It looks like you're new around here, so we thought we'd let you know a bit about the site and what it has to offer.
Brickset is primarily a database of LEGO sets. We've been online since 2000 and are now a cornerstone of the online LEGO community: a resource used and trusted by LEGO fans around the world.
As well as virtually every LEGO set ever made, our database also contains information about minifigs, parts, colours, set inventories and much more. We also maintain comprehensive lists of discounts and new products at online LEGO retailers, making it easy to grab a bargain or bag the latest set.
Additionally, we publish news and comprehensive reviews of new products on our home page, making us a one-stop-shop for everything LEGO-related.
Over 300,000 people use the site to keep track of their LEGO collection, review and rate sets, post comments, maintain lists, and much more. So, sign up today to join us and start enjoying everything the site has to offer!
Today's random set is 8518 Jet Ray, released during 2010. It's one of 6 Ben 10: Alien Force sets produced that year. It contains 16 pieces, and its retail price was US$14.99 / £12.99, which equates to about US$22 / £20 in today's money.
It's owned by 1,028 Brickset members. If you want to add it to your collection you should find it for sale at Brick Owl, BrickLink, where new ones sell for around $32.00, or eBay.
Today's random figure is s012'S' - White with Red / Black Stripe, White Legs, Blue Helmet, a Town figure that came in one set, 1991 Racing Pick-Up Truck, released during 1993.
Our members collectively own a total of 598 of them. If you'd like to buy one you should find it for sale at Brick Owl or BrickLink.
One of the small sets in the first wave of the year is 42692 Ice Cream & Balloon Stand. I love small sets for their play value, but I have to admit I'm a bit puzzled...I'm not sure I've ever seen ice cream and balloons sold from the same cart. Obviously, life is a bit different in Heartlake City
Pre-orders for the five sets that comprise BrickLink Designer Program series 8 are now being accepted.
All models that receive at least 3,000 orders will be manufactured and, as before, production numbers are expected to be flexible, so even popular sets should be available for a reasonable length of time.
The pre-ordering phase lasts until June 18, with production and shipping beginning in November.
View the five sets after the break, then place your pre-order here. Note that Brickset does NOT receive an affiliate commission on BLDP sets.
Creator 3-in-1 animals are among the best sets released in recent years, offering great-looking models, unrivalled creativity, and excellent value for money.
This year there seems to be more of them than ever, including 31386 Wild Animals: Majestic Lion, one of three that have just been released.
Unusually, all three models are variations of the same species of animal, in this case lions, of course.
I suspect that the first thing you wondered when the set was revealed was whether its rear end is anatomically accurate, or whether certain features are missing...
Heartlake City has had a plethora of playgrounds (most notably the contest winner, 41325), including several for all the animals in town. There's been one gap - none of them have been indoors! Fortunately, the Friends team has fixed that oversight with 42686 Fun Indoor Playground.
I think we can guess the answer to that already, but empirical evidence now backs our theory up.
Amazon.co.uk has slowly been dropping the prices of the sets pretty much from day one, and now some of them are almost 50% off, just three months after their launch.
For example, the price of 75422 Yoda's Hut and Jedi Training has been slashed from £59.99 to £30.83, and 75420 Luke's Landspeeder from £34.99 to £20.40. These are sets that are not 'smart' at all until you've spent at least another £60 on a set that contains a smart brick and charger.
Most of the others have been reduced by 25% or so. Even at those prices, they do not look like good value to me.
What's also telling are the figures Amazon quotes for the number of copies that have been sold in the last month. 75422 Yoda's Hut and Jedi Training has sold just 200+, 75420 Luke's Landspeeder, 300+. Those numbers compare very unfavourably with, say, Creator, City or Ninjago sets, which can run into the thousands.
Still, if you're tempted to see what all the fuss is about, now's a good time to find out. Take a look at Buy listing which shows the current discounts at your local Amazon for all Star Wars Smart Play sets. The reductions are not as high in Germany and France, but are still significant, and unfortunately they've not been discounted at all in the USA, at least on Amazon. There have been some discounts at Walmart though.
11511 Water Lilies is one of three Botanical sets released this month and, like 11505 Woodland Mushrooms, it introduces a new branch of nature to the theme, in this case an aquatic one.
It's an attractive set, but it comes at a high price...
Though not bad models, the two Marvel Busts released last year hardly raised my expectations for future sets. 76356 Venom Bust seems rather impressive though, faithfully capturing Venom's menacing visage and physique as this character appears in the recent Venom movies.
In addition, the set comes with a unique Venom minifigure inspired by the film trilogy, which is a surprise, arriving nearly two years after the series concluded! This minifigure, with decorated arms, seems worth the wait, nonetheless.
Let’s start by addressing the Phanpy in the room: a set this size (and price) in the first wave of the new Pokémon sets is downright ridiculous. The launch ads alluded to millennials struggling with adulting, jobs and taxes and then suggests “never mind, we’re here to pull at your nostalgia heartstrings with a massive set with a Wailord of a price tag”.
But who's to blame for LEGO continually pushing boundaries on how big a set they can sell next? Is it the fans? Are we the problem?
This week's vintage set is 730 Steam Shovel with Carrier, released during 1973. It's one of 28 LEGOLAND sets produced that year. It contains 101 pieces.
It's owned by 299 Brickset members. If you want to add it to your collection you might find it for sale at Brick Owl, BrickLink or eBay.
