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Matt Hein / Reviews / Archives / 3739 / | |
This review was written for the week(s) of July 15th through August 8th
A modestly priced and modular addition to the small civilian line of castle models available, the Blacksmith’s shop flaunts a wide variety of wares including superior design, two stories of sharp features and the wildly popular tudor frame, all in an affordable package. In short, the package is all that and a bag of oats. :) Built on two baseplates sections, the structure of the Blacksmith’s Shop stands on a sturdy collection of basic bricks, arches and windows, contrary to the wall reliant shop units, such as the Blacksmith Shop and the Armor Shop, giving it a very solid and well designed feel. Aside from the general structure, the model arrives laced with a wide variety of design accents, including a forge, a wall torch, stairwell, bannister, resting cot,tool rack and anvil, just to name a few. To top it off, a small attic, although seemingly inaccessable rests on the third floor, although I’ll just assume it’s profit stowed away to be hidden from tax collectors : Included with this package is a brilliant array of design elements ranging from basic bricks and plates to sloping roof elements and a variety of useful appurtenances, accents and structural potpurri. Two variations of windows come included with the package, not to mention a set of hinged doors and a flat foliage piece. In short, it’s an inventorist’s ambrosia. Taking color scheme into consideration, I must say I am definitely pleased with the outlook of the model. From an exterior perspective, the blacksmiths shop combines the typical shade of cool grey with the signature contrasting tudor style, white accents included for highlights. For an additional kick, some green and brown gives the building a mossy/ aged feel (would have been interesting to use printed brick elements here, but no complaints). This also leads me to my preferance for a green roof, but regardless, the building looks immaculate and well thought in terms of aesthetics. Taking a close look at the model, I definitely was not surprised to find a wide variety of features, ranging from some hinged front doors and the acessable interior to a set of opening windows and two smartly placed awnings for additional style points. From a set with such an interesting display of features usually not expected from most of lego’s mid size models, I could not brng myself to expect any more from this set. Looking towards some alternative building, such a great deal of building possabiities exist with this model that it would be sheer nonsense to miss this model in favor of lego’s ancient civilian line or barren guard posts. In terms of alternations, structures ranging from townhouses to guard shacks, inns and manors could be built, and in multiple copies could probably set the stage for a modest city display. However, for great civilian fusion, I would reccommend this model alongside the Guarded Inn. On finalization of this review, the Blacksmith’s shop stands out as one of the more memorable and inspiring stops along the dusty path of lego’s castle line, and is all-too- deserving of the top laurels. My suggestions? Whether you’re simply a collector, an inventorist or a builder, I would definitely reccommend this model in multiple copies. Trust me, you won’t be dissappinted. |
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