What next vintage set could be recreated by TLG ?

[Khargeust]

For three years now LEGO has strived to recreate several sets inspired by past glory and seems to want to ride this wave of nostalgia. You can see marketing website page on this point here :

https://www.lego.com/en-gb/categories/adults-welcome/article/vintage-lego-sets-from-childhood

In 2020 there was 21322 Pirates of Barracuda Bay, in 2021 Medieval Blacksmith, in 2022 40367 Forest Hideout, 10305 Lions' Knights Castle and 10497 Galaxy Explorer, this year 40580 Blacktron Cruiser, 10320 Eldorado Fortress and we're expecting a new set inspired by Majisto's magical workshop launching in august-september. 

In your opinion, and probable new Medieval Market put aside, which next vintage sets could we reasonably see be released in the future ?

Edited July 10, 2023 by Khargeust

[JopieK]

Hopefully a tribute to the LEGO Trains 12V era :)

[Alexandrina]

My thinking is that Lego are going to want to stick to sets that are iconic and also translate into something cool for today. Sets like Pizza To Go, therefore, are unlikely. What would distinguish a modernised version from any bog-standard City set?

They've shown as well that they like to rotate among themes for the most part, so the next set is unlikely to be Pirates (maybe a Sabre Island GWP at some point but we're probably not going to see Skull's Eye Schooner 2.0 next year). On top of that they won't want to do a set that would require lots of extinct parts to be brought back just to work (so no monorail) and they probably won't want to compete with the standard themes - something like Flying Ninja's Fortress is unlikely to be remade while Ninjago is still on the go.

Personally I don't think it'll be a Castle set - the three recent offerings plus the rumoured Medieval village pretty well cover all the bases that Castle sets need - and I don't think it'll be Space because all the iconic factions are either recently made (Classic, Blacktron) or require the neon colours that have recentyl been discontinued (Ice Planet, M:Tron)

Taking away the three most iconic themes leaves little to pick from. Paradisa sets are more likely to be "soft-remade" as Friends sets than as Icons, and Aquazone was mainly full of smaller vehicles which wouldn't be strong movers imo. For that reason I personally think the next Icons set will be a Western set, either Fort Legoredo or possibly Gold City Junction. We know from the 2002 rereleases that Western made it into the pantheon of Legends (where Aquazone never did); Fort Legoredo is an iconic part of Lego history that's not similar to anything on the market and can be remade with parts that presently exist; and when you take away the Big Three themes, there aren't that many truly iconic Lego sets that are old enough to warrant a remake.

[Lira_Bricks]

Maybe something from the adventurers series? Although we already had some kind of tribute with 10273 so maybe not.

Part of me hopes for Bionicle as big mechs like they exist in exo-force/ninjago/monkey-kid/...

[Khargeust]

11 hours ago, JopieK said:

Hopefully a tribute to the LEGO Trains 12V era :)

Could the upcoming release of the Orient Express be an opportunity to meet the expectations of train fans? I sadly don't know this theme, but I would love a nice old train and I would take it without hesitation if it was made with care and functionality.

3 hours ago, Alexandrina said:

They've shown as well that they like to rotate among themes for the most part, so the next set is unlikely to be Pirates (maybe a Sabre Island GWP at some point but we're probably not going to see Skull's Eye Schooner 2.0 next year).

I actually don't see what they could recreate in the Pirates universe except for a new Skull's Eye Schooner or an Imperial Flagship. Maybe one of theme could be released in 2025 or 2026. I would love to see a reboot of the Islanders with a new version of Enchanted Island, but it seems compromised I think unfortunately. Also, arguably the Imperial Armada isn't iconic enough to benefit from a reboot.

 

3 hours ago, Alexandrina said:

On top of that they won't want to do a set that would require lots of extinct parts to be brought back just to work (so no monorail)

3 hours ago, Alexandrina said:

I don't think it'll be Space because all the iconic factions are either recently made (Classic, Blacktron) or require the neon colours that have recentyl been discontinued (Ice Planet, M:Tron)

Why do you think they wouldn't invest in new parts? Space remakes seem compromised in this case as the trans-neon pieces are iconic.

 

3 hours ago, Alexandrina said:

For that reason I personally think the next Icons set will be a Western set, either Fort Legoredo or possibly Gold City Junction. We know from the 2002 rereleases that Western made it into the pantheon of Legends (where Aquazone never did); Fort Legoredo is an iconic part of Lego history that's not similar to anything on the market and can be remade with parts that presently exist; and when you take away the Big Three themes, there aren't that many truly iconic Lego sets that are old enough to warrant a remake.

Like you, I think a Western set is a very likely candidate for the next vintage recreation by LEGO.

 

3 hours ago, Lira_Bricks said:

Maybe something from the adventurers series? Although we already had some kind of tribute with 10273 so maybe not.

Part of me hopes for Bionicle as big mechs like they exist in exo-force/ninjago/monkey-kid/...

Set 10273 is full of Adventurers references but is not an Adventurers set per se, rather it serves as a gothic framework for a faiground set. If they remake an Adventurers set, it will almost certainly be a recreation from the Egyptian desert.

Bionicle fans probably deserve their big vintage set too! ;-) I doubt that the January GWP satisfied them!

[Alexandrina]

3 hours ago, Khargeust said:

Why do you think they wouldn't invest in new parts? Space remakes seem compromised in this case as the trans-neon pieces are iconic.

It's not that they won't invest in new parts per se, but I can't see them spending the money to bring back multiple single-purpose moulds (such as in the monorail). It would be a big expenditure for parts they might well not get any use of again. Space sets could easily come back as the sort of parts they'd be investing in would be more likely to find a use elsewhere in Lego's range.

[Black Feather]

Hard to overlook the medieval market village because pretty sure that’s next.  I would like to see camouflaged outpost at some point with all the forestmen variants.  My favorite set as a kid.  But being my favorite is probably not a factor in their decision process.  Would also like to see Black Monarchs Castle or Black Knights Castle.  Guessing if it was done would be a big black castle inspired by those.  But can’t imagine they would have two big castles out at the same time so will probably have to wait a while on that one.

[Mylenium]

7 hours ago, Alexandrina said:

It's not that they won't invest in new parts per se, but I can't see them spending the money to bring back multiple single-purpose moulds (such as in the monorail). It would be a big expenditure for parts they might well not get any use of again.

I don't see the problem. They're basically already doing it all the time, including bringing back the short straight monorail pieces as decorations on the Daily Bugle set. At this point LEGO are so large that even "limited run" productions mean tens of thousands of packages and what's to stop them from firing up one of their smaller machines for a few hours just for that? We could agree that taking molds out of storage, dusting them off and prepping for production could be a cost factor, but even that would only open up endless discussions on why it's in LEGOs best interest to perpetuate the myth that molds cost as much as the NASA space program, which couldn't be further from reality... From a mere technical standpoint they should not have any issues. The planning and logistics are no doubt a much bigger concern.

Mylenium

[MAB]

1 hour ago, Mylenium said:

I don't see the problem. They're basically already doing it all the time, including bringing back the short straight monorail pieces as decorations on the Daily Bugle set.

What monorail track did they bring back? I cannot see anything in that set that is monorail although I haven't built or even seen the set in real life so could have missed something.

16 hours ago, Alexandrina said:

.... and I don't think it'll be Space because all the iconic factions are either recently made (Classic, Blacktron) or require the neon colours that have recentyl been discontinued (Ice Planet, M:Tron)

 

12 hours ago, Khargeust said:

Why do you think they wouldn't invest in new parts? Space remakes seem compromised in this case as the trans-neon pieces are iconic.

Even if they don't have the same colours available as before, if they wanted to do a modern take on older Space themes I imagine they could just use a current close match. Of course, some people would complain that they don't match the colours of their childhood exactly but I would imagine a cool looking space ship or vehicle would still sell. If they are changing the designs and part palette to more modern parts, a colour change may not be that big a deal to everyone even if it is to some.

[DelQuinn]

4 hours ago, Mylenium said:

...that taking molds out of storage, dusting them off and prepping for production...

It is my understanding that once a part is discontinued, they destroy the mold for it. Or at least dispose/recycle them so they don't have any old ones in storage.  Of course they might have a few for classic pieces (like 2x4 bricks) in museums here and there.

[Mylenium]

5 hours ago, MAB said:

What monorail track did they bring back?

This one:

https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=3228c#T=C

Not a "monorail" piece, though. My mistake.

Mylenium

1 hour ago, DelQuinn said:

It is my understanding that once a part is discontinued, they destroy the mold for it. Or at least dispose/recycle them so they don't have any old ones in storage. 

And that makes exactly sense because...? They just brought back this piece after not producing it for 12 years:

https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=2577#T=C

Did they use an old mold? Built a new one? We don't know for sure, but seeing how sparingly it was used even back in the day I'm sure they dusted off an old mold, de-greased it, gave it a polish and just used it. Same for a few other legacy pieces that have resurfaced in recent years. That isn't meant to dismiss your point out of hand as I'm sure they indeed got rid of many molds and don't have endless storage space in their vaults, but no doubt they have many old molds still around. And honestly, LEGO can't well claim molds would be super-expensive and then discard them left and right. Even on that level it wouldn't make a lick of sense...

Mylenium

[MAB]

51 minutes ago, Mylenium said:

This one:

https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=3228c#T=C

Not a "monorail" piece, though. My mistake.

 

Ah, OK. That piece has never really gone away, it just doesn't appear in that many sets.

 

[DelQuinn]

I think this is a complex topic and there is no right or wrong answers.

The Netflix series "The Toys That Made Us" had a episode on the history of LEGO that was really good.  In that they mentioned that the molds are destroyed to prevent them being used/copied by their competition.  I don't know about if that is still a valid explanation or not with the amount of clones in the market.  I also found another thread on here on this topic that also mentions that the molds wear out over time, which also makes sense. I've read indications that the lifespan of a mold is approx. 2 years.

The large amount of variants for numerous elements does indicate that the molds are changed, replaced and updated over time.

In all honesty, since getting back into LEGO the past few years I am amazed how many pieces they have brought back and/or keep going after all these years

 

 

Edited July 10, 2023 by DelQuinn

[Alexandrina]

1 hour ago, Mylenium said:

And that makes exactly sense because...? They just brought back this piece after not producing it for 12 years:

https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=2577#T=C

Where are you getting that it wasn't produced for twelve years? According to Bricklink the longest gap between sets since its introduction was 2012-2017.

It does seem that it was retired (all the 2012 sets retired after just one year according to Brickset, which seems like a short lifespan for Friends sets) and brought back for the reissued Taj Mahal, but certainly not after twelve years.

[Lion King]

1.) Rock Raider

2.) Xtreme Island

3.) Paradisa

4.) Ice Planet

5.) Western

[Khargeust]

23 minutes ago, Lion King said:

1.) Rock Raider

2.) Xtreme Island

3.) Paradisa

4.) Ice Planet

5.) Western

Is it a wishlist or do you rally think the themes will soon be revisited by LEGO as part of the recreation of a set? Because can't see them touching Xtreme Island again at all.

[Lion King]

13 minutes ago, Khargeust said:

Is it a wishlist or do you rally think the themes will soon be revisited by LEGO as part of the recreation of a set? Because can't see them touching Xtreme Island again at all.

I just feel Xtreme Island is relating to Lego Island video game and it’s enough classical to me. We never got Pa and Ma’s pizzeria or Infomaniac’s building. So I guess you a say it my wishlist. 

[danth]

53 minutes ago, Lion King said:

1.) Rock Raider

4.) Ice Planet

I like these picks.

Everyone loves Rock Raiders. People have made some amazing brick-built windscreen cages for these in recent MOCs. So it's not like those parts would even need bringing back.

Ice Planet is a perfect choice. Hopefully trans-neon orange was put on temporary hiatus for some technical reason and will be back soon. If it was supposed to be permanently retired, even better: simply fire the person responsible and bring the color back immediately.

[Yperio_Bricks]

Has anyone mentioned the 4558 Metroliner yet? It's really a classic Lego train and the color scheme is classic in it's own right.

Apart from that i would like to see a Western remake! But more than Fort Legoredo i would like to see some main street buildings like bank, saloon and sheriff's office and a coach.

When it comes to city, one of my favorite sets was always 6376 Breezeaway Cafe or the Paradisa Sand Dollar Cafe. Although today's friends sets maybe are better than a remake of a classic city set could ever be!?

 

[danth]

Apparently it's not too hard to do a brick-built monorail.

https://bricknerd.com/home/lego-monorail-bring-it-back-or-build-your-own-7-6-21

Not sure if the design violates Lego's legality or stability rules. Or if building the track would be too boring.

23 minutes ago, Yperio_Bricks said:

Although today's friends sets maybe are better than a remake of a classic city set could ever be!?

Yep, Friends is the best theme, it's pretty unanimous.😁

[Murdoch17]

1 hour ago, Lion King said:

I just feel Xtreme Island is relating to Lego Island video game and it’s enough classical to me. We never got Pa and Ma’s pizzeria or Infomaniac’s building. So I guess you a say it my wishlist. 

I agree on the Infomaniac and his HQ, maybe with updated Pepper Roni, The Brickster and a Brickster bot or two. (using Minecraft heads maybe?) However, the Brickolini's pizzeria has been around twice already: original 1994 set 6350 and nearly identical LEGO Legends version 10036 from 2002. (both called 'Pizza to Go')

 

...That being said, I want an updated Pizza to Go as well!

Edited July 10, 2023 by Murdoch17

[Peppermint_M]

Aquazone! Either a base or one of the big subs would be fantastic.

6175: Crystal Explorer Sub, 6195: Neptune Discovery Lab and 6190: Shark's Crystal Cave would be excellent subjects for tribute sets.

It has been a good long time since the classic sets of the 90s. A lot of cool parts exist that could help recreate the shapes and overall idea of the three sets I mentioned. 

[Alexandrina]

2 hours ago, Peppermint_M said:

Aquazone! Either a base or one of the big subs would be fantastic.

6175: Crystal Explorer Sub, 6195: Neptune Discovery Lab and 6190: Shark's Crystal Cave would be excellent subjects for tribute sets.

It has been a good long time since the classic sets of the 90s. A lot of cool parts exist that could help recreate the shapes and overall idea of the three sets I mentioned. 

I would love to see Aquazone but I'd be upset if they didn't bring back the octagonal bricks at the very least. They are genuinely interesting parts that weren't made in nearly enough colours and would be very welcome in the Lego canon to this day.

[GoHabsGo]

15 hours ago, Yperio_Bricks said:

Has anyone mentioned the 4558 Metroliner yet? It's really a classic Lego train and the color scheme is classic in it's own right.

Apart from that i would like to see a Western remake! But more than Fort Legoredo i would like to see some main street buildings like bank, saloon and sheriff's office and a coach.

When it comes to city, one of my favorite sets was always 6376 Breezeaway Cafe or the Paradisa Sand Dollar Cafe. Although today's friends sets maybe are better than a remake of a classic city set could ever be!?

 

if they select the Metroliner, I'll buy it day one !

[MAB]

When it comes to trains, we have had:

2010 Passenger train

(2013 Horizon Express)

2014 High speed passenger train

2018 Passenger train

2022 Express passenger train

 

I don't think the Metroliner really needs to come back, as it has been redone with variations again and again. Sure the colour scheme is slightly different each time, the shape is slightly different. They've been based on current electronic parts each time rather than 9V. But every four years there has been the reasonably consistent (except for HE) three piece trains, track, and bit of platform.