Space78

I suspect this is the main issue for producing printed parts on small run sets using unique parts/prints. I don't think it's the cost of printing, but rather the setup for a small printing run, and then tracking those separately printed parts to then go in one set. The cost of ink and the actual printing on the pieces probably does not cost a lot (certainly no more than other printed parts), but there is a cost to setup the printing machine to print a specific design on a specifically shaped piece. This cost is spread out over the total number of pieces made, so the smaller the run the higher the cost per piece. I'm sure Lego is well aware of how much AFOLs dislike stickers, but they are a business that makes economic decisions in their best interest.

So, it sounds like it is less about cost of production and more about part inventory, at least "officially" from Lego's standpoint.

It would be interesting to know what the actual cost difference is between putting printing on a part vs. producing a sticker. So, for this GWP, how much is Lego actually "saving" giving us a sheet with 5 color stickers vs. just printing those on 5 different parts? Also, some of the stickers don't need to be as large as they are. I'm thinking of the long blue sticker on the command center. All you really need is the printed space logo on the brick, the black bars on each end of the sticker don't really add anything, IMO. Does anyone know the difference in cost of printing on a part in color vs. producing a sticker? Are we talking like a 1 cent difference??

Page for the Micro Rocket Launchpad GWP is now up on U.S. Lego.com. Looks like Lego is valuing the set at $29.94. Placed my order to get this one. Lego now has a warehouse outside Chicago, so it only takes one day from point of shipping to get to me. Might have it tomorrow????

To me it makes sense with Lego's intent for this set: a micro-build of several CS sets. In that context the "space baby" face makes no sense. If this set had been more of a space-themed "playground", then the space baby face makes sense. So, I'm really glad they went with a CS face print. For some, it will make the figures even more desirable. My oldest daughter loves CS minifigs and now is dying to get the two CS microfigures, but does not want to spend the $$ to get the set, so she will wait for the secondary market to get the figs. For me the bigger question is what will be the asking price for the microfigs? Other than the new windshield (and the stickers!), they are the only unique pieces in this set, right? As to your point in the earlier post, I think all we are going to get is "drips" of CS themed sets. I just don't see Lego bringing back a CS theme. Particularly not now with all of the new space-themed sets they are doing this year.

Interesting that they are doing a "proper" space smiley face rather than the "space baby" twinkling eyes and more curved smile. It shows some effort on Lego's part to make this a "micro-scale" CS-style set. It's still a must have for me, but I agree with the review on New Elementary that the threshold price seems high for what it is, especially with stickers. I do like the rocket, transport, and command centers, though. The little spaceship doesn't add much for me. Fortunately, I have a lot on my Lego wish list, so I'll meet the threshold. Just wondering if I should wait to see if they run a double Insiders points while this GWP is available?

I suspect you are right and there will be stickers. Not surprised Lego would not spend extra on a GWP. On the other hand, box art is not always accurate. 60430 Interstellar spaceship shows a clear or very light gray/black transparent windshield on the box and on Lego's website. In reality it is very dark such that it's hard to see the minifig inside. I was quite disappointed in this. In fact, an aqua-blue transparent windshield would have tied into the other bricks that color, and you would easily be able to see into the cockpit. Look closely at the pictures on the Lego site. In some of them the windshield does look like it is a light transparent blue color. Anyway, hoping we will see soon enough. Is there any updated information from sources on the dates this will be available and the purchase threshold?

I"m waiting too, though not sure I'm going to see 30-40% discounts (where would one get that?) As a higher cost ideas set, it will be interesting to see how long it will be for sale. I'm expecting through next Christmas, but maybe not beyond that? If so, what is the optimal time to buy for best "discount."

Very nice, I voted for it.

Agree, the logging train could have been interesting, but the raised trestle bridge would be very repetitive and a significant portion of the build, which will push the price up. I'm surprised it made it through review. The designer should have skipped the bridge and made a more interesting engine. Agree about the switch engine. I really hope that makes it to crowdfunding stage.

The blue space baby is in set 31124 Space Roller Coaster. If you go to PAB on Lego.com and type in the set number, the head piece of the blue space baby is available, but not the body. So, yes it was in a CMF last year, but now it's in a regular (Creator 3 in 1) set as of August 2023.

Just pre-ordered the Old Train Shed. Beautiful design. I limited myself to one, but would have liked two had the price been lower. Can't wait to get this one. Personally, I'm not overly thrilled with the train items in series 2. Lots of interesting stuff in series 4. We'll see if one train item makes it!

OK. So my thought was if the blue space baby is not available on PAB even though it is in a CMF and a regular set, then unclear why anyone would expect the white space baby to show up on PAB.

Has the blue space baby from last year's CMF and the space roller coaster set shown up on PAB?

I hope you are right. My daughter wants one, but I don't think I'll be spending $200 in Lego to get this GWP for her. If it costs $30 on secondary market, that'd be a deal. At 325 pieces, it would be right at the 10 cents per part mark. Agree, price on secondary market will depend on availability. I believe the Blacktron set was offered as a GWP twice last year, so Lego maybe had a lot of those or overestimated the interest in them as a GWP? Agree. Some of the March 1 release SW sets are available for pre-order now, so SW fans may be getting the space GWP when they pre-order and then sell them to bring down the total cost of their order.

Right, but all the GWPs you mentioned as examples were re-makes of vintage sets. For example, I have no interest in the Blacktron GWP since I have the original, which IMO is much better than the re-make. Lots of similar comments about the Majisto GWP. I think what sets the Micro Space Launchpad GWP apart is NOT being a remake, but rather a microbuild inspired by several CS sets. So, to me, it is a NEW set, not just a remake of a vintage set. How desirable it ends up being is anyone's guess.

Especially if the purchase threshold is $200 or greater, seems like Lego may not be giving out a lot of these sets. Also, I suspect late February is a slower time at Lego for sales. It must pick up around Easter with the Easter sets they run, then after that it's Star Wars with May the 4th week. While it seems not everyone wants the full GWP, many seem to want the white space baby. It will be interesting to see what the asking prices will be on the secondary market. Question: there are a few items for March 1st release that can be pre-ordered. If you purchase them as a pre-order, do they count toward getting a GWP, or does it have to be items in stock? On a different note, this is the 10th anniversary of the Lego Movie. Any bets that we will get some anniversary sets, such as a small Benny set to commemorate? This seems possible given the space theme this year.

Curious how much you'd expect or be willing to pay for the set on the secondary market?

Agree, this is supposed to be "microscale" so not really space babies in this context, but microscale minifigures. February 17-29 makes more sense than the 19-25 reported by Bricktastic. I see Lego is running a valentines GWP now until the 14th. So, maybe the space GWP will be 15th-29th?

I'll take yours. Agree the threshold is high, for what on part count alone would be a $30 - $40 set retail. That threshold and the limited time it will be available (Bricktastic is reporting February 19-25) will likely make this a scarce set resulting in a much higher "Bricklink" asking price on the secondary market. I'm hoping this will coincide with another double Insider points offer. So for those who want this set, do you spend >$215 to get it or likely spend $70, $80, $?? to get it on the secondary market? If one has been waiting to make a larger purchase from Lego for just such an offer, this will be an easy time to buy. For others, maybe more challenging?

The blue baby is not new. It was in last year's CMF with the brown spaceman.

Anyone have a guess at the piece count in this set? How many pieces are likely prints vs. stickers? I'll be disappointed if there are no prints/all stickers.

Given time from concept to production, it would seem reasonable that they started thinking about the space theme for 2024 early in 2023, or maybe even before given how broad the space theme is this year. So, very possible when @jodawill submitted his ideas set the space theme and various set ideas were already in the works. Makes total sense to me they would not make both. @jodawill Agree, I don't think we are done with "space babies."

Oh, boy, this may be the GWP I've been waiting for. Have at least one large set on my Lego wishlist, so when this becomes available I'll be making some kind of purchase (or maybe two or three!) One site mentioned $100 purchase threshold for the GWP, but I suspect it will be higher given how much is in this set. Classic space fans, there is hope for 2024!

Surprisingly, 10497 is currently available on U.S. Lego.com at regular price ($99.99). It will be interesting to see how long Lego will have stock.