Klaus-Dieter

I know that this is a bit off-topic, but: We got only UCS sets as big exclusive SW sets already last year. And one of this year's big Exclusives (if not the only one at all) is again an UCS set. If TLG went the direction of only releasing two UCS as big Exclusives a year, this would be a huge disappointment! I don't demand that they release no UCS set anymore. But I think one UCS set and one System scale big Exclusive per year would be the best since it would do justice to the UCS fans as well as to the System scale fans. I don't want to make bad atmosphere - but if there wasn't any System scale Exclusive this year, too (the Hoth Echo Base is only a limited edition set), than this year would - apart from 2005 - be the poorest year for System scaled SW OT fans since Lego SW exists (the Ewok Attack looks like a kid's MOC and the HEB could have been done much, much better - only the MF is an amazing OT set). Klaus-Dieter

Thank you very much for this information and the pics of the violine suitcase with the revolver, LBaixinho! I completely agree with you, Anachir! A Lego violine with bow - if it fits inside the violine case or very supposably rather not - would be amazing! Btw: I don't know whether this has already been posted here before (if so, please forgive me): I went to one of my local toy shops yesterday and took a customer's catalogue home. In it it is printed that the series 5 minifigs will be 2,50 Euro per minifig - that's really bad! (For that money you can nearly get an Impulse set - which includes much more accessory.) Klaus-Dieter

Thank you very much for this information, LegoCityMann! Here is the rumor list on the series 6 minifigures: 1. Security Guard (Male) 2. Snow Shoveler (Male) 3. Pilot (Female) 4. Photographer (Male) 5. Actor (Female) 6. Movie Maker (Male) 7. Builder (Female) 8. Astronaut (Male) 9. Evil Scientist (Male) 10. Veterinarian (Female) 11. Fireman (Male) 12. Evil Space Alien (Unknown) 13. Racer (Female) 14. Horse Racer (Female) 15. Announcers (Male) 16. Swimmer (Female) You can find the list here. I must say that I'm a bit sceptical - not about the list in general (e. g. a movie maker or a security guard (that would be really cool!) sound to me not unsupposably) but about some of the minifigures mentioned there (e. g. we already got a mad scientist in series 4 and I higly doubt a fireman which is included in every Fire set in the City theme). What do you think? Btw: The only bad thing is that series 6 and 7 will for sure be 2,50 Euros per minifig (since already the series 5 minifigs will be each 2,50 Euros) and so I fear that series 8 might even be more again! Klaus-Dieter

Sorry, I can't answer, too, Mr. Elijah Timms, since I'm not a girl, too. But that Barbie and other dolls - which are mainly kept in pink - are still sold very well, shows that at least parents buy for their younger daughters many toys in pink colors. I personally fear that this theme - if it was a theme going with the City theme - would be kept in pink. Why otherwise is talked about a "girls' theme" and not about a new City theme in general which could attract the interest of girls, too (like the Farm theme)?! Klaus-Dieter

You're right, Navy Trooper Fenson. But if so and if the rumor of 10224 Jabba's Palace is right, this would mean that TLG even is going to release a set with the number 10223 this year, too (of course not SW, but from any other theme). But firstly: What set might that be? And secondly: Don't you think that it's a bit unsupposably that there hasn't been any leak of 10223 (even not the set number mentioned anywhere - apart from any set name, set description or pics) if it already was released still this year? Klaus-Dieter

Thank you very much for these (links to these) pictures, BrickStorm and Brickviller! The train looks really cool! But for that there are less contents included than in the previous Cargo Train and for that there are nearly no tools (for the railroad workers to repair the tracks) included, this set is only marginally cheaper than the previous Cargo Train - so much too expensive! And so I even will better save some money for next year and hope that TLG will offer us a huge train station (and not only that a small train stop like last year) and/or some sort of new Cargo Center - which are really, really overdue! Btw: 1. Yesterday I went to one of my local toy shops and took a customer's catalogue home - there is neither this train nor the Public Transport Center included. So we got wrong information from TLG about that it will replace last year's Cargo Train. 2. I wonder how people who buy this set and want to integrate the rechargeable battery want to do that: The new battery box is red - so these people had to (let) print big red stickers to put it on the rechargeable battery. Klaus-Dieter

That's a great and very interesting topic, Commander Keller! Although I dislike the PQ theme because of its included fantasy stuff, I could well imagine that TLG will continue this line - I think the chance is 50:50. But if they continued this theme, I'm absolutely sure that they either will release some more Egypt styled sets (e. g. temples and graves) or a jungle styled subtheme. For a safari, Orient or other subtheme I see no chance. Klaus-Dieter

Thank you all very much for this information and pics! 1. About the Hoth Echo Base set: I'm really disappointed about how the Hoth Echo Base looks like - no seperation between the medical room and the control center, a use- and senseless crane (only in order to justify supposably 120 Euros instead of 100 Euros), no Rebel Soldier and no Rebel Officer/General/Major/... to lead the Rebel tropps. The whole base mainly consists of open entrances without any gates, there is no ion cannon and the E-web has already been done that often that I'm tired of it. Again Hoth Han (we already had him (even when without headgear) in the AT-AT last year) and again Chewie (we already get him in the MF) - there really would be a lot of more interesting and much more needed characters (esp. Major Bren Derlin)! R-3PO looks cool - but he is a character of that a minor role that I must say that it is a shame that TLG didn't include Major Bren Derlin (or another Rebel officer) - we wrote here more than often that we want one - so it's really not nice to see that TLG ignored that our wish. The only good thing I can find in this set is injured Luke, the medical droid, the control center and the medical bay with the Bacta tank. 2. About the UCS SSD: The SSD looks nice - esp. the interior of the bridge and Admiral Piett. But I neither have the money nore would I buy this set (even if I had the money) since I don't like UCS sets. I really like that TLG releases a new type of Imperial officer after five years - hopefully he'll be available even in some not that highly expensive sets in the future! Instead of releasing an UCS SSD, TLG better should have released a more stable version of the last System scale ISD with more and more decent interior and new characters! 3. About another (un)possible exclusive SW set this year: I can't imagine that there'll be one more exclusive SW set this year. Reason: In the last two years the Winter set was always the set with the last set number of the 10xxx set numbers for that year (10199 Winter Toy Shop, 10217 Winter Village Bakery). But since the Winter Post Office already has the set number 10222, Jabba's Palace (if the rumor of it and that it is 10224 is real) or any other exclusive SW set very likely firstly will be released in 2012. I could well imagine that in 2012 we see an exclusive SW set already after NY Toy Fair (like the AT-OT in 2009). What do you think? Klaus-Dieter

Thank you very much for this information, lightningtiger! From that the new girls' theme will have nine sets you can conclude that it very supposably won't be a City subtheme (which has 4-6 new sets) but a new theme on its own. Because of this and since (even if perhaps not as much as girls) even boys like farms and zoos I find a Zoo theme or a new Farm theme as this girls' theme completely excluded. So I'd go for either a fairy theme (with mythical castles, animals and minifigures) or a Paradisa style theme (which could include everything from some beach sets over a villa to a horse stables - let's say some sort of Barbie theme in minifigure style). Let's hope that we'll get some more information soon - but surely we can't expect if before the middle of August. Klaus-Dieter

I wouldn't. If there were some new WW sets, I hope that they would be System style like the Western sets from the ninetees. Over the past half year I've saved 220 Euros (the price which I suppose all sets of a new Western wave would cost) which I won't spend for anything else than for new Western sets (or for Roman sets - if they aren't fantasy styled). So let's hope that the WW theme will get a return next year (not with re-releases, but with completely new sets)! Klaus-Dieter

Thank you very much for this news, r4-g9! I really like to hear that TLG is going on with those minifigures series. I don't care that much about repeats: It offers us more variety: Take e. g. the Clown: The one from series 1 is looks completely different and has different accessory in comparison to the one from series 5. And it offers us improved designs: Take e. g. the Skater: Imo the skater from series 4 looks much, much better than the one from seris 1. I really hope that TLG will include some kids minifigures in these three new series, too. And I hope for some more variety in every-day civilian torsos (e. g. some different T-Shirts). I'm really excited. Klaus-Dieter

Sorry, I somehow must have missed that. Thank you very much for this information, WhiteFang! Klaus-Dieter

Do you think that TLG will continue the minifigure series next year, too? And if yes, how many series do you think that there'll be? I personally think - and hope - that TLG will continue the minifigure series since it gives us the opportunity to get that many amazing, different and useful minifigs that we in the majotiry would never get in regular themes. But I highly doubt that there'll be more than three series in 2012. I even bet that there'll be only two. Don't ask me why. It's only some sort of feeling since many ideas have already been done. Plus I heard voices that this year the series don't sell as good as last year. But that might of course even be false info. Klaus-Dieter

The Legonater, I completely agree with you concerning the 1-2 Rebel Troopers, the 1-2 Snow Troopers, Hoth Leia and Major Bren. But don't forget the red 3PO and hurt Luke. Wes Janson is possible as well as Vader. If there is a Snowspeeder included, I bet (although I don't wish) that we won't get any new pilots but again Luke and Dack. For the Wampa and Hoth Han I see absolutely no chance to be included in this set: They were already included in the Wampa Cave and the AT-AT last year. And if there is a Snowspeeder included, I think the chance to get a Tauntaun is 1:1. Since this set will supposably be a hard to find item but no Exclusive, I bet that there'll be one vehicle included: If the set shall be an addition to the older Hoth Rebel Base or the Wampa Cave, I'd go for an AT-ST. If the set shall be an addition to last year's AT-AT, I'd go for a Snowspeeder. As for the base itself: A medical room is for sure if the information about the Bacta Tank is right. There were two control panels in the Hoth Rebel Base, but really no decent command center. So I bet there'll be a small but nevertheless more decent command center, too. And there of course will be some sort of hangar - suppoably again a big gate. I personally even hope that they'll include the ion cannon (of course resized - otherwise it'd be too huge) and a small white transport vehicle (like seen in the movie) to transport some pilots, weapons and cargo stuff. Klaus-Dieter

Thank you very much for this information, andrewqwy! That sounds amazing! Hopefully TLG didn't miss to include Major Bren Darlin - otherwise this would be a shame. And I even hope for the medical droid (from Palpatine's Shuttle) to be included. I wonder if there will be some Imperial minifigs (esp. Snowtroopers) be included, too (because of the playability for kids). Klaus-Dieter

Thank you very much for this information, andrewqwy! If this info was right, this would be great news! But more than a red C-3PO we definately need Major Bren Darlin as a minifigure. Klaus-Dieter

That's an amazing WW MOC, evildead! Felicitous idea - a theater would never have come to my mind when thinkin about the Wild West. I really it! The theatre is built excellently and you even added a great cart and some nice minifigures. What about the interior of the building? Very, very well done! Klaus-Dieter

Since there are only five minifigs in total included in the SSD, it for sure isn't meant as a playset (like 10188 DS). And so I even bet that there'll be - apart from a very small bridge - no more interior included in it (like in the UCS Falcon and the UCS Imp. Shuttle). I wonder when we'll get any information on the Hoth Echo Base. Come on, we got infos on / pics of the Naboo Fighter already weeks ago although it surely firstly will be released at about the same time. Klaus-Dieter

Some great news about the next Winter set which I want to place here (since I think it belongs here and should be discussed here): Here grogall posted: Thank you very much for this information, grogall! Since we've been waiting for a new post office for decades, it's great to hear that we finally will get a new one. And it's even great to have confirmation that the Winter theme is going to continue. The only thing I don't like that much is that - with a post office being available in the Winter theme - there for sure will be no post office for the regular City theme in the next years. Don't understand me wrong: I really like those Winter sets and it would even be a pity if TLG stopped the Winter theme - but nevertheless we need more civilian houses, shops and civilian infrastructure for our regular, non-Winter cities. Since the Winter theme seems to take place in the past (like the Modular Buildings), I fear that we won't get a post van (or at least an ancient styled - which would imo be ugly since I want an up-to-date one). What do you think that there'll be included apart from the post office itself? Perhaps another Christmas stall (e. g. selling gingerbread)? Klaus-Dieter

I'd expect it to be one of this year's til now unknown Exclusives: 10220, 10222 or 10223. But I'm not interested in it anyway since firstly I will buy none of those Space sets and secondly since it isn't System scale. Klaus-Dieter

Thanks brickyrob! You mean the vices? I built them after the instruction of the amazing 10184 Town Plan (there is one in the Octan garage). Klaus-Dieter

Thank you very much for the picture and these links, Brickviller! Having seen these pics, I finally decided to not buy this set (apart from that I wouldn't have the money anyway). Reason: The train (esp. the engine and the waggon with the crane) look excellent - but I really dislike the big lack of (mainly small) accessory. This shall be a track repair train, shouldn't it? So where are the tools, the blowpipe etc. that the train workers are really able to repair the tracks?! I'd bet that it'll be only a red sticker. Otherwise TLG had to release some more sets in 2012 with red battery boxes inside that this would be profitable. Klaus-Dieter

Thank you very much for this high-res picture, grogall! Although I'm not a fan of mini models, I must admit that these look really good! And the minifigure collection is even better than I firstly awaited: Of course I'd have prefered a more appealing character than Chewy and Santa Yoda is really too kiddish (instead of him TLG should better have released a really existing character which they haven't done before). But the TIE Pilot and the Rebel Pilot are great. Since I'm mainly only interested in the TIE Pilot and the Rebel Pilot it'll depend on the price of the advent calendar and on the price of the single minifigures then surely sold on ebay whether I'll buy it or not. Klaus-Dieter

Thank you very much for this great review, TheBrickster! I completely agree with you, 5150 Lego! This set is dinately a shame in comparison to other great civilian sets TLG is releasing these days. So I even voted for Below Average Pro: -partly the exterior -kid minifigure -life vests Con: -the name "fishing boat" is completely unfitting since it's a regular bigger motor boat -no windows but only holes -no interior :thumbdown: If TLG added windows and some interior, it could have been an amazing set. But the way they designed it, it's imo the worst set of the City summer wave - and even one of the worst sets of 2011. Klaus-Dieter

Like already mentioned, the regular Imp. Officer (with the three red and blue signs) has (at least as a minifigure) a grey belt. And it's absolutely unlikely that a grand moff comes with the SSD. So it's very likely that TLG finally designed a new type of officer that isn't a grand moff and even not a regular officer. I completely agree with you, Clone O'Patra! But if the rumor of Jabba's Palace is right, I can't imagine TLG releasing a CC already this year. Nevertheless next year would be a very likely point in time. Again about the Hoth Echo Base: Since Han and C-3PO are already included in last year's AT-AT, it's very unlikely that we'll get them in the HEB, too. I bet that the HEB will be in size and price very similar to last year's AT-AT and will include Pilot Luke, Pilot Dack Ralter, two Snowtroopers, two Hoth Rebel Troopers, Medical Droid and Major Bren Darlin, a Snowspeeder, the ion canon, a big gate, the control center and the medical room. What do you think? About the rumored Jabba's Palace: How detailed it'll be and how many minifigs there'll be included will absolutely depend on its size and price. But I think it won't be less than 150 Euros and not more than 270 Euros. For minifigs I at least await Jabba, Gamourrean Guard, Jedi Knight Luke, bounty hunter Leia, Han, Han in carbonite, Bib Fortuna and Boba. But some more minifigs would be necessary: Slave Leia, Goink Droid, "Torture Droid", two band members, other guard, bounty hunter Lando, C-3PO, R2-D2 and that small animal that sits in front of Jabba. What do you think? Klaus-Dieter