Although the Lego factory is only a few hundred miles away from the UK, why is it so hard to buy some kits or spares.

All the older type toy shops have gone, there is Toys 'r 'rus, which has a good selection of models and Argos. There are Lego shops nearby in Manchester, 

I only collect Trains, bought loads in the 80's when younger, as well as Technics. Not interested in Technics now, as, 1. I'm older and the new sets are not as complex as the Car chassis (8088) was and I do RC model aircraft as my summer/outside hobby.

Have loads of 70's 80's 90s's and even bought 2 sets recently of the  60051 and the cargo 60052, plus found a couple of extra track sections on ebay.

But, Lego don't sell the extra cars, no Li-Po battery boxes now, if you can find one on ebay, they are going for silly prices and even track I can't get. How on earth do some have so much track. for 2 years, all the shops have had no track, and the only track I bought is with the kits - and I hate the flexi track - sold that straightaway..

In the 80's, the toy shop, Dean's used to have separate track packages, points, straight, curve, lights, etc. Carriages, even spares for the train, bushes, motors and the like.

Also, then, Lego was based In Wrexham, 30 miles away, and literally back then you had no trouble getting things. I was usually posted the next day if you needed something. It's a shame, really. For example, getting tracks is impossible, and started to 3D print my own. The seller on ebay who makes the compatible tracks doesn't ship to UK.

I miss the old days...

I suppose it's going to get only worse after Brexit.

8 hours ago, Paulbricks said:

Also, then, Lego was based In Wrexham, 30 miles away

As a Wirral Lad growing up in the 80s, even I knew LEGO was based in Denmark. Wrexham was just a licenced moulding factory. No information as to where complete sets were packed for shop shelves back then. I do miss those little Service leaflets though, despite the convenience of Bricks & Pieces. Also, it's worth asking at the LEGO shops for anything specific you want, as long as it's still being manufactured / in stock. The staff there will even dig around in the storeroom for something if your mention of it triggers a recent memory of seeing it.

While I'm not based in UK, I could only provide generic suggestion.

I've used UK Amazon couple of times - it had the lowest price for the sets I've needed.

Have you tried using LEGO won online shop? Some set tend to have limited distribution, thus not available in all stores. Shopping online helps.

Bricklink sometimes has quite a good offers.

Being a member of local LUG helps stocking up on some parts (tacks) in high quantities sometimes.

6 hours ago, zux said:

Bricklink sometimes has quite a good offers.

I sort of forgot about that place, but yes, this is probably best if you think the prices on that there ebay are squeezing yer bladder and running away with the juice.

Edited December 27, 20177 yr by Gnac
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