How 42670 Heartlake City Apartments and Shops looks next to modulars
Posted by MeganL,
In my review of 42670 Heartlake City Apartments and Shops, I mentioned that I thought the set was comparable to the modular series - it certainly is with respect to build techniques, though the set is only 16 studs deep. There was a request in the comments to see 42670 next to some modulars. As the modulars are some of the few sets I keep assembled, I cracked open my display case and took pictures of 42670 with some recent (and not so recent) modular buildings.
I'll note re: the gap in the roof - I placed the roof pieces in 42670 so that the white plates were just touching each other, like in the official pictures.
Placing 42670 next to a modular stretches the width available for my photo setup, so I'll apologise up front for any flaws in the photos.
Bookshop
The original request was to see apartments and shops next to 10270 Bookshop. Here's a straight side by side placement.
While the variation of height is interesting, I wondered what it would look like with the colourful parts next to each other. I think this looks much better.
I rather like this version the best, with the two halves of 42670 around the Bookshop.
Of course, Bookshop is one of the modulars that can be split, so here's the two halves of Bookshop intermixed with the two halves of 42670.
I thought it might be interesting to see just the apartments part of 42670 with the Bookshop, which I thought was also quite attractive.
Pet Shop
Of course, Bookshop isn't the only modular that can be halved, so I pulled out 10218 Pet Shop next. I thought this arrangement made sense, putting the park next to the Pet Shop, as it could be a dog park.
Placing the buildings next to each other looks okay, but the park looks like an afterthought. 42670 is definitely much more colourful than the Bookshop and really brightens up the street. Still, I don't think it looks particularly out of place.
Leaving aside the park portion of 42670, here's how the buildings look together.
Jazz Club
I looked for a modular that had a pop of colour that might work with 42670, so I tried 10312 Jazz Club next. I like this pairing as well; I think the pizzeria provides a nice colourful segue to the colourful apartments and shops.
I think having the park in the middle looks better than when it's on the end.
I didn't take any pictures of the apartments on the other side of the Jazz Club; the roof eaves are such that it can't be placed flush against the club.
Downtown Diner
In the continued search for colour, I tried 10260 Downtown Diner next. I thought the pink of the "Diner" lettering and the teal colouring would go well with 42670, and I think it does.
I think having the stairs of the Diner in the centre works best for this pairing. This doesn't quite looks as nice, in my opinion.
Splitting up 42670 around the Diner doesn't work as well for me, either. I like the first variation the best.
Overall thoughts
Even though 42670 Heartlake City Apartments and Shops isn't as deep as the modular, when it comes to the forward view, I think it fits in quite well! The architecture and colours complements the modulars nicely. I think the newer modulars look a little bit better with 42670, as there's been more tendency to brighter colours in more recent modulars - it looks much better with Bookshop than it does with Pet Shop, for example.
What do you think? Does this set fit in with the modulars? Would you consider including it in your modular display?
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51 comments on this article
I'm surprised it looks as good as it does, especially next to the Bookshop. I would not have expected the scale to match as well as it does. Also, I think you're right about the colors of the Pet Shop vs. the Bookshop.
This way exceeds my expectation.
Hmm, I get nice San Francisco vibes from the Friends set! The colors and facade forms really remind me of some of the Victorian rowhomes one would find in the City by the Bay.
It looks OK, but I suspect any view other than perfectly straight on and it won't look so great. Thanks for showing us what it looks like, though.
So, scorchingly bright?
I'd be interested to see just how nice of a LEGO neighborhood or city you can put together with just City, Friends, or other similarly scaled sets. Modulars have always seemed too indulgent for my taste. Although, at $170, 42670 isn't exactly a fraction of the cost of full modulars.
This makes it very tempting to buy two and make them proper modulars, they look very good next to them.
I'd be interested to see what the 42638 Castle Bed and Breakfast looks like next to the modulars.
Totally works.
Just some modding here and there.
Very nice!
If next years modular is a facade then we know who to blame for putting the idea in the designers head.
:)
I would like to see a massive modular street, including the main modulars, this set, the Marvel modulars, and the Diagon Alley sets.
This is a really interesting comparison, thanks for putting so many different combinations together!
Definitely looks best with the bookshop modular next to it, it reminds me of the painted ladies houses in San Francisco.
42670 definitely caught my eye when it was revealed, but I never thought about its uses here; it works surprisingly well!
I second @Username28 regarding the Marvel modulars. I'd love to see what a street like this with 76269 would look like.
The neighbour from hell who's decided to paint their house pink.
Maybe I just missed the article, but were we going to see the poll results? The only one I got to see was for theme. Everything else it just says I voted.
@ShinyBidoof said:
"The neighbour from hell who's decided to paint their house pink."
I'd rather live next to a pink house than one of those neighborhoods where all the houses are just slightly different shades of tan.
Giving me San Francisco painted ladies vibes! Really cool.
Ooh, I'm very impressed how seamlessly these blend in! Really showcases how well the apartment earn their 12+ age marking with both their size and their level of detail. I definitely think this set pairs better with the Bookshop, Pet Shop, and Jazz Club than with the Downtown Diner, though. Despite the similar embrace of bright colors, the Diner ends up feeling out of scale with these buildings due to its 32-stud-wide facade, and its art deco aesthetic and giant neon sign also seem like they belong to a different neighborhood than these more coordinated row houses (perhaps a commercial district).
I also definitely prefer the roof of the pink apartment how you've aligned it here compared to in your review photos. The gaps are still conspicuous, but there's less of that feeling that one side is caving in.
Thanks so much for sharing so many photos to compare all these possible arrangements! The effort feels well worth it! Just one question — where are the sloths? ;)
@560heliport said:
" @ShinyBidoof said:
"The neighbour from hell who's decided to paint their house pink."
I'd rather live next to a pink house than one of those neighborhoods where all the houses are just slightly different shades of tan."
When I was young there was a pink house near where I lived that I'd often pass on the way to school, and it was a delight every time I saw it! Needless to say, you'll never catch me judging a homeowner for painting their house in fun, eye-catching colors.
The layout of these colorful townhouses also reminds me a lot of San Francisco's "Painted Ladies" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Painted_ladies) and similar neighborhoods where brightly colored houses have become the norm rather than the exception.
Friends has been dropping some low key great sets. If it wasnt for the colors and minidolls more people would be buying them.
So, the set uses baseplates. It is a shame that the sets are open in the back.
@Capybara554321 said:
"Friends has been dropping some low key great sets. If it wasnt for the colors and minidolls more people would be buying them. "
Facts! Especially with their modular stuff that they introduced three years ago!
@Lordmoral said:
"So, the set uses baseplates. It is a shame that the sets are open in the back."
No, it uses regular plates for its base. But the half-plate difference can be overcome in numerous ways, either by transplanting one to the other type of base or by putting a layer of plates under both.
As for the open backs, that's pretty standard for the Friends theme's "dollhouse" play. The separable floors of modulars are fun for display but less playable for kids.
@PhantomBricks said:
"Maybe I just missed the article, but were we going to see the poll results? The only one I got to see was for theme. Everything else it just says I voted."
Imminently. I intend to publish the results for the minifigure, gift-with-purchase and <$40 polls tomorrow and then the overall poll the next day, partly depending on other news.
@MeganL, @CapnRex101: The article doesn't show up when I'm logged in, only when I copy the link from the non-logged in view.
@whiteghost said:
" @MeganL, @CapnRex101: The article doesn't show up when I'm logged in, only when I copy the link from the non-logged in view."
That might just be you? I am logged in, and I can definitely see the article.
@CapnRex101 said:
" @PhantomBricks said:
"Maybe I just missed the article, but were we going to see the poll results? The only one I got to see was for theme. Everything else it just says I voted."
Imminently. I intend to publish the results for the minifigure, gift-with-purchase and <$40 polls tomorrow and then the overall poll the next day, partly depending on other news."
Splendid! Thank you!
@CapnRex101 said:
" @PhantomBricks said:
"Maybe I just missed the article, but were we going to see the poll results? The only one I got to see was for theme. Everything else it just says I voted."
Imminently. I intend to publish the results for the minifigure, gift-with-purchase and <$40 polls tomorrow and then the overall poll the next day, partly depending on other news."
That's cool — looking forward to seeing the results!
The Bookshop Modular initially didn't appeal to me because it looked so garishly colourful.
But next to the Friends set it looks almost subdued.
Just goes to show how clownishly bright the Friends set looks.
@Lyichir said:
" @Lordmoral said:
"So, the set uses baseplates. It is a shame that the sets are open in the back."
No, it uses regular plates for its base. But the half-plate difference can be overcome in numerous ways, either by transplanting one to the other type of base or by putting a layer of plates under both.
As for the open backs, that's pretty standard for the Friends theme's "dollhouse" play. The separable floors of modulars are fun for display but less playable for kids."
Thanks for taking the time to respond and for the tips.
@Lordmoral said:
"So, the set uses baseplates. It is a shame that the sets are open in the back."
Open in the back is a strength, IMO. The closed design of the modulars is their greatest drawback: adds nothing to the appearance and makes them virtually unplayable.
@Lordmoral said:
"So, the set uses baseplates. It is a shame that the sets are open in the back."
A shame that a toy can be played with? Pahaw. You are clearly not target audience.
@DoonsterBuildsLego said:
" @Lordmoral said:
"So, the set uses baseplates. It is a shame that the sets are open in the back."
Open in the back is a strength, IMO. The closed design of the modulars is their greatest drawback: adds nothing to the appearance and makes them virtually unplayable. "
I think it depends on how you plan to use them. Closed-back buildings allow for 360° views (hence their popularity for table setups or collaborative displays), and can allow for more varied floor plans (since interior walls in an open-backed building only work when they don't block access from that side). But when play is a consideration open-back can be nice, to allow not just access to the interior but a side-on view of interiors that lets you view them similarly to how their inhabitants do. Sometimes you can split the difference with a hinged design (either down the middle or along one wall), though that requires careful planning to ensure you're getting the best of both worlds instead of the worst. I think it's good that Lego continues to offer both options across various themes.
@DoonsterBuildsLego said:
" @Lordmoral said:
"So, the set uses baseplates. It is a shame that the sets are open in the back."
Open in the back is a strength, IMO. The closed design of the modulars is their greatest drawback: adds nothing to the appearance and makes them virtually unplayable. "
Interesting take. I for one loved playing with my one Modular as a kid. So much more fun to play with than dollhouse type creator sets. Less accessible? Sure. But oh so much more complete and immersive feeling.
@Your_Future_President said:
" @DoonsterBuildsLego said:
" @Lordmoral said:
"So, the set uses baseplates. It is a shame that the sets are open in the back."
Open in the back is a strength, IMO. The closed design of the modulars is their greatest drawback: adds nothing to the appearance and makes them virtually unplayable. "
Interesting take. I for one loved playing with my one Modular as a kid. So much more fun to play with than dollhouse type creator sets. Less accessible? Sure. But oh so much more complete and immersive feeling. "
My absolute favorite set in that regard is the Haunted House 10228, because as standard it is closed which is great for display but can open up easily for play. Best of both worlds if you ask me. I wonder why LEGO doesn't offer all similar sets engineered like that.
@gunther_schnitzel said:
"If next years modular is a facade then we know who to blame for putting the idea in the designers head.
:)"
And if the next year's modular building also happens to be a veterinary clinic specializing in sloths, then we will DEFINITELY know who was responsible for putting the idea in the designer's head.
….so, no goats?
Some of these comments are reminding me of this article: https://brickset.com/article/107261/open-vs-closed-back-lego-models-what-s-up-with-that
@BabuBrick said:
"I second @Username28 regarding the Marvel modulars. I'd love to see what a street like this with 76269 would look like."
A bit tonally jarring, if you ask me. I think it would look better next to 76218.
@TheOtherMike said:
"Some of these comments are reminding me of this article: https://brickset.com/article/107261/open-vs-closed-back-lego-models-what-s-up-with-that
@BabuBrick said:
"I second @Username28 regarding the Marvel modulars. I'd love to see what a street like this with 76269 would look like."
A bit tonally jarring, if you ask me. I think it would look better next to 76218."
Probably. I just thought it'd be weird and cool ;)
The first set of pics makes me wish for a Lego Painted Ladies set.
I've been trying for a while to get 41748 to match the modulars. It takes a bit of work, and two copies, but one day I'll have the money to finish this little project. As a one of, I think the color scheme can work. You often see a building or two that are flashy like that, especially in hipster neighborhoods.
That works so much better than it has ANY right to. I'm a little impressed.
I'm 100% sure that with some adjustment it will look great next to any modular
I find it weird when the term "dollhouse" is used to describe the open back ones, as the three dollhouses I have are all fully enclosed. Granted the backs are very plain and just used to stick electricity wires, stability, and I know there are open back examples out there, but it's still weird to me when I come across that term to describe open back sets.
@kfr said:
" @whiteghost said:
" @MeganL, @CapnRex101: The article doesn't show up when I'm logged in, only when I copy the link from the non-logged in view."
That might just be you? I am logged in, and I can definitely see the article."
But it happens on multiple devices so it seems to be a bug worth looking into it.
I mix modulars and friends sets too in my lego city. It blends perfectly I think.
I came here to start a fight about whether houses that are colors are good or bad and I'm pleased to see y'all already did it.
It’s not worst than 2 modulars.
Modulars are not very ‘modulars’. It’s a challenge to find a combination that doesn’t look bad. There is too much differences in style and especially too much different colors. And it’s worst with sets that are two smaller buildings, like the pet shop.
(individually, each set is very beautiful)
@Vamntastic said:
"The first set of pics makes me wish for a Lego Painted Ladies set."
21043. (Couldn't resist.)
@whiteghost said:
" @kfr said:
" @whiteghost said:
" @MeganL, @CapnRex101: The article doesn't show up when I'm logged in, only when I copy the link from the non-logged in view."
That might just be you? I am logged in, and I can definitely see the article."
But it happens on multiple devices so it seems to be a bug worth looking into it."
Do you have the 'Miscellaneous' category unchecked in your News Category Preferences settings? (https://brickset.com/profile/newspreferences) Might not be it, but that could be a possible reason at least.
@ThatBionicleGuy said:
" @whiteghost said:
" @kfr said:
" @whiteghost said:
" @MeganL, @CapnRex101: The article doesn't show up when I'm logged in, only when I copy the link from the non-logged in view."
That might just be you? I am logged in, and I can definitely see the article."
But it happens on multiple devices so it seems to be a bug worth looking into it."
Do you have the 'Miscellaneous' category unchecked in your News Category Preferences settings? (https://brickset.com/profile/newspreferences) Might not be it, but that could be a possible reason at least."
And you, Mr. Fellow Appreciator of Bionicle, solved the mystery. I salute you, thank you.
Thanks for all the pictures. This might very well be the first Friends set I'll get.
I like Friends sets but I still don't understand why Lego can't give us similar designs at the same prices but with more realistic colour schemes under the City or Creator themes. They've done great sets like this one, 41704, 41748, 41711, 41732, 42639 and 42620 that could have pretty much just been recoloured and had a few parts switched out to make awesome City sets.