Brickset news archive: May 2012
-
Friends Advent calendar: cancelled?
Posted by Huw, 30 May 2012 14:42. Filed under Miscellaneous.
We've heard from a LEGO retailer that the 3316 Friends Advent calendar has been 'cancelled at the production stage' along with the game 3867, Mayan Mystica.
If true, it's a real shame as I was looking forward to opening three windows a day in December!
73 comments, latest one posted 11 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)10446 views
-
The Lord of the Rings minifig gallery is now online
Posted by Huw, 30 May 2012 11:37. Filed under Brickset.
Today I have been photographing Lord of the Rings minifigs for the LotR minifig gallery.Plese visit the gallery to see them in all their glory. I've just noticed that I've shown the 'angry face' on a few of them which I don't normally do. This is because I didn't assemble them myself. Still, it adds a bit of variety.
Before anyone asks I haven't added the Cave Troll because, well, he's hardly a minifig is he, even if BrickLink thinks he is...
Update: I have bowed to pressure, the troll is now in :-)
35 comments, latest one posted 11 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1574 views
-
Cuusoo: How to pass the LEGO review
Posted by Huw, 29 May 2012 13:39. Filed under Cuusoo.
The Cuusoo team has posted the third and final article about the review process.This one gives tips on how to give your project the best possible chance of passing review. Once again it's a great post and I encourage you to go and read it.
Finished? Right... now let's consider the projects that are to be reviewed soon, and also those that are in the top 6 and see how they stack up against the tips. Remember this is just my opinion: by all means disagree but let's not have a heated argument about it!
- Legend of Zelda - although the concept is kid-appropriate (so passes tip 7) it depends on new LEGO elements (so fails tip 4). Thus, Legend of Zelda will not pass review
- Modular Western Town - Kid-appropriate, no license required, no new parts (so passes 4, 7 and 8). One individual building from the town is likely to be a reasonable size and cost, so tip 3 passed. So, the Modular Western Town will pass review.
- Eve spaceship - This is a hard one to call. I would say it passes all tips except 8 in that it requires a new license. However, given LEGO was able to secure a Minecraft one, the signs are good for getting an Eve one. I would say then, that Eve will pass review.
- BTTF DeLorean - I'd say the model aligns with tips 1-7 but as it requires a new license, review success will depend on LEGO being able to secure it. Therefore, the BTTF DeLorean may pass review.
- Star Wars bucket - This won't pass review, LEGO has already said as much.
- My Little Pony - This, too, won't pass review, because of the licensing issue. Tip 8 states "some licenses can be exclusive" and Hasbro owns MLP IP and makes MLP toys so won't let LEGO make them too.
- UCS Sandcrawler - this fails tip 3 (size and cost) and also tip 5 (new ideas and new categories) and therefore I doubt that this would pass review.
- Space Marines - It pains me to say this, because I really like the project, but this will fail review too. The main reason is that it proposes a playtheme and doesn't 'think in terms of individual sets' so will fail on tip 6. There isn't sufficient focus on one particular model, and without several tanks or spacecraft the concept fails.
- Exo-Suit - I think this will pass review, but the resultant model will be nothing like the original Pete Reid creation. It's the only one so far that fails on tip 2 'Your model can actually be too good for CUUSOO'. LEGO will be able to turn the idea into something that looks similar but it won't be made of 1000 small pieces held together in borderline-illegal ways.
- Macross VF-1 Valkyrie - I'm not going to pass comment on this as I don't know enough about it...
It's also interesting to consider the models I've added to Cuusoo Corner. I would say the ones that have the best chance of success are Piano and the British birds. Neither require licensing, they are simple builds, small models, feature new ideas, are kid-appropriate and although both of them propose a series of models, the individual models are small enough that LEGO could make a kit of, say, 4 pianos or birds and still keep the cost reasonable. I reckon the modular Apple store stands a good chance, too. It's very appealing to adults but still kid-friendly, Apple is likely to be pro-LEGO (most techie companies are!) and thus might grant a license.
It will be interesting to look back on this article in a year's time and see whether, as many of you suspect, I talk a load of old rubbish, or whether much of it has come to pass :-)
Update: As Huw predicted, the My Little Pony submission has been rejected (YC 6/4/12)
73 comments, latest one posted 11 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1893 views
-
Palpatine's Arrest found in Germany
Posted by Huw, 29 May 2012 12:15. Filed under New sets.
News has broken all over the web that Palpatine's Arrest has been seen in German brand stores. This photo is from
68 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3825 views
-
9473 The Mines of Moria
Posted by Huw, 29 May 2012 08:22. Filed under Set review.
9473 The Mines of Moria is the second largest LotR set, weighing in at US$80 for 776 pieces.It features six minifigs, a cave troll and various structures to enable re-enactment of the scene from The Fellowship of the Ring.
Of the six minifigs, five are unique to this set: Pippin, Boromir, Legolas and Moria Orc, of which there are two. The sixth is Gimli who also comes in The Battle of Helm's Deep.
The pillar-and-wall and door structures are frangible and have levers at the back to enable them to be broken easily in response to the troll wielding his club around the room. The two smaller structures are the well that Pippin manages to push the skeleton into, and thereby awaken the Orcs (and worse!), and the Tomb of Balin, which gets smashed half-way through the battle.
The cave troll is very well made and looks suitably vicious. My only complaint is that he topples over when holding his club unless it is positioned right behind his head, as shown in the photo on the right.
The Orcs are different to the Mordor Orcs in the Orc Forge set in that they have olive green heads and arms, rather than dark tan.This is a well made set containing many useful pieces and a great selection of minifigs. Given that it uniquely contains 1/3rd of the nine members of the Fellowship, including the ever-popular Legolas, it will be an essential purchase. You can find more pictures on flickr.
This then completes my quick photo reviews of the LotR sets. I have been very impressed with them all: not only are the minifigs excellent, which I could have guessed they would be, but the sets themselves are great too: no juniorisation, a useful selection of pieces in them all and once built look they impressive and have a lot of playability.
I could complain about certain key characters not making it into any of the sets (e.g. Saruman, Eowyn, Arwen, Bilbo) but we can hope that with interest in LotR likely to remain high for at least a couple of years, what with two Hobbit movie releases, we will see another range of sets that will address the shortfall.
To summarise, all I have to say is 'Well done LEGO!' :-)
Thanks again to Darren and Tim for loaning me the LotR sets months before they are available in Europe. Tim is offering Brickset users a 5% discount in his BrickLink store Brick Buy Brick, and will also do so in his new web toy shop, ToyAddict, when it launches in June. Darren is also offering 5% discount on orders under £50 and 10% on orders over £50 from his BrickLink store Gizmocom, until the official release day of the LotR sets. Just mention Brickset in the notes when you check out!
Expect to see a LotR minifig gallery in the next few days...
30 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1916 views
-
R2-D2 bargain in Target Australia
Posted by Huw, 29 May 2012 06:17. Filed under Shopping (Australia/NZ).
Alepou emailed with some great news for Aussies: "I found the new R2-D2 set at retail store Target tonight here in Melbourne! It was at a shopping centre called Northlands.
"Target is running a 20% off Lego special which ends on Wednesday. RRP was $249.00 AUD so with 20% off it worked out at $199.20."
Here's a picture of it on the shelf. It sounds like a bit of a bargain: I don't think it's available at that level of discount anywhere else in the world.
13 comments, latest one posted 11 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2419 views
-
Free Darth Maul Polybag in TRU, France
Posted by Huw, 29 May 2012 06:14. Filed under News (France).
Now it's the turn of everyone in France to get hold of the 'Shirtless' Darth Maul. Buy any Star Wars LEGO in Toys R Us between now and 17th June and you'll get one for free! More information at Hoth Bricks.
(Thanks wb74160 for the news)
10 comments, latest one posted 11 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1043 views
-
Win a family ticket to a LEGOLAND Discovery Centre!
Posted by Huw, 29 May 2012 04:08. Filed under Miscellaneous.
We've teamed up with LEGOLAND Discovery Centres (or Centers if you're in the USA!) to bring you an opportunity to win a family ticket to either LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, Manchester, UK, or LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Chicago, IL.All you have to do is answer a simple multiple choice question on the competition entry page.
The competition is open to residents of the USA and UK only. Entrants in the USA will be entered into the competion for tickets to Chicago and entrants in the UK will be entered into the competition for tickets to Manchester. Please only enter if you are able to get to Chicago or Manchester as travel, accomodation etc. is not included.
Good luck!
3 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1041 views
-
Harry Potter Characters of the Magical World book review
Posted by Huw, 28 May 2012 13:55. Filed under Book review.
This is the latest LEGO book by Dorling Kindersley that's just been published in the UK and will be out in the USA in a couple of weeks.It's the same size as their Star Wars character encyclopedia (19x24cm) and follows the same format. Its 140 pages cover 'every LEGO Harry Potter minfigure and creature' so the scope is more than just minifigs although they of course form the bulk of the book. It's divided into 7 chapters, one for each movie. This makes it interesting to flick through, but if you want to compare every version of Hermione, for example, you have to hunt back and forth through the book to find them all.
Pages containing minifigs include facts about the figure in 'pull-outs' from the main photo, and a 'data file' that lists the sets that the figure came in along with any accessories included with it. If there are variants of the figure these are shown in a 'variants' box, so, for example, although there have been two Dobby's there's only one page for him: the old tan version is listed as a variant. I haven't checked if every HP figure is featured, but I'd be surprised if not.
There are pages detailing creatures and other topics interspersed throughout the book: these cover Hogwarts uniforms; owls; snakes, frogs and dragons; skeletons; assorted other creatures; double sided heads and accessories.
There is a lot of detail in the book and it makes for fascinating reading. A lot of the facts quote which set a particular figure or accessory came in, but usually just its number is given. Of course we Brickset users have an excellent reference to look these up, but an appendix listing all the sets and when they were released would have been welcome. The text was checked by my AFOL friend Alastair Disley so we can be sure that it's accurate.
As I mentioned in a previous article, the book comes with an exclusive minifig, but unfortunately it's a bit boring: Harry in Slug Club Christmas party suit, and even more unfortunately, it's made in China. However if you have every HP fig (as I do) you'll need it for your collection which I think we can now consider to be complete given the chances of LEGO making more HP sets are slim.
The timing of the release of the book is interesting in that Harry Potter LEGO is effectively 'dead', or at best 'dormant', so it's not going to encourage sales of sets, but at the same time it's good that it has been released now and not, say, a year ago, because it is complete and won't be obsolete any time soon.
Following on from my involvement in the SW character encyclopedia, DK commissioned me to provide many of the images in the book. I haven't been through and counted but I estimate something like half of them were taken by me, including most of those on the 'creatures and other topics' pages. Consequently they look excellent :-)
The book really is a must for all Harry Potter LEGO fans and given that it's so cheap at the moment ($11 and £7.50 from Amazon) there is no good reason not to buy it.
Here are some sample spreads, posted on flickr:
Finally, here are the links to buy it at Amazon, and in doing so, you help Brickset stay on-air!
9 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1415 views
-
9470 Shelob Attacks
Posted by Huw, 27 May 2012 04:59. Filed under Brickset.
Here's my penultimate mini pictorial review of the Lord Of The Rings sets.9470 Shelob Attacks is the second smallest LotR set. It costs US$20/£20 and contains 227 pieces, including 3 minifigs.
It consists of Shelob, which is arguably the best spider LEGO has made, a 'piece of rock', and minifigs Frodo, Samwise Gamgee and Gollum. The latter two only appear in this set.
Gollom is, as you'd expect, a new mould. His arms move, but that's all. He comes clutching a fish although he is not seen eating one in the Shelob scene of The Return of the King. The face printing is a pretty good likeness, I think.
Samwise and Frodo look suitably sombre, as indeed they were at this stage in their journey. Frodo has a stunned/dead look on the other side of this head. Sam carries the Phial of Galadriel given to Frodo by Galadriel when they left Lórien.
As I said above, Shelob the giant spider is excellent and looks very menacing. Her jaw is hinged and can be used to grip any unsuspecting minifigs she comes across.
At the bottom of her body there's a gear for producing her silk (LEGO string) which can be used to wrap Frodo in. Quite why it has a hook at the end of it, though, I am not sure. I don't think she uses it as a winch :-)One thing missing is the huge spike at the end of her abdomen that she uses to stun Frodo. I suspect it could be modified to fit one, particularly if you weren't fussed about the silk/string.
When I first saw the LotR sets at the London Toy Fair in January, this was the one that excited me the most, mainly due to Shelob, I suspect, and now having seen and played with it, I am not disappointed. Another excellent LotR set and one I highly recommend.
I will hopefully cover the Mines of Moria in the next couple of days and publish a LotR minifig gallery by next weekend. So, stay tuned...
Thanks again to Darren and Tim for loaning me the LotR sets months before they are available in Europe. Tim is offering Brickset users a 5% discount in his BrickLink store Brick Buy Brick, and will also do so in his new web toy shop, ToyAddict, when it launches in June. Darren is also offering 5% discount on orders under £50 and 10% on orders over £50 from his BrickLink store Gizmocom, until the official release day of the LotR sets. Just mention Brickset in the notes when you check out!
30 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1755 views
-
Earth Defense HQ Spotted On Sale At Walmart Canada
Posted by fuelbreak, 27 May 2012 00:32. Filed under Shopping (Canada).
Earth Defense HQ (7066) has been spotted at Walmart in Manitoba for $75.
A 38% savings from the original $120 price tag.
Most Walmarts however can clearance different LEGO sets at the store manager's discretion. I have found that they will price match each other if you can give some proof from another store.
Good hunting....
Thank you Brickset user RichardR for the news.
3 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1174 views
-
LEGO Inside Tour exclusive for 2012
Posted by Huw, 26 May 2012 17:18. Filed under New sets.
It's not every day I find something LEGO-newsworthy in my Facebook news feed, but today this image of the set given to attendees of the LEGO Inside Tours at Billund this year appeared (taken by Eddie Chow, via Suzanne Rich Eaton).
It looks as if, like last year's Moulding Machines, it's designed by the lovely Mel Caddick :-)
(Image temporarily removed pending further deliberation on the morality of posting it)
48 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1596 views
-
Harry Potter Characters of the Magical World book
Posted by Huw, 26 May 2012 10:37. Filed under New sets.
The Dorling Kindersley book Harry Potter Characters of the Magical World has been published this week in the UK and can be ordered from Amazon. It'll be available in the USA in a couple of weeks.It's the same size and format as the Star Wars Character Encylopedia and features, it says, 'every LEGO Harry Potter minifigure and creature'.
As is usual with DK books, the photography is excellent, even though I say so myself: it features several hundred images that I was commissioned to take for it :-)
Also in common with recent DK books, it comes with a unique minifig. It's Harry Potter in the outfit he wore to the 'Slug Club Christmas party', apparently. It has to be said that it's a bit boring but I think it's safe to assume that this will the last Harry Potter theme minifig ever, so it's one collectors will want to own anyway.
I'll do a longer review and post pictures of the book in due course. If you can't wait for that, you can order/preorder it from Amazon below.
7 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1566 views
-
Two new LEGOLAND Discovery Centers for North America
Posted by Huw, 26 May 2012 10:20. Filed under Miscellaneous.
News has emerged this week that Merlin will be opening two new LEGOLAND Discovery Centers in North America next year.One of them will be the first in Canada, in Toronto, at Vaughan Mills. More information is available via Google News.
The other is in Yonkers, New York at Ridge Hill - just outside of New York City. Again, find out more at Google News.
These two new LEGOLAND Discovery Centers will join existing North American LEGOLAND Discovery Centers in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and Kansas City.
(thanks to alicialego and jackmap for the news)
9 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1426 views
-
August release date for LotR and Star Wars in the UK
Posted by Huw, 25 May 2012 13:29. Filed under Shopping (UK).
Specialist retailer Forbidden Planet is now listing the summer Star Wars and LotR sets on its website, and states that they will be available on 12th August. So, that's about another 7 weeks to wait, then, although I won't be surprised if Argos has them in its Autumn/Winter catalogue that'll be out at the end of July.
Furthermore, their entry for the Desert Skiff is showing a picture of a totally different, far more appealing, model, right.Unfortunately, it's not a picture of the set at all: bluemoose has just confirmed it's a MOC from flickr. Doh!
(thanks to flump and a smooth criminal for the news...)
19 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)4252 views
-
Have you secured your Hulk minifig yet?
Posted by Huw, 24 May 2012 11:48. Filed under shop.LEGO.com (General).
Today is the last day to place an order to secure an exclusive Hulk minifig from shop.LEGO.com with an order of anything of US/CA $50 or £50 or more.Click on the banner above to do so and to find out more.
29 comments, latest one posted 11 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1398 views
-
Have you secured your Hulk minifig yet?
Posted by Huw, 24 May 2012 11:48. Filed under Miscellaneous.
I received mine today. It was a bit of struggle knowing what to buy at full price in order to get it (I went for SpongeBob 3818 in the end) but I think it was worth it. It's bound to be sought after in future and pricey on the secondary market, and of course I need it for the upcoming Super Heroes minifig gallery :-)I should apologise for the lack of news and updates this week: after 6 weeks of cold and rain, the UK is having something of a heatwave at the moment (temperature jumped from 14c last week to 28c today) so I've been making the most of it instead of working on the site.
I still have pictorial reviews of Shelob Attacks and Mines of Moria to do, and I hope to get them posted over the next few days. I will then do a LotR minifig gallery before I return the sets to their owners.
I'm also putting the finishing touches on an exciting new feature, which you may have read about in the forum, so look out for that over the next week or so -- once it's cooled down a bit!
Anyway, to get back on topic: if you want a Hulk you have until next Thursday to get your order in at shop.LEGO.com. Click on the banner above to do so and to find out more.
44 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1398 views
-
At last! A picture of Spider-man's Doc Oc Ambush
Posted by Huw, 24 May 2012 10:00. Filed under New sets.
Here it is: the first known picture of 6873 Spider Man's Doc Oc Ambush, courtesy of Mr Toys in Australia, which states it'll be available mid-August.The image could be better but you can just about make out what's in it: 3 minifigs (Spidey, Doc Oc and Iron Fist), some sort of wheeled contraption that Doc Oc appears to be attached to, Iron Fist being restrained by something and some laboratory equipment.
That was a bit vague, wasn't it, but I suspect some of you will know what it's all supposed to be and from what movie and will enlighten us in the comments!
(thanks to Missingno for the news)
50 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2279 views
-
New mobile Brickset apps for iOS and Android
Posted by Huw, 22 May 2012 16:59. Filed under Software/Games.
A couple of new mobile apps have been released recently that tap into the Brickset API and provide access to your collection while you're on the move.
Brick By Brick is an Apple iOS app that is optimised for iPhones but will also work on an iPad. From the description in the AppStore:Browse and search Brickset database:
- browse by themes (sub themes or year) - search option available for sets.Set details:
-user can add to want list and change number of owned, edit set notes, visit Brickset site and share Brickset url on Facebook and Twitter.
-for sets with instructions, user can download instructions and they are later available for viewing so the user doesn't have to re-download them each time.
-pdf viewer for instructions with bookmarks and printing options.
-set picture can be enlarged, and sent to email or saved in database.I've tried it on my iPad and it works a treat and is arguably the best iOS Brickset app out there. The developer plans to add native iPad support and other features in due course.
myBrickset is the first Android app for Brickset. It has been developed by forum member RikTheVeggie. The Google Play description reads:
Browse the LEGO catalogue & prices offline. Sync your wanted sets with Brickset.
Browse the entire LEGO database offline, including retired sets. Includes retail price information for the UK, US and Canada - never wonder again if you're paying too much for your LEGO!Powered by brickset.com - the friendliest and most comprehensive LEGO fan site on the Internet.
Seamlessly integrates with brickset.com to keep track of your owned & wanted sets.
Automatically updates with new releases, pictures and price information as it becomes available.
--
This is an excellent app that works well if you're without a data connection but if you have one available it provides a complete Brickset experience including access to the large set images and also instructions at LEGO.com.
Both of the apps are free so if you have an iPhone or Android device I encourage you to download one and give it a go.
40 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1780 views
-
Cuusoo news
Posted by Huw, 22 May 2012 07:44. Filed under Cuusoo.
It's been a relatively quiet week over at Cuusoo. The projects in our Cuusoo Corner are gradually gaining support but it doesn't look as if any of them will reach the target of 10,000 any time soon.However it does look as if the Star Wars dark bucket will do so fairly soon, although I think we can be certain that, in its current form, it will be rejected for the reasons LEGO has stated in the project's comments.
The Ghost In The Shell project (those cool Technic walkers) has now dropped references to the movie/cartoon and has rebranded itself ARAKN3. I think this is a sensible move given the nature of the IP, although the machines are now not quite as attractive as they were.
The Cuusoo team has published the second of three blog posts which detail the process behind the quarterly review. This goes into some depth and what's particularly pleasing about it is that is demonstrates a very high level of transparency for the whole Cuusoo process. This should mean that when projects are rejected, the reasons are clear and lessons learnt can be applied to future submissions.
Something that's becoming very apparent is that it's not enough just to put a project on Cuusoo and expect people to find and support it. It really is up to submitters to promote it every way they can, and not just in AFOL circles. Cuusoo Corner is helping to an extent, but not enough to take it to 10,000. This is probably why projects based on an intellectual property that has a fanbase on the Internet are so much more successful: there's a ready supply of fans to tap into. The trick is to choose an IP that is 'LEGO friendly'.
Finally, thanks to everyone who has emailed with suggestions for Cuusoo Corner. I am reading and filing them all, but I've received so many requests that I haven't been able to reply to them all, or add them to the Corner just yet.
Update 23rd May: The ARAKN3 project has been archived today. Find out why in the official LEGO comments. LEGO's explanation seems fair to me.
30 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1360 views
-
Better image of 9525 Pre Vizsla's Mandalorian Fighter
Posted by Huw, 22 May 2012 07:04. Filed under New sets.
More pictures have cropped up this morning, including on Hoth Bricks. I wonder what the deal is with this set? Presumably it's going to be limited to specific retailers and brand stores.
20 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1998 views
-
Support Bricks for Good and receive an exclusive LEGO model
Posted by Huw, 22 May 2012 06:58. Filed under Miscellaneous.
Here's a great idea: donate to charity and get a LEGO model of what your donation will buy. Here's the press release:Bricks for Good (www.bricksforgood.org) is a brand new charity fundraising feature of GlobalGiving (www.globalgiving.org). Through Bricks for Good, donors receive special limited edition building sets containing LEGO elements in exchange for donations to select charitable projects. There are three sets available (build a school, plant a tree, build a well), each corresponding to a set of three GlobalGiving projects that receives the donation.
When you make a donation you can get a set to build a well, school, or tree using LEGO elements and we'll use your donation to support projects that actually dig wells, build schools, or plant trees in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. To receive a custom set, donations of $50, $100, or $150 are required; shipping costs are included (US locations only).
How Bricks for Good Works
GlobalGiving has designed three custom brick sets to allow users to build a well, a school, and a tree. The brick sets are a free thank-you gift in return for a donation to the Bricks for Good Fund. Based on your selection, GlobalGiving will disburse your donation to several top-performing projects in Africa, Latin America, and Asia that are focused on providing clean water, expanding basic education, and promoting reforestation.About the sets
The sets were designed by Justin Rupp, an employee of GlobalGiving, AFOL, and member of WamaLTC. Each set has been designed to contain techniques, elements and opportunities for play that will appeal to both adults and children. Each Bricks for Good set includes all of the pieces required to build each set and step-by-step instructions to assemble the set. All of the parts in the sets are official LEGO elements, with the exception of one custom set of stickers in the well set.About GlobalGiving Foundation
GlobalGiving is a fundraising platform that gives social entrepreneurs and nonprofits anywhere in the world a chance to raise the money that they need to improve their communities. Since 2002, GlobalGiving has raised nearly $66 million from 267,000 donors who have supported more than 5,500 projects around the globe. Find out more at www.globalgiving.org.--
It sounds like a great idea, and a worthy cause, so if you can please support this initiative by a fellow AFOL.
12 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1412 views
-
Bargain of the Month from Chowren Toys
Posted by Huw, 22 May 2012 06:53. Filed under Shopping (USA).
Chowren Toys is pleased to announce thet it will be offering Brickset readers an exclusive deal every month. To kick things off, this month's bargain is 8866 RC train motor, which is not sold through the normal retail outlets so you usually can't find them below retail price.You can never have enough train motors, so snap some up before they are all gone for the bargain price of just US$9 (RRP $14). Use the promotional code brickset88 when you check out to get the discount!
8 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1349 views
-
Problem with images this morning
Posted by Huw, 22 May 2012 03:14. Filed under Brickset.
There's currently a problem with the server that hosts most of Brickset's images, 1000steine.com. I've reported it to Rene, the owner, and I would hope it will be resolved shortly.
Apologies for the inconvenience.
3 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1077 views
-
shop.LEGO.com sale now on
Posted by Huw, 21 May 2012 08:34. Filed under Shopping (UK).
A sale has started today at shop.LEGO.com in Europe, featuring mostly last year's sets. There are a few decent discounts to be had, particularly on a couple of Pirates of the Caribbean sets. Check out what's on offer and combine it with the free Hulk minifig offer!Sorry, there doesn't appear to be anything much for sale in the USA.
13 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1244 views
-
Team GB minifigs press release (better late than never!)
Posted by Huw, 21 May 2012 08:20. Filed under LEGO.com.
Here's the press release from LEGO HQ. Last week's release was sent out by a different agency, apparently. Note the lack of the 'O' word anywhere in it:
OFFICIAL TEAM GB LEGO MINIFIGURES LAUNCHED
To celebrate the London 2012 Games, the number one selling toy in the UK market* is back with an exclusive special edition line of Team GB LEGO Minifigures.With less than 71 days to go until the UK’s biggest sporting event of the century, for the first time in history LEGO has launched a special edition range of Team GB Minifigures. The collectible range will only be available in the UK to commemorate this once in a lifetime event for the nation.
The Team GB LEGO Minifigures spark the sporting imagination, so you can stage your very own Games.
At just £1.99 each, the Team GB LEGO Minifigures will be in stores from 1st July 2012 in John Lewis and other good high street retailers.There are nine exclusive Team GB LEGO Minifigures in the line-up:
- Brawny Boxer Punching his way to the top, this lean machine in blue is ready to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee for Team GB!
- The Stealth Swimmer Like a fish in the water, the Stealth Swimmer is ready to torpedo through the water into pole position.
- Relay Runner Sprinting to reach the winning line, could this give Team GB a relay team victory?
- Judo Fighter Taking down her opponent’s one at a time, this mistress of martial arts knocks down anything in her way to grasp that gold medal.
- Tactical Tennis Player First on the court in his gleaming whites, this tennis ace will knock the white socks off of any competition.
- Flexible Gymnast Balance and co-ordination is the name of the game for this agile Olympic contender.
- Wondrous Weightlifter Powerlifting his personal best, the crowd looks on as this burley guy weighs up his chances of going for gold.
- Horseback rider Riding her way to the last hurdle, this athlete won’t be horsing around when it comes to winning!
- Agile Archer Complete with bow in hand, let’s hope this little fella will be on target on the day!
Here are pictures of them all on flickr:
27 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1337 views
-
30161 Batmobile
Posted by Huw, 20 May 2012 06:07. Filed under Miscellaneous.
Here's today's polybag set free with The Sun newspaper in the UK, 30161 Batmobile.There's no minifig, but as a result there are a lot of pieces, including some useful and rare ones (the 2x4 curved slope on the front).
WHS is always worse on the Sundays of these offers because a lot of people can get into town for the 10am opening time. I was there about 10:05 and there was a queue about 20 deep outside the shop. I'm not sure why because I went in and took my papers to the self-checkouts, which for some reason nobody was using. The attendant gave me my sets when he saw I had some Suns and was out again in 5 mins.
When collecting yours today, please be considerate to others and don't take more than you need: leave some for the kids who pitch up at WHS this afternoon...
63 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1974 views
-
Shirtless Darth Maul available in Smyths, UK and IE
Posted by Huw, 19 May 2012 15:48. Filed under Shopping (UK).
I received several emails today about this offer and there's chatter in the forum as well: Buy any Star Wars set and get Shirtless Darth Maul free in both UK and Ireland branches of Smyths toy stores. There's no mention of this on their website, but there wasn't last year when they had a similar offer for white Boba Fetts.
This should bring the eBay and BrickLink prices down a bit...
43 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2246 views
-
Batman's Jet-ski
Posted by Huw, 19 May 2012 08:00. Filed under Miscellaneous.
Here is today's free set from The Sun, 30160, Jet-ski. I hope you've all been down to your local WHS to pick up, er, one of them, while leaving plenty for everyone else...I was at my local branch at 08:50 and there was a brisk trade in them already. I even witnessed grannies, who were obviously not eBay or BrickLink sellers, walking out with handfuls. Luckily the shop had something like 8 cases of them so I suspect they will have lasted until at least 11am :-)
As you may have noticed, Batman is sporting a new mask: the different ears are clear in this picture when compared to the blue one from 6857. It's slightly surprising that LEGO has made such a small cosmetic change, given they need an expensive new mould to do so.Tomorrow's model, 30161 Batmobile, has not been found in the wild anywhere yet so be sure not to miss it! WHS open at 10am!
66 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2045 views
-
Summer Star Wars shipping in Germany
Posted by Huw, 18 May 2012 16:50. Filed under New sets.
German retailer Galeria Kaufhof is selling the summer Star Wars sets already and LEGO has added images of most of them to their server in preparation for selling them at shop.LEGO.com. So, with luck, it won't be long before we can all buy them.
I've added the images to the set details pages here at Brickset (example)
(Thanks to AirTrip2010 and grogall for the news)
29 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1575 views
-
9470 Gandalf Arrives
Posted by Huw, 18 May 2012 09:50. Filed under Set review.
Here's a quick look at the smallest LotR set, Gandalf Arrives. It might be the smallest but it's actually one of the best. Not only does it feature two of the movie's main protagonists, Gandalf and Frodo, it also comes with a new articulated-back-leg horse and a very nice cart which is stuffed full of fireworks of various shapes, colours and sizes.Both minifigs are unique to this set, although Frodo pops up in a couple of others, but with a different torso and face.
There isn't really much more to say about it: it's small, cute and if you buy only one LotR set, make it this one. It costs $12.99 in the USA and will be £11.99 in the UK when it's released later in the summer.
Thanks again to Darren and Tim for loaning me the LotR sets months before they are available in Europe. Tim is offering Brickset users a 5% discount in his BrickLink store Brick Buy Brick, and will also do so in his new web toy shop, ToyAddict, when it launches in June. Darren is also offering 5% discount on orders under £50 and 10% on orders over £50 from his BrickLink store Gizmocom, until the official release day of the LotR sets. Just mention Brickset in the notes when you check out!
23 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1328 views
-
Minifig display cases available at Amazon.co.uk
Posted by Huw, 18 May 2012 05:52. Filed under Shopping (UK).
These minifig display cases have been 'hard to find' in the UK until now, partly because they are not available from shop.LEGO.com.
Amazon is now stocking them, and has them at 15% below RRP. At the moment only the yellow one is available in both 16- and 8-minifig sizes but it appears that black, red and blue
in both sizes will be available in June, and can be pre-ordered now. (Thanks Renegade007cjh for the news)
12 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1368 views
-
Unofficial LEGO Sets/Parts Collectors Guide now available for download
Posted by Huw, 18 May 2012 05:16. Filed under Miscellaneous.
Gary Istok (istokg in the forum) is the world's authority on the history of LEGO and its products, as anyone who's read his posts in the forum will attest.His most recent work, the second edition of Unofficial LEGO Sets/Parts Collectors' Guide 1949-1990s, can now be purchased from his BrickLink store on DVD and now, by popular demand, as a download.
I do now have my copy and it's loaded onto my iPad. I've been working my way through it and when I think I've read enough to write a review I will do so. There is, however a lot to read at over 2000 pages!
To give you an idea of the content, as well as the depth of Gary's research, he has made another chapter available for free donwload exclusively for Brickset readers. This time it's chapter 48, OLD PRINTED & PAINTED LEGO ELEMENTS (1955-1986) which is an extremely specialised area and as you will see there is a stunning amout of detail and some excellent pictures of rare elements included in it.
The guide contains 73 chapters that are all as detailed and as well illustrated as this. It's an essential purchase for everyone interested in LEGO history. If you haven't already, I recommend that you go and buy a copy.
10 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1940 views
-
Reminder: Free LEGO with The Sun starts tomorrow
Posted by Huw, 18 May 2012 04:47. Filed under Shopping (UK).
Prepare yourselves for a LEGO frenzy at WHS starting tomorrow! Nine sets are being offered from Saturday 19th to Sunday 26th May. You can see the sets that'll be available in Si_*'s BrickList.
This weekend's Batman sets, one of which hasn't been available elsewhere before, are undoubtably the best but be sure to pick up next Saturday's Ninjago set as well, which has made only one appearance before (as far as we know), in Poland.
Don't bother to go down on Friday, the fire set was given away in the Mirror promotion in 2010, and next Sunday's has been around for 5 years and you are bound to have too many of them already :-)
18 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2125 views
-
Olympic Team GB Minifigures Release Date July 1st
Posted by yellowcastle, 17 May 2012 10:44. Filed under New sets.
Multiple sites, including toynews-online.biz, are now reporting that the Team GB Minifigures will be released on July 1st. As with other CMF, they'll be priced at £1.99 each and will be available from the following retailers: John Lewis, Argos, Tesco, WH Smith, Smyths and Toys R Us. In addition to posting some new "cartoony" images, the sites are also confirming the figure names as Brawny Boxer, The Stealth Swimmer, Relay Runner, Judo Fighter, Tactical Tennis Player, Flexible Gymnast, Wondrous Weightlifter, Horseback Rider, and Agile Archer.
Thanks to Forum users andhe, CCC, LostInTranslation and kymellymel for the news!
52 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2278 views
-
9474 The Battle Of Helm's Deep
Posted by Huw, 17 May 2012 06:50. Filed under Set review.
This is the biggest of the LotR sets, weighing in at 1368 pieces and $130. In fact it's so big, I had trouble photographing it satisfactorily...
Its size is actually most impressive, it certainly looks as if you get your money's worth. It's around 50cm long, and the tower is about 25cm high.It comes with eight minifigs: King Theoden, Haldir (both unique to this set), Aragorn, Gimli and four assorted Uruk-hai, including a berserker, which only appears in this set.
The King has a articulated-back-leg horse to ride and has been suggested in comments to previous reviews, if you put two plates on his feet, you can achieve a more realistic pose as you can see from the picture.
The castle itself is modular, constructed from six sections that are held together with Technic pins. Like the other LotR sets, they are constructed from a lot of bricks, plates and slopes and while there are some large castle-wall pieces, you don't get the impression that the castle has been designed around them, I guess partly because it's based on a 'real' castle rather than one that LEGO has designed. The use of the new 1x2 brick piece, 1x1 slopes and sand green parts give the exterior walls a nice-uniform appearance.
The aerial view below clearly shows the size of the set, which is most impressive. If you want it even bigger, you can extend the walls using the 9471 Uruk-hai Army set.
It's an expensive set but I'd say it's worth every penny: excellent figs, well designed castle and, once you've done with it, a thousand useful parts for your own castle constructions.
Thanks again to Darren and Tim for loaning me these. Tim is offering Brickset users a 5% discount in his BrickLink store Brick Buy Brick, and will also do so in his new web toy shop, ToyAddict, when it launches in June. Darren is also offering 5% discount on orders under £50 and 10% on orders over £50 from his BrickLink store Gizmocom, until the official release day of the LotR sets. Just mention Brickset in the notes when you check out!
40 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3685 views
-
3300003 LEGO Brand Retail Store
Posted by Huw, 16 May 2012 06:13. Filed under Set review.
You may remember that LEGO announced that this set is going to be available to a 'select number of customers' at the opening events of brand stores in the USA during 2012 (see the list here).I've been sent one by the LEGO community team for review purposes, so to make a change from Lord Of The Rings set review this week, here goes...
It contains 280 pieces and comes in a surprisingly large box (26 x 14 x 6 cm)
However, there is a lot in it, basic bricks and plates and other useful pieces.
The 16x16 (2 8x16 dark grey playes) base is fully tiled inside and out of the shop
The interior of the shop, before the shelving has been added. Note the till, displays and of course the pick-a-brick wall at the back.
The shelving fitted, and display models at the front of the shop. Note the 'brand ribbon' at the second level of the shelves.
The completed model, minus the roof. The LEGO sign is a sticker, and the door features two 1x1 trans-clear headlight bricks, which are rare. The doors don't open.
The roof even has a 'yellow brick light fitting', which is typical of most brand stores I believe.
The finished model. There's a few more photos on flickr.LEGO brand stores are often made by AFOLs (even I've made one) and there's several currently on Cuusoo (here and here), so it's interesting to see this official version.
This is an excellent set and there's nothing not to like about it. If it's going to be free, that makes it even better! If you have the opportunity to get to one of the new brand store opening events in the USA, I strongly recommend that you do.
(Special thanks to the LEGO community team for making this review possible!)
34 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3049 views
-
Free Hulk minifig offer starts today
Posted by Huw, 16 May 2012 03:13. Filed under shop.LEGO.com (General).
Buy anything over £50 or $50 at shop.LEGO.com between now and 31st May and get a free Hulk minifigure that is not available in any set. Click on the banner at the top of the page for more details.
(If you're in the UK, sorry about the $ sign in the ad.: LEGO didn't provide a banner specifically for the UK)
26 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1370 views
-
Lord Of The Rings now available from shop.LEGO.com
Posted by Huw, 15 May 2012 17:05. Filed under Shopping (USA).
You've read my reviews, now you can order them and see how cool they are for yourself from shop.LEGO.com.
Please use these links to do so: USA | Canada. Until the end of May, you'll also receive a FREE LEGO movie poster of Frodo with ‘the one ring’ with every Lord of the Rings order.
The retail prices are:
36 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1262 views
-
Cuusoo team provide more clarity around the review process
Posted by Huw, 15 May 2012 14:09. Filed under Brickset.
The Cuusoo team has published the first of three blog entries that will explain the review process and subsequent production of models that reach 10,000 supporters.The salient points are:
- There will be a quarterly review cycle, with the first review scheduled for early June.
- Models will be evaluated for design, brand fit, strategy fit, and business case.
- It is likely that one project per quarter will be produced, and should more than one pass review in a given quarter, it will be queued for possible later production.
When we have been discusssing will-they-won't-they make this-that-or-the-other, we have only really considered design and brand fit (or at least, I have) but the other two evaluation criteria are of course equally important to the company and will, I suspect, cause some otherwise good projects to be rejected.
After all, if LEGO don't think they can sell enough of a certain model to make it worth their while making it, of course they are not going to bother. Strategy fit is an interesting one and something we outside the company will never get a feel for. Let's say some sort of 'space marines' theme is planned for 2014, then clearly they would not make a 'space marines' Cuusoo model to pre-empt it.
So, let's see how many more projects we can push to 10,000 for the first review: if you haven't already, please take a look through my hand-picked ones in Cuusoo Corner and support those that take your fancy.
27 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1285 views
-
9472 Attack on Weathertop
Posted by Huw, 15 May 2012 08:09. Filed under Brickset.
Today's Lord Of The Rings photo-review is of 9472 Attack on Weathertop. This is a mid-priced set (US $60, UK £50) that features, what I believe is the ruins of the Tower of Amon Sûl, a rock outcrop and five minifigs. There are two Ringwraiths on horses (of the new articulated back leg variety), plus three members of the fellowship: Frodo, Merry and Aragorn.The version of Frodo in the set also appears in 9470 Shelob Attacks, and Aragorn is also in 9474 The Battle of Helm's Deep, but Merry is unique to this set.
The ruins is an interesting build and is very brick- and slope-intensive. It makes use of plenty of plate hinges to create the curved outer walls.
It's hinged to reveal various interior details. Round the back there's space for the hobbits to light a fire and have a picnic. If I remember the movies correctly, Merry and Pippin were fond of their food, weren't they? :)In common with the other LotR sets I've looked at so far, this is a great set that features excellent minifigs, useful and interesting parts, and a 'proper' LEGO build to create a model that has a lot of playability. Highly recommended!
Update: I've been asked to mention a couple more things about the set...
The ring is exactly the right size to fit over a stud and is actually quite a useful piece for SNOT techniques because it will neatly let you join stud to stud. Let's hope it appears in more useful, and cheaper, colours in future. This set contains two spares.The Ringwraiths: There isn't a lot to add about these because you can see what they are like from the pictures below. They are all black, faceless and look suitably mean. The capes might be new, I'm not sure. I did find on one of them that the fold of the cape kept moving the hood upwards when it was pressed right down although the other one was fine so it was probably just they way it was folded.
Here are a few of more pictures from my flickr gallery:
Thanks again to Darren and Tim for loaning me these. Tim is offering Brickset users a 5% discount in his BrickLink store Brick Buy Brick, and will also do so in his new web toy shop, ToyAddict, when it launches in June. Darren is also offering 5% discount on orders under £50 and 10% on orders over £50 from his BrickLink store Gizmocom, until the official release day of the LotR sets. Just mention Brickset in the notes when you check out!
35 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2166 views
-
The zombies are coming!
Posted by Huw, 14 May 2012 15:58. Filed under Brickset.
Pictures of the Monster Fighters zombies 9465, have not yet been published to the LEGO.com cache but a Polish LEGO blog has uncovered hi-res pictures of it. The vehicle looks like it's equipped with some serious zombie-squashing apparatus, doesn't it!
(thanks to Nori for the news)
37 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2526 views
-
Brand store to open in Manchester, UK
Posted by Huw, 14 May 2012 15:50. Filed under Shopping (UK).
The location of the eighth brand store in the UK has been revealed on the jobs section of LEGO.com. It will be in Manchester, in the Arndale Centre, in the middle of the city.Clearly LEGO think there is a need for one there, despite the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre being only a few miles away in the Trafford Centre.
I believe there is to be another store opening in the UK this year, but its location still remains a mystery. If I had to guess I'd say it will be in t'north of country, though :-)
(thanks Martyn for posting this news in the forum)
30 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1410 views
-
21016 Sungnyemun architecture press release
Posted by Huw, 14 May 2012 12:06. Filed under LEGO press release.
BILLUND, Denmark – LEGO® Architecture, which uses the LEGO brick to interpret the designs of iconic architecture around the world, has added its first Asian landmark - the Gate of Exalted Ceremonies in Seoul, better known as the Sungnyemun.
Sungnyemun has stood in the heart of South Korean capital since 1398 as one of the most complete examples of Joseon Dynasty architecture. It is listed as the country’s foremost National Treasure.
“Sungnyemun survives as a symbolic marker of a lost place in time,” says the architect and designer of many of the LEGO models Adam Reed Tucker. In capturing the essence of Sungnyemun in LEGO bricks Adam looked at the aesthetics rather than engineering, especially the use of colours, patterns and materials that define the ‘spiritual DNA’ of a culture.
Construction of Sungnyemun started in 1396 and was completed two years later. Further alterations and renovations continued over the next 600 years. In 2008 the wooden structure was completely destroyed by fire and it is expected that the restoration – using traditional hand tools – will be complete at the end of 2012.
LEGO Architecture products feature well-known buildings, and the work of important architects. Aimed at inspiring future architects, engineers , designers and architecture fans around the world, the range contains a booklet featuring step-by-step building instructions prefaced by history, information and photographs of each iconic building, its design origin, its architect and its architectural features.
The LEGO 21016 Sungnyemun will be launched officially at the Danish Pavilion during the EXPO 2012 exhibition held in Yeosu, South Korea. It will be available for purchase from June 1 in LEGO brand retail stores, LEGOLAND Stores and online at http://shop.lego.com. The product is designed for ages 12+ and includes a booklet with facts and history about Sungnyemun. Recommended retail price is $34.99 in the US and €34.99 in most European countries.
12 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1314 views
-
9476 The Orc Forge
Posted by Huw, 14 May 2012 04:12. Filed under Set review.
My second LotR pictorial review, courtesy of Gizmocom and ToyAddict, is of 9476 The Orc Forge. I believe it is a Target exclusive in the USA.The main part of the set is some sort of primitive machinery for hoisting metal chunks (silver 1x1 round tiles) and tipping them into the black crucible. At the front there's a fire for heating the chunks, which is illuminated with a light brick. The base it stands on looks great and the slopes that go to make it, which includes 18 1x1 cheese slopes in olive green, account for a large percentage of the parts in the set.
The black thing at the front of the picture, which has trans-orange plates inside, is probably supposed to be for annealing the swords.
The set comes with four minifigs: Lurtz, two Mordor Orcs and a Uruk-hai. Unlike the Urak-hai armour in the army set reviewed below, the armour in this set has hand prints printed on it, which look great. As you can see, the ears on the Orc are a slightly different shape to those on the collectable minifig Elf. They are all highly detailed with printed backs and either double sided heads (Lurtz and Uruk-Hai) or back-of-head printing (Orcs).
This is a fun playset that probably won't appeal to everyone due to there being no 'conflict' in it. In the US it costs $40 and it will be £40 when available in the UK later in the summer.
Here are a couple more photos on flickr:
27 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2388 views
-
Reminder : Survey Deadline Approaching
Posted by DrDaveWatford, 13 May 2012 16:13. Filed under Miscellaneous.
LEGO has been in touch to ask us to remind any Bricksetters who haven't yet completed the latest LEGO survey to please do so before the May 17th deadline. The survey is more comprehensive and wide-ranging than usual, and the company is very keen to get as many responses as possible from the fan community.If you're aged 13 or over and have a few spare minutes, please click the relevant link below. As previously stated, LEGO have promised to share the main survey findings once they have analyzed the data, and I’ll post the results here when I get them.
Thanks again !
11 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1142 views
-
9471 Urak-Hai Army
Posted by Huw, 13 May 2012 04:19. Filed under Set review.
As mentioned below, I've been loaned the LotR sets for photography purposes by the good people at Gizmocom and ToyAddict, which is just as well because it's going to be a couple of months until they are available to buy in Europe. I understand several shops in the USA (including TRU) are selling at least some of them now: I guess it's only fair that you get something early given Europe had Star Wars and Marvel a few weeks before you earlier in the year :-)Anyway, I'll be creating a full minifig gallery in due course but for now I'm going to post photos of the sets, which were sent to me assembled, so I won't be able to tell you what the build is like.
First up, then, is 9471 Urak-Hai Army. This costs $35 in the USA and consists of a section of wall, 6 minifigs and a siege machine. The great thing about this is that not only is it a great 'army builder' it's also designed to be a 'castle extender': the wall section can be connected to 9474, The Batle of Helm's Deep, and I guess you could buy as many of these as you liked to build a massive castle wall. The back of the box shows how they can be combined.
The six minifigs are Eomer, a Rohan soldier and four Urak-hai. The latter all have the same legs, torso and head printing, but the addidion of helmets and armour to some of them has created three variations.
This is the only set that Eomer comes in, and one criticism is that, given the set is likely to be bought in multiples by those that want to stage large battles, it would perhaps have been better to have another generic Rohan soldier instead: after all, you only need one Eomer, right?
The horse is of the new articulated-back-legs type so it's possible to pose it in new ways. Unfortunately, however, the saddle prevents the minifig from bending forwards to be upright, which I'm sure he'd try and do in order to stay on the horse :-)
The seige machine is perhaps a little disappointing in that it looks big, heavy and fearsome, but it fires only small projectiles that don't look as if they'd have much of an impact on the castle walls. They do, however, launch at quite a speed.So to conclude then, it's a neat set and one that will be worth picking up multiples of. $35 doesn't seem too bad for it, although it'll probably be £35 in the UK which will make it a bit on the expensive side.
Next up, probably tomorrow: 9476 The Orc Forge.
38 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1974 views
-
Modular Western Town to hit 10,000 votes at Cuusoo in the next few hours
Posted by Huw, 11 May 2012 15:12. Filed under Cuusoo.
We've (nearly) done it! As I write the Modular Western Town stands at 9950 votes at Cuusoo and is sure to reach 10,000 in the next few hours which will be quite an achievement given it's not based on a licensed property and has been promoted only within the AFOL community.If you haven't supported the project yet, please do so now and do your bit to help it reach its goal!
Update: 22:00 GMT: We've done it! Well done everyone and thank you!
80 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1467 views
-
Lord of the Rings set reviews coming up!
Posted by Huw, 11 May 2012 08:57. Filed under New sets.
You will recall that the LotR sets were unvelied at AFOLCON last weekend. The sets on display were auctioned off at the end of the show and I now have them in my posession!
I wasn't even at the auction, so I didn't win them myself but Darren at Gizmocom and Tim at Brick Buy Brick did manage to secure them all and they've sent them to me to review and photograph.
I'll be doing my best to work my way through them in the coming days, but in the meantime these minifig checklists from the back of the instructions should whet your appetite:
Tim is offering Brickset users a 5% discount in his BrickLink store Brick Buy Brick, and will also do so in his new web toy shop, ToyAddict, when it launches in June. Just mention Brickset in the notes when you check out!
Darren is also offering 5% discount on orders under £50 and 10% on orders over £50 from his BrickLink store Gizmocom, until the official release day of the LotR sets. So, get shopping!
29 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1346 views
-
Pre Vizsla's Mandalorian Fighter picture/MBA news
Posted by Huw, 11 May 2012 06:41. Filed under New sets.
Smashing Bricks has posted what I think is the first picture of Pre Vizsla's Mandalorian Fighter, which might actually have been there for a while. It's a bit small but you can just about make out what it'll be like. This means that the only 2012 Star Wars set in the retail assortment that we don't know anything about, other than a name, is 9526 Palpatine's Arrest.
Meanwhile, the latest Master Builder Academy sets, for level 3, have shipped in the USA and a poster inside them reveals the kits that'll be in level 4. The Clutch Power blog has scanned it and as you'll see it's a bit of a mixed bag. The world architecture set looks great but the others look like a return to Time Cruisers!
It's shocking that these are still unavailable outside of North America, and as far as I know there is no timescale for making them available, either.
14 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1696 views
-
City Mining Truck 4202 now listed...
Posted by Grahame, 11 May 2012 03:25. Filed under shop.LEGO.com (General).
The City Mining Truck set 4202 is now listed at shop.LEGO.com for some countries only. Priced at 29.99 Euro for customers from Germany, this set contains 269 pieces and is apparently available now. This means the other sets in this sub-theme won't be too far away from making an appearance at the LEGO shop!
8 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1150 views
-
PALS invite you to their LEGO display in Perth, Australia, 2-4 June
Posted by Huw, 10 May 2012 14:19. Filed under Events (Australia).
The Perth Adult Lego Society (PALS) is putting on a LEGO display in Western Australia, and at 64 metres long, it will be their longest one yet!The layout will be a “Travel through Time” starting in the Prehistoric, visiting the Present day and finishing in the Future!
It will also feature a 21-metre long bridge, LNG Platform and Tanker, and Space Shuttle launch with crawler-transporter.
It's part of the Model Railway Exhibition at Claremont Showgrounds and will be open on June 2nd and 3rd from 9:30am to 4:30pm, and June 4th from 9:30am to 4pm. Entry fees are kids $5, adults $10, family [2+2] $25.
You can find out more at the PALS website.
6 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)706 views
-
Cuusoo Corner
Posted by Huw, 08 May 2012 17:10. Filed under Cuusoo.
You will have no doubt noticed by now the new Cuusoo Corner box in the side bar, which has been named after the long-running discussion in the forum.This is a new feature of the site that I will be using to showcase outstanding projects at Cuusoo to encourage you to support them.
The box shows one entry at random, which changes every hour, from a selection of hand-picked Cuusoo projects. I intend to promote around ten or so projects at a time, and will be happy to take suggestions for those to include. I will not be promoting projects based on intellectual properties that do not align with LEGO's values, or those that do not stand a hope in hell of ever being made.
This afternoon the Cuusoo team made a statement about brand standards that outlines what makes a suitable LEGO product. It states that they will not make products that feature:
- Politics and political symbols
- Religious references including symbols, buildings, or people
- Sex, drugs, or smoking
- Alcohol in any present day situation
- Swearing
- Death, killing, blood, terrorism, or torture
- First-person shooter video games
- Warfare or war vehicles in any situation post-WWII to present
- Racism, bullying, or cruelty to real life animals
which are all pretty obvious, but I think there is one missing:
- Intellectual properties that it is not currently possible to license, that the owner would not grant a license for, or that do not meet the terms of a current license agreement
So, the Star Wars Stormtrooper bucket should be out (in fact LEGO has said they cannot make it in their comments) and My Little Pony probably would be as well. Think about it: why would Hasbro let another company make toys that would directly compete with its own? I suspect projects based on Dr. Who would fail to meet this requirement also.
Anyway, I hope you like Cuusoo Corner: let's see if we AFOLs can get models that we want, as opposed to what wannabe AFOLs want, to review stage now.
199 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2355 views
-
Press release: The LEGO Show beats world record
Posted by Huw, 08 May 2012 05:39. Filed under Miscellaneous.
After three busy days at EventCity the LEGO Show has broken the world record for the largest LEGO mosaic.The show, which welcomed 9,500 people over the bank holiday weekend (5 – 7 May), enlisted the aid of visitors to the show, and a few celebrity friends, to help build the 143.91m2 image, which contained 660,000 LEGO bricks.
In keeping with the sporting fever that is gripping the UK during 2012, the mosaic’s image showcased sports related LEGO minifigures from some of LEGO’s series of collectable minifigures.
In total more than 2,000 squares were completed at the show, with lots of visitors sharing their mosaic squares on Twitter, delighted to have been part of a world record.
Warren Elsmore, show director, said: “We have enjoyed a fantastic weekend at the LEGO Show 2012, and breaking the world record has just topped it off. I’d like to say a big thanks to all the visitors who have helped throughout the weekend, and the celebrities who made squares prior to the show.”
Celebrities included star of Star Trek: The Next Generation and The Big Bang Theory Wil Wheaton, comedian Peter Kay, C4 Sunday Brunch presenter Tim Lovejoy, former Olympic athlete and TV personality Iwan Thomas MBE, and the Breakfast show team at Key 103. Plus European medallist hurdler Andrew Pozzy, World Champion hurdler Dai Greene, Commonwealth Silver Medallist Eilidh Child, European Junior Champion Lawrence Clarke, and Rory Stewart OBE MP.
Each of the celebrities made their squares prior to the show. The squares were signed by each of the stars and will be auctioned in aid of Key 103’s Cash for Kids charity.The record, officially entitled ‘the largest image built with interlocking plastic bricks’, previously stood at 112m2, and was made by DK Publishing House (UK) in London, UK in 2010.
---
The image shows Warren Elsmore and a local schoolgirl adding the last tile. So you can see the finished mosiac a little better I've corrected the perspective on the version on the right.
I had little part to play in its construction: all I did was correct a tile or two that had been done incorrectly :-)
23 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1780 views
-
Serenity Firefly rejected already
Posted by Huw, 08 May 2012 03:45. Filed under Cuusoo.
As I correctly predicted (and have been criticised for doing so), the Serenity Firefly Cuusoo submission has been rejected by LEGO because it is not a good 'fit' with the LEGO brand. A statement was posted late yesterday in the Cuusoo blog.What I find most interesting about it is "We learned the IP was questionable regarding a brand fit, and since we anticipated this project reaching 10,000 the team got a head start and reviewed the project on these criteria."
What we can read into this is that the BTTF, Zelda and Eve projects have not been immediately rejected so perhaps there is hope that at least one of them will see the light of day.
Important update (9th May): The LEGO Cuusoo team has specified exactly why the model was rejected on Facebook:
"The primary reason we have decided not to consider the Firefly IP for a LEGO product is the Inara Serra character, who is a "companion," or prostitute. This character and her profession are central to the story in the Firefly TV series. The character is inextricably linked to the story, and it isn’t possible to produce the model and license the IP without creating a link between the LEGO brand and this character."
79 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2913 views
-
Sopwith Camel press release
Posted by Huw, 07 May 2012 10:42. Filed under LEGO press release.
BILLUND, Denmark –The legendary Sopwith Camel, the aircraft flown by WWI aces and one of the most recognisable British aircraft to take to the skies, has been recreated as a LEGO® Exclusive model.
The biplane that took on the Red Baron Manfred von Richthofen and his flying circus has been turned into an authentic model with moving parts that captures the Sopwith Camel’s classic looks.
“Getting to design it was a real treat,” says Jamie Berard, Lead Designer for LEGO Exclusives. “We made a Sopwith Camel in 2001, but that was more of a visual model, beautiful to look at but without any functionality.”
Just like the real aeroplane, the joystick in the cockpit can move the ailerons and elevators using string rather than gears or levers. “The string goes up over the wings and can operate the ailerons on both wings at the same time. It was a real challenge to work on,” says Jamie.
The powerful rotary engine that gave the Sopwith Camel its distinct look has also been recreated and features a rotating propeller and rotating engine cylinders.
The model has 883 bricks and includes rare dark green, dark tan and metallic silver elements. It measures over 15” (40cm) long and has a wingspan of over 19” (50 cm).
The scale was carefully chosen to take account of the size of the large, powerful engine that drove the plane and so that the string could function properly with ailerons. “That allowed us to make a bigger wingspan more true to the original aircraft and a wider body that makes it easy to hold as you fly it around.”
In addition the Sopwith Camel has many sought-after parts including some metallic parts on the cowling and new 1x1 round tiles. “We’re also introducing the 1x1 brick in dark tan, which was on our top ten list of elements that our fans want and we give you quite a few of them,” adds Jamie. “We have tried to avoid stickers wherever possible and have a brick-built rudder in the characteristic red, white and blue of the original. Also included are dark green 8x16 plates and 1x3 tiles in the same colour.”
The 10226 Sopwith Camel is on sale from June 1, 2012 via http://shop.lego.com/ or LEGO Brand Retail Stores. Find your nearest store here: http://stores.lego.com.
---
The marketing blurb reads:
10226 Sopwith Camel Ages 14+. 883 pieces, US $99.99, CA $129.99, DE 89.99 €, UK £79.99, DK 799DKK
Relive a classic era of aviation history with the Sopwith Camel biplane!
Recreate your very own piece of aviation history with the historic Sopwith Camel. This detailed replica of one of the most recognizable British single-seat biplanes ever to have graced the skies. Features include a realistic rotating propeller and engine cylinders, hinged tail rudder, realistic tension wires, functioning wing ailerons and tail flaps that can be controlled from the cockpit – just like the real plane! The detail doesn’t stop there; this authentic model has over 880 bricks, including dark green, dark tan and metallic silver elements.
- Features include a rotating propeller and engine cylinders, hinged tail rudder, functioning wing ailerons and tail flaps that can be controlled from the cockpit
- Includes dark green, dark tan and metallic silver elements
- Recreate a piece of aviation history
- Turn the propellers and see the cylinders rotate
- Model measures over 15” (40cm) long and has a wingspan of over 19” (50 cm)
---
Here's the designer video:
---
I've added more pictures to the set details page (10226). I've also been sent a good picture of the mini Sopwith Camel 40049, complete with Belgian buns on its wings :-)
40 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1750 views
-
Serenity Firefly hits 10,000 votes on Cuusoo!
Posted by Huw, 06 May 2012 10:26. Filed under Cuusoo.
Another day, another licensed property that'll never see the light of day in LEGO form, hits the 10,000 mark at Cuusoo.Acually as I type, [1] the Serenity Firefly project stands at 9981 supporters but I suspect that by the time many of you read this it will have reached its goal.
The fictional ship the model is based on is full of curves and thus difficult to render in LEGO form (pictures here and here) which would explain why the model is not the most attractive LEGO spaceship you'll ever see.
The movie it comes from (IMDB entry) is PG-13 and contains material that LEGO will likely deem not suitable for kids. For this reason I believe that it won't pass review.
It's somewhat disappointing that so many models based on what are likely to be unobtainable or undesirable licences are successful at Cuusoo, while those that LEGO would have no objection to, or reason not to make, are struggling, such as the modular western town and my good friend Peter Reid's Exo-Suit.
I suspect once this latest batch of achievers has been reviewed in June, LEGO will be forced to change the Cuusoo rules once again to keep this sort of model, one that cannot ever be produced, from being submitted in the first place.
[1] Actually, while I've been typing, it's hit 10,000!
[2] Well that didn't long, the idea has been rejected already!
97 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3001 views
-
5000063 TC-14
Posted by Huw, 06 May 2012 08:10. Filed under Set review.
I hope everyone that wanted to managed to secure a 5000063 TC-14 minifig either in their local brand store or by ordering from shop.LEGO.com. I bought a UCS R2-D2 at AFOLCON so received mine with it there.It's a nice figure. The chrome plating is very good although as you can see the hands are light grey, which is a shame. I guess it's impractical or too expensive to plate them. It's certainly better that the gold-painted C-3PO, which is very unevenly coated.
Although it's made in China the properties of the different ABS that's used there are not evident because of course the parts are plated. However, as you can see in the picture, the torso is covered in micro-scratches. I've noticed this on collectable minifigs too. You never find them on figs made in other factories. They are only really visible when you hold it to the light, so not really much to worry about, and they don't detract from the desirability of the figure which is sure to rocket in value in the coming months; well, at least until it's offered as part of the next promotion, whatever that might be...
30 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1873 views
-
News catch-up
Posted by Huw, 06 May 2012 05:24. Filed under New sets.
Here's a quick round-up of the significant news I was sent while away:
- Toys N Bricks revealed an image of 40025 New York Cab, which will be available in the Rockefeller Center brand store.
- Grogall found a hi-res picture of 9476 LotR Orc Forge.
- Toys R Us is now listing some of the Monster Fighters sets and has provided higher-res pictures of them.
- supersympa found a 30165 'Hawkeye with equipment' on eBay.se, which suggests it's out in the wild already!
23 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1504 views
-
The LEGO Show: what to see (#legoshow)
Posted by Huw, 05 May 2012 07:11. Filed under Events (UK).
The focus of The LEGO Show is of course all the amazing MOCs that people have come from all over Europe to display, but I thought it worth listing the highlights of the show from the LEGO collectors' point of view, for the benefit of those still to arrive, or those that haven't yet decided whether to come or not!
- The large Sopwith Camel is on display, along with a 'timeline' of LEGO aircraft from years past.
- The Lord Of The Rings sets are making their public debut at the event.
- Adam Vaughan, designer of many of the Friends sets, has brought the sets that will be out in a few month's time.
- Mark Stafford is displaying the forthcoming Ninjago sets that he designed, along with several prototypes, which are always interesting to see, to better understand the design process.
- Along with the official LEGO shop that's been set up by the Liverpool store, there are around eight other sellers in the hall, selling everything from loose parts to MISB Market Streets (for £500). There's something for every budget!
There is plenty to see and do and, due to the cavernous size of the hall, it's not too crowded. If you can possibly get here today, tomorrow or Monday, I strongly encourage you to do so. It certainly is the 'biggest and best' LEGO show the UK has ever seen.
27 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)910 views
-
Dorling Kindersley DC Universe book on the way
Posted by Huw, 05 May 2012 05:03. Filed under Brickset.
What looks to be an excellent addition to the ever-increasing number of Dorling Kindersley LEGO books has been revealed on the DK website.It's scheduled for release in September.
(Thanks supersympa for the news)
19 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1375 views
-
Details of The Sun promotion revealed at The LEGO Show
Posted by Huw, 05 May 2012 04:50. Filed under Shopping (UK).
Posters revealing the nine sets that will be available with The Sun newspapers in the UK from 19th May are on display at The LEGO Show in Manchester today. I haven't had a chance to put set numbers against them, but as you can see there are:- 2 Batman sets
- 2 Ningago sets
- 2 Star Wars sets, including a 5 year old Tie Fighter
- 3 City setsThe doors open in 5 minutes. I sill have a few 1x8 bricks left, so if you're here this morning, come and find me!
Update: Si_* has created a Bricklist showing the sets that'll be available.
32 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1710 views
-
Sopwith Camel and mini Sopwith Camel revealed at AFOLCON
Posted by Huw, 04 May 2012 12:16. Filed under New sets.
The wifi signal here is awful - hence the lack of news today - but it seems to be working sufficiently well at the moment for me to tell you that the Sopwith Camel was revealed today, along with the mini version which will be a freebie in June/July.The designer video, featuring Jamie, revealed that the wing flaps operate via lengths of string from the joystick in the control panel, which is very cool. The engine housing is drum lacquered silver which also looks great.
We're trying get a video of the unveiling uploaded but technology is conspiring against us...
13 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1402 views
-
Cuusoo Update: The Legend of Zelda reaches 10,000 votes!
Posted by yellowcastle, 04 May 2012 10:44. Filed under Cuusoo.
Yet another design reaches 10,000 votes on Cuusoo. What does everyone think? Are there enough Zelda fans out there and is this the right scene to reimagine in LEGO? Though I'm not the biggest fan of the game, I'm certainly excited to see what LEGO can do with this submission.Now if only we can get the modular Western town over the hump as it's up to 8,500+ supporters! If you haven't supported it yet, and you're over 13, VOTE NOW!
61 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2451 views
-
[USA] May the 4th be with you!
Posted by Huw, 04 May 2012 00:00. Filed under shop.LEGO.com (US/Canada).
Today and tomorrow only, click on the banner above to take advantage of these offers at shop.LEGO.com:
- FREE Shipping on all orders of $75 or more.
- FREE Exclusive TC-14 minifigure on any LEGO Star Wars order of $75 or more. (while supplies last)
- FREE R2-D2 poster with any LEGO Star Wars order. (while supplies last)
- Price reductions on the following sets:
20% off:
10% off:
- 7961 Darth Mauls Sith Infiltrator
- 7964 Republic Frigate
- 7962 Anakin's and Sebulba's Podracers
- 7929 The Battle of Naboo
- 7956 Ewok Attack
Now's the ideal time to order R2-D2: free shipping AND a free TC-14 which is bound to join the ranks of the chrome Vader and stormtrooper as one of the most sought-after figs in the Star Wars universe!
73 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2376 views
-
[UK] May the 4th be with you!
Posted by Huw, 04 May 2012 00:00. Filed under shop.LEGO.com (UK).
Today and tomorrow only, click on the banner above to take advantage of these offers at shop.LEGO.com:
- FREE Delivery on all orders of £50 or more.
- FREE Exclusive TC-14 minifigure on any LEGO Star Wars order of £50 or more. (while supplies last)
- FREE R2-D2 poster with any LEGO Star Wars order. (while supplies last)
- Price reductions on the following sets:
20% off:
10% off:
- 7961 Darth Mauls Sith Infiltrator
- 7964 Republic Frigate
- 7962 Anakin's and Sebulba's Podracers
- 7929 The Battle of Naboo
- 7956 Ewok Attack
Now's the ideal time to order R2-D2: free shipping AND a free TC-14 which is bound to join the ranks of the chrome Vader and stormtrooper as one of the most sought-after figs in the Star Wars universe!
9 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1218 views
-
May the 4th Promotion now Live for New Zealand and Australia
Posted by yellowcastle, 03 May 2012 15:09. Filed under shop.LEGO.com (General).
It appears that the "May the 4th" promotion is now live on shop.LEGO.com for the Kiwis and Aussies!
Not entirely unexpected, the discounts are few and far between this year.
The sets on sale are as follows:
- 10221 - Super Star Destroyer 20% Off
- 10212 - Imperial Shuttle 20% Off
- 7964 - Republic Frigate 10% Off
- 7962 - Anakin's and Sebulba's Podracers 10% Off
- 7961 - Darth Maul's Sith Infiltrator 10% Off
- 7956 - Ewok Attack 10% Off
- 7929 - The Battle of Naboo 10% Off
- Various Magnets and Keychains 10% Off
Thanks to Forum users UKtsumi and Supersympa for the headsup!
26 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1075 views
-
AFOLCON show report
Posted by Huw, 03 May 2012 03:33. Filed under Events (UK).
AFOLCON kicks off in half-hour or so!
I've created a discussion in the forum that I'll try and keep updated during the day so those of you that are not attending can find out what's happening.
If you're on your way there, I'll see you soon!
3 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)799 views
-
City and Monster Fighters Sets at ValueBrick
Posted by Matthew, 02 May 2012 11:19. Filed under Shopping (Europe).
The new City Garage, Hospital, Mining Dump Truck and Monster Fighters Tomb of the Zombies are now listed as available from ValueBrick.at. They're priced at EUR 99,99 , 49,99, 29,99 and 39,99 respectively. The site says they're in stock, but I don't know if you'll have any luck with them arriving.
Via Eurobricks Forums
17 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1409 views
-
Three new Marvel Super Heroes polybags
Posted by Huw, 02 May 2012 03:42. Filed under New sets.
This morning's trawl of LEGO Customer Services instructions page revealed three new sets: 30162 Quinjet, 30163 Thor and the Cosmic Cube and 30165 Hawkeye with equipment. Unfortunately they haven't been rendered at the same quality as usual but you can just about make them out. The links to the instructions are on the set details pages and also, as always, on the new instructions list.
I am reliably informed that there's a Sun newspaper promotion coming up in the next month or so, so there are now a lot of new polybags that could be part of it. Fancy hazarding a guess as to what they'll be?
27 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2813 views
-
AFOLCON is almost here!
Posted by Huw, 01 May 2012 14:56. Filed under Events (UK).
Just one day to go until the start of what promises to be the biggest and best LEGO event the UK has ever seen!Are you going? If so, let me know in the comments. Will you be there Wednesday evening? I'm travelling up by train tomorrow and will get there late afternoon. If you're going to be in Manchester too then drop me a line and maybe we can meet someplace. I'm staying at the Copthorne Hotel, Salford Quays and will be at AFOLCON Thursday and Friday, and the Saturday morning of The LEGO Show.
The first 50 people that come and say hi to me during the events will be given a 1x8 brick printed with the Brickset logo!
36 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)832 views
-
More pictures of summer sets
Posted by Huw, 01 May 2012 14:54. Filed under New sets.
Grogall has sent us better pictures of the City Mining sets and also the summer Star Wars sets. Best start saving now, then...
13 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1349 views
-
Zellers Clearance Update Canada: Now 40% off
Posted by fuelbreak, 01 May 2012 13:02. Filed under Shopping (Canada).
News has just come in that Zellers stores in liquidation mode have just adjusted all prices to 40% off.
According to a cashier at one of the stores prices will continued to drop by 10% each week to follow.
12 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1455 views
-
Summer Friends images from The Daily Brick
Posted by Huw, 01 May 2012 08:01. Filed under Brickset.
The Daily Brick has uncovered some hi-res images of the summer Friends sets and has graciously allowed us to use them in the Brickset database.
Update: you can also find Star Wars Planets and Creator set images there as well now.
Check them out then let us know which ones you're excited about!
24 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2255 views
-
Friends in Toys R Us France
Posted by Littlebricks, 01 May 2012 06:16. Filed under News (France).
Pour l'achat d'un produit Lego Friends à 10€99, le 2ème à -50%. Toyrus France offrent un acheter un obtenir une réduction de 50 pour cent sur ??l'achat 2eme, sur certains jeux Friends.
(Toys R Us France offer a buy one get 50 percent reduction on the second buy, on some sets Friends)
0 comments (Commenting has ended on this article)751 views
-
Think Brick Fest, May 11-13, St. Petersburg, Russia
Posted by Huw, 01 May 2012 04:19. Filed under Events (Elsewhere).
This May, fan community in Saint-Petersburg, called Saint-Petersbrick (petersbrick.ru) is organising its second public event since PetersBrickFest in 2009.
Think Brick Fest takes place on May 11, 12 and 13th in Taiga Space (space-taiga.org, Dvortsovaya naberezhnaya 20) and will feature displays of City, Castle, Technic, Mindstorms, Bionicle and Hero Factory models and much much more.
The official Facebook page contains additional information.
Any Russians in the house?
3 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)664 views
-
R2-D2 available to order now
Posted by Huw, 01 May 2012 03:52. Filed under shop.LEGO.com (General).
It's 1st May, so R2-D2 can now be ordered from shop.LEGO.com. It's priced £149 in the UK, $179 in the USA and $229 in Canada.
Please order using these links: UK | USA | Canada
What's more, series 7 minifigs can also be ordered now in the USA and Canada today as well!
17 comments, latest one posted 12 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1357 views
