deraven

To clarify, are you asking for someone to make original creations, or someone to recreate existing official sets in digital form? If it's the latter there are many freely available for download already. If it's original creation, an example of the types of things you want designed would be helpful so folks have a better idea of the scope of the project.

This is far from scientific, but I grabbed by drawer full of them and took a look, and also looked at some from more recently purchases sets. I would say the older ones are definitely stiffer than newer ones, but it's not a tremendous difference and I wouldn't say that the newer ones are "loose" just not as stiff. There was also some natural variance- in the 20 or so I grabbed, 2 had VERY high friction, and one was much less than all the others (though again still not floppy or anything). I guess I would say that if you need some to be much more stiff for your use, it might make sense to try Bricklink and pick up some older stock as there's a chance that those, on average, would have a bit more friction.

For what it's worth, Lego did respond and noted that it is not across-the-board and just on some sets, and that some sets will actually see a price decrease. Here's more of the brief statement: https://www.brickfanatics.com/lego-responds-to-rumours-of-price-rises-2022/

I lean slightly toward the small head. The small head makes it feel more like it's a mech that someone is operating, whereas the big head just makes it feel like a giant, if you know what I mean. Both do the job nicely, though, and it's a great build!

Looks great. Very nice job on the helmet at that scale!

So much detail while keeping the minifig aesthetic right where it should be! I can't find any fault, it's just fantastic!

Overall a really nice build. The small details like the iron fencing and that lamp post are great.

Very nice. I think they fit all of your requirements and would be plenty of fun! Looks good in several of those other color options, too.

Nice. I think you've done a great job with it especially at that scale. I like the flextube over robot arm detail with the trashcans- works well. And a pretty good job on the minifigures, too.

I think they were mostly using the "build together" language before and just switched to this logo. If you weren't particularly familiar with Build Together I definitely don't think it would stand out. Weird that they'd feature it on the box but just kinda stop talking about it otherwise. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I think the commentary in the instructions is interesting. Are there more pages like that throughout the instructions (referring to the image above with the bit about hiding gifts around the house)? That's a fun way to point out some of the designers' details as you're building.

Not sure why there seems to be continued confusion about this since it was a feature that they announced I think 2 years ago now? It's so more than 1 member of a family can build together. A child, for instance, can work on the build(s) in the smaller booklet while an adult works on the main one. The 1-2 person logo on the box indicates that this is a set that contains that feature. Nice review. It's smaller and simpler than I was hoping for, but I appreciate that they've gone back to an actual Winter Village building rather than the random fantasy/fairytale stuff. It's also nice that they have both this and the 40499 Santa's Sleigh set this year which actually works for both themes in this case!

For a cardboard Lego set box, definitely don't use anything wet unless absolutely necessary (which would mean something is really stuck on the box in which case it's probably damaged already). Just a dry cloth or duster should do the trick. If there's a large amount of built-up dust, a vacuum cleaner with a proper dusting (very soft brush) attachment would work.

Love the castle! So much interesting design in a fairly small build. The rest is nice as well with a bit of color and more nice details like the roots of the tree hanging over the end of the bridge.

I think that's what OP means- there was a System corn-on-the-cob piece depicted that has not been released. sixf00t4 - Did you get a good look at it, and was it for sure a System food accessory? I've seen Corn Cob Guy depicted with something like the above made from a plant stem piece and a few 1x1 round yellow tiles that at a glance might have looked like something more elaborate, but it would be awesome to see something more interesting! Oh, here's an example:

There are plenty of hacks out there to let you do that, but the most common Lego-only way I've seen of accomplishing that (often used by GBC builders) is to use Power Functions motors along with a 9v Train Speed Regulator (which is plugged into the wall, not batter-operated). You can also use the rechargeable Power Functions battery box (8878) and leave it plugged in, but I think those are going for a premium price these days vs the train speed regulator which are pretty cheap. This is a decent summary that you might find helpful: https://www.planet-gbc.com/get-started-with-gbc/bring-motion-to-your-modules/ If you're not opposed to using a non-Lego solution, there are plenty of options out there for turning a standard battery box into a continuous power supply or even just hacking the power cables directly- just google those if you're curious.

That's a nice Neo-Classic Space creation, and nice to see you went to the effort to keep the parts selection more easily available. I think you've got a nice amount of greebling, too, keeping it interesting but not too busy which sometimes seems to happen with these sorts of MOCs.

Looks nice! I would consider changing the plain yellow background for something similar to the box background art on the Classic Pirates set boxes.

Welcome to EB, Simon! I hope your health situation improves, but at least more time for Lego is a good thing! Looking forward to seeing some of your creations and hope the board can be inspiring for you as well. Happy building!

It's adorable! You've captured the look well even at that small scale.

Yes, nice use of the fender pieces in the ballista - that works so well!

The hat is a living creature that lifts its brim on either side based on the elements and emotion at a given moment. Of course, since we only see these single-moment-in-time frozen plastic likenesses, it appears at first glance like a simple raised hat brim that changes sides at random.

Welcome to EB, Ravi! Have fun with your building and creative time with your grandson, and hopefully this forum will give you some inspiration. Happy building!

Welcome to EB, Jelletv! Nice looking MOCs you have there, and I especially like all the toys you've included in Ole's workshop. Happy building!

That's a nice, dynamic build, and an interesting subject. I like the horse kicking up dirt, the prickly pear cactus, and the way you did that tumbleweed.

That is not a specific set; it is part of one of the Lego Idea books. I'm not sure which specific regional version, but the same build appears in Idea Book / Building Book #200 which you can take a look at here: https://images.brickset.com/library/view/?f=ideasbooks/200 Some other fun Classic Space stuff in there, too. Enjoy!