Unexpected Hobbits

It's time for another build.  For this one we will be heading to the Shire for An Unexpected Gathering (79003).

I really wanted this set for the terrain pieces.  There are a lot of sloped and curved pieces to work with.  The trees and the flowers were a nice bonus to have.

Once I had the set, I found that I really liked a lot of elements of it.  The wood fence with the gate in front is very nice.  The wood bench and the flowers in the windows look good.  I love the little lantern that hangs in front of the door.  The carrots in the barrel with the carrots growing in the garden I didn't pay attention to until I was building the set.  Likewise I appreciated the stone walkway and the tiles in the entryway more as I put it together.

I found the big round window in front to be extra special.  It uses square turntable base plates on round clear pieces and encased in two arches to make the round shape.  The interior light above Bilbo's book is also built into this.  The whole assembly slides into place.  It is really a fantastic element.

I really like this set.  I had more fun building this set than I expected to.  When it is completed, it is a nice playset, but it is time for a change.

I would like to build some type of terrain with this set.  I want to try to do some of the Studs Not On Top (SNOT) techniques where LEGO bricks are attached sideways.  I would like to build a tree on a hill.  I think I can make the tree included with the set a little bigger.  I'd also like to make a path going up the hill with the brown or tan pieces if possible.  I'm anxious to see what I can do here.

We'll see what I can come up with in the next post.