Long time lego builder, new poster here and this idea got me finally motivated to start working towards attaining this massive set. I ordered my first two bundles last night, totally 1,600 pieces, and looks like that unique dish is now selling on bricklink for over $80 USD. Going to have to keep my eyes peeled for that.
As far as the original manual goes, calling lego and spending the $50 is all you need to do to get an original one?
Thanks for the wealth of information!
-Brian
Bummer. Just got off the phone with the lego shop at home folks and they no longer have the manual available to order. Blech. Only one I see on ebay they're asking over $400 for.
/sigh