AFOL SF

In order for some of us to help you decide whether to buy a set or not - may we know what is the primary reason why you are contemplating on buying one? Is it to satisfy your curiosity as to how well the bricks are made/molded (and maybe compared to the Lego brand)? Or maybe to acquire the instruction booklet? Does anyone in the forum have already owned one and can you pls give us your feedback about the product? I do recall there was a discussion about it a few weeks back (but I may be mistaken). Is this the one that's made in China or Korea?

Damn, now I know why you never come to our meetings. XD Don't you worry, I'll try my best to at least attend one of BayLUG's meeting this year, regardless of the gas price.

Just to add to this information... as of May 2007, all packages going international from the US are being sent Airmail (the US Postal Service has discontinued Surface Mail). Please take into consideration the cost of postage if ever any of you want to go this route. For larger boxes like the Green Grocer (for example), might tack in extra cost for 'oversized package' on top of the regular postage.

So you're into Ferrari's huh? Did you see the Ferrari truck set on sale at S@H ($20 off retail, I think) but still pricey, if you ask me. Occasionally I see good deals on eBay but if you had some bad experiences there... then that's another story. I'll keep you posted if I see any good deals around. So you're into Town Theme. How much is the Police Truck back home? I might be able to help you out on that one. Walang problema... anything to help a fellow AFOL and kabayan!

I'm with you, brother, when it comes to the high price of some (or all) sets... even in the US! So what I do is wait for some sets to go on sale (usually at 25-33% off retail) or eventually, a coupon or out-of-the-blue discounting in one (or more) of the local stores I frequent. There is a catch though, one has to be early to take advantage of such as there are other collectors waiting, just like myself. Or, the store may not have enough stock for everyone. The bottomline is - are you trusting enough to send money to that someone to get you the set(s) and then mail it out to you in Germany (I suppose where you live)? I'm not saying people here in the forum are not to be trusted with such an endevour but as we all know, there are always a few bad apples in any club or organization. What I'm saying is, just be careful with whom you are going to ask a favor/deal with, so you won't come out empty handed. It would be nice if everyone is trustworthy and willing to help fellow AFOLs... No offense, people... just my personal thoughts.

Caffeine - I'll keep you posted on 'developments...' Thanks for the support... Same to Athos... I do appreciate your input. Let's see what will transpire in the next few weeks... summer is just around the corner and for sure there will be lots of activities going on. Gas prices are already over $4/gallon in my area. Adik - I misquoted... I meant GIFT GATE, not Sanrio... horhorhor!!! I was thinking of the girly-store. I was back home last Dec '05 but didn't see any Lego sets. But then again I didn't go to Rustan's or the newly opened TRU. My relatives brought me to Toy Kingdom and several toy stores inside the mall which carries Hotwheels, StarWars action figures and Playmobil sets, to name a few. That's good to know Lego is back in the limelight back home. Specifically, what theme are you collecting? Have you tried buying on eBay? Don't you worry - we'll find some other Pinoys out there. Have you tried looking at Lugnet.com, under organization. There is 1 club I think that is locally based.

Thanks for the post, whung... much appreciated. I like the plane... looks like a transport. Since it's a TRU exclusive, I wonder if the Lego stores/S@H will also carry it? On previous exclusives, usually TLC have some inventory to sell, too. Any inside scoop on this?

Hey, Adik... you're based in Manila? As in, the Pearl of the Orient Seas? Horhorhor!!! Kabayan! I thought Sanrio stopped selling lego sets years ago? Back in the early 80s, when Lego was first introduced in our beloved country, National Bookstore was the biggest distributor around, then all of a sudden the stores stopped selling them (by late 90s I think). If I'm not mistaken, the last Lego set I saw in one of the Sanrio stores in Makati was in 2001 or '02. It was the Maersk container truck. At that time it was selling for US$50 (converted). I thought it was alot of money for a small set like that. Now, I want to kick myself in the... for not getting it. So, tell me- how do you go about acquiring Lego sets?

Thanks for all of your responses, guys... These are great ideas which I'll be looking into. I'm not expecting a huge turnout or membership... if I could get at leat 5-7 people, that's good enough. So far, I know of 3 people who're willing to start a club (that's 4 including myself). Members coming from San Francisco-Daly City-San Bruno-Millbrae-South San Francisco is my target. But I am not going to limit membership to these parts of the Bay Area. Someone could even be a citizen of Jupiter or Mars for all I care and can still join the club/be a member. Once this club is well established (if ever it comes to reality), maybe we can incorporate it into BayLUG. That's my point, all the meetings are down south. Why can't there be (even a small one) in or around San Francisco? I know of alot of collectors (mostly adults), that's why I'd like to give this a try. As the saying goes, "it's better to have tried and failed than never to have tried at all."

Hello once more, everyone- I need your expertise (advice and any kind of input) in putting up or starting a (local) Lego Club. My vision is more of a group of people (of all ages, but preferrably young adults) meeting once or every other month and exchange ideas about the hobby. Nothing fancy, just a loose get-together and if possible, members should not be more than 30 minutes' drive away from each other. So far, what I've been reading is that when existing clubs have a meeting, some members drive at least an hour or so to attend. Is this vision an impossibility?

Good idea! Thank you.

Hello everyone- I saw an ad somewhere a few days ago, saying that Legoland California is turning 10 yrs next year (2009). Is there anyone out there who knows of any special events happening next summer in celebration of its 10th year in operation? Also, any update on the new Legoland Theme Park being built somewhere in Kansas? Or is this just a rumor? Any input is appreciated.

Called my local Lego store this morning and was informed a shipment of 8 units (Green Grocer) arrived. Yes!... Took a long lunch and rushed to the store. Good thing I had 1 set saved for me - all 7 were sold even before I arrived. So now I have my very own Green Grocer!

Coincidentally, I just placed 3 separate orders from BL a couple of weeks ago. 2 of these orders I already received and hopefully the 3rd will arrive this coming week. I don't order often, maybe once every few months; this is due to the fact that I don't have the talent of MOCing. Most of the parts I order are plants and vegetations to supplement my LegoTown display which I have proudly names Smith Center.

Edit by Hinckley: Please don't quadruple post. There is an edit button you can use in the lower right hand corner of your post to add on. Thanks. Ooppss - sorry about that. Didn't know. Won't do it again.

Thank you so much for this bit of information. I wonder if Amazon.Com will also carry this book? Will someone please confirm?

Read on, my friend but never believe everything that's being said unless it's "confirmed." Look at it this way, there are alot of people in this forum who're knowledgeable and the truth eventually comes out in the end.

Attending my very first Lego Convention - BrickFest PDX07. It's awesome! I always wonder how the other conventions compares to BrickFest?

Not only is his creations superb and highly detailed, the guy is quite friendly, too! With the F-14 Tomcat being retired (was it last year?) as a frontline fighter by the US Navy, I decided to order his MOC. You are right, his MOCs are expensive and most of them are already 'retired' but he is thinking of selling the older kits again (no date given). While surfing eBay a couple of years ago, I was lucky enough to stumble onto these auctions of the P-40 Kittyhawk and the small jeep (a.k.a. rat patrol) to add to my small motorpool.

Go for it... I say buy the thing. You might not get another chance.

Some people (especially hardcore collectors) wants to hide stuff sometimes. Hiding places could be anywhere in the store... even under the metal shelves (don't ask me how they're able to lift those things)! That's why discontinued sets in 1's and 2's suddenly appear from time to time after years of nonexistence. Other times, a pallet or box will be 'accidentally' buried in the warehouse until it gets 'rediscovered.' If you get lucky, prices of these sets will have fallen to 50-75% off retail. I've seen it happen on several occasions. I was first introduced to the Dwarve's Mine sometime in October (or November) of last year. The store I frequent has at least 30 to 40 sets and took weeks before stock starts moving. Then all of a sudden it was gone, this was around early January (I think). The funny thing was, it didn't even went on sale! I guess word spread around quickly and everyone started grabbing a set (or two). Isn't it amazing!? I guess some people are simply 'richer' than others... Or... plain crazy. After a brief absence in my local store, I'm seeing more Clone BPs again, but not as much as the Droid BPs. Case in point, grab more of the Clone BPs if you need one before its finally gone. Edit by Hinckley: Please don't quadruple post. There is an edit button you can use in the lower right hand corner of your post to add on. Thanks.

How much do you think this mini set will cost in the secondary market?

Advises are welcome! *sweet* Personally, I think these are quite expensive for the whole lot, considering you no longer need 2 of the vehicles in this auction. My suggestion - be patient and keep looking - There will always be someone who'll be selling their 'old sets/collection' for a much cheaper/lower price. Good luck!

Went to the Lego store after working halfday, trying my luck to finally get a hold of the Green Grocer set. Unfortunately, from the shipment the store received yesterday, all were sold the same day. Just my luck. Will try again next week.

Wow! As in 500,000 sets!?... and counting!? Is it "safe" to assume a "minimum" of 100,000 copies per set then? I'm impressed!