, huge, out-of-scale aircraft). Girls are seeking a more balanced play experience with more emphasis on acting out stories and scenes. Of course, that's all just speculation...

Those helmets looks like they could be chrome red to me. (Remember how the previous LEGO City fire sets included a silver helmet for the Chief?) Also, not sure if it's been mentioned yet, but do you see the 1x1 round tiles being used for headlights and marker lights on the jeep and plane?

Surely, there's enough interest in the classic Cypress Trees to bring those back! If the trees were available through LUGBULK (and this fact was advertised), I'm certain that AFOLs would buy enough trees to justify the production cost...

Presenting the "Great West Express", led by the venerable No. 317 2-8-0 "Consolidation"-type steam locomotive: This train got its start when stores in my area began to put the LEGO Toy Story train on sale. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to build a proper version of that train, with greater size and detail than the original. I modeled the locomotive loosely on those used by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad's narrow-gauge lines. The engine is driven by a powered tender which contains a Power Functions battery box, receiver, and motor. For the passenger coach, I kept the spirit of the Toy Story coach but modified the roofline and car ends. I also wanted to have a dining car with panoramic windows. I tried to include some log bricks on each car to give each one a classic wooden look. I also used a lot of earth tones which seemed to capture the feeling of the Old West. For the caboose, I wanted to capture the look of a classic caboose design popular with the Santa Fe railroad. The windows on the cupola of the caboose slope inward. You can view the full gallery on Brickshelf, pending moderation. -Jordan Schwarz

Only that the schedule of volunteers seems to be acceptable to the store manager. That means that you are scheduled for the Saturday shift (10AM-6PM). Have fun! BTW: As a volunteer, you should automatically get the Vulcan set (and other perks) Alice, if you're reading this message board, did you want to volunteer as well? We could use some extra hands for Sunday. -Jordan

Want to be a volunteer at the grand opening of the Birmingham store? Here's some information that I got over the weekend. Alice and posades, be sure to pay special attention! The LEGO store needs volunteers for various tasks during its Grand Opening. Tasks will include, among other things, providing "quality control" during the Master Builder event to ensure that the components kids build are assembled correctly. You might also get to help Dan, the Master Builder, construct a giant R2-D2 model. There are three shifts: Friday, Aug. 28 (11AM-7PM, I think) Saturday, Aug. 29 (11AM-7PM) Sunday, Aug. 30 (12PM-approx. 8PM) Volunteers should be attired in khaki pants and a solid black shirt (polo, if possible) in order to present a unified appearance with LEGO Store employees. In return, if you work an 8-hour shift, the LEGO store will provide you with lunch, a promotional T-shirt from the event, and the event's exclusive mini-build model of Birmingham's Vulcan sculpture. (Yes, it's going to be Vulcan!) Oh, and you get a store discount, too... If you want to be a part of this, email tvlego at gmail dot com by Friday with the shift(s) you are available for as well as your order of preference on days. I'll put together a schedule of volunteers and run it by the store manager, and then I'll let you know what the final schedule is. We'll be sending some volunteers from our local group, TVLTC, to help with this, too, so you'll get to meet other AFOLs. Thanks!

Grand Opening info for Birmingham, AL store at the Riverchase Galleria: Opening date: Thursday, July 30 Grand Opening: August 28-August 30 Featured Master Builder model: R2-D2 Featured large-scale model: Indiana Jones It sounds like this store is about 2100SF and follows the standard "yellow" LEGO store layout. As of yet, I don't know what the featured mini-build model will be. If you plan to attend the opening of this store, please send me a PM or post here. I think we'll have a contingent heading to the opening, and it would be nice to meet you. -Jordan

I've been in touch with some people from LEGO Brand Retail regarding the opening of the Birmingham, AL store. The LEGO Brand Retail website does not give any specifics about the grand opening. I've been given a tentative opening date, however! I'm in the process of confirming this information and then I'll pass it along. Whenever the grand opening does occur, several of us from the Tennessee Valley LEGO Train Club will be there for sure. We're looking forward to meeting other AFOLs from around the area, too. Be sure to stop by and say hello! I have no clue on what the grand opening model would be. Maybe some LEGO BBQ.