I don't think they just did local stores. From Phoenix, L.A. is about 8 hours away, San Diego, about the same. Vegas is six, and Albuquerque is eight. That is four major metro areas that you could hit and not raise a lot of suspicion.
Walmart here in the US has an ad that lists the price of 4204 The Mine, for $39.97! From what I hear, it might not be all regions, and I don't think it's online, so check your morning paper and RUN over there. I would guarantee they won't last!
I just picked up the 9396 Helicopter at my local Lego Store. They had the tractor, but I don't remember seeing the crawler (I had tunnel vision for the helicopter!)
Great review! I just love the picture with the two helicopters, it brings back memories. I had that kit all those years ago, but lost it in my dark ages.
It looks to me because of the location of the pyramid shaped locators on the top of the set, that the reason for the hinges on the back of the Jabba's Palace throne room are to allow the Rancor gate to be raised. (nevermind, upon further review, I noticed that you can't open it while sitting on the Rancor Pit. Doh!)
Rancor!
www.flickr.com/photos/65553751@N03/7558151118/in/contacts/
Yes! Looks good to me!
The Rancor is a little small, but I didn't really expect anything much bigger, and it's ok as long as you can get a Gammorean in it's mouth.