Ragnar_Deerslayer

I put together Helm's Deep in September, then got the Vampyre Castle for my October build. As I was putting it together, I thought, "Hey, the connections between each sub-structure aren't too different between the sets. I bet I could put them (the pre-built substructures) together for a REALLY EPIC build." So I did. I guess I could have put this in the Action forum for the Monster Fighters theme, but I chose this one, because, you know. Castles. Going around the castle clockwise, front left view: Back left view: Back right view: Front right view: Vampyre Theoden awaits the armies of Saruman Van Helsing: Zombie Aragorn peeks out of the side door: Skeletal Haldir overlooks the battlements (apparently elf ears and hair don't decompose): The only being powerful enough to counter the White Wizard Saruman is the Black Wizard Gandalf! It took some trial and error to arrange the substructures in a way to make the walls come out even, but even so, there are two places where the walls only abut against each other and don't actually join. Other than that, it was a pretty easy build. Anyone could recreate it by using the official build instructions for The Battle of Helm's Deep (+ Uruk-Hai Army) and Vampyre Castle, and looking at the pictures above. I think it turned out pretty well. The Vampyre towers really fill out the overall structure, and the walls of Helm's Deep make it look like a fortified bastion. Anyway, I had a lot of fun building it. I appreciate any and all feedback! Thanks, Ragnar

My Halloween build was the Vampyre Castle, but I felt that Frank Rock and Jack McHammer needed a truck of their own to go with Dr. Basil Rathbone's Hero Car. The result was the Assault Truck: Key points: oversized tires, aggressive ramming spikes below the front grill, and a dash of red! The highlight is the moonstone-powered gatling laser manned by Jack McHammer. Below you can see the red LED brick I used, as well as the crank handle for the gatling mechanism: Here is a YouTube video showing the gatling laser in action: Finally, a shot of the truck in action: Assault on Vampyre Castle! Your feedback is appreciated. Thanks!

Welcome, Lucy! Don't worry - you can always buy old sets on the collector's market for a bit of a markup. Ragnar

Coffee is good. Coffee is how I get my papers written. Welcome! Ragnar

Welcome! Giveaways are pretty cool! Thanks! Ragnar

Welcome! I'd be interested in seeing pictures of your tabletop skirmish game in action. Do you build detailed sets for the heroes and villans to destroy in their battles? Ragnar

Welcome! What are your favorite LEGO themes? Ragnar

Welcome! It's so cool to hear that the family is working on a city layout together! Ragnar

That's awesome! My Vampyre Castle is supposed to arrive in a day or two, and this setup inspires me. Ragnar

Welcome! And don't worry about MOCs not being up to some of the quality you see here. Some of the posters here have decades of experience and enough bricks to build a life-size house. Ragnar

Welcome! And I agree, those CMFs are like crack. I love 'em. Ragnar

Welcome! What's your favorite architecture set so far? Ragnar

Welcome! I hope you find good support and encouragement for your projects! Ragnar

Welcome! We're always interested in more reviews. Ragnar

Welcome! Yes, I would like some wider variety in animal models, as well. Ragnar

So, I was going to get the Haunted House in October for a Halloween build. Then I realized I didn't have that much money available, and I needed a bunch of 1x2 dark grey palisade bricks, so I decided to get the Vampyre Castle instead. But then LEGO was “temporarily out of stock.” I wrestled with whether or not to get it on the reseller's market (at inflated price), and decided to wait and see if it restocked in early October. And it paid off! On Sept. 30, LEGO listed it as “available!” So, I relaxed, knowing I could buy it on Oct. 1 and get double VIP points for it. Then I double-checked it before I went to bed – and it was out of stock again! “Did they just sell out in five hours?” I thought to myself. “What in the world? Can they not predict that a vampire's castle is going to be a popular selling item in October?” So, I brood about it. I don't know how long it'll take LEGO to restock, but I decide to wait a few days anyway, even though I'd planned to have the build up on display for most of the month. This afternoon, it came back in stock. I bought it, BANG! “Who knows how long it'll be available this time?” I asked myself. About like before. Within five hours, it had sold out again. Now, it's listed (again) as “temporarily out of stock.” So, I just came out of my dark ages this May, and this is the first time I've ordered from LEGO Shop-at-Home. Give me the lowdown, someone – does this happen often? Does LEGO intentionally under-produce some sets to artifically produce scarcity? Or are they simply hedging their bets? Is there a pattern or a strategy that I need to learn when dealing with situations like this? Enlighten me. Thanks, Ragnar

Welcome! We've got a great Technic sub-forum here! Ragnar

Welcome, Paddi! That model of the Titanic is really impressive! I can't wait to see your train MOCs! Ragnar

Welcome! I understand about the stigma, but I'm glad you're coming out and sharing your marvellous creations with everyone. Ragnar

Welcome! Jabba the Van was pretty cool, too. Ragnar

And since I wasn't active when you joined, let me add to the welcomes! Ragnar

Well . . . not being a massive jerkface is a good way to start out. And Ninjago is pretty cool. Welcome!

Welcome! I hope you find what you are looking for. Ragnar

Wow! Lookin' great! I can't wait to see your Modular Train Station! And . . . welcome to Eurobricks! Ragnar

Welcome! Is there a story behind your username? (At least, one worth telling?) Ragnar