RTZX9R

If you don't like what TLG produces, stop whining about it online and go invest in your own injection molding tools, injection molding machines, and staff and make your own. Plenty others have done it and sell plenty of product. Are you going to want new leg assemblies as well, which have built in high heels / pumps next?

Here are some ideas... https://www.google.com/search?q=lego+tugboat&rlz=1C1EODB_enUS571US571&espv=2&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=Rw_AU92qKoOgyATWkYLgAQ&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ&biw=1920&bih=933

Been to LL Florida multiple times with my wife (and no kids at all). Never had any issues. I think the case was only at a LL Discovery center.

Howdy, I like to collect all the [train] sets I was never able to get as a child, which includes 12v sets never sold in the USA. I have all of these sets built and in storage boxes to keep dust free. Here is my current collection of trains, excluding other types of buildings /sets. I also enjoy seeing all of the great MOC's you all make, many of which are quite detailed!

The invisible bidder simply bid prior to you, and placed a bid higher than all of your bids. When the original bid was placed by them, it simply showed the item was bid at the opening price. Some auctions do not show ANY of the bidders, but otherwise they will all be shown with their hidden system g****y etc.

And you can purchase them all on Bricklink... http://www.bricklink.com/catalogList.asp?v=2&pg=1&catString=39&catType=P http://www.bricklink.com/search.asp?itemID=1873&colorID=3

Great job on the model - looks very good! By the way - Verona is a very nice city to visit!!

It may cost LEGO 0.10 to produce each 1x4 plate (ABS, overhead, etc.). To make a brick that is twice as large means you need double the material PLUS larger MORE EXPENSIVE tooling (molds). As a result, the cost of the 1x8 plate may be 0.25 or even more. It is feasibly lower cost to place two smaller bricks into the set instead. If the set required the use of a single element in this case (for structural integrity, etc.), they would use the higher cost 1x8 plate. I would also imagine they have higher scrap on larger bricks - voids, warping, etc. and it is therefore easier to include more small parts instead. Just my thoughts :)

Like many others, I keep mine in plastic sheet protectors in 3-ring binders. They are organized by set #, low to high. I have three or four 5 inch binders full like this, as well as a few other binders with the (mostly ) older shop at home catalogs and the neat older books that came in sets showing all the other offerings. I also have stack of instructions from buying bulk that I need to go through, but they are not in nearly as nice of condition.

I would suggest three improvements: Use PF system instead of the traditional 12V or remote control trains. With this you can add a larger size motor and gearing changes which will provide more power to the drive wheels. With the use of a PF system, you can change gear ratios. This will allow more power to the drive wheels. What about using larger diameter drive wheels from the motor? This would require the use of PF and possibly a different approach, but the larger wheels should make it easier for the train to ascend the incline.

I bought a Futuron monorail (set 6990) a few years ago and it is a very neat LEGO set. That being said, I am not sure this theme would sell well these days. Due to the track and electronics (even if using existing PF), the set would need to be expensive to ensure traditional profit margins are maintained by TLG. I would struggle to pay $250 + for a NEW monorail set as an AFOL. Part of the appeal of the monorail sets is that they were virtually unobtainable as a child – too expensive, hard to find, short lifecycle, etc. As an AFOL, now I can afford to spend the same $250 on a used old monorail and fulfill that desire I never met as a child. Sure it costs a bit more than I care to spend, but it is part of the appeal and challenge to me. The same goes for older 12v trains – many were never available in the USA and now I enjoying collecting the 7745, 7740, 7735, 7725, etc. Hopefully one day I am able to purchase an Airport Monorail… until then I don’t plan for any news from TLG for a new Monorail theme. I am just happy they keep releasing (great) new train sets

This is the collection I have currently... most have been collected in my adult life.

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Bravo - 110% agreed.

Maybe it's me, but why don't they place all the sets into the acrylic/plastic sealed boxes to protect them better? Could still be opened if needed, but no damaged corners etc. from being handled on an occasional basis.

Awesome!!!! I had seen rumors of Sanrio acquiring TLG but thought it was as far fetched as 9v making a comeback!

Santa brought ke one (walmart, $30) and it works great at sorting bricks. It's a keeper for sure, along with my wife, errr Santa.