Great Set
Posted by
Paradosis
in United States
on
16 June 2009
This set is one of the better-liked Creator sets that has come out in recent years, and for good reason. Measuring ten inches by five inches, it's smaller than some of the other recent houses released, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in the details, both inside and outside the buildings.
The yellow, black and greys of the color scheme are nice enough, if a bit unrealistic... it's not like you see a lot of bright yellow buildings around. But Lego houses have never been known for their realism (bright red rooves, anyone?), so this can't be considered a major gripe. Thankfully here we have black roofs, which look fine. Though I do have to admit that it'd be nice to have some other color roofs some time. There are also some nice accent colors like brown, red and green.
The only issue that spans all three models is the haphazard way in which the flowers are arranged, though the flowers do add a nice touch and provide some color to the set. Not really an issue, but something to look out for, is also the sheer number of 1x1 dark and light grey tiles used for walkways, steps and patios. It can get a bit tedious at times, especially when taking the walkways apart when it's time to tear it all down.
The design of the first model, the beach house, is pretty good, with lots of nice details added, including a satellite dish, a brick-built tree, a fire place, a mail box with mail in it, and stairs to get to the second floor of this "beach house". This model also has a food-centric theme, with the outdoors table and chairs, and the BBQ complete with a piece of chicken on it. One issue that I need to point out is that the roof of this main model is a bit awkward, and looking in through the windows at the top of the roof will merely give you a view of the roof on the other side. The only other issue that I can think of--and admittedly it's a small one--has to do with the yellow and black fencing, which matches the color scheme and thus it fits in, but overall is merely adequate.
The design of the second model is also good, this time presenting us with a very small-scale eatery of some kind. We continue to see the food oriented theme, with a fountain drink area, a place to make chicken, bottles/drinks, and an outdoors eating area with a bench and table. This design doesn't have as many details, but does have a nice design feature here and there, such as the angled front door. Again, the yellow and black fencing shows up, though that's not a huge issue in the whole scheme of things. The top of the roof for the second model has a more interesting and less awkward design than the first model, though overall the second model doesn't quite reach the same level as the first model. Also, the gutters are a nice attempt at adding detail to the model, but to me they somehow detract rather than add to the model.
The design of the third model is also good, though the least enjoyable of the models in my opinion. It's just too small and doesn't really have much of a presence to it. So, while it's the tallest of the buildings at ten and a half inches tall, it's still too slender and doesn't have a lot of meat to it. Thus it's a shame that so many pieces were left over once this particular model was completed. There is also an odd design feature, where the windows are doubled up, with one in front of the other, and these windows are also partially obstructed.
On a more positive note, one nice feature though is that the back left open for easy internal access. As for details for the third model, there are two balconies, which is nice, even though there is no way to get to them from the inside of the building. There are also mini-awnings over the doors and front windows, nice walkway and front steps, a table and a couple seats inside, a desk and computer, a mail box, and lights on the balconies. This model isn't as food oriented as the other two models, though there is still a mini-bench and table for eating outside on the covered patio. Also, the dark grey and black fence lining the lefthand side is more attractive in my opinion than the yellow and black fence used in other models.
So we have some solid models here, with lots of little details added, and a few minor issues here and there. I think it's a nice change that the instructions give ideas for both residential and commercial buildings. Is it worth the price? I'd say yes, definitely. Even as a part pack it's a nice set, and with the model designs you get it's all the more a good value. I'd definitely recommend picking this one up, as you get a lot of value and fun for your money with this one. I'd give the set a 90/100.
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