Brickset news archive: September 2012
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Toys R Us Starfighter Sale Canada
Posted by fuelbreak, 30 Sep 2012 18:37. Filed under Shopping (Canada).
Valid Sept. 28 - Oct. 04 (sorry I'm a bit behind) Obi-Wans Jedi Starfighter is finally on for only $49.87 Can. A much better price now for the piece count! No rain checks.
Also City Toys R Us truck is half-price at $26.87 Can.
http://www.toysrus.ca/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=12027082
8 comments, latest one posted 7 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2278 views
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Horizon Express revealed at Skaerbaek
Posted by Huw, 29 Sep 2012 15:00. Filed under New sets.
This set, which will be the first of a new Creator 'Expert' series, has just been revealed at the LEGO fan weekend in Skaerbaek, Denmark.
10233 Horizon Express, 1,351 pieces.
Build the ultimate high-speed LEGO passenger train!US $129.99, CA $149.99, DE 99.99€, UK £79.99, DK 899.00 DKK. Available in January.
Fly down the track in the Horizon Express! Collect this highly detailed LEGO interpretation of a modern, high-speed electric passenger train! The detailed body features black train windows, brick-built chevron detailing, extendable pantographs, printed windscreen and brick-built doors. Remove the roof to play inside two detailed passenger cars! Steer from the front engine car with a control panel and brick-built electrical box! Then take to the tracks in luxury with the first-class car’s seats, luggage, newspapers, computer screen and even a bathroom with sliding door!
The rear car features a bar with hinged counter, tables for the passengers with seats, a coffee machine, cups and bottles. For the ultimate high-speed experience, attach a second Horizon Express model, or motorize it by adding LEGO Power Functions! Hard-to-find elements include orange LEGO bricks (including 6x28 chassis plate) and printed tiles. Includes 6 minifigures: train engineer, train steward, and 4 passengers.
- Includes 6 minifigures: female train engineer, male train steward, 2 female passengers and 2 male passengers.
- Features 3 train cars, detailed engine room, printed windscreen, black train windows, brick-built chevron detailing, extendable pantographs, seats, a bathroom with sliding door, bar with hinged counter and tables with seats.
- Accessories include luggage, newspapers, computer screen, coffee machine, cups and bottles.
- Discover sideways building techniques!
- Ride the rails in high-speed LEGO style!
- Upgrade your model by adding LEGO Power Functions 8878 Rechargeable Battery Box, 8887 Transformer 10V DC, 8884 IR Receiver, 8879 IR Speed Remote Control, 88002 Train Motor and 8870 Lights.
- Train measures 31" (79cm) long.
Seems pretty good for $130/£80, doesn't it!
Update: I've added the additional pictures to the 10233 set details page.
86 comments, latest one posted 7 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)12528 views
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Legends of Chima back-story revealed on Facebook
Posted by Huw, 29 Sep 2012 12:04. Filed under New sets.
The Hungarian
Monobrand store has revealed the Legends of Chima back-story on its Facebook page.Here's a translation into English courtesy of Google, tidied up a bit to try and make it read properly:
"The kingdom of Chima is a magical land in which very advanced species dominate. These creatures speak and act like people. They use vehicles and machines and live in amazing castles and fortresses. They have claws, teeth, tails, and some are equipped with wings. Now they are at war with each other...
"Chima was once a pure, natural paradise, but heavily armed barbarian species have changed it and now best friends have become sworn enemies of each other. Ruthless weapons destroyed the once sacred temples. Blood-thirsty vehicles battle each other in fatal duels in the forest.
"The creatures are fiercely fighting over a powerful natural resource called Chi. which is the source of life but also unimaginable destruction.
"Only a few brave heroes in Chima understand the true nature of Chi, and that its misuse leads to the total destruction of Chima. The stories of these heroes and those who want to destroy them are known as ’The Legends of Chima'."
(last paragraph clarified by Zolkoe, thanks...)
So there you have it. I guess it sort of makes sense. If any Hungarian speakers would like to have a go at translating it properly, please do so!
Via GrooveBricks, originally from EuroBricks forum, I believe. (GrooveBricks currently contains malware, apparently, so I've removed the hyperlink to it).
32 comments, latest one posted 7 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)5953 views
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Bricktober Week 1 at Toys R Us
Posted by yellowcastle, 29 Sep 2012 09:46. Filed under Shopping (USA).
Valid Sunday 9/30 through Saturday 10/6, Toys R Us is running a Buy One, Get One 40% Off All LEGO construction sets. And by "All", Toys R Us is excluding Ninjago, Technic and Friends. Additionally, you receive Vintage Minifigure Collection Volume 1 / Toys R Us Edition (5000437) with a qualifying $60 purchase. As Huw noted in an article below, there will be a different Vintage Minifigure pack each week and supplies will likely be very limited. Lastly, the limit will be one pack per person per week.
16 comments, latest one posted 7 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)4434 views
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Call to action reminders
Posted by Huw, 28 Sep 2012 09:57. Filed under Brickset.
Sunday 30 is the cut-off date for entry to the Super Heroes competition and for registering for a GWLS Brickset name badge.
- If you're planning on entering our Super Heroes competition, please submit your videos by replying to this thread in the forum. To ensure midnight has passed in all time zones, the drop dead cut-off point will be 8am on Monday morning, London time.
- If you're attending the Great Western LEGO Show at Swindon next weekend and you'd like to identify yourself to other Brickset members, please fill in this form so we can make you a badge. If you're coming as a visitor, you are strongly encouraged to buy your tickets in advance because the queues can be lengthy particularly in the mornings.
5 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2055 views
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Brand store to open near Paris next month
Posted by Huw, 28 Sep 2012 05:04. Filed under Shopping (Europe).
It seems the LEGO brand store coming soon to Lille that we mentioned a while ago isn't the only, or first one opening in France this year.Le Figaro is reporting that there's one opening in a few weeks: "The first LEGO Store lights will come on October 18 in a new shopping centre in Levallois-Perret" which is 6 km north-west of Paris.
It goes on to say that LEGO plans to open one or two per year over the next five years, which has to be good news for LEGO fans in France, right?!
(Thanks to supersympa for the news).
15 comments, latest one posted 7 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3420 views
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Information about polybags
Posted by Huw, 27 Sep 2012 11:40. Filed under Brickset.
A while ago we asked the LEGO community team to find out about some of the polybags that we have listed but don't know if and when they were available. This is obviously important information if you're a polybag completest (eh, atkinsar...)
Today we received information about them, as follows:
- 7806 and 7807 which were at one time listed in the LEGO replacement parts system, were never produced.
- 4897, 7612, 7796, 30016, 30022 were never produced but instructions are available at LEGO.com so you can make your own (I made the bee a while ago).
- 30036 was produced but seems to be incredibly rare. There is one listed on BrickLink and only one has been sold in the last 6 months.
I've created an advanced query 'sets that were never released' that shows these and all the other sets that have appeared in printed material at LEGO.com but never saw the light of day.
The airliner, 7807, is a particularly nice model, isn't it. I guess like the others, it was designed but never selected for co-promotion by LEGO partners.
(Thanks to Jan and Kim at LEGO for assisting with our enquiries, I'm sure we'll have more questions soon!)
17 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3587 views
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The LEGO book, second edition, out now
Posted by Huw, 27 Sep 2012 08:07. Filed under Miscellaneous.
The 'expanded and fully revised' version of Dorling Kindersley's The LEGO Book is out now and I've just received mine from Amazon.The original was published in 2009 and I reviewed it here. This new edition is 50 pages longer than the original and is now 256 pages in total.
A lot has happened in the LEGO world since 2009 and the book has been updated to reflect this. The 50 new pages cover topics that didn't exist when the first edition was published (HERO Factory, LEGO Games, Ninjago, Alien Conquest, Friends etc.) and all other relevant pages have been updated to include content from the last 4 years.
It looks as if all content in the first edition is included in this one, although due to significant reorganisation in some places I can't be 100% sure.
The book is up to date and covers all themes that have been released the second half of this year (LotR, Monster Fighters) but not The Hobbit, unfortunately :-)
The original edition was packaged and sold with a book about minifigs, Standing Small. That's no longer included but I wouldn't be at all surprised if we saw a much larger book about minifigs published in the near future.
It's a superb 'coffee-table' book that's a pleasure to dip into when you have a spare moment. If you buy just one LEGO book, make it this one. Even if you have the first edition there is enough new content in it to make it a worthwhile purchase.
15 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3718 views
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Toys R Us Bricktober details
Posted by Huw, 26 Sep 2012 10:39. Filed under Shopping (USA).
This news is hot off the press: the LEGO community team sent it out just 5 minutes ago...October is right around the corner and that means it’s once again time to celebrate 'Bricktober' at participating Toys 'R' Us Stores.
This year, the 'exclusive' gift-with-purchases will be the Vintage Minifig collections, volumes 1 to 4. It's interesting that that should be the case given some of them are now 5 years old. I wonder if it's a new production run, or a means of getting rid of surplus stock. I don't know what the qualifying purchase threshold is, but more details will be available nearer the time at ToysRUs.com, I suspect.
There will be two events going on as well:
- On Saturday October 20 there will be a LEGO Creationary challenge
- Of more interest to us, on Saturday October 27 you'll receive a free Monster Fighters accessory pack, 5000644, the one that was given away at an event in Canada last month. See the poster, left, for more details.
Update: it appears from the comments that there are some differences between the minifig packs and the originals linked to above, so I've added the picture LEGO provided so you can compare them yourself.
42 comments, latest one posted 7 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)6473 views
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Argos 3-for-2 on toys starts tomorrow
Posted by Huw, 25 Sep 2012 14:51. Filed under Shopping (UK).
I have it on good authority (hukd) that the Argos annual 3-for-2 offer starts tomorrow (Wed 26th)! It's on until Tuesday, but of course stock will deplete quickly, so get your order in quickly!
So, I recommend you reserve your items today for collection tomorrow. I have already!
Update: Argos has announced this on their Facebook page so the website is running like treacle at the moment, but it's worth persevering :-)
Update 2: 08:15 in the morning: the site is now overloaded and it's impossible to check out...
Thanks Jon S for the tip-off!
15 comments, latest one posted 7 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3944 views
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10229 Winter Village Cottage now available for VIP members
Posted by Huw, 24 Sep 2012 17:46. Filed under shop.LEGO.com (General).
If you're a VIP member at shop.LEGO.com, you can now order 10229 Winter Village Cottage. VIP members received an email today offering an interesting choice:
"We know our LEGO VIPs will want to be the first to get their hands on the new Winter Village Cottage Exclusive set! However, with double VIP Points just around the corner, you'll get the VIP Star treatment WHENEVER you make your purchase:
- OPTION 1: Purchase September 24 - September 30: VIP Members get exclusive early access to purchase Winter Village Cottage!
- OPTION 2: Purchase October 1 - October 31: VIP Members get DOUBLE VIP Points on every purchase of Winter Village Cottage.
"Simply choose which of these options works best for you to purchase this great new LEGO exclusive. Just make sure you're signed in with your LEGO ID to get shopping!"
It sounds a bit of a no-brainer to me. Why would you buy it 6 days early when you can effectively save 5% on October 1st??
Whenever you choose to buy it, please do so via these links: UK (£90) | USA ($100) | Canada ($130). Note that if you're not logged in at shop.LEGO.com, you'll be sent to the home page when you click on them, which confused me this morning when I first read about this at Brick Fanatics.
(Thanks tzi for sending me the email text: I haven't received it directly yet).
35 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)5585 views
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The Hobbit game now on the shelves
Posted by Huw, 24 Sep 2012 10:04. Filed under New sets.
davetheoxygenman snapped this at his local TRU in the USA. It looks as if it has some nice pieces, but it's a bit pricey at $35. (He could have straightened the shelf before taking the picture, couldn't he :-) )It contains four micro-figs: Gandalf the Grey, and dwarfs Kili, Fili and Dwalin.
Hopefully it won't be long now until the rest of The Hobbit sets hit the stores. LEGO has done a good job of keeping them under wraps, haven't they...
Update: bricklee tells us that The Hobbit sets will be revealed at NYCC on 11th October, which sounds plausible, but I do wish LEGO would give the existing AFOL community some love when it comes to this kind of thing, rather than revealing new sets, giving away cool stuff and so on at non-AFOL events...
18 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)4844 views
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2012 product collections
Posted by Huw, 24 Sep 2012 04:09. Filed under New sets.
I've just added to the database around 15 Product Collections that have been produced this year, thanks to whung who tracked them down in the far-flung corners of the Internet.
Product collections consist of two or more sets packaged together, either shrink wrapped with printed cardboard or in a specially printed box, and are sold by a small selection of retailers in various countries. They are not all available in every country, and as you can see from some of the packaging, they are often made for specific markets, notably Japan.
They usually surface in the shops at this time of year, ready for Christmas. In the UK they are rarely seen, although TRU does carry a few. I guess they serve two purposes: they help LEGO shift what otherwise might be unsold stock, and to provide more 'big boxes' on the shelves for present buyers to choose from.
You have to be a really dedicated collector to want them all and track them down for your chosen themes of interest, so for that reason, they are 'greyed out' when you browse the Brickset database. And when you analyse your collection, they are ignored in the totals.
The database also contains what I call 'virtual product collections'. These differ from normal product collections in that they don't actually exist other than as a stock unit at shop.LEGO.com that enables you to order multiple sets at a time. (here's an example). Given they are virtual, I usually delete them from the database once shop.LEGO.com stops selling them.
If you come across any product collections we don't already have listed, do please let us know. They are difficult to find, usually hidden away on small retailers' websites. whung did a fantastic job finding these ones!
14 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3093 views
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New Windows Phone app: Minifigures
Posted by Huw, 23 Sep 2012 15:06. Filed under Software/Games.
If you have a Windows Phone, you can now use it to track your collectable minifigure collection, thanks to a new app. by Brickset user Jacob, simply called Minifigures
The store description reads "Lego Minifigures uses Brickset.com web services, here you can search all the released figures and login with your Brickset account to add figures you own or want. This app only shows Collectable Minifigures."
It's free, so download it and give it a go...
5 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2562 views
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Buy One, Get One 40% Modulars at Toys R Us
Posted by yellowcastle, 23 Sep 2012 10:54. Filed under Shopping (USA).
Though unadvertised, Toys R Us is currently offering Buy One, Get One 40% Off for the "larger" Creator sets. If you've been holding off on getting some modulars, most seem to be in stock and all at MSRP. Additionally, it might help those looking for both a Sopwith and Medieval Market Village. It's currently unclear how long this promotion will last. But don't worry, Bricktober is right around the corner if you wait. According to forum member Sidersdd, the first week will also be a BOGO40%.
Update: I'm getting reports that there's a 'buy 2 get 2 free' offer in TRU in the USA as well at the moment, and davetheoxygenman emailed to say that he found 3920 The Hobbit game in his local branch, priced £34.99 -- Huw
19 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)5291 views
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20% off at Smyths Toys until Monday
Posted by Huw, 21 Sep 2012 13:49. Filed under Shopping (UK).
We've been rather spoiled for 20% discounts and 3-for-2 offers in the UK lately.
However, if you've missed out on previous opportunities or still have things on your wish list, you can take advantage of 20% discount at Smyths Toys this weekend, in-store and online. What's more, shipping is free on orders over £40.
Having had a look round their LEGO offering it seems as if quite a few sets are reduced already. For example the Dino Defence HQ is just £66.49 instead of £75, so with 20% off that takes it to £53.19, which is a c.30% discount. Sadly, it's not in stock online :-(
14 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3079 views
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Brickset users raise £300 for children's cancer ward
Posted by Huw, 20 Sep 2012 13:32. Filed under Miscellaneous.
Remember the charity raffle that Kevbags organised a few weeks ago? Thanks to the generosity of Brickset users, a grand total of £300 was raised which Kev used to buy LEGO for his local hospital's children's cancer ward.He took it there today and this picture shows five year old Rohan, currently suffering with pneumonia, with Karen Foster, a Hospital Play Specialist.
"The LEGO will provide hours of fun for the older children who have to stay in hospital. As well as bringing children together socially in small groups this will benefit children who have to stay in their rooms." said Karen. "We would like to say a big thank you to all who have donated to provide us with the LEGO and bringing hours of fun to the children."
Kev added "Rohan, who can't leave his room at the moment, decided to keep hold of The Batcave to build this afternoon..."
You can read more in the forum, including the list of sets Kev bought -- quite a haul by the looks of things!
So, a big thank you to everyone who contributed, and especially to Kev for organising it. We will have to do it again!
14 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3488 views
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Brickset badges for GWLS
Posted by Huw, 20 Sep 2012 08:42. Filed under Brickset.
As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago we're planning on making name badges for Brickset users that'll be at GWLS on the 6th and 7th October so we can identify each other.
Giles (Kempo81) has kindly offered to help produce them, so if you'd like one made, please fill in this form to let us know your Brickset name, your real name and forum avatar picture and he'll print you a customised one. Please do so by 30th September to give him time.
We'll also have a supply of blank ones that we can write on on the day if you prefer.
I look forward to seeing you all there!
11 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2534 views
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The LEGO community team want your input again...
Posted by Huw, 20 Sep 2012 08:10. Filed under Miscellaneous.
The latest AFOL survey is now live and you're invited to complete it, before 5th October.
This one seems to be focused on your use of social media and AFOL sites, so be sure to indicate how much you use (and love :-) ) Brickset.
10 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2684 views
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2013 summary
Posted by Huw, 20 Sep 2012 03:54. Filed under New sets.
I've added the latest batch of set numbers to the database so the outlook for 2013 is becoming clearer. So, building upon the article I posted a few days ago:
- Galaxy Squad: A new space theme that sounds as if it's been inspired heavily by the excellent 1997 movie Starship Troopers, i.e. space marines fighting 'bugs'. The set names suggest the opponents are some sort of vermin or bugs, don't they.
- Super Heroes: Ten sets known so far, featuring DC and Marvel super heroes, which, if they appear early in the year and their set names are quoted in the retailers' catalogue, they are probably not related to any forthcoming movie.
- Lone Ranger: No details known but the theme has been confirmed.
That being the case, I would say that the Space Marines project on Cuusoo is doomed to failure, and the Modular Western Town may pass review but won't be produced until some time after the Lone Ranger sets have ended.
53 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)6698 views
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2013 set details coming thick and fast...
Posted by Huw, 19 Sep 2012 15:59. Filed under New sets.
Here's the latest, from kez and Missingno and the forum:
Super Heroes:
- 76000 Arctic Batman vs. Mr.Freeze - Aquaman on Ice
- 76001 Batman vs. Bane - Chase with Tumbler
- 76004 Spider-Man - Hunting with Spider-Cycle
- 76005 Spider-Man - Mission at Daily Bugle
- 76007 Super Heroes: Marvel 4
66 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)18550 views
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Ewok Attack 52% off
Posted by Huw, 18 Sep 2012 17:52. Filed under Shopping (UK).
I don't normally like to post articles about specific sets being reduced, they get a bit boring, don't they, but I think this warrants an exception (plus, news has been slow today...)
Ewok Attack is currently less than half price at Amazon.co.uk, having dropped in price by £11 today and is now only £12.45. I don't suppose they'll last, so get in quick...
8 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3071 views
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There's still time to win these minifigs!
Posted by Huw, 16 Sep 2012 13:33. Filed under Brickset.
Our Super Heroes movie competition is in full swing and there have been some great entries so far. You can view them all in the forum.All you have to do to enter the competition is to create a short video using LEGO Super Heroes Movie Maker on your iPhone or iPad.
The best one (defined below) as judged by the Brickset team will win both minifigs.
Here's how to enter:
- Shoot your movie, which should be around one minute long.
- Upload it to YouTube
- Post a message in the forum, in this thread, [1] and embed your video in it, by 30th September 2012.
As this is a competition to promote the Super Heroes Movie Maker app, your video should feature LEGO Super Heroes. You could make up your own script involving them, re-enact a scene from a movie, or maybe just shoot something to demonstrate how cool a particular Super Heroes set is, or something else entirely: the choice is yours.
Entries will be judged on execution, originality and entertainment value. Entry is open to everyone [2], wherever you are in the world. If you have any questions, please ask. Good luck!
--
[1] If you are under 16 and therefore can't post in the forum, drop me an email when you've uploaded to YouTube, and I will post it on your behalf.
[2] There is no age restriction on entering but if you are under 13 you must ask your parent/guardian's permission to do so and ask them to post your video on YouTube.
2 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3128 views
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2013: what we know
Posted by Huw, 16 Sep 2012 05:38. Filed under New sets.
I've added the list of sets found at Werst to the database, and as you'll see a pretty clear picture of what we can expect in 2013 is emerging. Here's how I see it:
- Ninjago: 2013 is believed to be the last year of the theme and from the listing of next year's sets it appears that there will be no more spinners.
- Legends Of Chima: From the picture of the DK book cover and the eBay listing, this appears to be based around some sort of half-human half-animal minifig hybrids (minifig body, animal head) and includes normal sets as well as some with a gaming element. The latter are presumably replacing the Ninjago spinners.
- City: Rather disappointingly, the sets in the list for 2013 are all fire and police. Didn't we just have new fire and police sets this year?
- Friends: It sounds as if the girls are branching out into sports and other pursuits. There appears to be some form of collectable bag series, which feature animals and their 'house'. It's possible that this what the sets 41017-41022 are, which were not listed at Werst.
- Star Wars: I think we know all about the first wave of sets, and we've discussed them before.
Now onto the rumours...
There's no word of other licensed themes, but I suspect we will see more Lord Of The Rings/Hobbit sets, although possibly not during the first part of the year.
There will be new Super Heroes to tie in with whatever movies are being released (there's another Iron Man due, amongst others, isn't there?)
There are also rumours of sets to tie in with the Disney Lone Ranger movie, which is set in the 'wild-west'. Given the history of tie-ins with less than spectacular Disney movies (e.g. Pirates of the Caribbean 4, Prince of Persia) I can believe this.
And, I almost forgot, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, heaven help us!
What else? Polar Explorer and Space Galaxy are also theme names that have been mentioned in rumours. I guess we'll have to wait and see on those...
65 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)8662 views
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German toy shop site lists 2013 sets
Posted by Huw, 15 Sep 2012 17:10. Filed under New sets.
German website Werst has listed many 2013 sets, including Ninjago, Legends of Chima, Friends and City. The names on the site are of course in German, but missingno has helpfully provided translations, courtesy of Google Translate I suspect...Ninjago:
- 70500 Kai's Fire Robot $10
- 70501 Samurai Bike $20
- 70502 Cole's Power Drill $20
- 70503 Golden Dragon $30
- 70504 Garmatron $40
- 70505 Temple of Light $65
41 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)12238 views
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Green Ninjas!
Posted by Huw, 15 Sep 2012 13:23. Filed under Pick of the week.
This is Lloyd ZX, from the spinner set 9574. It seems that he's in demand, because within days of being available at shop.LEGO.com early in September, the set went onto back order until mid-October.I managed to find one in my local Tesco, in a newly opened box of the new spinners.
Can the set be found on the shelves where you are, or is it disappearing fast?
I believe he's been hyped up in the cartoon series, which might explain his popularity, although as it's not aired here in the UK, I haven't seen it to be sure.
He's a nice figure. The green spikes are very cool, and uncommon. His spinner is attractively decorated and if you only buy one Ninjago spinner (perhaps before they are retired next year (maybe)), make it this one.
Of course, he's not the first green ninja: the other two in this photo are from 3346 from 2000, which was a hard-to-find set then and much in demand now. New examples will set you back $30/£20 each on BrickLink, while a MISB set will cost you around £80. Unbelievable for a set that cost just $5/£5 twelve years ago!I suspect the rarity and coolness of them is a contributing factor to the high demand for Lloyd ZX.
25 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3895 views
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A busy weekend for LEGO-related opening events
Posted by Huw, 14 Sep 2012 12:06. Filed under Miscellaneous.
The Hungarian 'Monobrand' store opened today in Budapest. Brickset user maques arrived 1/2 hour after opening to find it packed out, with hundreds queued outside.It appears that this is a franchise operation and not run directly by LEGO Brand Retail. However as you can see, it looks just like any other brand store with the PaB wall at the back.
Were you there too? Tell us in the comments what you think of this new store.
Then tomorrow, the 6th, LEGOLAND park opens in Malaysia (I think I've got that right... Billund, Windsor, Gunzberg, California, Florida, Malaysia in that order, right?)
It's located in Nusajaya, Iskandar, Malaysia and is 20 minutes' drive from the Senai International Airport in Johor. It features 40 rides and attractions, so says Shuen, who's been to a preview event and will be there again tomorrow.
I remember going to the LEGO Club preview weekend at LEGOLAND Windsor in March 1996. The first year of opening is always the best time to visit a LEGOLAND park, before the models have had a chance to fade and weather, so if you get the opportunity to visit, do so!
It saddens me that much of the miniland models at Windsor are the original 1996 ones and they are in a right state. It's a shame that Merlin doesn't invest in their upkeep rather than opening attractions here, there and everywhere. I guess doing so is hard to justify in terms of return on investment. It's not likely to attract more visitors, is it?
11 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)4151 views
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3-for-2 at Toys R Us this weekend
Posted by Huw, 14 Sep 2012 08:36. Filed under Shopping (UK).
From now until Sunday, TRU has a 3-for-2 offer on for toys including LEGO.It appears to be online and in-store, although as you can read in the forum, some stores may be excluded, or are just slow at getting started/putting out the signage.
I might just go and grab myself some Monster Fighters sets, that I vowed not to buy any of :-)
13 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)4343 views
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Briqu'Expo: 22-23 September, Veneux-Les Sablons, France
Posted by Huw, 14 Sep 2012 06:45. Filed under Events (Europe).
FreeLUG invites you to attend Briqu'Expo which takes place 22-23rd September in Veneux-Les Sablons (close to Fontainebleau, south of Paris):L’association FreeLUG rassemble des passionnés de la brique LEGO répartis sur toute la France (et même au-delà) qui jouent, collectionnent, construisent et reconstruisent, filment et animent, exposent. Du DUPLO au Technic, du moyen-âge à la robotique, en passant par la ville, l’espace, le train, la customisation, toutes les tendances sont les bienvenues pour s’exprimer et échanger à travers le site Internet, les listes de discussion, et bien sûr les rencontres et expositions.
Consultez et dialoguez avec des centaines de passionnés de la petite brique sur notre liste de discussion ou depuis la passerelle web sur http://forum.freelug.org/.
Retrouvez-nous lors de Briqu’Expo Veneux-Les Sablons les 22 et 23 septembre pour une exposition 100% briques LEGO !
0 comments (Commenting has ended on this article)2094 views
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Christmas polybags out now
Posted by Huw, 14 Sep 2012 05:05. Filed under New sets.
This cute little Christmas train, and 40035, Rocking Horse are starting to appear in LEGO shops. These two were found in the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre shop in Manchester, UK, by danoo. If they are not already in the brand stores I'm sure they will be soon, so look out for them, and 40033, Turkey.
13 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)4284 views
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Toys R Us Canada Deals September 14-23
Posted by fuelbreak, 13 Sep 2012 13:03. Filed under Shopping (Canada).
Toys R Us Canada deals for September 14-23.
LEGO Star Wars Character Encyclopedia 50% off, now priced at 10.47
Free 30210 Frodo with $35 LEGO Lord of the Rings purchase.
Thank you Brickset user Shaase for the news.
5 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2806 views
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Legends of Chima minifig revealed at Amazon
Posted by Huw, 13 Sep 2012 07:40. Filed under New sets.
Check out the cover of this book, Amazing Minifigure Ultimate Sticker Collection
, to be published next year. It features what looks to be a Legends Of Chima minifig, bottom right.
I think that's the only unreleased one on the cover, though.
Update: LEGO has had the image removed after reading about it on LEGO fan sites.
(well spotted, Nori!)
21 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)6541 views
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Old news: Legends Of Chima on eBay
Posted by Huw, 12 Sep 2012 14:42. Filed under New sets.
Today, many AFOL sites published links to photos from an eBay listing for a pre-production sample of a Legends Of Chima set, which are marked 'company confidential'.
The surprising thing about it is that it appears to be old news. The eBay listing ended in the middle of July but for some reason it's only just been spotted by the AFOL community.
I'd just like to remind you that, while we like to see and hear of yet to be released sets as much as you do, we respect the LEGO company's desire to keep them under wraps, so we have a policy of not linking to or using such images.
Anyway, if you do happen to be able to find it for yourself, you'll notice that the rumours were true and it does indeed appear to be a Ninjago replacement (or at least similar to it) complete with some sort of game element and playing cards, although the piece count shown on the packaging looks to be a bit out, by a factor of 10 or so!
50 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)7497 views
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BrickCon: 3-and-a-bit weeks to go
Posted by Huw, 11 Sep 2012 16:43. Filed under Events (USA).
GWLS isn't the only big event happening on the first weekend of October.In the USA, BrickCon, one of the largest events in the country, will once again be held in Seattle, WA, 4-7th October.
BrickCon is a four-day convention for adult fans, collectors and builders of LEGO. Attendees from around the country and around the world come together to share friendships, show their LEGO creations, learn from each other, and meet new friends. The first two days are AFOL-only, then the event is opened to the public over the weekend. There's still a few days left to register as an attendee of the AFOL event to guarantee an engraved brick badge, swag bag and other benefits. Find out more at the official BrickCon website.
If you are interested in the public exhibition only, be sure to visit Chowren Toys' Facebook page for a chance to get a pair of free tickets. As one of the sponsors of BrickCon 2012, Chowren Toys is giving away 5 pairs of tickets: all you need to do is visit their Facebook page to find out how you can get them.
4 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2519 views
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Star Wars Celebration mini Slave 1 building instructions
Posted by Huw, 10 Sep 2012 08:35. Filed under New sets.
Article updated...
Those of you eager to build your own mini Slave 1 can now do so thanks to multiplex, Martin and input from the Brickset community in the comments to this article.
I haven't found a scan of the instructions online anywhere but multiplex has created a parts list, and Martin has created instructions in MLCAD. I've combined them into a single PDF which you can download exclusively from Brickset.
I'm a few parts short so I've just ordered from BrickLink. I'll post a picture when I've built it.
Update: Brickset member Hygrotus has provided us with a scan of the official instructions.
28 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)5072 views
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4209 Fire Plane
Posted by Huw, 10 Sep 2012 06:35. Filed under Pick of the week.
For my pick of the week this week, I've chosen another set that I wouldn't normally buy, but current discounts at Amazon.co.uk (36% off at £25) made it irresistible.
I've never bought a City fire set before, because as I explained when the forest police station was pick of the week, emergency services sets usually leave me cold. However, I am coming to realise that they are packed with playability, and this one is no exception.
The set contains three sub-models, the first of which is this fire jeep and trailer. The jeep looks great, although it would have looked better -- not to mention safer for the driver in a fire situation -- if it had a roof. A red Wedge 4 x 6 x 2/3 Triple Curved would have done the job nicely.The trailer, presumably a water tank/pumper, is packed with details and hoses.
The trees are nowhere near as good as those made by some AFOLs but they are pretty good, and in any case, the 30 foliage pieces will come in handy for making your own trees.The ten flame pieces let you 'set fire' to one of the trees and thus have something for the fire service to extinguish. I think I'm right in saying that this is the first time something 'on fire' has been included in a fire set, presumably because burning buildings or vehicles would be too scary for kids.
The plane itself isn't too bad, although it does use the new large juniorised parts for nose and tail, but thankfully, not for the wings. They are made from two 6 x 24 plates which are something of a rarity. There are some in the Town Hall, but other than that they haven't appeared in a set since 1998.There's a flap on the top of the fuselage in which to put the 'water' (trans-blue 1 x 1 round bricks), and a mechanism operated by a lever on the side to drop them onto the burning tree.
It's not a bad effort although I'm not entirely convinced by the wings, particularly the ends, or the grey slope pieces under the wings; red would have looked much better.
Overall though, a neat set, packed with playability and useful parts, and a bargain at £25.59 at Amazon.co.uk. In the US, it's currently $50 at Amazon.com
.
12 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3238 views
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The Great Western LEGO Show: 4 weeks to go!
Posted by Huw, 08 Sep 2012 05:17. Filed under Events (UK).
The UK's longest running and arguably best LEGO fan event is now just 4 weeks away. It's being held at STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway in Swindon on 6th - 7th October 2012.
I've been appointed official blogger and in the run up to the show I'll be posting articles about the models, people and vendors that'll be at the show on the official GWLS website.
Virtually all of the UK based Brickset staff will be in attendance including me, bluemoose, DrDaveWatford, atkinsar, LostInTranslation and of course Martin, who's the show organiser.
If you're planning to attend and want to meet up with us and other Brickset members, I have some great news. To make it much easier this year, we will be handing out special Brickset name badges at the event that you can wear round your neck and thus identify other Brickset members who are doing the same. I'll provide more information about this nearer the time.
In the meantime, check out the official GWLS website and while you're doing that I had better get on and actually build something to take. I'll be contributing to the large train layout again.
16 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3383 views
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Free LEGO!
Posted by Huw, 07 Sep 2012 06:00. Filed under Set review.
Here's the set that's available when you place an order at shop.LEGO.com. I received mine today, along with the three advent calendars (so it'll be a busy month at Brickset in December!)It's not too shabby, is it? It looks great from the front, although the back is a bit sparse.
It also contains a glow-in-the-dark spider, not shown.
There seems to be no shortage of work for zombie drivers. This particular one appears in three Monster Fighter sets, although this is my first one: I'm trying to avoid buying MF sets (at full price, anyway :-) )If you fancy owning this set yourself, click on the banner above and spend over $75 / £50 and you'll get it for free, and of course help Brickset stay online in the process.
16 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)5346 views
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Brick By Brick iOS app gets an update
Posted by Huw, 07 Sep 2012 05:07. Filed under Software/Games.
One of the best Brickset-related iOS apps in the Apple AppStore, Brick By Brick, has been updated today and is now a Universal app which means it now looks absolutely fantastic on an iPad as well as on an iPhone/iPod.It works quickly and faultlessly with the Brickset API to enable you to:
- browse and search for sets
- view and manage your collection
- view instructions, which are downloaded from LEGO.com.Best of all, it's free!
Don't have an iOS device? see our mobile app directory to find one for your platform of choice.
18 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3850 views
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3300003 Brand Store Raffle
Posted by Huw, 06 Sep 2012 06:07. Filed under Miscellaneous.
If you didn't manage to get to a brand store opening event but fancy your own Brand Store model (which I reviewed a while ago), you will want to enter the raffle that kevbags is running in the forum:
"I've been lucky enough to visit both the Manchester and Sheffield Grand Openings and therefore I have two store models. I have had requests from friends and strangers about if my spare is available for trade. I couldn't think of a fair way to offer it to one person and I'm not comfortable selling something I picked up for nothing.
"So after getting the go-ahead from Brickset management I'm starting a raffle here with the one and only prize being a 3300003. All proceeds will be used to buy LEGO which will be donated and built by children on the cancer ward at my local hospital."
It's for a very worthy cause so I encourage you to buy a ticket (£1 via PayPal) and support this great initiative. Find out more in the forum.
9 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)4415 views
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Free shipping starts today
Posted by Huw, 06 Sep 2012 04:54. Filed under shop.LEGO.com (UK).
Just a reminder that free shipping from shop.LEGO.com starts today in the UK so now's the ideal time to snag a free Monster Fighters car. Click on the banner above to get shopping...
3 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2108 views
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Win these minifigs!
Posted by Huw, 05 Sep 2012 09:20. Filed under Brickset.
We've teamed up with LEGO's community team to bring you an opportunity to win these rare Super Heroes minifigs that are not available in any sets!All you have to do to enter the competition is to create a short video using LEGO Super Heroes Movie Maker on your iPhone or iPad.
The best one (defined below) as judged by the Brickset team will win both the minifigs.
Here's how to enter:
- Shoot your movie, which should be around one minute long.
- Upload it to YouTube
- Post a message in the forum, in this thread, [1] and embed your video in it, by 30th September 2012.
As this is a competition to promote the Super Heroes Movie Maker app, your video should feature LEGO Super Heroes. You could make up your own script involving them, re-enact a scene from a movie, or maybe just shoot something to demonstrate how cool a particular Super Heroes set is, or something else entirely: the choice is yours.
Entries will be judged on execution, originality and entertainment value. Entry is open to everyone [2], wherever you are in the world.
If you have any questions, please ask.
Good luck!
--
[1] If you are under 16 and therefore can't post in the forum, drop me an email when you've uploaded to YouTube, and I will post it on your behalf.
[2] There is no age restriction on entering but if you are under 13 you must ask your parent/guardian's permission to do so and ask them to post your video on YouTube.
42 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)5046 views
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Polybag promotion in Belgium
Posted by Huw, 05 Sep 2012 06:46. Filed under Shopping (Europe).
Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws is running a 10 week promotion starting on 15th September whereby you can buy a different polybag each week for €1.95, and if you do so you can enter a competition to win a trip to LEGOLAND.
There are two interesting things about it: First, half of the polybags are LEGO Friends and second, this police Helicopter, 30019, is fairly rare, having not been offered in any other widespread promotions that we are aware of, although there are a few for sale on BrickLink.
You can find out more at the Belgian LEGO blog Nopjes (translated into English) and the newspaper website.
Thanks to Klaas from Nopjes for the news.
Update: here's a Bricklist to help keep track of the sets.
20 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3817 views
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New Monster Fighters polybag
Posted by Huw, 04 Sep 2012 08:20. Filed under New sets.
LEGO likes to make the life of the completest polybag collector difficult, doesn't it...
This set was given away at FanExpo in Toronto last weekend. It contains 12 pieces: a skeleton, bat, jewel, crystal, web, and glow in the dark spider, plus a sticker sheet.
Thanks cybiko for the news and photo.
13 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)5869 views
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2013 round-up
Posted by Huw, 04 Sep 2012 07:48. Filed under New sets.
News and rumours about 2013 sets is coming in thick and fast, particularly now that the retailers' catalogue is out there, even if recipients are apparently under NDA.
I've been away for a few days (on a short cruise, wedding anniversary) and it seems new information has come to light while I was gone. So, here's a round-up:
Star Wars
Hoth Bricks has published a list of sets and set numbers, which includes three series 4 Planets we didn't know about before:- Hoth & SnowSpeeder (SnowSpeeder Pilot)
- Endor & B-Wing (B-Wing Pilot)
- Aldeeran & Tantive IV (Rebel Trooper)
Now we know set numbers I have added them to the database.
Technic
TechnicBricks has information about likely first-half-of-year sets, based on sightings of a retailers' catalogueTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
I'm finding the rumours about this hard to believe (and swallow!) You can read about it in the forum and find a summary of the 'facts' at Brick Fanatics.Ice/Arctic/Polar Express?
There's a teaser poster doing the rounds that suggests some sort of 'ice' theme. Some people have put two and two together and combined this with another rumour about a theme called Polar Xxpress, which I guess is plausible.Have I missed any?
There's a lively discussion in the forum where you can add to the rumour mill should you so wish...
46 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)9736 views
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September offers at shop.LEGO.com
Posted by Huw, 01 Sep 2012 00:00. Filed under shop.LEGO.com (General).
LEGO has lined up some offers to tempt you to part with your money in September:
In the USA and Canada:
- FREE Shipping on orders of $75 or more, Sept 1st – 21st.
- FREE Exclusive 40076 Monster Fighters set with orders of $75 or more, Sept 1st – 30th, while stocks last.
- FREE Mini Sopwith Camel with purchase of 10226 Sopwith Camel, Sept 1st – Dec 31st, while stocks last.
In the UK:
- FREE Exclusive 40076 Monster Fighters with orders of £50 or more, Sept 1st - 30th, while stocks last.
- FREE Delivery on orders of £50 or more, from Sept 6th - 20th.
Plus, of course, 10228 Haunted House is now available and Series 8 Collectable Minifigures too!
Click on the banner above, or the yellow one in the top corner to get shopping!
25 comments, latest one posted 8 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)5269 views
