Dufflefan

This is really special. Definitely one of the best in media res Lego dioramas I've seen. It allows so much room for the viewer to imagine their own story. I've been exploring building Lego in non-minifigure scale for sometime and it's fantastic to see such a superb creation for inspiration - both for techniques and artistic composition. Thank you! Absolutely fantastic!

I agree with others who see the Natural History Museum as rather lacking in overall appeal. I don't wish to be overly negative, and I think there are a few good aspects. I like the tree, the roof is interesting, and the set back small plants and statues are generally decent. I genuinely hope others who choose to buy it enjoy it, and I hope it meets the expectations of those who were eagerly awaiting this addition to the modular buildings line. That said, I am disappointed that this only seems to support my view that it is time Lego ended the modular building series. I want to like it, and I'll keep trying to see it in new ways. Equally, maybe once I see it in person my opinion might also change. Nonetheless, I feel it lacks charm, that the story and humour is uninventive, and the design lacks spark. Overall, it feels generally very flat and rather uninspiring. Perhaps more than anything, it seems the major departures from the generally dominant design formula have at best not been used to their fullest potential, and at worst feel like an attempt to distract from a lack of creative thinking. The 48-stud width creates too much negative frontal space which is made more obvious by a poor choice of dominant colour. Additionally, the interior feels somehow incoherent (despite having a reasonable logic) and provides too many background elements for the story and/or humour to work effectively. Moreover, it seems like the earlier-than-previous release date is also another tool which generates excitement without any real rationale. I do want to like it. It does break some of the formula. But, for me it does so for the wrong reasons with the wrong results. I know I'm very much alone in thinking the modular building series should be retired, but hard as I try to find reasons to believe otherwise, this edition has sadly only confirmed how I feel. If the formula was stale, the Boutique Hotel at least added some life again, but then the Jazz Club seemed to prove the formula was past its best. Now the formula has been changed to some degree, and the result seems so lacklustre, as much as I really don't want to admit it, I think the modular buildings line should end. All this said, I absolutely hope - like any set - this is fun to build, own, and display for anyone who does like it. That, ultimately, is most important.

I don't wish to steer this thread away from its focus on modular building sets, but I think this is very important for two reasons. First, I have thought similarly about how an increase in new elements might reduce the modularity of the Lego system. There are advantages of course, as you've noted, but some of the challenge and reward of the experience of Lego obviously comes from developing the uses of elements relative to other elements, rather than the variety of elements. There will always be a need for new elements, but there is - as you say - a clear need to control the rate and direction of the design and production of new elements, particularly those which are elaborate and/or contain limited points of connection. I'm nowhere near as knowledgeable as some Lego enthusiasts but I know this conversation has been happening for a while. To what degree the development and marketing of adult-focused sets has had upon this issue (and vice-versa), I couldn't say, but I would think it something of a notable factor in some way. Second, while the financial health of the Lego Group is certainly much better than it was twenty years ago, my understanding is that the troubles two decades ago were caused, in some part, by over production of new elements (in both form and colour). My knowledge is limited, and others will know a great deal more, but such a trend, I would think, requires very careful management to avoid that same road. I'm sure the management and economics of the design teams are much improved from the mid-2000s, but that isn't to say it couldn't happen again. Overall, I think Lego are doing a great job with certain sets (particularly animals as I mentioned before), but I think a watchfulness is needed to avoid pitfalls and stagnation which could prove costly. This is probably outside the discussion of this thread, but confusion over certain sets fitting (or not) within certain themes, the growing sizes and prices of sets, and even colour-matching between and across certain elements all need attention. In isolation, each of these issues could no doubt be managed competently but, should they combine in some unfortunate way, then Lego will need to take very assured and well-calculated steps to avoid the same problems as it generated two decades ago.

@Follows Closely, @Lion King, @BrickFit26 I thought it might be unpopular! Haha. What you say is completely fair. If you and others are enjoying them, then that's great and is what counts most. I just don't want to see the theme end up like a sitcom where it becomes formulated and flat. For me, in creative terms, I just see the concept beginning to dip and fold into itself rather than remaining forward-looking. In fairness to the modular buildings, my opinion isn't solely limited to the theme. I also feel a general uneasiness about the direction of other, though by no means all, adult-focused sets. I personally don't understand sets like Eiffel Tower (10307) and Lieherr Crawler Crane (42146). I have not built either, so it would be wrong to talk about them in terms of building experience, but their size, price, and color schemes feel impractical and unappealing. To the contrary, I think Lego have done a superb job in recent years with things they have traditionally struggled with, most notably animals (at various scales). While I understand the mindset and goals are very different between themes such as Creator 3-in-1 and the modular buildings, I just think those design teams have done a better job in recent years relative to what they wanted to, and could, achieve. At least as best I can say as a consumer with no insider knowledge. For me, I feel the modular buildings were once a (or the) benchmark of Lego's creativity across all themes and products, now I feel that has switched to other things in the Icons range. For me, they just don't capture my interest as other sets are now doing. That's a personal preference thing of course, and perhaps that's all it is. There is certainly nothing "wrong" with the modular buildings as they are and this isn't to say they aren't good. Ultimately, it's great there are people are enjoying them and that's what's most important.

I suspect this is not a majority opinion, but I personally think Lego should end the modular buildings line. Perhaps even without another release. While some themes have a certain type of timelessness, the one-per-annum schedule has not allowed for the variety and diversity required for that to happen with the modular buildings. There is nothing wrong with such a schedule per se. To the contrary, I think it kept the theme fresh and exciting; for a time. However, the weakness of such infrequency is that each release must measure up against many of the other sets, elements, and building techniques that emerge in between. In this sense, I think the schedule forced the theme into the law of diminishing returns. Second, I also wonder about the longevity of the appeal of the general construction process. They are largely similar: 32 x 32 baseplate (with the exception of assembly square), a good percentage of steps being basic brick stacking, others being repetitive (e.g. window replication) and some steps being almost, if not completely, identical (such as the sidewalk/pavement between sets). All large sets will, of course, have some repetition, but for the modular buildings, across a theme and the stages within each set, it seems especially prevalent. Furthermore, I don’t think the format offers as much to the essence of Lego generally as it once did. New elements and colours can be introduced in any set of any theme or size, and I think the increasing variety of models in 18+ themes – replicas, cars, flowers, etc. – offer much more variation and inspiration in terms of what can be done with Lego system (and technic) pieces. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, I feel the modular buildings are losing their charm. In their first decade, they had a superb fusion of the imaginary “Lego world”, the real world, and humour pertaining to both. Recently, I feel a lot of that has focus seems to have been on “easter eggs,” and most notably nods to previous sets in the theme. I don’t mean to sound negative, but when a theme starts moving down a path of becoming a tribute to itself, to me that indicates a lack of creativity. When I look at Police Station (10278), I see a large tan building much more than I see originality. The Jazz Club appears, at least to me, like Fire Brigade (10197) merged onto a larger, yellower version of the old 90s city sets (in particular Breezeway Café, 6376). There’s nothing “wrong” with any of this of course, and these sets do offer some nice things and enjoyment. But, set against the creativity, humour, and charm of the earlier days of the modular buildings, they seem rather flat and unexciting. The Boutique Hotel is something different and has some good aspects, but, at least to me, has shown the basic formula of a modular building can no longer produce something greater than the sum of its parts. For me, I think that’s what all Lego sets should offer – especially the more expensive sets. All the same, the most important thing is that people continue to enjoy them.

Thank you very much @davidzq; that's great information. I appreciate the help.

Thank you very much @HoMa, @XG BC, and @dr_spock. This is fantastic information. Aside from my apprehension about possibly breaking the plastic of the original part in some way, it seems there is definitely a way to fix the part with the above information. I appreciate the help.

Thanks CaL. I've read the page, and while it's very helpful, it doesn't provide the full specifications needed to find the correct replacement motor. The motor actually looks like a very standard unit used in a lot of toys, but while size and physical design are helpful, more information is needed about specifications to ensure I find exactly the right unit. I could be using too much caution, but I don't wish to damage anything! I think it's better to be too careful than too cavalier with these things! I did thanks. I agree that the behavior of the motor would indicate another issue, but having gone through a process of elimination with all other things - cleaning, speed regulator testing, etc., - it now seems the issue is likely internal to the part. Therefore I suspect it is either the PTC or the motor. I'm thinking I might purchase two replacement parts: an inexpensive one to practice opening the unit, and a second in excellent condition as a potential replacement. I then might be brave enough to open the original! I'm just apprehensive about the old plastic being somewhat brittle as despite the good quality it's 28 years old! Thanks again for the help!

Thanks for the information. It hadn't crossed my mind that LEGOLAND builders were/are a completely separate category of certified builders, but that makes a lot of sense. It seems there are quite a number of avenues for such parts to end up on Bricklink. All the above certainly helps explain how some parts are available in colors in which they aren't known to exist (at least not in commercially available sets).

Does anyone please know the specification for the motor housed in the 9V train motor (This part: https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=590#T=C)? I have recently rebuilt my Freight Rail Runner (Set #4564) which I have had since my childhood. While I hugely enjoyed getting the set out of the box again, the motor has very weak performance. The motor will run perfectly by itself, but when built and pulling the wagons it will complete about half a circuit of the track before slowing to a complete stop after about one full circuit. I am fortunate that having kept it stored in the original box, everything is in excellent condition - the only exception is the weak performance of the motor. I have cleaned all the track to ensure good conductivity, and I have read other threads about repairing the unit. However, while I could (and am willing to if necessary) purchase a replacement part, I would like to try replacing the actual motor. I have been able to find some excellent information online (including this site which looks to have some very thorough analysis of the motor: https://www.philohome.com/motors/motorcomp.htm), but I cannot find the full specifications of the motor itself. Does anyone please know what the specifications are? Or perhaps know where I can find an exact replacement motor? Thanks!

@bogieman This is a wonderful rendition of the real locomotive; my father loves trains so I've sent him the link to this post - I'm sure he'll be impressed!

@Mylenium Thanks for the reply and information. I completely understand how some Bricklink sellers might innocently mistake a color (and that some are less diligent in how they describe/list the parts they're selling). I was a little skeptical about the part I purchased, but given the very minimal cost and it's potential to make my project possible, I figured it was worth buying. It sounds like I got lucky with the seller and that they were careful about checking the color, but I understand how others have and might mistakenly purchase parts in incorrectly listed colors. I didn't think about the color mixing/dyeing issue. While I've recently learned more about the quality control issues of TLG, I've always considered their quality control to be generally excellent. I was lucky that my parents kindly (though prudently) indulged my childhood Lego enthusiasm and I cannot remember a single instance of a missing or incorrect piece. I do remember one set of instructions which had an errata sheet included (which I still have!), but that was the only occurrence I recall of incorrect instructions. I guess with a vastly expanded range of elements and colors TLG has today, the potential for such errors is higher (though given the money that TLG make, I would expect them to have the resources to match the quality control demands such expansion brings). Thanks for the information on certified builders too; that's interesting. I know that when TLG struggled in the early 2000s - almost to the point of bankruptcy - one cause was that the set designers had too much power regarding what colors and new elements they could request and that related costs spiraled out of control. It therefore makes sense that those outside, though still affiliated, with TLG would not have that same degree of latitude with regard to parts and colors. That said, I would imagine that TLG has done a seriously detailed cost benefit analysis on what value, and potential value, certified builders add to their brand and sales opportunities. Thanks again for the information!

I've just been able to obtain a part in a color which it is not known to exist. I was just wondering if anyone knew how these parts get produced and how they end up on Bricklink? I understand that some colors can be innocently mistaken for others; especially when one is obsolete and has an effective replacement color in production. That said, the part I obtained is in a color not close to any of the known colors for that part. Fortunately, it wasn't expensive, so I was prepared that it might not be as described, but I was pleasantly surprised. I compared it (in various lights) to parts I have in the same color and they were exactly as the Bricklink seller described. I've noticed that quite a few parts are listed in colors that they are not known to have been produced, and while some sellers state those parts are a rare color, others don't. Just out of curiosity, does anyone please have any knowledge about how these parts get produced and how they end up on Bricklink? Are some Lego master builders/artists allowed to order such parts and sell their unwanted ones? Could they be production mistakes that erroneously end up in sets that are sold? Are they perhaps from employee-only sets that get broken up for sale on Bricklink? Or maybe just TLG experiments or general production errors that somehow make their way to Bricklink via a network of people? (I searched the forums but the results were rather generalized due to the search terms, so apologies if this has been asked before!) Thanks!

Thanks very much @supertruper1988. I appreciate the help. I'll contact both of them tomorrow and see what happens. @natesroom I would do so, but I'm not sure I have much to offer regarding minifigs; sorry! (I did make vector files of the four torso prints from The Beatles Yellow Submarine set #21306, though they were done very quickly). So far, my focus has been on designing prints for tiles and bricks. Below is an image of some example prints I designed and which I'm hoping to have printed (among some others). I don't know if this is the sort of thing you're looking for?

Could anyone please recommend somewhere to have Lego pieces custom printed? I’m interested in getting a few tiles and bricks printed, but only need very small quantities for personal projects. I've read lots of threads about the different types of printing (pad, UV, etc.) and whether it is better to do it yourself, but that's not something that's really practical for my situation. Also, I have no interest in custom minifigures (only tiles and bricks at this stage) and it seems like most places are mainly, if not exclusively, interested in custom minifigures. I understand that requesting small numbers will mean the printing is more expensive, will probably take longer, and may even preclude some printing companies from accepting an order. The prints are only simple icons and some text and I've contacted four places so far but only one responded (the terms were $600 minimum and a four-month lead time). Could anyone recommend a good custom printing service which will do small quantities? I have completed all the Adobe Illustrator files, and have the parts to send, so any suggestions would be really helpful. Thanks!