FOFC Lego Thread

[sterlingice]

I haven't noticed a Lego thread here so I thought I'd start one. Sure, most of the board is in the 25-49 demographic, but, of course, that's not too old for Legos as I don't believe there's too old an age for Legos :D

Last week, my wife and I went on a "date" and one of the places we ended up was the Lego store. First, we hit up the Lego build-a-minifigure stand and spent about 30 minutes constructing 4 Lego Village People to spell out YMCA (and took 3 of them home for $10). Hey, we can't all have wild crazy nights out.

We also picked up these:
Amazon.com: Lego Creator Mini Fire Rescue 6911: Toys & Games (http://www.amazon.com/Lego-Creator-Mini-Fire-Rescue/dp/B0068M9PJG/)
Amazon.com: Lego Creator 5762 Mini Plane: Toys & Games (http://www.amazon.com/Lego-Creator-5762-Mini-Plane/dp/B004478GWO/)
Considering they cost $6, these are great sets. I have a couple of other ones and they're in the 50-100 piece range and make 3 different things. These are definitely quality packs for a quick build.

Also, one thing that is really bugging me right now is how much Lego Star Wars minifigures cost. I really want some Lego Storm Troopers among others and they're in the $7-$10+ range, depending on the figure. Anyone know a cheap place to get Lego Mini figures?

SI

[Rizon]

Sad. I just sold my entire Lego collection last summer in a garage sale. I had 2 huge bins. I was/am bummed.

[MrBug708]

I had most of the medieval and pirates set and some of the city set back in the late 80's, early 90's. I love them still but havent done aything with them in probably 12 years

[Grover]

This is merely the tip of my ice berg.

Had to move back in with my parents after getting laid off last year, so I don't have the room to display things as I'd like...

3788

[sterlingice]

I have a bunch of sets still at my parents but I don't know what they are. I'll be moving within the year and hopefully getting a house so I can set them up properly.

SI

[PilotMan]

I never got any legos as a kid. But my kids have been addicted to them for years. They may be expensive but one thing I have found, is that even bulk legos really hold their value. Those things will still be expensive 20 years from now.

[stevew]

My 8 year old is really into the new Lego Friends series which is aimed towards girls. Pretty neat idea that they finally released something specifically aimed towards them. The figures are different than classic Lego, these ones actually have a defined face.

[Ksyrup]

My brother and I were into Legos big-time growing up, and my parents kept all of our Legos in several huge tubs. My first daughter didn't show an interest, but our youngest is a Lego fanatic. When she was about 4, we pulled all of our old Legos out during a Thanksgiving trip to my parents' house, washed them, and packaged them up for our parents to send to us.

I remember that Christmas building a bunch of old stuff for her. There is one website in particular I used to go to that had every instruction booklet for every set Lego issued. I ended up building her the large castle from the late-80s kingdom collection - entirely by searching through thousands and thousands of Legos to find each piece.

From there, we've bought her more Legos than she can play with, honestly. I enjoy putting them together with her. I haven't bought anything for myself, though I'll admit that some of the more "grown up" sets do look pretty cool.

[terpkristin]

Highlight of my Christmas was playing with the Legos with my 4 year old nephew.

/tk

[Doug5984]

I had the Lego Millennium Falcon on display at one of my houses during college... when I was going to move I dropped it and watched it in slow motion as it hit the ground and went into hundreds of pieces. I was very upset. Haven't put it together since, not sure if I still have it even.

[Ksyrup]

Every time we get one of those catalogs in the mail, I hear the same question:

"Can I get the Death Star?"

Um...no. $400 worth of no.

[sterlingice]

Same with the Executor. Man, that would be fun to own. But not $400 worth of fun.

SI

[spleen1015]

15 years ago, I would have bought them both. Not that I'm older, I can't do it.

[Ksyrup]

Have you ever messed with that program online that lets you design something and then buy all the pieces to make it? I did, just for a little bit. You could purchase a small country with what it costs to design and build a custom Lego house.

[stevew]

I think it's fascinating when the Lego people back a property that bombs. Prince of Persia, for example, had to be a historic failure for them. Those sets were all over the place and on sale.

[Ksyrup]

The other problem with the PoP stuff was how similar it was to the castle stuff. They threw in a few camels and dome-topped buildings, changed the colors, and you had a whole new set.

Same thing with the forest stuff they just introduced. They basically took the old police set, added some trees, a bear, and some wooden-type pieces, and you've got a forest ranger set.

[frnk55]

Always wanted to get into Legos but just never had. It would be cool to have some Star Wars stuff.

[CarterNMA]

Also, one thing that is really bugging me right now is how much Lego Star Wars minifigures cost. I really want some Lego Storm Troopers among others and they're in the $7-$10+ range, depending on the figure. Anyone know a cheap place to get Lego Mini figures?

SI

EDIT: Wrong website! Yikes!

SI,

You're best bet is joining BrickLink - Unofficial LEGO® Marketplace (www.bricklink.com). There you can buy individual pieces, full sets, minifigs, instructions, etc. I've spent way too much money there but I have a serious collection nowadays.

I grew up on LEGO but sold them during my senior year in HS. Then when the Star Wars sets came out in 1999 I went hog wild for two years. But then they fell by the wayside for my 2001 - 2007 every day addiction to FOF/TCY. :-) But late 2008 I was giving them away to the son of a friend whenever I came across them in storage. But that came to a screeching halt when I discovered www.brickarms.com, a excellent site for LEGO minifig-sized firearms and other weaponry.

Now I have a massive collection, probably 200 sets and probably well over 1500 minifigs. I've also joined the Adult Fan Of LEGO (AFOL) community. It's a wonderful way to spend time letting my worries of the day slip away.

CarterNMA

[sterlingice]

Ok, let's say I have an older R2D2 and C3P0 from 8092 and I'm looking to get one of the $20 sets below because I have a coupon for $5 off. Which would you go with:

http://www.brickset.com/detail/?set=9491-1
http://www.brickset.com/detail/?set=9490-1

Those Genosians look amazing and the set looks better. However, I like the idea of pair of Sand Troopers and the new C3P0 looks like a marginal improvement (R2D2s grow on trees) and it's original series vs new stuff.

SI

[ColtCrazy]

My 8 year old son and I collect Legos. Happy to see this thread here. We have a decent collection. Some we've lucked into (my mom got a bunch of the original Harry Potter legos at a yard sale for next to nothing...some I hear are quite valuable) and others we've bought.

It all started when I was cleaning out one of my parents sheds and found my old legos, the Castle sets from the 80s. Since then, I've bought several newer castle sets. My son has an odd assortment of Batman and Ninjago Legos. We collect the mini figures as well and have some Star Wars ones.

The last one we bought is the Y-Wing fighter. It was 30% off at Toys R Us so we got it. Very good to build and looks sharp. Definitely going after some of the Star Wars ones that just came out, primarily the X-wing and Tie Fighter. My goal this summer is to save enough back from my job in England to get the Lego Death Star.

[PurdueBrad]

I've sadly bought about $600 worth of Star Wars legos for my 3 year old (just turned 3 this week). Now if he would just hurry up and hit about age 6 or 7 so we can tear into them.

As for the Death Star discussion, my wife and I have that talk every time the catalog comes and I keep being told that he doesn't need it. I really think he does but, as with most things in marriage, I'm apparently wrong.

He is loving the Ninjago show though so I may have to pick up one or two sets to break him in.

[Mustang]

I think at one time I had around 400 lbs of legos in tubs. I've whittled that down to around maybe 150 lbs. Although I think I have around 40 unopened sets in storage.

If I had the time I'd really like to do some custom stuff.

[sterlingice]

After doing some homework, I've decided to augment my Star Wars minifigs collection for fairly inexpensively this week. The Battle Packs are evil: basically, you get 4 minifigs- usually all a little different- and maybe 50~100 pieces for $10-$12. Pretty good value for minifigs only and they're quite well detailed.

Walmart.com: LEGO Star Wars Luke's Landspeeder & LEGO Star Wars Snow Trooper Army Pack Bundle: Building Blocks & Sets (http://www.walmart.com/ip/LEGO-Star-Wars-Luke-s-Landspeeder-LEGO-Star-Wars-Snow-Trooper-Army-Pack-Bundle/19582191)
$29 for 8092 Luke's Landspeeder (Luke, Obi Wan, R2D2, C3P0, Stormtrooper) and 8084 Snowtrooper Battle Pack (4 Snow Troopers)

Amazon.com: LEGO Star Wars Clone Trooper Battle Pack 7913: Toys & Games (http://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Star-Clone-Trooper-Battle/dp/B004478GMY/)
$12 for 7913 Clone Trooper Battle Pack (4 Clone Troopers)
Amazon.com: LEGO Star Wars Mandalorian Battle Pack 7914: Toys & Games (http://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Star-Wars-Mandalorian-Battle/dp/B004478GN8/)
$12 for 7914 Mandalorian Battle Pack (4 Mandalorians)
Amazon.com: LEGO Star Wars Rebel Trooper Battle Pack (8083): Toys & Games (http://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Star-Rebel-Trooper-Battle/dp/B002RL7W9C/)
$12 for 8083 Rebel Trooper Battle Pack (4 Snow Rebels)
Amazon.com: LEGO Star Wars Elite Clone Trooper and Commando Droid B 9488: Toys & Games (http://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Elite-Clone-Trooper-Commando/dp/B005VPRFPM/)
$12 for 9488 Elite Lego Clone Trooper and Droid (2 Clone Troops, 2 Droids)
Amazon.com: LEGO Star Wars Endor Rebel Trooper and Imperial Trooper 9489: Toys & Games (http://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Endor-Rebel-Trooper-Imperial/dp/B005VPRFRU/)
$12 for 9489 Endor Rebel Trooper and Imperial Trooper Battle Pack (2 Endor Rebels, 2 Storm Troopers)

And then one of the following that I linked to above as Target has a $5 off any $19.99 or up Star Wars set and it doesn't exclude Legos:
Amazon.com: LEGO Star Wars Droid Escape 9490: Toys & Games (http://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Star-Wars-Droid-Escape/dp/B005VPRFSY/)
Droid Escape: Pod plus R2D2, C3P0, 2 Sand Troopers
OR
Amazon.com: LEGO Star Wars Geonosian Cannon 9491: Toys & Games (http://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Star-Wars-Geonosian-Cannon/dp/B005VPRFQ6/)
Genosian Cannon: 2 Genosians, Rebel Commander, and Barriss Offee (who?)
I think I'm leaning towards the second one as the first set already has R2 and C3P0 and those are the biggest draws to the Droid Escape.

I'll bleed these in over the next couple of months as it's about $100 for over 30 minifigs and a lot of little sets that can be nicely set up in battle scenes

There are also 4 older Battle Packs but they're going for $20+ on ebay/Amazon so I guess I probably won't get them unless I see an outlier in price:
7654 Droids Battle Pack
7655 Clone Troopers Battle Pack
8014 Clone Walker Battle Pack
8015 Assassin Droids Battle Pack
The Assassin Droids can be had for retail but that's because they're not true minifigs and not nearly as interesting

SI

[ColtCrazy]

Since someone mentioned the lego breaking and not having put it back together, I have a similar story. Just before the summer of 2010, my son started getting into Legos and received several Indiana Jones sets for his birthday from relatives. We built them, then put them in gallon baggies to store them so they wouldn't get mixed up. That summer, my wife's sister got a divorce and my sister-in-law started randomly dropping her kids off at our place for days on end so she could run around with her new chew toy. Needless to say her spawn, who are both older than my son, got into the legos, totally destroyed them, then dumped them all back into one big bin. Not only are the 3 Indiana Jones sets all mixed up but also the Harry Potter ones. 7 sets in all, in one confusing heap in a bin. Ugh. I haven't had the heart, or the time, to sort through them all since. I will eventually because I actually like the Indiana Jones sets.

[ColtCrazy]

Just saw on brickset that Lego will be releasing some Lord of the Rings sets this summer. Very excited about this.

[Grover]

Since we're in a Lego thread...

The Brick Testament (http://www.thebricktestament.com/)

[booradley]

So, this is freaky ... I haven't played with Legos since childhood, yet just 2 days ago I became intrigued with using pictures of little Lego men as player photos in my OOTP league. I haven't yet, because I didn't want to be the only adult in world history to be caught playing with Legos. Then THIS thread shows up ... WTF?? I'm ... I'm not alone?

[sterlingice]

I'm still blaming this thread on the fact that my wife and I basically went on a Lego date two weekends ago

SI

[Ksyrup]

This is pretty cool:

Reading, writing, arithmetic and robots? (http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-BizFocus-c-2012-02-15-100352.113117-Reading-writing-arithmetic-and-robots.html)

Handmade Lego robots are stimulating learning in Lexington school children


Lexington, KY - Second-, fourth- and fifth-grade students were so eager to join the new after-school club at Lexington's Glendover Elementary School that they lined up early, "like shoppers outside Wal-Mart on Black Friday," one teacher observed.

What could possibly stimulate students to be so enthusiastic about extending their education to after-school hours? Robots.

It may seem more like play than schoolwork, but there are valuable lessons being soaked up — designing, building, testing, teamwork, and problem solving, as well as math and computer skills.

The Glendover students are excited about WeDo Robotics, created by Lego Education, building everything from cars to animals to cranes to soccer players and then put them into motion.

"I've seen kids that have really come out of their shell and blossomed. It's amazing to see what building and working together can do for students," said Jan Lane, a first- and second-grade teacher at Glendover and a club monitor.

If a student wants a robot to travel ten feet, turn right and travel ten more feet into a big square and return to the starting position, first it must be programmed on the computer.

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</TD></TR></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>"There is software for it with all of the commands. Once they get everything tested and approved by me, they can move to the next task," Said Young Do Lee, a fourth- and fifth-grade teacher at Glendover.

Students use a USB cable to send the commands they selected from the computer to their robots. "If the robot isn't doing what they thought it would, they think about it, look at the software programming, make adjustments and go back and run it," said Lee.

Lane has noticed something a bit disturbing about today's students. She hopes the robotics club can help address it.

"I've noticed in the classroom in the last few years that kids are not solving problems. We as parents, and everybody else, are giving them the solutions. They aren't working together in teams. But in this club, if something doesn't work, then somewhere along the line, they didn't do something right in the programming or building, so they have to go back and figure it out."

Robots and children's learning is at the heart of a study done by the research company Lattitude. The study, titled "Robots @ School," focuses on how robots are helping to reveal a shift in kids' social and learning psychologies and the overlap between learning and play.

"Education and learning are moving — at least in many children's eyes — beyond acts of knowledge transmission toward acts of exploration and creation," explained Steve Mushkin, founder and president of Lattitude. Mushkin said robots and other intelligent technologies can unleash the expansive capabilities in children.

Another interesting observation from the study was that many children, unlike adults, tend to think of robots and technology as fundamentally human. Two-thirds of the kids in the study took for granted that robots could make excellent human friends.

Back at the Glendover Robotics Club, enthusiasm is high in kids from all backgrounds.

"You've got a good mix of kids — Hispanics, Asians and Caucasians. They all show a high interest and desire to learn," said teacher Lee. "If I had taught math lessons on degrees with other manipulatives, it might have been received differently. Add robots, and they're extremely excited."

Robotics activities are also being explored in Fayette County middle and high schools.

At the college level, students at various Kentucky universities are training in robotics to become the next generation of industrial engineers.

"We look at industrial robotics and how they can be applied to industrial processes or production lines," said Sam Mason, instructor of design manufacturing at Morehead State University. Mason teaches courses in the manufacturing processes on an industrial level.

"For manufacturing to stay competitive, robots bring an element of quality because products have to be 100 percent better than they are now," Mason said.

Some of the MSU students became interested in robots in high school. All want a strong future. "They want a job and to acquire the skill set to be competitive in this field," said Mason. "Manufacturing uses a lot of robotics, and so having that knowledge is the key to having a successful career."

Industrial robots perform a wide range of functions under the direction of a computer. One estimate pegs the number of robots in the world at a quarter million. Japan uses most of them. The United States is second.

Automobile plants immediately come to mind when it comes to robots. Toyota, Ford and GM use them at their assembly plants in Kentucky. They weld, paint, drill, sand, cut, move and install parts.

Robots are especially valuable in environments that are unsafe or physically difficult for humans. Robots can clean up radioactive areas, extinguish fires, disarm bombs, load and unload explosives and toxic chemicals and work underwater. SWAT teams use them in hostage situations. Our military uses unmanned drones to spy on or bomb enemy targets.

For future robotics experts, it all starts with basic curiosity and a fundamental understanding of how the machines function — both of which can be sparked in an elementary school classroom with a simple pile of Legos.

[terpkristin]

I've got a friend who is a high school physics/engineering teacher and she routinely uses the Lego robot systems, plus its accompanying programming language, in projects with her classes.

/tk

[Autumn]

My kids are doing a Lego robotics class too through our homeschool group. They're pretty common around here. When I was in Vermont the university sent engineering students out to schools to do some Lego robotics stuff with them.

[ColtCrazy]

Our fifth grade has it's own little account that we can use for school supplies. The other teacher has seniority on me and I've always deferred to her, but with so much budget cuts I've finally convinced her that we should spend the money we've been sitting on because I could see our account going away soon. We will be splitting the money and choosing various projects we'd like to spend it on. Naturally, I'm thinking Legos.

Now, I'm not exactly sure what my cut will be. I imagine it'll be in the $400-600 range. Not nearly enough to buy even one robotic kit, but it will be just enough to buy individual kits for each of the kids in my class. The kits would be a standard Lego kit, 400 pieces with a grass support board and a couple of figures. I've done some research and there are a ton of lesson plans and ideas out there that don't involve the robotic element at all. Plus, I'm hoping if I could put together a nice run, I might get a local company to sponsor a couple of robotic kits and slowly build up from there. Does this sound like a reasonable plan? I can really see my class getting a lot just out of the chance to work with Legos. I'm already thinking of some great math & problem solving ideas with them.

On a completely side note, the local Wal-Mart had all the series 6 mini figures on clearance for $1. My dad ended up buying my son some and I ended up getting some. Have 2 complete sets now and somehow ended up with about 8 of the British Royal Soldier one. Pretty cool.

[sterlingice]

Dang it- I love the British Royal soldier- I've been considering getting one on ebay. But I don't have a WalMart minifig clearance :(

EDIT: Or do I? Sounds like it's time to check out a couple of other WalMarts around town tomorrow after work

SI

[ColtCrazy]

Dang it- I love the British Royal soldier- I've been considering getting one on ebay. But I don't have a WalMart minifig clearance :(

EDIT: Or do I? Sounds like it's time to check out a couple of other WalMarts around town tomorrow after work

SI

I'm guessing our Walmart got these minifies by mistake. They've never had any of the previous series and then suddenly they had 6 boxes of series six before Christmas. The British Royal Soldier is my favorite in this set too. Also got 3 of the Dwarf one, which will look good with the upcoming Lord of the Rings sets.

[DougW]

Has anyone been to legland ? I was never into legos myself, but I married a girl that had a 10 year old that was into them. We went on our honeymoon in cali, took a week for ourselves, and had him flown in to spend a week with us to do the disney/universal thing. Well I found out there was a legoland nearby, and added that to the agenda. Like I said, I'm not a lego guy at all, but that place was impressive. It had like a jungle with lifesize animals made out of legos, city skylines, just a lot of pretty impressive stuff. Even for not "a fan".

[Aylmar]

Because of this thread I went out and bought the Imperial Shuttle kit. A few other really big sets caught my eye while I was in the store, so we'll see if finishing this one leads to buying another... Wanted the Super Star Destroyer, but it's too big. Where will I put a 4' model? Looked at the Death Star, but I'm more about assembly and show and that kit looks more slanted to actual play.

[Ksyrup]

This is the one that caught my eye:

Tower Bridge* | LEGO Shop (http://shop.lego.com/en-US/Tower-Bridge-10214)

[ColtCrazy]

Has anyone been to legland ? I was never into legos myself, but I married a girl that had a 10 year old that was into them. We went on our honeymoon in cali, took a week for ourselves, and had him flown in to spend a week with us to do the disney/universal thing. Well I found out there was a legoland nearby, and added that to the agenda. Like I said, I'm not a lego guy at all, but that place was impressive. It had like a jungle with lifesize animals made out of legos, city skylines, just a lot of pretty impressive stuff. Even for not "a fan".

I've been to Legoland Winsor, it's only 10 miles from the school I work at there. It's my favorite park by far. They don't have the great coasters that most amusement parks do, the rides are more suited for the up to 10 crowd, but for a family experience....along with the impressive Miniland, it's a fun day out. Heard they are planning one in Florida.

[ColtCrazy]

This is the one that caught my eye:

Tower Bridge* | LEGO Shop (http://shop.lego.com/en-US/Tower-Bridge-10214)

Saw a completed one built at the Lego shop in Indy. Just in display value, I thought it was more impressive than the Death Star. It looks very detailed, even from a distance. The only knock I've heard on it is that the two towers are identical builds. Still not sure about this one or the Death Star, but this is considerably cheaper and would display well in my classroom.

Heard this year's large set is the British Sopwith Camel WWI plane.

[Ksyrup]

Yeah, I could see the two towers being a bit duplicative. A lot of those more advanced downtown buildings/shops they have look pretty cool. And so does the carousel.

Given my daughter's love of castles and horses, I suppose we'll be getting that jousting set relatively soon.

[ColtCrazy]

Yeah, I could see the two towers being a bit duplicative. A lot of those more advanced downtown buildings/shops they have look pretty cool. And so does the carousel.

Given my daughter's love of castles and horses, I suppose we'll be getting that jousting set relatively soon.

Yeah, that one does look pretty good. The Medieval Village set is probably my favorite Castle series set so far, but this one has great potential.

[Ksyrup]

I've always wanted [her] to get the Medieval Village one. One time we were in a Lego store and she was ready to get it, then changed her mind at the last moment. I had to let it go, but I almost tried to talk her into it. :D

[sterlingice]

Saw a completed one built at the Lego shop in Indy. Just in display value, I thought it was more impressive than the Death Star. It looks very detailed, even from a distance. The only knock I've heard on it is that the two towers are identical builds. Still not sure about this one or the Death Star, but this is considerably cheaper and would display well in my classroom.

Heard this year's large set is the British Sopwith Camel WWI plane.

You know what- I think I'm going to head up to the Lego store tonight to check that out. Didn't know they had it set up there

SI

[Aylmar]

This is the one that caught my eye:

Tower Bridge* | LEGO Shop (http://shop.lego.com/en-US/Tower-Bridge-10214)

That might be the one I tackle next. It looks very impressive up close...

[ColtCrazy]

Haha. I ended up having to request mine (the medieval village) for my birthday as a present from the kids. They were excited to buy me a Lego. It's a great set to display or for them to play with.

[terpkristin]

Thanks to this thread I think I'll be going to the Lego store this weekend.

Thanks to another podcast, I think I'll also be going to the yarn store.

I sense productivity in my future...

/tk

[ColtCrazy]

Anyone every been to a Brickworld Convention? Just stumbled on a link that says there's one in Indy on March 10.

[sterlingice]

Anyone every been to a Brickworld Convention? Just stumbled on a link that says there's one in Indy on March 10.

Not familiar but I guess that could speak to that weekend for me. Watch a couple of Big Ten tourney games on, say, Thursday night and then hit up Legos on Saturday.

I spent part of my night feeling up Legos at Castleton. No... not horrible like that sounded. But myself and a couple of the employees at the Lego store helped me find a couple of the Series 6 Minifigs that I was looking for. Between my couple of stops tonight, I picked up a Lady Liberty, Leprechaun, Genie, and 2 Skateboard Girls (oops)- wanted a Robot but we couldn't find it after going through the 50ish packs in the store. With the Skateboard ones, I was at Toys R Us and just couldn't identify by feel- didn't mean to get 2 of them. I also thought I had a Royal Guard from Series 5 but it was the Eskimo instead. Still, that one's pretty cool so I'm not too heartbroken about it.

SI

[ColtCrazy]

Not familiar but I guess that could speak to that weekend for me. Watch a couple of Big Ten tourney games on, say, Thursday night and then hit up Legos on Saturday.

I spent part of my night feeling up Legos at Castleton. No... not horrible like that sounded. But myself and a couple of the employees at the Lego store helped me find a couple of the Series 6 Minifigs that I was looking for. Between my couple of stops tonight, I picked up a Lady Liberty, Leprechaun, Genie, and 2 Skateboard Girls (oops)- wanted a Robot but we couldn't find it after going through the 50ish packs in the store. With the Skateboard ones, I was at Toys R Us and just couldn't identify by feel- didn't mean to get 2 of them. I also thought I had a Royal Guard from Series 5 but it was the Eskimo instead. Still, that one's pretty cool so I'm not too heartbroken about it.

SI
Series 6 is the first series where I really like all the characters. Even the token pink girl one is at least a fairly neat space one. I've got about 7 so far, including Liberty, the Minotaur, the Highlander, and the Leprechaun. The only I really want is the roman soldier. Would like to actually get several of those because an army of those would look impressive.

If you need a Royal Guard, you are welcome to PM me your addy. With that $1 sale, I ended up feeling about 8 of them. I have my army, so one MIA solider isn't a big deal. :) I can toss one in the mail for you. It would be open, if you don't mind that.

Did you happen to see the Jousting set at Castleton? Making that my one last "must buy" before I start saving up for the Lord of the Rings sets this summer.

I spent the end of last night just looking up pictures of past Brickworlds. My wife (who isn't a Lego person) and I were both blown away by the Helm's Deep layout we saw. Easily 6 foot tall and just as wide. Really neat.

[sterlingice]

I didn't see the Joust set at Castleton but I did see it online. Someone bought a Grand Emporium when I was there checking through minifigures.

As for the Royal Guard- I appreciate the offer. How about this? I'm going to make another go at Toys R Us this week or next and try to get another (as well as the Robot from Series 6). If I don't have any luck, we can meet up at Brickworld and I'll trade my extra Skater girl for it, if you want.

As for open or not- I like having the box and instructions for sets, but Legos are meant to be played with, not kept sealed in a box :)

SI

[ColtCrazy]

Sounds like a plan to me!

On my trip to Evansville, I did manage to snag a few minifigs. Got the genie, the outlaw (very cool), the wind-up robot, and 2 of the roman solider (makes for a great army piece). Roman soldier is fairly rare, but easy to tell if you find one. The spear sticks out pretty well.

[sterlingice]

Sounds like a plan to me!

On my trip to Evansville, I did manage to snag a few minifigs. Got the genie, the outlaw (very cool), the wind-up robot, and 2 of the roman solider (makes for a great army piece). Roman soldier is fairly rare, but easy to tell if you find one. The spear sticks out pretty well.

I went to the Toys R Us in Greenwood and then on Washington Street and was 3 for 3 on the series 5 and 6 minifigs I was looking for on Friday night. After going through at least 50 packs at the Lego store in Castleton last week and not finding a clockwork robot, I found one in the second pack I picked up in Greewood! Couldn't find a head and found the wrap around neck piece and I figured my luck had to be too good. Got to the checkout and I was happy.

At Washington Street, they still have a ton of Series 5. I kindof had been wanting the detective and the first pack I grabbed, I could feel the magnifying glass's unique shape so I decided to keep it. It's cool that it actually does magnify. A few more in, I found a giant hat that I didn't think was the ice fisherman's so I crossed my fingers and hoped it was the Royal Guard. I checked out in the video game area and chatted a little with the girl working there and then opened them up and I was right on both accounts.

We won't talk about my luck the rest of the night that involved driving to IND after midnight and falling asleep on one of the couches in the open area until my wife arrived from Atlanta at around 2:30

So, I have my Royal Guard but I'm game for another trade or just a giveaway if we bump into each other next week at BrickWorld. "Busy" weekend ahead with going to the Big Ten Tourney on Thursday and then BrickWorld probably on Saturday.

SI

[sterlingice]

SI,

You're best bet is joining BrickLink - Unofficial LEGO® Marketplace (http://www.bricklink.com). There you can buy individual pieces, full sets, minifigs, instructions, etc. I've spent way too much money there but I have a serious collection nowadays.


Oh, BTW, curse you. Nothing like finding you can get sets from people around the world for "reasonable" prices and perfectly indexed.

SI

[ColtCrazy]

SI, which series 6 guys are you still needing? Our Walmart has them now and I might swing by there again before I head up this weekend. If I find one you need, we can swap that. Doesn't matter what I get in return, if it's an extra, my son will gladly take it.

I managed to find my 3rd Roman Soldier for series 6. Hoping to end up with about 6 to form a small legion on the shelf in my classroom. Wanting another Statue of Liberty as well.

Thought I had a minor coup when Walmart had the Black Pearl on clearance for $75. I snagged it only to realize it had been opened and seemed to be missing a bag. Shame, what I had seen of it it looked good. Might force me to pay more for it later. Would make just a nice regular pirate ship.

[sterlingice]

SI, which series 6 guys are you still needing? Our Walmart has them now and I might swing by there again before I head up this weekend. If I find one you need, we can swap that. Doesn't matter what I get in return, if it's an extra, my son will gladly take it.

I managed to find my 3rd Roman Soldier for series 6. Hoping to end up with about 6 to form a small legion on the shelf in my classroom. Wanting another Statue of Liberty as well.

Thought I had a minor coup when Walmart had the Black Pearl on clearance for $75. I snagged it only to realize it had been opened and seemed to be missing a bag. Shame, what I had seen of it it looked good. Might force me to pay more for it later. Would make just a nice regular pirate ship.

I saw a Black Pearl go on ebay for $65-ish over the weekend and I almost pulled the trigger but I've been spending too much lately as is. I was thinking about it- growing up, Lego had space, ships, and castles all locked down. Now it has the same only it's Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Lord of the Rings coming this summer- same ideas, but now it's all licensed.

As for the minifig, I think I'm good with Series 6. I suppose if you have spares, Minotaur or Sleepyhead or if you have a spare Lizardman or Small Clown from 5. But, like I said, it's not really necessary: just a gift since I already have extra.

SI

[ColtCrazy]

I saw a Black Pearl go on ebay for $65-ish over the weekend and I almost pulled the trigger but I've been spending too much lately as is. I was thinking about it- growing up, Lego had space, ships, and castles all locked down. Now it has the same only it's Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Lord of the Rings coming this summer- same ideas, but now it's all licensed.

As for the minifig, I think I'm good with Series 6. I suppose if you have spares, Minotaur or Sleepyhead or if you have a spare Lizardman or Small Clown from 5. But, like I said, it's not really necessary: just a gift since I already have extra.

SI

Don't have extras of those from 6, if I can find them, I'll bring them. If not, I know I have an extra of one of those from 5. Thanks for the ebay info on the Pearl. I really liked what I got to see of it. I've always wanted to get the Imperial Flagship and I think I may have to jump on it this year because the price is starting to creep up on it. The Pearl would be a nice pirate ship to go with the imperial one.

I agree, the Castle series is my all time favorite. I hate that they only have one scheduled (so far) this year...albeit it's a great one. I don't mind the Lord of the Rings stuff, it'll be cool. But I can't even see how someone could keep up with the Star Wars stuff they produce.

[ColtCrazy]

Got to go to Brickworld Indy today. Also got to meet SI, which was the highlight of the day (at least for me...he had a much more successful day than I did).

Some really great looking scenes were set up. Loved the Lucas Oil Stadium, the castle diorama, and all the pirate/viking ships on display. Learned about a few "new" sets. Sure, they are 20 years old, but they are new to me. Ended up buying one when I got home tonight.

The eldest offspring faired much better. Added a few figures to his batman collection. He seemed pleased.

[sterlingice]

I only picked up one set, tho (autographed Sydney Opera House) and quite a few minifigs. Tho I would pick up some more Legos later on in the day.

Here are some pics for anyone interested:

Entry Room

Entrance room had a big "Brickworld" airport display
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5225.jpg

It also had an area with a somewhat disinterested and annoyed woman (not pictured) who had to keep flipping over battling robots as screaming kids slammed them into each other
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5265.jpg

The biggest highlight of the show for me, that didn't involve meeting a fellow FOFCer, was purchasing one of the Lego architecture sets, the Sydney Opera House, signed by the designer and chatting with him about the Lego architecture line.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5277.jpg


MTron Display

This was easily my favorite display. I loved the MTron set growing up as a kid. It had a distinctly early 90s color palette: red, black, and neon green/yellow. It was space. And it had magnets! This display was like heaven for me. I chatted up a couple of the guys who worked on this set for at least 20 minutes to get some ideas. This was such an amazing display as there were less than 10 MTron sets ever made so almost all of these were original creations.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5376.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5251.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5257.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5373.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5382.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5383.jpg



Lego Star Wars

Star Wars is hugely popular right now and has been for the last 10 years with Lego

Clone Wars Battle
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5289.jpg

Hoth
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5365.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5367.jpg

Van Gogh and da Vinci... between Anakin Skywalker and Yoda.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5240.jpg

"Troops, in formation! Forward march! Wait- what the heck is with that guy who looks like he lives in a pineapple under the sea."
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5281.jpg


Lego Castle

Another one of the huge displays had a castle and sea battle. It's funny to walk from one table where there is Yoda dueling Count Dooku to the next table where there's a line of 10 Yodas being used as goblins to attack a castle. This one had a lot of "recycling" of pieces like that. Who knew that the attacking armies had Wampas and Pirates of the Caribbean ships.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5308.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5313.jpg

I'm actually considering one of the two Pirates of the Caribbean ships. They're cooler looking in real life than I expected.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5306.jpg

Sea serpent attacking the ships
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5389.jpg

I absolutely love this crystal castle. One problem: the guy who made it said the giant clear baseplate cost him $50
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5394.jpg



Lego Modular City

Modular cities are big right now and I can see why. They're really detailed and realistic but the price point is just crazy. I went to the Lego store in Indy after this yesterday and watched someone buy the giant box with the Tower Bridge. But it's $270 in one fail swoop (including tax). That's just too rich for my blood. If I'm going to spend $270, I'm going to spread it out across a ton of stuff. This display was the most compact of all the ones out there- it was like a Lego San Francisco.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5351.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5358.jpg


Two great sets at the front of this display
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5359.jpg

And a bunch of the Lego Architecture sets off to the side
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5362.jpg



Random Pics


Finally the hodgepodge of the rest of my pictures:

Lucas Oil Stadium - Hard to get pics of the scale of this thing or to get pictures without lots of people in front of it as it was wildly popular at the Super Bowl and also here. The roof is motorized and there's a little screen inside that serves as a jumbotron.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5237.jpg

Blacklight on some glow-in-the-dark Legos
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5273.jpg

Giant minifigures
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5326.jpg

Lego Space Shuttle
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5328.jpg

Who you gonna call (in the alien attacks display)?
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5333.jpg


Lego Etch-a-sketch
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y268/sterlingice/FOFC/2012%20Brickworld%20Indy/IMG_5344.jpg



Oh, and for the record: 3 nerd/fanatic activities going on in Indy yesterday and today, apparently. Brickworld is at the convention center, the Big Ten tourney is at the Fieldhouse, and, on the way back to my car, I stopped at Subway for lunch and there is apparently a Magic national championship tournament of some sort going on at Lucas Oil.

SI

[ColtCrazy]

I did like the huge town set up as well. Like you, I agree that you could spend crazy money to keep up with it all. The town hall one that is released this year would be neat though, just as a stand alone piece. I'm sure it's price point is upwards of $200 though.

[sterlingice]

Ok, I've decided on the next uber set I want but probably won't ever get:

http://www.brickset.com/detail/?Set=10210-1

SI

[ColtCrazy]

You and me both. Would LOVE to have that set. But the only chance I have is when I'm A) flushed with money and B) away from the wife. :D So unless I can get it while I'm in England this summer, I probably won't. Shame, I can see that one going for $400-500 in a year or two.

[ColtCrazy]

Ended up going back to Walmart to see what I could get from series 6. Ended up finding another outlaw, another highland warrior. Couldn't find a single Roman Soldier, but I did find 2 more Statues of Liberty. Considering that I never saw one up in Indy, I'll keep these in bags, one to keep and one as trade bait down the road.

Also, my son got As and B+s on his last report card. I told him if he could get everything back up to As on this report card (due next week) I'd buy him one of the bigger Batman sets. Let's just say it looks as if I'll be spending some money next week!

[ColtCrazy]

Brickset has posted pictures of the Lord of the Rings sets due out this summer. They look good, especially the Mines of Moria one.

[Mustang]

Brickset has posted pictures of the Lord of the Rings sets due out this summer. They look good, especially the Mines of Moria one.

Other than the minifigs, I find myself a touch on the disappointed side. Maybe the front of the box doesn't do them justice.

[ColtCrazy]

It's hard to get a scale of the bigger sets. I do like the minifigs a lot. Like the look of Moria, maybe the others will look good in person.

[stevew]

good deal on some lego watches @ kids.woot today

[sterlingice]

8831 Minifigures Series 7 - Brickipedia, the LEGO Wiki (http://lego.wikia.com/wiki/8831_Minifigures_Series_7)

Series 7 Minifigs starting to trickle into stores. Found some at a local TRU last night (Greenwood) and picked up 3 of the 4 I most wanted.

* I love the Scottish bagpiper- that bagpipe piece is awesome as is his hat and(!) a paper kilt!
* The headpiece for the Aztec warrior is amazing. It's gold plastic and not shiny gold so keep that in mind but it's still cool.
* I can't wait until they are clearing out series 7 minifigs because I'm going to load up on the Galaxy patrol. It's a nice space figure and there are 5 per box

I felt through about 30 packs and it took me a long time to find an Aztec in a box towards the back of the shelf so I'm sure it's going to be one of the hot ones. I never found one of the Evil Knights and I'm sure they're going to be pillaged, too. I think I felt all the others except the Rocker Girl.

The other one I really want (for my desk) is the Computer Programmer. I felt a couple of those but I think they're going to be one of the generic ones that's out there and not terribly possible. So I'm going to wait until they're no longer $3.49 per pack.

SI

[ColtCrazy]

I finally made my big purchase. Bought the castle jousting set. Haven't opened it yet as I want to wait till I have the time to dive into it. It looks amazing. Like you, SI, I also picked up some series 7. Got the good ones at the TRU in Castleton. Tried down around Louisville but they'd been searched. You'll have to tell me the hint to getting the Aztec. Never found him and would like to get 3-4 of him. I ended up splurging on some..

Bagpiper - love this one, may get a few more to go with the small army of British soldiers I got from series 5.

Space trooper - easy piece to find. Bought 1 but found 2. Passed since they are high priced, will get more once I see them at target. Great looking piece,

Evil knight - probably my favorite one from this series. Looks incredible, even the sword is not the standard Lego one. Will buy them as I see them.

Tennis player - had to have one. Nice, nothing special though

Hippy - fun one. Only need one but cool to have.

Poseidon - excellent piece. Can't see the need to have more than one, but easy enough to find if it hasn't been picked.

Daredevil - another have to have one but no more. Would look great with a bike.

I think my favorite from six ended up being the bandit. It'll be another bad guy from this one. I want the IT guy too, Aztecs, and more knights for sure.

[sterlingice]

Aztec was all about the spear (identical to the Roman soldier, I think) and the same circle shield we keep feeling (Highlander, Gladiator, etc). There are quite a few in this series with large headpieces or large hard to figure out parts (Space armor, Knight hood, Riding Hood hood, Poseidon's tail, Hippie hair) so I think trying to do it by the tri-helmet is tough. As silly as this is, I find it hard to differentiate between the Hippie hair and Galaxy Patrol armor so I was looking for the space gun since it's fairly easy to figure out.

But, like I said, I think them and the Evil Knights are going to be picked over so it's probably not that you couldn't identify them but that there are none there.

Also, I ran across two Meijers a week or two ago when they had Series 5 for $1.49 and then 74c so I have have a complete set of those and quite a few spare Royal Guards and Gladiators. Now they're back up to $2.99, tho (huh?)

SI

[sterlingice]

Also, last night I picked up the Batski polybag from TRU. It's an ok set but it's really all about the cheapest way to get a black Batman instead of blue and get a little cheap vehicle for "free".

I picked up the Funhouse Escape after we talked at Brickworld as the figures in there are excellent: Batman, Robin, Joker, Harley Quinn(!), and Riddler! All that for $40 ($30 with a coupon I had) was excellent and the set itself is actually quite fun with a little rolling train car, the mallet trap, crane, and trap door. The batcycle is a little ugly but is fun to play with as it rolls great and always keeps its balance.

Also, I've been a little busy on eBay, Bricklink, etc completing some little collections:
* Once my order arrives from the UK, I'll have collected all 14 Mini Creators. Those are some of my favorite sets. They're like $6 each for between 70 and 120 pieces in a nifty canister and you can pick which three sets to build.
* I also have picked up all of the Star Wars battle packs (10 total, I believe). A couple of the older ones can get a little pricey but I like the standard $10-12 for a couple of ~100 piece vehicles and 4 minifigs.

On eBay, I've been going after some M-Tron, Unitron, Blacktron, and other old space sets. I grew up with these and they're not so much in demand any more as they have very 80s and 90s color schemes. I've picked up a half dozen or so smaller ones on the cheap (~$5 apiece) but I've also found some pretty good deals on larger things. A couple are missing a few small pieces but I'm looking to address that on Bricklink
* Blacktron II spaceship for $30 (tho it smelled like smoke and I got to learn about washing Legos): http://www.brickset.com/detail/?set=6981-1
* Classic Futuron Base for $25: http://www.brickset.com/detail/?set=6953-1
* Great Space Police Base for $50: http://www.brickset.com/detail/?set=6955-1
* A set of about 20 vintage astronauts for about $20 from the old classic mono-color with oxygen tank up through M-Tron, Blacktron, and Unitron guys

SI

[spleen1015]

Every time I read this thread, I want to go buy some Legos.

[Chubby]

we went to the lego store in rochester last week, didn't buy anything as tyler isnt even 3 yet but got some cool ideas!

i think i freaked my wife out when we looked at the price of the death star and imperial destroyer :D

[sterlingice]

Oh, that reminds me. I exhibited a lot of willpower last week in Chicago. I was driving up from Indy to pick up my wife from O'Hare. Her flight was delayed and so I had a couple of hours to kill and went to the Lego store in Orland Park. I got a pick-a-brick cup and was talking with the guy working the register. We talked about what I was building with the pick a brick pieces and I had picked up a ton of translucent 1x1 circles and squares and I mentioned that I was working on some old space sets and was picking these up as accent pieces. We talked about cost of them online and I told him it wasn't really prohibitive as the colors are out of style so you could get some decent large sets in the $20-$50 range.

Then, I offhandedly mention I try to keep it within budget or else I'd go after some of my aspirational sets like The Tower Bridge but they're just too much. Well, he mentions he had 2 in the back that had significant box damage but the set was alright and they were priced at 30% off. Man, I walked around the mall and thought long and hard about that one before ultimately deciding against it. That's "only" $168 plus tax but it's rare to ever see it below its retail $240. The only time I've seen that is at the rare Lego store 10% off sales and the big sets sell out in a few minutes.

So, if you're in Chicago and have less willpower or a higher budget than I do, they might still be there.

SI

[ColtCrazy]

I think I'd lose the 30% in the gas to get up there! Not sure I would have had the willpower, but I was determined to get the Jousting set, so I might have passed anyway. No way I could have justified both and the lego store in Indy was the first time I'd seen the jousting set anywhere. The girl working there said that they are shutting down the castle series. They seem to do this, and I'm sure it'll be back eventually. Just a bit of a bummer, the castle series has always been my favorite.

I'm going to start a bit of a project too. I have the mill, the medieval village, the jousting set. I'd like to get the main castle and then try to buy just generic walls and stuff and create a walled village with a castle. Still want to pick up some of those old space things that you pointed out. They are cool looking.

Forgot to mention, I did buy one of the Lego Power Miners sets. TRU in Clarksville, IN had the Lavatraz set on clearance for $30 (normally a $50 set). Has a really cool super large lava monster with it and a rock monster as well.

I will be on the lookout for the Aztec. I'm hoping my local Walmart gets the guys in. They get bought here fairly fast, but are never picked through. I usually just see mothers buying wads of them and not searching. If I can get one, I'll be happy, but would like a few more. The evil knight is going to look cool with the jousting set. Looks like some sort of elite guard for the black knight that is the jouster.

I'm about half way through the set. Looks great so far. There's a lot to it, and with 9 minifies, it's got great playability.

I'll probably only get one more set before I leave for England. My son is going to reach the academic incentives I've given him. He wants the Ninjago Fangpyre truck. I'll get that at the end of May so I can snag the exclusive Hulk mini fig they'll have at the Lego store that you can get with a $50 purchase. Then, it's saving up to get all the LOTR sets in England this summer. I figure I'll get them there..even if they are more expensive it'll save me money in the long run by keeping me from going to the pub too often!

[sterlingice]

I think they're just putting the castle set on hiatus so they aren't competing with the Lord of the Rings line. Like you said, it'll be back in whatever the next incarnation is but the LotR line is basically a licensed castle line just like they aren't putting out a standard Pirates line while they're making the Pirates of the Caribbean stuff.

SI

[Matthean]

Nerdgasm: The Official Lego Back to the Future Set Is Almost Here! (http://gizmodo.com/5906074/holy-brick-the-lego-back-to-the-future-set-is-almost-here)

[Mustang]

Our Lego store in Milwaukee opens in May so, looking forward to that. Only been to the one in the Mall of America and that really wasn't a pleasant experience.

[ColtCrazy]

Nerdgasm: The Official Lego Back to the Future Set Is Almost Here! (http://gizmodo.com/5906074/holy-brick-the-lego-back-to-the-future-set-is-almost-here)

Very cool. Several interesting sets on that site. Hoping they do the western town, that looked incredible.

[sterlingice]

It's hard to get the licensing for something like Back to the Future worked out so it seems a long shot at best. Something like a modular western town seems like it has a legit shot, tho

SI

[PilotMan]

I don't play Minecraft but my son thought that this was cool. Apparently this is going to be available sometime this summer.

https://www.jinx.com/content/themes/lego_mc/pic2_lg.jpg

[ColtCrazy]

Making a special trip to the Lego store in Indy next weekend. My son managed to make all his academic goals (all while impressing me by reading 2 grades above his current grade), so he gets his reward, the Fangpyre truck. Personally, I think the Ninjago line is hit or miss, but it has really gotten my son into Legos so I can't complain.

As for me, I have decisions to make. I had originally intended to get the Lord of the Rings sets in England. Even though they'd be more expensive, I'd have more disposable cash there and give me something to do. Of course, they have been released early. I've gotten a couple of the cheaper Avengers sets, and now want to get at least one of all the Avengers minifigs. I have Iron Man, Hawkeye, and Captain America. Will probably get the Quinjet to get Thor and Black Widow and then get the promotional Hulk figure. Not sure if I like that Hulk or the bigger one. Then, there's this new line called Monster Fighters. Most of the sets are hideous, but there's a couple I wouldn't mind getting (the Vampire Castle being the main one). What seemed like a simple plan is now complicated. So many sets...so little money!

[sterlingice]

I'm in the "want one of every Avenger minifig" boat but haven't figured out how to do it on the cheap.

30163 ($5): Thor (no helmet, tho)
6865 ($12): Captain America
6867 ($20): Loki, Hawkeye, Iron Man
5000022 (Free with purchase): Mini-Hulk (but it's only Mini-hulk)
Missing: Black Widow (only in 6869)
Also: I demand a Nick Fury minifig!

Other Superhero Set Haves:
6857 ($50): Batman, Robin, Joker, Harley Quinn, Riddler
30160 ($5): Batman (black suit)

Other Superhero Set Wants:
6866 ($20): Wolverine, Magneto, Deadpool
6862 ($20): Superman, Lex Luthor, Wonder Woman
7781 ("old"/rare): Old school Two Face

This should solve your Hulk dilemma:
http://distilleryimage2.instagram.com/ee3d71229f9f11e1ab011231381052c0_7.jpg
It's pretty obvious which is better ;)

Then again, I want one of everyone in the Fellowship and that's even more expensive...

SI

[ColtCrazy]

HAHAHA Ok, that was an amazing visual. It's done then. I'm getting mini-Hulk since I'll get it free anyway, sell it and use the money to buy the regular Hulk. The QuinJet is the best way for me to get the remaining figures I need. I don't know if I'll keep both Iron Man figs. I know they are slightly different, but I could sell one and at least get some money back. My son may argue against that though, but it would cut the cost down. I did buy 2 of the Captain America sets. Oddly enough, you can part it out, sell the Captain and his bike and pretty much make your money back. Just gave me more bad guys for the figures to fight. I was going to do that with the escape set, but it's suddenly doubled on Amazon and become impossible to find in the store. The Iron Man was selling for almost as much as the SRP.

The LOTR sets will be a must purchases. I want the sets as well, just because of the cool diorama Helms Deep will make. If, and it's a big If, I can swing it it I'd like to get a could of the army sets just to build up a good # of baddies. I'll part out the good guys and sell those then.

[Peregrine]

I have to agree that the Uruk-Hai army set is screaming to me for multiple sets - not only to build up the bad guy forces but because it gives you more wall pieces. Now that the LOTR sets are out I'm wondering if I should just grab them all at once off Amazon or do them one by one.

[sterlingice]

So, ColtCrazy:

Good news, bad news for the Lego store. I might have done some advance reconnaissance for you. ;)

Bad news: You can't do the $55 All-but-Black-Widow-and-Thor-Avengers. The cosmic cube truck one is out of stock. So, I picked up the Wolverine and Superman ones. What else did I get? Pick a brick? Why? Because they had horses!

SI

[ColtCrazy]

Peregrine - That's what I was thinking as well. The extra wall pieces will be great for expanding the Helm's Deep set. I think I'm picking up a set here or there, but since they are already out...they should stay out for awhile. At least until The Hobbit comes out, so we have time I would think.

SI - Hmm, not surprised. The Cosmic Cube set is the best value for what you get. What about the Quinjet set? Still around? That one would at least let me get the Hulk to sell to buy the other Hulk. If not, I'll just snag some LOTR sets and buy the Avengers piece meal when they die down some.

[sterlingice]

Yeah- 3 main characters for $20 is hard to beat and it's out of stock on Lego.com even (available on Amazon, tho). I don't recall the Quinjet set being missing. I think it was still there.

Black Widow is still $15+ on ebay so that's just not worth it for me. I'm really hoping the Thor polybag makes it stateside or this will be even more of a problem

SI

[ColtCrazy]

Yeah- 3 main characters for $20 is hard to beat and it's out of stock on Lego.com even (available on Amazon, tho). I don't recall the Quinjet set being missing. I think it was still there.

Black Widow is still $15+ on ebay so that's just not worth it for me. I'm really hoping the Thor polybag makes it stateside or this will be even more of a problem

SI

Yeah, the only way I do it now is if I get the Quinjet to get Thor and Black Widow...sell the Loki, and decide if I want both versions of IronMan or not. Then swap the puny Hulk for the big one (they seem to sell for about the same).

That's the plan...but should I see the LOTR sets in person, then who knows! :)

The monster fighters sets may end up getting passed up for money sake. Wouldn't mind picking up the main hero sometime later, just for the cool bowler hat and special sword.

[ColtCrazy]

Went to TRU to get my son his reward for making his reading goal (mine, not the teacher's..mine was higher). He ended up picking up 3 skeleton ninjagos since they are phasing those out and going toward the snakes.

I had an impulse buy. No LOTR sets, but the monster fighters were there. Yeah, I know, I was going to avoid them, but I got the cheapest set, the Swamp Monster, just because the mini fig was cool.

Not going to end up going to the Lego store after all. If I buy the Quinjet, Amazon has it for about $15-20 less than I would pay up there. That savings, plus gas, is worth skipping out on the Hulk. I'll use the savings to get the Hulk I want.

I am planning a trip to the Lego store in London this summer. Might even go to Legoland one day, they have the largest store in Britain.

[Peregrine]

Just got the bunch of LOTR sets I bought and finished putting together Gandalf Arrives - nice little set with Gandalf and Frodo - I love how Frodo is actually very small, about 2/3 the size of a normal minifig I would say.

I love the new lego horse - the back legs move so you can adjust them between a regular pace and a run. I also like how the set is very earth toney - a few grey pieces but mostly brown and beige, except for the fireworks!


http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o510/kmiles123/gandalf.jpg

[Peregrine]

Second set I did is the Shelob Attacks one - very cool. The spider is huge and impressive, and the legs are fully bendable in two different places. I especially like that they have some string that is wound out of gears inside and is used for her silk so you can "spin a web." Another slick thing is that Frodo and Sam have two sided heads - one normal and one terrified when they see Shelob.


http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o510/kmiles123/shelob.jpg

[ColtCrazy]

Thanks for the pics. Now I have to see if the budget as a little extra wiggle room in it!

[Peregrine]

I ran into a snag when putting together 9473 The Mines of Moria - the instructions are broken into several pieces for various parts of the set, but my instructions are misprinted and I am missing about 10 steps of the part I am working on. Not sure what to do next - I guess I will call Lego and see if I can get some new instructions - or if someone else has the set and a scanner maybe we can work something out.

edit -- Called Lego and they were nice enough to not only mail me new instructions but sent me a .PDF file of the instructions by email as well.

[Chubby]

I picked up The Padawan Adevntures bluray/dvd. Had a young Han Solo minifig

[Peregrine]

Just ordered the first three of the Star Wars Planet Set - really lke the idea of over time being able to build up a mini galaxy of important Star Wars planet, as well as small relevant vehicles.

Also recently bought the 9491 Geonosian Cannon Star Wars set - very, very cool.

[ColtCrazy]

Managed to walk into a Target that had a fresh box of Series 7 figs. Found 2 Aztec Warriors, 2 more Black Knights (might find a use for them with the LOTR sets), and Red Riding Hood.

Later, we went grocery shopping at Meijer and they had all the LOTR sets. They looked awesome. I couldn't spend a lot, but I got the set with Gandalf's firework cart. Very cool set and the Gandalf figure is amazing. My goal is still to get one of each set, and 2-3 of the Uruk-Hai army set since it attaches to Helm's Deep and gives me a much bigger army.

[Chubby]

damn Targets near me are out of Marvel minifigs grrrrr just as my son is getting into them!

[sterlingice]

Where I will be going in 2 weeks:

Brick Fiesta | A celebration of LEGO in Texas (http://www.brickfiesta.com/)

SI

[Grover]

The Brick Testament (http://www.thebricktestament.com/home.html)

[sterlingice]

Question for those with the Lego Lord of the Rings sets: how playable are they?

I picked up Attack on Weathertop and was a bit disappointed. It's kindof small, it's not very playable, and really only worth it for the minifigs and that it only cost me $40 because of a BarnesandNoble.com sale (long story to that one, tho- it cost me a lot of time because they shipped it to my Indy address despite me putting in my new Houston address; So, ColtsCrazy, there's probably a Lego set sitting outside my old address for the past month if no one has picked it up ;)).

I'm looking to get all of the Fellowship minifigs but I'm not sure I want to shell out the rest of the cash to do it. You pretty much have to get Mines of Moria ($80) for Gimli, Legolas, Boromir, and Pippin. Frankly, I'm resisting here since I just don't think the set it worth it. Tho if someone has the set and can speak to it, maybe I'm being unduly harsh.

Gandalf comes in the cheapy $12 set so that's no big deal or some of the future Hobbit sets (http://lego.wikia.com/wiki/79003_An_Unexpected_Gathering).

Then we get to Shelob Attacks. Peregrine did a nice little writeup above but I'm torn on it. Sure, it's "only" $20 but I'm probably already going to be sinking a lot of cash into this so is it worth that price? It's the only place to get Sam and Gollum.

I'm starting to think maybe the best way to get the most playable LotR fellowship is to go for Helm's Deep (Aragorn, Gimli), Shelob (Sam, Frodo), Gandalf Arrives (Gandalf, another Frodo), and suck it up on ebay for Legolas ($20), Pippin ($10), Merry ($10), and Boromir ($10). Heck, I dunno. They aren't making it easy this time out. If there were a Hobbit set with Sam, Pippin, Merry, and Frodo out there- it would uncomplicate matters. And some fighting scene with Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli. But that's likely not going to happen as Lego does a pretty good job of spacing out the sets so you can't get all the major characters on the cheap.

The closest I can come up with on that end was the Avengers set I described above:
30163 ($5): Thor (no helmet, tho)
6865 ($12): Captain America
6867 ($20): Loki, Hawkeye, Iron Man
5000022 (Free with purchase in May): Mini-Hulk (but it's only Mini-hulk)
Missing: Black Widow (only in 6869)

SI

[Chubby]

Just grabbed 6865 for my son!

[Grover]

Now that I have an income again, I was looking forward to being able to complete my Kingdoms sets before pick-a-bricking to build some walls, a moat, etc.

I was disappointed to see the Lego website only has the Joust available for sale.

I currently have...

30062 which was a special for spending over X amount on the website. Just an archer with a target.

7950, 7949, 7188, 7187, 6918, 7948, 7947, 7946.

By my count, I'm missing two sets.

Medieval Market Village, The Joust, both of which are at Brickset.com. Phenomenal.

[sterlingice]

Just grabbed 6865 for my son!

With last week's TRU sales, I grabbed 6865 and 6867 (not for my son)

SI

[sterlingice]

Now that I have an income again, I was looking forward to being able to complete my Kingdoms sets before pick-a-bricking to build some walls, a moat, etc.

I was disappointed to see the Lego website only has the Joust available for sale.

I currently have...

30062 which was a special for spending over X amount on the website. Just an archer with a target.

7950, 7949, 7188, 7187, 6918, 7948, 7947, 7946.

By my count, I'm missing two sets.

Medieval Market Village, The Joust, both of which are at Brickset.com. Phenomenal.

Have you seen that Lego Kingdoms is the chess set for this year: 853373?
LEGO® Kingdoms Chess Set* | LEGO Shop (http://shop.lego.com/en-US/LEGO-Kingdoms-Chess-Set-853373)

28 minifigs for $50 :)

SI

[Grover]

The Chess set is worth the price just for the king and queen for the 'black' side.

[sterlingice]

WalMart has been clearing out a ton of Lego over the last week. Here's what I posted to another board talking about what I found:

They still had the following large sets on clearance for 30% off
*Helms Deep
*Quinjet Aerial Battle
*the big Star Wars Pod Racing one (7962)
*the rocket launchpad city one (3368)
*Black Pearl marked clearance but didn't see any in stock (what I really wanted)

A lot of Cars, smaller PotC, quite a few Star Wars, Alien Conquest at 30% off

But they seem to be arbitrary:
*Helms Deep clearanced but not Moria or any of the other LotR
*Loki's Cube Escape on clearance (out of stock) but not any of the others from that time like Captain America's cycle, the one with Wolverine, etc
*Some older stuff not on clearance (Atlantis, Series 1 Star Wars planets, Harry Potter, etc)
*No Friends or Dino on clearance but other stores have been reporting big sales on each of those

And, laughably, a bunch of copies of Star Wars Advent Calendar for 2011 at $30-something :D

I picked up the Log Cabin (http://www.brickset.com/detail/?set=5766-1) because I've been wanting that one for a while and at $21, hard to pass up

SI

[Grover]

Bought the log cabin last year. Great set.

[sterlingice]

Bought the log cabin last year. Great set.

I love it- it's a nice building set and isn't licensed so it doesn't come at a premium. There seem to be a couple of other ones that are fun like the Hillside House, Seaside House, Apple Tree House, Beach House, and Lighthouse.

The modulars are neat but so darn expensive. These seem like simpler and larger modulars.

SI

[sterlingice]

Toys N Bricks | LEGO News Site | Sales, Deals, Reviews, MOCs, Blog, New Sets and More! (http://toysnbricks.com/lego-star-wars-2013-sets/)

My Battle Pack thoughts (I posted to Toysnbricks, too) since I have them all and will get whatever the next set is they put out:

"The ones I care most about are the battle packs. The Endor one this year was great, the Mandalorians were excellent last year, etc- so it's not like they're going downhill. But I'm a bit disappointed in "Clone Troopers vs Droidekas".

I always get a little nervous when there are robots. Are we going to get 2 robots as subs for 2 minifigs? The 7 droid battle pack almost made it worth its while due to quantity but "Clone Troopers vs Droidekas"? Give me nameless faceless Jedi as a premium if you're going to stiff me with 2 robots. Battle packs are supposed to be army builders much moreso than playsets.

Also, we've already done Clone Troopers 4 times before. If you really want to bludgeon us with something, keep hitting with Stormtroopers so those prices can come down some more. Or maybe Rebel Pilots (the orange guys)- they had one in one set. It would be nice to have more. We've never seen an Imperial Officer set: not necessarily Tarkin or Veers or someone like that but some generic officers to man a generic Star Destroyer.

Why not try some other races? Ewoks? Wookies? Even Gungans?

For the robots thing mentioned above, the only exception to this I can think of is if there would be an Astromech one. There are quite a few in larger sets so there's not really a need but I'd be ok with a "Battle" Pack provided there were 6 not 4 (or maybe a couple of protocol droids for good measure). And I'm not sure what the playset would be.

And, finally, if we're talking Premium battle packs that we'll never see (because if you're going to do this, you make a whole set around it): Go for bounty hunter races or the Red Guard or The Modal Nodes."

SI

[Grover]

Haunted House* | LEGO Shop (http://shop.lego.com/en-US/Haunted-House-10228?icmp=SHHomeMain_10228)

This is seriously awesome.

[stevew]

I saw those monsters sets the other day and wished I was a kid.

[sterlingice]

That's a really awesome modular.

BTW, if you're looking to score some glow in the dark ghosts on the cheap, Target is supposed to be carrying polybags of 30201 for $3.99. They're starting to show up according to stock listings online and reports on boards.

SI

[Grover]

That's a really awesome modular.

BTW, if you're looking to score some glow in the dark ghosts on the cheap, Target is supposed to be carrying polybags of 30201 for $3.99. They're starting to show up according to stock listings online and reports on boards.

SI

Very nice.

Not gonna get into the monster sets.

Need to finish Kingdoms first.

[Grover]

Bought the Gandalf Arrives 9469 set today on a whim. I like it quite a bit. I could see myself mixing the LOTR sets with the Kingdom sets in one giant medieval amalgamation of Lego greatness.

[sterlingice]

I picked up 4 of the ghosts this past week at a local Target. They're in the seasonal section with the candy, typically on an endcap- not in toys. I put one together and I like the little clock that comes with it and the ghosts are top notch glow in the dark if you let them get some light for about an hour. They're $3.99 apiece which is a good deal when you consider the ghosts from about 10 years ago go for $10+ and the only set you can get the current ones in is the big ghost train set for $80, the (admittedly awesome) $180 modular-style Haunted House, or the $15 Halloween accessory set with 1 ghost, 1 witch, and 1 zombie.

SI

[DaddyTorgo]

In 7th grade my best friend and I covered his living room with a Lego Star-Trek universe (including a Lego Quark's Bar, Lego Enterprise, etc) and used to play with it everyday, having all the little Lego characters be different people on the show and with ongoing storylines and stuff.

Sadly I don't think that any pictures survive.

[Grover]

I love the modular sets. I have the Green Grocer... wish I could afford the rest.

[sterlingice]

I have 0 modular sets because they're just so darned expensive.

Also, the Lego kingdoms chess set is no longer available online. I was waiting for a chance to go to up to the Woodlands with my parents (for other stuff, but there's a Lego store there). However, I might have waited too long. That would be a big bummer :(

SI

[Grover]

I have 0 modular sets because they're just so darned expensive.

Also, the Lego kingdoms chess set is no longer available online. I was waiting for a chance to go to up to the Woodlands with my parents (for other stuff, but there's a Lego store there). However, I might have waited too long. That would be a big bummer :(

SI

Dammit! I wanted it just to add the minifigs to my collection. I'd better get the Joust and Market Village quick.

[sterlingice]

Dammit! I wanted it just to add the minifigs to my collection. I'd better get the Joust and Market Village quick.

Good news: the chess set was still available at my Lego store and they had about 5 copies there. I would recommend jumping on this one pretty quick if you haven't already. I put it together last night and it was excellent! The value is amazing: 28 figures for $50 and they're all quite detailed, even the pawns. I dare say this is the best army builder I've ever seen (or at least a tie for when I ran across Meijer clearing out series 5 for 75c each and I picked up like 30 figures)

SI

[sterlingice]

Couple of thoughts:

1) Rumor that TRU will have their "annual" B2G1 free sale starting next week or the week after to clear out some space ahead of Christmas. We'll see if they have the usual restrictions that make this crappy along with the 5-10% markups we're used to from TRU.

2) Anyone bought any of the Star Wars planet sets? I'm on the fence: I like cheapy little sets like that where it seems like decent value for a few bricks and a minifig but these seem awfully high for the number of pieces (~70ish), 1 planet (neat!), and a meh figure (Lobot cool, Sebulba boring, all others generic). They've already made 6 and are looking to make 6 more next year. They look like good displays and are $7.69 each this week for series 1 at TRU.

SI

[gstelmack]

1) Rumor that TRU will have their "annual" B2G1 free sale starting next week or the week after to clear out some space ahead of Christmas. We'll see if they have the usual restrictions that make this crappy along with the 5-10% markups we're used to from TRU.

A few weeks ago TRU had a "buy 1 get 1 40% off" on Skylanders sets. However, they were charging $25 for a set of 3 figures, so the second set cost $15, or $40 for two sets. With Target's regular price of $20 for a set of 3, the TRU promotion was the exact same price as Target's regular price. I loved that.

[Ksyrup]

This week I saw 30% off of Star Wars sets.

Is the Jabba the Hutt set really $120 as I saw at Target (or Meijer, can't remember) last week? Yeesh.

I do like taking advantage of the B2G1 free sale for my daughter, even if it doesn't include SW and is a bit of a mark-up. Still a pretty good deal, I think, assuming you get stuff you want and aren't just buying because it's a sale. My daughter isn't as picky as you guys.

[terpkristin]

How to build your own Lego Curiosity Rover. How to Build Your Own LEGO Mars Curiosity Rover | Mars Science Laboratory | Space.com (http://www.space.com/17058-mars-rover-curiosity-lego-instructions.html)

I downloaded the directions to PDF. I actually meant to buy pieces this past weekend but didn't get to it..maybe this upcoming weekend.../

/tk

[sterlingice]

Target had the Black Pearl for $75 and I caved :(

Will be fun to build tomorrow

SI

[sterlingice]

LEGO® CUUSOO Blog - The latest from the LEGO CUUSOO project team at the LEGO Group. We write about the latest happenings in the LEGO CUUSOO community, tips, and products. (http://legocuusoo.posterous.com/)

CUUSOO approved a Back to the Future set for next year! I'm there.

I'm a little disappointed the Western Modular did not make it. I'm not a modulars guy as they are just too expensive but it was an amazing set. If it had been up for review last year, I bet it would have passed. However, I think it conflicted with the Lone Ranger set, which is a bummer. I wish they moved it to a different window like 2014 or 2015 rather than killing it off.

SI

[Racer]

Haven't bought any legos since I was probably 13 or 14 but I have some of my old castle sets displayed in my apartment and decided to get some new ones with some of the local post Christmas closeout sales.

Quinjet 6869 - $49 (Walmart)
Wolverine Chopper Showdown 6866 - $15 (Meijer)
Captain America's Avenging Cycle 6865 - $13

I'd love to buy the Death Star but $360 is so much money to spend on a super kick ass display item.

[pbot]

Hit the Lego store today for my son's birthday. He picked out two Ninjago sets. Was hoping to grab the Space Shuttle Expedition/Adventure set that I saw there last year but I guess it is out of stock, or perhaps discontinued?

[Peregrine]

Not sure how familiar you are with Lego pbot, but generally the way they do it is they have certain sets they release each year, and then the next year they release a whole new bunch of sets for each theme. The Lego store in particular will almost never have old sets (at least from what I have seen) but sometimes you can find them at toy stores, big box places like Walmart/Target, etc.

You can find a lot of the older sets on Amazon, or Ebay also - if you can find out the four digit set # it will make your search a lot easier - I go to www.brickset.com, it has all the numbers.

[pbot]

Thanks Peregrine. I the Lego website has it listed as sold out, but one of the brick sites linked in the thread showed it as discontinued last night so not sure if it'll come back in stock or not. It was on the Lego website until about a week or so before Christmas and I almost bought it.

Looks like I can purchase the set I'm after through the secondary market. The prices on Amazon/ebay are ridiculous, I found several on bricklink for a somewhat lower premium.

Since we bought enough Ninjago yesterday we got a free Legend of Chima small set - Ewars Acro Fighter. It is kind of cool. I like the animal minifigs.

[Chubby]

has anyone else run into this:

bought TMNT 79101 Shredder's Bike

1st thing was all the bags were opened but very few pieces fell out.

2nd thing was we are def missing at least 1 bag as there's no minifigs and only 124 pieces out of 198 we're supposed to have.

box was factory sealed.

[Chubby]

we figured out the box was tampered with (after checking the tape while on the phone with lego)

lego is sending us a brand new set and we are taking the box back to target

[Chubby]

so we take the tampered set back to Target, get a gift card which was fine so we can pick out a different set. we go for a bigger TMNT set and I figure we better check the tape on this one before buying it and SURE ENOUGH it was tampered with too.

I took the tampered set up to CS and alerted them then talked to the LP guy. We bought a different bigger set and opened it in front of them to make sure the bags were sealed which they were. They opened the other set I brought up that I thought was tampered with and sure enough the bags were opened and missing minifigs.

so in 3-8 business days we'll have all the turtle minifigs once we get our set from lego in the mail. moral = always check the boxes before leaving the store since next time lego and the retailer might not be awesome like they were this time.

[stevew]

Wow, that's dirty. People love to steal from Target. We lost so many dvd/cd when i worked in the music department. The thieving pieces of shit realized that you can't just take the entire box out, but rather stealing the disc itself is the way to go. Almost makes you wonder why they even bother with the magnetic things/gates. Glad they were able to refund it for you, that would suck if you got stuck with it.

[stevew]

My daughter is really into the Legos for girls. We also got some monster hunter sets. I heard something about MegaBlox signing a deal with Barbie, that could be huge for growing a segment of the market normally ignored(girls).

As I was typing this, I typed legos girls set, and then was horrified by the idea of a Hannah/Adam lego minifig. Perhaps they'd make a Shoshanna Does Crack action set.

[SackAttack]

Bought 9492 (TIE Fighter) and 9493 (X-Wing) with some Christmas money last month. The X-Wing was missing two random bricks (bags had been sealed).

LEGO sent the replacements while I was in California, and I finished the build last night after getting home.

The X-Wing is kind of a pain in the ass to build, but looks awesome.

[Peregrine]

Chubby, the thieving you wrote about is one reason I try not to buy lego pieces (like individual minifigs) on Ebay - a lot of that stuff has been stolen.

[spleen1015]

LEGO Ghostbusters Headquarters by Orion Pax | HiConsumption (http://hiconsumption.com/2013/02/lego-ghostbusters-headquarters-by-orion-pax/)

This is awesome.

[spleen1015]

More awesomeness.

1,200 Minifigure LEGO Office Wall by Acrylicize | HiConsumption (http://hiconsumption.com/2013/02/1200-minifigure-lego-wall-in-qubic-tax-office/)

[Fidatelo]

My oldest son turned 4 on Valentine's Day and got a bunch of cool Ninjago sets that I got to help him build. I love this stuff, I hope he never gets tired of Lego.

[Easy Mac]

My 3.5 year old daughter adores legos. She has all but 1 of the princess lego sets. She hasn't moved up to small legos yet, she just doesn't have the patience for it (neither do I). In the last month or so she's taken a huge step in being able to follow the directions and figuring out brick locations based on the overall picture.

[Racer]

Bought the Lego Death Star off amazon.com Signed up for the amazon.com credit card so I got it for $358 - $50 = $308. Wonder if "Wanna see my Lego Death Star" would be a good pickup line with girls. ;) Based on my current building progression, I think it's going to take 24+ hours to build. The box is divided into four sub boxes. The bags in the first box have numbers are labeled with numbers so that is good.

[SackAttack]

The Lego Death Star is on my bucket list.

I picked up a few general construction sets and an A-Wing Starfighter at Target the other day when they matched TRU's Buy 1, Get 1 50% off sale for me.

[Kodos]

Unfortunately, my son only really plays with the minifigures. No point in building them for him, he just destroys the ships within an hour.

[Chubby]

Unfortunately, my son only really plays with the minifigures. No point in building them for him, he just destroys the ships within an hour.

same here but he still loves building them

[pbot]

Looks like I can purchase the set I'm after through the secondary market. The prices on Amazon/ebay are ridiculous, I found several on bricklink for a somewhat lower premium.

Found an allegedly "new" set on bricklink for just $25 more than it would've cost to purchase from Lego before it went out of stock. Payment sent, and have received shipping confirmation so I'll be curious to see what shows up on my doorstep in 4-10 days.

[pbot]

So the space shuttle set (#10231) showed up this weekend, and does appear to be a brand new set. It's the most detailed set I've ever attempted and should be pretty cool when finished, my daughter and I are roughly 30% through it so far. Took us about 30 minutes to sort and segregate all the pieces by color when we first opened the box.

Of course on the back of one of the instruction books is a picture of #10210 (Imperial Pirate Ship). Oh, my!

[sterlingice]

So this little guy was announced today for $200:
http://www.brickset.com/detail/?Set=10237-1

http://www.1000steine.com/brickset/images/10237-1.jpg

SI

[SackAttack]

Want.

[SackAttack]

Found the Shelob Attacks LOTR set on clearance for $10 at Target a week or two ago. Found Attack on Weathertop on clearance for $40 today. My addiction to little plastic bricks knows no bounds.

[PurdueBrad]

I'm super-excited that my four year old has just decided to get into Legos. We bought the basic 6166 set for him. I have to admit that I'm amazed how expensive Legos seem so I'm combing through the E-bay listings to see what I can get for a reasonable price.

To demonstrate my hypocrisy, I have 13 of the various Star Wars sets for him saved up in my closet that I bought prior to his birth and, for some reason, as that point the money didn't bug me so much.

[SackAttack]

I'm super-excited that my four year old has just decided to get into Legos. We bought the basic 6166 set for him. I have to admit that I'm amazed how expensive Legos seem so I'm combing through the E-bay listings to see what I can get for a reasonable price.

To demonstrate my hypocrisy, I have 13 of the various Star Wars sets for him saved up in my closet that I bought prior to his birth and, for some reason, as that point the money didn't bug me so much.

Yeah, you're going to want to stay away from eBay unless you have to have whatever it is you're looking for. You're not going to find 'deals' there very often. Either the minifigs will have been stripped, or folks will wait until the sets have been discontinued and then sell them at collector prices, or they'll just mark them up in general.

I get most of my Legos at Target or Walmart, and I try to wait for sales (either the kind I can pricematch or sales from those specific retailers) to do it.

My last 3 set buys have been clearanced, which saved some money. Walmart had the 9499 Gungan Sub for $48 (down from $70), Target had, as I said earlier, Shelob Attacks for $10 and Attack on Weathertop for $40 at two separate stores on clearance in the last couple weeks (normally $20 and $60). So, y'know, $52 saved between the three, it's almost like getting Weathertop free :-D

[Comey]

I have the 1960s Batman and Robin set that I have to put together. I really want to put together a baseball stadium, or basketball court. That would be sweet.

[PurdueBrad]

Thanks for the tip SackAttack, it had been driving me nuts on Ebay. I'll check the mainstream stores.

[SackAttack]

Yeah, the baseball player 'fielder' minifig in the series 10 collection and the 'batter' from series 3 have me seriously wanting to do a Lego stadium somehow.

[SackAttack]

Thanks for the tip SackAttack, it had been driving me nuts on Ebay. I'll check the mainstream stores.

No problem. FYI, Amazon's the same way if you order the sets from the marketplace sellers. If you look at Amazon, you can still get good deals, but you gotta make sure you're buying the set FROM Amazon.

Even the warehouse deals legos are at aftermarket prices.

Toys 'R Us is going to be overpriced, but they'll occasionally do Lego sales and you may be able to get other retailers to match their sales (I've had luck with Target). ShopKo here in Wisconsin is also over MSRP, but not quite to Toys 'R Us levels.

Target and Walmart have been, as I said, closer to what Lego themselves charge.

Last time I was in Goodwill, they had a big ol' package of bricks for $10, but it looked like a mix between Lego and knockoff, so I passed.

Craigslist is worth looking at, but a lot of the Lego sellers there seem to be looking for collector prices also.

[sterlingice]

Thanks for the tip SackAttack, it had been driving me nuts on Ebay. I'll check the mainstream stores.

Brickset (http://www.brickset.com) is certainly a better site for news and Bricklink (http://www.bricklink.com) is a good way to totally blow money on old sets or individual pieces but I've found the following ToysnBricks (http://www.toysnbricks.com) to be the best spot for sales and deals. The forums are pretty well organized and the front page does a good job of emphasizing sales.

SI

[sterlingice]

I've spent a bit too much since getting back from Russia. Picked up 4 large vintage space sets for $40-$50 each (2 in hand, 2 still incoming):
http://www.brickset.com/detail/?set=6979-1
http://www.brickset.com/detail/?Set=6973-1
http://www.brickset.com/detail/?Set=6959-1
http://www.brickset.com/detail/?Set=6983-1

SI

[sterlingice]

The Lego Back to the Future set came out on the 1st and was instantly gone from Lego Shop @ Home. Good luck finding it in stores: the two in Houston sold out the day it came out and were told they won't get a new shipment in until the end of the month.

I ordered off of Amazon as they had it in stock for about a day but it's sold out again (tho scalpers are perfectly willing to mark it up to $50+). Also, Toys R Us has it listed on their site for $45, as opposed to the MSRP of $35.

But, as of yesterday, Lego Shop @ Home had it back in stock:
http://shop.lego.com/en-US/The-DeLorean-time-machine-21103?fromListing=listing

As does TRU, tho at the markup:
LEGO Cuusoo Back to the Future 21103 - LEGO - Toys "R" Us (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=23263666)

So, I expect this to be like Lego Cuusoo Minecraft: periods of hard to get and scalping before it appears everywhere until retired (seriously, my local Barnes and Noble had like 10 copies for a couple of months and they don't seem to have anything but Lego Architecture).

SI

[terpkristin]

Crap, I hadn't realized it had been released!

/tk

[terpkristin]

And now I've ordered it. And signed up for Lego emails.

/tk

[SackAttack]

Yeah, neither had I. SI told me yesterday, but by the time I was ready to whip out the wallet, Amazon was sold out. I don't really care to pay $7 in shipping at lego.com; for that price I almost might as well pay the extra $3 from TRU and get the extra Lego set they're including.

I'm gonna wait for either Target to get off their ass or Amazon to get it back in.

[SackAttack]

Amazon had it back in stock! Yay!

[sterlingice]

Big fan of the Back to the Future set. There are some really nice touches like the license plates, flux capacitor, and minifigs. The doors are kindof meh as is the windshield design. But, all in all, totally worth it.

SI

[Grover]

Official Ghostbusters LEGO Was Worth Waiting 30 Years (http://kotaku.com/official-ghostbusters-lego-was-worth-waiting-30-years-1524057249?utm_campaign=Socialflow_Kotaku_Facebook&utm_source=Kotaku_Facebook&utm_medium=Socialflow)

This is one of the finest looking sets I have ever seen!

[sterlingice]

I'm a little iffy on the price at $50 but I'll probably pick it up since it looks nice.

SI

[ColtCrazy]

I've been into board games so much lately that I'm behind on my lego collection. 2013 was basically keeping up with the Hobbit stuff and getting a few knights sets. I love that Ghostbuster one. My want list is currently the Pet Shop and Parisian restaurant.

[Grover]

https://scontent-1.2914.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t31.0-8/10264264_566710586783960_5309526877134467394_o.jpg

Was in Target earlier and saw these were out. Picked up these five. I'm pretty happy with the way they've come out.

[bob]

The Simpsons ones are nice, but $3.99 instead of 2.99 as in the past. i know licensing and all, but I'm guessing the $3.99 price sticks from now on for the blind bag minifigures.

[Racer]

They're technically aren't Legos, but I've gotten into collecting the G.I. Joe Kreo line. Most of the figures look like they did in the old cartoon.

[SackAttack]

I'm jealous that you got Homer and Bart, Grover. Those are the two I'm looking for.

I currently have Grandpa Simpson, Maggie, Ned and Krusty.

[Grover]

I'm jealous that you got Homer and Bart, Grover. Those are the two I'm looking for.

I currently have Grandpa Simpson, Maggie, Ned and Krusty.

Was kind of hoping Bart had an actual slingshot (not one painted to his back pocket), and I was trying to think of some better items for Homer. All in all, I'm very pleased with the minifigs.

[sterlingice]

The Simpsons ones are nice, but $3.99 instead of 2.99 as in the past. i know licensing and all, but I'm guessing the $3.99 price sticks from now on for the blind bag minifigures.

They all have uniquely molded heads but the 3.99 price is a bit to stomach. And if it's the future CMF price, I'll cut back accordingly in future series.

That said, I picked up 14 of 16 this weekend. I'm missing Milhouse and Ralph. I meant to get one but I couldn't figure out which was which by feeling them since they're basically identical (both have 2x2 plates for accessory and the only difference is the slightly different head)

SI

[bob]

If this site is to be believed, the mini-figure price is 3.99 now:

LEGO Collectible Minifigures Series 12 (71007) Minifigure List*|*The Brick Fan (http://www.thebrickfan.com/lego-collectible-minifigures-series-12-71007-minifigure-list/)

Series 12 in October.

[sterlingice]

If this site is to be believed, the mini-figure price is 3.99 now:

LEGO Collectible Minifigures Series 12 (71007) Minifigure List*|*The Brick Fan (http://www.thebrickfan.com/lego-collectible-minifigures-series-12-71007-minifigure-list/)

Series 12 in October.

Set list is pretty good but the rumors about $3.99 turn out to be truth, unfortunately.

SI

[Kodos]

Aliens - an album on Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/76272331@N05/sets/72157634379969998/)

[sterlingice]

For the record, both Benny's Spaceship, Spaceship, SPACESHIP (http://brickset.com/sets/70816-1)! and the Ghostbusters set (http://brickset.com/sets/21108-1/Ghostbusters-Ecto-1) both came out this month and are now on my "to buy" list the first time I see anything remotely resembling a sale for them. Also the Trevi Fountain (http://brickset.com/sets/21020-1/Trevi-Fountain) is a maybe. I thought I wasn't going to buy much this year, except the Simpsons minifigs as not many other sets have much that appeals to me.

SI

[Kodos]

Amazon.com: LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Collector's Millennium Falcon: Toys & Games (http://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Ultimate-Collectors-Millennium-Falcon/dp/B000WLW3W0/ref=pd_tcs_subst_t_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1JAYVSJ0XVDC9ASNKYJR)

Anybody have this bad boy? :)

[SackAttack]

There's a version Wal-Mart sells I'd get if I had the extra scratch. The Ghostbusters set is also on my 'get it' list once I'm employed.

[QuikSand]

So, I'm a Lego guy (duh) and my girls are getting into them now. I am now into the white architecture pieces, as I've always been more interested on free form building than "sets." Prices are silly on the surface, but the quality is so uniformly high I don't mind a ton. My 8yo is getting into the architecture stuff now too.

[sterlingice]

So, I'm a Lego guy (duh) and my girls are getting into them now. I am now into the white architecture pieces, as I've always been more interested on free form building than "sets." Prices are silly on the surface, but the quality is so uniformly high I don't mind a ton. My 8yo is getting into the architecture stuff now too.

Have you picked up the Trevi Fountain one yet? I was considering that one but not quite enough to pull the trigger unless I see it on sale.

Also, for next month, I'm getting Benny's Spaceship, Spaceship, SPACESHIP! (http://brickset.com/sets/70816-1/Benny-s-Spaceship-Spaceship-SPACESHIP!) when the calendar turns September 1 because it will also come with a free white space man figure.

SI

[QuikSand]

We have done the White House (confirming daughter's interest) and Fallingwater. We liked doing both, but I'm really not a "kit" guy, so I held out for the Architecture Studio, and am now supplementing with add-ons purchased bulk or on ebay. Daughter is sort of on the fence between following the instructions and just making stuff up - about the best I could hope for at 8yo, and with her early introduction all being step-by-step kits.

[gstelmack]

My 9yo son likes the kits, but has also discovered Lego stop-motion movie making, and makes his own stuff for that.

[bob]

The latest set of Lego minifigures have started leaking out to stores. Lego is charging $3.99 each, but I picked up two today at Target for $2.99 each.

[gstelmack]

Just finished the Sopwith Camel - that one was a lot of fun.

[corbes]

Our four-year-old girl is ready for a Christmas present that consists of her first lego-table set. She already plays with *my* old legos at grandma's house. She tends to play with them in a dollhouse manner, so town- or city-style legos are the most appropriate. I've been looking at ebay for bulk lego sets. Any recommendations on the best way to acquire mass town or city-style legos via ebay or craigslist?

[Neuqua]

Just curious, for those with a bigger collection, where do you keep them all?

Enjoyed time with my nephew over the weekend but when I got to thinking about looking for other sets, I wasn't sure where I would even put the finished pieces.

[Fidatelo]

My parents bought my kids a bunch of Mixels for Christmas. I had seen them in the stores before and not thought much of them, but they were a big hit! The kids (5 and 4 years old) could each build them mostly without help, which was a first for them outside of the advent calendar builds. And one little package would keep them busy for at least 30 minutes building, which was fun too. Plus they come in little 'sets' of three that let you then build a bigger Mixel guy out of all the pieces of his set, so after building the smaller ones then they wanted to tear them apart and build the bigger guy (they needed help for the bigger ones, especially because the instructions are not included you need to download them). Then tear the big guy apart to rebuild the little guys.

And then they started making their own Mixels, just using different parts to make their own little robot-y creations. This is not something they've ever done before with anything outside of 'standard' Lego bricks (for example they have never tried to take a Ninjago model and make something different from it).

[ColtCrazy]

I ended up selling my entire collection over the summer. Somewhat for space issues and somewhat for choosing a hobby between board games (which also take up space) and Legos.

Miss building them, so my wife surprised me with a subscription to pley which is like Netflix for Legos. There's a wonderful list of big Legos to build (the Falcon, buildings, etc) so we'll see if it's worth it. There is the option to buy if you like which I won't do except for maybe the Sopwith Camel since it'll be a neat display for my war game room (and the Camel is now sold out at Lego.com).

[Eaglesfan27]

My 6 year old got a Princess Castle Set for Christmas. Putting it together with her (she did most of it and only needed help 1 or 2 times) was incredibly fun and we are going to buy a lot more legos in the near future.

[henry296]

You may want to look into Lego friends. Our seven and five year old girls really like them.

[PilotMan]

The kids were able to get Lord Business's Evil Lair yesterday for half price (34.99). An awesome deal and a very cool set if you liked the movie. It has all the main minifigs.

[Kodos]

My daughter and I put together her Rapunzel castle after Christmas. It was fun. Wish my son was into building Legos, and not just playing with the characters.

[Grover]

Dr. Who and Wall-E sets coming later this year.

[Fidatelo]

My daughter and I put together her Rapunzel castle after Christmas. It was fun. Wish my son was into building Legos, and not just playing with the characters.

How old is he? My kids, especially the oldest who is turning 6 next weekend (younger is 4.5), were all about the mini-figs for a couple of years but in the last few months they've suddenly become much more interested in the building component. You might just need to give him time.

[Kodos]

He's going to be 10 next month. Building just isn't his thing. When we play Minecraft, my daughter and I build stuff, and he finds guys to fight.

[PilotMan]

So I'm seriously considering buying Architecture Studio for my middle son (almost 13). It's seriously expensive, but it's a field of study that he is very interested in, that being Arch/Engineering. I'm wondering if anyone else has this and what their thoughts on it might be? This would be his first foray into the Arch Series, but like I said, it is something that he has expressed interest in, in the past.

[timmae]

So I'm seriously considering buying Architecture Studio for my middle son (almost 13). It's seriously expensive, but it's a field of study that he is very interested in, that being Arch/Engineering. I'm wondering if anyone else has this and what their thoughts on it might be? This would be his first foray into the Arch Series, but like I said, it is something that he has expressed interest in, in the past.

I'd go for it... I'd have been totally into this if they had it when I was growing up. I was into creative building with legos, then sketching and drawing so I'd say this could be a greta stepping stone to the design profession. Very cool set (I have most of them , along with the design series, and I'm a 40 year old architect!10 year old kid at heart I guess..).

[Grover]

So they have released new Pirates sets.

The bane of my Lego existence. I will have pictures of 4/5 sets (minus the ship for now) a bit later.

Damn you, Lego.

Also working to find my 2009 series Pirates sets. I had all of those except for the Imperial Ship.

[terpkristin]

I've completed a few sets lately.

One is the Orbital ATK Cygnus cargo ship: terpkristin on Twitter: "I finished Cygnus! #photo365 http://t.co/v2hG95TJJG" (https://twitter.com/terpkristin/status/579073539459813377) The kit is actually put together and sold as a kit by a coworker of mine. I had a lot of fun building it. He also sells a kit for a communications satellite that I want to get and put together (and update for our latest product line...:)).

I also did the Delorean: terpkristin on Twitter: "Had fun with the Back to the Future Lego set but couldn’t swap the plates. #photo365 http://t.co/emGjIyfQPB" (https://twitter.com/terpkristin/status/574013314226909184) This was a fun kit and had 2 sets of wheels and 2 license plates for the now/future versions of the car. :)

I did the Curiosity Rover: terpkristin on Twitter: "Hey look, I made a @SarcasticRover! #photo365 http://t.co/BhtPlgWeBF" (https://twitter.com/terpkristin/status/571721185941184513) Love this little robot.

And, for what it stands for, I ADORE the Lego Research Institute Set: terpkristin on Twitter: "Final model in the Research Institute set. #photo365 Women doing science!! Women in astronomy! http://t.co/qvGOinXHnf" (https://twitter.com/terpkristin/status/566059256324292608) and terpkristin on Twitter: "LOVED this part of the Research Ideas set. The dinosaur was a lot of fun. #photo365 Women doing SCIENCE! http://t.co/0SUWAIX8vs" (https://twitter.com/terpkristin/status/565671242066571265) and terpkristin on Twitter: "Lego Research Institute part 1. #photo365 Women do SCIENCE! http://t.co/xdgmRDeVRj" (https://twitter.com/terpkristin/status/564957493609365504)

/tk

[Racer]

I've really been getting into minifigure collecting the last several months. This thread got me interested in collecting Legos so I figured I'd post a few photos here even though not everything I have is actually Lego.

Uploaded all of them to a flickr account in case anyone is interested in checking out all the photos of the display cases I currently have:

hxxps://www.flickr.com/photos/134075262@N06/sets/72157655560542080

5725

5726

5727

5728

[murrayyyyy]

I've really been getting into minifigure collecting the last several months. This thread got me interested in collecting Legos so I figured I'd post a few photos here even though not everything I have is actually Lego.

So now you just have to knock out NHL, MLS (released at the end of this month in player versions), mascots, hall of famers, minor leaguers and a few colleges. So glad they don't do Vandy so I don't have to do this with the SEC.

Also wish they would get agreement with NBA settled (fighting over hair pieces) so we completed the set with C3 for NBA and the 8 million WWE guys my kid has.

[Racer]

So now you just have to knock out NHL, MLS (released at the end of this month in player versions), mascots, hall of famers, minor leaguers and a few colleges. So glad they don't do Vandy so I don't have to do this with the SEC.

Also wish they would get agreement with NBA settled (fighting over hair pieces) so we completed the set with C3 for NBA and the 8 million WWE guys my kid has.

That's be a lot of display cases. :) I'd be tempted to do one for college if they made Indiana (favorite team from a major conference), Ball State (alumni), and Andrew Luck in a Stanford uniform (Indianapolis Colts fan).

I think I would probably end up doing this for NBA if OYO ever makes NBA players. Not really a fan of C3s or Megablocks minifigure designs unfortunately. I grew up with Legos and their figure designs are just to different then Lego so they don't have that nostalgic feel to them that makes me want to collect them.

[QuikSand]

Sorry if this has been brought up before (I'm a Lego fan, but not really in synch with very much of this thread)...

Everblock Systems (http://www.everblocksystems.com/)

I just got a promo email from them today, had not heard of the product. Expensive ($*+ for full-size blocks) but a fascinating, if obvious, idea.

[Grover]

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/12063630_852139928241023_1589461667842103657_n.jpg?oh=982190e6e59936b695f40f18ede7ad16&oe=56958059

Recently added to my collection.

[bob]

What's everyone's thoughts on Lego Dimensions? The game itself looks cool, but man, my wallet hurts just looking at it. I'd wait for the price drops, but given the adult collectors, I'm not sure that's really going to happen.

[Wolfpack]

Alas, I don't think I can get out of not getting it. My oldest daughter is a certifiable Dr. Who fan, so I think we're committed to getting the game and that set for her, damn any negative reviews the game might get. Throw in Star Wars for Infinity 3.0 and Christmas is looking like a rather expensive one at this rate.

[SackAttack]

What's everyone's thoughts on Lego Dimensions? The game itself looks cool, but man, my wallet hurts just looking at it. I'd wait for the price drops, but given the adult collectors, I'm not sure that's really going to happen.

the only thing saving me is the fact that a year after graduation i'm still stuck in the part-time labor force.

[AnalBumCover]

I've been itching to get this...

The SHIELD Helicarrier (http://shop.lego.com/en-US/The-SHIELD-Helicarrier-76042?HQS=lego%20helicarrier)

[AnalBumCover]

I took the plunge and purchased the Helicarrier. Surprisingly, I didn't get too much backlash from the wife. In fact, letting her help build the set (which is has so far taken a week of 1-2 hour daily sessions, and we're not even halfway done) has gotten her hooked on Lego and has been scouring the web for more sets to buy/build.

[Grover]

I took the plunge and purchased the Helicarrier. Surprisingly, I didn't get too much backlash from the wife. In fact, letting her help build the set (which is has so far taken a week of 1-2 hour daily sessions, and we're not even halfway done) has gotten her hooked on Lego and has been scouring the web for more sets to buy/build.

Brilliant. Good on you!

Very disappointed to see Wall-E on backorder until March. Was high up on my Xmas list.

[AnalBumCover]

http://i.imgur.com/iBa2BIn.jpg

Juicy.

For scale, this is sitting atop a mahjong table, which is about 33" x 33" square.

[Grover]

Daaaamn. That's a nice piece of Lego.

[Grover]

Here Are the First Official Shots of the Lego GhostbustersÂ*Firehouse HQ Set (http://lego.gizmodo.com/here-are-the-first-official-shots-of-the-lego-ghostbust-1738932397)

This is what I'm saving my pennies for.

[AnalBumCover]

Here Are the First Official Shots of the Lego GhostbustersÂ*Firehouse HQ Set (http://lego.gizmodo.com/here-are-the-first-official-shots-of-the-lego-ghostbust-1738932397)

This is what I'm saving my pennies for.

$350, 4,634 pieces? Wow.

My wife and I were just at the Lego store, and she had been eyeing the Death Star (10188) for $400

I have quite a decision to make.

Though I'm starting to think that, ultimately, I will be buying both...

[Grover]

Yeah the Firehouse seems like extremely good value per piece.

[AnalBumCover]

Very disappointed to see Wall-E on backorder until March. Was high up on my Xmas list.

Looks like Lego shop has him back in stock.

LEGO Shop (http://shop.lego.com/en-US/WALL-E-21303)

(EDIT) Hmm.. looks like they pulled the page from their site...

[Racer]

$350, 4,634 pieces? Wow.

My wife and I were just at the Lego store, and she had been eyeing the Death Star (10188) for $400

I have quite a decision to make.

Though I'm starting to think that, ultimately, I will be buying both...

There's a chance the Death Star may be retired at the end of this year though I'd think they'd come out with a new version eventually if they did. It's been out since 2008 apparently which is a lot longer then most sets are on shelves (though that makes sense since it's so huge).

hxxps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LHUyi1PRUY

[AnalBumCover]

If this is the case, then maybe my decision will be made for me. I've been resisting the urge to buy anything Star Wars, because there are so many sets and minifigures, that if I start a collection of Star Wars, it would dry up my wallet. So far the only Star Wars pieces have just been the micro fighters, which is just fine with me.

If they retire the Death Star, then I won't feel bad for missing out.

The theme I've been limiting myself to is the Marvel Super Heroes sets. It's a much smaller scale than Star Wars.

Eventually I hope to soon out grow that phase and move towards modular buildings and create my own town. Ghostbusters Firehouse HQ might be a good place to start.

[bob]

If you act quick, you can get a pretty decent deal on Lego Dimensions at Target right now:

- $100 base price
- Price match to $85 (Walmart / Amazon)
- Get 35% off with Target Cartwheel coupon
- Get 10% off with 10% Off – Toys to Life Purchase, $50 or more, Target Mobile Coupon (exp 11/21) Text GAMER1 to 827438
- Get 5% off using Target Red Card

After tax, got our copy for under $50.

[ColtCrazy]

I sold all my Legos a couple of years ago. I had LOTR, City, HP, Castle, Pirate...all sorts of stuff but no real rhyme or reason to it.

Yesterday, I got Star Wars fever and bought a snowspeeder. My twin 6 year olds had a ball with it. Here I go again...though this time it will be only Star Wars. Already learned you simply can't keep up otherwise.

[AnalBumCover]

though this time it will be only Star Wars. Already learned you simply can't keep up otherwise.

I hear you on that. I think I'm already falling into the multi-theme trap myself. Our collection had only started with Lego Friends to have something my daughter can build/play. Then I decided to branch out into Marvel Superheroes.

That's it; nothing else, I told myself. And then I got the SHIELD Helicarrier. My wife got so into building it (it was a REALLY fun build), that she wanted more. MOAR!

My mistake of getting the Helicarrier so early was that the build is so complex, doing the more simple projects like Lego Friends is so unsatisfying, so my wife and I long for more advanced sets.

At the Lego store she saw 10188 Death Star. 75060 Slave I. 75095 TIE Fighter. All fully built and on proud display. Now she wants Star Wars.

This, after we both agreed on just moving on to Expert Creator sets. We have 10232 Palace Cinema and 10247 Ferris Wheel still in boxes, waiting to be opened. I asked for 10218 Pet Shop as a Xmas gift (before Lego decides to retire it).

Until recently we had successfully resisted buying anything Star Wars. Then I saw someone selling a sealed 75055 Star Destroyer on OfferUp for $100. I couldn't pass that up.

And now my Star Wars collection has begun.

[ColtCrazy]

Lego must coat their bricks in some sort of highly addictive drug.

At my height, I had a city block of the fire station, grand emporium, and town hall. Loved the challenge of those sets, and I do miss them, but somehow they weren't nearly as "fun" after the build if that makes any sense. Star Wars seems to have that factor with the added bonus of getting my sons involved. My oldest kind of came and went with Lego, but my twin 6 year olds love it. Seems like a no brainer.

Though I will say there's one non-Star Wars set I want: the Sopwith Camel. It would make a great visual in my eventual game room when the basement gets finished next year.

And here I am already making exceptions. :D Just this one. i swear.

[General Mike]

Im notba LEGO collector, but I've spent way too much money on Lego Dimensions.

[Kodos]

Witness the birth of a Lego Millennium Falcon - CNET (http://www.cnet.com/news/witness-the-birth-of-a-lego-millennium-falcon/)

This is awesome.

[Bobble]

You can get cheap Lego minifigs (<$1 per fig) here if you don't mind the Chinese source:

Buy Products Online from China Wholesalers at Aliexpress.com (http://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=2622&initiative_id=AS_20151217100851&SearchText=lego+minifigures)

They even have blank, unprinted ones that I thought would be cool for some DIY stuff:

Limited Supplies Blank Unprinted Minifigure Pure Color Minifigures Packed in Sealed Opp Bag MOC custom Blocks Children Gift Toy-in Blocks from Toys & Hobbies on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group (http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Limited-Supplies-Blank-Unprinted-Minifigure-Pure-Color-Minifigures-Packed-in-Sealed-Opp-Bag-MOC-custom-Blocks/32531066820.html)

I've purchased other things from that site and only had to deal with minor shenanigans but bear in mind that you are buying from China with more limited protection than you're used to.

[AnalBumCover]

On my wishlist to buy among the new releases are 75827 Ghostbusters Firehouse HQ, and 10251 Brick Bank.

I am just getting started on expert build sets, 10218 Pet Shop, and man... just on the first floor, and I'm in awe at the level of detail and of the solid construction they put into the set.

[ColtCrazy]

You can get cheap Lego minifigs (<$1 per fig) here if you don't mind the Chinese source:

Buy Products Online from China Wholesalers at Aliexpress.com (http://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=2622&initiative_id=AS_20151217100851&SearchText=lego+minifigures)

They even have blank, unprinted ones that I thought would be cool for some DIY stuff:

Limited Supplies Blank Unprinted Minifigure Pure Color Minifigures Packed in Sealed Opp Bag MOC custom Blocks Children Gift Toy-in Blocks from Toys & Hobbies on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group (http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Limited-Supplies-Blank-Unprinted-Minifigure-Pure-Color-Minifigures-Packed-in-Sealed-Opp-Bag-MOC-custom-Blocks/32531066820.html)

I've purchased other things from that site and only had to deal with minor shenanigans but bear in mind that you are buying from China with more limited protection than you're used to.

Might be a cheap way to build some Star Wars armies for my boys. How's the quality of the figures compared to Lego?

[bob]

LEGO Dimensions packs based on 16 new entertainment properties will begin launching on September 27, 2016 with the Ghostbusters Story Pack, Adventure Time and Mission: Impossible Level Packs, Harry Potter and Adventure Time Team Packs, and The A-Team Fun Pack. Additional expansion packs based on other highly anticipated films Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and The LEGO® Batman Movie and wildly popular properties The Goonies, Sonic The Hedgehog, Teen Titans Go!, LEGO® City Undercover, Knight Rider, The Powerpuff Girls, Gremlins, Beetlejuice and E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial will be released in product waves stretching into summer of next year. All expansion packs provide players with continued compatibility to use everything from waves 1-9 interchangeably, anywhere throughout the game. And no new starter pack is required, as all new packs will simply enhance the LEGO Dimensions Starter Pack game and work with the existing LEGO Toy Pad.



I'm not sure basing the major expansion on the new Ghostbusters movie, which the world is just waiting to rip apart, is the best idea. But that's a lot of cool properties.

[AnalBumCover]

LEGO Dimensions packs based on 16 new entertainment properties will begin launching on September 27, 2016 with the Ghostbusters Story Pack, Adventure Time and Mission: Impossible Level Packs, Harry Potter and Adventure Time Team Packs, and The A-Team Fun Pack. Additional expansion packs based on other highly anticipated films Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and The LEGO® Batman Movie and wildly popular properties The Goonies, Sonic The Hedgehog, Teen Titans Go!, LEGO® City Undercover, Knight Rider, The Powerpuff Girls, Gremlins, Beetlejuice and E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial will be released in product waves stretching into summer of next year. All expansion packs provide players with continued compatibility to use everything from waves 1-9 interchangeably, anywhere throughout the game. And no new starter pack is required, as all new packs will simply enhance the LEGO Dimensions Starter Pack game and work with the existing LEGO Toy Pad.



I'm not sure basing the major expansion on the new Ghostbusters movie, which the world is just waiting to rip apart, is the best idea. But that's a lot of cool properties.

With Disney Infinity now out of the Toys-to-Life market, I'm wondering if LEGO will expand their Disney license into Dimensions.

[bob]

I expect so, but I think the Disney Infinity decision came too late for this round of Lego Dimensions releases.

[AnalBumCover]

My next big purchase (help me decide which one)?

10246 Detective's Office...............$159.99
10253 Big Ben............................$249.99
71040 The Disney Castle..............$349.99 (coming 9/1)
75827 Ghostbusters Firehouse HQ..$349.99

I have $115 in VIP rewards that I can use towards purchase.

[ColtCrazy]

Just finished watching the Hobbit trilogy and really missing my Hobbit/LotR Legos now.

As for which to it, if you prefer sets with minifigs, the Dectective's Office looks fantastic. Otherwise, I'd probably go with Big Ben. Looks great and very iconic.

[Racer]

My next big purchase (help me decide which one)?

10246 Detective's Office...............$159.99
10253 Big Ben............................$249.99
71040 The Disney Castle..............$349.99 (coming 9/1)
75827 Ghostbusters Firehouse HQ..$349.99

I have $115 in VIP rewards that I can use towards purchase.

Depends on where you plan to put it, whether you're nostalgic about any of these, and what else you already have.

If you plan to put it on a bookshelf then the Disney Castle and Ghostbusters HQs might not be a good choices depending on your bookshelf's dimensions. For example, my display bookshelves are 11.5 inches in depth while the castle I read is 12 inches deep and the Ghostbusters HQs 14 inches deep .

If you've been to Big Ben that or if you're collecting other landmarks then that might be a good pick. If that's the only landmark lego you have and you've never been there or the UK, not sure how cool that would be a year from now.

The Detective Office might be neat if you have other modular buildings or looking to start collecting those.

If you have soft spot for Disney the Castle would be cool or if you liked Ghostbusters as a child then the Headquarters might be cool.

[AnalBumCover]

So I will scratch Big Ben from the list as I really have no emotional connection to it.

I have most of the current (not yet retired) modular except for detective. Though only two of them have been built so far.

I've wanted the Ghostbusters HQ since it came out, but now that Disney Castle was announced, I've gotta decision to make. Disney Castle will probably win out since our family is practically a slave to the Mouse.

[AnalBumCover]

71040 Disney Castle is available for early purchase for VIP members (membership is free, no purchase necessary).

[bob]

We are going to have to pass on the castle. With three daughters that aren't the best at sharing their lego sets, buying one is stupidity and buying three is insanity.

[korme]

So now you just have to knock out NHL, MLS (released at the end of this month in player versions), mascots, hall of famers, minor leaguers and a few colleges. So glad they don't do Vandy so I don't have to do this with the SEC.

Also wish they would get agreement with NBA settled (fighting over hair pieces) so we completed the set with C3 for NBA and the 8 million WWE guys my kid has.

Every time I go to Toys R Us I will grab a C3 by the register. It's been four times. I have one Dwayne Wade, and 3 Paul Georges. Cmon!

[Ksyrup]

I was always a major Lego fan growing up, and then my youngest daughter was a big Lego fan until about 13. I got my fill building with her, but since then, I haven't really thought much about it.

And then I saw this is coming out on November 1:

http://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/lego-titanic-9090-piece-building-block-set-1633659162.jpg

https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/lego-titanic-10294

Lego's largest set ever, 9090 pieces. I am seriously tempted, even at $630.

[NobodyHere]

Has anyone tried any of the knock-off Lego brands? Some of them look interesting and they often cost a lot less. I'm just worried about the quality of the pieces.

However with that said I still plan on getting the $600? Lego Minas Tirith set that's supposed to be coming out in June.

[flere-imsaho]

My sister buys a number of them at Dollar Tree (or Dollar General) for her son and says they generally work fine.

[Passacaglia]

My kids are pretty snobby about it. I think if you're an adult that can deal with it not coming together perfectly right away, and you're planning to keep it as a set on its own as opposed to mixing it with real legos you'll be fine.

[Ksyrup]

My MIL bought my wife some off-brand brick flower thing and the pieces were ridiculously small. My wife was ready to commit murder halfway through building the thing.

[JPhillips]

My daughter was never into Lego, but her boyfriend was. We got him a fun set for Christmas and I was shocked at how much it cost.

[NobodyHere]

My MIL bought my wife some off-brand brick flower thing and the pieces were ridiculously small. My wife was ready to commit murder halfway through building the thing.

I bought my girlfriend a set of off-brand brick rose flower bouquet for Valentine's day.

I'm doomed.

[cuervo72]

Some of those flower/animal sets are intentionally small though (the ones that come in a metallic plastic pouch).

I wondered about the knockoffs a while ago and did find some vids where hobbyists had changed their mind on them - from a quality perspective some are good (though some still are designed in a way where assembly can be a bitch), if you're not all that militant about Lego purity.

I am curious though, as we got our son a huge ass rocket set from China. Whenever we can actually get it to him out in CO (in retrospect, having it shipped here was maybe not the best choice) I would like to see what his impressions are.

[DirkGildun]

If you're into military brick sets (planes, ships, tanks, etc.), check out militarybricks.com. I've got several sets and only had a complaint about one.

[NobodyHere]

I did decide to get this castle hall set (https://www.lumibricks.com/collections/middle-ages/products/castle-banquet-hall-l9071) from Lumibricks.

It cost me $135 plus tax on Amazon (it was discounted on their spring sale), something with that piece count from Lego would've been at least twice that amount.

The piece quality was quite on par with Lego. I was pretty impressed. The design was pretty good too. No problem with the instructions.

I do like the lighting that is built into the design. It adds a nice ambience to the build.

The only negative I have with the set is the "mini-fig" design. I'm probably just used to Lego. These can't sit down on a stud like the Lego ones can. Also they come completely disassembled. Meaning you need to put in each hand, each arm, each leg seperately. This set only had 7 figures but it can get tedious.

I'll probably buys these instead of Lego sets from now on until there's some licensed set that comes out that I want, such as Minas Tirith!

[Passacaglia]

But how did the old lady like the fake roses?

[NobodyHere]

Lego Minas Tirith is out today.

Just a moment... (https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/the-lord-of-the-rings-minas-tirith-11377)

Now I have to decide if I want to ignore all the starving children in the world and drop $700 (after tax) on a lego set.