What is Your Favorite Modular Building?

[Legoliner Pilot]

Mine is definitely the Town Plan because of everything that was included with the set such as the petrol station, awesome cinema , and the Town Hall. Not to mention the gas pumps, fountain, fifties car, and petrol tanker.

Edited October 22, 2009 by TheBrickster

[MetroiD]

Sorry to be a pain mate - I too like the Town Plan and have just ordered it a few weeks ago - but it's most definitely NOT modular. In fact, it's as classic as it can get, but nevertheless I'd put it somewhere in the middle between regular City structures and actual CC-style Modular Houses.

Anyway, to get to the point, I love the Green Grocer most of all. That said, I must admit I still haven't got the Cafe Corner or the Fire Station, so it's just between the Market Street and the Green Grocer for me... and that's not a fair comparison, if you ask me. However, in MS's defence, I must admit that I never thought the Factory set would actually be this good. I just ordered Market Street in order to see it finished and then use the bricks for a different MOC, but once ready, I must say I really enjoyed its looks. I think I won't be taking it to pieces anytime soon - instead I'm going to furnish it accordingly and create some other building to put alongside

As to the Green Grocer, it is that extra bit of creativity, especially with the furniture, which sets it apart from the rest I guess. Once again - I have not seen the Fire Station in person and I really really like the CC (we definitely must get it within the next few months), but the GG is simply gorgeous. Besides, the Green Grocer has an emotional value to me as well, since I bought that set for my girlfriend as one of her birthday presents this year It's also our very first Modular / Exclusive set (apart from the BNSF and Santa Fe trains), so it's definitely a prized asset in our collection...

Edited September 24, 2009 by TheOtters

[Rick]

Green Grocer for me. The architecture and detail is yet unsurpassed. My Fire Brigade set should be on its way from S@H.

This should have a poll, so if an admin could please add it.

POLL:

- Market Street (although strictly not part of the Modular-trilogy)

- Cafe Corner

- Green Grocer

- Fire Brigade

[Legoliner Pilot]

Sorry to be a pain mate - I too like the Town Plan and have just ordered it a few weeks ago - but it's most definitely NOT modular. In fact, it's as classic as it can get, but nevertheless I'd put it somewhere in the middle between regular City structures and actual CC-style Modular Houses.

Then why is it listed under Modular Buildings and Houses on the main review index? I see your point though- They aren't in the style [downtown] of Cafe Corner, Green Grocer, etc..

[paul_delahaye]

Although I don't yet own Town Plan, I believe I am right in saying this is the only one of the 5 sets that comes with loads of stickers, which is a negative for this quality of buildings IMO

I like GG

[Rijkvv]

I think it's Green Grocer for me.

-Town Plan isn't a modular building set. Even if it is, it's maybe a great set, but too many stickers and too small buildings;

-Market Street is smaller than the rest (only half the width);

-Café Corner lacks an interior.

Then the two remained sets. It's difficult, I don't own them, neither do I own any of the three sets mentioned before. But to me Green Grocer looks more detailed, with more advanced building techniques. Fire Brigade looks it's built more the traditional way.

I say it again: I don't own any of the sets, so I can be wrong about building techniques.

Edited September 22, 2009 by Richie

[MetroiD]

Then why is it listed under Modular Buildings and Houses on the main review index? I see your point though- They aren't in the style [downtown] of Cafe Corner, Green Grocer, etc..

As stated above, with it being a tad bit different, it does not exactly fit the bill as part of the City line, but then again it's most definitely not Modular either, it's simply an Exclusive set.

Modular Buildings obviously feature modules, i.e. floors can be taken away from or added to the building - in the instance of Market Street (which was generally the best example of the entire "modular" idea), each floor has the same 16x16 footprint.

Btw, this same question has been featured on BrickTown Talk for quite some time and GG is so far winning by a good margin.

[Johnnhiszippy3]

Initially I'd say the Green Grocer - I love the sand green color and all of the details (front, back, interior) and it really looks good when more levels are added.

However, I think I have to vote for the Cafe Corner. It is the set that really brought me back to Lego and helped me realize I could build all sorts of new things. So I vote for it because 1. It was revolutionary and 2. I'll always feel sentimental about the Cafe Corner .

[Rapseflaps]

I'm considering getting all this stuff at some point.

I'll probably start with Town Plan, as it fits in best with my City sets and then move on to Market Street (which seems hardest to get).

My wallet is cringing already.

[prateek]

I like GG the best modular building, but the Town Plan is my favourite out of the sets in your picture.

[Legoliner Pilot]

Green Grocer has the best store interior, but the Fire Brigade has the best house or apartment-related interior.

Cafe Corner has the second-best exterior, but it has the worst interior.

Market Street has the best exterior, but lacks an interior.

The Town Plan is the best value for your money in my opinion. You get three buildings with detailed interiors (except for the town hall ), a petrol tanker and fifties car, 2 petrol pumps, and a fountain.

Edited September 22, 2009 by Legoliner Pilot

[997s4ken]

I like them all.

[tedbeard]

Then why is it listed under Modular Buildings and Houses on the main review index? I see your point though- They aren't in the style [downtown] of Cafe Corner, Green Grocer, etc..

Obviously a lot of confusion. Even the guys on Classic-Town.net cannot seem to get it right as they recently described a building as "modular" that was neither part of the Modular Houses line nor "modular" in the sense of "Designed with standardized units or dimensions, as for easy assembly and repair or flexible arrangement and use.*" People seem to be using "modular" as a an adjective meaning "more realistic designs".

I think Town Plan creeps onto these lists because it is large, new, expensive and better than your average "classic town" set. It certainly has more realistic buildings even if two of them are just facades.

Back on topic: of all the MH sets released to date I like the Green Grover best myself. But I have yet to see a Fire Brigade in person ...

[MetroiD]

To get back on topic with modular sets, I actually believe that Market Street was the best value for money you could get if you wanted a modular set. For one, I totally agree with Legoliner Pilot here that it does indeed have a really wonderful exterior. Besides, at a price of 90 EUR (a whopping 70 EUR less than the Green Grocer) you got a nicely designed building with great colours, lovely minifigs and accessories. And that's all the foundation you need to let your imagination run free - the amount of bricks included in Market Street is more than enough to build a really nice modular MOC.

Now, as to the furniture, yes it does add an extra dimension to the set when building it. But still, I don't see the Green Grocer as being fully furnished either - anyone can experiment and try to fit in additional details so that it really has all the makings of an actual house.

[sens1992]

I own them all and I have to say that I am really impressed by the Fire Brigade. I think it is my number 1 set followed by the Green Grocer and Cafe Corner. Market Street is a nice set also but I am not a big fan of the way the balconies are built (except the main floor with cool steps) but overall, it is not as exciting as the other ones. I will give credit to its creator (Market Street) because he built it with a rather small selection of parts (when LDD had less bricks to choose from).

[no_skill]

First, they are ALL awesome (although Town Plan is still on my acquisition list). The Modulars are what's holding my interest right now, given the turmoil revolving around the new Pirates line (and the fact I'm a die-hard 9V Train throw-back).

All that being said, I have to throw my vote for Fire Brigade. The level of interior detail and playability is superb. I also very much like the tiled exterior facade that gives it a brick/stone-built appearance. Overall, it vies with 10027 Train Engine Shed for my personal all-time favorite structure. The only [very] small weakness I find with Fire Brigade is that it somehow seems just slightly out of scale with the other CC style modulars...but hey, it's LEGO. The scale is close enough; I'm just being nit picky.

Cafe Corner was/is an amazing set, clearly breaking new ground both with building techniques and detail. The fire escape of Green Grocer still blows my mind (I like the convenience store too). Market Street rounds things out nicely with a quaint little flat and some neat building techniques of it's own. For my personal fancy, however, top spot goes to Fire Brigade. If you haven't already, get them all while you can. (I'll be following my own advice and getting Town Plan soon.)

[Cavannus]

Actually none is my favourite. I love:

- the CC because it makes a corner and not only a frontage, plus for emotion the first time I saw it;

- the GG for its very nice frontage, its corridor and its back balcony (which is nice and reminds me roof explorations in Paris);

- the FB because its frontage is very realistic, because there are plain windows and no "hole" in the walls as for CC & GG, because its interior is great.

I don't own the MS: I think it is too small and doesn't look very realistic.

The TP is out of scope.

[WesternOutlaw]

From the white and yellow awning of the Cafe Corner, the produce stands of the Green Grocer, to the roll-down garage of the Fire Brigade, LEGO Modular sets truly are fantastic. The highly detailed sets have touched many AFOL in a most profound manner, attracting new fans to the slick City collection.

As I look upon my collection with enjoyment, I ponder... Which set among them is my favorite?

First it was the Cafe Corner for its street corner charm, then when it could get no better, the Green Grocer would include furniture and a fire escape. But now, the Fire Brigade with its roll-down garage door and fire truck inside, not to mention a fully stocked kitchen with the most modern of LEGO appliances (for the 1930s that is), hmmmm... Which is my favorite???

How about you -Do you have a favorite of this fine modular trio?

(note: Market Street has not been included within this poll)

[Inconspicuous]

Great poll, Brickster! I'd have to go with Green Grocer, simply because it is so detailed. Cafe Corner is a little empty for my taster, and although I don't own it (yet!) Fire Brigade seems a little simple. Really tough decision though! I hope Lego keeps making that decision even harder.

[wooootles]

Let's see:

-Cafe Corner is probably the most iconic of the three, and is one of the most inspiring sets LEGO has ever released, probably changing the way people customized their creations into a whole new level

-Green Grocer took everything good from CC and improved upon it, with better interior and back with details

-Fire Brigade isn't much of a technical upgrade from GG but it's definitely an awesome looking set as well.

...

I vote for Green Grocer. CC is inspiring and innovative, I'll give it that, but GG has about 300 more pieces for only $10 more, and the 1st-floor interior is just flat out amazing. I know all these sets are old-fashioned, but CC and GG can easily integrate into a present-day setting, while FB couldn't with that truck. (The building itself can though)

I'll own all 3 though (1/3)

[WesternOutlaw]

I still like the Cafe Corner exterior very much, even after building the Green Grocer. The furniture and the fire escape is pretty slick on the Green Grocer. My only complaint is that the furniture doesn't come out easy, esp. the refrigerator.

I built the Fire Brigade over the weekend and must say I love it. I really like the brick facade and the garage door with fire truck. The kitchen is just awesome, and the furniture isn't attached to the walls, which I really like. Oh, and the bell tower with moving bell is too nice.

I'll probably be one of the few that vote for the Fire Brigade.

[Captain Zuloo]

Nice topic TheBrickster! I can't really answer, but I am purchasing all three in the coming weeks (hopefully sooner rather than later) so I should have a good idea of my favourites by then. Still, interesting to read other responses.

[Rick]

I'll probably be one of the few that vote for the Fire Brigade.

I almost did as well. I hope they continue the trend of including full interiors in future Modulars. If they continue the series that is, but I see no reason to discontinue it. Is there any word on this from TLG?

Basically: I love all of my Modular Buildings, even Cafe Corner's exterior still holds up really well among the newer buildings, but I think many will agree that Green Grocer just has a tiny little edge over the other two.

btw: didn't we have a topic very similar to this, which also included Market Street (I know, strictly not part of the series) and Town Plan (which just didn't belong in the poll)?

[MetroiD]

I can't really say since I only own the Green Grocer out of those 3. The Cafe Corner will be on its way this week, so I'll pop by when it arrives and say if it beats the GG for me - although I wouldn't put my money on that The Fire Brigade will have to wait so more...

[Milan]

I would say Cafe Corner. It looks the best, imo. And it is very innovative, too.