nesquik

Never heard of money laundering?

Funny - before I first saw the Parisian R., I imagined it with a dark red facade. I think that would well very well for a town building, though the P.R looks a lot more village-esque so I don't display it with the other modulars.

Firehouse isn't 'replacing' the modular; the latter will still be released and will serve as a place to save your money. Next landmark model is also being released, but without wanting to spoil another surprise, just imagine you can fly... There is no vehicle being released in July. VW has reentered production (sporting new box, artwork and Creator branding), Mini and F40 will also continue.

Creator Expert. Oh, and the beauty of LEGO is that you can purchase sets targeted towards children and modify them. Move along...

I hope there's a sequel to the blue power jet

An amusement arcade wouldn't be surprising, given the company is in the habit of 'acquiring' Ideas projects. A lot of fans loved those coin-ops...

The F40 was the only car I dreamed of owning as a child. I had a large scale Burago model what I would race around the house, and imagine that I was winning races in! TLG couldn't have chosen a more iconic modern sports car; particularly as it was the last that Enzo was involved in.

If I was still a kid, then I'd definitely stick with the Cargo Train for the money. It just seems to have greater play value and is much brighter.

That's easy to say from an AFOL point of view when we enjoy collecting, but the City line-up is more or less geared to selling narratives. Products like the Town/City Square work because children can create more exciting stories out-the-box from a single purchase, which itself is appealing as a birthday or christmas gift (like the police and fire stations). In other words, the sum of parts is far greater value. Taking the garage as an example, if TLG released this model or one similar on its own, it would probably struggle to sell due to the price range. You're probably talking at least £34.99 for a set that size, and even then all you have is a garage/showroom and a couple of cars. The pick-up truck is then needed to complete the story, and so the price increases... Comparing the eventual price to other City sets, there are just more 'complete' alternatives. A more substantial scene would appeal to parents even if more expensive because of perceived value for money. Sadly, that's just how the market works and TLG really has helped define it.

What gives you this impression?

[removed at request]

The colour scheme is based on a skyline - the blue bars are the sky, the yellow struts on the wheel are the sun. Personally, I think this works really well with the brick-built mound that the ride sits on and gives it a nice easy-on-the-eye feel. I've always looked on the Fairground Mixer as being the typical carnival ride, with purposefully garish lights and colours, but it works well for that scenario. With this Ferris Wheel, you have something that isn't designed to be transported and can stand the test of time.

It will be announced any day now. Has just over 2400 pieces and is very substantial on the ground. It Doesn't have many 'cars' for the guests - certainly no more than 10 - but they are divided by unique designs so the build and appearance isn't repetitive. It does NOT pack onto a truck, but is fixed onto a baseplate, I think the best way to describe the look is to think of the Mixer, it's colourful and fun but still very realistic in terms of the architecture and little details, like booths and such. I can't remember the pricing sorry.

For those interested, user 'L@go' who took the photos has just said that the Metroliner-esque train we've seen is in fact a MoC. As expected, but such a horrible tease

It's a palette-swapped version of the Maersk train; zoom in and you can see the number 10219 on the side.

Honestly, I don't understand the frustration. These are City products afterall. It's important to keep in mind the 'generation cycle', and just how well TLG have perfected it. Yes, we are seeing many of the same designs and principles being recycled, and that is a blow when you're expecting something original, but it's a business model that works and has contributed to substantial growth. Every single year new families are buying their first LEGO products, and they're going to want the same things that a family two or three years ago wanted. Sub themes will always come and go, but the drama and action that City offers is important to the company. In particular, the designers who are tasked with fire or police sets will pay closer attention to maintaining a set profit margin whilst updating the design very loosely. Trains are no different. Put yourself into the shoes of a 5/6 year old, and it's not difficult to feel the excitement of these sets - the design of the 'Heavy Haul Train' loco is perfect for playing with, which is why it's very similar to previous iteration. Am I personally disappointed it's the same? Yes, but I'm a grown up and therefore not the target audience, so it doesn't matter. Any concern should be directed towards the older builder's/mature market, as this has yet to have been updated since the HE's exit. I've been told a new product could arrive Q3, but this was sketchy at best. The point being, let's just try to be more positive. TLG understands just how passionate this fan-base is, but it all comes down to timing. And where profits are concerned, City is the priority as the trains are consistent sellers throughout the holidays, whereas Exclusive trains tend to be more niché due to not being complete railways.

Look at the train on the overhead railway on the left side of the image. The logo is on the front side of the drivers cabin, facing the camera.

Notice the train logo? Such a tease...

Wow, what a blast from the past! I had forgotten all about that part. Likewise, it's easy to forget just how good that diving sub-theme was.

City set #60097.

Of course it's a 'toy'; the tram is part of the upcoming City set #60097. The box artwork is visible in the background.

Great find! And if you look in the background, you can see the artwork of the packaging. Love the pizza delivery The tram has definitely turned out better than I imagined. I was a little worried that the orange might be over-bearing, but I think the designers have balanced it well. And those trans side-panels look really modern and it's pedestrian friendly, just like in real life (Well, some cities that can afford them...) I just hope that there are three cars to make the purchase worthwhile. But I won't hold my hopes up... It would most likely be difficult to add realistic doors whilst making the model easy to build for kids. It's just as well the hinges are quite concealed

Haha, unfortunately not! Just the timing of it. My guess is that the company have chosen to release the Creator train later in the year simply to maximise sales of the new City trains. As this is their first major 'holiday', families will continue to purchase the City trains with their children's Christmas money.

I have been informed that the next Creator train will arrive in Q3 of this year. Little other information is known, but it's a reliable source at least.

It's a very interesting concept, and I certainly think they're of great interest to train hobbyists/fans. Would they have the same broad appeal of regular trains? Unfortunately I doubt trams would appeal to younger builders, and if such was the case then a product would be too much of a risk for TLG. But for those mature enough to appreciate tram systems and their history, I would welcome a Creator version with open arms! Especially as you would only need to purchase multiples of the same product to expand it.