Review: 910034 Brick Cross Train Station
Posted by CapnRex101,
LEGO has produced plenty of railway stations, beginning in the 1960s with the introduction of LEGO trains. However, many are relatively basic and prioritise play over realistic features, which makes sense because children are normally the primary audience for these sets.
Fortunately, the BrickLink Designer Program provides alternatives, created for older fans. 910002 Studgate Train Station arrived last year and 910034 Brick Cross Train Station will be available to order later today, evidently inspired by British railway stations. The structure looks excellent and is fully compatible with Modular Buildings, so hopefully it rivals their quality.
Summary
910034 Brick Cross Train Station, 3,050 pieces.
£229.99 / $279.99 / €259.99 | 7.5p/9.2c/8.5c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
910034 Brick Cross Train Station is arguably the best LEGO railway station to date!
- Beautiful architecture
- Clever building layout
- Enjoyable building experience
- Compatible with Modular Buildings, physically and stylistically
- Café interior could be better
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
The Completed Model
Brick Cross is constructed on 32x32 and 16x32 baseplates, measuring almost 40cm across. The façade thus looks stunning and I like the combination of buildings, reminiscent of 10278 Police Station. The differing architectural styles are effective together as well, providing some variety on display and feeling realistic, as though the glass-fronted café is a modern addition.
Furthermore, the buildings adjoining the station soften the transition to neighbouring Modular Buildings, especially since this model is fairly short. A bigger railway station could certainly be fun, but I think this size works. There are plenty of stations like this one across the UK, perhaps intended as transport hubs in the nineteenth century, but later superseded.
Eight minifigures are included, all comprising existing pieces, as normal for BrickLink Designer Program sets. Nevertheless, the characters look great and offer fantastic storytelling potential, much like those found in Modular Buildings. The figure below, for instance, is laden with bags and immediately evokes a student or perhaps a teenager embarking on a gap year.
Beyond the name of the station and its architecture, the attached shop has a distinctly British feel. The exterior branding is based on WHSmith, a ubiquitous bookshop and stationers often associated with railway stations. This is a nice tribute and the shopfront looks superb, but I am surprised LEGO was willing to pay such obvious homage to a real company in a non-licensed set.
Although not as architecturally complex as many Modular Buildings, the shop is very detailed and I like its roof in particular. A white wand serves as a perfect finial and the dark blue slopes look brilliant, complementing the NEWSBrick branding. Also, the side of the building is properly finished, featuring some worn brickwork, so the model looks good from every angle.
The railway station itself dominates attention, appropriately. This building is almost completely tan, but its designer has made splendid use of textured bricks and windows to avoid any bland surfaces. The pearl gold highlights and flowers are useful too, creating a real sense of opulence and adding welcome splashes of colour.
I like the entrance configuration, with two smaller doors flanking a grand archway. Once again, this feels very realistic and there are gates to close the main entrance. Jumper plates serve as stoppers on the floor inside, so you can line the gates up neatly, as shown below. The stickered signage above the door looks authentic too, installed underneath a large clock.
According to the brick above the clock, the station was constructed in 1958. This year has been chosen in reference to LEGO's introduction of the modern LEGO brick, but it seems odd, as the station architecture obviously predates 1958. Perhaps that year instead relates to when the roof was added, comprising trans-clear panels between layers of plates and Technic connectors.
Three more stickers are placed on the bus stop, including a notice about the routes serving this stop. Route 221b alludes to Sherlock Holmes' home, at 221b Baker Street. A busker has set up nearby and storytelling details like these are especially reminiscent of official Modular Buildings, which often contain similar small accessories.
Furthermore, the cobbles on this section of the model, around the End of Dark Ages café, look marvellous. The café itself is attractive too, although its construction is noticeably simpler than the other buildings, as trans-clear panels form walls. The integration of Technic bricks is rather strange, when standard black bricks would suffice, but at least these pieces offer some texture.
I love the foliage growing around the side entrance to the café, mixing various leaf elements to create a natural plant. However, this is one of very few instances where you can tell the model has not undergone the usual LEGO testing process, as the reddish brown base for the plant is quite fragile.
Each building is accessed via a different method, beginning with the railway station. The roof panel rests on black tiles inside, so it can be removed altogether, as shown here. This design avoids any unsightly hinges or removable wall panels, but reaching inside for play is awkward. Fortunately, that is not a major problem with a display model.
The tiled floor pattern is appealing and there is ample room for minifigures, awaiting information about their train. In addition, a piano is situated in the corner and makes splendid use of a pearl gold 1x2 plate with three teeth for the pedals. The brick-built keys look great as well, comprising a series of 1x2 grille tiles.
Three stickers form the departure and arrival boards, displaying various destinations. These all make reference to aspects of LEGO, including 910002 Studgate Train Station. The mentions of a second platform are strange though, given Brick Cross only features one. Perhaps a staircase to the second platform falls just outside the scope of this set.
Minifigures can enter the shop directly from the station concourse, but we must use the hinged wall. The shop is rather cramped, although it still includes a drinks display and a counter, while the kitchen above is fully furnished with equipment. The oven is particularly detailed and lovely colours are used on the tiled floor, brightening the room somewhat.
The kitchen serves the café at the opposite end of the station, so the two are connected via a walkway outside. This arrangement is certainly unusual and may prove problematic in the rain, but I think it gives the building some character, further reinforcing that the café is a new addition to the station complex. Also, the walkway looks excellent, passing a row of pearl gold windows and a printed clock.
Waiters working at the End of Dark Ages café would need to be very skilled, as the staircase down to the ground floor passes through the busy concourse. Again, this does not seem very practical, but I am glad the building is fully navigable, with no need for imaginary staircases or doorways, much like the Modular Buildings.
I like the logo above the entrance and the interior looks nice, outfitted in dark colours. There is only one table downstairs and two on the upper floor, with a couple more situated outside. The indoor tables lack detail, although I am satisfied with the decorated counter on the ground level, as well as the shelf of bottles and glasses behind the counter.
The back of the station looks almost as impressive as the front, including a large platform and three pieces of straight railway track, attached using clips. This connection method works very well because the tracks can pass behind attached Modular Buildings and accommodate nearly all LEGO trains, unlike 910002 Studgate Train Station.
Teal curved slopes form an awning above part of the platform, matching the elegant supports underneath. A ticket machine is also provided and looks great, including a few printed tiles for the interface. The stickered map and brick-built bin are welcome additions too, essential in any railway station.
I like the yellow stripe along the platform edge and the large 4x4 tiles comprising the platform, contrasting with the smaller tiles used inside. Additionally, the bench looks lovely and features 1x2 grille slopes for the backrest, providing some texture. The only features noticeably missing are a sign showing the platform number and a dot matrix indicator for approaching trains.
Overall
BrickLink Designer Program sets are often brilliantly detailed, but most have the feeling of fan creations, rather than official designs, which can impact the building experience. 910034 Brick Cross Train Station is an exception! While its building techniques are perhaps not as innovative as we have come to expect from Modular Buildings, the style of this model matches the series exactly.
The varied architecture is stunning from the outside and the interiors also look fantastic, on the whole. In fact, the café interior, especially on its upper floor, is the only weakness of the model, in my opinion. Even the price of £229.99, $279.99 or €259.99 feels reasonable to me, so I can definitely recommend this set to fans of LEGO trains!
183 likes
60 comments on this article
Great review - thank you. Very nice set but, sadly, not my niche.
I really want to love this set, but it feels so dwarfed next to modulars that I don't know how to feel about it...
I think I'll stick with my Studgate for now.
Anyways, it's still a nice achievement from the fan designer.
Another disadvantage: it isn't available in all regions :-(
I’m getting it, it’s not perfect but I still love it and I can always modify what I don’t like (make it taller).
Great review.
Wait, they moved the date? I had it on Saturday!
Love to see these BrickLink sets. So lovingly put together. …Will be interesting if there’s some BrickLink Art or Botanical sets that start to show up. …I’ve not seen or heard of any mentioned.
As to me it looks like a terminus, I wonder if originally it was meant to have two terminating platforms (with two track pieces going out behind it, rather than the one track piece across the back) and this got changed and the sticker didn't get updated?
I may be wrong, after all there are only are only 2 trains delayed and none cancelled so it's only very vaguely bashed on the British railways! :)
Looks fantastic in isolation, but when it's completely dominated by Brick Bank, which isn't a very tall set, something is fundamentally wrong with the proportions. Still, really like it. Just over 4 and half hours to decide if I can mod it.
As much as I like how it looks, it is indeed way undersized compared to modular buildings, which otherwise would seem like the logical companions for this set. And I can't help but feel this is not nearly on the same level as Studgate. Also, how cool would it have been if those two were designed to be combined into one massive terminal station? But considering how the BDP works that obviously was never gonna happen.
Thanks for the big review! The more I see the set the more I like it.
Perhaps another minus is that this building seems to fit somewhere between the modular series and Lego City buildings.
Tiago Catarino also has a nice video review for this set and there you can see how the station looks small when you place it next to the modular buildings. Depending on where you would place it in a display you also cannot open up the right wall for easy access.
But this set is too nice to end on a bad note. Let's call it a very nice train station that is worth to consider buying.
Just trying to figure the sizing out. I make it two baseplates wide and one baseplate deep, excluding the track. Which again by the looks of it is entirely optional. Is that right? Just trying to figure if it would fit on my shelves without the track. Thanks in advance.
love Brickston and Brickadilly
@SuperMatt said:
"Just trying to figure the sizing out. I make it two baseplates wide and one baseplate deep, excluding the track. Which again by the looks of it is entirely optional. Is that right? Just trying to figure if it would fit on my shelves without the track. Thanks in advance."
Yes, the track is easily removable, at which point the model is 32 studs deep, like the other Modular Buildings.
This resembles another design that was available on ebay called the meeting point. I'm not sure I like the railway being at the back, but I love stations, so its a must and only for me.
@daniellesa said:
"This resembles another design that was available on ebay called the meeting point. I'm not sure I like the railway being at the back, but I love stations, so its a must and only for me."
It is the same designer. He reached 10k on IDEAS but didn't pass the selection.
I'm losing track (no pun intended) of all of these programs. We're still at the crowdfunding stage for series 2 am I right? So there is a (perhaps slim) chance that these sets might not get funded, or are we passed that?
I need this to complement Studgate. One at each end of town. And I think the Express Passenger Train in addition to the cars that come with Studgate. Such a great set, reminds me of a fair number of stations I've been in over the years. Massive congrats to the designer and I hope it doesn't sell out in 2 hours!
@classicstylecastle said:
"I'm losing track (no pun intended) of all of these programs. We're still at the crowdfunding stage for series 2 am I right? So there is a (perhaps slim) chance that these sets might not get funded, or are we passed that?"
This set is for BDP series 2, that goes on pre-order this evening in Europe. Technically these sets are still at the stage where they might not get funded, yes. But the only way that could happen is if they do not reach at least 3'000 unit pre-orders in the next 30 days, which is almost certain not to happen. Maximum amount of pre-orders per set is 30'000. My guess is that this beautiful station, together with the logging railway, and (maybe) the mushroom house will sell out tonight.
As to this set: I think it is absolutely lovely. It is indeed not very high and dwarfed by most modulars, but I see it more as a local station for access to a local train line, than a major train station acting as a hub for different lines. And it absolutely succeeds when you look at it that way.
@MrBedhead said:
"As to this set: I think it is absolutely lovely. It is indeed not very high and dwarfed by most modulars, but I see it more as a local station for access to a local train line, than a major train station acting as a hub for different lines. And it absolutely succeeds when you look at it that way."
I think it does really well as something from an earlier era, where for architectural reasons they didn't want to redo it, so modulars that are newer are bigger. It's not uncommon to see this sort of "throwback" around important buildings like train stations. Even in the USA any smaller town train stations you see (if you can find a train in the USA) are like this, usually no more than two stories.
CapnRex101 wrote: The exterior branding is based on WHSmith [...] I am surprised LEGO was willing to pay such obvious homage to a real company in a non-licensed set.
The 60407 Red Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus strongly resembles the "City Sightseeing" international brand of hop on-hop off bus tour -- red color, rounded font for "City Tour," style of graphics on the flanks. This operator uses the open-top style in some but not all of their cities. (Big Bus is a darker shade of red, Gray Line (with a blue logo) sometimes uses red, Sights of Athens is blue, TootBus in Paris is tricolored.)
(FWIW I've visited a lot of European cities in the past few years, and I've spotted the architecture and vehicles that are clearly the stylistic inspiration for many of the City sets.)
I'm probably going to get this. Yet, I'm feeling rabidly angry about Lego customer service.
My order for Barad-dur was placed almost immediately when sales opened. It was confirmed by Lego 30 minutes later. Today, (a week later) Lego canceled my Fell Beast order and blames scarcity.
Lego is making it extremely hard to be a fan. They truly do not care one whit about their best customers. I truly hate this company sometimes (today).
Rant finished. Sorry.
What a lovely build. It feels slightly less MOCish than I have come to expect too.
@StyleCounselor said:
"I'm probably going to get this. Yet, I'm feeling rabidly angry about Lego customer service.
My order for Barad-dur was placed almost immediately when sales opened. It was confirmed by Lego 30 minutes later. Today, (a week later) Lego canceled my Fell Beast order and blames scarcity.
Lego is making it extremely hard to be a fan. They truly do not care one whit about their best customers. I truly hate this company sometimes (today).
Rant finished. Sorry."
Did you try contacting their customer service? They might still have the odd fell beast in stock.
Alternatively, I would ask for at least 5k in insiders points in this case. My experience with their customer service (in Europe) has always been that they take such things at heart and will try to find a solution to at least partially make up for it.
(I recently got 3k points just because the box of my Star Wars Ghost got slightly smashed in shipping, which they do not have to do but nevertheless did)
@daniellesa said:
"This resembles another design that was available on ebay called the meeting point. I'm not sure I like the railway being at the back, but I love stations, so its a must and only for me."
That's a stolen design from a chinese company, they've badly copied my design without any permission. I've designed both: The Meeting Point and Brick Cross. Thank you!
@MrBedhead said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
"I'm probably going to get this. Yet, I'm feeling rabidly angry about Lego customer service.
My order for Barad-dur was placed almost immediately when sales opened. It was confirmed by Lego 30 minutes later. Today, (a week later) Lego canceled my Fell Beast order and blames scarcity.
Lego is making it extremely hard to be a fan. They truly do not care one whit about their best customers. I truly hate this company sometimes (today).
Rant finished. Sorry."
Did you try contacting their customer service? They might still have the odd fell beast in stock.
Alternatively, I would ask for at least 5k in insiders points in this case. My experience with their customer service (in Europe) has always been that they take such things at heart and will try to find a solution to at least partially make up for it.
(I recently got 3k points just because the box of my Star Wars Ghost got slightly smashed in shipping, which they do not have to do but nevertheless did)"
Rant Continues.
Yes, I did contact them. Spent twenty minutes on hold before someone bothered to answer.
Then, they offer no real explanation and make it plain that they don't care. They did offer points in the amount of the GWP ($25), but I just canceled the entire order instead.
They refused any compensation for my time spent waiting up to buy the set at the opening or for my time dealing with all this malarkey.
They just don't care. It's been a real horrible downturn in service since the pandemic. They went from prioritizing customers to prioritizing profits.
Is it usual for them to take so long to ship? I ordered mine on 1st June and it arrived on 4th June. That's the normal timeframe here - despite the fact the sets come from mainland Europe to us.
Dare I say it, but a lot of these Bricklink Designer Program sets are more appealing than many of the 'official' TLG sets, and brickster is truly one of the very best fan designers (fingers crossed that his Art Gallery is selected for Round 5, since I'd argue that it's his best set, a very high bar indeed, and one of my all-time favourite fan/Lego IDEAS designs).
I'm just nervous about the whole BDP format, as I've participated in three, and on one of those occasions, my pre-order didn't go through, for whatever reason, and I know that there have been various technical difficulties during previous rounds. Suffice to say I REALLY want this Train Station (but I can see it going fast). Only just under 3 hours to go!
@daniellesa said:
"This resembles another design that was available on ebay called the meeting point. I'm not sure I like the railway being at the back, but I love stations, so its a must and only for me."
Don't most big stations have the railway behind the station building? Otherwise passengers would have to cross the tracks to get to it.
@StyleCounselor said:
" @MrBedhead said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
"I'm probably going to get this. Yet, I'm feeling rabidly angry about Lego customer service.
My order for Barad-dur was placed almost immediately when sales opened. It was confirmed by Lego 30 minutes later. Today, (a week later) Lego canceled my Fell Beast order and blames scarcity.
Lego is making it extremely hard to be a fan. They truly do not care one whit about their best customers. I truly hate this company sometimes (today).
Rant finished. Sorry."
Did you try contacting their customer service? They might still have the odd fell beast in stock.
Alternatively, I would ask for at least 5k in insiders points in this case. My experience with their customer service (in Europe) has always been that they take such things at heart and will try to find a solution to at least partially make up for it.
(I recently got 3k points just because the box of my Star Wars Ghost got slightly smashed in shipping, which they do not have to do but nevertheless did)"
Yes, I did contact them. Spent twenty minutes on hold before someone bothered to answer.
Then, they offer no real explanation and make it plain that they don't care. They did offer points in the amount of the GWP ($25), but I just canceled the entire order instead.
They refused any compensation for my time spent waiting up to buy the set at the opening or for my time dealing with all this malarkey.
They just don't care. It's been a real horrible downturn in service since the pandemic. They went from prioritizing customers to prioritizing profits. "
I do not exactly have the same experience as you with LEGO cs, but tbh I also process any issues I have through e-mail. Usually takes them max 24 hours to respond and get it sorted.
And, while I do understand that you waited up to order and waited again on the phone, technically they do not have to compensate you for that. I would have insisted for 40 USD or so in points, instead of what they offered. Here in Europe they will usually give you a bit more then what they initially offer, if you insist.
Thanks for the super-detailed review @CapnRex101. Being reviewed by Brickset.com, after so many years following and reading almost everyday this page, is a big dream come true as a Lego fan designer. I really appreciate all the things you've mentioned and pointed out. Many of them (like the jumper stop to align the main doors for example) were part of discussions during the developing process, so it feels like all the work we've made with the Bricklink team pays off. Keep up this awesome and unique website!
@MrBedhead said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
" @MrBedhead said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
"I'm probably going to get this. Yet, I'm feeling rabidly angry about Lego customer service.
My order for Barad-dur was placed almost immediately when sales opened. It was confirmed by Lego 30 minutes later. Today, (a week later) Lego canceled my Fell Beast order and blames scarcity.
Lego is making it extremely hard to be a fan. They truly do not care one whit about their best customers. I truly hate this company sometimes (today).
Rant finished. Sorry."
Did you try contacting their customer service? They might still have the odd fell beast in stock.
Alternatively, I would ask for at least 5k in insiders points in this case. My experience with their customer service (in Europe) has always been that they take such things at heart and will try to find a solution to at least partially make up for it.
(I recently got 3k points just because the box of my Star Wars Ghost got slightly smashed in shipping, which they do not have to do but nevertheless did)"
Yes, I did contact them. Spent twenty minutes on hold before someone bothered to answer.
Then, they offered no real explanation and made it plain that they don't care. They did offer points in the amount of the GWP ($25), but I just canceled the entire order instead.
They refused any compensation for my time spent waiting up to buy the set at the opening or for my time dealing with all this malarkey.
They just don't care. It's been a real horrible downturn in service since the pandemic. They went from prioritizing customers to prioritizing profits. "
I do not exactly have the same experience as you with LEGO cs, but tbh I also process any issues I have through e-mail. Usually takes them max 24 hours to respond and get it sorted.
And, while I do understand that you waited up to order and waited again on the phone, technically they do not have to compensate you for that. I would have insisted for 40 USD or so in points, instead of what they offered. Here in Europe they will usually give you a bit more then what they initially offer, if you insist."
More Ranting. Sorry.
I appreciate your advice. This- unfortunately - is not my first go around on the ol' horrible Lego merry-go-round.
I will perhaps call them again to see if I can get a better response. I'm angry enough for another go as long as the hold time is reasonable.
Technically (as you put it), they could be sued for a lot of their sales behavior. This is my area of specialty. However, it clearly wouldn't be worth my time unless it is class action.
It really should happen. They really are turning into a bait and switch sham operation that is abusive of fair trade in a very monopolistic environment.
In my limited experience with the consumer protection laws in the EU, the laws appear to offer even greater protections. Perhaps that is why your CS experiences have been more positive.
@AliveAndBricking said:
"Dare I say it, but a lot of these Bricklink Designer Program sets are more appealing than many of the 'official' TLG sets, and brickster is truly one of the very best fan designers (fingers crossed that his Art Gallery is selected for Round 5, since I'd argue that it's his best set, a very high bar indeed, and one of my all-time favourite fan/Lego IDEAS designs).
I'm just nervous about the whole BDP format, as I've participated in three, and on one of those occasions, my pre-order didn't go through, for whatever reason, and I know that there have been various technical difficulties during previous rounds. Suffice to say I REALLY want this Train Station (but I can see it going fast). Only just under 3 hours to go!"
I didn't realize the art gallery was also the same designer! I love that one, that's the set that opens, right? With a ballet studio and display hall and elevator?
I was miffed that Meeting Point wasn't made, but this will make up for it.
@brickester said:
"Thanks for the super-detailed review @CapnRex101. Being reviewed by Brickset.com, after so many years following and reading almost everyday this page, is a big dream come true as a Lego fan designer. I really appreciate all the things you've mentioned and pointed out. Many of them (like the jumper stop to align the main doors for example) were part of discussions during the developing process, so it feels like all the work we've made with the Bricklink team pays off. Keep up this awesome and unique website! "
Nice set and comment. Congratulations.
I really don't have the space for this, but I think I would regret not getting it. So maybe it's time for 342-1 to get a bit of an update!
All i see in this set is a pure love for lego trains and modulars from a talented fan designer. Maybe it is too low, maybe it is too small, but it's just yadayada about personal preferences. It must feel extremely great to design such moc, submit it, get so many people to vote for it and then have it produced by the LEGO company and reviewed on Brickset in such a positive tone. I don't know you @brickester but I still feel a bit proud of your achievement! Bravo!
@thor96 said:
"All i see in this set is a pure love for lego trains and modulars from a talented fan designer. Maybe it is too low, maybe it is too small, but it's just yadayada about personal preferences. It must feel extremely great to design such moc, submit it, get so many people to vote for it and then have it produced by the LEGO company and reviewed on Brickset in such a positive tone. I don't know you @brickester but I still feel a bit proud of your achievement! Bravo!"
I couldn't have said it better. Congratulations to @brickester ! Hope to purchase one copy of this magnificent set this evening.
@brickester said:
"Thanks for the super-detailed review @CapnRex101. Being reviewed by Brickset.com, after so many years following and reading almost everyday this page, is a big dream come true as a Lego fan designer."
Congratulations, and thank you for your kind words. I'm sure the set will reach the requisite number of pre-orders in no time!
@brickester, welcome to the Designer Program family and congratulations on a wonderful set! I especially hope some kids will receive this set as gifts because it is such a fantastic part of a LEGO model railroad.
@Huw said:
"...Congratulations, and thank you for your kind words. I'm sure the set will reach the requisite number of pre-orders in no time!"
This will be the first to sell out for sure. Looks great and as close to a real modular as any other offering on this platform. Well done!
@dimc said:
" @AliveAndBricking said:
"Dare I say it, but a lot of these Bricklink Designer Program sets are more appealing than many of the 'official' TLG sets, and brickster is truly one of the very best fan designers (fingers crossed that his Art Gallery is selected for Round 5, since I'd argue that it's his best set, a very high bar indeed, and one of my all-time favourite fan/Lego IDEAS designs).
I'm just nervous about the whole BDP format, as I've participated in three, and on one of those occasions, my pre-order didn't go through, for whatever reason, and I know that there have been various technical difficulties during previous rounds. Suffice to say I REALLY want this Train Station (but I can see it going fast). Only just under 3 hours to go!"
I didn't realize the art gallery was also the same designer! I love that one, that's the set that opens, right? With a ballet studio and display hall and elevator?
I was miffed that Meeting Point wasn't made, but this will make up for it. "
Yep, you're right about the Art Gallery. The one that can be displayed either as a square-shaped modular, or opened up and displayed length ways, with the elevator, ballet studio, art studio and downstairs modern art gallery. I adore it and hope it's one of the final five models chosen.
And on balance I think I prefer Brick Cross Train Station to Meeting Point. They're both very similar, but this one seems more like a modular (i.e. closed-up except where it leads directly to the platform/rail tracks).
Ordering at least 1 for my city I love this set size is a downside but next to bookshop and bank maybe able to make it work a little better! I won’t lie though I am stressing the stickers since i likely can’t get replacements of these if they get placed badly lol. But it’s a beautiful design right now I’m just trying to decide if I want 1 or 2 copies it’s also my first time ordering any Bricklink designer exclusive so not sure what to expect.
@Jelly_figs said:
"Ordering at least 1 for my city I love this set size is a downside but next to bookshop and bank maybe able to make it work a little better! I won’t lie though I am stressing the stickers since i likely can’t get replacements of these if they get placed badly lol. But it’s a beautiful design right now I’m just trying to decide if I want 1 or 2 copies it’s also my first time ordering any Bricklink designer exclusive so not sure what to expect."
Let us know if you get two copies and you later change your mind about keeping them both.
I'm ****ing a brick, so to speak, that I end up missing out on this set because something goes wrong during the process.
Trying to pre-order. Only getting error messages so far.... why do I still bother doing this?
@StyleCounselor said:
"Trying to pre-order. Only getting error messages so far.... why do I still bother doing this?"
I too had errors to start with but they stopped and my order went through
@SuperMatt said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
"Trying to pre-order. Only getting error messages so far.... why do I still bother doing this?"
I too had errors to start with but they stopped and my order went through"
It must be because you're Super.
@StyleCounselor said:
" @MrBedhead said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
" @MrBedhead said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
"I'm probably going to get this. Yet, I'm feeling rabidly angry about Lego customer service.
My order for Barad-dur was placed almost immediately when sales opened. It was confirmed by Lego 30 minutes later. Today, (a week later) Lego canceled my Fell Beast order and blames scarcity.
Lego is making it extremely hard to be a fan. They truly do not care one whit about their best customers. I truly hate this company sometimes (today).
Rant finished. Sorry."
Did you try contacting their customer service? They might still have the odd fell beast in stock.
Alternatively, I would ask for at least 5k in insiders points in this case. My experience with their customer service (in Europe) has always been that they take such things at heart and will try to find a solution to at least partially make up for it.
(I recently got 3k points just because the box of my Star Wars Ghost got slightly smashed in shipping, which they do not have to do but nevertheless did)"
Yes, I did contact them. Spent twenty minutes on hold before someone bothered to answer.
Then, they offered no real explanation and made it plain that they don't care. They did offer points in the amount of the GWP ($25), but I just canceled the entire order instead.
They refused any compensation for my time spent waiting up to buy the set at the opening or for my time dealing with all this malarkey.
They just don't care. It's been a real horrible downturn in service since the pandemic. They went from prioritizing customers to prioritizing profits. "
I do not exactly have the same experience as you with LEGO cs, but tbh I also process any issues I have through e-mail. Usually takes them max 24 hours to respond and get it sorted.
And, while I do understand that you waited up to order and waited again on the phone, technically they do not have to compensate you for that. I would have insisted for 40 USD or so in points, instead of what they offered. Here in Europe they will usually give you a bit more then what they initially offer, if you insist."
More Ranting. Sorry.
I appreciate your advice. This- unfortunately - is not my first go around on the ol' horrible Lego merry-go-round.
I will perhaps call them again to see if I can get a better response. I'm angry enough for another go as long as the hold time is reasonable.
Technically (as you put it), they could be sued for a lot of their sales behavior. This is my area of specialty. However, it clearly wouldn't be worth my time unless it is class action.
It really should happen. They really are turning into a bait and switch sham operation that is abusive of fair trade in a very monopolistic environment.
In my limited experience with the consumer protection laws in the EU, the laws appear to offer even greater protections. Perhaps that is why your CS experiences have been more positive.
"
This is quite upsetting. It had never occurred to me that a properly placed order in plenty of time to secure a sought after GWP would somehow fail. You can’t just replace this limited edition GWP with some VIP bucks and call it square. If you can afford a near $500 set on release day, $20 bucks doesn’t move the dial. And for this to happen to a super fan of both LEGO and LOTR distresses me more.
I was on the fence and hemmed and hawed too long that morning to get the Fell Beast so I moved on. Had it gone otherwise, my fell beast would be in the post to you. :o)
@yellowcastle said:
"This is quite upsetting. It had never occurred to me that a properly placed order in plenty of time to secure a sought after GWP would somehow fail. You can’t just replace this limited edition GWP with some VIP bucks and call it square. If you can afford a near $500 set on release day, $20 bucks doesn’t move the dial. And for this to happen to a super fan of both LEGO and LOTR distresses me more.
I was on the fence and hemmed and hawed too long that morning to get the Fell Beast so I moved on. Had it gone otherwise, my fell beast would be in the post to you. :o)
"
Appreciate the sympathy, my friend. Wish Lego had some.
It's been awhile since this sort of thing has happened to me. The Ulysses probe and the Ferrari book were the last examples of orders that failed. It's never happened with a GWP for me, and never on an order placed right at the open.
I'm trying to internalize it as a sign that I need to reprioritize. Feels like being in a bad relationship.
@brickester said:
"Thanks for the super-detailed review @CapnRex101 . Being reviewed by Brickset.com, after so many years following and reading almost everyday this page, is a big dream come true as a Lego fan designer. I really appreciate all the things you've mentioned and pointed out. Many of them (like the jumper stop to align the main doors for example) were part of discussions during the developing process, so it feels like all the work we've made with the Bricklink team pays off. Keep up this awesome and unique website! "
Great job, @brickester !
Really nice design, and it's already funded on Bricklink after less than an hour so it's clear that many others appreciate your work too! I have already placed my order....
This was the only set on my wanted list in this round, happy to have ordered it, can`t wait to build and place it in my city!
Looks amazing - well done! Great review too! Ordered and looking forward to the Emerald Night arriving at platform one!
@CapnRex Thank you for the excellent review as always.
@Brickster Congratulations, very well done. :)
I believe I mentioned it elsewhere but there are some things I really like about this model:
1. The hinged wall. This is very ingenious and unique, particularly for a situation like this where a traditional 'modular' approach may not have been appropriate. I'd like to see more official modular buildings consider this.
2. The clips for the tracks. Again, very ingenious and a great idea. Solves the height problem of baseplate/no baseplate.
I am curious why all the Lego Modular Train Station Skeptics never considered that the tracks just run behind the station, as is the case here?
If you have a city or large shelf, you can have a whole modular street with the trains behind (or a double siding into the station), OR if you don't have room on your shelf for a railway at the back, just have the station on display and imagine the tracks and trains are behind it all.
3. As a pianist I'm also very happy to see the nice piano build here. Simple but effective; it's always cool when buildings in real life have a piano for everyone to play.
4. The news agent is very good. WHSmith has been turning up all of a sudden in Australian airports, now I know why.
There are however some things I don't like about this set:
1. As a few commenters have mentioned, the scale is out. Brick Bank is one of the more average/smaller sized modulars, yet the size difference really stands out and not in a good way.
I understand and agree that there are smaller railway terminus; not every station needs to be a massive grand building. However, for the modular buildings I do think a larger/more substantial station makes more sense. The modular buildings to me are for a city whereas this station is probably about the size of a local train station for a minor line in N.S.W where I am.
This leads me to my second point. 2. The cafe.
I really don't like it. As a modern restaurant, I think it's very well done. I quite like the cobblestones, iron railing at the back and welcoming placement of outdoor seating.
But I don't think it belongs here. A modern design like this is inappropriate next to all the other modulars.
Furthermore it takes up valuable space and pieces for the station itself when I think it would have made more sense, both for the cafe and station, that the cafe be included within the tan station.
It almost feels like this was a build on Lego Masters and partway through completion the judge has demanded a cafe be added so the designer has had to unnaturally 'force' it in.
This is most notable in the way the kitchen is on the whole other side of the building with a weird walkway across the station that also involves carrying food through the main waiting/ticket hall which doesn't make sense. It's just really awkward and unnecessary imo.
Great job with the shaping for the glass roof, but the dark red is just not right.
Anyway, happy for those that will buy this and for Brickster having a successful design :)
@Brickchap said:
"Anyway, happy for those that will buy this and for Brickster having a successful design :)"
Psst... it's Brickester. Brickster hasn't been logged in since 2016!
@sjr60 said:
" @Brickchap said:
"Anyway, happy for those that will buy this and for Brickster having a successful design :)"
Psst... it's Brickester. Brickster hasn't been logged in since 2016!
"
Argh now you tell me, I cant edit it now :( Oh well, Brickester should understand.
As this sold out instantly it should have always being a Lego Ideas set when it reached 10k years ago.
@ambr said:
"As this sold out instantly it should have always being a Lego Ideas set when it reached 10k years ago."
Agree, the original train station concept from @brickester, "The meeting point" on LEGO Ideas was just as good as this one, if not better. To be honest, the structure of the whole building was more exciting in the original idea, although I see some improvements on the new one in some details. All in all, both are exceptional sets, it was a shame that LEGO did not choose The meeting point years ago, but finally we had another chance for a similar building with BDP, thanks for that.
I suggest to Bricklink Designer Program to allow the purchase of another 30k pieces, so that those, who missed it, can get it (this time allowing 1 set per household and not allowing buyers who have already ordered the set).
I have never really considered getting any of the BrickLink Designer sets, mainly because of cost, but after reading this review, I think I need to get this set for my modular City.
@Gustoffr2d2 said:
"I have never really considered getting any of the BrickLink Designer sets, mainly because of cost, but after reading this review, I think I need to get this set for my modular City. "
Hate to break it to you but...
@brickester said:
"Thanks for the super-detailed review @CapnRex101. Being reviewed by Brickset.com, after so many years following and reading almost everyday this page, is a big dream come true as a Lego fan designer. I really appreciate all the things you've mentioned and pointed out. Many of them (like the jumper stop to align the main doors for example) were part of discussions during the developing process, so it feels like all the work we've made with the Bricklink team pays off. Keep up this awesome and unique website! "
Congratulations on being picked and having one of the most popular sets! You went through the lengths to make one of the nicest fan designs with both a unique look but also recreating the usual charm of official sets. I'm looking forward to building your set and adding it to my modular lineup!
@daniellesa said:
"This resembles another design that was available on ebay called the meeting point. I'm not sure I like the railway being at the back, but I love stations, so its a must and only for me."
I have that station and it is a great kit and the price point was much more reasonable than this one. I don't have a problem mixing other brands into my train collection.
@ssgdave said:
" @daniellesa said:
"This resembles another design that was available on ebay called the meeting point. I'm not sure I like the railway being at the back, but I love stations, so its a must and only for me."
I have that station and it is a great kit and the price point was much more reasonable than this one. I don't have a problem mixing other brands into my train collection."
Brickester made it clear in his comment above that the "other brand" in question stole his design. I do have a problem with that. I'm very happy to have been able to buy one of his designs from a legitimate source.
I don't think this set type should be exclusive to Brinklink. I imagine many folks would love to have this in their city to complement a train set-up.