Sid

I just want to clarify that the card itself it for looks / bragging. Purchasing the set alone will qualify you for whatever deals come up. I say this because I myself waited longer than usual for the card, and Lego explained that I would get the same deals with my original card. But you are correct, you must have purchased the set by the end of 2017.

While I don't know the details, the card itself has nothing to do with it - since the black card has the exact same number your regular vip card has. I think buying the falcon alone will qualify you for whatever specials are coming up.

Got my black VIP card a couple of days ago. Finally. I picked up the Falcon the day after release in store (got lucky). Waiting for these promotions now. Although the end of Jan promotional set looks like a must get (with ~$125 purchase or so). I've been waiting to get the Extreme Adventure set and the Old Fishing Store.. plus not to mention the new SW technic figures. I'm still recovering from the $800.

Anyone in the US that still has not received their VIP card and ordered/picked up the set near release day? I still haven't received mine, Lego says it should be here by end of Dec.. I did receive the end of Nov email by the way.

I have some good news. Lego stores seem to have some in stock. At least from my experience. My local store received a shipment this morning and I went after work and was able to pick one up. Needless to say I am quite pleased considering how difficult it is to get one at this time. I made the right decision of not ordering one after noticing it was already on backorder yesterday morning. I also got the free tote bag I had been wanting and did not think was still available. Unfortunately they didn't have the wheels or handle - the box IS heavy. Here are a couple of photos. and the link https://www.flickr.com/photos/159384368@N08/ UCS Falcon by Jorge Gutierrez, on Flickr UCS Falcon by Jorge Gutierrez, on Flickr Good luck to those who can't wait! I myself won't be able to build it until sometime next year. But it's nice to know I have it in my closet.

How do you guys like 8297? I missed out on this set. Now the cheapest NEW is $230 in the US (Bricklink). Is it worth that price? I think I can get a lot more for the money with other current sets. Thanks

Are you sure about Target? I know TRU has inflated prices on most sets, but I picked up a few at Target last night at MSRP. Must be your local Targets.. that sucks.

I went to TRU yesterday and they had all the sets minus Escape Dragon Prison. I picked up two blacksmiths for now.

I should have said "latest" not "new". The ones I saw were the castle, train, etc. Other hobbies have been keeping me busy.. but I do love my Lego

Sorry I have not been keeping up with the latest news. I don't know of these sets you speak of, but they sure sound interesting.. I meant the other ones you mentioned, I had not seen them in other stores until yesterday.

I went to TRU yesterday and they had all the POTC sets. And the new HP sets too. But no Kingdoms.. I'll call my local Lego store and see if they have them in.

the bucket itself is only held by a single round 1x1 plate. you call that strong? that aside, it's a nice, strong looking catapult. I'm loving the new line as well. I built the King's Castle tonight. I'm currently working on one for the dragon knights.

Thanks for all the kind comments my fellow AFOLS I've been sick/studying for a final I have next week but after that I'll add to the bottom walls/interior and start on the Lion Knights castle using *2* of the sets. I did cheat a little and used some of my own parts but I'd say 95% of the parts are from the two sets.

Thanks for the comments guys :) I rushed the first level so I could get working on the more interesting 2nd+ levels, I'll go back and redo the first, maybe split the castle in half so I can add some detail to the interior. It took about 2/3 of the second set's pieces, leaving out the bigger bulkier bricks.

After looking at this topic I decided on making my own version of the Prison Tower since TRU had the BOGO sale a few weeks ago and the Dragon Knights needed something a little better than what they currently have. Here's my version using 2 sets, I'm happy with it for the time being.. I have about ~100 pieces left over, maybe a little more. The bottom floor doesn't have any detail yet, maybe I'll add to it in the future but I worked on this the whole day and I'm taking a break. Comments & suggestions welcomed!