Freddie

Thank you for a truly enjoyable read, svelte_corps. It's one of those where one really appreciates the work that's gone into the review itself, and not just highlights of the ups and downs of the sets. As for the set, I've always had the impression since the leaks the were out, that this year's Indy sets were going to be great, this one included. I'm glad to see that it lives up to its initial impressions, and is thus one of the sets I will try to get this year.

In february-march, my final year as a full-time student, I used LEGO to demonstrate a buisiness idea I have, as a part of an assignment I had. While the demonstrator model itself didn't sell the idea, I was at least told that I was a good seller, and that the idea had potential. I'm not sure if it would work in real-life applications, though. But the model sparked some interresting discussion, at least.

Maybe you'll find out?

Because there is a set with that number already?

A great and informative review, and a pleasure to read! I made my mind up long ago that I would get this set when it was released. Thankfully, I won't be dissapointed when I do get it, as this review proves. And I have to say that I really like the classic design of the set, which IMO is also very nostalgic in some ways, without holding back on the newer bricks and design philosophies.

I think we won't see regular kid-oriented train kits until autumn next year. What I do hope is that LEGO takes a look back at how they designed and priced the trains pre-'96. For example having the cheapest trains be freight trains, which are versatile in extras, while the big, fancy train can be a passenger train, which has limited possible accessories. Both of these should be motorised, and if the market reacts possitively, maybe also have an ultra-cheap unmotorised freight train, buildings and cars for these trains. Plus a motor kit, which includes both train and road wheel so the kids can build motorised trucks for their city, alternatively motorise their push-train. I absolutely believe that's the way LEGO should go with their trains.

Factoring in how DeBriquestEtDeBlocs probably have no idea how strong the XL-motors are, I'll shoot it in here: There are many snapped axles and broken gears out there as a result of people experimenting with it. In the 8275 bulldozer its not a problem, since they drive the wheels directly - this is often the best approach for a vehicle using these motors. Otherwise, use a torque-stopper, aka. clutch-gear, to stop it from breaking parts. The M-motor (the small one) is plenty strong on its own to move a sizeable technic vehicle on its own, and is more flexible due to its lower strength and higher speed. It also won't break stuff, like its bigger brother does. And this is a big plus, especially in a complicated construction where axles and gears can be hard to get to, and difficult to repair if something goes wrong.

Looks awesome. From what I can see, this calendar includes: 1x Pirate Captain 1x Pirate Steerman 1x Pirate Wench 1x Mermaid 1x Admiral 1x Soldier 1x Shipwrecked Pirate 1x Skeleton 1x Monkey 1x Swordfish <- This looks drawn! All of the above are good reasons to get it, IMO. But then again, I'm not a pirates-collector - I reckon most people already have most of these figures already.

Thanks for the review Cpt. Zuloo! Even though I've already ordered mine (should be here next week, I think), and as such your review won't really affect my purchase, it is nice reading that the set is simply fantastic. That way I know I won't be dissapointed when I get it.

That means that when I back-stab someone, they won't be expecting it. And no-one will beleive that I'm evil enough to do so, and blame someone else.

With the exception of the BNSF, which is too narrow to fit the battery box, all the trains you mentioned should be readily compatible without any major work. On the BNSF you'll need to have the battery in a tender, or some other type of car to carry the battery, but the other trains really shouldn't be a problem. I dare say the Metroliner and Santa Fe even would be easy, since both trains actually hide the battery if you gut the engines, and the receivers can be placed inside the drivers' cabins. On the High Speed train, it would be visible, but still be easy, while on the Holiday Train its a matter of how you package it. And there's an up-side too: You can even use the old 9V motors and lights, since the PF extension cable is backwards compatible. Edit: A quick clarification: none of the above mentioned possibilites includes use of the M or XL motors, but dedicated train motors. That, and the Li-Poly battery, and not the huge, chunky AA-box.

They don't need the entire gallery system DA uses, which is standard software anyways. They only need to implement a report function similar to that DA and other art-sites use, to lets us quickly point out if a creation is stolen and where it's stolen from. If I'm not mistaken, just about all websites that feature user-submitted content has a system similar to this. Why LEGO hasn't implemented one is beyond my understanding, and if they have the capacity to quickly moderate comments, they should have the capacity to quickly remove creations, if we can point out where its stolen from. Especially when there's contests and competition involved. Theft should not be rewarded, but creativity and effort should - that's my stance in this matter.

Brickset says I have 363, but that list is only as accurate as I am. I know I have more, probably closer to 450.

Looks like I've got two sets representing me: 670 Mobile Crane 670 Jaguar E-Type with garage Sweet! Apparently, I am also a door.

Congrats with the 24th, Cutlass_iz! Hope you'll have/had (whichever fits) a great day!

Nah, I think it looks more like an 80's set. It has many of the features that those had, such as the flat roof with skylights, the red-wheeled car and the basic windows. The rollerdoor was also a common feature in the 80's, and was largely limited to only the firestations during the 90's, before fading to obscurity until recently. IMO, all this proves that TheBrickster has achieved what he wanted to build: a classic-town building. I'd suggest getting the Octan-barrel replaced with a Shell one, though.

An enjoyable read, as ever. Now, I'm not a music-guru, but is this new villain's MO using a sonic gun that only plays 80's rock music? Or will it play Rammstein as well? I was thinking that the lyrics from Rammstein's Feuer Frei would make an hilarious (for us) effect when blasting. But, enjoyable, hilarious and original as ever. Looking forward to the future chapters.

That is very, very nice. Now, I understand how sharing the motor for both the coupling and steering works, but I'm curious to how the differential favours - does it favour the steering, and only work the coupling when the front wheels reach their locking points, or does it happen that the coupling works when you intended to steer the truck? That's also a fantastic and faithful looking interior. Can't say I've spent any time inside a Scania at all, but that looks like what I've seen in magazines and in adverts.

A suitable method would be to have a report function, similar to what one can find on art-oriented sites such as DeviantArt and similar. When reporting a theft, a reference (such as an URL) is provided by the user to back-up the claim. LEGO should implement a similar tool, as it simplifies the process to the point that LEGO's moderators should have no problem with going through claims and verify them. Likewise, if claims of theft aren't backed up, they are ignored. On the other hand it would require some effort from our side as well, but I believe it's cheap enough for LEGO to work.

You're a sick man, Aliencat! A sick man with a sick imagination! ...and I am in awe! This is a fantastic creation, and a with a story to boot! I love how the infestation creeps and covers everything as it spreads. Also, kudos on the creative recycling of old MOCs (There's at least one that I recognise from earlier MOCs of yours).

If you check out the rest of his gallery, you'll notice he has several train windshields and windows in unreleased colors: I suspect it might be a very high quality repaint. It's either that or he has contacts.

Lookin' good! And maybe also a little bit monotonous with the outlooks of the next building also being brown. That too, looks good, though.

Like CopMike pointed out, just in time for spring! Seriously though, this is a good MOC, and your solution to setting the on the blades on an angle is genious.

...or you could just use Bricklink's inventory function to get a list of the parts you need, then use Bricklink itself to search and purchase said parts. Or the set itself.

If you zoom in on the picture you can clearly see these are single-piece molded rails, based on those used for the trains. I was hoping they weren't, but now I'm hoping there's any chances of getting straights. Pity. Because these would be great in a mine MOC.