medib

Me too. We have Lego-only Stores here, that have "pick-a-brick" here in Canada. I would love for Lego to open up an official Retail Store in southern Ontairio so I can get the benefits of the new concepts in Lego retail without going too far. Hopefully, I can make it out to Brickfest this year, and I'll get an opportunity to visit the Lego Store in Virginia (Potomac Mills). Ben Medinets

Lugnet news Posting I read this on Lugnet. Someone took these pics at the OPEN Lego store (where Orlego works) :oD Lego Store Pictures The store NOT only has a large Pick-a-Brick section but also a separate Minfig building section (a whole wall full) that you can design your own minifig (3 of them actually) for $9.99. Just thought I'd post that... If its someplace else, sorry. :$ Ben Medinets

Should is the operating word. Since Lego is still a largely privately held company, they are not compelled to share their financial data publicly. If Lego had publicly offered shares in its company, then it would have to fully disclose its financial position. Lego has released the information on a voluntary basis for the last couple (horrible at least financially) years. Ben Medinets

This is where I put in the obligatory I told you so. :-D Anyways, I was annoyed to see the Dark Bley (Stone) track in the new set. I wasn't that surprised to see it, but was surprised that Lego had the gaul to make new color track. :'( Ben Medinets

I agree with Bloody Jay on this one. It will be bloody unfair if Europe gets a stash of Blue Baseplates and not North America. I am also patiently waiting for the Maersk to come (back) to North America. 8-) Ben Medinets

Unless Jake McKee says otherwise, the assumption is that it will be available on both sides of the pond. Though in the back of my mind, I can see Lego deciding not to release it in US and then come up with a lame excuse of not to after the fact. :P Ben Medinets

I don't know the link, but there was a yellow bi-level cargo set that was posted on bricklink that was hinted on as the new car for this year. But this could have been largely heresay. :'( Personally, I would love it if they discontinued the Cargo Train 4512, and then sold the green box car by itself. *satis* Ben Medinets also: 50th post... woohoo :D

Ok I confess.... I really don't want system Thomas, but I wish that Lego would put the same amount of creative energy into System sets as they do Duplo. I don't mind the BNSF train engine, its just that I wish Lego would do other engines and other rolling stock. Ben

Unless I see it on Shop@Home, posted in a reliable Lego publication, or displayed at an "official" Lego event (like a toy fair), I regard the info as suspect at best. Sure it would be great to have the product out (I would love some red train doors.) :-D Maybe April Fool's day comes early.... *satis* Ben Medinets

According to this post: Lugnet Posting Thomas will make its debut in Duplo. Let us all hope that Thomas will make his system debut shortly after, not that I'm a big fan of Thomas. ;) Ben Medinets

I think your right Apo, Kevin Loch has to worry about bandwidth already, since its still run mainly non-profit. I am still slightly upset that he went and made sure everyone was using their "user name" rather than their real name.

Maybe 4 was all they committed to on the production schedule. Hopefully, we'll see more in January or else more in October that they haven't leaked out yet. Only 4 to me is rather strange. I agree with your sentiments, though, if they plan only to release 4 HP sets, then I wouldn't feel bad if they dropped the HP license. Ben Medinets

Is this a Starship Troopers re-enactment... ? ;) Benjamin Medinets

The March 9th is also for the complete collection (for $110.00 US) The street sweeper is available right now, I might add, combining many great elements from the past with new ones, and it only costs a $4.99. :) Benjmin Medinets

I agree with John, there are TOO MANY awesome options to pick just one. Its like a wee tyke in the candy store.... brain overload. :-D Ben Medinets, who chose to pick out the Mindstorm-Train interconnects, because I have 3 RCX'en.

Hahaha Sam hit the 666 mark... he's.... the.... the devil. ;) Prices look VERY reasonable on the European side, let's hope that they remain reasonable when they hit the North American market. BTW, (sorry for going off-topic) but while scanning Shop@Home, I took a quick glance at the "sales & deals" section. I don't know if I feel sorry for you guys 'across the pond' or feel jealous but there are some wicked deals. [mumbles something about having the Black Falcon Fortress, the RedBaron Plane, still a couple of Spiderman sets, pods on sale] *devil* / |-/ / X:D

Like Apo, I am speechless. Those are some nice lego designs John. Great work. I agree if Lego put some of this stuff out in its creations, more KAFOLS would be into the town scene. Ben Medinets

I think it goes down to saving money for Lego. This is just my take (at least in the last 8 years or so...): The prototypes are very cool, but then some stupid Lego exec says that it will cost too much money to produce it this way, "why not make it this way so we don't have to spend so much money." (and so we can disappoint our captive audience AFOLs again). >:) Ben M.

True, the motors were only built in white, but the 6399 Airport Shuttle had a red "engine cover" that went on the motor itself to make it match the rest of the train. BTW, great job on the metro, interesting idea to put it on a monorail base. Here's a crude version I made for a Train display event in Toronto: more event pictures, Here, Here, and Here. Enjoy! :-D Ben Medinets

Hey Jipay, as a matter of fact, there is a Pick-a-Brick in Quebec, just not in Montreal. It is in Quebec City. See this post on Lugnet: Second Canadian City to get Lego Pick-a-Brick The first unofficial Canadian Pick-a-Brick was in St. Jacob's, Ontario at the Bricks and Blocks Country Toy Outlet. This is the 2nd one. Hope it isn't too far away.... :-D (I live in Southern Ontario, so my Quebec geography isn't that good). ;) Ben Medinets

yeah, but I'm afraid at what the set will cost. I may need a mortgage just to afford the set... *satis* Ben

Actually, I think its Jake hasn't got the guts to spill. Though, if there is any consolation, usually the AFOL Q&A's, there are a couple "dignitaries" from Lego, including a VP & a legal rep. so Jake doesn't get caught with his foot in his mouth. *wacko* Anyways, I used to like watching Brad Justice, former SVP of Lego Direct with how he addressed the questions, especially ones he couldn't answer. :/ My question is this (and probably won't be answered): With Star Wars winding down (there's always EU) and Harry Potter declining in popularity, what will Lego concentrate on next to draw the next generation of their target market (who are satuarted already with toys and spend a lot of their time watching tv, on computer, or play video games)? Ben M. (the answer will probably be, "sounds too much like a future question!) |-D

ps, I know this has been asked already, and not sure if this is addressed already, but what about the "annoying member" moniker. I know the web masters have rights to change a "title" for the regular users, but how did the user earn the title? *satis* Ben M. (sorry for going off-topic) >-|

:-D on the grandmother jokes!! I decided to support the company of my obsession and sign up for the Master Builder club. I have mixed reviews. Overall, I am quite disappointed with the endevor, a good money grab for Lego. I look forward in seeing what comes out of the Lego Factory program, maybe eventually some more sets for the My Own Creation line. ;) Ben M.

I got 4 (ships) and I'm from North America. I don't know the breakdown of what shops got what, but I know for about 2 months, the Maersk ship was available in both the European and North American Shops. I only have 1 Maersk Truck and it is staying MISB (for the time being). It is from the 2nd run, which the stickers say, "Maersk Sealand". I would like a truck from the 1st run, which the stickers say "Maersk" on it. I don't know if I'll buy any of them from 2005 run, maybe 1 or 2, but I'll have to see how much moolah I have when they become available for North America, if they get another batch. Ben M.