Yeow

My first was Cafe Corner, which I finished in about 2 hours I believe. I intend to get Green Grocer sometime soon, although I might need something bigger. I'm an extremely fast builder and even large creations don't take me too long =[

Very nice review. I probably won't get it due to the shear size of it, but I must say it is quite magnificent looking. The color scheme is perfect

When I was carrying set 7744 Police Headquarters, it felt extremely heavy. When I brought it home, I realized it had included at least 2 extra bags of parts. One included the minifig heads and the other was pieces to the little control tower. I also got an extra pistol in 7620 Indiana Jones Motorcycle Chase, though I think this happened to many others. I have yet to receive an extra sticker set though. I used to believe that extra parts are included because the parts aren't counted, but weighed. Therefore, small pieces wouldn't register much at all, so some slip in. I'm not sure about this now, especially after those 2 extra bags in 7744.

Most of mine have now re-stocked ..Target has a full blown Power Miners display set up, with the models in a case and everything.

The prototype doesn't look different visually from the released version, although I do see some texture-related differences. I also believe that the brick-built McDonald's promotions were at the top of the list.

Very creative, putting the Financial Crisis to "good" use.

I like the concept of this set, but it seems quite large to fit comfortably in a city. I too, think it will be $29.99, as the Dump Truck was $19.99 and this seems larger.

Here's a short video of him setting the scene up.

If you have the patience to enter each item you want into your Wanted List, Bricklink does have a feature that searches all stores for items on your list. You can then filter it by the number of unique lots, which is much better than the alternative. Searching by lowest price isn't an option though.

I find it weird how they used a different type of tire on the trailer part of the 18 wheeler. They look really odd compared to the cab's wheels. Nothing a little modding couldn't fix eh? Nice review as always!

I'd have to disagree with you. Sets like the Death Star are specifically geared for AFOLS. Adults complain about the lack of minifigures - this has like 16 including droids and such. It's essentially a UCS that isn't simply a model. In addition, my guess would be that most AFOLs are people who either played and collected Lego as a kid or bought Lego for their children and got hooked. Remember, it's the kids playing with Lego, not the parents. It's not if the parent likes it or not. On the original subject, I believe that Lego could only beat SES or BSB if they didn't always have to worry about the price. As a kid, the only $100 sets that I got were at Christmas/Birthday. TLG is so concerned with keeping prices down that they probably can't beat the originals. SES and BSB both included four cannons. Brickbeard's Bounty only has two.

The opposite has happened to me. I had been part of the Lego Club for 10 years before I started ordering from S@H. They stopped sending magazines and started sending catalogs for obvious reasons. Maybe TLG is sending you subliminal messages?

Are we positive that Transport Kit is the official name? If it is, I think they will have to release a smaller wind turbine than 4999. Re-packaging 4999 without the Vestas logo on it would of been ideal, but TLG is probably in some contract with Vestas that prevents them from doing so.

I usually have to wait a good two-three weeks into January before Wal-Mart, Target or TRU restock anything. I've never figured out why they take so long, as it has happened for the past few years, but I assume it's simply a lack of shipments.

Very nice use of colors, it's quite eye catching!

I must agree.. the chef's face is rather creepy.

The first set I remember actually playing with was 6345 Aerial Acrobats. I love those planes.. I also received 1896 Trauma Team around the same time.

Very nice layout! How did you stay sane laying down all those 1x1 tile?

You've also got to remember that Lego pieces are made from oil, which I don't need to mention that prices the last few years have skyrocketed (minus their recent free fall). The whole economy and items in general are getting smaller / more cheaply made while Lego has stayed relatively consistent.

The problem is that kids probably don't set up permanent cities like AFOL's do. Kids also probably don't have access to many road plates, and just play with the sets as is.

It looks incredibly bland without the stickers.. must be the bright colors. Nice review!

I like how the rear of the truck is designed, very nice!

Are the orange lights on the top of the cab and in the cones a new piece? It looks like one of those LED covers from the UFO's and such..

count me in!

The van is a nice addition to my civilian fleet, that's for sure.