Vote for a TRU exclusive City set!

[Razzer]

As much as I love the looks of the others, I voted for number one as it looks like there could be some tall buildings included and I can't beleive I'm the first person to say this but look at the road! Wouldn't it be great if TLG released a roundabout?

I don't know about the transportation centre though, because it can't possibly include all of those differant methods of transport and so we have no idea what will actually be included.... although it still looks awsome.

[Pierre_Cochereau]

Hmm ... so many choices Who am I kidding, this was not a tough choice at all. #2, Public Transportation of course. When I first saw the announcement, I couldn't believe it. Even if it's only a concept and the actual set won't be a re-release of 6399 but most likely is going to be a completely different set, the idea is the same: A public transportation system that is not a classic train set, rather something inbetween a bus and a train. I love it!

It was a double surprise because after all, not too long ago, I posted something in the "City '09?" topic that was about 6399 and a re-release of this set or, at least, something along the lines of the same concept – with some speculation on my part.

So, yeah, #2 was the only possible choice for me. Let's hope this is going to be the winner. (But WHY Toys'R'Us exclusive?? )

[Whittleberry]

Number 2 of course!

If number two does win, they should make the monorail compatible with the old track system. That would keep AFOLs happy, and they'd sell more of the set.

[Chris Weagel]

I voted for the transportation center, although all of them are vague and seemingly pre-existing in current sets.

I like that the artist and whoever approved the drawings went to such detail in replicating the Airport Shuttle. It's a nice touch even if there's no new monorail.

Whatever the case, I might buy it but certainly not at Toys R Us. Lego's prices alone may be ridiculously high, but TRU's markup is insulting.

Chris Weagel

[Mr Hobbles]

Number two here.

I didn't vote for the first because the concept is exactly the same as Town Plan. And we already have one of those.

I didn't vote for the third as we already have so many garages, gas stations, trucks and lorries. Really, do we need more?

Nope, what we need is transport. We've had one bus in the last 10 years? Trains are few and far between. And it would be nice to see a few more options.

Don't get me wrong, I don't see it being a monorail at all. There's no way they're digging out the old molds for this. Not to mention the mechanism would need to be updated to modern standards, and knowing LEGO, they'd want to make it Power Functions compatible.

Unless they used the tracks from the new Indi set that's coming out, I mean, why create a whole new mold just for one set...

But I digress. I don't see a monorail. Best I can hope for is some buses, a taxi or two, and maybe even a bus stop/station to go with it. That would be ideal for me.

[gladiator]

oh yeah, number 2 is a must

We must do anything to make monorails back

[Omicron]

I didn't vote for the first because the concept is exactly the same as Town Plan. And we already have one of those.

Who says the set will be anything like the Town Plan?

-Omi

[Klaus-Dieter]

Who says the set will be anything like the Town Plan?

-Omi

I totally agree with you, Omi!

Imo TLG hasn't done a good job with these pics since firstly they are partly completely different to the decriptions we were aible to read before and secondly because they are totally unrealistic.

To choice 1:

The picture which was drawn for this choice is absolutely unralistic and therefore even needless since TLG surely wouldn't release only a remake of 10184 combined with 7641!

If this choice makes it I bet that - apart from the toy shop, the taxi and the fountain - we won't see anything shown there on the pic. Since TLG didn't include a real church and a marriage car in 10184 why should they now?! Imo the set might include a toy shop, a cafe, a fountain and perhaps another shop or some green space.

To choice 2:

The picture here is absolutely unrealistic and therefore even needless since there surely won't be an exclusvie set which could include all these elements shown there!

Imagine how expensive a set like this would be if it included a tram with station, an elevated train with two stations, a bus with station, a hamburger stall, two taxis and a lot of other accessory, minifigs and the new overprized PF function elements to run the tram and the elevated train?! Surely around 500 Euros!

If this choise makes it I bet that we will see an elevated train similar to the classic Airport Shuttle (but surely with normal RC tracks), two stations for it and a hamburger stall. That'll be it!

To choice 3:

This is the only choice where the picture makes sense since - apart from some little things - this might be more or less the set we could see!

But surely there wouldn't be four big trucks and a that big motel - in contrary I highly doubt that TLG would include a motel at all!

If this choice makes it I bet that we will see two or three trucks, a gas station and a little fast food restaurant.

So don't let infuence you too much by the pics, please, since they very supposably don't show what we finally will get! Better reaad the descriptions on brothersbrick and decide because of these descriptions since if not so you might in the end perhaps be disappointed!

(I hope that I wrote this comment as neutral as possible.)

Klaus-Dieter

Edited April 5, 2009 by Klaus-Dieter

[jonwil]

It is conceptualtoa point.:P

Like for example, the City Square may or may not have a town hall, even though there is one in the pic. But we all know there won't be one anyways cuz Lego doesn't make anything dealing with politics. Basically what you are seeing just gives you an idea.

-Omi

There is a town hall in the Town Plan set.

I personally like the transit center more than the other 2 (Town Plan had the fountain thing plus I dont like trucks that much although a petrol tanker to fit the recent petrol station would be nice)

[Klaus-Dieter]

It's not that I don't want that public transportation center. In contrary: Some weeks ago I posted in the Embassy subforum that I'd really much like to get a re-release ore re-design of the classic Airport Shuttle!

But:

For all of you who think that we might get a monorail: I regrettably don't see there any chance!

The molds for the monorail are destroyed. So we might - if any - get an elevated train.

This elevated train either would run on the tracks seen in the IJ set Temple of Doom: This would allow the train to drive elevated and on the level of the regular trains - but the con would be that (since these tracks are only 6 stuck wide) this train then could only be four stuck wide which is imo too little (and when you see all the new cars and trucks TLG has been prodcucing in the last years an elevated train which is only four stuck wide would in comparison to them look absurd).

Or this train might run on the RC track: This would supposably be cheaper - but the con would be that this train then could only drive elevated but not on the level of the regular trains.

And:

Imo there firstly have to be some shops and other buildings (apart from 10184 and 7641 we haven't got any civilian buildings yet (since about more than ten years) and only very few buildings in general). Then you need a big transportation center and transport network to have not too much traffic in your City.

But until there aren't a decently number of buildings - for what do you need then an elevated train?!

Apart from that I'm quite sure that we'll see an elevated train in the future - undependent from whether this ToyRUs poll will announce the Public Transportation Center as the winner or one of the two other choices.

But if the City Square option wouldn't become the winner this might very supposable be the end of (exclusive) not train-related civilian sets such like public buildings, shops, restaurants, cafes etc. because TLG supposably would interpret the result as a no interest in such buildings and sets

So think about it!

Klaus-Dieter

Edited April 5, 2009 by Klaus-Dieter

[Omicron]

There is a town hall in the Town Plan set.

Then Lego went against their own rules.

-Omi

[Zarkan]

It's not that I don't want that public transportation center. In contrary: Some weeks ago I posted in the Embassy subforum that I'd really much like to get a re-release ore re-design of the classic Airport Shuttle!

But:

For all of you who think that we might get a monorail: I regrettably don't see there any chance!

The molds for the monorail are destroyed. So we might - if any - get an elevated train.

But see, here's the thing - TLC gave the impression with that drawing that they would make a monorail, NOT jus an elevated train. If they weren't even considering that as a possibility, they most likely would have just used one of the newer trains on elevated railroad tracks, instead of using the old Monorail design.

Besides, if people show enough interest in number 2, what would stop TLC from making a new monorail system? They have a whole year to plan it, and I don't see it being impossible to make new monorail tracks. Just this year, they are already coming out with a brand new railroad track system using flexible tracks, and I'm sure that took a lot of work. A new monorail would as well, but if it resulted in profit, it would be worth it for TLC to spend extra time making two or three new molds just for that set.

That's why I voted for number 2. I feel that there is still a chance we could see a resurection of the monorail line, and that to me would be even cooler than a town square. And also, if number two wins, I don't think that necessarily means no more shops and civilian buildings. If the City Corner set sells well this year, I think we'll be guarrenteed more sets like that - and, as other people have said, it's very possible that we could see all three options. What's stopping TLC from doing that?

[maiq the liar]

Besides, the destroyed mold thing isn't a problem: they can just get existing specimens of the monorail parts and make new molds using a vacuum-seal like the MythBusters sometimes do.

Edited April 5, 2009 by maiq the liar

[AwesomeStar]

I voted for Number 2, as I am a huge fan of trams and their history (don't ask me why, I was born with it ).

To be honest, it looks the best out of the three. We've already had a Town Plan, so it can't be too different. The Truck Stop is just terrible, something Lego came up with in less than 5 minutes because they knew there had to be 3 options.

While I'm only a fan of the trams from the '30s, modern day trams and "metro lines" as they are also called appeal to me too, the nearest one to me being in Manchester, England.

So that's why I voted for Number 2!

~A.S.

Edited April 5, 2009 by AwesomeStar

[Pierre_Cochereau]

TLG supposably would interpret the result as a no interest in such buildings and sets [/b]

That's an "argumentum ex silentio" at best. I don't follow you in jumping to this conclusion. I mean think about it: There hasn't been a train or train-like set (e.g. tram or monorail) since the latest train series in 2006. So if TLG now releases a public transportation set (whatever form that might be, monorail or not – though I sure hope it's going to be some sort of a monorail) as part of the long-since announced new train series, that's already in some way or the other part of their concept. So why would they deduce anything from a train set being wished for as having any bearing on other civilian sets, such as farm, shops, restaurants etc.? I'd say apples and oranges.

Besides, if people show enough interest in number 2, what would stop TLC from making a new monorail system? They have a whole year to plan it, and I don't see it being impossible to make new monorail tracks. Just this year, they are already coming out with a brand new railroad track system using flexible tracks, and I'm sure that took a lot of work. A new monorail would as well, but if it resulted in profit, it would be worth it for TLC to spend extra time making two or three new molds just for that set.

Exactly, Grevious. Nobody is talking at this point about an exact replica of 6399 – that would have had its proper place a couple of years ago when classic success sets were re-released as "Legends" – but rather a new monorail concept. Now, of course it would be lovely if that could somehow be combined with the old system but expecting this would, I think, be expecting a little too much, at least at this point. – You also make a very true point: I think it can be unanimously agreed upon that a new monorail system – whatever form it might take – would be a huge hit resulting in lots of profit. I mean just look at the insane prices some eBay sellers are asking for their almost 20-year old 6399 sets, no matter in what shape they are. I already mentioned a few times that one time, there was a MISB 6399 that was sold for – and I kid you not – over $ 1,000.00 (that was a couple of years ago). Lego isn't meant to be a collector's item in the sense that some sets never leave their boxes, but that is exactly what some sets have come to be. So, yes, I'd agree that a new monorail would become a huge success.

Besides, the destroyed mold thing isn't a problem: they can just get existing specimens of the monorail parts and make new molds using a vacuum-seal like the MythBusters sometimes do.

True, but let's be realistic: I think it can be safely said that this is not going to happen, although quite a few people would appreciate such a move on the part of TLG.

Edited April 6, 2009 by Pierre_Cochereau

[Klaus-Dieter]

That's an "argumentum ex silentio" at best. I don't follow you in jumping to this conclusion. I mean think about it: There hasn't been a train or train-like set (e.g. tram or monorail) since the latest train series in 2006. So if TLG now releases a public transportation set (whatever form that might be, monorail or not

Edited April 6, 2009 by Klaus-Dieter

[Pierre_Cochereau]

All I'm saying, Klaus-Dieter, is that I think it would be going too far making the assertion that because a lot of people might vote for option 2, TLG would interpret this as a decline in the interest in "civilian" buildings. I don't think that this statement is justified. That would be like saying that because a lot of people might buy the Emerald Night set, this could be interpreted as a lack of interest in civilian buildings.

Also, maybe the point I was trying to make got somehow lost in translation, for which I apologize. When I said that a public transportation set such as option 2 might already be in some way or the other part of TLG's concept, what I meant was that even though both trains and civilian subthemes all belong to the major category "City," nevertheless one needs to differentiate between train sets and building sets. And I don't think that the success or failure of a train set would affect the success or failure of a building set, and I also believe that TLG is far too experienced than making such a conclusion. That's all I was trying to say.

I agree with you, Klaus-Dieter, that a newly to be released "monorail" (let's call it that for now, for lack of a better word) would include PF stuff, and that might easily make it more expensive. I think it is safe to assume that the old 9V battery box which we got in 6399 and other monorails will never see the light of day again (at least officially speaking).

But – on to more speculation: I know that this is all "conceptual" for now. But when you look closely at the rendering, one could speculate about the tracks to be used in such a set. Rather than the classic monorail tracks, I could see the new tracks – if produced and released – as being some sort of smooth elements with "indentions" or recesses in them; the car wheels would sit in these indentions. That would also allow for building such tracks into a street (think the conventional tram concept with rails inserted into the road) in order to allow for cars to run over, or along, the tracks smoothly. Of course, street elements would need to be designed as the normal road plates would not work in such a way. But again, that's all speculation ... I guess we'll have to wait for the final results of the poll.

[Deemo]

I voted for number one and number two.

[The Green Brick Giant]

There will never be a working monorail again.

This is a special set, and the pictures mean nothing. The set can't be more than $100 or no one would buy it so monorail is out. The pictures are meaningless because the "park" is only the Town Plan set in cartoon form.

[Eilif]

I gave input on these at Brickfest. Things should be known.

Only one of them is being released, not all 3, and they will be in the $100+ range. What you see in the pics will not be in the sets. It is a concept.

The monorail, if the intent is to be released, won't be like other train sets. Just a plain train with no power functions and just regular boring wheels. Since these are directed at kids.

-Omi

Thanks for weighing in on this Omi. In these kinds of situations it's always nice to hear from someone with real information. I voted for #2, and I'm still glad I did. We might not even get a train of any kind, but I have a very strong feeling that any small rail system would use the 4 wide tracks from the Temple of Doom set. Still, a small-rail set like that would be a nice addition to a LEGO town, and folks with 9V, PF, Monorail, or whatever system could find ways of retrofitting the TRU exclusive kit onto our existing rail systems.

As you say, one important thing for everyone to remember, it looks like for all three pictures, LEGO purposely primarily used sets that have already been released or are slated for release soon. This should not suggest that we are getting reissues, rather it's just a jumping off point for a theme, not an accurate picture of a set contents.

[Klaus-Dieter]

All I'm saying, Klaus-Dieter, is that I think it would be going too far making the assertion that because a lot of people might vote for option 2, TLG would interpret this as a decline in the interest in "civilian" buildings. I don't think that this statement is justified. That would be like saying that because a lot of people might buy the Emerald Night set, this could be interpreted as a lack of interest in civilian buildings.

Also, maybe the point I was trying to make got somehow lost in translation, for which I apologize. When I said that a public transportation set such as option 2 might already be in some way or the other part of TLG's concept, what I meant was that even though both trains and civilian subthemes all belong to the major category "City," nevertheless one needs to differentiate between train sets and building sets. And I don't think that the success or failure of a train set would affect the success or failure of a building set, and I also believe that TLG is far too experienced than making such a conclusion. That's all I was trying to say.

Thanks for clarifying that, Pierre_Cochereau!

Sorry, I understood you wrong - but now I know what you mean.

Hopefully it's like you're saying that TLG won't let itself influence on the result of this poll whether we'll get more civilian buildings and stuff in the future or not.

But one thing is clear: If choice 1 wins we won't see a big and exclusvie set with civilian buildings. So hopefully TLG then will release some more civilian buildings as regular sets next year, too!

I agree with you, Klaus-Dieter, that a newly to be released "monorail" (let's call it that for now, for lack of a better word) would include PF stuff, and that might easily make it more expensive. I think it is safe to assume that the old 9V battery box which we got in 6399 and other monorails will never see the light of day again (at least officially speaking).

But – on to more speculation: I know that this is all "conceptual" for now. But when you look closely at the rendering, one could speculate about the tracks to be used in such a set. Rather than the classic monorail tracks, I could see the new tracks – if produced and released – as being some sort of smooth elements with "indentions" or recesses in them; the car wheels would sit in these indentions. That would also allow for building such tracks into a street (think the conventional tram concept with rails inserted into the road) in order to allow for cars to run over, or along, the tracks smoothly. Of course, street elements would need to be designed as the normal road plates would not work in such a way. But again, that's all speculation ... I guess we'll have to wait for the final results of the poll.

I totally agree with you, Pierre_Cochereau!

I already thought about this, too. And I think that using the regular RC tracks with some leveld plates on it is the most plausible (and surely even the cheapest) solution we can expect.

Although the tram looks on the pic imo more attractive than the elevated train I'd prefer an elevated train since I wouldn't know where to put the tram tracks since the road plates are that little anyway - and two road plates in parallel would make it absolutely impossible to build a layout which could be built up all the time (since it would need too much space).

Klaus-Dieter

[filefolders]

I'm always a sucker for mass transit. I am eager to see if option two can be incorporated into my LEGO city.

[paul_delahaye]

The new narrow gauge train tracks from this years indy set show some hope for a future monorail?

Paul

[MightySlickPancake]

I dont think anything should be ruled out of the question yet as lego have all ways been full of suprises. if you are or have been a inercircle member you could know there is a longer and better vote thing you can take letting you choose what other themes would be also good. i hope that a tracked or monorail system is produced. also a thing to note when i took the extra survey there was a subway option and subway station (along with others i can't remember). and if a tram is produced then new road pieces would have to be made so cars can also drive over them?

cb