nesquik

Hi guys I just thought I'd start a thread that could house any feedback or rumours for 2012 exclusive trains. It's an interesting topic as the Maersk Train and Emerald Night are still on sale, so could it be that the latter will retire and make way for a new set?

These 'hints' that are talked of would seem to be mere coincidence than anything. Obviously it's nice discussing what they could mean, I doubt TLG would for one thing feel the need to place 'hints' in their sets, given that future products are always so secretive anyway. In addition, it would mean their design and release schedule would have to be spot on, and so sticking to a permanent schedule.

Been to my local LEGO store and two employees said that it would be released 'early March', although they weren't allowed to give me a specific date Never mind, it looks fabulous!

The interesting thing about Jamie's original design was that it focused a lot on the actual architecture of the building, and ensuring that it could be recognisable as what a typical town hall would look like, including features such as a grand lobby, long range of steps at the entrance and large pillars. But let's be serious here - that was without a concern for the brick count, building techniques or interesting assembly methods. Like any other LEGO product, the Modulars still have to abide by a set of attributes that ensure the model will be interesting to build, and of course, have some form of playability value. With this being the case, the 'Town Hall' that we have seen pre-release fits these categories. The 'elevator' is included to add a function, the bride and groom are there for a narrative, and all the rooms have a purpose. In addition, like all the Modulars preceding it, the product as multiple floors. This is why the front pillars only stretch one floor, because having to 'break' them up when each layer is moved about would just be messy. So it's a Catch 22 situation; they may have even questioned during the design process "Do we just have have one floor and make the building longer, or multiple floors and more compact?". Considering all the building requirements that TLG have to put into such a line of product, I think they've done a very impressive job with the Town Hall and have adequately scaled it down to something more compact, modest even. I don't think it's the best of the series, but if the prices so far are accurate, then it could well be the best value! As others have said though, I'll be able to make a better judgement once I can see it in person or more videos are uploaded, as I literally can't decide how the bricks would look in real life. I remember before the Pet Shop was released, no-one could figure out how it would look (which led to negativity), but in real life the colours are beautiful. The problem with TLG's packaging is that they over-saturate and brighten the colours beyond their actual hue.

This isn't a problem, for in "ye olde days" people would have large poles with a hook on the end, and they used this to 'pull' the window panes down or 'push' them up. Even when I was at school we had these in our hall

If drooool was a spoken word and not the saliva on my t-shirt, then I would shouting aloud "DROOOOL!"

Great to finally see some interior shots, this is turning out to be an interesting build. The important thing to a lot of people is that it will reveal the true colours of bricks.

Are you referring to the packaging? The arrow in which case is simply showing what the back of the Town Hall looks like - not that it has an elevator.

Anyone else notice that the time on the clock is 10:12-ish? Thats 8-minutes after Marty 'went' to the future in a certain film

I told y'all there would be a wedding Looks smashing! Just take my money damn it!!

Do you not think that a Cinema would look a bit drab inside? Afterall, it's just a big screen and many, many seats... The Post Office would have been amazing, but of TLG have just released the 'Winter' themed one, so that's not going to happen

I haven't been this excited for a LEGO product in a long time!

Good shout! I can't see TLG using the same/similar 1932 emblem however.

I personally can't wait for this set. For me personally, it demonstrates a maturity in the series because a 'Town Hall' is quite a specific concept, which is why many are having trouble imagining how it will look. This is a good thing though, and I imagine it will introduce an array of new ideas that differ from the shop narratives so far. The main features I can see existing in this set are; a large clock, or centre-piece to the top of the building. This must sure be a certainty, given how popular they have proved in designs for literally a couple hundred years at least. a 'meeting' room of some kind, so that the LEGO people can discuss new ideas for their town. The only difficulty with this is how they will implement it whilst making the build interesting and not overly repetitive (i.e many seats). Either way, it will be a room to commute. if we are to assume it will have a slighty higher than average minifigure count at 5 or possibly 6 for the price, then I would set aside at least 2 being public members (who are being attended to), and the people serving them to be a receptionist and possibly a mayor (top hat, suit etc). The others will have different roles around the building. a longer building at 2 storeys high, rather than a shorter one at 3 storeys. In other words, like the 'Fire Brigade' only with more length. The reason I think this is because TLG would otherwise struggle to fill the space with worthy features. Whats more, the already known higher brick count takes into fact that this could well be a longer building worthy of being an important establishment in the town. pillars/collumns, as others have suggested. How big or small they are will remain to be seen, but they should almost definitely be a feature like the main clock/centre piece. call me ambitious or even nuts… but I think there will be a large room dedicated to a town 'competition', such as (an easy example) a baking contest. Why? Because all the modulars so far have little narratives, and the town hall is no exception - even though it serves more of a purpose than the other buildings. I think a community activity like a contest has the spirit of what a town hall is all about - uniting the people that reside there. Either way, some kind of communal 'activity' will take place within the building… Just some thoughts, but I'd love to hear what other people think will 'realistically' be in this set

Ringo's contributions, lyrically at least, were that poor that I hope he doesn't make the 3 figures!

:)

Sadly, I've spent most of my budget on a trip to Tenerife now I have to choose my Lego carefully.... It's either the Pet Shop or the Maersk Train....

ABS plastic is much more expensive because it is oil based, and this is why smaller products such as the 'Collectable Minifigures' series and the 'Vintage Minifigures' series are made in China. They can be made cheaper and can meet demands quicker.

How do we know that this 'source' is correct in saying a Town Hall will be released?

"Hello, I'm looking for a Goat! He must be able to fit in a cage, and perform tricks for me"

I really, really like this product, I think their are good reasons to as well. For a start, I can understood others saying that this set looks "too much like previous Modular buildings, such as the Green Grocer", but we shouldn't forget that all these Modular buildings are only available for a limited time. People who are willing to purchase this Pet Shop may not have had a chance to buy earlier Modular buildings (like myself), as so similar building elements or styles are perfectly welcome to new customers. But I certainly don't think it looks that similar anyway. Secondly, I think its natural that if these Modular products are designed to be forged together in various ways that they represent a level of authenticity from real-life architecture. After all, how many different designs can you create before the buildings have absolutely no harmony together? It makes more sense for LEGO to create similar architectures/building methods, but simply change the theme of the building. Thirdly, I think this Pet Shop from a personal point of view looks beautiful, and it captures everything thats great about the toy. One reason I didn't like the Grand Emporium was because they tried to cram the principle of a large shopping mall inside a relatively small space, and for me it lacked detail inside. The Pet Shop on the other hand is perfectly suited to this size building, and is better suited to a town scale and look. The miniturisation of pets is also a wonderful idea. They're my thoughts any way but I won't be paying any more than £99 for this. LEGO's pricing is often confusing! For example, the Fire Brigade contains more parts than the Grand Emporium (2231 compared to 2182), and yet the F.B is £99 while the G.E is £132.99? No sense what so-ever. This Pet Shop contains 2032 pieces, so I'm hoping it won't break the 3-figure barrier in pricing!

Aww, I thought I did something right there too :(

Would this be the Petshop & House by any chance?