daisy

Well this is not actually made with LEGO. But a way to display/play with LEGO at our home. We really needed a storable way to display/play with our LEGO sets. (Dont have room for more tables, and the bare surfaces were overflowing and disordered) We have mostly Friends sets, so I created a map of Hearlake City. I saw this one on lego.com. But it is pretty small, and I would rather spend the money on actual LEGO. My other hobby is quilting (I have an affinity for putting colored shapes together ) I used only fabric I had on hand as I didn't want to spend money that could go for LEGO, so the patterns/colors aren't my ideal choices, but I think they work. Currently I know my 2 little (5 & 3) girls are going to mostly play on it. But I hope as they get older we be able to use it to design nice displays each winter. And now I get to "make nice displays" ( or play ) after they go to bed. So here is Heartlake City: It is about 3' by 5', I designed it freehand based on the map that comes in the sets. Here: with LEGO set up. Even though it is on carpet - it is flat/sturdy enough for minidolls to stand. The binding on the edge keeps pieces from wandering off into the short shag. There is plenty of room for new sets/mocs. My girls couldnt resist playing with it right away, those minidolls below are swimming/sunbathing And although I set it up with friends sets for pics, soon afterwards minifigures and other sets/mocs joined the friends. We are very pro LEGO integration around here

This can be a tough one for me. My girls and I got into lego at the same time and they have the some nice sets, so if I want them to share I have to share. I do have my own lego that is sorted for me to use. They can use pieces if they ask. The main reason I keep it set aside is that I don't want to lose essential pieces, and theirs simply doesn't stay sorted. I let them play with my sets when they are built, but I try to emphasize not breaking them apart or the critical pieces to be careful with ( do not lose my purple tools!). But it is a toy and I want them to enjoy it, so I try to temper my anxiety. Random lego, like garage sale purchases and our PAB cup we got in Chicago last year are divided, usually unevenly, more in my stash than theirs. I make sure they have lots of lego so their isn't usually a need to raid mine unless that want to play with a specific set. I "borrow" a lot of theirs though so sometimes I have to look for a piece they need for their sets in my stash. Mine are quite young yet, 5 and 3. I imagine when they are a bit older we will just share it all.

I got my set at TRU. It was with the other bricks and more sets. Which at TRU happens to be in the same aisle as friends. I haven't seen anywhere else yet.

I don't think young kids really tune into the storyline of non-lisenced sets, unless they see commercials or something. And my daughters would probably not care if the princess was a hero. Lol. But I do think making a princess in the foreground of the box art who is involved in the action would make a difference. I have never pushed girlie stuff on my 5 y/o, but if the box has all male figures on the front she will tell me it is for boys. If there was a princess riding a horse or something, she would be all for it. A princess- less castle would be a hard sell in the store. But if I brought it home to her combined with the young builders princess, she would probably go for it. Oh and I can almost guarantee my 5 y/o will want to swap those blue and red bricks for pink and purple if possible. So a pink princess would get a big thumbs up from her. But she would be happy with any color. As long as there is an obvious girl. Oh but I do live in fear of lego expanding its Disney princess line past duplo. My girls haven't seen the movies, but they still have some frustrating attraction to those princesses... Groan...

I did notice Emma's eyes were brighter green. I don't have any of the other 2013's except Kate, who is actually my favorite looks wise, I am not sure why

I found it in the girl aisle at my target. It was marked $4.99 but rang up $3.99. I should have bought another one. It is a bit disappointing that Emma has the same outfit as several other sets. But the light aqua plates, Popsicle and ice cream cone are nice :)

I think the second one is the school, though I thought at first that the foreground turreted building was the school too. Actually that building intrigues me as it was in the middle of the city on the old map, and looked like part of a campus, but now it looks residential.

Heartlake city has a new map. We have the Olivia's foal set and I noticed there is a new map of heartlake city. Of course it is tiny in my small set. There is a building that looks like a school. I also see a building with a cupcake(I think) on it And I think I can see a new car, but too tiny to make out the detail. They have moved several buildings in the city, including Olivia's house. The roads have also changed quite a bit. Wondering if anyone with one of the bigger sets has checked out the map for details? The map from the first wave 2012 sets did show several of second wave 2012 sets.

Wow, long thread, interesting discussion :) I was looking for info on the new sets, didn't know I would learn so much about heraldry etc... I am really excited about the new castle sets, and while I see how they aren't phenomenal from an AFOL standpoint, I think lego has it right. There is a place for castle for kids, especially in the younger demographic. As mentioned LotR really wasn't targeted at that demographic. Although the new movie is coming out, the previous movies are going on 10 yrs old. Older than much of TLG's target audience. I also think we need to consider the girl factor. There are a lot more young girls excited about lego since the new friends line. As a mom of young girls I know there are 2 major play themes among young girls: 1)dollhouse/Barbie - which "Friends" has done a fabulous job with 2)princess - this is an area where lego could expand the girl market My daughter wanted a lego castle last yr, but alas there wasn't one. Kingdoms Joust is not really an option for a 5 y/o. And neither of us see "castle" when we look at LotR sets. TLG seems to realize that there is interest in castles among girls, mostly the 12 and under set. Thus the princess bricks and more set which was mentioned previously. I can see great potential with girls ( little and AFFOL) picking up a princess set and combing it with the king's castle. Surely TLG has considered this as well.

Old Avatar: New avatar: Even in a distant galaxy, Space Bunny stil can't resist raiding gardens.

This is just gorgeous!! and yes it evokes an artsy high end vibe. I especially love the apartment. It looks like someplace you could actually live, except I didn't see a refrigerator? ;)

Can friends animals be used?

Thanks for the fantastic review. You do such a wonderful job. This set will definitely be on my Christmas list, though I may have to find a way to get it before then. The creator sets are definitely my favorites. I thought "slushie" machine immediately upon seeing it too

Thanks for the review. Nice job. I like getting to see all the parts laid out like that. I know we will be getting this one as my daughter has already requested it for her birthday. So the playability will be a plus in our house. I do see the trailer getting pushed aside though. (Thats all right, mom can scavenge it for bricks ) Wish they would make a better variety of "clothes" for the minidolls. We already have several copies of all those Olivia pieces, they will just add to the pile. though for Nicole. I am really glad they have decided to include different minidolls as the extra person in the larger sets. We are so desperately in need of variety.

Yes but when did you first see a depiction of a Geisha - when you understood what they "really do" (edited to change that to "what you think they really do" as the above geisha conversation appeared while adding my response)or when you just thought they were some type of Japanese dancer. Similarly americans frequently depict saloon girls doing the can-can in a family friendly way - when that definitely wasn't what they "really did" for a living. And as a kid I saw geishas and saloon girls in a family friendly way. There are plenty of non TLG examples of the "lego veil" (or the Western theme park veil etc...) for these types of characters. I think that is part of the key. Most of the current TLG themes that are questionable have multiple versions of the source material. (With the possible exception of Indiana Jones - though since that only lasted 2 years, had a limited number of sets, and is no longer available from TLG - it may not have met current guidelines, and probably shouldn't be included in the arguement) As far as the other themes, I doubt they would make batman sets if the only source material was the current Batman movie series. But "kid friendly" batman has been around a long time. Same with avengers. I recall seeing the original Star wars in the theater. Based on it's release date I would have been at most 5 years old. The original movie was kid friendly, the newer ones were definitely darker. I haven't personally seen the rest of the source material for the other themes in question - but since they are based on children's books and amusement park rides they also meet the varied source material cconcept. Varied source material provides opportunity for the "Lego Veil" as it has been referred to. Single (and more obscure) source material doesn't lend itself to that type of approach. I don't think TLG has any reason to lie about the results of their review. C'mon if they said we won't make this because we don't think it will be profitable, don't you think people would argue that point too.

Really like the pics of the alternate builds. Especially the surf shack one It definitely does look like some nice parts. At first the red roof turned me off, but I am hard pressed to think of a color that would look a lot better (I have plenty of black to change it for if I just don't like it) Lots of nice plates in this one as well. It does seem a bit pricey compared to other creator sets, but that is a lot of "rarer" light blue bricks. Might have to wait for Christmas due to the price. Would be fun for daydreaming on a snowy day though

This is beautful. The buildings are great but the little details, like the fountain, parking, bus stop etc...make it absolutely fantastic. Excellent job

The facade is beautiful. Glad you doubled it I think the cobblestone sidewalk is lovely too. Well done It probably is "lamp lighter" in english. But lanternier sounds much nicer, and is very understandable to an english speaker, since we use the word lantern.

I remember your coalman. This is lovely as well. I like his grinding wheel. I may be showing my american background, but it did take me a while to figure out what a street grinder was. I am assuming he goes from house to house sharpening knives and such?

Hmmm...it is hard to portray tone on here, but I am not trying to be arguementative but to understand. Do you believe inventing robots and driving atv's to be stereotypical scenarios for girls? Also there is a difference between "stereotypical" and typical. Stereotypical means an over simplified view. Typical means common. Baking, hair, animals are typical interests for young girls, many many young girls. Do you object to these typical activities. In other words do you prefer girls do not bake, do not do their hair, do not enjoy animals etc...? I suppose if you find these activities somehow offensive, I would still disagree with you, but could see the logical progression of your opinion. However since the Friends theme also includes activities that truly aren't common among girls, like robot building. it does not seem that one could call it an oversimplified view - therefore stereotypical. I do realize that some woman become upset because they might not like something that other woman commonly enjoy. But being unique is OK. However i feel it is important to allow girls access to a varitety of interests, including baking etc... And it is also important to realize that views vary and that is OK as well. Personally I will avoid exposing my children to moshi monsters. I dislike the premise of the toys. But just because I have issues with the toys doesn't mean I am going to say you shouldn't let your kids play with them. Oh and I am impressed that you have so much Friends lego at your walmart. Polybags disappeared pretty quick here, and there is only ever one or 2 boxes on the shelf. That beauty shop is rarely seen in my area.

Hello, I decided to inventory my husband's old lego sets. I thought he had only the Exxon Station and 733 Universal Building Set. I was quite delighted when I found 5 small town sets (fully built) stored in his 733 box. Three of these sets included instructions in excellent condition. Thought I would try a review of my favorite one: Motorcycle Transport. ....Steve used to take his motorcycle everywhere. He would zoom around the living room wild & free(but safe - he always wore his helmet)Then in the late 80's he found a nice storage spot in a 733 box. He hung out in the dark with a construction worker, some race car dirvers, and a tow truck driver. But now after nearly a quarter century, he is finally seeing the light of day... Number:6654 Name:Motorcycle Transport Theme:Classic Town Year:1983 Minifigures:1 Pieces:50 Price:??? I don't have the box to this set but I do have the instructions. They have spent most of the last quarter century in their original fold, so they were pretty hard to flatten out. They are just one long strip. Here is the front: Note the 3 alternate builds. And "Steve" wears his helmet for everything - so safety conscious "Steve" isn't a very exciting guy to look at. But hey, he does have a motorcycle...so he is pretty cool. We have to flip the paper over to begin building: Not quite as simple as the directions now-a-days. Guess us kids from the 80's had a rough life. But still an easy build. We have to flip the instructions again to finish the trailer. The build is certainly not difficult but fun for a small "impulse size" set. I actually had to unbuild the set. It came apart easily, and the pieces are still in good shape. Here are the pieces: The motorcycle is one piece according to bricklink. However, I was able to remove the wheels without difficulty. You just add the 1x1 yellow tiles to "build" it. Still, I think it is pretty cool. Also there are several nice hinges, including the hinged roof for the truck. I also think the blue triangle slope pieces are a nice touch. So here it is, as built by my husband in the 80's: (I did play with it a little, I posed Steve, and I just noticed I forgot to pop that blue slope back down fully, oops ) And here is Steve on his motorcycle: It is hard to rate this set. It is such a lovely nostalgic little thing. It definitely gets a 5 for playability. My girls have been zooming the motorcycle around our house. Good swoosh factor It is a nice simple design with some nice touches. I am delighted to have found it. Hope it brings back some nice memories for y'all. Thanks for reading, Debbie (daisy)

Very nice. Chem lab is cool.

I agree this is a rediculous comment. This line is aimed at girls 5 to 12. The friends look very similar to the build of most 11-12 year old girls. Even though, since they drive cars, we might think they are more like 16. So if anything they are hyposexualized. And what is the deal with fancy hair comment? We have 4 of the mini-dolls. All except one have very basic hairstyles - pony-tail, partial pony-tail, long and loose. Only the blonde appears to have a styled haircut, and even it is mostly just straight. They would prefer lego give them greasy looking never combed hair? Would be much better if they demonstrated poor grooming habits I guess. This is another comment in the fox article that makes it quite clear that the SPARK people are either unfamiliar with the product or intentionally providing false information. Their is no hot tub set!! This has been made very clear. My daughters have the splashpool set and it does not look like a hot tub to children. But it is the second half of the comment that is pretty much a falsehood. Besides the fact that lego friends have no nails to "get done", yes they are not building spaceshuttles but they are building robots. A much more realistic activity for girls under the age of 18. I really am beginning to think these poor people are just confused, better than thinking they are just liars. I feel kind of sorry for them if they are disturbed by the image 10 to 16 year old girls with small breasts and pony-tails. Goodness I would have horrified them at that age. They really are out of touch with reality.

Thanks. I will have to keep checking barnes & noble and TJ Maxx. (Neither had castle the last time I was there) I did pick op one of the bricks and more sets. Hopefully will pick up 2 more if a bogo comes up soon. I never looked real closely at kingdom's joust. Wow! It is a bit pricey, but great parts and a great value, technically can afford it, just need to be able to justify the expense Got to get my husband into lego (I think there are "wife moderated lego nuts" on here, well I am husband moderated )

Thanks for the review! So glad to hear it is approved by those familiar with the landmark. This seems like a really nice price range, with useful parts. The instruction book is lovely and makes the set worth it - even if you could come buy the parts cheaper elsewhere. Great review - and another set to add to my growing list.