Rick

Yup, it's not like we didn't notice how nice and quiet EB was for some days Edit: I don't mean to say anything bad with my post and I hope it's clear that it was meant as a joke. If anyone - especially JCC1004 - is/was offended nonetheless: I'm sorry, that was never my intent. I just meant to welcome JCC1004 back. Given that he has come back from 'a break', I'm sure he's here to stay from now on...

Seconded. I'll say it again: I really see potential here for TLG releasing seperate 'middle-floor' packs for the Modulars. Logistically, it shouldn't be a big problem for the company as the floors are in separate bags already in the boxes of the Modular Buildings. Furthermore, if I'd own multiples, I would redesign the ground floor to have the two engine bays right next to each other, with maybe a 'dressing' room next to it. First floor would then include a kitchen/lounge area and a bedroom/bedrooms next to it.

It's an absolutely great idea to introduce the non-violence requirement in this year's contest: exactly what Lego Pirates should (also) be about. I enjoyed last year's MOCs but really disliked all the bloody scenes depicted in them. Looking forward to all the entries.

Exchange rates are pretty unfavorable for U.S. customers of European stores. European sellers also have to set their prices in US$, so - given that they mainly sell in Europe - they are usually higher in US$ compared to U.S. shops. Furthermore, there are taxes / import duties that are no issue for sales within the EU, like they are probably no issue for sales within the U.S. The existence of and opaqueness regarding these additional costs will probably cause many U.S. buyers to stick with U.S. shops and many European buyers to stick with European shops. But the uncertainty most likely does not arise from the exchange rate used by the seller and the shipping costs, but taxes and import duties, which are also outside the control of the seller.

Ostrich? (struisvogel) I agree, as long as they keep the Lego-look, which they have certainly achieved with the cows and (from what I've seen so far) pigs.

Welcome back

I'm restraining myself not to look at the pictures. Based on some early previews of what's inside and the relatively positive opinions I ordered one from S@H. Most importantly, I just love the concept of advent calendars. But I'm actually going to wait until December before opening it (one day at a time). I did have a look at the contents of the pirates calendar and decided not to buy it, because I own all the figs (except the wench) and the models included weren't really original. Looking forward to December already

Didn't you know the admins get filthy rich of those Google ads at the bottom of every page? Anyway... I guess we should say thanks to whoever donates prizes for these contests!

Happy B-day!!!

Yes Let's use this thread for that purpose... That would be a nice idea, but as was said before... Playmobil is much better at keeping its lines alive.

That was my first thought as well, but I think light-pink and white would look even better.

Nicely spotted, so we get 2 x 4 and 1 x 3 tiles next year. 1 x 3 tile, see this pic

Ok, so this is probably the appropriate place to thank you for your efforts then! Nice detail pictures.

Agreed. You could put all the Jolly Rodger sails on one ship and all the other sails on the other ship while replacing the pirate flag with the flag from soldiers' fort to turn it into a redcoat ship. Personally, I would go for a second fort though and throw all the parts together to make some buildings and towers, maybe while retaining the set's bases. Or just MOC around one copy and attach it to the standard set.

Your guess (and mine) is confirmed by a recent higher res image (its a jumper plate with a new 1 x 1 tap).

Nice color scheme and you employed great techniques to do the striping.

Green Grocer for me. The architecture and detail is yet unsurpassed. My Fire Brigade set should be on its way from S@H. This should have a poll, so if an admin could please add it. POLL: - Market Street (although strictly not part of the Modular-trilogy) - Cafe Corner - Green Grocer - Fire Brigade

And take it down again, if visitors can keep a bag of bricks each! What's going to happen to the bricks now? I hope they donate them to some charitable organization for children or so...

Congrats Skipper!

Why didn't they think of this before starting the build? I'm sure if they would have chosen the appropriate spot (as transportation costs seem to be the issue), it wouldn't have been torn down... why not build it inside one of the Legoland parks in the first place?

Great work! I love all the detailing, height differences, little scenes in all corners of the setup, color combos, ...

As a kid, I once used the pneumatics system to pump water. I can't remember whether I made a whole crashtender (airport firetruck) to go along with it, but I somehow remember a big Playmobil farm tank encased in Lego bricks as a reservoir for the pump. Careless things I would not try with my bricks as an adult...

A color combo you don't see very often, but it certainly has a menacing piratey-look. I still prefer the classic (BSB, BB) windows over the small vintage windows you use. Furthermore, I agree with Blackmoor's comment about the canons on the upper deck.

Yeah, that sure is a tiny ship Nice work, I like the color scheme and like Blackmoor said the gunports are a nice touch. I just can't stand seeing those rigging pieces like that...

Really nice 'action' pictures. This definitely is the engine that should have been included with the set, since it has the same level of detail and realism as the buildings in the Modular series.