LegoDW

Sorry for the delay in posting my modified Claw Tank pictures. As stated above, I got this set used and it was missing the top command platform. Basically I really just did not like this set when it was built. My moc process is as follows 1) Started with the tank treads. So I like the tank treads (wish they were real treads like the other set). I decided they would look cooler if I moved them on the inside of the new moc. I custom built a new frame for them going with 3 spindles instead of the original 2. Also got rid of the 2 large orange wheels (not sure what TLG was thinking). 2) The next thing I focused on was the main deck of the moc. I build it with only variable direction going up and down (used the elbows of the original arms). Tried to build so could move left and right too but platform was just to unstable. This really isn't an issue now as the new tank is very maneuverable side to side (spins on it tracks now) 3) I kept the original Claw in the base just for sentimental reasons. Also moved the alien holder vessels to the rear of the tank. Anyhow. I really like the set now. Looks great with my other Mars Mission sets. Next time will clean my assemble table a bit more before I take any pictures. What do you all think? Is this better then the original Claw Tank?

You wont be disappointed with the train station. Suggest you add a bit to the floor for better staging.

So thinking. For $40, do you think I could make something better than trying to copy the "Lego Store" set? At average of $0.15 per piece that around 267 pieces. Don't think I could do it. The only way I see possible is purchasing a used building set that is incomplete (cheap) and modifying it. Still for less than $40 would be difficult.

Had a discussion with another AFOL, thought I would poll your thoughts. This AFOL informed me he only purchases Lego directly from a official Lego Store or from the S@H website. According to him, he thought this was the best way to ensure TLG got the maximum amount of profits from the sale of its products. He also said, by doing this he hoped TLG would be more profitable and be less aggressive in raising the prices of their future products. I disagreed with him. Per my thoughts, TLG actually makes more revenue by selling their products at a discount to distributors, who sell to retailers (Walmart, Target, TRU (RIP), etc.) as the volume of sales more then offsets the loss of revenue per individual sales from their own stores. My augment was taking a $100 set, TLG probable sells it this set to a distributor for around $20. Looking at the volume of sales (USA) in Target/Walmart vs the Lego Store, feel easily 10 or more sets there vs 1 at the Lego store. So if we say it costs TLG $10 to make this set, if they sell directly they still have some extra costs for shipping/employees etc, say this is another $10, they make ($100 - $10 - $10= $80) $80 profit on the sale of the set in this example. Going the distributor route, they make ($20 - $10 = $10) $10 profit per set. At 10 to 1 or greater differential distributor vs selling themselves, that's 10*$10 =$100 revenue vs $80. That about 20% more revenue out souring their products vs selling themselves. Plus it might cost them more then an extra $10 in my example for shipping/employees, etc (assuming buyer is purchasing multiple sets to offset some of the costs). His counter point was retailers sell these sets sometimes at 20% less then at the Lego store. I countered with it really doesn't matter what the resellers sell their products for, it is the volume of sales that are making TLG their revenue and in my example the numbers would be unchanged unless TLG was forced to sell their product for less then $20 to their distributors. Then he countered that TLG would never sell a $100 set for $20 to a distributor. I countered with they might get a few more dollars but buy the time everyone who has their hands on this set in this example put on their markup in, my number are fairly close. Then he got upset that TLG was marking their products up so high, $10 in costs selling for $100. I countered with TLG has other costs to be profitable and they have revenue expectations they need to maintain. We ended the discussion with Lego is an expensive hobby. TLG has to maintain it revenue/profitability to say in business. He is going to continue exclusively purchasing only at The Lego Store or S@H and I am going to purchase from there and retailers (specifically retailers when on sale). So which one of us was correct? Do I need to rethink my future shopping habits.

For me it was 100% due to my children. Had a few smaller sets as a kid, but about 10 went into my dark age. Till they were born, really had no interest in getting into the hobby, seamed expensive and too childish. When my youngest was about 4 was really looking for something we could do together. Really looking for anything to get her way from the television. We got a few sets and I was hooked. Now I'm more into the hobby then her.

Just found out from my local Lego store set 40305 is basically only offered at the higher end Lego locations in the USA. This is disappointing as really don't want to travel thru several states to get this set. Probable with costs of gas and such would be more costs effective to get off eBay if I really wanted it. Anyways this kind of makes me a bit blue and Lego (for me anyways) is supposed to be a fun hobby. I am going to hold off buying anything new from TLG for a bit, been more interested in used sets lately anyways.

So I got tired of looking at my M-51 claw tank. Don't really like this set. So far I have reworked the treads/wheels. I added a 3rd wheel to each side to make a more conventical tank tread and deleted the two large orange wheels. Also I took the lasers off one of the arms and mounted them on the tread assembly. Looks better. Reworked the control center. Not trying to figure out what to do with the claw and rest of the build. Will post some pictures. The Drill Walker is nice. I like the ETX Alien Infiltrator Mech and MX-71 Recon Drop Ship.

Would love a new set and a re-release. Yes Bakery set would be improved with the new pieces/prints. I would even like to see some of the friends stuff in there.

I am hoping for something good this year. Don't hate me but would like to see the Bakery re-released. I missed it the first time around.

Will have to check them out. He seams to be king of You Tube right now regarding Lego, Wonder who will be next?

I like the space police space ship in this set. What about the set is keeping you from a big thumbs up? I like your buildings, this one is my favorite. What does the 617 signify? <img width="782" height="440" src="//c1.staticflickr.com/2/1757/42352778531_548ac00dec_c.jpg" class="main-photo" alt="QV14.1 | by LM71Blackbird">

Just saw Jangbricks is starting a second channel. New one is supposed to be more condensed set reviews. Interesting as in a recent video he stated the popularity of his review videos was going down. He is a very creative guy, sure he will think of something to keep his channels profitable. Really have enjoyed is review videos. Nice to see a set out of the box before purchasing.

Looks good. Hard to see, did you work in a second control station for working the back hoe portion? Really like your design

I am unfamiliar with the Age of Sail stuff. Did a quick google search and looks like custom moc of older sailing vessels. Looks like there are some really nice moc's here. Can see why you would want to collect/create these. My boat themed sets are all city based. I had planned on having a larger area set aside for a harbor/sea in my city. Unfortunately it got downsized as other parts of my city grew. Do you display your Mars Mission set or does it clash to much with your nautical theme? I really like the Galaxy Squad humans and bug alien min figs. Prefer the Blue team for human mini figs. Not that familiar with Alien Conquest, but after a quick search looks like they have some good mini figs. They have blue suited humans! Aliens look so much better then Mars Mission. As for the sets, I own one Galaxy sets, the praying mantis set. Some days I like the alien bugs, others I don't. Most days usually prefer space ships to bugs thou. Have to say prefer the bugs to the human space craft in Galaxy Squad in design. Do you own any Mars Mission Sets?

I have 7 Mars mission sets now. Some I love, some not so much. What do you think I should do with the following. Wanting to set up some sort of display. Thinking my Chima sets will be teaming up with the Marsions against the humans. These sets I love MT21 Mobile mining unit MX-71 Drop Ship (my favorite of the sets I own) ETX alien strike MX-11 Astro Fighter MT-31 trike These sets I don't really care for and thinking about rebuilding into something else MX-81 Hypersonic Operations. This set is just to large and no really not a good base, ship or whatever. Did split off the two cockpits into space craft. MT-51 Claw Tank. I am missing the top section (platform and canopy). Really don't like the claw, tank tracks and wheels really don't go together. Anyone have any good ideas I got the buildings first. Now in my space phase. How many space sets do you have? The orange has grown on me. The aliens......not so much. They look cool, but you really can't do much with them. Life on Mars had some really interesting aliens. What did you think about the aliens from conquest? Agree except for the alien spaceships. Two I have are really just awesome!

Hello. Just got a bunch of Mars Mission Sets. Checking to see if anyone want to discuss the sets, moc's, thoughts, whatever. Had a alternate thread but was more galaxy squad vs Mars Mission. Realize this is a older theme so not sure AFOL interests. Wish we had an current theme but what are you gona do?

I was hoping this was going to spark a larger feedback. IMO feel very starved currently for space sets from TLG not Star Wars related.

Like what you have done. My only suggestion to you would be to start thinking about a multilevel layout. Ever think about adding a elevated rail(s). This would allow the benefit of extra track of a multilevel layout without sacrificing accessibility to the lower level. Wouldn't suggest trying to connect the rails of these two levels as you don't have the room. Think you could easily add a elevated loop or two to this layout.

That is too bad, enjoyed seeing what was available here and there.

I was not into Lego when Galaxy Squad came out. Currently I only own one set, Star Slicer (70703). I am making my wish list based on comparing to my handful of Mars Mission sets and what I remember as a kid regarding classic space. Would have like to seen the following changes in GS. 1) All human troops/explorers in one color, Blue. Prefer a nice consistent uniform for space sets. Able to build up a army and such. 2) Colored canopies! Bugs had them, humans need them too. Don't care what color. 3) A bug factory set. Set would allow you to custom build all sorts of bugs. Think this would have been fun and got the kids more interested in theme. 4) Different factions of bugs. Maybe some would fight with the humans, say blue bugs are the good guys, green/black the bad. 5) Need some of the large technic missile shooters on the sets. My kids love to shot those things!

Unfortunately TLG never saw a futuristic city theme as having enough demand to be profitable. That said, they have made some really nice buildings and such that are a great platform to customize (moc) into something futuristic.

have to purchase any of it. i only bricklinked 50 chain pieces for a couple of euro's But the cost to ad a chainlift wouldn't be so high if you wanted to bricklink it all i had 54, an i bought 50 extra. I have some left but i did not count them. I would say i used around 80. I have not priced out the chain and gear parts. That is awesome they are not too expensive. Just need TLG to come out with the hill pieces in gray so can make a more complicated roller coaster.

Update: I was able to secure some additional Mars Mission sets (Garage Sale). Got a bunch of stuff so not exactly which sets I own and how complete they are. Believe now own these sets: Hey, it looks like I might have gotten a Commander!!!!

Looks good! Like your modifications. Question, you mentioned the cost of the Creator Roller Coaster was out of your budget. Curious how much you have in your set now with the modifications. I was thinking about doing something similar. Concerned by the time I add the chain, motor, and extra bricks I would be getting close to 1/2 the cost of the Big Creator set. Not sure where it makes sense to modify the smaller coaster vs just purchasing the larger set?

I was fortunate enough to pick up this set at a garage sale the other day. Unfortunately my displays are city based and space themed. Heli will fit into my layout no problem. Trying to figure out what I should do with the building portion of the set? Any ideas?