Brickset news archive: January 2013
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New app for Brickset in the Android Play Store
Posted by Huw, 31 Jan 2013 09:39. Filed under Software/Games.
If you're an Android phone or tablet user, you'll be interested to take a look at LEGO Collector, which is a "unique application to browse and mange your entire LEGO collection including sets and all minifigure series."
It interfaces with Brickset's web services so you can download your collection to your device and keep it in sync.
I've installed it on my Galaxy Nexus and it works well, and pretty quickly too. My only criticism is fairly minor: it allows you to download instructions to your device, to the SD card, but once it's done so, unless I am missing something, they are hard to find and view. You probably need a third-party file manager to get to the contents of the SD card, which I don't currently have.
Other than that, so far, it's been faultless. It costs 84p (probably $1 and €1).
The mobile app directory, as always, contains details of all apps that work with Brickset.
10 comments, latest one posted 3 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2120 views
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A few minor tweaks to the site
Posted by Huw, 31 Jan 2013 06:44. Filed under Brickset.
In what seems to be my never-ending quest for perfection of the website, I've made a few tweaks today.- There are two new news article listings that might be useful: Most read articles and articles that have been commented on today. Links for these are provided at the bottom of the home page.
- The search auto-complete feature has been extended to parts and minifigs which should make it easier for you to find what you're looking for. Flip the search scope to Parts or Minifigs and start typing...
- The 'Minifigs you own' page has been changed to make it easier to see how complete your collection is in each category, much like the set collection analysis page.
- If you're new to Brickset and have your collection stored offline or at another site, you can now import it via a tab-separated text file.
- Advanced Queries can be exported as a CSV in addition to a BrickLink XML file (that feature was added a while ago).
Finally, if you haven't already completed the Brickset the user survey, today's your last chance to do so. There have been 1850 responses so far -- thank you!
20 comments, latest one posted 3 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1725 views
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The return to classic castle
Posted by Huw, 31 Jan 2013 03:51. Filed under New sets.
I've taken Joe's photo of the castle from the previous post and straightened it out (using DxO Viewpoint, if you're interested) so we can get a better view of it. As you can see it's a decent size, and decent design. The good guys are light grey and blue with lions on their sheilds, whilst the bag guys are black and red, with dragons on their shields. As I said after seeing it at London, I don't think there are any new helmet, weapon or armour designs.
It bears more than a passing resemblance to the very first minifig castle, 375, doesn't it!
90 comments, latest one posted 3 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)7508 views
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First photos from the German Toy Fair
Posted by Huw, 30 Jan 2013 16:33. Filed under New sets.
The German Toy Fair in Nuremberg started today and as predicted, pictures have started to emerge.Joe Meno, editor of Brickjournal, has been on the LEGO stand and is sending me photos through as I type that I will be adding to the Brickset flickr stream.
The first to arrive is one of the Coast Guard helicopter, 60013. As I said in my toy fair report, LEGO is pitching these at a young age range, so it's slightly juniorised. The new nose/cockpit piece looks very nice though. Apparently it's based on the Sea King helicopter.
If HERO Factory is your thing, R4-G9 sent me this link to an image on Twitter of Jet Rocka earlier.
If you come across any more photos out there, do let us know in the comments, and I'll update this article as I add to flickr.
Update: Fedro Photo has uploaded a few images to flickr, including of the mobile crane. (Thanks Combee)
Update: Bedtime got in the way! Joe sent more images overnight which I've added to flickr. Here are some highlights: Castle, Galaxy Squad and City airport.
80 comments, latest one posted 3 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)24343 views
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First image of 'Man of Steel' set
Posted by Huw, 30 Jan 2013 13:57. Filed under New sets.
The USA Today has revealed details of toys being made to tie-in with the new Superman movie 'Man Of Steel', which is out in June. Among them is LEGO set 76002, Superman Metropolis Showdown.
Now you can see why I was under whelmed when I saw them at the London toy fair...
(Thanks Bill and others that emailed).
42 comments, latest one posted 3 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)6049 views
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Review: 31008 Thunder Wings
Posted by atkinsar, 30 Jan 2013 13:26. Filed under Set review.
There’s fifteen or so Creator sets released or due to be released in 2013, and with this year’s modular, the magnificent Palace Cinema and train offering, the Horizon Express now included in this theme (albeit badged as Creator – Expert sets), there is some serious competition to stand out amongst the crowd.
LEGO and jets, what’s not to love? This is the third jet (not including polybags) to be released in the Creator theme: in 2007 we had 4953: Fast Flyers and in 2010 LEGO gave us the slightly larger and excellent 5892: Sonic Boom.
Seems like LEGO doesn’t want us to go more than three years without a jet fix, because in 2013 we have 31008: Thunder Wings, a Creator 3 in 1 set and one of the medium sized offerings from the 2013 Creator line-up, weighing in at 235 pieces and costing £14.99/$19.99.
I have a feeling that these sort of vehicle-based Creator sets often get overlooked in favour of the flashier Creator houses, certainly something I’ve been guilty of in the past, so it’s great to get to spend some quality time exploring this one in more detail.
17 comments, latest one posted 3 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)5258 views
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Legends of Chima MMOG screenshots
Posted by Huw, 30 Jan 2013 05:03. Filed under Software/Games.
BrickUltra is reporting that 'LEGO has leaked' screenshots of the forthcoming massively multiplayer online game Legends of Chima Online. You can view more by clicking on the image.You will recall a press release, published earlier in the month, described the game thus:
"In autumn 2013, LEGO Legends of Chima Online, a free-to-play, online world developed by WB Games Montréal, will provide kids with a safe and incredibly immersive connected game experience. Players will be able to build and customize their kingdom in the world of Chima, explore massive environments like the Falling Leaves Forest, take on missions to help Laval and his friends, uncover hidden secrets and treasures, earn rewards, and use LEGO bricks to build weapons, gadgets, and more!
"The Chima Vault, which houses an exclusive reward system, will be accessible to players on LEGO.com/chima. While playing LEGO Legends of Chima: Speedorz and LEGO Legends of Chima: Laval’s Journey, players will be able to earn points. These points can be redeemed through the Vault for a variety of unique content that players can use to enhance their experience in LEGO® Legends of Chima Online."Unlike LEGO Universe, that flopped badly primarily due to its revenue generation model (monthly subscription), this is going to be a free-to-play game. I suspect LEGO is hoping that, by having it so inextricably linked to the models, it will help shift more Chima sets. I wouldn't be surprised if buying sets unlocks additional content somehow, perhaps via the reward system described above.
So, are you looking forward to playing this?
17 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3006 views
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Monthly Mini Model Builds for 2013
Posted by Huw, 30 Jan 2013 04:32. Filed under New sets.
Grogall has uncovered more instructions for the 2013 MMMB sets, 40061-40072 so we now have a complete set, except for November, when Europe and the USA usually have different models, due to Thanksgiving.
These MMMB (Monthly Mini Model Build) sets are given away at an event at the start of every month at LEGO brand stores. They are hard to get hold of: not only do you need to be at the store on the right day and at the right time, you also need to have a child with you, because they are supposed to be given out to kids only. Dates and times are publicised at stores.LEGO.com.
Until the end of 2011 they were not so much sets but consisted of an instruction card and a pile of loose bricks that you gathered for yourself in-store. However, due to obvious problems with this arrangement, since January 2012 they've been bagged up in clear polybags and given proper set numbers.
By the end of 2013 there will have been 69 or 70 MMMBs. In July 2010, LEGO started publishing the instructions online but only makes them available for a month. However, we've been archiving them, so you can download them from links in the search results.
Some of this year's look very nice, particularly the animals. Even if you can't get to the shop to get the official set, you can have a go at building them from parts in your collection. I certainly intend to.
3 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2423 views
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New instructions added to LEGO Customer Services
Posted by Huwbot, 30 Jan 2013 01:16. Filed under Auto alert.
A PDF of one new instruction manual has been added to the LEGO Customer Services Building Instructions site today.See what's new on our new instructions page.
0 comments (Commenting has ended on this article)1583 views
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Review: 42007 Motorcross bike
Posted by Huw, 29 Jan 2013 09:11. Filed under Set review.
We don't seem to give Technic much love here at Brickset but, as I say every time we do, I'm a long-time fan of it, so I'll try and redress the balance by reviewing one of the better sets that has been released in the first half of 2013: 42007 Motocross bike.There was a time when I bought every Technic set released, but nowadays I'm a bit more selective, one reason being that I don't have room to store them all (I tend to keep them made-up due to the time it takes to make them) but also because, increasingly, there is a lot of repetition of un-interesting vehicles. Racing cars, go-karts, buggies and that sort of thing are not that interesting to play with or to look at, so I tend to give them a miss.
However there are some things that you can never have too many of: mobile cranes, helicopters and motorbikes.
That brings me neatly onto 42007, the latest in a long line of Technic motorcycles that started in 1979. This is the third off-road bike to be made. The first was 8838 Shock Cycle from 1991, which was one of the first Technic sets I bought after emerging from my dark ages. We then had a long wait for the next one, 8291 Dirt Bike from 2008.
After building this latest one I thought it would be fun to dig out the old models to compare them with it, and whilst doing so, appreciate how far Technic has come in 22 years.
25 comments, latest one posted 3 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)6641 views
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LEGO World Copenhagen, 14-17th February
Posted by Huw, 28 Jan 2013 15:16. Filed under Events (Europe).
LEGO World in Copenhagen is one of the largest events on the LEGO fan calendar. This year it's running from the 14th to the 17th of February.I've never been to it, in fact I've never been to an event outside the UK, but this year I'll be there; I've just booked my flights and I'm all sorted.
I don't know a lot about it, but from what I've read, the AFOL-contributed displays are just one aspect of the event, so I'm very much looking forward to visiting and seeing it all for myself.
I'll be arriving late on Wednesday and will be leaving on Saturday morning. It would be great to meet up with other Bricksetters whilst I'm there, so if you're going too, get in touch so we can arrange something.
17 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2932 views
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Cuusoo of the Week: Tiny Trucks by Robiwan and two clarifications on Cuusoo
Posted by glenbricker, 28 Jan 2013 12:02. Filed under Cuusoo.
Vehicles of all sizes make a up a relatively large percentage of the projects on Cuusoo. They vary greatly in scale, source, and function.These gorgeous "Tiny Trucks" by Robiwan are not only one of the best real world vehicles projects on Cuusoo but also one of my favorite LEGO builds, period.
Continue reading Cuusoo of the Week: Tiny Trucks by Robiwan and two clarifications on Cuusoo
15 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)5034 views
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Review: 75011 Tantive IV and Alderaan
Posted by Huw, 28 Jan 2013 05:14. Filed under Set review.
75011 Tantive IV and Alderaan is another Series 4 Star Wars Planet Set that is available in Spain and a few other European countries, but nowhere else much yet.I had mine shipped over from Amazon.es
so I could review it for you early.
The two Series 4 sets I've reviewed so far (B-Wing and Snowspeeder) have been something of a mixed bag: The B-Wing is terrible but the Snowspeeder is one of the best Planet Sets to have been released.
So, how does this one fare. Read on to find out...
22 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)6387 views
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The Brickset User Survey: Had your say yet?
Posted by Huw, 27 Jan 2013 05:40. Filed under Brickset.
The third annual Brickset user survey has been running for a week now and already there has been some 1300 responses, so thank you to everyone that's taken the time to respond.If you haven't yet, there's still time: you have until Thursday 31st January to let me know what you think of the site and what needs improving.
Complete the survey today to have your say.
22 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2509 views
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Image of buildable Chima figs surfaces on French forum
Posted by Huw, 26 Jan 2013 11:21. Filed under New sets.
[Sorry, it seems that this is old news, but I'll leave it here as it was news to me] This picture, which as far as I can tell is not watermarked 'Confidential', shows two of the buildable Chima figs.
As you can see from the watermark it does have, it came from bionifigs.com, which is a very unpleasant to look at French forum. Unfortunately I can't find the original post there to link to. Unlike other LEGO news sites we are very careful to properly attribute the source of every article we publish, so I apologise for not being able to do so here. Thanks, though, to Geddes for posting it in the forrm.
You can now see what I was trying to describe: they are similar to last year's Super Heroes figs, but with new heads, hands (in the case of the lion) and weapons. Personally I think they, like most buildable figures, look terrible but no doubt you'll tell us your views in the comments.
15 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1850 views
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The Year of the Snake
Posted by Huw, 26 Jan 2013 10:47. Filed under New sets.
In China, 2013 is the year of the Snake, which begins on 10th February. To celebrate this and, I suspect, to increase interest in the brand in China, which is now the second largest economy in the world, LEGO has released this set 10250 Year of the Snake.
Instructions for it appeared on the LEGO Customer Services page a few weeks ago; now we've received reports that it's been seen in Chinese shops. Chris in Shanghai bought one from his local Carrefour, for 249 CNY (~£25/$40), and there's quite a few for sale on Taobao (Chinese eBay). There are some lots on eBay.com at the moment, and I suspect it's only a matter of time before they appear in eBay.co.uk and BrickLink, although you'll probably need to pay through the nose for one :-)
6 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3389 views
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Two more brand stores for the UK
Posted by Huw, 26 Jan 2013 06:49. Filed under Shopping (UK).
News has emerged this week that LEGO is opening two new brand stores in the UK in the next few months.One of them will be the first to open in Scotland, and will be at Glasgow's Buchanan Galleries shopping centre in the middle of the city. You can read more about this at the STV Glasgow website (via the forum)
The second one will be in Leeds, in the Trinity Centre. LEGO has posted an ad. for the manager's job, with an anticipated start date of March. (thanks robyaw)
It's great to see that there is some good news on the high street, following the collapse of so many well known chains. Let's hope the expansion continues as far as Southampton before too long...
Meanwhile, the grand opening event at the last store to open, in Watford, is said to be 21 - 23 February. No news on freebies but they are bound to be the same as every other one: T Shirts, brand store models, and minifigs. (thanks FinnTheHuman in the forum)
43 comments, latest one posted 3 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3135 views
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Introducing the LEGO Madhouse
Posted by Huw, 26 Jan 2013 04:14. Filed under Miscellaneous.
Christopher Pearce (AKA CapnRex101), who contributes well-written reviews of Star Wars sets for Brickset has started his own blog.The LEGO Madhouse is a blog about LEGO Super Heroes and in particular about planning and building a large model of Arkham Asylum.
So, please go and check it out and leave Chris some constructive comments and encouragement on the site.
22 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2696 views
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Lille store grand opening event
Posted by Huw, 26 Jan 2013 04:03. Filed under Shopping (Europe).
The second LEGO brand store in France will be holding its grand opening event next week, 30th Jan - 2nd Feb. There will be a different freebie available on each of the four days, with purchases over €30:30th: LEGO Store T Shirt
31st: LEGO T Shirt
1st: 3300003 Brand store model
2nd: Minifig packFull details at the store's page at LEGO.com and Hoth Bricks.
If you go on 2nd Feb, please send us a photo of the minifig pack for the database.
Thanks to Sebastien for the news.
0 comments (Commenting has ended on this article)1606 views
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Review: 75009 Snowspeeder and Hoth
Posted by Huw, 25 Jan 2013 08:55. Filed under Set review.
You may recall us mentioning that, for some reason, series 4 of the Star Wars Planet sets have made an appearance in shops in some mainland European countries already. They are not due in the UK until August, apparently, and I don't think they are in North America yet, either (correct me if I'm mistaken).Thankfully being in the EU enables us in the UK to bypass anomalies such as this, especially so when the European Amazons stock them. So, I ordered the two I didn't already have from Amazon.es and they arrived today.
You may also recall that when I reviewed 75010, the B-Wing from series 4 that was kindly sent to me by Ahrien a few weeks ago, I thought it was the worst Planet set ever. Surely this one was going to be better that that...
17 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)7263 views
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Two new LEGO DVDs on the way
Posted by Huw, 25 Jan 2013 04:21. Filed under Miscellaneous.
I do like a good LEGO movie, particularly when they are packed with exclusive minifigs.Earlier in the week it was announced that Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out, which war originally shown on Cartoon Network in the USA last year, will be available on DVD (and hopefully Blu-Ray too) in March on both sides of the Atlantic. It will be packed with a limited edition exclusive Darth Vader minifig, who's sporting a celebration medal.
Yesterday, news of a second one emerged: Batman the Movie: DC Super Heroes Unite. It will be available mid-May and comes with a very cool looking Clark Kent/Superman minifig.
They can be pre-ordered from Amazon, although they are not both listed at the moment:
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Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out: Amazon.co.uk
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Batman The Movie: Amazon.com
(via Idle Hands)
28 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)4717 views
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Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out: Amazon.co.uk
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Review : Set 70500 Kai's Fire Mech
Posted by DrDaveWatford, 25 Jan 2013 03:30. Filed under Set review.
I’m a big fan of LEGO mechs, so I was pleased to get the chance to review the latest effort from LEGO – Set 70500 Kai’s Fire Mech.The Ninjago theme has already provided us with a couple of great mechs, both of which were part of the 2012 Ninjago line up - Set 9448 Samurai Mech and Set 9455 Fangpyre Mech.
My enthusiasm for a third Ninjago mech was however somewhat tempered by the realisation that Kai’s Fire Mech is by far the smallest set in the 2013 Ninjago line-up, and I was curious whether at only 102 pieces it would be able to live up to previous efforts.
So how did it turn out ?
35 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)11118 views
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LEGO responds to racist claims
Posted by Huw, 24 Jan 2013 10:09. Filed under Miscellaneous.
A number of you emailed me with links to press articles (such as this one in the Telegraph) concerning racist claims about Jabba's Palace. Frankly I thought it was all a lot of nonsense so wasn't going to mention it here, but now it seems LEGO has taken them seriously enough to publish a response so I'll mention it now and hope it stops the barrage of emails:"All LEGO Star Wars products are based on the movies of the Star Wars saga created by Lucasfilm. Jabba's Palace appears in Star Wars Episode VI and appears in a famous scene on the planet Tatooine. The building is the palace of Jabba - a fictional movie character.
"The picture shown above depicts the building from the movie scene. The LEGO designers try to reproduce all buildings, space ships and characters from the movies as close as possible when creating a new LEGO Star Wars product."This is done to allow both young and old Star Wars fans to act out the scenes from the movies at home. The LEGO Star Wars product Jabba´s palace does not reflect any non-fictional buildings, people, or the mentioned mosque.
"The LEGO minifigures shown on the box and found inside the box (Jabba, Salacious Crumb, Bib Fortuna, Gamorrean Guard, Oola, Han Solo, Princess Leia disguised as Boushh, Chewbacca and B'omarr Monk) are all modelled after fictional characters from the movie.
"The LEGO Group regrets that the product has caused the members of the Turkish cultural community to interpret it wrongly, but point out that the design of the product only refers to the fictional content of the Star Wars saga."I suspect it was rushed out because it's riddled with spelling mistakes and errors, which I've corrected. Hopefully, though, that will be the end of it...
(via Hoth Bricks)
58 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)10138 views
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London Toy Fair Report, Part 5
Posted by Huw, 24 Jan 2013 05:45. Filed under Miscellaneous.
This is another view of the top of the LEGO stand at the toy fair.I did say that part 4 would be the last but it seems I've upset a number of people by completely ignoring Hero Factory, Chima buildable figures and Duplo.
So for the sake of completeness and to keep everyone happy, here goes...
19 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)12585 views
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Palace Cinema designer video now available
Posted by Huw, 24 Jan 2013 05:26. Filed under New sets.
LEGO has apologised for not having this ready for the launch last week. It's now available on YouTube and, in recognition of the value of the designer videos, I've added a new 'Video' tab to the set details page into which the video has been embedded which should make them easier to find in the future.
So far I've only added the Palace Cinema one just to check it all works, but in time I will add links to them all. In fact, if you'd like to help gather the data for them I'd be very grateful. All that's needed is the YouTube ID for the video which in Palace Cinema's case is vCjG9nfY2nsk. Get in touch if you can help!
25 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)4484 views
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Review: 41007 Heartlake Pet Salon
Posted by LostInTranslation, 23 Jan 2013 07:40. Filed under Set review.
One year on from the initial launch of the Friends range and my own favourable opinion of City Park Cafe 3061, Heartlake has now expanded to include various buildings such as a marina, vet’s office, large stables, among others. After a summer focusing heavily on equestrian activities, the third wave of sets, featuring a broader range of themes, was released on 26 December.I’ve kindly been asked to write another review for Brickset; this time of 41007, Heartlake Pet Salon, which is a mid-sized set priced at £29.99/$29.99 and has 242 pieces and two ‘mini-dolls’.
12 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3341 views
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London Toy Fair Report, part 4
Posted by Huw, 23 Jan 2013 03:38. Filed under Miscellaneous.
This picture is taken from the gallery above the LEGO stand. As you can see virtually all of it was covered over thereby preventing photos from above. They really are paranoid, aren't they!In this final Toy Fair report, I will cover Star Wars, Friends, Games and anything else I can remember. So, read on...
53 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)19388 views
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New instructions added to LEGO Customer Services
Posted by Huwbot, 23 Jan 2013 01:18. Filed under Auto alert.
PDFs of two new instruction manuals have been added to the LEGO Customer Services Building Instructions site today.See what's new on our new instructions page.
2 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1902 views
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London Toy Fair Report, part 3
Posted by Huw, 22 Jan 2013 17:08. Filed under Miscellaneous.
This is an interesting 3-dimensional mural of the Kingdom on Chima that was also in the foyer of the exhibition hall.However, I'm sure what you want to read about is the return of Castle...
Castle
Yes, Castle is back, and it's called Castle, not Kingdoms. There will be five sets which, just like the reversion to the name 'Castle', are a true return to the theme's roots. They feature two warring factions. The lady telling us about them didn't know if they had names, but I can tell you they are blue and grey knights, with lions on their shields -- the King's forces -- and black with red dragons on their shields -- the baddies. It doesn't look as if there is any new armour, helmets or weapons, they all looked familiar to me.
42 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)20987 views
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London Toy Fair Report, part 2
Posted by Huw, 22 Jan 2013 14:22. Filed under Miscellaneous.
As we all know, Legends of Chima seems to be receiving the lion's share of the LEGO marketing budget at the moment so I guess it was no surprise that Craggar (left), and Laval, were 'guarding' the entrance to the fair.Anyway, on with the survey of what was on show, starting with Legends of Chima...
51 comments, latest one posted 3 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)19355 views
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London Toy Fair Report, part 1
Posted by Huw, 22 Jan 2013 13:42. Filed under Miscellaneous.
I'm back home after an exhausting day at the show, and a quick trip to the brand store at Shepherd's Bush afterwards. The weather in the UK is absolutely appalling still but luckily not bad enough today to disrupt transport.As I said earlier, the exterior of the LEGO stand was much plainer than in previous years and there wasn't much to photograph around it. However, this guy, Laval, and Cragger, were in the foyer.
I met up with 'Big' Pete and Gary Davis, Ambassador of the Brickish Association, and we were taken round the stand by Nigel Warway from LEGO. Part of the reason for the escort is to ensure that we didn't surreptitiously take any photographs. However we did take notes (at least Pete did), and also Pete had his phone voice recorder going throughout so we should get some useful nuggets of information from that once he's transcribed it later.
So let's go through the themes one at a time and I'll recall what I can about the sets. First, it should be noted that the show is targeted at normal retailers, so LEGO exclusives and other 'power' items are never on show.
34 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)23813 views
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Toy fair report
Posted by Huw, 22 Jan 2013 07:24. Filed under Miscellaneous.
I'm at the toy fair, I'm taking a look round before my appointment on the LEGO stand at 1 pm. Usually, it's possible to see into the stand from the gallery above but this year, they have covered the ceilings with cloth so nothing much is visible. Unusually, there is no fancy artwork or large models in sight around the outside of the stand either, so it's looking like there will not be much to photograph.
Through the cloth ceilings, I can see that The Lone Ranger sets are on display, along with Galaxy Squad.
I'll try and update this article later, after my visit, but will wait until I'm home before posting a full report.
24 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)5246 views
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Toy Fair season starts tomorrow
Posted by Huw, 21 Jan 2013 14:21. Filed under Miscellaneous.
The first of three toy fairs starts tomorrow, in London, at Kensington Olympia.The London toy fair is very much a trade only event and is the first opportunity of the year to view the summer 2013 sets 'in the flesh'.
I am going and I will be meeting 'Big' Pete from FBTB there, and we'll be on the LEGO stand early in the afternoon. We will be telling you what we see but, unfortunately, LEGO does not permit photography at the London show, preferring to wait to unveil new sets to the public at Spielwarenmesse International Toy Fair, Nürnberg, which this year starts on 30th Jaunary, or at the New York Toy Fair on February 10th.
So, keep an eye out here and at FBTB tomorrow for our reports. If you're going tomorrow too, do get in touch, as maybe we can meet up.
24 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3666 views
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Review: 79100 Kraang Lab Escape
Posted by atkinsar, 21 Jan 2013 08:11. Filed under Set review.
When LEGO finally announced they had secured the licence to produce sets based on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, it certainly seemed to fire people up, with seemingly equal volumes of excitement and disappointment.
Now that the sets have been released in some countries (though not in the UK at present), it’s time to take a look at the smallest of the six strong launch line-up: 79100 : Kraang Lab Escape.
As most of you will already be aware, this theme is based on the cartoon currently airing on Nickelodeon and not the original 80’s cartoon show. It contains 90 pieces and retails for US $12.99 / GBP £9.99.
21 comments, latest one posted 3 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)9497 views
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Is LEGO getting more expensive?
Posted by Huw, 21 Jan 2013 08:05. Filed under Miscellaneous.
'LEGO is really expensive nowadays'. 'LEGO used to be much cheaper when I was a kid'. 'Licensed LEGO sets cost a fortune'How many times have you heard people make such comments, or even made them yourself?
When looking at the price of current sets it's easy to see why people think they are expensive and cost more than ever. But is that actually the case?
Andrew Sielen wondered the same so set out to find out if there is any truth in it. He extracted information on pieces and prices from Brickset, then analysed it and wrote a very interesting article on his findings. The article, The Price of a Brick, considers the price per brick, the average price of sets, the number of pieces in sets, and so on, over time, and draws conclusions that might surprise you. As well as the hard facts and calculations, he also considers why there is a perception that it's expensive these days.
It's an excellent thought-provoking article. Read it, then let us know what you think, either in the comments here, at the source article, or in the forum, where the article was first brought to my attention.
40 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)6431 views
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Cuusoo of the Week: Corellian Defender by Glenbricker
Posted by glenbricker, 21 Jan 2013 06:10. Filed under Cuusoo.
Whether you love the Star Wars projects on Cuusoo or hate them, no review of Cuusoo can be complete without bringing them up at some point.Star Wars makes up over 13% of projects over 17* support making it the most "popular" subject for Cuusoo project creators. Not to mention the astounding UCS Sandcrawler currently under review.
This week I eschew my usually humble nature to show you my favorite Star Wars project, the Corellian Defender.
Additionally I have some advice for Cuusoo project creators that I hope will be taken to heart.
Continue reading Cuusoo of the Week: Corellian Defender by Glenbricker
22 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)5787 views
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The Brickset user survey: tell us what you think
Posted by Huw, 20 Jan 2013 14:13. Filed under Brickset.
Once a year I run a user survey to find out what you like about Brickset and what you don't. I use your responses to improve the site to ensure it continues to meet your needs and also to decide what to prioritise in the coming year.The 2013 Brickset user survey is now live and I'd really appreciate it if you could spend a couple of minutes completing it. This is YOUR chance to have a say in how the site is run and the direction it takes in the future.
What do you like about it? What needs improving? Tell us in the survey!
Around 15,000 new members joined in 2012 and thousands more used the site for the first time last year. I'm particularly keen to hear your views, the views of new users, so, please, complete the survey and let me know what you think of it here. All responses are anonymous, unless you choose to enter your email address which will be used only if I want to follow up on your ideas.
The last survey was in November 2011 and if you're interested you can view the results and responses. I will publish the results of this one when it's ended, which will be on January 31st.
Thank you in advance!
24 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3598 views
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5998 polybag, last few remaining!
Posted by Huw, 20 Jan 2013 08:39. Filed under Shopping (USA).
Jason from Chowren Toys has been in touch to let us know that the special promotion on 5998 Vladek Castle Kingdoms polybag from 2005 is going very well, and that there are now just a few hundred remaining. So, now would be a good time to place an order if you're still deliberating.Please use promo code BS5998POLY at checkout to receive the discount price of $1.80 per bag.
9 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2256 views
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Brickvention public display report
Posted by Huw, 20 Jan 2013 08:31. Filed under Events (Australia).
Roving Brickset reporter caperberry has been at the public display at Brickvention in Australia today and has sent us this exclusive report:The 7th annual Brickvention Australia closed its doors today after what surely must be its most successful year yet, although as this was my first ever attendance I can’t really claim that! But what with fans from all over the country, a LEGO Designer from Denmark and 18,000 members of the public attending, how could it be anything else?
7 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2135 views
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Series 9 minifigures starting to appear across Canada
Posted by fuelbreak, 19 Jan 2013 16:04. Filed under Shopping (Canada).
For most of the community, this is old news, however for us Canadians, series 9 minifigures are just starting to appear in stores.
I was able to pick up a case at my local Toys R Us here in Western Canada. Have you found them in your local Canadian stores? Please let us all know if you have spotted them as well.
It's a great set of figures but as stated before, I was only able to get two complete sets from a case, which is a disappointment.
32 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2978 views
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Review: 60018 Cement Mixer
Posted by Huw, 19 Jan 2013 09:54. Filed under Set review.
When news first broke that we'd be getting some decent City sets in 2013, and not just more fire and police, a lot of people, myself included, could not wait to get our hands on them.60018 Cement Mixer is one of three new 6-wide trucks that LEGO now refers to as 'Great Vehicles'.
The 'Great Vehicles' range was introduced in 2007, with a recycling truck (7991) and a cement mixer (7990). Before them, Town and City vehicles were largely 4 wide and/or juniorised. We can consider 2007, then, as the year that LEGO started making decent City sets, after more than 10 years of mediocre offerings.
Since then, LEGO has made some excellent vehicles, and it looks as if the three 2013 sets will continue to live up to the high standard we've come to enjoy.
27 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)11569 views
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Palace Cinema unveiled at BrickFair, Alabama
Posted by Huw, 18 Jan 2013 18:00. Filed under New sets.
The next modular building will be a Cinema! What, you knew that already?! It's been the worst kept secret by LEGO, hasn't it!
Today the set was finally officially revealed at BrickFair, Alabama, by Kevin Hinkle.
Here's all you need to know about it:
10232 Palace Cinema, 2,194 pieces, available in March
US $149.99, CA $199.99, DE 139,99€, UK £119.99, DK 1,099.00 DKK
Build a grand premiere at the Palace Cinema!
It's premiere night at the Palace Cinema! Illuminate the night sky with the spotlights as the child star arrives in a fancy black limousine! Gather the crowd on the star-studded sidewalk, then head into the detailed lobby with a concession stand and ticket area! Take the grand staircase into the theater with a large screen, movie projector and reclining chairs for 6 minifigures.Introducing the latest addition to the LEGO Modular Buildings series, the highly detailed, 2-story Palace Cinema corner building. This collectable model features a sidewalk of the stars, brick-built entrance doors, posters, sign frontage, a tower with spires and rooftop decorations. Includes 6 minifigures: child actress, chauffeur, female guest, male guest, photographer and cinema worker.
- Includes 6 minifigures: child star, chauffeur, female guest, male guest, photographer and cinema worker.
- Features brick-built entrance doors, posters, sign frontage, tower with spires and rooftop decoration, lobby, concession stand, ticket area, staircase, big screen, projector and reclining seats for 6 minifigures.
- Vehicles include classic-style limousine.
- Hard-to-find elements include a red baseplate and dark tan, dark red, and gold pieces.
- Seat a 6-minifigure audience in the reclining seats!
- Play on the star-studded sidewalk, in the detailed lobby or in the big-screen theater!
- Collect and build an entire town with the LEGO® Modular Buildings collection: 10224 Town Hall, 10218 Pet Shop and 10211 Grand Emporium!
- Palace Cinema measures 15" (38cm) high, 10" (25.5cm) wide, and 10" (25.5cm) deep.
- Limousine measures 1.6" (4cm) high, 5.9" (15cm) long, and 1.9" (5cm) wide.
LEGO has provided a number of alternative set images which you can find on the set details page.
41 comments, latest one posted 3 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)7264 views
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New Argos catalogue out tomorrow
Posted by Huw, 18 Jan 2013 17:27. Filed under Shopping (UK).
BrickFanatics has reminded me that the new Argos catalogue comes out tomorrow and I'm pleased to see that Rich has posted scans of the LEGO pages because, like many of you I suspect, I won't be venturing to my branch to pick one up in the morning given the weather conditions.It's chock full of new goodies, of course, plus a few other offers and snippets of information:
- LEGO City HERO Rewards, which seems to be some sort of token collect in exchange for City related items (probably tat!)
- The Umbarran MHC and Razar's Chi Raider are Argos exclusives in the UK
- TMNT sets are being launched on 15th Feb.
- Series 10 minifigs out in May
Rich also says that until 26th Feb, spend £30 or more on LEGO in store and receive a £5 voucher, which is a 16% discount if you spend exactly £30. Not too shabby until something better comes along later in the year...
See the scans at BrickFanatics.
13 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3566 views
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Toys R Us Canada up to 50% off selected Star Wars
Posted by fuelbreak, 18 Jan 2013 16:48. Filed under Shopping (Canada).
Toys R Us has up to 50% off selected Star Wars sets starting Jan. 18 and running until Jan 31.
The two 50%-off sets are 7962, Podracers and 7879, Hoth Echo Base. Here is the flyer.
As per usual, it will probably be a struggle to actually find any of these sets on the shelves. Good luck!
9 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1519 views
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Confessions Competition Results
Posted by atkinsar, 18 Jan 2013 12:01. Filed under Miscellaneous.
Back in December, I ran a small competition to win some rare polybags. I was planning to announce the winners in my next Confessions article but unfortunately, I’m a little behind schedule on writing it (coming soon I promise!) but rather than make you wait any longer, I thought I’d announce the winners now.
So without further ado, I can reveal that the winner is...Fikko3107 from Indonesia who wrote a very thorough and informative review of 30090: Desert Glider and as a result will be receiving both 30170: Ganrash and 30182: Santa. At current Bricklink prices, these two polybags are worth over £20.The runner up is JaseTJ for their review of 30213: Gandalf at Dol Guldur. You will receive your choice of either 30170: Ganrash or 30182: Santa.I’d also like to give an honorary mention to CamberbrickGreen for their humorous and inventive photography whilst reviewing 30211: Uruk-Hai with Ballista. Technically you wrote your review prior to the competition even starting, and I was looking for new reviews, but I feel efforts like this should be rewarded, so I’m going to send you a ‘surprise’ prize (hint - it will be a polybag).Congratulations to all the winners and thank you very much to everyone that contributed reviews, even if you didn’t win, you can sit back and bask in the warm fuzzy glow of knowing that you are helping to make the best LEGO site around even better with your reviews, so keep it up!I’ll be contacting the winners shortly to arrange delivery of their prizes. Make sure you keep an eye out for the next confessions article which will include another competition with some great prizes.
7 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1591 views
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Exclusive Polybags Spotted at COOP in Sweden
Posted by atkinsar, 18 Jan 2013 11:33. Filed under Shopping (Europe).
Four world exclusive polybags have been spotted on sale at the supermarket chain COOP in Sweden.Sweden has long been a polybag hotspot of the world, and once again it proves to be so, being the first country to sell 30252: Crug’s Swamp Jet and 30240: Z-95 Headhunter as well as being the first country outside the US to sell 30213: Gandalf at Dol Galdur and 30253: Leonidas’ Jungle Dragster.Update: Supersympa has now visited a COOP and got back in touch, it seems there's a bit more to this story than we first thought, there is a full blown promotion being run here (see pic). This has revealed that there are a further two world exclusives included in this promotion: 30221: Fire Car and 30183: Little Car, neither of which have been seen anywhere else to date. Sweden really is a great place to live if you're a polybag nut!
Here’s the full list of polys that have been spotted on sale:
- 30252: Crug’s Swamp Jet
- 30240: Z-95 Headhunter
- 30213: Gandalf at Dol Galdur
- 30253: Leonidas’ Jungle Dragster
- 30102: Desk
- 30221: Fire Car
- 30183: Little Car
All are priced at 39 SEK (around £3.80) and available in apparently limited quantities.We are indebted to Supersympa for the news.
21 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3008 views
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Chowren Toys offer rare Castle polybag in bulk
Posted by Huw, 18 Jan 2013 10:29. Filed under shop.LEGO.com (US/Canada).
As promised here is Chowren Toys' first promo of the year -- something small to ease us into the new year! I'll let Jason explain...
"We are offering 5998 Vladek Castle Kingdoms polybag from 2005, featuring a minifig and weapons, for only $1.80, which is about 64% off our regular price. We believe this polybag was not widely available in the USA at the time of its release and is hard to find nowadays.
"Want to build an army cheaply? We are allowing you to buy up to 100! We don't have unlimited quantities, however, so as usual it's first come, first served. Remember, the more you buy the cheaper per item shipping charges, and order soon to avoid the USPS price hikes on 26th January. Please use promo code: BS5998POLY at checkout to receive the discount price."
Place your order today!
26 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3092 views
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Brickvention report
Posted by Huw, 18 Jan 2013 06:25. Filed under Events (Australia).
Brickvention is in full swing over in Australia and roving Brickset reporter caperberry has sent us this report, and posted pictures on flickr.The seventh annual Brickvention Convention took place today in Melbourne, Australia. Some 200 AFOLs, TFOLs and KFOLs came to the stunning Royal Exhibition Hall for a day of presentations, fun, and an early look at the work of the exhibitors. Just as well we got an uncluttered view, as the show this weekend has sold out; that’s 18,000 people over the next two days!
LEGO Designer Mark Stafford flew in from Denmark last night, so hats off to him for actually staying awake and being his usual cheerful self. He gave a fascinating and often amusing presentation on the development of Legends of Chima, which has taken three years (the theme, not his presentation!)
10 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2635 views
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Sears.ca publishes confidential image of LotR set
Posted by Huw, 17 Jan 2013 17:13. Filed under New sets.
Sears.ca has published a watermarked image of forthcoming LotR set, 79007 Battle at the Black Gate.The product description reads: "Fly the Great Eagle high above the Black Gate of Mordor where Aragorn and Gandalf the White must distract the Eye of Sauron. Use them to stage a scene while Frodo Baggins and his friend Sam throw the One Ring into the fiery depths of Mount Doom and destroy it forever. To reach the Ring's final destination, you must defeat the Mouth of Sauron and the Mordor Orcs positioned high in the spiked gate walls. Then breach the gate and lead the attack on the enemy!
"Includes a Great Eagle and 5 minifigures with weapons: Aragorn, Gandalf the White, Mouth of Sauron and 2 Mordor Orcs."
I won't be linking to it or displaying it here; a large corporation like Sears should really know better than to breach confidentiality with LEGO and I suspect now that the issue has been highlighted here, it will be removed before long.
So, go and find it for yourself while you still can :-)
Thanks to TheBrickTeen and several others for bringing it to our attention.
65 comments, latest one posted 3 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)11813 views
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Legends of Chima TV series
Posted by Huw, 17 Jan 2013 16:09. Filed under Miscellaneous.
The LoC TV series has kicked off in the USA, and now also in Canada, I believe.As I've mentioned before, it won't be shown on UK TV and I suspect licensing agreements with the Cartoon Network will prevent LEGO from posting the episodes online for some time.
Thankfully, they can be watched on the Internet, although they are a little hard to find, too hard for me, in fact :-) But, thanks to a couple of respondents in the forum, they've been found on a site called Dubbed-Scene.com. It's a pretty awful site to look at and to use, but thankfully the videos themselves are embedded in iframes from another site and they can be played directly from the links below:
The bit rate is pretty poor and they certainly aren't in HD but you can of course get the gist of them. I've watched Episode 1 which explains how the 'war' started. It's definitely worth watching if you have an interest in the Chima back story.
It also settles the argument -- if there ever was one -- about how CHI and Chima are pronounced. It is Chee and Cheema, and not Ch-eye and Ch-eye-ma.
25 comments, latest one posted 3 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)9843 views
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New instructions added to LEGO Customer Services
Posted by Huwbot, 17 Jan 2013 01:21. Filed under Auto alert.
PDFs of two new instruction manuals have been added to the LEGO Customer Services Building Instructions site today.See what's new on our new instructions page.
0 comments (Commenting has ended on this article)1612 views
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Chowren Toys provides dimensions, weights and UPC codes for 2013 sets
Posted by Huw, 16 Jan 2013 05:16. Filed under Brickset.
I am once again indebted to Jason from Chowren Toys for providing me with box dimensions, weight, LEGO item numbers and UPC codes for 2013 sets, which I've added to the database.Thanks to Jason we now have this information for some 1300 sets, dating back to 2004.
We'll be working closely with Chowren Toys once again in 2013 and plan to bring you exclusive deals and bargains once a month throughout the year. So stay tuned!
5 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2248 views
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Review: 75008 TIE Bomber and Asteroid Field
Posted by Huw, 16 Jan 2013 03:59. Filed under Set review.
This is the last of my quick reviews of the Series 3 Star Wars Planet sets.75008 TIE Bomber and Asteroid Field is a little different from all the other Planet sets in that an asteroid field isn't really a planet, is it?
Nevertheless it is one of the better looking 'planets' to be featured in these sets.
Continue reading Review: 75008 TIE Bomber and Asteroid Field
13 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)6690 views
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Technic design competition: vote now
Posted by Huw, 16 Jan 2013 03:34. Filed under Miscellaneous.
You may recall that back in October we told you about the LEGO Technic building competition to design a special top for the 9398 4 x 4 Crawler.The competition has ended, and you are invited to now cast your vote. Over 100 designs have been whittled down to the top 10, which you can see, and vote for, here. Voting ends on the 22nd. January.
Jan from the community team says "So far more than 1000 people have already voted in the contest. The more votes we get in there, the better the chances are that we can do something like this again."
11 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1667 views
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New instructions added to LEGO Customer Services
Posted by Huwbot, 16 Jan 2013 01:22. Filed under Auto alert.
PDFs of four new instruction manuals have been added to the LEGO Customer Services Building Instructions site today.See what's new on our new instructions page.
0 comments (Commenting has ended on this article)1611 views
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LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 37% off at MTF Canada
Posted by fuelbreak, 15 Jan 2013 22:10. Filed under Shopping (Canada).
MTF (PRICE MATTERS) Canada is advertising LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 on sale priced at $219.99.
lego.ca has this priced currently at $350.00.
Seems like a great deal for a set that tends not to go on sale. I believe they ship throughout North America for those of you without this wholesale store near you.
UPDATE: It appears their products are " re-certified " models, I do however find this hard to believe.
2 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1937 views
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Brickvention 2013 Melbourne Australia – Public Exhibition Days
Posted by Huw, 15 Jan 2013 13:53. Filed under Events (Australia).
Brickvention is an Australian based convention for LEGO fans. It is a two-day event that brings together LEGO fans of all ages from all over Australia to view original and unusual creations built by Australian modelers and collectors. So if you love LEGO, come along and view the amazing creations and models made out of LEGO.The event features a huge collection of LEGO models including trains, castles, pirate ships, Star Wars, space ships, planes, buildings, sculptures and any more. There will also be competitions, face painting and LEGO sets and merchandise for sale.
The Brickvention 2013 will be held on the coming weekend of 19 and 20 January at The Royal Exhibition Building, Nicholson Street, Carlton, Victoria, where anyone can come along and view the amazing creations made out of LEGO.
Public Expo Tickets are selling fast and can be purchased at the event website. Tickets WILL NOT be available at the door and are only available online. (Posted on behalf of the organisers)
4 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1723 views
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Cuusoo of the Week: Medusa's Temple by Strider
Posted by glenbricker, 15 Jan 2013 11:04. Filed under Cuusoo.
Update: Thanks to generous Brickset fans Medusa's Temple only needs 200 more support to reach 1000. Cheers -GB
It is rather difficult to come up with a good subject for a Cuusoo project. If you go with something really popular it is likely licensed and you have that going against you or LEGO might just already have it in the works. If you make something totally original then it is hard to find a vein of supporters that will carry it to 10k.This makes ancient history and mythology a good source for material. LEGO has been flirting with it for a while with their minifig series line, and arguably Pharaohs Quest and elements of Atlantis, but they have not pursued dedicated sets.
Myths are old enough, obviously, to be in the public domain and wide spread enough that people can identify with the concepts you are trying to evoke. On top of that, there is enough leeway in the stories to allow the builder to still have a lot of creative input. Thus we find several projects on Cuusoo dedicated to mythology. My favorite of these is Medusa's Temple by Strider.
Continue reading Cuusoo of the Week: Medusa's Temple by Strider
16 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)4148 views
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2012 City Advent Calendar instructions
Posted by Huw, 15 Jan 2013 09:00. Filed under Miscellaneous.
Thanks to MartinZ we now have a great scan of the City Advent calendar window-backs to add to the Star Wars and Friends ones we published last week.
4 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1616 views
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Review: 75007 Republic Attack Ship and Coruscant
Posted by Huw, 15 Jan 2013 08:12. Filed under Set review.
This the second of three short and sweet reviews of the new Star Wars Planet Series 3 sets.This one, 75007 Republic Attack Ship and Coruscant, like all Planet sets consists of a Planet, a spacecraft, a minifig and a display stand.
According to Wookiepedia...
Coruscant was, during most of galactic history, the most politically important world in the galaxy. Its hyperspace coordinates were (0,0,0) which effectively made it the centre of the galaxy.
The entire surface of Coruscant was covered by sprawling kilometers-high ecumenopolis (single worldwide city), and boasted a population of over a hundred billion to several trillion, depending on the era.
Anyway, on with the review...
Continue reading Review: 75007 Republic Attack Ship and Coruscant
16 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)5916 views
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Customise the home page
Posted by Huw, 15 Jan 2013 06:58. Filed under Brickset.
In response to all your suggestions, I've added a new feature to the site that enables you to customise the home page to suit your preferences.Rather than implement a complex javascript 'widget' system, that few people would use, the customisation is done 'behind the scenes'.
If you're logged in, you'll see a new 'Customise the site' link at the top right of the page. This page brings together several existing customisation options that were scattered elsewhere on the site with new ones that allow you to change what appears on the home page.
You can now...
- Change what appears in the main section of the home page.
- Update: Change what appears in the menu of the home page
- Change how many news articles you're shown on the home page.
- Specify which news topics you're interested in, and prevent those you're not from appearing on the home page or in the 'older articles' page. (This was previously on the 'Customise your news' page and is useful if you don't like the Amazon alerts).
- Change the types of reviews that are presented to you when viewing review pages. (This was previously on your profile page).
- Change time zone, owned and wanted colours and forum tab destination (all previously on your profile page).
Have a play and let me know if you encounter any problems.
32 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2241 views
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DK LEGO book lineup for 2013
Posted by Huw, 14 Jan 2013 07:34. Filed under Miscellaneous.
Dorling Kindersley has published details of nine forthcoming LEGO books that will be available later this year:
Brickmaster Legends of Chima - The Quest for Chi (May)
The LEGO Play Book (Sept.)
Brickmaster Star Wars - Battle for the Stolen Crystals (Sept.)
LEGO Minifigure: Year by Year (Oct.)
LEGO Minifigures Character Encylopedia (May)
Amazing Minifigure Ultimate Sticker Collection (Jan.)
Friends Ultimate Sticker Collection (March)
LEGO HERO Factory Ultimate Sticker Collection (Aug.)
LEGO Legends of Chima Ultimate Sticker Collection (May)
The Star Wars Brickmaster "Contains Clone Commander Gree and Commando Droid minifigures to bring the excitement to life."More details are available in this PDF at the DK website.
Thanks to legolijntje for the news!
22 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)5744 views
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Review: 75006 Jedi Starfighter and Kamino
Posted by Huw, 14 Jan 2013 05:02. Filed under Set review.
Wasn't it a quiet weekend for news? Two days without finding anything to post about is unusual. So, let's kick-start the week with short and sweet reviews of all three of the Series 3 Star Wars Planet sets.First up, I'll take a look at 75006 Jedi Starfighter and Kamino, which I'm hoping is going to be better than the disappointment that was B-Wing and Endor from Series 4.
Kamino is "the watery world where the Clone Army for the Galactic Republic was created, as well as the Kamino Home Fleet. It was inhabited by a race of tall, elegant beings called the Kaminoans, who kept to themselves and were known for their cloning technology. Kamino was located just south of the Rishi Maze, and was governed by the Ruling Council, headed by the Prime Minister. "
Source Wookiepedia
16 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)6323 views
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Legends of Chima polys on kids' magazine covers?
Posted by Huw, 11 Jan 2013 17:40. Filed under Shopping (UK).
This month's Toy News trade magazine has an article about marketing for LoC by LEGO in the UK. We know about most of it already, but one new aspect is mentioned: "Chima will be promoted in kids' publications The Beano and Toxic, including a series of takeover issues, competitions, puzzles, feature scenes, covermounts and mini mags."I guess this means we might see the likes of 30255, which consists of a minifig and not much else, on the covers. So, keep your eyes peeled!
9 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3208 views
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New instructions added to LEGO Customer Services
Posted by Huwbot, 11 Jan 2013 13:52. Filed under Auto alert.
The PDFs for 14 new instruction manuals have been added to the LEGO Customer Services site today.See what's new on our new instructions page.
9 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2265 views
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More polybags revealed
Posted by Huw, 11 Jan 2013 09:40. Filed under New sets.
If you've been keeping an eye on our new instructions page you may have noticed that LEGO Customer Services published instructions for another batch of forthcoming polybags and Monthly Model Mini-Builds earlier this week.
I'm sorry to say that I've only just noticed them so I've extracted the images and added them to the database. They include 40054 Summer Scene, left, and five MMMB sets from later in the year.
Next job: get the instruction scanner to post a news article when it finds new ones :-)
11 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3642 views
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Brickset now has an official flickr presence
Posted by Huw, 11 Jan 2013 04:45. Filed under Brickset.
Until now I've been using my personal flickr stream to host Brickset related images, among those taken on cruises and around where I live. It hasn't really been a problem, but it's not ideal, particularly if I want other staff members to use flickr for posting review images and so on.
So, I've created a Brickset flickr stream which we'll all use going forwards. Feel free to add it to your contacts.
5 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1687 views
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Advent calendar instructions
Posted by Huw, 11 Jan 2013 04:35. Filed under Miscellaneous.
If you didn't actually buy last year's Advent calendars but fancy building some of the models, you will find these scans of the instructions handy.
Brickset reader Dave C contacted LEGO to ask for PDFs of the instructions but they could not provide them, so being community minded, he's scanned the insides of his two calendars and sent to me to publish for the benefit of everyone.
Thanks Dave!
If you missed out on the 2011 Star Wars calendar as well, you can still download its instructions, too.
7 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2483 views
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Review: Instructions for Jennifer Clark's JCB JS220 Track Excavator
Posted by Huw, 11 Jan 2013 03:44. Filed under Miscellaneous.
Jennifer Clark has been making excellent Technic models for over a decade and I had the pleasure of meeting her and seeing some of them back in the early 2000s.She's recently teamed up with Eric Albrecht to produce instructions for one of her most popular, the JCB JS220 track excavator, which can now be purchased from Crowkiller's website for just $20.
The 164 page PDF is in two sections. The first 40 pages give an in-depth technical introduction that compares functions and features of the real excavator with the model. It's well illustrated with some great colour photos.
The rest of the PDF consists of the instructions, all 500 steps of them, which have been rendered at a high resolution to enable them to be printed successfully.
It's a complex model which features pneumatics and electrics and is built using studded technic beam methods. The instructions are on a par with those created by LEGO so constructing it should be straightforward enough once you've mustered up the required 1700 parts, most of which are commonplace.
Here are a couple of spreads, showing a page from the introduction and one from the instructions, which shows the parts inventory:
If you have an interest in Technic and/or diggers this is a worthwhile purchase, even if you don't actually build the model: there's a lot to be learned about how to approach modelling a real-life machine, and how to translate it into Technic.
2 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2153 views
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AFOL get-together in t'north of England
Posted by Huw, 11 Jan 2013 03:37. Filed under Events (UK).
Robert Clarkson is organising an event near Manchester in February:
"A date for your diaries ... Sunday 3rd February, 10 am to 4 pm at St Philips Community Centre, Higher Dean Street, Radcliffe, M26 3TE.
"This is a meeting for AFOL's across the North of England. I welcome you to come along, bring a MOC (which would be very nice to see) and say hello to some fellow brick fanatics from across the North of England.
"Just to clarify, this is an AFOL only event, free of charge but no members of the public expected.
"Refreshments and welfare will be catered for and there will be a raffle to help raise a bit of cash to pay for the hire of the room. If you can bring along a little something for the raffle, that would be just perfect."If you have any questions about the event, you can contact Robert via his profile.
3 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)1064 views
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Site Changes
Posted by Huw, 10 Jan 2013 10:18. Filed under Brickset.
This week, I've made a few tweaks to the way news articles are presented. At the top of the page you will now see four 'featured' articles listed which I hope will solve the problem of important articles disappearing off the home page too soon during busy news periods.I've also fixed the Older articles page (linked to normally at the bottom of the news) which does now show articles that have disappeared off the home page and not just repeat them as it did before.
There are also a few changes behind the scenes to make it easier for news contributors to author articles, upload images and create links between related articles.
In the next few days I will launch the annual user survey to solicit your feedback on the site and the your ideas on the direction it should take in the coming year, so keep an eye out for an announcement soon.
30 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2252 views
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Sun promotion on the way?
Posted by Huw, 10 Jan 2013 10:00. Filed under Shopping (UK).
Brickset member Hob spotted this in his copy of The Sun today! As you can see, there are no details at all, but 'beat the winter blues' implies that it'll be happening before May, which has traditionally been the time of the first offer of the year. Maybe February half-term?
As we've seen recently, there are loads of great new polybags lined up for release this year so I think we can be sure that, whenever it is, it's bound to include something of interest!
23 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)6096 views
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LEGO Marvel Super Heroes video game announced
Posted by Huw, 09 Jan 2013 04:00. Filed under Software/Games.
I wasn't going to mention this because this is Brickset, not BrickVideoGame but judging by the number of emails I've received about it, there's clearly some interest and excitement about it.I was also going to start the article by saying that it would have been more newsworthy if LEGO was not producing a Marvel video game given there's one made for every theme these days, but from what I've read apparently it's surprising that it is seeing the light of day given that Warner Brothers owns TT Games and DC Comics, who are of course Marvel's main rival.
Anyway, you can read more about it at LEGO.com.
34 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)5024 views
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Exo Suit in its Final Week (Day?) and a Mecha Showcase
Posted by glenbricker, 08 Jan 2013 11:48. Filed under Cuusoo.
Peter Reid's Exo Suit is in its final days on Cuusoo with less than 200 support to 10k. The deadline is far far away so this is more of an informative posting than a last minute request like the one for Space "Marines/Troopers."
Regardless, how about we give this thing the final push? It is a marvelous build with more greeble than I would think possible on a structure standing on two thin legs.
If you like exo-suits, hard-suits, mecha, power armor or what have you, here are the next thirteen "Mecha" themed projects coming down the line (in order of support).
It would be very interesting to see if Brickset readers could fill the weekly Leaderboard (Top 10) with Mecha come Sunday.
Update: The Exo Suit has reached "Achieved" status.
This makes the most supported "un-achieved" Mecha project the Valkyrie
Macross VF-1 Valkyrie +Fast pack / Armored parts
What follows is the next twelve most supported Mecha projects on Cuusoo.
Continue reading Exo Suit in its Final Week (Day?) and a Mecha Showcase
27 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)4489 views
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Review: 75010 B-Wing and Endor
Posted by Huw, 07 Jan 2013 10:02. Filed under Set review.
In most markets, Series 4 of the Star Wars Planet sets are not due in the shops for some months, but for some strange reason, as we reported last week, this one is available in TRU in Spain already.Avid Brickset reader Ahrien picked one up for me in Barcelona and I received it today. So, I'm pleased to be able to being you this exclusive review way ahead of official release. (Many thanks Ahrien!)
The B-Wing is an interesting craft and one which LEGO has made several times in the past, including most recently at UCS scale. This however, is the first micro-scale version and one I was particularly looking forward to because I made my own version back in 2009, so I wanted to see how well it compared.
35 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)14718 views
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LEGO announces next generation Mindstorms at CES
Posted by Huw, 07 Jan 2013 04:01. Filed under New sets.
15 years after the release of the original Mindstorms, LEGO has announced the next generation, called EV3, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
It looks to be a massive upgrade from NXT, both in terms of hardware and software, and a big change is that you don't need a PC (or Mac) to program it: you can do so on the EV3 itself or from your iOS or Android device.
LEGO Mindstorms EV3 will be available in the second half of 2013 and will have a suggested retail price of $349.99(USD), €349.99 (EUR) and $399.99 (CAD).
Head on over to TechnicBricks to find out all you need to know, then read the official press release at Engadget.
25 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)5640 views
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Cuusoo of the Week: Brick-Sorting Excavator by IFitzGibbon
Posted by glenbricker, 07 Jan 2013 03:39. Filed under Cuusoo.
So far I have provided city, castle, space, adventure (sort of), projects with a message, and parts. Now it's time to show off one of Cuusoo's many LEGO clockwork wonders: a gear logic-brick sorting art piece.This Brick sorter is a masterful combination of mechanical cunning and brick artistry. Read on to see the video of this marvel in motion.
Continue reading Cuusoo of the Week: Brick-Sorting Excavator by IFitzGibbon
16 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3594 views
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Toys R Us Express Canada: LEGO Ambulance More Than 50% Off
Posted by fuelbreak, 06 Jan 2013 22:24. Filed under Shopping (Canada).
Toys R Us Express stores (potentially normal Toys R Us as well), are offering the LEGO Ambulance for $10.48 so far in one confirmed location.
Regular price is $24.99; please let us know if you have found them in your local store as well.
9 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)2434 views
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Sears Canada 50% Selected LEGO Sets
Posted by fuelbreak, 06 Jan 2013 15:55. Filed under Shopping (Canada).
Sears Canada is offering the following sets at 50% off until 17th January 2013.
Star Wars Tie Fighter : $34.99
Star Wars Striker Class Starfighter: $ 24.99
NOTE: I just made an attempt to order a Striker Class Starfighter but the web site says it is unavailable even though the sale states it is valid until the 17th. I was able to purchase a Tie Fighter however.
A big thank you to Brickset member Glizoomer77 for the news for without our members reporting sales, we would all miss out on fantastic deals.
19 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3220 views
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More new polybags
Posted by Huw, 05 Jan 2013 03:57. Filed under New sets.
A couple of Lone Ranger polybags have come to light, thanks to flickr user motayan, together with images of others that we listed earlier in the week.
30261, pictured, Tonto's Campfire features Tonto and, er, a campfire and 30260, Lone Ranger's Pump Car contains, believe it or not, the Lone Ranger and a pump car. It's a shame the images are not a bit bigger such that we could get a good look at the minifigs.
Via Toys N Bricks.
28 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)4875 views
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Marketing budget for Chima runs into millions
Posted by Huw, 04 Jan 2013 05:27. Filed under Miscellaneous.
Actually, I made that headline up, but surely the money being spent on marketing the theme must be astronomical, and is probably unprecedented for LEGO.This week, the Legends of Chima microsite launched, and very nice it is too. As well as all the the designer videos, promotional videos, Speedorz tutorials and so on, it has a cool selection of desktop wallpapers and posters, although why they insist on only producing the wallpapers in 4:3 format when surely everyone now has widescreen 16:9 monitors is a mystery.
Also this week, three video games were announced: a mini game for LEGO.com and iOS, one for Nintendo 3DS and PSP Vita, and a free-to-play online game. You can read the press release at Model Building Secrets.
Furthermore, according to that site, the TV series will be starting on Cartoon Network on 16th January (in the USA, in the UK we won't get to see it). View the trailer at LEGO.com. And that's not all. There's even a music video (which is not to my taste at all) but which must have cost a few bob to pull together.
Anyway, back to the video games. I downloaded the iOS game Speedorz yesterday. I was expecting great things but I was disappointed.It's a pretty standard pick-things-up-while-racing game, and it looks good enough but unfortunately the steering is accomplished by pressing the left and right arrows on the screen! This makes it pretty much unbearable to play given every other racing game uses tilt-to-steer. You can give the vehicle a boost by swiping down on the rip-cord on the right, but it's difficult to do so while steering. So great concept, but poorly executed.
I haven't tried the online version as it needs a hefty plug-in to play it by the looks of things.
The other thing of interest in the video games press release, is that one of the games is going to be a MMOG:. "In autumn 2013, LEGO Legends of Chima Online, a free-to-play, online world developed by WB Games Montréal, will provide kids with a safe and incredibly immersive connected game experience. Players will be able to build and customize their kingdom in the world of Chima, explore massive environments like the Falling Leaves Forest, take on missions to help Laval and his friends, uncover hidden secrets and treasures, earn rewards, and use LEGO bricks to build weapons, gadgets, and more!"
Do you get a sense of deja vu reading that? Let's hope the lessons learnt from the failure of LEGO Universe have been applied to this and that it doesn't end up being another expensive flop. I can see one lesson has been addressed already: it's free to play...
So, what do you make of all this? Way over the top, or money well spent?
43 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)4531 views
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Palace Cinema revealed on flickr
Posted by Huw, 04 Jan 2013 04:54. Filed under New sets.
Flickr user motayan has posted a set of images of 10232 Palace Cinema.I've no idea where he got them from, they look as if they should accompany an official press release, but that hasn't been forthcoming yet.
Unfortunately they are all a bit small so we can't appreciate them fully but they are big enough to be able to see that it's absolutely gorgeous!
68 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)8713 views
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Review: 10937 Arkham Asylum Breakout
Posted by DrDaveWatford, 04 Jan 2013 04:53. Filed under Set review.
2013 promises to be another excellent year for LEGO fans, and I’m already looking forward to getting my hands on a number of the recently released and upcoming sets. Of all those sets, however, I reckon the one that I was most looking forward to was Set 10937 Batman : Arkham Asylum Breakout, particularly as I missed out on the original Arkham Asylum set in 2006.
I’m therefore delighted to report that I’ve already got my hands on a copy of the new version, and I’m pleased to bring you a review of it right here on Brickset. So buckle up for the ride, and don't forget to click on the images if you want to look at bigger versions...
38 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)17384 views
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Images for the new Star Wars polys
Posted by Huw, 03 Jan 2013 17:31. Filed under New sets.
Following the discovery of four Star Wars polybags yesterday at LEGO.com's replacement parts page, pictures of them have appeared at, among other places, Hoth Bricks. They can all be seen here.
They all look superb, don't they!
15 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)7072 views
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More new polybags on the way
Posted by Huw, 02 Jan 2013 08:41. Filed under New sets.
Closer examination of the replacement parts page at LEGO.com by whung has revealed more polybags:
- 30066 Duplo Circus
- 30166 Robin and Redbird Cycle
- 30167 Iron Man vs. Fighting Drone
- 30183 Little Car
- 30222 Police Helicopter
- 30240 Star Wars Z-95 Headhunter
- 30241 Star Wars Gauntlet
- 30242 Star Wars Republic Frigate
- 30243 Star Wars Umbarran MHC
No pictures yet, but if you click through on the numbers you can see the parts that'll be in them.
The page has also revealed names for the seasonal sets:
- 40052 Springtime Scene
- 40053 Easter Bunny with Basket
- 40054 Summer Scene
- 40055 Halloween Pumpkin
- 40056 Thanksgiving Feast
- 40057 Fall Scene
- 40058 Decorating the Tree
- 40059 Santa Sleigh
And also a few other curiosities:
The Monthly Model Minibuilds in the brand stores will be numbered 40061-40072. There's going to be no let-up for the polybag collector this year, is there?
36 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)10752 views
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2013 sets contain over 800 new parts
Posted by Huw, 02 Jan 2013 06:49. Filed under Brickset.
As you know, LEGO recently improved its customer services pages, in particular the replacement parts system, and as a result, many of the inventories it now publishes are complete and accurate. Yesterday, inventories for 123 sets were published and they've now been pulled into the Brickset database so that they are more readily available and easier to use.
A by-product of having all this data at Brickset, is that it can be analysed and sliced-and-diced in ways that is not possible at LEGO.com. Here are some interesting facts, and links to useful reports:
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A total of 885 new parts appear in the 123 sets for 2013 that have been inventoried so far. You can view them all on the Parts introduced in 2013 page. Of course many of them are old part designs in new colours, but even without considering at all the cool new minifig parts, there are some interesting new designs:
- Good news for builders of military hardware is that the number of olive green parts has been expanded considerably, and now includes bricks, plates, slopes and tiles, so it is now a useful palette with which to build your own MOCs in this great new colour.
Take a look at the list of new parts yourself and let us know what catches your eye.
35 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)17251 views
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A total of 885 new parts appear in the 123 sets for 2013 that have been inventoried so far. You can view them all on the Parts introduced in 2013 page. Of course many of them are old part designs in new colours, but even without considering at all the cool new minifig parts, there are some interesting new designs:
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Review: 70000 Razcal's Glider
Posted by Huw, 02 Jan 2013 06:14. Filed under Set review.
70000 Razcal's Glider is the smallest of the Legends Of Chima construction sets, weighing in at 109 pieces, £7.99 / US$11.99.It contains one minifig, the Razcal of the set's title, and like all other LoC construction sets we've reviewed so far, is made to look like the species that flies it, in this case the ravens who, in the Chima universe, are allies of the crocodiles and wolves and thus are 'baddies'.
19 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)5537 views
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Large update at LEGO Customer Services
Posted by Huw, 01 Jan 2013 08:48. Filed under Miscellaneous.
271 instructions and 123 set inventories have been added to the LEGO Customer Services pages today, including ten hitherto unknown polybags (4 LoC, 2 Creator, 2 Friends, 2 City) which you can see in the 'new in the database' area above.
As always, our latest instructions and latest inventories pages exclusively list what's been added, before any other LEGO fan site. I'm sure it won't be long before they are all reporting them, though. Remember where you read it first ;-)
An interesting addition to the instructions is 10250, Year of the Snake. Not much is known about it, although it's likely that it will only be available in China. It's thought that it's the same as last year's Creator T-Rex (6914) but with additional pieces for the door.
Also, inventories for this year's seasonal polybags have been added (sets 40051-40059) but not their instructions, so we still don't know what they look like.
14 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)4268 views
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New year at shop.LEGO.com
Posted by Huw, 01 Jan 2013 04:35. Filed under shop.LEGO.com (General).
New products have been added to shop.LEGO.com in the UK, including Horizon Express, City, Creator, Super Heroes, Ninjago, Technic and Star Wars.However, notable by their absence are Galaxy Squad, TMNT and the Star Wars Planets. It looks as if we'll have to wait a few more months for them, in the UK at least, although bizarrely the latter are on the shelves in other other European countries already, as you can read below.
Click on the banner at the top of the page to get shopping and claim your free LoC polybag and free shipping (on orders over £50).
23 comments, latest one posted 4 months ago. (Commenting has ended on this article)3925 views
