Cavannus

The minifig scale is basically the same scale as many, many drawings and other pictural representations. This is a scale on which humans are bigger than buildings, vehicles, trees, etc. around them, so that you can easily recognize the humains as well as the part of the environment the author want you to see. This is a somewhat "instinctive" scale. Even children use a "minifig scale" in their drawings. So, as long as a Lego creation uses this very common "representation" scale that could be translated into a drawing or a cartoon, then this is a minifig scale. Minifig scale: soldiers are clearly bigger than they should be compared to the castle, but "it works". Same scale here. And a side of the cathedral is open so that you can see the inside (like some Lego sets!!). Another modern example of similar scale. Consider that this scale is "instinctive".

Good day, everychon! I'm two month late, however I was able to find these shields in the BAM tower of my Store. I was less lucky for the torso, however I found this Ninjago torse that somewhat matches the medieval look. 7

Nice sets -- especially considering that they are license sets. I see a real effort to add details and make them realistic. However the stagecoach shows a nice design... but a HUGE scale issue!! The vehicle measures 2.5 times a person's (minifig's) height, which is way too high and too big.

I know this is Lego :) However the BNSF, Santa Fe and Emeral Night really impressed me when I saw them for the first time (and they continue to do so!), but I didn't recognize the "essence" of my childhood TGVs on this model. I assume that if the nose was slightly longer and the stripes dark grey instead of black, I would have fallen in love.

There are few things I dislike about this model: I find this is too close to the existing French TGV to be "based of" (e.g. typical orange colour with white dark stripes, door "Z" pattern, overall front and roof shape), while some details do not respect the original model (e.g. the nose is not curved as the original model, side stripes are clearly black instead of grey, passenger windows are too small) -- so I don't feel that I'm seeing a TGV. In other words, IMO this model is neither a free inspiration nor an accurate reproduction (as the Santa Fe, the BNSF or Emerald Night). I think this is a question of strategy decisions and the designer did a great job!

Thanks for the info! Of course I'll never know, but indeed I probably read it somewhere or got inspired by the recent survey. Another thought: this house might be released bigger in minifig scale since it isn't that big in reality and has a smart interior. I've seen a few MOCs that really look great.

This is a funny coincidence: a couple of months ago I looked at existing Architecture sets on the web, noticed that none of them was about a building I knew in person, and secretly wished they would released the Villa Savoye since I really love the real house (especially the interior and the roof). Of course I wished it but never thought this might become real! But... WOW! they did it! Is it a real coincidence or did I hear some information that I forgot thereafter? Anyway, this will be my first Architecture set! I appreciate that Lego offers various models and makes their fans discover existing buildings.

Actually the tender is NOT missing: it is on both sides of the boiler. You can see for example this photo of a tank engine or this article on Wikipedia. This type of steam engine was used on commuter trains or other short runs. (I've noticed this review is three years old, but I've discovered with pleasure! Thanks!)

I don't understand why the most ugly/toyish/basic shuttle sets were chosen on these Nasa pages & photos. I mean that the recent 10213 Space Advendure shuttle is really appealing for both adults and children; it shows the Lego experience and looks like a serious model that is also a toy. I assume that this 10213 set is too pricey and the general public may think that Lego has become a luxury brand for rich people -- so Lego & Nasa directors prefer showing the most basic sets that match the general public's representation of Lego.

Great! Another suggestion: you may focus on a part of the city and make it animated, and keep the rest more or less empty as if it was a suburb or a part under construction. Feel free to post updates photos :)

IMHO your city is neither "awesome" nor "poor". Why do you offer a binary vote? That's been my first impression when seeing your layout. Your city is "dead", there's no life in the streets. I think you should: - make your city more "compact" by either removing baseplates or adding houses; - invest in a lot of minifigs: you can buy old minifigs sets (e.g. the Community Workers) or buy parts on BL or S@H; - make your minifig walking, talking together, looking at each others, etc. (see the Eurobricks' Town banner above); - adding street lights, street signs, benches, trees, etc. -- all are easy to build and all parts are on S@H if you don't want to buy on BL; - adding vehicles, buses, trucks, etc. However your layout is interesting and there are good ideas!

As long as you can buy horses or knights separately or in small minifig sets, the limited number of horses is not an issue for me. I can understand that they want to save every dollar to remain competitive and I prefer less horses but more bricks or better quality. (However I understand that may seem to be penny-pinching). I was nine in 1984 when the new castle wall metapart was released and I didn't like the use of such big parts (since then I've realized that a castle built using small bricks would have been be so expensive that I would never get it). Then I started disliking Lego around 12 when I saw space sets built using a couple of big trans parts instead of bricks and closed walls (as on the 6985). But I think this new 7946 is far from being cheaply designed and Lego definitively respects the fans.

You're right! However after the Medieval Village Market I'd expected a finer design for these towers (which is not a big issue though). Look at this typical drawbridge with lifting arms: http://www.visite-au-chateau.com/langeais/pont-levis.jpg The arms are protected by the walls and spaced according to the bridge size.

Huuummm... Although I felt in love with the overall design/look & fell, I don't know whether I'll buy this set. There are a few elements that bother me: - the drawbridge looks weird due to the lifting arms that are outside the gatehouse, which doesn't make sense; - the tall tower looks too big and unbalanced compared with the walls; I would see it as tall but "thinner"; - the front of the tall tower is very nice, but there are no side walls; these are totally open! Maybe this castle is a beauty in reality, but the photos haven't convinced me yet. This is a pity because this castle has been the first realistic piece since the 80's!

Great review indeed, with a lot of fun and thoughts. It's allowed me to discover a set I'd never payed attention on. The funny thing is that this set is between a classic Lego set and a classic toy car feature: a great idea to meet childen's expectations!