REVIEW: 10200 Custom Car Garage - Parts 1-5

[metalandi]

Thanks very much, definitely a must have for me now! Looking forward to the rest of the review, especially to see what's inside the garage.

[WesternOutlaw]

10200 Custom Car Garage - Part 5

This is the last part of this 67 image review and leads us into the garage (although I may add a few more images for car comparison later).

The large garage without decal on the sign. It's actually much bigger than it looks:

This image at an angle gives you a better perspective:

Let's try another angle from the right side:

The little room to the left has some nice details like the windows and the white SNOT borders between the roof and structure:

The window section to the left swivels open on two 1x1 round plates:

The two-piece roof comes off pretty easily for playability. Inside is a chair, computer (printed piece), and a yellow coffee cup:

Let's take a look behind the room where the two garage sections meet. The upper section has three 3x4 trans grey windows:

Here's the back side with not much detail:

The right side has a large open section that I think could have at least used some tiles to make it look a little smoother. The upper section has three more windows:

Here's a roof shot. The main roof section is 18 studs wide x 24 studs in length:

The roof lifts off pretty easily. Here's the backside. I found it a little odd that it doesn't include another 2x4 grey plate. I suppose the piece would be more for looks than needed to keep it together:

Here's a close-up of the sign (without decal). I may create a custom decal later:

Within the garage is the large jack mechanism:

Once the vehicle rolls in, you lift this technic assembly from the large open window (I suppose this is the reason for not using an actual window), and the jack lifts up. The only think I don't like is that when the vehicle rolls inside at an angle (before lift), the vehicle does not stay in place. The result is that it will roll back out unless you hold it while lifting up the jack at the same time. This seems to be an engineering flaw in the design.

And here's my favorite Red Roadster getting a tune-up:

This picture shows the inner left side with passageway/opening to the small room to the left:

This completes the review of the garage.

The set also includes this rack, which I must admit I'm not exactly sure of its use. Perhaps the grey levers hold tires? or they are meant to represent knobs of some kind?

And some accessories and extra pieces:

Here's a final image of the three vehicles with engines and figs:

CONCLUSION

PROS

- The best single part of this entire set is the Red Roadster. I can't wait to add my favorite Brickster minifig with tophat and magnifying glass to use as my signature mystery mobile. It has an old-time look to it reminiscent of a classy detective's roadster.

- The detail and design of all the vehicles is outstanding. While I love the Classic Town Hot Rod Club set that Klauss-Deiter shared earlier in this thread (6561), you can not compare this set to it. Upon opening the box and building the 1st vehicle (the Red Roadster), you realize that these cars are extremely detailed, much larger, and take quite some time to build. The entire set took me about three hours to build (with no breaks), and most of that time was spent on the three vehicles. The garage was the easiest build.

- Although I have not compared these vehicles to the Indiana Jones truck and jeep (set 7622), the scale might be similar allowing me to introduce the Red Roaster to the Indy theme.

- I love the modular engines that can be swapped between the vehicles. This adds a great amount of fun and playability to the set. I think kids will enjoy replacing the engines.

- The minifigs are very diverse and although I did not share a picture, the face of the dark blue/checkered torso guy with helmet has a face that can be turned showing the excited/scared look. I like these two-sided emotion faces and work great for MOCs.

- The printed checkered race flag Nice!

- Just a few decals. I was afraid that this set would have a lot.

CONS

- Since the build took me so long and the set has so many small pieces, this is one set that could have benefited from numbered bags for each vehicle.

- This set does NOT include the old black wrench. I'm going to have to pull one out from my Classic Space sets. Is this piece no longer made or am I just stuck in the 70s/80s? (ok, don't answer that).

- The set needs a tool rack with some decent tools. The only single tool included is the little grey hook piece that's suppose to be a wrench. Lego should consider offering a small supplement to this set with tools to really do some engine work. Where's the tool ring?

- As mentioned above, I don't know what I'm suppose to do with the rack? (ok, another question I don't want you to answer). What is this thing suppose to be?

- I have mixed feelings about the garage. I like it, but it needs more detail (and a real door). I don't think it would have been too difficult to make the garage look better, esp. the room to the left. the open section on the right side seems a bit wierd.

- Adding some sort of engine lifting mechanism with some chains would have been a nice addition to the garage - perhaps even a small engine crane with wheels similar to the Airplane Mechanic (7901) (here's another idea for a supplemental garage set).

- The yellow/grey station wagon door assembly is weak. Also, the way the top is put together and attaches to the car creates a bit of a slope (the front section does not attach, only the back). You'll have to build this set to see what I mean.

- Price seems a bit high for what you're getting (not considering piece count).

FINAL THOUGHTS

The critical question is, "Would I buy this set again"?

YES, I actually enjoyed putting this set together and looking at the finished components. While reviewing this set did take some work, it was fun for me to divide the review into smaller parts and share each of them over the last few days. I hope you've enjoyed this review. I will now add a poll to see what you think of the set.

EDIT: Here's some comparison pictures with other red roadsters:

Compared with red car from 6375 Exxon Gas Station released in 1980

Compared with 5920 Island Racer released in 2000

All three vehicles

[Pencoin]

Thanks for this great review, but I feel you missed something out, What of the CD? Is it normal LDD, any extra features? please tell us!

[WesternOutlaw]

Thanks for this great review, but I feel you missed something out, What of the CD? Is it normal LDD, any extra features? please tell us!

It's version 2.3.19 of Lego Digital Designer. Not much more to say. After installing the disk, I found no "other cool stuff", as the cover mentions:

[Big Supie]

Wow, what a great set and a great review. Thank you.

Edited September 14, 2008 by Big Supie

[Dr. Brick]

Thanks for the review.

I don't like this set... It's waaaay to expensive for what you get. And the building looks, well... weird.

I voted 'average'.

Nice review though.

Dr. Brick

[Klaus-Dieter]

Again thank you very much for this nice review, TheBrickster!

I voted for Below Average:

CONS

[...]

- This set does NOT include the old black wrench. I'm going to have to pull one out from my Classic Space sets. Is this piece no longer made or am I just stuck in the 70s/80s? (ok, don't answer that).

- The set needs a tool rack with some decent tools. The only single tool included is the little grey hook piece that's suppose to be a wrench. Lego should consider offering a small supplement to this set with tools to really do some engine work. Where's the tool ring?

[...]

- I have mixed feelings about the garage. I like it, but it needs more detail (and a real door). I don't think it would have been too difficult to make the garage look better, esp. the room to the left. the open section on the right side seems a bit wierd.

[...]

- The yellow/grey station wagon door assembly is weak. Also, the way the top is put together and attaches to the car creates a bit of a slope (the front section does not attach, only the back). You'll have to build this set to see what I mean.

- Price seems a bit high for what you're getting (not considering piece count).

I totally agree with you, TheBrickster!

The only element of the whole set which I like is the auto lift.

Apart from that I really don't like it because of nearly the same negative reasons you already mentioned:

-The garage is closed in the back.

-The cars are all way too big and - apart from the red one - ugly.

-The two minifigs from the SW and the Agents theme really don't fit.

-The additional room in the garage is too little.

-There is no additional stuff like some tools, a refrigerator with drinks, ... which are normally included in a good set and which make a good set that good.

-The whole set - but mainly the cars - look too custom.

=> The sure instinct when designing this set really did miss. For kids or people which don't have any civil cars yet it's a good and nice oppportunity to get these. But for an AFOL who already owns some very nice classic sets and who has a certain demand.

Klaus-Dieter

[Widdi]

Luckily the price dropped to a more resonable 70€, which isn't that bad for a Set including almost 900 pcs and a Software. I think I'll get me this, since the cars look extremely detailed and well-designed. For 100€ it's bad, but at 70€ it is less than 10ct/piece. I voted for outstanding, due to the great detail of the cars.

mFg Widdi

Edited September 14, 2008 by Widdi

[phoinix]

i voted for above avarage because although i love the brown and the red car i think the yellow one looks weird and also the garage is kind of boring

actually i would rather have a set with 5 of them cars and no garage...

[Eilif]

Great conclusion to a great review! I will agree with many who find the Garage a bit plain. The garage is what made me give this an Above-Average rather than Outstanding

As I have other purchasing priorities, I probably won't pick this one up (though who knows...), but I have to say that "Custom Car Garage" really seems to deliver on it's namesake, and the cache of the "Factory" series. Three very custom cars, all fine examples of different approaches to customized classic cars. Perhaps, most importantly, in continuing the tradition of "Factory" sets, this set continues the showcasing of inovative models with more advanced construction techniques, developed by Adult Fans of LEGO.

I would like to point out that comparisons to older town sets are inevitable, but not actually usefull. This is not a "Town" or "City" set. Small models (cars in this case), open backed buildings, and lower prices are not standards for Factory Sets; just look at Hobby Train, and Market Street. Custom Car Garage may or may not fit in a particular town/city fan's asthetic setting, but it's definatley a Factory set with an altogether different set of design goals.

Now to try and reverse-engineer the red roadster from my own parts collection...

Edited September 15, 2008 by Eilif

[samthelegoman1]

Awesome!

[Zarkan]

Thanks for the wonderful review, Brickster!

While this set has a few problems, like the underdetailed garage and price tag, I really love it! The vehicles look more like excellent MOC's than average lego kits, which is not suprising considering that this set is supposedly made by fans. I also love that this set has so many great pieces, and that the few stickers included are really nice looking. I voted for above average.

I voted for Below Average:

I totally agree with you, TheBrickster!

The only element of the whole set which I like is the auto lift.

Apart from that I really don't like it because of nearly the same negative reasons you already mentioned:

-The garage is closed in the back.

-The cars are all way too big and - apart from the red one - ugly.

-The two minifigs from the SW and the Agents theme really don't fit.

-The additional room in the garage is too little.

-There is no additional stuff like some tools, a refrigerator with drinks, ... which are normally included in a good set and which make a good set that good.

-The whole set - but mainly the cars - look too custom.

=> The sure instinct when designing this set really did miss. For kids or people which don't have any civil cars yet it's a good and nice oppportunity to get these. But for an AFOL who already owns some very nice classic sets and who has a certain demand.

Klaus-Dieter

Woah, are you sure about that, Klaus? Because from what I see, Brickster likes the set a LOT more than you do, and likes some of the things you don't. I know he agrees with some of the things you listed, but he said he likes the set and would gladly buy it again. Those words ususally aren't used to describe a set that someone doesn't like.

I think the whole big reason people seem to be getting down on this set is because they keep comparing it to older sets in the same vein. Except, that this set has nearly nothing in common with them, besides the general theme. This set is far bigger, more complex, and made by fans of lego, so you can't compare it to old system kits without realizing that first.

Also, the whole "custom" aspect is no doubt one of the big reasons why TLC released this set in the first place! I know you really dislike 6 wide, Klaus, but a lot of fans have built in that scale for years, including AFOLS. This kit is probably more in the vein of AFOL's that you say, actually. It has several features that a lot of older lego fans like in their sets - it has a huge selection of varried pieces, a complex and lengthly build, and extremely detailed vehicle designs. These cars would fit in perfectly with a lot of the 6 wide MOC's I've seen on brickshelf.

[Klaus-Dieter]

Woah, are you sure about that, Klaus? Because from what I see, Brickster likes the set a LOT more than you do, and likes some of the things you don't. I know he agrees with some of the things you listed, but he said he likes the set and would gladly buy it again. Those words ususally aren't used to describe a set that someone doesn't like.

I think the whole big reason people seem to be getting down on this set is because they keep comparing it to older sets in the same vein. Except, that this set has nearly nothing in common with them, besides the general theme. This set is far bigger, more complex, and made by fans of lego, so you can't compare it to old system kits without realizing that first.

Also, the whole "custom" aspect is no doubt one of the big reasons why TLC released this set in the first place! I know you really dislike 6 wide, Klaus, but a lot of fans have built in that scale for years, including AFOLS. This kit is probably more in the vein of AFOL's that you say, actually. It has several features that a lot of older lego fans like in their sets - it has a huge selection of varried pieces, a complex and lengthly build, and extremely detailed vehicle designs. These cars would fit in perfectly with a lot of the 6 wide MOC's I've seen on brickshelf.

I totally accept your opinion, Grievous!

But when you say that this set can't/shouldn't be compared with other/older City sets then I ask me: For which reason is this set then released?! (I mean: Buying it and then only put it somewhere very far away from the other City sets does in my opinion make not much sense.)

You're right when you're saying that I don't like six stuxk wide cars very much. But firstly there really is a qualitative difference between the cars in this set and the cars in the regular sets. And secondly the grey/brown car is behind 9 stuck wide. That's more than the truck from the Truck & Forklift set. So come one - that's now no longer nice!

Generally I wanted to say: I don't want to be arrogant (but I'm nevertheless ) but when I look at this set I think that I could build it minimum that well, too. It simply looks "too custom" to me. Consequently why should I then spend a lot of money on this set when I don't like it?!

And I wanted to say that I'm really because this set would have a big capability to make it to a very nice set like the classic awesome Hot Rod Club . But the design of the garage, the (ok, as for my part - only partly) too big vehicles, the improper minifig constellation and the big lack of accessories destroyed it.

So, now I don't say more because I recur.

Klaus-Dieter

[Zarkan]

But when you say that this set can't/shouldn't be compared with other/older City sets then I ask me: For which reason is this set then released?! (I mean: Buying it and then only put it somewhere very far away from the other City sets does in my opinion make not much sense.)

You're right when you're saying that I don't like six stuxk wide cars very much. But firstly there really is a qualitative difference between the cars in this set and the cars in the regular sets. And secondly the grey/brown car is behind 9 stuck wide. That's more than the truck from the Truck & Forklift set. So come one - that's now no longer nice!

Okay, let me rephrase that: "I don't think the DESIGN of this set should be compared with the DESIGN of classic town sets." If you want to judge the design as a whole and then compare your ideal design with old town sets, than that's fine to me - but comparing this set to the old hotrod set in every way just doesn't sit with me. That's because this set was probably never intended to be a sucessor to the previous hot rod club - it's really a stand alone deal that is being used to showcase extremely detailed cars. I dunno if the designers even intended it to actually fit in a town at all - they may have wanted it to be a separately displayed piece or a playset that doesn't need to fit in a town to be enjoyable.

That said, this set would probably look great in a town composed of the recent City line - they actually look very similarly scaled to me. The biggest thing people need to realize is that the new lego City, Castle, and Space are not really a "botched" attempt at continuing Classic themes; they're really just a reboot of the entire theme in a modern age. Sure, a lot of the sets look great alongside older sets, but as a whole the themes are designed for the current kid audience, and need to be viewed in their own right.

Generally I wanted to say: I don't want to be arrogant (but I'm nevertheless ) but when I look at this set I think that I could build it minimum that well, too. It simply looks "too custom" to me. Consequently why should I then spend a lot of money on this set when I don't like it?!

And I wanted to say that I'm really because this set would have a big capability to make it to a very nice set like the classic awesome Hot Rod Club . But the design of the garage, the (ok, as for my part - only partly) too big vehicles, the improper minifig constellation and the big lack of accessories destroyed

Well, all I know is that these cars are beyond my normal building level, so I have no choice but to applaud the designer.

I totally accept your opinion, Grievous!

Thanks! I'm glad you don't mind that I disagree with you about this - and it's good that we're having a civilized discussion without bashing each other. I know that I've sometimes gotten into some flame fests at Eurobricks, so I'm glad that people seem to respect me a lot more than they did when I was a newer member.

[Eilif]

Okay, let me rephrase that: "I don't think the DESIGN of this set should be compared with the DESIGN of classic town sets." If you want to judge the design as a whole and then compare your ideal design with old town sets, than that's fine to me - but comparing this set to the old hotrod set in every way just doesn't sit with me. That's because this set was probably never intended to be a sucessor to the previous hot rod club -

This is the point that I was trying to make. This is not a Town or City set. It's a Factory set. To criticize it for being too big, or too custom, or not a "very nice set like the classic awesome Hot Rod Club" is to hold it to criteria that it was never meant to achieve. Town and Factory may share a use of the minifg, but when it comes do design goals that's about where the similarity ends.

Comparing Custom Car garage to Hot Rod Club is like critizizing a Model Team set for not fitting in with Classic Town. Both lines have thier own standards and goals, and should be judged as such.

Edited September 17, 2008 by Eilif

[WesternOutlaw]

I really enjoy reading the varying opinions of this set, and it's great that you guys can share them in a professional and constructive manner.

Woah, are you sure about that, Klaus? Because from what I see, Brickster likes the set a LOT more than you do, and likes some of the things you don't. I know he agrees with some of the things you listed, but he said he likes the set and would gladly buy it again. Those words ususally aren't used to describe a set that someone doesn't like.

While I had mentioned the CONS of this set, I still think it's a great set and would definately buy it again. I would not have made a thorough review of this set if I did not like it.

I think the whole big reason people seem to be getting down on this set is because they keep comparing it to older sets in the same vein. Except, that this set has nearly nothing in common with them, besides the general theme. This set is far bigger, more complex, and made by fans of lego, so you can't compare it to old system kits without realizing that first.

Yes, I definately agree, but can certainly understand KD's point as well. I don't think that you can really compare a set like this to Classic Town. As a collector of Lego since the late 70s, I would love to go out and buy a classic town set like the Hot Rod Club which I have been looking for since first seeing an image of the set. Classic Town was awesome! But at the same time, this is also an awesome set. The detail in the vehicles (esp. the Red Roadster) is fantastic. If you compare one of the vehicles (like the Red Roadster) with any Classic Town set, the new car is 100 time better. It all depends on what you like more though. Do you want detail? or do you like the Nostalgic-look and Play Value? Comparing the two "types" of sets is difficult.

Well, all I know is that these cars are beyond my normal building level, so I have no choice but to applaud the designer.

Yes, definately. The design of some of these cars are far above my building level as well (although I might be able to make a pretty good Stage Coach ).

Both lines have thier own standards and goals, and should be judged as such.

Also a good point Eilif. As I mentioned earlier in the review, as soon as I started putting the red car together, I realized that all comparison of a set like this with Classic Town is off. If anything, the quality of the design is better. It's not Classic Town though, which has a completely different look, feel, and quality about it as a theme. - and I'm sure most of you know I'm a huge Classic Town fan.

I can understand KDs point though when he asks the simple question, "Why can't you compare the two types of sets"? The reason is that you really wouldn't want to put one of these cars next to your classic town garage or open-sided building. You'd want it next to Market Street or the Green Grocer because the vehicles are larger and very detailed, unlike Classic Town. The overall scale is much larger and much closer to "New Lego" as opposed to old.

[wulf]

Great review I voted for above average I love that roadster

. am I just stuck in the 70s/80s? (ok, don't answer that).

Id like to answer that one .

[whung]

Instructions of 10200 can be downloaded from lego.com

10200-1

http://cache.lego.com/bigdownloads/buildin...ons/4542587.pdf

10200-2

http://cache.lego.com/bigdownloads/buildin...ons/4542585.pdf

You may take a look to it if interested

[Eilif]

Thanks for that, I just printed up pages 5-16 of part 1, the directions for the red roadster!

[metalandi]

Finally! I'll take a look at those as i'm really interested in the building techniques used on the cars.

Do you happen to know if the instructions for the taj mahal also are already online?

Edited September 19, 2008 by metalandi

[Eilif]

I already posted this in announcements, but the factory palete and PAB online selection has been updated to include the parts in Custom Car Garage!. In case you're wondering, all the minifig parts from the set are available!

[FreeBee]

Also the starter models are updated, some nice models i must say.

Here's a link to the brickshelf.(when moderated)

[samthelegoman1]

Thanks for the great review! I like the Yellow Station Wagon the best! Reminds me of like a mid 1950s like wagon. I am sure gonna get this set this month!

[Dennimator]

Great review!

I like the red car the best.

[WesternOutlaw]

Thanks everyone for the great feedback.

Also the starter models are updated, some nice models i must say.

Here's a link to the brickshelf.(when moderated)

Thanks for sharing these FreeBee - great MOC cars!