BrickPrick

So, we already touched upon this topic quite a bit. Yes, it's business, not charity, which ain't always fair for the people who actually keep those companies up and running as well. Of course, there will always be budget constraints, deadlines, resources etc. I just think those restrictions in many given sets are too tight these days. It has been not that long ago when system scale sets either had a reasonable PPP (again not a huge fan of this measurement) at the expense of a well rounded minifigure line-up or vice versa. But nowadays - definitely in the case of the CTT & MTT - it feels like you get neither of them. This downward trend of crazy cutting corners for what is supposed to be your flagship sets for the big summer wave is a sad sight to see. Then you have the UCS Jango's Slave 1. Genuinely a very well designed model all around. Arguably one of the best UCS sets in recent memory. But saying you had to prioritize new or recolored pieces in order to nail the ship's round edges over dual moulded legs for the young Boba, is yet another unquestionably unfortunate scenario. I don't blame the Lego designer. As i was telling, they probably do (close to) the best with the hand they've been dealt. And i don't envy any of them to make those design decisions. Simply put, if you are charging premium prices, you have to deliver premium products. Now "premium" doesn't have to mean "perfect". After all... what really is? Like you said, it's unrealistic to expect every single aspect to be better, while all prices stay affordable for everybody. For Lego... as well as everything else. No, premium is meant to be the best it possibly can be... or even go above and beyond that. Which goes back to keeping compromises to an absolute minimum. And this is something Lego can improve upon quite clearly. Again, less the designer, more the higher-ups. We know from experience they can be better than this. Just think some AFOLs demand more bang for their buck. They are generally willing to pay high prices for a high quality standard. Obviously, if enough people support everything regardless, it won't matter at the end of the day. Just giving Lego the best reason to go about their business as usual. Day #11 of asking Lego not to wreck the upcoming Clone Turbo Tank.

I don't think this is a overreaction at all. The many recent examples you have stated for the sake of a direct, fair comparison beg to differ. Yeah, even i grow sick and tired of it all. That's true. It usually gets worse before it can get any better. The only relatives recent counterargument set i can think of is the last Republic Fighter Tank, which actually included an additional two Battle Droids. The new CTT might have a pair of them as well, but since we are talking about full minifigures, this isn't gonna help the case that much either.

That's the thing, at one hand you've got suspension of disbelief, as the minifigure line-up leaves quite a lot to be desired. On the other hand, this is exactly why, in a "yep, sounds like Lego alright" kinda way, it's not hard to believe at all. Of course, this is merely speculation on my part. So don't quote me on that... anymore than you already did, that is. I would sacrifice a couple of Battle Droids in favour of a completely new character like Wat Tambor in a heartbeat. But i doubt Lego is gonna see it that way. That's such a sad and true realization. To go a little beyond that, the same can almost be said about the piece count. For instance, the Imperial Star Destroyer has 1555 pieces and sells for $160. Both sets (CTT & MTT), will be just shy of 1800 pieces. The only difference... They will be sold at almost twice the price. This is just insanity. Not even larger pieces and a couple of new moulds can justify this enermous price gap.

For the money they are charging, i say these would have been admirable additions, rather than just reasonable replacements. Although the latter would still be an improvement. A few more Battle Droids would not have hurt as well. For the sake of the maker, please don't let them be all regular ones. There needs to be a Commander at the very least. Thank you. I've been carried away here and there as well. Who would have thought it could get kinda difficult joining a big forum that exists for the maker knows how long. And you just show up one day, ready to share all these different thoughts collected over the years, let alone talking about all the new impressions as well. Just so much stuff to catch up to. We did it, guys. June sounds realistic to me. You know, from a certain point of view.

Speaking of the new MTT, would the total amount of two rumoured minifigures reach a new low ground for a play set of this price point? I can not for the life of me remember anything this low... not in this price range. Even though the 2014 MTT had just three true minifigs and eight B1s (plus an additional droid). So going from that, i don't find it that hard to believe. Of course, it makes a lot of sense to include a bunch of B1s in a Multi-Troop Transport. And the rumoured ten Battle Droids, which might bode well for a much bigger carrying capacity this time around, could make up for the lack of characters to some extent. The question is... is it enough? Because no matter how you slice it, 2 minifigs for a $160 play set sounds really rough on paper. I mean, all this time you get all these big Republic vehicles with very little Seperatist side as a counterpart to fight against. Now you actually get something for once, yet neglecting a rare opportunity to finally include a Seperatist leader in a fitting set, screams like wasted potential to me. Speaking of which... Day #10 of asking Lego not to violate the upcoming Clone Turbo Tank.

Haha, not in a million years. The chances of finally getting a general Star Wars CMF series is ludicrously low (or even impossible for the time being) to begin with. And there is just no way that a hypothetical line-up would be based on Andor. I think, the best case scenario would be a hybrid line consisting of multiple Disney Plus shows, akin to the Marvel one. So Andor would get like two slots in there. But then again, at the point this even got a chance to happen, Lego would probably have moved on and be focused on different sub-themes. Not that i am the one from shying away in wishful thinking department. I am on opposite ends for this one. It would feel odd to me if Lego Star Wars wasn't for once late to the party. Unfortunately... yes.

Well, do you see anybody in here who argues about this stuff or says otherwise? I don't. I meany why make it this grand competition all of a sudden? While some comparisons are only natural to have in these conversations, i don't get all these "yeah, but this stuff has happened before" arguments. I am well aware this isn't exactly the first time Star Wars explores other sides of the spectrum. But we still haven't seen it in ways that Andor delivers before. That's the point, i think. Oh, i can definitely see your point of view. I don't like it either when parts of the Star Wars fanbase becomes this sorta cult who is instantly shitting their pants over a two second cameo in a trailer or something. It's like toying with a shiny object in front of a cat. Though i wouldn't go as far as to say RO contradicts ANH at it's core. Yeah, i think as long as it is an Andor system scale set, it would have both my curiosity and my attention. Can't wait for my personal U-Wing. The Marauder was one of these rock solid 40 bucks play sets. Where have those been, lately? We need them back! Feels like they basically got replaced by overpriced Jedi Starfighters for the time being. Yes....exactly. Written as fine as beskar armour is durable. Day #9 of asking Lego not to ruin the upcoming Clone Turbo Tank.

Even without having to fear getting thrown into the Rancor pit, these are the last things i wanna say about Andor for now. The Ghorman - this includes the scenery and their language - are officially confirmed to be based on french people. Most casted characters are actually portrayed by french actors as well. That can't be a coincidence. I forgot to mention... I like how Andor handles all the fan service. It never relies on that, but can stand on its own, just how it should be. Of course they let you know this is all part of the same universe. And given the timeline, you will see certain connections and have your usual easter eggs. But it doesn't throw member berries at you left and right. I feel like Rogue One alone did more than the entire first season of Andor combined. In my book, this is just fan service done right. To be back on topic though... Yes, even without the TIE Avenger as the obvious choice, Lego would be unwise to not capitalize on Andor's success. An imperial Battle Pack or that Troop Transport thingy (similar to the Marauder) would be good gets.

Yes, it's obviously still about the big evil empire against the small courageous rebellion, but presented less in a black and white fashion. And yep, the Empire is the most evil we ever witnessed them on screen. We may perceive it this way due to the visually intensive presentation. So, what happened in Episode 8 (one day short of spoiling stuff) comes across as more evil than blowing up an entire planet and wiping out the maker knows how many lives all at once. On screen it is the worst, in universe it is not. It shows the many compromisses that must have been made along the way. The establishment of the rebellion, despite all their good intentions, took quite a toll and had big consequences for everyone involved. Andor, while a good guy at heart, has to do some morally questionable things to archive his goals. He clearly ain't your average hero from a fairytale that we got before. Sure, we already knew this from Rogue One. But Andor, thanks to the medium as well, goes much more in-depth with all that. Oh, there is nothing wrong with good vs. evil storytelling. Otherwise i would never have gotten into Star Wars in the first place. It's just whenever Star Wars tried something else, it was usually... not the greatest thing in the world. But Andor dares to be different and it works wonderfully. It also has that Spy/Espionage vibe to it an earlier Rogue One trailer gave away as well. But due to reshoots, there wasn't much left in the final cut of the movie. Now it basically went full circle.

Well yeah, I'm having a tough time to imagine the look of this set going off of these scetches... accurate as they might be. Not too huge on PPP in general, but considering near 20 cents per piece, this whole thing was obviously of to a rocky start. I know it will be an outrageously, unfairly overpriced set. To me, most Lego (Star Wars) sets are overpriced nowadays anyways. It's less a question of if and more a matter of just how much. But given the natural discrepancy you can have between the actual product and the company behind it, there is lots to like or love as well. It's either high quality yet too pricey, or just the latter. So, like always, i wonder what camp the CTT will fall into... or if it even covers some middle ground. But as far as i'm concerned, i think this set is bound to deal in absolutes.

I understand. Andor is just... the best Star Wars that isn't your typical Star Wars experience. Perhaps it's so freaking good because of that. As you finally break out of all these black and white schemes, good vs. evil, the force, lightsabers etc. You let loose of all that and what you get instead is a more mature, serious show that deals with all these grey areas. You can say, it shows you what Star Wars still can be after all these years. I appreciate the grounded and gritty approach. The complexity of the characters and how you don't need to rely on the action for the big moments. Sometimes you are straight up just watching a powerful monologue for a couple minutes and that's that. Or an entire episode goes by with next to no action whatsoever. But when it actually ramps it, it hits twice as hard, because they were building up the tension brilliantly. Which - in my eyes - justifies the slow pacing for the most part. When the shit hits the fan, they are not holding back and everything feels so visceral. The cinematography is stunning and a sight to behold. The acting is great across the board. Some of the music gives me goosebumps. I could go on and on... Only criticism that i have would be some uneven pacing here and there. And that some of the set design feels a tad too much like real life. Day #8 of asking Lego not to dishonour the upcoming Clone Turbo Tank.

This reminds me, i know i'm getting completely off-topic right now, i was recently reading that France is the first country worldwide where local supermarkets are bound by law to donate any left over groceries to those in need. Can you confirm that? I mean, that seems like such a good thing to do. Having watched Tales of the Underworld by now, i already can't wait for Lego to don't do anything about it.

Well yeah, i was merely joking, but it's good to know about the credibility of these scetches. And this right there is a perfect example of why inflation, while obviously a factor for all these price increases (like everything out there gets more expensive), is far from the only aspect that plays into that, like Lego wants some of us to believe. The set simply released too recently to make it a one way road. There will be absolutely no justification why the upcoming Turbo Tank (yeah yeah we haven't seen it yet) will be 50/60% more expensive than the Inquisitor Transport Scythe. Okay, so this will be the next shop exclusive, then. That's what i wanted to know. Thanks. It's supposed to be a Gingerbread AT-AT. Day #7 of asking Lego not to obliterate the upcoming Clone Turbo Tank.

Blasphemy. Using actual drawings as a basis to fuel speculation for upcoming sets, is where i literally draw the line. Other than that, pretty decent for what? A 100_ set tops? Sure. For the actual price it releases? Not so much. Day #6 of asking Lego not to, oh wait, i already did that today.

If i did my math correctly, based on the one and only @CloneCommando99 calculations, we are at Day #19 now. So, i finally got to build the Kamino Training Facility set and am very happy with it. As far as character accuracy goes, the Clone Cadets are probably as close to perfection as you can get. Did not expect Lego to give them both arm printing and dual moulded (already available Santa) legs. I mean, these GWPs always come down to a "damn if you do - damn if you don't" kinda situation. If the set is well executed, everyone and their mother hates the extra paywall and is asking for a regular release. If it's not appealing or a no-show to begin with, of course, everyone else is disappointed. Just think it's about nailing that sweet spot between popularity and obscurity, tend to go with the latter since Star Wars Day kinda speaks more to hardcore fans of the franchise. And in that regard, this year's GWP excels more than the Trade Federation Troop Carrier from 2024. Like, you could make that distinction between a good set and a bad choice for a GWP. Personally appreciate the long awaited return of minifigures for the May the 4th Promo. Combined with some actual builds, it basically makes up for a best of both worlds approach, combining the old and more recent GWPs. I hope they stick with this format for the foreseeable future.

Ah yes, i am aware of these leaks. Though i was under the impression it's another one of those employee gifts like the old Christmas X-Wing, rather than a set on sale. Yep, this is it. Day #6 of asking Lego not to annihilate the upcoming Clone Turbo Tank (or whatever the heck it is).

Ha, i knew i had to research every Lego set in existence before asking such a question. But yeah, i was basically just asking wether or not Lego Star Wars will reach this end of the line (~75999). And if it does, what happens next. Seeing it took them like a dozen or so years for even reaching the halfway point (that's with some skipped set numbers), i know it's probably gonna be a while. See you in 2037, then. What i will say, though, regardless of set numbers, i hope they stick with the 2022 introduced (and not at all inspired by The Black Series) box art for a long time. Ah, gotcha. I figured out everything but the K. I think we are gonna get the full minifigure list for the Death Star starting next month, when i expect the summer wave to be leaked in more detail as well. So, this GWP is not supposed to be the equivalent of last year's Imperial Dropship vs. Rebel Scout Trooper set, right? Do we even know if there will be another one of these shop exclusives this year? Day #5 of asking Lego not to blow up the upcoming Clone Turbo Tank.

Like i said, it's difficult to even be cautiously optimistic about this one anymore. You just inspired me to be a cheap copy cat, so i'm playing my own "too little - too late" kinda game now. But what does KUBAR stand for; you mean when something is beyond aid? @CallumPears Yes, i'm fairly confident the GA will make it into the Lego Magazine. And i will take fully advantage of that. As for messing up the minifig... Well, hopefully not beyond Lego's usual shortcomings, like worse than the printed waist capes. Anyways, you guys think we actually gonna make it to set 76000 one day?

Yeah, i was using Brickset for reference in terms of minifigures, piece count and price point and tried to match Lego's current mantra of building downsized ships with more, smaller pieces, plus take inflation and some corporate greed into account. I was less thinking about how a reasonable human being would do these things, but moved more along the mindset how Lego would go about it. And yes, i was purposely limiting my selection to just a trio per Prequel episode. Feels like i'm barely scratching the surface. I was also paying attention to not clash with your ideas, which are pretty good as well. Your N1-Starfighter (including long overdue Theed Padme) pitch is the stuff of what dreams are made of. Oh, i was going back and forth with Tarfful and an additional Wookie Warrior for the Catamaran. Then i thought it would be unrealistic for Lego to include three or even more Wookies in a single set of this scale. And given that they tend to rotate old figures in exchange for an exclusive character, i picked the King of the Wookies over Tarfful. Which on the other hand would be more appealing than just another Chewbacca for sure, but Lego likes their main characters so much, i thought this would make more sense as well.

I appreciate your advice. Even though, except a selected few minifigures, i have never bought any Lego sets in used condition. While i just know the new CTT will definitely end up being a drastically overpriced set, i would have gotten it at a deep discount later on anyways. And yes, the FOMO in regards to my beloved Glup Shitto Troopers will be strong with this one. But if it has no redeeming qualities whatsoever, then yeah... i might consider getting the old one for a somewhat reasonable price. Day #4 of asking Lego not to mess up the upcoming Clone Turbo Tank.

Because unlike other shrunken down models, the previous Turbo Tank was already decently downsized. This one will be pretty clearly even smaller than that and might break boundaries of what a system scale set (at this price point no less) is supposed to be. I want to be cautiously optimistic about this one, but ever since the leaks with the brick-build wheels, this has been proven quite difficult for me. Still anticipating the official reveal or some more concrete leaks, though. Yep. Oh man, i really regret not getting the 2016 version when it was still available. Because other than getting some nice minifigures at long last... the build will probably end up being disappointing, especially at this price tag. Like, i'm not even against the idea of a CTT for 150/160 bucks in 2025. That's hardly surprising after the Coruscant Gunship or the AT-TE. I just have a tough time seeing the value proposition. Even as someone who doesn't care a great deal about PPP.

Day #3 of asking Lego not to massacre the upcoming Clone Turbo Tank. In favor of a more detailed and sizable build, i would be fine with a possible TIE Avenger, based on the first episode's opening, to only include three minifigs. Them being Cassian Andor in his test pilot suit, a Range Trooper and a Stormtrooper. Maybe add that droid for good measure. But yeah, it wouldn't exactly be the first time that a comparable set only comes with three full figs either.

Okay, looks like you will have some stuff to look forward and keep yourself occupied to. Yep, i missed out on some of the Solo and Rogue One minifigs, including Range Troopers, too. His inclusion in the TIE Avenger would work wonders for me. Oh man... In terms of remakes, clearly one of the most glaring omissions there is. Even though, according to the Force of Creativity Book, they cancelled a new Zam Wessel minifigure in 2020, so we were kinda close on this one. Ah okay, gotcha. Yeah, this is what i have been caught up as well. I was thinking what's wrong about including two Stormies and two regular Death Trooper in the old RO Battle Pack. In retrospect, it would have made more sense (besides that Captain Enoch guy who will probably appear in a Season 2 set) to include a single Death Trooper in the Battle of Peridea set instead of a Night Trooper. Oh, that's good to know. And after watching episodes 7-9, this doesn't surprise me in the slightest. Still processing all this stuff. Okay, from all the EU places that i got to visit, i only saw these Magazines in Germany. And that's totally fine with me. Yeah, wasn't the Bespin Duel first intended to show up for Star Wars Celebration, but was then delayed and relocated to SDCC due to Covid? And yes, now you seem to get more retailer exclusives sets going on, rather than that and region based exclusivity. Absolutely. These smaller Star Wars sets are sorely missing. Not just the Duel sets, but the old format you referred to as well. Those Accessory Packs complimenting some Battle Packs weren't too shabby, either. I obviously don't know about their stock, but these things were sold out almost all the time, so they seemed to be quite popular. And Lego was like, nah, let's just never do them again. Of course, their disappearance could be solved by just getting more Battle Packs per year. @Agent Kallus Almost missed your comment about the CTT... Yep, it would be funny after all this chaos if it was something else entirely. But yeah... Day #2 of asking Lego not to screw up the upcoming Clone Turbo Tank.

Oh, I'm not brave enough for politics, but did you know the Mos Eisley Cantina interior scene was actually filmed near London? The exterior was obviously shot in Tunisia, but the inside was based on the UK. Yes, i can almost smell the signature superioty of the third Andor arc. I have a feeling it will be the best one yet. I'm actually going to play my own (too little too late) game now: Day #1 of asking Lego not to butcher the upcoming Clone Turbo Tank.

Looks like the Battle Droid with STAP recieved a much needed $10 price increase. Yeah, i can definitely get behind this. It was almost a steal at 130 bucks! Personally, it doesn't affect me, but this deal is really getting worse all the time.