Review: Bricktober Carousel
Posted by Huw,
66649 Carousel is one of four Bricktober sets that were gifts with purchase in Asian branches of Toys R Us in October this year.
They are packaged in exquisite boxes which, it turns out, are unlike those used for last year's sets: they are large enough for the model to displayed inside, or stored in it.
The hinged lids have very cool 'decoupage' pictures in them which depict one of the other rides. The swing ride I looked at on Tuesday had a picture of this model in it, and this one has one of the swing ride. I guess it was intentional not to depict the model in the box.
Like the swing ride I reviewed earlier in the week, there's a lot packed onto the 8x8 plate again: in addition to the very colourful carousel, there's a pretzel vendor, tree, lamppost and a very nice sculpture or something in a golden crown piece.
The carousel features four ducks on the ride itself and a chicken sat in a white crown on the top. I didn't realise that chickens laid eggs that hatched ducks, if I'm honest...
I also didn't realise that the box was big enough to house the set in my last review until someone pointed it out in the comments!
It can either be sat on the top of the packet containing the instructions, as shown below, or underneath it for storage with minimal dismantling.
I think this one is better than the swing ride, primarily because it has a more interesting selection of pieces: four ducks, a chicken and the white and gold crown pieces.
These will set you back £20-30 / $30-40 or so each, so are not good value for money, but they are a must-have for the discerning collector and would make an excellent gift for the LEGO fan who has everything.
They are available from several sellers in Asia on BrickLink.
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15 comments on this article
"I guess it was intentional not to depict the model in the box."
I guess so too but it does look a bit weird if you'd want to display the build in/on the box as shown in the last photo.
One optimistic seller would like to receive US $196.00 for a copy of the swing ride.
@BeaR_the_Builder said:
""I guess it was intentional not to depict the model in the box."
I guess so too but it does look a bit weird if you'd want to display the build in/on the box as shown in the last photo."
Exactly. I wasn't sure whether it was a mistake or intentional. Given the base of the one in this box is orange, to match the box, I'm erring towards intentional, but it does seem strange.
@BeaR_the_Builder said:
""I guess it was intentional not to depict the model in the box."
I guess so too but it does look a bit weird if you'd want to display the build in/on the box as shown in the last photo."
It seems to aim to depict the rest of the attractions in the fairground park with some forced perspective.
That pretzel stand is the ONLY place in the world where you can get those internationally famous upside down pretzels.
@Your_Future_President said:
"That pretzel stand is the ONLY place in the world where you can get those internationally famous upside down pretzels. "
The pretzel comes from the symbol of the Baker's Guild, of which there are numerous variations but usually with the loops ending at the top, as shown. Nevertheless, it's also valid to have the loops inverted, or even sideways!
Too bad there is no more TRU in the US, those I would actually be interested in getting.
That looks really sweet. Pity these aren't available via Smyths in those parts of the world where they have taken over TRU's business.
Sort of makes these sets regional exclusives after all.
@Block_n_Roll:
Had to see it for myself, but indeed I was able to find images of signs with the pretzel facing lobes up, in, down, and out. The sideways versions are much less common, than up and down.
@kialan said:
" @BeaR_the_Builder said:
""I guess it was intentional not to depict the model in the box."
I guess so too but it does look a bit weird if you'd want to display the build in/on the box as shown in the last photo."
It seems to aim to depict the rest of the attractions in the fairground park with some forced perspective."
Still, some interesting choices: both the Carousel and Swing Ride show the Roller Coaster in the background but mirrored. And none of them show the Ferris Wheel (maybe this is included in the remaining two sets?).
I don't quite understand why you think the box should have the same paper set in the background as the LEGO model displayed in front? Wouldn't that be like having the exact same two attractions next to each other in a park? To me, this is the only thing that makes any sense, because it provides a background for the set to live in.
Otherwise, a very cool and fun set. Would have gotten it if it was available in Europe for an understandable price.
What's going on with the solitary donut piece? Is it meant to represent another food vendor?
No idea!
What is bricktober anyway?
@beanjo68 said:
"What is bricktober anyway?"
It is TRU's LEGO promotion every October, hence Bricktober.