LegoDad42

THANKS so much Inconspicuous! I really appreciate the kind words. It's nice to know that I'm on a good track with this. I'm from the old school model kits with glue and paint so when I started to get into LEGO, I wasn't sure where to start. So I went with just expanding onto an established kit. Yes, thanks for the tips. With the tan technique pieces, what color do you suggest instead? 'notenoughbricks' from LongILUG mentioned the same thing about those sticking out. I wasn't sure to go with dark gray OR with the tan I had to match the interior tomb when I take off the top panel? I'm stump on where to go with these. And yes again, using cheese slopes would look better. I'm guessing you're thinking of simulating rock formations more? Again thx Inconspicuous for taking the time to check it out. I'm hoping to improve on this with your suggestion and get started on something else... :) Thank you also WhiteFang, Legonater and prateek! Legonater...would love to see what you come up with for all those traps! My favorite parts of Indy kits are the traps for sure and if you do some new ones, I'd love to see how those come out. It's all about the playability with me.

myMOD - Indiana Jones Chauchilla Cemetary Battle. This is my FIRST ever, full Mod. done on a LEGO model kit. More pics here(click the link)... My First LEGO MOD. The front area is the original Chauchilla Cemetary Battle (7196-Indiana Jones Kingdom of the Crystal Skull). Then the entire back area, plus the wall surrounding is my MOD. I like the original kit very much but thought it was too small compared to the movie scene, so I added more stairs, a larger tomb, a hiding hole (with slide) where the warriors can pop out of, a place to hold the 2 Cemetary Warrior mini-figs, trees and more foliage, etc. I wanted more playability with this kit. I hope you guys like it and please, any and all comments are welcome as well as critiques. I really want to know (as a novice builder) where I went right/wrong, tips/tricks/techniques I could've used and also better ways to photograph models. I'd really appreciate any and all help to make my models better in the future. Thanks a million for checking out my stuff...;) Lego Dad (Mike)

I like the model alot(!)but yeah, I agree...the bottom pillars should be double the height, plus what throws me off a bit on the set is that I don't see any support(vertical suspender cables?...I think that's what they're called)coming down off the blue/white suspension cables. I wonder why they couldn't include that. I think that would finish off the model properly. It just looks incomplete without those vertical cables. But still a fine 'landmark-type' set and EXCELLENT for parts no doubt.

My pleasure Superkalle and Huxlay. This past Tues. they had their mini-monthly build (A Seagull) and I believe next week will be a 'free' special Duplo brick with $35.00 purchase and there might be another kid's build (a spaceship) and you can get a free poster and tickets to an IMAX movie. I'll find out this weekend if/what/and when about the above. Plus I'll post pics soon of the Seagull mini-model.

Incredible Mos_Eisley! Congratulations on the win and a truely EPIC diorama. A true Star Wars:A New Hope tribute! A definite inspiration for future MoC's.

Missed this post...so perhaps you've already gone to the Elmhurst Target. I was there yesterday. They have the Cad Bane Speeder there. That's a Target Exclusive. They had 2 Slave I's, quite a few Wampa Caves, Plo Kloon's Starfighter, Turbo Tank and looks like they sold out of Grevious' ship. No spot on the shelf I could see for Palpatine's shuttle. In the game section against the back wall you'll see a few LEGO games there. On the Landspeeder, I thought I saw it waaaaaay back in April/May at the Times Square ToysRUs BUT, it's a Walmart Exclusive. If you check Walmart's site, you might be able to get it with only .97cents shipping. I got a few Walmart kits in June(or mid May) when they had the .97cent shipping. They might still have that going on. Check it out. Oh, and jeez, how could I forget...the LEGO store is only a couple blocks away from Target...at the Queens Center Mall BUT, they don't have the Landspeeder but it's worth a look there of course... Here's a list from Brickset compilled by 'yellowcastle' on the Exclusive's still floating around... TOYS R US Count Dooku's Solar Sailer (7752) Home One Mon Calimari Star Cruiser (7754) Republic Swamp Speeder (8091) AT-AT Walker (8129) Farmer (7566) Tractor (7634) 4WD with Horse Trailer (7635) Combine Harvester (7636) Farm (7637) Pig Farm & Tractor (7684) Wind Turbine Transport (7747) City Public Transport (8404) Toys R Us City Truck (7848) Shadow Snapper (8079) Garbage Truck Getaway (7599) Alien Space Ship (30070)? TARGET Pirate Tank (7753) Cad Bane's Speeder (8128) Off-Road Fire Truck & Fireboat (7213) Family House (8403) Undersea Explorer (8080) Pizza Planet Truck Rescue (7598) Octopus w/ treasure ring (30040) Le Mans Racer (7802) WALMART Luke's Landspeeder (8092) Midi-Scale Imperial Star Destroyer (8099) Helicoper / Limousine (3222) ?

You're right on Blondie-Wan! With the 30th of Indy next year, I think there's a good chance of some kind of comemorative type set, then like you said a possible movie for 2012 with even more new Indy sets. Man, I'm crossin' finger and toes on this line continuing for a little while longer. With the historic/architect-type sets, I'm thinking perhaps one large set, then the other suggestions I had can be done in the Architect series style, small/micro like city scale. That would be fun with the background/history booklets they come with. Be great teaching tools for grade school teachers. Let's keep the possitive vibs goin' for Indy!

Just my 2 cents with no factual basis for my predictions... - I see some new Indiana Jones sets coming out(no Prince of Persia-I believe the movie flopped)and I believe there will be a new Indiana Jones movie in 2011. - A new Ninja-esque series, with a spy-type theme mixed with it. - Definite re-releases of previous Star Wars sets with new or improved designs. - I'm pretty sure on this one seeing the photo from SDCC, a Pirates of the Caribbean to replace the Pirates line. - A new space line but with a focus on more real life space rockets, satellites, space stations, etc. From the old Apollo to experimental and newer. - More historic/landmark buildings...The Louvre (be cool to see inside detail of Lego-esque artworks), A Roman Collesium, Pantheon and/or Parthenon, a large Empire State Building, a 10 year anniversary to commemorate the Twin Towers, Egyptian pyramids and Sphinx's, Chitchen Itza Pyramid, etc. And my hopes go to a Marvel or DC superhero themed line, A Star Trek line, Battlestar Galactica (new or old versions), Lord of the Rings or a King Arthur themed Castle line(even ancient Rome would be nice), a WWII line (tanks, planes, and especially a battleship and aircraft carrier)...etc.

Even though I plan on ordering 2 Twi'Leks from Arealight (the curved torso and the scowl/mean battle face are great, plus the price is fair for a custom), I voted for the LEGO version...first off, I like that it has back printing, the bluish skin tone is more appealing plus I like that you can separate the head tentacles(don't know the official name of these)from the Lego head itself. Gives some more options to mix and match to make customs. Forgot to say great job KielDaMan on comparing and contrasting all the features. A really neat article. Also...I haven't read through all the posts...are there 'blue' hands that match the Lego Aayla's and/or Arealights skin tones?

Beautiful and MEAN looking! That front/nose with the rockets looks positively deadly! Just love this model...

Target in Elmhurst Queens, New York (near the Queens Mall LEGO Store: about less than 3 blocks apart)has just a couple of sets on sale 30% off. I picked up Space Police Hyperspeed Pursuit last week for $35.00. There were like 6 of them but this week there all gone. They have only ONE City Garage set there for 30% off (I believe it's a $100 dollar set for $70 bucks)and about 4 Star Wars Venator Class Republic Attack Cruisers for $84 dollars. And 2 Space Police Galactic Enforcers ($70.00) Yesterday, I picked up a Galactic Enforcer for $65.00 (30% off plus a $5.00 coupon I got in the mail). Now here's the thing. There were 2 on the shelf. One in a new box, the other box beaten up and it's the older boxes with the hinge, complete top opens. I picked up the newer box and thanks to my son he noticed the tape loose. Sure enough it was coming off and I checked inside...YEP, all the mini-figs, plus the Space 'statue' white mini-fig all gone. Whomever took it cleverly resealed the baggie (I could see a hint of residue glue or tape). At quick glance you won't notice it. I went back and checked the beaten up older box and it had all the figs, bags, etc. So I snatched that up. NOW, if anyone is going to the Queens Target store in Elmhurst. There is ONE Galactic Enforcer on the shelf on sale (30% off). New box. That box has NO MINI-FIGS. Just an FYI people.

I wonder if it's me or if anyone else noticed the snake staff on the Pharoah. When I've seen promo pics, the staff has a nice gold, metallic sheen to it...like the Pharoah's head-dress, but seeing the staff here, it looks like a dull, gold plastic. Anyone else notice that?

Great review...especially comparing both models. Lot's of fun to look at. I love this new mini-Imperial Shuttle(I got this like 2 weeks ago). It's very shwooshable! My subscription has given me some excellent models (except for that Crocodile) with the Republic Attack Gunship as my favorite, this shuttle comes in a close second for me. The original though has a slight edge on the better design, but it's so slight. Either one is great to have. You can't go wrong.

Thanks SlyOwl(!) for the cheat sheet bar codes. Really handy. Excellent pics Superkalle and Ras! I definitely want to get Karate dude (hope we get an extra mini-micro trophy!), Witch, Dracula, Mime, Spartan, Explorer(Baron Von Baron?)and Pharoah! My kid wants to add Disco dude to make a custom Elvis (oh, yeah we need the mic from the Pop Singer girl too). With Series I completely sold out everywhere I've gone (except eBay of course)I feel lucky to have gotten 8 figs and 2 double's. Hopefully Series II will be more available...crossin' fingers and toes!

Wasn't sure about this ship but the more I see it, it grows on me. Just an excellent, thorough review... Love the new figs and the ship design is quite nice. I like it alot!Love that it has 6 seats for passengers and the clips for guns and trunk space is always a plus with me. Def. want to pick this up but $50.00 has me a little gun shy. $35.00 to $40.00 would be fair I guess. ...good shootin' on that mini-fig!Nailed it on the first try?

Brickipedia has the release October 1st, 2010. Thx for the head's up on the price Lakota...$240.00 to $250.00 bucks sounds right. Should be a beautiful model.

Very nice Speeder Bike. This can easily fit into any Clone Wars LEGO set out there. The white and blue matches perfectly for Rex. Love the camera shots too...the back end looks excellent!

Big Agents fan here. Love all the vehicles and I like the storyline that continues from set to set. Plus the villains have a James Bond-esque feel. Again with the vehicles...I feel they are some of the most interesting and uniquely designed from LEGO...especially immense playability and so many features most of the Agent sets have like the Mobile Command Center (just incredible amounts of playability), Volcano Base, Aerial Defense Unit (Best Helicopter LEGOs' ever done) and the best mecha from LEGO...Robo Attack (combination James Bond and retro-50's sci-fi feel). Really great, unique playsets, IMHO. Also am starting to collect Adventurers/Orient Expedition sets. Fun, little storylines that are Indiana Jones-esque (and I'm a HUGE Indiana Jones fan).

Post... zzzzz...snore...ZZZZ!!! (hey look, exclamation points).

My collection is mostly Star Wars but I started out with the Indiana Jones sets which I actually enjoy the most (love the traps especially). I also love and collect all Space Police and Agents for the vehicle designs. Looking myself to expand into the Castle themes. Only have Dwarve's Mine (great set) and Siege/Prison Tower, plus Troll Assault Wagon. Definitely will be adding to this line for my collection as I love the whole look and feel. I also started collecting mini-models since I got the BrickMaster Subscriptions. They're very well done and look cool displayed. With that said...shelf space is a major problem for me right now. I have about 10 sets still in box due to this. I gotta' get to Ikea and get some storage and nice shelfs with lights above to better display the kits. And have to pick up a couple of those LEGO storage/carrying cases for displaying all these cool looking new mini-figs.

Lovely model. I have TLG version but man, this is much improved. I believe I saw the Artifex version with a Bat Pod that comes out the front? Does your version have it as well? Or maybe I'm thinking of another builder who incorporate it? Great piece...!

Haven't read Punisher in years...but seeing this big, mean and beefy Battle Van wants me to catch up with Frank Castle's adventure's. Do you have a Micro mini-fig?

Looks so cool! Great Avatar scene. You really captured the whole look and feel!

Great, thorough review. But the model is underwhelming for me. Love the idea of iconic buildings made into LEGO but this looks off to me. The roof's sloped too high. The columns look too thin. Just doesn't work IMHO. What I do like about these architect models is that they give you a history and booklet...plus great packaging...but some of the models seem a bit off from their real life counterparts. The Guggenheim comes to mind as being off and Falling Water seems that way too (even though I like the model regardless). Maybe some of these should be made to scale or in line with the Eiffel Tower and Taj Mahal kits.

Another fun-filled LEGO Grand Opening Celebration at the Queens Center mall in Elmhurst, New York! I've posted over 65 pics from this past weekend's event. Check them out here... LEGO GRAND OPENING QUEENS CENTER NYC! The LEGO employees and volunteers really put on a great weekend for the kids, fans, AFoL's and TFoLs...and just about any and all who stopped by the build area. Master Builder Dan, while working on the 8-foot R2D2, was charming and funny with all the children. Made them laugh every time and was a great MC and entertainer for the give-a-way trivia contests. They gave away about 11 kits this weekend, one of note that a lucky youngster got was a Republic Dropship with AT-OT Walker! The store had a Duplo Star Wars R2D2 (silver graphics) Master Builder Event brick given with any purchase big or small all weekend. On Saturday if you spent $35.00us you got an Exclusive Commemorative mini-model New York train...and on Sunday (again with $35.00us purchase)you get a LEGO Queens Center Grand Opening T-shirt (train conductor mini-fig and the NYC Commemorative train graphic, large on back of T-shirt). Also at the store was a life-size, beautiful Captain Rex statue. If you guess correctly on the amount of bricks it took to build him, you'd win a $50.00us LEGO Gift Certificate. The highlight of the weekend of course was seeing the 8ft. R2 fully built. A great and awesome looking work! If you're in the NYC area, I believe they'll have the statue in the store for about another week on display. Check it out man! Needless to say...I had a total blast this weekend with my son(picked up one of my Holy Grail pieces...the Death Star )and even the wife came down and built some blocks for Master Builder Dan (and got her Certificate of Achievement to boot too!). A great fun, family weekend with LEGO!!!