Andy D

I went to the online VIP event today and picked up the three Winter village sets, got a 10% discount on my purchase, free shipping and got the Christmas set #2. Last week we went to the Downtown Disney Anaheim to do some Christmas shopping. Spent about $275 or so (don't remember exactly how much. It's better that way ;) ) and got several PAB boxes. I guess, after discounts I spent a little over $500 this week. (LEGO did real good with me this week ;) ) Looks like the only thing I missed from the special in-store event was the scratcher. Andy D

Very nice! What was your design process? Maybe a photo fo inspiration, sketches, LDD, or just an ideaa and free build? Keep it up! Andy D

I never heard of the game, but I remember most of the actual cars on the road and you captured the spirit of those cars. I got a particular chuckle out of the AMC, the Gremlin and Pinto. The mustang and Challenger were also very nice as is the '32 Ford coupe. Keep on Brickn' Andy D

No invite for me... I guess I don't spend enough through the VIP program. So I don't get an extra chance to spend more ;) My wife will be happy about that ;) Andy D

You might want to try to do a cost estimate of the parts you will need from Bricklink first. Since the Fire Brigade is still available it may be less expensive to just buy additional sets, use the parts you need then have the rest left over for future projects. Andy D

To get around the pub, maybe a Winter Village Chalet for skiers and other snow sport people to enjoy. They could sell anything to eat or drink, have a nice fireplace and sell skis and sleds and snowboards and such. A cafe with tables and such. A town hall with more town square things. I would even like to see a general store. Andy D

At the time I did my CC, the only thing I had to substitute was using red instead of dark red as there were just not enough dark red roof tile pieces. Andy D

I think there is a business opportunity here for an enterprising Bricklink-er. I know that all the colors are not available for either the CC or MS, but I believe there are numerous people who would like to have these sets, even if the colors are not exact but with good color substitutions. What I’m thinking is for some Bricklink-er to get commitments for several CC or MS, then collect all the parts and sell them as a package, at a reasonable price. I believe the most difficult part about collecting all the parts for the sets is finding all the parts from multiple sources and then the extra minimum buys and shipping costs. But if the seller had orders for several sets then the minimum buy and shipping costs would be amortized thus making the sets a little more affordable. I put my CC together (using some color substitutions) but it cost me about $300, I think I could have done it for less. I believe it could be made and a profit to be had an sell the parts kits for $250 or so, maybe less. Just a thought, Andy D

Yes, yesi! That's it. Thanks ever so much! Andy D

A few months ago there was a post showing a modular skyscraper complex. I've searched and searched and I can't locate it. Maybe I used several incorrect search terms! I've also just looked all through many, many posts in the town forum. The buildings had inner changeable floors so the complex could be reconfigured. Any help? Thanks, Andy D

That's all I want, a brown paper bag with the parts! I don't need the instructions or box either! Andy D

Bravo! Bravo! I believe the owners of the original sets are forgetting something. If TLG re-releases these sets, the owners of the originals will still have the original, first-edition set the re-release does not change that. This is still an exclusivity they are hunting for. It is rather like a first edition book as compared to a later edition. So, the owners of the first edition sets still have their exclusivity, and the rest of us get a chance to have a re-release of a classic set. I am not so much interested in the exclusivity of any LEGO set, there are just some sets that I really like for their artistic value to me. As an adult, I look at LEGO as an art form, and I don't care if I have the original or a copy. Just MHO, YMMV Andy D

Very impressive modular! It really captures the essence of the original. I am looking for to more such creations. Andy D

I just added my support for both projects. I came late to the party and I would really like both of these sets. I built an "almost" Cafe Corner from parts, but I would like the real thing. We need more support and more optimistic folks to get the ground. Andy D

I just noticed the size. He lists it as 5.5x6x3 feet! Using 110 to 130 thousand pieces. The first one is huge. The others are pretty large as well. All LEGO, no paint, no glue! Fantastic sculptures! Andy D

Great review! I have the WVTS and WVB as well. Just picked up the WVPO last night. I need to build the Bakery and Post Office soon as I have them planned as part of my Christmas display for my LEGO studio. Great photos and story. Andy D

Not sure I had a dark age in the traditional sense. I started building LEGO Space as an adult in the mid 1990's, lost interest for about 10 years then started again with Mindstorms an Technic. The I built a few Star Wars sets. After awhile I found I like buildings better so I pieced together a Cafe Corner, Green Grocer and took off into Modulars and other buildings. I also like holiday themed, particularly Christmas and some Halloween. Andy D

I usually feel I get my monies worth. Packing the cup (to me) is more about the sport, the challenge just to see what I can squeeze in. If there is anything interesting I may try to see what I can get in a PAB cup the Dineyland DtD store tonight. Anyone want to meet for cup packing tonight? Later, Andy D

I should have read this thread more carefully before my last visit to the PAB wall. I filled the bottom with a handful of 1x trans clear light blue rounds, then just started getting other pieces, ocasionally filling the empty space with some other 1x's. I had a pretty well packed cup, but it probably could have been better if I had used a better strategy. I will do better next time. The folks at the Ontario Mills Mall store are very friendly and helpful. Later, Andy D

It is too bad that the first photo is of 2 sets, When I first saw it thought it was quite a bargain, but upon further examination I discovered it was actually 2 sets back to back. I guess I should have read the announcement on the front page a little closer. I really think the first photos should have been of the set as it comes, just one (1) set, then show what you can do if you combine 2 sets. So, the $120 set becomes a $240 set if you want what is in the first photo. Who knew reading an announcement could be so much work? Andy D

Well, here it is… Age: 66 Age you started building: 50 Country: USA Occupation: Semi-retired college professor Married: yes Children: yes Does your spouse or child/children build: yes, my 31 year old son (after a 17 year hiatus from LEGO). He and his wife recently became interested in LEGO. Do you have close friends who build: no Do you build together with your friends: no Do you regularly attend Lego conventions: no, only because there are none close by. How much money do you spend on Lego product a year: More than I care to admit, maybe about $2000 last year, should be less next year. How much time do you spend building/playing a day: not every day, but maybe 8-10 hours per week. Favored theme/themes: Modular buildings, Creator buildings Do you primarily collect retail sets, build MOCs, or both?: Both, right now mostly retail, but soon to be more MOC's or MOD's Did you experience a "dark age": Yes If yes, what age did you enter your "dark age": 52 What age did you exit your "dark age": 62 Other hobbies (other toy collecting, sports, drawing etc.): Computer related. In your own words what makes Lego bricks so special: To me, LEGO bricks are an art medium. I can put them together, whether it is a purchased set or just some random bricks and if I don’t like what I have built, I can take it apart and reuse the bricks for another project. The ultimate reusable art medium. May I PM you with a request for a personal interview: I don’t live anywhere near Florida, but an email interview would be OK. Good luck with your project, Andy D Note to Pingles: So far I'm winning the "Who's Oldest" Contest

I will get one, maybe two. Great set! Andy D

I love winning the who's oldest contest! It means I am still here. Andy D I'll answer the survey later.

Thanks for the replies. They were both very helpful. I particularly like the idea about informing the buyer that I will open the box before shipment if they request. If they request I open we are both covered. Thanks, ANdy D

I am considering selling some Technic sets that I bought, never built and would like to put the money towards other sets. I have: 8043 8053 8258 8265 I bought the 8043, 8053, and 8258 locally for full price plus sales tax. I bought the 8265 for $100 plus shipping on eBay. What I am considering is just to ask what I paid retail plus the cost of packaging and shipping from the local UPS store. I am confident that the 8043, 8053 and 8258 contain what they should, but I bough the 8265 on eBay and have not opened it. Should I open the 8265 to verify that there is a LEGO model in bags in the box? Or just trust that it is in there? Any comments on the pricing or fairness of packaging and handling? This will be the first time I will be selling on eBay and I want to make sure that I give the buyer a fair deal. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks, Andy D