Lord of the Rings Ongoing Discussion

[Cyprinus]

They just need to focus on the hall of Meduseld, ignoring all the houses and walls and it becomes a rather reasonable set.

[MAB]

12 hours ago, Renny The Spaceman said:

Well they'd do it to set it apart from the old hobbit sets as the sold poorly, they make them yellow as LEGO city sells, it's also why they reuse star wars prints because star wars sells

They wouldn't though. If they thought the old Hobbit sets sold so badly because of the realistic skin colour and that they'd need to change the skin colours to be less realistic to get more sales, then they will have to prepare for a bigger financial failure. Anyone buying licensed sets in the past two decades is used to realistic skin tones, not yellow. If they are going to do yellow dwarves then they should do it as part of Castle with no licensing necessary, more freedom for designs and no need for specific single use moulds.

[Khargeust]

Which GWP could accompany the future Bag End set ? A remake of 9469 Gandalf Arrives ? But it would be weird to have Gandalf as an extra figure as I don't see how he could not already be present in the Bag End set. This is without taking into account the fact that the Gandalf minifigure should automatically be present in the June Booknook set. That's a lot of Gandalf and it's hard to see how LEGO could release a exclusive figure in each set given that he is always dressed the same.

[Black Falcon]

2 minutes ago, Khargeust said:

Which GWP could accompany the future Bag End set ? A remake of 9469 Gandalf Arrives ? But it would be weird to have Gandalf as an extra figure as I don't see how he could not already be present in the Bag End set. This is without taking into account the fact that the Gandalf minifigure should automatically be present in the June Booknook set. That's a lot of Gandalf and it's hard to see how LEGO could release a exclusive figure in each set given that he is always dressed the same.

At that size I would expect Gandalf with his Horse and Carriage already included in the Set. The most fitting and Iconic scene that comes to my mind for them to show is where they were hiding under the tree - of course we wouldn´t see 4 Hobbits under the Tree and even with one Hobbit I kinda doubt they would include the tree +Nazgul and Horse in a GWP exclusive to a 200-250€ Set. And no Hobbit at all doesn´t seem more likely either. So maybe they just go with the Nazgul+Horse and a little Sidebuilt?

 

[Khargeust]

Just now, Black Falcon said:

At that size I would expect Gandalf with his Horse and Carriage already included in the Set. The most fitting and Iconic scene that comes to my mind for them to show is where they were hiding under the tree - of course we wouldn´t see 4 Hobbits under the Tree and even with one Hobbit I kinda doubt they would include the tree +Nazgul and Horse in a GWP exclusive to a 200-250€ Set. And no Hobbit at all doesn´t seem more likely either. So maybe they just go with the Nazgul+Horse and a little Sidebuilt?

 

You're right, it would make more sense to directly include Gandalf with his cart but I'm doubtful about a GWP including a Nazgul again. It needs to be something different and exclusive to maximize sales upon release of the set.

[Yoggington]

1 hour ago, Khargeust said:

Which GWP could accompany the future Bag End set ? A remake of 9469 Gandalf Arrives ? But it would be weird to have Gandalf as an extra figure as I don't see how he could not already be present in the Bag End set. This is without taking into account the fact that the Gandalf minifigure should automatically be present in the June Booknook set. That's a lot of Gandalf and it's hard to see how LEGO could release a exclusive figure in each set given that he is always dressed the same.

It would not be unprecedented though. See the X-Mansion with Xavier, and the launch GWP that came with.. another Xavier.

[Black Falcon]

1 hour ago, Khargeust said:

You're right, it would make more sense to directly include Gandalf with his cart but I'm doubtful about a GWP including a Nazgul again. It needs to be something different and exclusive to maximize sales upon release of the set.

Well if we take a look at horses in production right now, they would bring back a black colour in the first place and I think a new print would also be needed. And trust me, that alone would be a reason for people to buy the set early if the print is done well. What would be more the question there is of course, how likely it would be. I mean a new colour and new print for the horse are one thing, but if we consider that the GWP is also the reason the Nazgul is kept in production for this GWP, then it I guess they would get budget issues. But well, not that long till April so I guess first rumours about a GWP should be coming soon - if there actually is one in the first place.

[kuzyabricks]

Built the Goblin King and Mine of Moria sets and they were awesome!  Gosh I really hope we get more dwarves from the Hobbit one day. They are the best part of the Hobbit trilogy. I understand licenses, sales not as good, Hobbit not as good of an IP, blah, blah, blah. I want more dwarves end of discussion. And a Smaug. That would be splendid.

[Black Falcon]

49 minutes ago, kuzyabricks said:

Built the Goblin King and Mine of Moria sets and they were awesome!  Gosh I really hope we get more dwarves from the Hobbit one day. They are the best part of the Hobbit trilogy. I understand licenses, sales not as good, Hobbit not as good of an IP, blah, blah, blah. I want more dwarves end of discussion. And a Smaug. That would be splendid.

And, you had luck with all bricks included, or had to replace some of them? Glad to hear you like them, especially at the price they are going nowadays would be a shame if not. 

I still don´t think that an Erebor Set is impossible, once they have done all the Major Locations for the Lord of the Rings - which would still take some years ofc - and then they could still just start again - but only time will tell.

[kuzyabricks]

41 minutes ago, Black Falcon said:

And, you had luck with all bricks included, or had to replace some of them? Glad to hear you like them, especially at the price they are going nowadays would be a shame if not. 

I still don´t think that an Erebor Set is impossible, once they have done all the Major Locations for the Lord of the Rings - which would still take some years ofc - and then they could still just start again - but only time will tell.

Only bricks that broke were pieces to the doors on the mines of Moria. Two dark brown bricks cracked a tiny bit in the goblin king set and a few pieces crackled but no visual cracks. Very happy about that! Will probably call Lego about replacements later down the line. Was genuinely praying while putting the figures together. Nori’s torso was making suspicious sounds while being connected to the legs but no cracks!! Really want to complete the rest of the dwarves but that would mean no shire and some other sets later this year. Still have to decide!

I’m hoping that is the case! Hopefully Lego sees just how much we love LOTR sets 

 

42 minutes ago, Black Falcon said:

And, you had luck with all bricks included, or had to replace some of them? Glad to hear you like them, especially at the price they are going nowadays would be a shame if not. 

I still don´t think that an Erebor Set is impossible, once they have done all the Major Locations for the Lord of the Rings - which would still take some years ofc - and then they could still just start again - but only time will tell.

And about the price, I have recently switched to only buying sealed sets (had gotten a few filthy used sets in a row and got frustrated) but both mines of Moria and goblin king set hold a very special place in my heart so it was well worth it. I felt like a little kid when building them. It was incredible. Also got pretty good deals on both so overall a great holiday haul!

Edited January 4 by kuzyabricks

[THELEGOBATMAN]

Brittle brown is a huge curse upon the old Lord of the Rings and Hobbit sets. I have four smaller sets—most minifigures have cracked torsos. Not to mention the printing quality wasn't that great either, with half the faceprints washed away. (And also the awful web cloths in the Mirkwood set.)

I need to get replacements for some of them to bring them back to their full glory, but buying only minifigure parts is so pricy, since they're hard to get.

[Renny The Spaceman]

1 hour ago, THELEGOBATMAN said:

Brittle brown is a huge curse upon the old Lord of the Rings and Hobbit sets. I have four smaller sets—most minifigures have cracked torsos. Not to mention the printing quality wasn't that great either, with half the faceprints washed away. (And also the awful web cloths in the Mirkwood set.)

I need to get replacements for some of them to bring them back to their full glory, but buying only minifigure parts is so pricy, since they're hard to get.

When my Evil Bombur figure starts showing wear I fear what that's gonna unleash onto the world

[Black Falcon]

4 hours ago, THELEGOBATMAN said:

Brittle brown is a huge curse upon the old Lord of the Rings and Hobbit sets. I have four smaller sets—most minifigures have cracked torsos. Not to mention the printing quality wasn't that great either, with half the faceprints washed away. (And also the awful web cloths in the Mirkwood set.)

I need to get replacements for some of them to bring them back to their full glory, but buying only minifigure parts is so pricy, since they're hard to get.

The question would be though if that would help you much. I mean in the end the replacement parts will just have the same issues as the ones you are going to replace. With normal parts that wouldn´t be an issue but exclusive printed bodies will all be from the same time with the same material. And even if it might still look fine when you receive it, it might beginn to show issues after a while again.

[THELEGOBATMAN]

58 minutes ago, Black Falcon said:

The question would be though if that would help you much. I mean in the end the replacement parts will just have the same issues as the ones you are going to replace. With normal parts that wouldn´t be an issue but exclusive printed bodies will all be from the same time with the same material. And even if it might still look fine when you receive it, it might beginn to show issues after a while again.

I don't think it will crack if unplayed with. 

I heavily used those sets in my childhood, even taking their arms out multiple times. 

[TheDoctor]

29 minutes ago, THELEGOBATMAN said:

I don't think it will crack if unplayed with. 

I heavily used those sets in my childhood, even taking their arms out multiple times. 

Yeah, mine seem fine.

I bought the original sets when I was 18, so they were built, posed and stored.

But I do handle them very carefully now!
Unfortunately, I didn't fully disassemble the sets to store them, so any brown pieces are never being taken apart (looking at you, Orc Forge!)

[Black Falcon]

39 minutes ago, THELEGOBATMAN said:

I don't think it will crack if unplayed with. 

I heavily used those sets in my childhood, even taking their arms out multiple times. 

Probably you are right, but I would guess the biggest risk is when you assemble them anyways.

6 minutes ago, TheDoctor said:

Unfortunately, I didn't fully disassemble the sets to store them, so any brown pieces are never being taken apart (looking at you, Orc Forge!)

But shouldn´t it be more a problem if it was actually disassembled and since you would have a higher risk assembling it again than keeping it assembled?

[TheDoctor]

29 minutes ago, Black Falcon said:

But shouldn´t it be more a problem if it was actually disassembled and since you would have a higher risk assembling it again than keeping it assembled?

I don't think i've ever broken any old brown break when putting it together, it normally breaks when taking it apart.

Especially plates when you use a brick separator.

[Shroffy123]

Agreed about the lotr/hobbit brittle brown piece. Not only have pieces snapped in my collection, but so have minifig and horses. My radagast's left arm is so tight I fear moving it because it will snap. 😞

[TheDoctor]

39 minutes ago, Shroffy123 said:

Agreed about the lotr/hobbit brittle brown piece. Not only have pieces snapped in my collection, but so have minifig and horses. My radagast's left arm is so tight I fear moving it because it will snap. 😞

This made me worry and check all my brown figs (which Hobbit/LotR is dominated by!)

All seem good and no cracks, but the limbs are so stiff!
I guess the value of them will continue to rise as more and more eventually break.

[RichardGoring]

9 hours ago, TheDoctor said:

I don't think i've ever broken any old brown break when putting it together, it normally breaks when taking it apart.

Especially plates when you use a brick separator.

I've had old brown pieces shatter when putting things together, so it definitely can happen. But agreed that old brown plates and brick separators really don't mix!

[kuzyabricks]

When did they start snapping? I mean they weren’t brittle back in the day

[Roebuck]

16 minutes ago, kuzyabricks said:

When did they start snapping? I mean they weren’t brittle back in the day

I think it has been a issue for many years now, so could not have been long after they where in shops. As far as I know the issue is fixes so parts still in production is easy to swap, however that do not help with unique minifigs, animals etc

[MAB]

There were reports of brittle brown parts breaking in contemporary newly opened sets back in 2012. More in the US than in Europe. I don't know if it was down to where they were made or temperature / storage conditions. I've found some parts have broken since, 2x4 plates, bigger plates and horses are especially bad, but still relatively uncommon for it to happen. Fortunately none of my LOTR or Hobbit figures have broken, although they don't really get heavy play, just display.

Edited January 5 by MAB

[Lordhelmet]

On 1/4/2025 at 3:25 AM, kuzyabricks said:

Built the Goblin King and Mine of Moria sets and they were awesome!  Gosh I really hope we get more dwarves from the Hobbit one day. They are the best part of the Hobbit trilogy. I understand licenses, sales not as good, Hobbit not as good of an IP, blah, blah, blah. I want more dwarves end of discussion. And a Smaug. That would be splendid.

Building the small/medium sets just makes me want more around that size so badly.  Plus the play functions make it so much more fun.

[Khargeust]

25 minutes ago, Lordhelmet said:

Building the small/medium sets just makes me want more around that size so badly.  Plus the play functions make it so much more fun.

So true, big display sets are delightful to see but play sets are the best ! Come on LEGO, you can do it ! 

Edited January 5 by Khargeust