The ultimate way to determine collectable minifig pack contents

Posted by natro220 in United States, 16 Dec 2010 13:26

I had a hard time telling what was in the ONE S3 pack I was able to get my hands on. I didn't care what it was since it was the first one I bought and want to get them all...but I still couldn't decifer the bumps. Definitely much harder than the previous 2 series to tell what you have.

Posted by meyerc13 in United States, 16 Dec 2010 13:34

I've purchased 11 thus far. Of those, I was only off on one (but it was still one I didn't have yet). It's easier if you have a number of them and can compare them, because it is hard to tell bumps from the texture of the package's heat sealing, but it can be done and if you can find several that are the same eventually you'll start to see the pattern. The previous series were easier, but so far I haven't bought a duplicate yet.

Posted by Mr. Timms in United States, 16 Dec 2010 13:37

The bumps work, to a certain degree. Some look very much like others, and some are very inconsistent. The baseball player is VERY easy to discern. On the other hand, and unfortunately, the elf is hit and miss.

I found that it was very easy to complete the set-- but moving forward from there, it's not as easy as I'd like to pick out the multiples that I want more of. I tried to get a gorilla last week but instead came home with another space villain.

Good luck to everyone in Europe

Posted by nachoswolf in Norway, 16 Dec 2010 13:51

oh no, I don't want an army of racecar drivers :S

Posted by bernsa in United States, 16 Dec 2010 13:54

I've found the dots to be bleeping useless personally. Did better feeling up the bags (and faster).

Posted by knuclear200x in United States, 16 Dec 2010 13:59

My dreams of owning a super hero sports team...may be crushed

Posted by skherbeck in United States, 16 Dec 2010 14:05

I also used an X-Ray unit to ID the figs (while many of the packs were easy to read the dots, there were many packs where the dots were just too ambiguous). Since my machine isn't portable, I had to purchase large quantities of figs (BOGO 50% off at TRU), X-ray the questionable packs, then return what I didn't need. I was able to put together 4 complete, sealed sets (2 for my kids, 2 for me). While this method isn't practicle for most people, it will come in handy if there are no dots for series 4! (It would also be great if they start inserting rare, specialty figs like they do with sports trading cards).

Posted by ncbarrett in United States, 16 Dec 2010 14:10

i was not so successful with the dots in store. so just used the feel it method. only off on 2.

Posted by i like guitars in United States, 16 Dec 2010 14:13

I haven't even seen any in southern California so i hope i can get some soon

Posted by didgeboy in United States, 16 Dec 2010 14:17

The dots are good, but not as easy as the barcodes. You need to spend MUCH more time with each figure analyzing the TRUE dots from the FAKE dots (air bubbles). My suggestion is to grab a box, and spend some time if you have it. Otherwise you grab the box, take it home, and return what you don't want or just grab a handful and hope for the best, like the kids do! Cheers.

Posted by voyanui8768 in United Kingdom, 16 Dec 2010 14:23

Everyday on my way to school, I look into the window of my local WHSmith to see if they've got the new figs. They always keep the boxes in the same place on a cabinet behind the counter. No luck so far :(
Does anyone who owns the gorilla figure know what the face is underneath?

Posted by spacysmoke in United States, 16 Dec 2010 14:25

Grabbed 9 the other day and examined the dots in store to make sure they were all different figs since I didn't have my cheat sheet. In my car, I proceeded to open them and to my horror, I got 4 Pilots. So yeah, just relying on the dots didn't work out too well for me.

Posted by R4-G9 in Canada, 16 Dec 2010 14:36

i got 17 minifigs of bricklink, and i was able to identify the rapper using the dot codes, but by feeling them all i knew exactly which ones i got.

Posted by cvillone in United States, 16 Dec 2010 14:39

With the first crib sheet I had a very hard time instore and the salespeople would not let me feel the bags and the limit per person was 2. I got 2 and after feeling them in the car found out they were a inidian and a samurai, i wanted an elf and a gorilla suit guy. I have the updated crib sheet but haven't been back to a TRU to try again.

Some dots are easy to read but i think feeling is better, but x-rays are definitely the BEST :)

Anyone seen any in Target, Walmart, Borders????

Posted by bader in United States, 16 Dec 2010 14:53

It's a dificult task now! I use the cribs to get an idea (because the dots ARE UNRELIABLE) then its using your fingers to feel the pieces inside. Sumo is hardes because you only have the hair to tell it apart. Cheif is easy because of the head, dress. Hula=shakers. Poilet=Backpack. Fisherman=fishing pole. Samuari=Sword. Snowboarder=Snowboard. Rapper=Mike. Alian=Head. Tennis Player=Raquet. Racecar Dricer=Helmet. Baseball Player=Bat. Mummy=Scorpin. Cyborg=Legs. Takes time though! Think I need to see the dentist!

Posted by Berrybrick in United States, 16 Dec 2010 14:55

I must say, LEGO really thought this braille thing through very well, and unless series 4+ packets are of higher quality/more consitant, I don't see them changing it. Doesn't affect me at all anyway, I never had a mobile phone.

Voyanui8768: It's a guy frowning and sweating.

Posted by copperwonder96 in United States, 16 Dec 2010 14:57

I gotta tell you. An adult male feeling up a bag of lego in a toy store is a very humiliating experience. If Lego's intent was to humiliate the masses into limiting their consumption, it worked like a charm. Spent an hour looking for an elf to finish my set. You should have seen the christmas moms like "WTH old man"? I gave up, i ended up buying 10 packs, got the elf and now I have 5 cyborgs that will find their way into the bottom of a minifig spare parts bin. No more conspicuous consumption for me...

Posted by pedrocastro2005 in Brazil, 16 Dec 2010 15:07

can you post the images of the x-rays???

Posted by Matthew in United Kingdom, 16 Dec 2010 15:20

copperwonder96 Trust me, it's even worse for an older teenage boy!

Posted by ltc don in United States, 16 Dec 2010 15:24

I recommend cozying up to the dental profession as well. The dots are difficult to figure out. I just visited a TRU. found new box and three elfs, my three boys are happy. Thought I had two samuari but really opened up two tennis players in the car. This particular TRU has a strict five per visit policy and wearing my Army uniform, and sitting at the customer service desk for 15 minutes kind of limits my ability to run back in. I just let out a big hurumph and will paitently await Walmart getting their batch soon.

As a castle collector, tennis players are sadly not very flexible into castle world. If I cant trade for an elf, Native American Chief, Samuari, Spartan, Pharroh, forrestman, ninja, native american warrior or even a nurse, for my wife that just got her RN degree last night.

Posted by shootvolio in United States, 16 Dec 2010 15:29

I was able to get the baseball player easily by feeling the package. I am having a really hard time locating a gorilla. The bumps on a brand new just opened box aren't even close to the updated crib sheet for the gorilla unless I am missing something. After all it is 4am when I am on lunch break at TRU where I work so sleep deprivation could be kicking in. My fellow coworkers stare at me feeling up the bags but none have said anything. The feeling method does work better than scanning the bumps. I could have had a tennis player, hula girl, rapper, samurai, Indian chief, lots of cyborgs and or aliens, but still can't feel for the banana. Anyone else having trouble or have suggestions how to locate a gorilla? In an unopened box are the figures in the same place left, center, right consistently?

Posted by R4-G9 in Canada, 16 Dec 2010 15:36

^ try feeling for a smooth minifig head, that feels like a bigger skier hat.

Posted by mhornet in United States, 16 Dec 2010 15:37

shootvolio, best method for the gorilla was to find the banana. Find that and kinda isolate it at a corner. From there you can push down on the wrapper and see the outline of it.

Posted by Matthew in United Kingdom, 16 Dec 2010 15:42

ltc don I will trade 1 samurai for 1 ninja but I am in the UK.

Posted by Fredred in Australia, 16 Dec 2010 16:06

Did tayweijin say where he purchased the series 3, as this is the first mention I am aware of of the series 3 being available in Australia?

Posted by ytjedi in United States, 16 Dec 2010 16:10

I found the dots to be hit and miss. A few of the configurations were really easy to spot, but mostly I found it much easier and quicker to just feel the bags. My sympathies to those whose retailers won't let you feel the bag.

Posted by cowbug in United States, 16 Dec 2010 16:13

My experience is that the bumps are extremely difficult to read. I was able to get an elf by feel only, it I had gone off the dots, I would have assumed it was the race car driver to tennis player, it appeared to have 4 dots, two on each side. I do not recommend trusting the dots alone.

Posted by Com161 in United States, 16 Dec 2010 16:21

I got two (mummy and pilot) today at my local Toys R Us and I must say that the bumps are very hard to read. Feeling for the bumps didn't help and looking wasn't much easier. I guess that when they come to the LEGO stores in January, I'll have to test my luck more than anything else and hope I don't get the space alien.

Posted by Zwing in United Kingdom, 16 Dec 2010 16:24

@voyanui8768 - there is a picture on bricklink: http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=3626bpb516

Posted by IlovePowerMiners in United Kingdom, 16 Dec 2010 16:24

I first use the dots then feel the bags to confirm. If I don't feel a majorly noticeable part from my guess, I check the dots again. If I do feel something noticeable from a different figure than I had expected, I check the dots of the figure I think I feel. :)

Posted by Brendan in United States, 16 Dec 2010 16:57

First of all I am happy to know that I was not alone in feeling up all of those packages...on another note I was quickly hired by the TSA after identifying all 16 minifigs without any duplicates. The cheat sheets aren't worth it. I didn't use the barcodes from series 1 and 2 either. Just isolate the accessories. The accessories are all very distinct and have ridges and such that help identify parts from one another. For example a microphone verses a maraca. The banana for the ape is the only tricky one. You may think you found the banana but it could be a gun from either the alien or cyborg. When you think you have the banana feel the rest of the package to make sure its not a gun.

Posted by Aussie Tahu in Australia, 16 Dec 2010 17:01

Where in Australia have these been sighted.

Posted by The Brick Show in United States, 16 Dec 2010 17:01

That's classic! When we did our review, these are the same numbers we came up with. That fisherman is the rarest and in my opinion the best one go get.

Posted by Brickmeister1138 in United States, 16 Dec 2010 17:29

At one of my local TRUs, I found 2 nearly full cases of series 3 figs. I had the crib sheet with me, and I found it hard to use it to ID the figs. However, I found the dot patterns were a very good way of confirming an ID gained using the bag feel method. I got 7, and I saved 5 for christmas and opened two that day. I wanted an elf an a fisherman, ang got BOTH (they are awesome). I am also 95% sure about the others I got, but I will find out on the morning of the 25th.

I must admit, the x-ray method was pure genius.

While searching through the box, I too noticed fewer elves and fishermen. The lack of elves could be explained away by a diehard Tolkein fan beating me to the boxes, but I only found 2 fishermen in the box I was looking through.

Posted by Jayko543 in United States, 16 Dec 2010 17:38

Spotted them at a Meijer's. Used the crib sheet to estimate what it was (some looked quite similar) Then felt in the package to tell for sure. Got 2 samurai's this way (what I wanted)

Posted by podgi237 in United States, 16 Dec 2010 17:50

I found them at the Chicago TRU but only used the cheat sheet to get me an Elf since they were $4. The sheet worked but I will be doing the bulk of my minifigure buying when they get to the Lego Stores.

Posted by madforLEGO in United States, 16 Dec 2010 18:16

I am glad that there are now slightly irradiated packs of minis floating around..
Good thing we are using X-ray machines for something like this, I mean who has time to actually use X-ray machines for health care purposes and adhering to federal guidelines...

Anyways I have found a new use for my 5 dollar off coupons for TRU, use them to buy 5 packs of minis and basically get them for 2.99 (I had two coupons to use for TRU so far, another two that activate on 1/1/11)

Although my 'just pick' luck (sorry, I kinda feel uncomfortable standing at a TRU service desk feeling up all of the packs) fell a bit short I think I have a rapper, hula girl, a race car driver, two baseball players (ugh) and Tennis player, 2 aliens, and Samurai, and one I cannot figure out.
I broke down and bought two fisherman off of eBay that were opened for 5 a piece, no biggie since I was going to open one for a set and my gf was as well. Since I had a coupon for 10 dollars off an eBay purchase via paypal I basically paid for one minifig(the cost of shipping)

Posted by Captain Blockbeard in United States, 16 Dec 2010 18:25

I've found the dimple patterns to be relatively easy to identify for most of the figures. Of 27 figures identified and purchased, I was only wrong on one, but fortunately, that one turned out to be the rare fisherman whereas I interpreted it as an elf.

Posted by voypro in United States, 16 Dec 2010 18:48

I have mentioned this before... ultrasound machine. I nearly bought one this weekend at a university auction, could have bought it for $160-$180 .

Posted by sitruc96 in United States, 16 Dec 2010 18:50

All I really wanted was the Elf and I felt up the packs in TRU for the bow and came out with 4.

Posted by RotsiserMho in United States, 16 Dec 2010 19:27

How does one go about buying an unopened case from TRU in the US? Will they get one out of the back for you?

Posted by Grendel 912 in United States, 16 Dec 2010 19:29

I have found some inconsistencies with the location of the dimples (dots) on the packaging. One whole box at a local TRU had the dots across the middle of most/all of the package and was not usable to distinguish the contents inside. Thankfully most of the other series 3 boxes I have seen were easier to use the cheat sheet on and I currently have 13 of the 16 figures ( 3 duplicates - samurai, cyborg and tennis pro).

Posted by Master Ian in United States, 16 Dec 2010 19:55

TRU had three full cases and I was able to pick out the four different ones I wanted without having to feel the bags. I'd say the dots work pretty well.

Posted by Carnigee77 in United States, 16 Dec 2010 20:08

So, the boxes have died out around me in the US. does anyone know when a second wave will be coming?
Also, Has anyone seen any at Target or Borders?

Posted by hssky97 in United States, 16 Dec 2010 20:13

@LegoCoastGaurd

"copperwonder96 Trust me, it's even worse for an older teenage boy!"
I feel your pain :) But, I got an elf! No fisherman though, the TRU where I'm at is horrible because they only get one shipment of the figs (one or two boxes) and they sold out within a few days. So I don't have another chance to go to TRU again for the 1/30 probability of getting a fisherman :)

Also, the dots are horrible, the cheat sheet only helped to a certain extent. Lego's marketing idea on these were not very good either, they are making it a back-stabbing challenge just to find one [or several] mere fig(s)! They should look into this more... I understand them trying to make this a challenge/marketing strategy but they should really make it simpler. I hope the "dots" are not going to be in series 4+.

Another note, two fisherman to a BOX! Really!

Posted by atmail35 in United States, 16 Dec 2010 20:27

Have these been found in ANY Lego store? How about the West Coast Lego Stores since the West Coast is where they seem to have started?

I'm shocked that Lego doesn't want first crack at selling these and places like TRU and other outlets have them already. Also is it confirmed that the Lego Store has raised its price to $2.99 or is that speculation?

I bought a handful at TRU but the $3.99 price is REALLY lame!

Posted by graymattr in United States, 16 Dec 2010 20:41

I'm waiting for Series 3 to come to Target or other store since I don't have a Fred Meyer, Meijer or LEGO store near me. I'm done with TRU's over-MSRP markups.

Posted by theminifigcollector in United States, 16 Dec 2010 21:10

This would be helpful...but in the meantime I just feel the bags I have everyone except the fisherman. If anyone is willing to trade I have 1 extra Hula Dancer .........

Posted by yellowcastle in United States, 16 Dec 2010 21:24

I guess I'm out on that island with Captain Blockbeard because I've found the dimples to be pretty easy to identify for almost all of the figs. :o) It definitely takes a little getting used to and it can be made more difficult by random artifacts, lighting, etc. Since I didn't have a smartphone for S1 and S2, I had to learn to read the barcodes on sight and I got pretty good at it. In my opinion, it's not much different reading the dimples. But as I've noted below, the Pilot and Fisherman are definitely difficult. For those of you without X-Ray machines, I definitely recommend you don't get frustrated. :o) I think it gets easier the more boxes you browse and it looks like we're going to get inundated with S3 so you'll have plenty of chances!

Posted by Sword2211 in United States, 16 Dec 2010 21:55

My Dad today went to LegoLand California and asked about the whereabouts of Series 3 ... They said January 2011 ...AND that the packs have indeed been raised to 2.99 ... 2.99!?! Those mjyer or whatever stores seem to been the only place to sell 1.99 packs. Oh well... maybe they'll go down... or not...maybe...hopefully...

Posted by Stash in United States, 16 Dec 2010 22:05

I find for the most part that the dots are far easier than the others. Having to use a barcode scanner and stand there with the phone takes more time and wastes battery.

There are times when it is difficult and ambiguous, but for the most part you can get close at least with the dots even with the package abnormalities and then feel the package for the telltale bits to be sure.

The fisherman, elf, and chief I think are the easiest to find because the bow and shield are easy to feel, as well as the spear and fishing pole, and neither feels the same. The spear has the bendy tip and the fishing pole has the big part to hold the reel. The samurai is also easy since the sword is long and you can feel the hilt.

I find using a combination of dots and feeling the bits to be really efficient and reliable for a good number of the figures. I stumbled onto 6 boxes at the store the other day (an oddity because this store has never had more than 2 at once) and was able to walk away after just 15 minutes or so with 7 figures, all elves, fisherman, and samurai. I'm sure I missed some but I was rushing a bit and I don't want to pick all the good ones and leave nothing left out of 6 boxes anyway. If you zero in on the dot features that are unique (like the elf package has a predator cluster on the left) and then quickly feel you can be pretty sure of what you have and separate the junk from what you want.

@atmail: I was thinking about this and there is probably some deal worked out to keep distribution out of the lego stores and lego.com for a while to give the other retail outlets a chance.

Posted by cheeseballs in United States, 16 Dec 2010 22:08

At my local toysrus I got 12 of them because they were the last ones. Obviously no one likes the snowboarder and they were picked through well because I got all 3 snowboarders in the box. I found that the "bumps" were not very helpful and sometimes obscured. :o(

Posted by atmail35 in United States, 16 Dec 2010 22:46

I found about 2 boxes at TRU. I only bought 8 b/c I was annoyed at the price....it was very frustrating to pay $32 for 1/2 a set vs $16 for a full set of both S1 and S2. I did manage to use the dots to help confirm which ones I was getting. So a combo of feeling the pieces (especially accessories) and the dot configuration worked out well. I was never really able to scan the barcodes w/ my smartphone. It was easier to try and "read" the bar code for me than scanning them as my phone does not seem to scan well.

I managed to get 1 fisherman and 1 hula girl for my daughter. She was thrilled. We shall see what the other 6 bring. If they are $2.99 (at Lego) or $3.99 (at TRU/Borders), I'm going to try and just get a full set for us and maybe a few extras of our favorites.

@Stash, you are probably correct. However I do think that Lego is missing an opportunity since they are great stocking stuffers. But they might be worried that people will be angry if the price goes up to $2.99, perhaps they want to deal with that after the holiday season. I wish I had Fred Meyer or Meijer around here since those prices are looking good. Happy hunting!

Posted by R4-G9 in Canada, 16 Dec 2010 22:52

if they are $2.99 us, they will be $3.99 can! tru's in calgary still have them marked as 2.99 on there system, but i don't think that that will last long.

Posted by Worfe1979 in Australia, 16 Dec 2010 22:55

@pedrocastro2005 - Yes I can. I still got some of the X-Ray images saved on my work computer at the dental surgery. I'll try transfer a few examples here next week.

For those who have access to a digital dental X-Ray, there's an important thing to note. Because the dimension of a typical dental X-Ray is quite small (about 1.5" x 1.0"), you would have to try and 'seperate' with your fingers the MiniFig baseplate and 'guide' all the smaller pieces to a corner of the pack and take the X-Ray there.

And obviously, make sure you're not taking the X-Ray in the same room due to the irradiation! (I used about 45 shots all together for a box of 60 - the other 15, I was 100% confident with the 'bumps', and be 'feeling).

@fredfred - No - it's not out in Australia yet. My enquiries is that Toys'R'Us will 'probably' start stocking them sometime Mid-End Jan 2011. I cheated and got my 2 boxes from a BrickLink store in the States for ~$3.10 AUD / pack =)

Posted by TC in Australia, 17 Dec 2010 00:51

Spoke to my local Mr Toys today and they are expecting the figures in January, couldn't give me any better than that.

Just a thought on the price increase (and we will find out when these things hit Aust and Europe) but there may be a price rise for the US on the back of a weaker US$.

Posted by Uno Brick in United States, 17 Dec 2010 01:38

Just found three searched through cases at my local Silicon Valley, CA TRU. They had a price hike to 3.99. Along with a few others, I managed to buy three elves. Missing some, but that was done on purpose, I won't be buying anymore, not at that price. I'll wait till the Lego store or Walmart to complete my collection. The dots were extremely difficult to read, so I used the feel method instead.

On a different note, this leaves me with more disappointment in their customer service. Just yesterday I called, the lady from TRU said the item was "discontinued". Then I asked for Ninjago, and she said something about individual figs, and went to check instore. I was put on hold, then answered by another associate, who told me they had 18, which apparently wasn't found instore. He told me shipments arrived on Friday, but when I went, as said, there were three cases. Quite odd.

Posted by Carnigee77 in United States, 17 Dec 2010 08:25

The Lego Store calander has a date marked on when the figures will come

Posted by Be-Burger in Israel, 17 Dec 2010 08:35

The bumps worked fairly well for me.

Posted by madforLEGO in United States, 17 Dec 2010 12:16

While I like the novelty of the rare figs, unknown figs, look what has occurred:
- Fighting for the figs
- Camping out of the store to be the first to see if they are in the store
- using xray machines to see what is inside the package
- Dealing with stores prices increase.

Lego took two suggestions that many had to try to stop someone from grabbing every Spartan, Zombie, or now Elf in a box...
- To make more
- To make them more expensive.
Lego went the extra mile of making them impossible to tell what is in the pack (at least mostly without sitting there for an hour feeling every pack, or looking at every bump, using an ultrasound machine, or mis-appropriating x-ray machines to view inside of the packs, which is probably the most dangerous of all techniques)
I think Lego really needs to take the next step, which is make them all the same rarity in the box, and make the packages see through ... I mean it is utterly ridiculous of what people are going through to find ones they either need to complete, want to sell on eBay--err I mean what for their 'families', and ones that people unapologetic-ally buy to sell on eBay (Thankfully the last one I think was removed with the 2.99 pricing) Especially since it is clear that those who will still sit there for an hour, feel packs, and pluck as many Elves as they can find anyway, or fisherman, making it harder for the everyday person to complete a set. Either make them all the same rarity and put a window in the pack, OR make then have a production run of at least a year so you can keep buying them occasionally to look for the ones you need to complete the set. OR Lego should just sell a 16 fig set for 60 bucks to those that want one. That way people can get a set of these if they want, AND Lego can make even more money by increase the cost of one set.

Posted by jarom_moroni in United States, 17 Dec 2010 18:11

So, I just wanted to make one comment. They do make portable ultra-sound machines ... Let me know if anyone tries this. I could use a good laugh!

Posted by Worfe1979 in Australia, 17 Dec 2010 19:37

For those who are interested -

http://www.flickr.com/photos/57184418@N04/

@madforlegos - I would probably agree with most of what you've said, namely the fact that Lego made the point of selling these MiniFigures as a 'mystery' pack, and ergo, causing those so-called 'negative' impacts on other buyers.

But I would like to add that I don't think its all bad. I look at it in the way of all the tremendous hype and publicity it has caused. Also the fact that people passionate about Lego all around the world are getting together and discussing it on forums. It IS certainly controversial, contentious AND exciting.

I would also add that in a way, after reading all these articles on BrickSet pertaining to the MiniFigures, it seperates the 'hardcore' and more passionate Lego fans to 'less-hardcore' fans. Some people are just more willing to go the extra lengths (or for some would think 'ridiculous' lengths) and spend the extra money to collect what they want - I don't believe anyone should critisize others for their dogged and fervent approach to their hobby. And if as a result, it causes those types of negative impacts you listed, well... then that's just the way it is.

Btw, I agree with you on using the X-Rays. I would clarify though, that the Digital X-Ray I used is from my own dental surgery. And obviously, when using equipment like this, safety precautions of irradiation is mandatory. So I did not suggest this idea to encourage readers to pursue this method flippantly. I posted it rather just to share my thoughts with the community. If you do want to try this method though, you can try ask your local friendly dentist or maybe even your postal office!

PS I am annoyed though that Lego decided just to provide 2 Fisherman Figs in each box of 60! (a blatant decision to increase the difficulty of achieving a full set!). Previously I think, a box of Series I and II provided 3 complete set of 16 and extras.

Posted by MisterGeolix814 in United States, 17 Dec 2010 21:00

man..... series 3 is AWESOME. ill get a box in january..... or on xmas..... ;•)

Posted by cowbug in United States, 17 Dec 2010 21:19

Worfe1979 - Maybe I am just easily entertained but I think the X-Ray pics are awesome, I would love to see one of the more accessorized figs that has been assembled, based on your post though, it sounds like doing a full fig would be difficult if not impossible due to size restrictions. Very cool all the same.

Posted by legoDad42 in United States, 17 Dec 2010 22:09

@Worfe1979... yes, I'm annoyed too about just being able to get 2 full sets from a sealed box. I'm pretty sure that's LEGO's way of combating 3 people sharing the cost on a $120.00 box.

Posted by Carnigee77 in United States, 17 Dec 2010 22:12

If these wernt in packages, SOME PEOPLE would scoop up all the elves and nobody else would get any.

Posted by Worfe1979 in Australia, 18 Dec 2010 00:58

@Carnegiee77 - Thats exactly true.

BUT, question is, do you or anyone have the right to critisize or blame those people?
IMO, I would think not. These people are obviously very passionate and ardent to collecting / buying their Legos. If they want 100 elves for their elven army, thats their own choice. If they want 10 pristine unopened complete sets to hoard and store, thats their own choice. They have probably done their homework and research on buying and locating these early, and willing to spend the money on it. It's their time, their money, and their passion. Anyway, thats my 2 cents.

Posted by bluemoose in United Kingdom, 18 Dec 2010 06:25

@Worfe1979 - thanks for posting those images; they're fascinating! :-)

Posted by jackmcar99 in United States, 18 Dec 2010 14:44

Honestly, i found it much easier to feel through the bags for accessories, that only were with a certain figure, and yes, the glue adhesive definetly made it much much more difficult to find out which figure it is.

Posted by Carnigee77 in United States, 18 Dec 2010 16:38

@Wolfe1979 Im sorry, I didnt mean to critisize. I wanted to do the same thing with Spartans.

Posted by ETAV8R in United States, 18 Dec 2010 21:07

Hello all, I have had a super hard time finding these figures. Never seen any at a TRU or Target. I bought one at the Lego Store in Downtown Disney, last one they had and it was the lion tamer. Today at an Urban Outfitters I got the Mexican guy and the Jungle explorer. Each were $5. Pretty crazy but if Target is up to $4 then it isn't that much more. Wish I had been able to find a couple series 1. I happen to be a radiologic technologist and if I had a whole box I could probably get it in two radiographic (xray) images. Tonight I verified the correct bar code from 3 different sources on the web. So tomorrow I will go and get a couple that I want. No hoarding here.

Posted by Orange Lemons in United States, 18 Dec 2010 23:23

Being a fact of LEGO products, they always go up in price on eBay (generally). These will jump and not sell or be way overpriced. The best way of preventing this huge rise is to manufacture sets with these accessories/minifigures. I think this would be the best way to prevent overpriced after-market items. Not to mention the killing places like TRU are making from the double, or possibly more than double off these things. Are we, the consumers, to put up with these marked-up minifigures or pay the after market prices? Just a thought. Maybe put them in a case at some counter pre-opened and make a limit on the amount you can buy at one time of each to solve these problems and increase/decrease prices according to the 'in-demand' figures. In my opinion, this would solve most of the reseller problem and pricing on the 'bad' figures.

Posted by ericjohn in United States, 19 Dec 2010 07:11

We bought sixteen packages and managed to get a complete set of sixteen figures. My wife had luck with the dots, but I quickly gave up and just felt for accessories. I also checked my wife's predictions; she was right now each time and probably identified at least ten.

The most difficult to feel for is probably the race car driver because he has no extra or unique element. I was hoping that I didn't miss a piece in the package that I thought was him. Also, I could not make contact with the fisherman's fish worth anything. I was sure that I was feeling the fishing rod, but I wanted to make contact with the fish to be sure that I was feeling the fishing rod. Luckily, I was indeed feeling the rod and when opening the package that I had thought was the fisherman, the fish was the first thing to fall out.

At home I tried to re-identify each page before we opened them, and I was certain we had not bought the snowboarder, which I felt was odd because I knew that I had felt the snowboard at the store. We also had what I was identifying as two race car drivers leaving us missing the snowboarder. When my wife open what I had identified as the "gorilla suit man" (I love the sweat on his face), a snowboard fell out. When we opened the last two bags one of the "race car drivers" turned out to be the gorilla suit man and the other was indeed a race car driver.

I was pretty relieved because my wife let me buy these at Toys R (Marked-Up by) Us at $3.99 per figure. There are only two stores in our area that stock the mini-figures, and I think I missed them at Boscov's so I spend double the price on these bad boys. I do love them though, so I guess it was worth it. I guess...

Posted by atmail35 in United States, 20 Dec 2010 16:48

Perhaps this has been discussed before, but I wonder if the reason there are only 2 fishmen per box is because the fisherman has the most # of elements with 8? 1) legs, 2) torso, 3) head, 4) beard, 5)hat, 6)fishing pole, 7) fish, 8)base AND it includes two more complex elements such as the fishing pole and fish?

And 5 sumo wrestlers since there are only 6 elements? 1) legs, 2) torso, 3) head, 4)hair, 5) trophy, 6) base
as with the race car driver with 5 elements? 1) legs, 2) torso, 3) head, 4) helmet 5) base

Posted by clowndiscus in United States, 20 Dec 2010 16:52

saw 4 boxes of series 3 at my local walmart. they were the normal boxes and not the funky ones they had for series 2. they were $2.97 a pack and looked like they been picked thru - salem oregon

Posted by vorwand13 in United States, 20 Dec 2010 18:57

@RotsiserMho - Yes, at my TRU here in Florida. I didn't see any figures out on the shelves, so I asked an employee if they had any cases in the back. After several minutes of searching, he returned with two unopened cases. I opened one, and purchased the figures that I wanted. I was very tempted to buy an entire box and sell them, but I decided not to get greedy. ;)

My girlfriend helped me find about half of the set, using the crib sheet. I'll save the rest of the figures for when they arrive at Wal Mart. I can't afford to buy all of them at the price of $3.99.

Posted by Pepper in United States, 22 Dec 2010 17:48

I have tried to read the dots to no avail. They were much easier to figure out by feel. My friend and I got all of them right except 1 by feeling. So I think that the dots are a waste of time and that feeling works much better.

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