Mr. Elijah Timms

Hey guys, just built the 60014 Coast Guard Patrol set, and while I always feel a bit slighted by the piece count when buying a boat set, I feel the $79.99USD price point was fair in comparison to the finished product (and I feel even better using TRU's $20 off to get it for $69.99). Some other observations: -- Seems a bit strange to get 3 sharks. Would've loved one of them to be a sawfish shark, or even the manta mold. -- The tiny helicopter received heavy criticism, of course, but I like it. Who doesn't want to recreate that ridiculous scene from JAWS 2 where the shark grabs the copter by the pontoon and pulls the pilot into the drink. This entire set reminded me of that movie, in fact! -- I understand why TLG feels the need to use new pieces freely to justify a new mold, but the dog? So much more could have been built into the ship itself were it not for the dog and small shark army included. -- Speaking of which, the ship is a really eye-catching build, really authentic if not appropriate in scale... But there's one thing keeping it from being a great build. The bottom deck has, of course, NO furnishings whatsoever. Not a single bunk. A few bunks, a small galley or even a munitions closet would have made this thing truly exceptional. -- Would have loved some line and reel on the ship itself, to hook up to the raft and tow it into harbor, etc. Among the extra pieces was a white shaft (aka Gandalf's staff), some Technic pins and an extra grappling hook that I employed to create an effective boat hook. If only there were a few clips aft to hold it (or the crew's walkie talkie) when not in use!

Hhhmmmmm... Grogall drops the price, and a week later we get pictures. Can't help but wonder if we see the Opera House & Winter Market next, and soon!?

I keep looking for something negative to criticize here, but honestly... I love it. It's an extensively beautiful set with an amazing array of figs to go with it. And yet... I will not get it. That's just too much, beyond what I'm willing to spend for a single set. I used to be a Star Wars completist, and at one point had a complete collection of the theme... But once they started dropping Death Stars, enormous shuttles, and Executors on us, that trend had to end. I'm not bitter that TLG aims so high with these-- obviously there's a worthy collectors market for these monstrous sets-- but unfortunately I'm not one of them. Congrats to all of you that will be lucky enough to pick this up!

Built this last night-- the carriage is a really solid design. I'm tempted to get another simply because the 'prison carriage' has its limits... Sure, it's great for nabbing the princess to take back to Dragon Mountain, but what if the evil wizard has places to be? Doesn't make sense to lock up who is apparently the head honcho of the entire Red Dragon faction! Another incentive for a second purchase is the man-at-arms with the split white/blue tunic (pictured at far right above). I've got this thing about having an even number of guards, call it symmetry or whatever. As it stands, if one were to pick up the entire theme ey would end up with 3 of these guys. Might have to pick up a second once they go on sale before Christmas.

Just built this last night-- the dragon is BIG, and has quite a bit of articulation for a molded "Lego animal." The wizard is also fantastic-- I think I've actually decided NOT to put the black Sensei Wu beard on him because his torso print is just too lovely to keep concealed. The expression of the black bearded head also works fairly well without it. As for the tower, the scale is bad, laughably incorrect. This thing looks like it's designed to be played with the micro figs from the Games line, and even then it might still be too small. What also really bothered me from the pics was the left turret, and specifically its open 'window' face and the fact that the treasure is left wide open right out in plain view. Well, upon building it, you find a fairly interesting facade with the spider and its web on the BACK of that same structure.... So, with a few small and easy modifications, I chose to have the spider web face the front of the mountain, and have the treasure chest safely tucked away in the rear. A much stronger display, if I do say so.

I think for me, the Winter theme is so special, and becoming such a tradition with my family, that it sort of operates outside my conventional Lego budget. Yes, like the rest of you, I'm quite sure I'll be getting it... Bur it almost doesn't feel like a Lego purchase. It's more like... I dunno, Christmas decor?! So yes, as long as the price stays nice and conventional, this sort of becomes a purchase outside of my personal Lego hobby. It becomes a family thing-- so please keep it that way TLG!

Very exciting! I'm happy with the piece count... If it were up to me, the Winter sets would traditionally have a $70-80USD price point, with the occasional flagship set, like last year's house thrown in every four or five years. Keeping these affordable is a guaranteed way to keep this line successful for a long, long time.

WHOA!!!!! That Ewoks village just launched itself right out of my wish list! I'm sure it's gonna be epic but that's just too rich for my blood. ANd yet Grogall still manages to save the day with e next piece of news--, the WINTER VILLAGE MARKET!!! Sounds like a great addition, and at a price point I can willingly concede to. With my 1,000th post, I can officially begin COUNTing down the days until we see pics of this one! Thx Grogall

1. The Quinjet is first. A truly great design with an equally enjoyable build, 2. The FunHouse is second, but it's so darn close it's practically a tie. Just because that set is so, well, FUN. 3. It's really tough to nail down the third spot. Th BatCave is a great set but it needs the Batmobile to really work. Oddly enough, I think I have to go with the Batwing set. It's not a perfect design but add in the Joker's copter and the figs, and I just think it's the set I enjoyed the most after the previously mentioned two. Well worth the money spent.

You're welcome to find 'laughable' whatever you'd like. I have a lot of figs and the hero sets are currently in storage.

Oh, thanks-- actually I meant to say STURGEON RESCUE. Our stalwart Coast Guard officer has to save a fish from that shark. Actually just wanted to drop a note to my fellow American builders-- TargetUSA is currently offering a BOGO 50% on all City and Galaxy Squad (however, the sign staed something about not being able interchange themes as part of the deal). They don't have any of the Coast Guard stuff yet, of course, but if you missed out on amount from the Winter wave then this is probably right up your alley. Thought it might be worth sharing...

New face? I don't remember my promo minifig having that expression?!

Wow. That shot of the Kingdoms stronghold next to the Dragon Mountain is one of the single most convincing images I've ever seen on this site and SPEAKS VOLUMES. YEs, there's other elements not pictured there, but it's simply mind-boggling to think that these are two sets at the same price point within two years of release. I'll still get it, but you've certainly illustrated how much TLG is taking out of the usual price points. Very well done.

Saw the Coast Guard sets at TRU tonight. Some prices with the markup, for those that were curious: 60011 Surger Rescue-- $6.99 60012 4x4 & Diving Boat-- $22.99 60013 Coast Guard Helicopter-- $54.99 60014 Coast Guard Patrol-- $89.99 PS-- The boat box is big and beautiful, and really steals attention from thr rest of the City display on the shelf.

Yep, I thought so too. Wasn't financially prepared for it-- actually went there looking for the Gatehouse Raid, but for whatever reason my TRU hasn't had it or the Gold Getaway set as of yet. Strange, but I'm delighted to see the dragon will soon be mine. MWUHAHAHAHA!!!

Saw a half-dozen Dragon Mountain sets at my local TRU today... Prob go back in the next few days to pick one up. TRU price was $54.99... Would rather a few more figs but otherwise looks very enticing...

Just picked up 2 Forest Ambush's at TRU -- with the BOGO currently live that's 8 figs, 2 dogs, a mini arsenal and four mini-builds for just over $20USD!! 8 FIGS FOR $20! Bargain! Also, I was so caught up with the Lion Knights and how they'd fit in with the Crownies (the color blue is not an issue, but the darker gray legs are-- but that's another story), I didn't anticipate being as impressed as I was by the Red Dragons!!! Great torsos, great shields, great faction! I was pleasantly surprised by how nice these red guys finally look in hand.

Well... I like your choice of colors for each faction. But the set ideas... Well, I appreciate your imagination, but it just doesn't seem like my kind of thing. But good luck...

Sooooooo tempted to go grab that castle right now, but with all you AFOLs poo-pooing on it I think I might have to hold out until the winter for a sale price. Heck, I got the Kingdoms Castle at HALF PRICE and you guys even liked that one. Personally I love it and can't wait to move my Crownies into it. Heck, I've even. Named it and am planning a MOD to hang vines across the left side!

Nice review. Am I the only one who anticipates brick linking some Crownies shields and just blending these guys into that faction? Luckily the torsos sport the crown, not the lion head (well, except for the knight's armor).

Wow! Didn't think I'd see this review this soon..... Thanks for the review!!

Man, that cargo plane is just MONSTROUS... Airport sets gobble up so much layout space to begin with, but I just don't see myself ever being able to work up an airstrip big enough to even suggest that this thing could land. Probably gonna pass, but love the others!