Locutis

3. Ninja Nin's Underwater Bank & Money Transfer 2 points 8. darkdragon's There's a new Sheriff in town! 1 point 10. Spacy Smoke's Sunken City Corner 1 point 4. Oky's The Sunken Ruins of the Royal Knights' Castle 1 point Good luck everyone! Locutis

I just realized why this will never happen (at least through a CUUSOO entry). In their terms "you accept a renumeration of 1% of the net sales if commercialized by LEGO Systems A/S". Lego would never give 1% renumeration to someone who simply suggested bringing back something TLG had already released. The entry on CUUSOO is a nice thought, and a worthy gesture, but I don't think it would materialize into anything even if it got 20,000 votes. Locutis

Very nicely done! I started building a modular bank in LDD but found it too frustrating to use, so I gave up after the first floor. Mine was very similar in design to yours at the start. I really like your design. Locutis

This is a very nice redux of 7777. I really like how it feels like an official TLG set from the 80's, but yet it's not by TLG. A very nice classic-town MOC. Bravo! Locutis

According to the rules posted, yes. It was listed as ending at midnight on October 7. Locutis

Some people forget that resellers buy these sets while they are in production, thus supporting Lego, the TLG company, and these as a popular item. I imagine many thousands are sold out of each issue of these modulars just to speculators, sales which wouldn't take place if there was no secondary market after discontinuing. If you look at this BrickLink Seller , they have over 100 of these sets. They don't appear to have bought them just recently to speculate and take away from kids buying them. On the contrary, there are numerous sellers like this one who buy these sets like me, during issue. Now, suppose this is discontinued today, a lot of the sets would start disappearing (being purchased) off BrickLink, most likely from the lowest priced going up to higher priced sets. As each set disappears, a new low price is set. Let's say this seller divides their inventory into 20 groups of 5, and prices them in staged amounts separated by $20 each group. As these sell and disappear off of BrickLink, the theoretical price a person will pay increases. Thus, it is actually customers themselves by creating the purchasing demand that actually set the price on the item, not the seller. If this set is priced in $20 stages, and the first 25 sell within 5 days, and then it slows down, you can see where the market feels the price should be. The only reason you see Cafe Corner sets priced at $1,000 and such is not truly because everyone will pay $1,000 for a set. On the contrary, only a very select few out of thousands of customers would pay this extraordinary price. TLG could never "make money" by re-issuing these past sets and selling them for a higher than original issue price. Many customers of a product barely buy the product for the price it is issued for. I've mentioned it before, but I'll say it again here: I work for a reseller of collectibles that sells brand new products at the same price as the manufacturer. The manufacturer has a monopoly, and the items are unique to that manufacturer. Collectors who want these items can't go to another manufacturer, similar to Lego. This manufacturer also sells directly to the public. They set maximums on items that they sell, and once they reach that maximum, they are sold out. Items that are highly desirable start to raise in price in the aftermarket (like through my company) solely because of increased demand. Instead of us selling 5 or 10 of something per day, we sell 20 in one hour. Obviously we have something good here, and so we start raising the price in increments to slow it down back to the normal 5-10 per day sales rate, as an example. Sometimes the price increase over a week or a month causes the item to be valued at 3 times its issue price. Now, it has happened that this manufacturer decided to re-issue a very popular, sold out, raised in price numerous amounts, product a year later. However, they see the aftermarket price increased on it after they sold out, and they decide they want to capitalize on this and grab some of that profit, too. Sales on this unit are much much less in demand than the first, and instead of selling out within weeks of issue, it takes months. The aftermarket after sellout on this re-issue is very soft, and the increase in price is only 5% above issue price solely for aggravation. The following year, the manufacturer sees this as something they could sell again, and issues them yet again. This time they do not sell out, and aftermarket crashes on them (ie: they suck). In this scenario, the second issue of the product was popular, but people were like "yeah, whatever, it's not the first issue". The first issue product saw even higher demand, and prices went even higher after the second and third re-issues, because people wanted the first issue. I believe this would also happen with the Cafe Corner. If TLG decided they wanted to re-issue this set, they would put it in a box declaring it as a re-issue. It wouldn't be the same box. As well, they would most likely decide (because they are a profit-making company) that they should capitalize on some of the aftermarket profits from the first issue (large companies don't get this philosophy and understand it fully), and instead of being $149.95 maybe they would try and charge $249.95. This would shut-out a lot of buyers who barely even buy the modulars for $149.95. Add to that the fact that it wouldn't be the first issue, and you would still see original Cafe Corner sets selling for the price they are. And they do sell, but in very small quantities, and only to those buyers who have the funds to actually own every original modular in factory sealed boxes are the ones buying these $1,000 sets. I know I wouldn't even attempt to buy one for $1,000. I think a good example of this re-issue would be the Maersk Ship set. TLG would have a lot of data to pour over in regards to demand and how much they made selling these sets. A very similar forumla could be applied to the Cafe Corner and Market Street to determine it's saleability in the market through a re-issue. I believe only TLG would have the data and information necessary to determine the validity of their reissue. It should be up to TLG to make the determination on this, not us buyers. Instead, we should be looking at whether we ourselves would buy one. If you would, then vote and support the product. That is the purpose of the CUUSOO site. TLG wants to know if you would buy one. Not whether you would buy 10 of them to resell at a high price and make a profit. Whether you would want to own one. I voted that I would want one. Not because I want to profit on reselling them. I have a Cafe Corner that I bought just after it was discontinued, and it has no box. I have a Market Street that I assembled, but it's not a true 100% set (I've substituted, and have a thread on here discussing the options). My son is now into modulars a bit as well. I have a Green Grocer new in box, and all of the others one built, and some new in box. I plan on possibly saving one of each new in box for him to get and build. I would not even imagine trying to get him a Market Street or Cafe Corner at the extraordinarily high prices they currently command, I myself wouldn't buy one at those prices, let alone one for him. I would, however, buy him a re-issue just so he would have a building like mine. This is why I voted. I hope I didn't make anyone fall asleep or be annoyed by my post. I know it was long, but I had a lot to say! Locutis

What a wonderful story. However, I put away sets for resale once they are discontinued, but I have one slight difference from what your plan was. I buy them when they are launched, not just as they are discontinuing. To me, there's absolutely nothing wrong with buying some sets while they are still in normal production (or a couple of months after launch) to put away. It hurts absolutely nobody this way. Lego just makes more of them. In fact, I plan to sell my sets for less than what most gougers will charge, but more than I paid. Hopefully they end up going to a family who missed out buying the last ones just as they were discontinued. Locutis

Hi everyone, I have 5x Maersk Trains (1 opened, built but my wife destroyed it, not yet rebuilt), 6 (or 7, can't remember) Emerald Nights, and a 7722 from when I was 10. I have built one Emerald Night, but I plan to keep some of the Emerald Night trains I have that are still MISB to build more or to modify. I also have a bunch of parts from Bricklink and Lego PAB orders to build several more MOC trains. My son has the Harry Potter Hogwarts Express train, too. I haven't built them all. Some I plan to sell eventually, but I will build some of them, even if it's to have more than one. Locutis

Good job 'dark dragon'. I really like how you turned this old west set into a MOC Spongebob set. It really is very well done, and one of my favourites. Good luck! Locutis

Very nicely done. I also like the broken glass and all of the bus, as well as all of the crustacean detail. Good luck. Locutis

Very well done. I like all of the detail you put into your sunken set. Especially the coral, and the creature using the van as its shell. This is one of my favourite entries. Good luck! Locutis

Very nice. I was hoping someone would do a ship. Locutis

That is just absolutely awesome! I can't even begin to imagine the thought and the planning required to design and build something this well done. It truly is a piece of art, not just some Lego set or MOC. I know you're not the builder/designer, but I would like to extend the appreciation towards the original artist for building and sharing this with us. I could never even hope to build something so grand and detailed. All I can say again, is awesome. With Halloween rapidly approaching, the designer should take credit here, and this should be front-paged, in my opinion. Locutis

Very nicely done! I like all parts of it, the architecture, the colours used, etc. It is a very nice MOC, one you should be proud of! Keep up the good work. Locutis

Global warming has had a tremendous impact on the Lego City. The Winter Village was hardest hit, being submerged under 100 feet of water. Jacques Champagne and his dive crew visits the old site, where the Winter Village Bakery once stood. The smell of fresh baked bread has long since been forgotten in this place. More and larger images on Flickr Brickset Locutis Edit Oct 8: I forgot to name this set! It is the Lego Ruins of The Underwater Village Bakery. I hope adding the naming after the closing of the contest isn't a violation of the rules.

Lego's S@H database has a lot of quirks and bugs. From this item disappearing, to seeing "Backordered - will ship on null", I think they should have someone fix these things! Anyways, maybe it disappeared so that they could change it to "Limit 5 per customer", which is what it says now. It did not say that before In my opinion, this is indicative it is getting low in stock. If anyone is on the fence on this set, and waiting until the last minute, it appears that last minute may be now! Locutis

I would strongly suggest you buy them NOW. These are 2 years old already, and could be discontinued any day. Don't wait! Locutis

As reported first here: Reported I went and investigated, and sure enough, the 10197 Fire Brigade is not showing up in the Canada or USA online S@H store. If you change your country to UK or Australia, and load the item, it shows up, and then you can change the country to Canada or USA and it will say "Not available in your country (can not be found)": Fire Brigade at S@H I know this set is now 2 years old, but this is a strange way to show low stock or sold out. Usually these sets say "Call for product availability" or "SOLD OUT" when not available. Does anyone have any insight? Locutis

Yes, I was able to get some of the dark blue 1x4 bricks. I requested 30 and ordered some just to see if they were available. I received them today, and replaced some of the 1x2 bricks in my alterations with the 1x4 I got. I was able to get away with only 15 of the 1x4, combined with the 1x10, 1x2, 1x1, and corner bricks that I have. It looks just fine, and holds together very well. Their shipping cost as noted on the slip was about $5. This could be a database error, as it still shows available in other parts of the world at Lego S@H. If you switch to Australia, and search for the set (10197), it comes up. Change it to USA (or Canada) and you get "Not available in your country (can not be found)". A little strange for a set that is sold out. I think they may be working on their computer systems. Although, like you said, it has been 2 years, so it is due to retire. Locutis

Today I received my order from the Lego Replacement Parts Service. Per my request, they substituted the 1x8x2 dark blue arches with black ones. After they cashed my cheque they told me they were out, and asked what I wanted to do. They made some other substitutions without telling me in advance. I received different 1x5 doors than what I requested (and from what officially comes with the set). So, it seems the best way to get the rare parts is to either buy the exact ones you need on BrickLink, or buy slightly alternate colours and save a bundle of money. Lego's Replacement Part Service seems to be a real mixed bag, and an expensive one at that. Locutis

Thanks for the 'heads up'. I had looked even as soon as on Sunday, but this set was only available in countries outside of North America. When I tried to load it with my country set to either Canada or the USA, I got a 'page not found' error. It's nice to see Lego offer these past-issue sets for people who didn't get the opportunity to buy one. Just to let you know, these posts should go into the Buy, Sell, Trade and Finds forum. Locutis

A Lego review.... the final frontier. This is the review of Cars Movie 'Ultimate Build Mater - Special Edition' Set, Lego # 8677. I saw this set at Wal-Mart on an aisle end-cap, and was intrigued. Instantly I was drawn to how detailed it was. My resistance to purchase and build it was... futile! Now on to the review... Ultimate Build Mater Set 8677 # of pieces: 288 Retail Price: GBP 25.53 / USD $29.99 / CAD $ 39.99 Links: Brickset , Peeron I'm not usually one to buy these licensed products, or larger-than-minifig models, but something drew me into this and made me fall in love with it. I've decided to get into a new genre of Lego (larger scale models) and this was what brought me there. I don't quite know what it is about this model, but I think it appeals to both kids and adults. The box The front of the box The back of the box The side of the box, showing countries of origin. China is one of the countries listed, and I'm unsure which parts would have been sourced from there. The Contents Yes, just two bags. Parts list page 1 Parts list page 2 First, the contents of bag 1: Yes, there are some stickers, sadly. However, there is a surprise in regards to this. More on that, later... mater! This is what bag #1 builds. Some of the building TECHNIC(q)ues required. Here are some of the steps required for the first part of the build: The contents of bag #2. Let's finish this thing! I don't endorse applying stickers. Feel free to skip these steps. I know I did. Thank goodness these aren't stickers! Nicely printed pieces featuring the classic "Cars Movie" style eyes and mouths. I will never look at another car the same again. And... We're done! A minifig provided for scale. Never aim at face! Bonus surprise!!! This set is actually a 2-in-1! You can also make Classic Mater from the first Cars Movie!!! The left-over bits. Now, this review wouldn't be complete, unless I also showed you the model with the stickers applied. I know, but here you are, for those that prefer it with the stickers: FINAL While I normally don't buy sets that aren't minifig scale, or that don't fit into my Lego City, I have made a few notable exceptions. This set is one of those exceptions. The impressive model design, colours, instant recognizability among children and adults alike, and it's relatively low cost for its size, make it an exceptional value. For some reason, my 8-year-old son had a hard time building this model. We had to disassemble and reassemble it from half-way through. I think some of the technic sections confused him, which is strange considering he built the 10188 Death Star all by himself. I had no problems with the model, however, and did not find any errors. Design: 9.5 / 10 I think Lego did an awesome job at capturing the style, look, and colour of Mater from the Cars Movie. Build: 8.5 / 10 While I enjoy technic parts and seeing them strengthen a set, I'm sure some of the children in the age group recommended (7-12) would disagree. It is not mentioned anywhere that you will be using technic pieces to build Mater, and if I were someone who disliked that type of build, I wouldn't have found out until after I had opened the box. Good thing I like a good challenge. Other than that, the only trouble was trying to tie a knot in the black string with my sausage fingers. Parts: 9 / 10 Lego used a number of generic pieces in this set to create the look they desired. There are some custom pieces, but I think you couldn't get a way with not using them (like the windscreen). The printing on the windscreen and mouth on the front is a nice touch in lieu of stickers. Playability: 7 / 10 While this set is intended for 7-12 year old children, in my opinion it's more of a display model than a play toy. The missile on Maters' rear is mainly for show. While it can be removed it doesn't fire. I think TLG could have added $5 to the cost of the set, and designed some sort of mechanism to really fire the missile. Or, maybe made the missile out of real rocket fuel to actually launch. Now that would have made this set get a 10 / 10 !!! Price: 8 / 10 The price-per-piece is a little steep on this set compared to other Lego sets, however, considering it's licensed, not too bad. I knocked the price value down by 2 for the stickers it includes. I would rather have those pieces printed. Overall: 8 / 10 There you are. How did I do on my first every Lego review? For those of you who want bigger size photos, here is the entire photostream on Flickr (including some bonus shots not included above): Flickr What are you waiting for? Go buy it! Locutis

I like your modified/updated version a lot better. There is a lot of action going on in that scene, and the details are fantastic. Very well done! One question: Are those windows official TLG or something you custom-printed? Locutis

I have to say, even though it is frowned upon to bump an old thread, this is definitely worthy of a bump. I have never noticed this before, even while traversing the older threads. This is absolutely fantastic! :thumbup: I wish I could invent cool mechanisms like this. You are truly mechanically gifted! Keep up the good work! Locutis

I have to say WOW! Not only are the buildings captured nicely, this is photographic artwork as well. Your technique is fantastic for this MOC. Locutis