City 2010

[Piranha]

If we are counting the little green thing as a tractor than the yellow thing is a tractor.

Exactly!

The little Promo is similar and has less parts than the Yellow Tractor.

[Klaus-Dieter]

Now if we got a post office or a bank, I'd be all over that. What a missed opportunity that 2007 postal theme was.

I totally agree with you, Batbrick!

A post office and a bank are really, really needed!

And I even bet that even JFOLs would like to play with these sets.

But since rumours say that we'll get two new trains, a level crossing and a train station I highly doubt that we'll see any other set with a building in it (supposably only some more small sets like vehicles etc.).

The only hope is the TRU Exclusive - but on the other hand imo a bank and a post office have to be regular sets - the TRU Exclusive should better include more AFOL orientated contents for our cities (hotel, cafe, taxi stand, small park and decent town hall/church/office building).

Well, let's see.

Klaus-Dieter

[Piranha]

I totally agree with you, Batbrick!

A post office and a bank are really, really needed!

And I even bet that even JFOLs would like to play with these sets.

But since rumours say that we'll get two new trains, a level crossing and a train station I highly doubt that we'll see any other set with a building in it (supposably only some more small sets like vehicles etc.).

The only hope is the TRU Exclusive - but on the other hand imo a bank and a post office have to be regular sets - the TRU Exclusive should better include more AFOL orientated contents for our cities (hotel, cafe, taxi stand, small park and decent town hall/church/office building).

Well, let's see.

Klaus-Dieter

Yes very true, I also agree Bank and Post Office would be amazing like we discussed in the "Ideas for new City Sets" Thread, a City Corner 2 basically. Since we will most likely are to see 2 Trains and those 2 buildings I also doubt that the TRU exclusive will be a Monorail or Train.

At first I was highly optimistic that it would be, but now I have shadows of doubt because of the rumored 2 train sets.

While I am kind of sad that we will probably not see a Monorail I am also happy as the TRU exclusive really is the last chance to get some great city buildings. Which I think we should actually see more of. Because LEGO loves vehciles because they design them so well, however I think City is the most practical and easy theme to introduce bulidings into.

[Matt Dawson]

At first I was highly optimistic that it would be, but now I have shadows of doubt because of the rumored 2 train sets.

While I am kind of sad that we will probably not see a Monorail I am also happy as the TRU exclusive really is the last chance to get some great city buildings. Which I think we should actually see more of. Because LEGO loves vehciles because they design them so well, however I think City is the most practical and easy theme to introduce bulidings into.

I think lego should remember that without civilian buildings lego city is just a load of emergency rescue buildings and vehicles...

[lightningtiger]

We only know what's comming in the first half of the year, but maybe a new city subtheme will appear mid-year like coast guard did in 2008 or maybe even sooner.

Kids want action so thats why fire fighters and pilots rule at lego city in 2010, because that what kids like pretending to be. At least they can be an electician or still a farmer in 2010 if they wish.

[The Green Brick Giant]

Kids want action so thats why fire fighters and pilots rule at lego city in 2010, because that what kids like pretending to be. At least they can be an electician or still a farmer in 2010 if they wish.

I think everyone understand that, but why can't LEGO make 1-2 buildings a year so that the fire department can save something? A bank can come with a police car to stop a robber, same with a post office.

[lightningtiger]

Maybe we are all missing something, who are we not taking in consideration here.

CHILDREN.

Going on about not enough buildings, that's true, look at my MOC's, like some of you we are trying to fill a gap, but ask the kids what they want to see, to build, to play, to learn with.

I think I might do that, go to my son's home class and ask all his grade 3 classmates what they want to see come out in Lego.

To quote a famous line from Star Wars, 'Stay on target'.

I think some of you may agree or disagree with me, but I beleive that is what the forum is for.

LEARN - LIVE - LIFE - LEGO

[Joebot]

Maybe we are all missing something, who are we not taking in consideration here.

CHILDREN.

Going on about not enough buildings, that's true, look at my MOC's, like some of you we are trying to fill a gap, but ask the kids what they want to see, to build, to play, to learn with.

I think I might do that, go to my son's home class and ask all his grade 3 classmates what they want to see come out in Lego.

To quote a famous line from Star Wars, 'Stay on target'.

I think some of you may agree or disagree with me, but I beleive that is what the forum is for.

LEARN - LIVE - LIFE - LEGO

Of course that's a good point, and it's one that gets brought up quite a bit here on Eurobricks.

I'm not so convinced though. I think I was a pretty typical kid, and my absoute favorite sets as a child were Main Street and the Public Works Center. I played the hell out of those two sets. Neither of them is what anyone would probably consider to be "action-oriented." Sure, I had a police station and a fire station too, but all my various childhood adventures and stories revolved around Main Street and the Public Works Center.

I guess my point is that I think Lego is wrong in assuming that kids only want to role play with policemen and fire fighters.

[wooootles]

I guess my point is that I think Lego is wrong in assuming that kids only want to role play with policemen and fire fighters.

No, I don't think so. You cited yourself as someone who liked civilian sets as a kid...but do you speak for all the other kids out there?

They've been cranking out newer and newer versions of Fire and Police since FOREVER... and apparently that plan works. Now, I'm with most of you guys, that I'd rather see more banks, bus stations, offices, stores and whatnot than "not another fire station!", but apparently LEGO knows something we don't, that they must milk Fire/Police.

At least it's been better the past few years, as we have CREATOR and modulars (as well as awesome classic-like sets like Town Plan and Winter Toy shop) for civilian needs.

As for actual CITY civilian set wish list, have they ever had a replacement for Sail N' Fly Marina? It was one set in the 90s I wish I had but didn't

[lightningtiger]

I think it's over due for a new public works centre among other sets from the past. It appears we see a twenty to thirty year wait for a release of a new set based on an old one, like 7641 is in the sprit of the 1979 bus station. So what's next, could there be a different set never ever done before come out of left field, who knows ?

[peterab]

I guess my point is that I think Lego is wrong in assuming that kids only want to role play with policemen and fire fighters.

I'm pretty sure Lego has a far better idea of what kids want to play with than any individual fan. It's not that some kids don't want to play with more civilian sets, but far more want to play with fire and police sets. There is a reason that the 7239 fire truck released in 2005 is still available (and looks like it will continue to be next year); it is one of the best selling sets. When considering a new set the descision they make isnt 'will this set sell', it's 'will this set sell better than anything else we could add to the product list'.

[jonwil]

For those interested, I have attempted to build the new small car (Smart) from the posted pictures. Here is what I came up for the 48 parts:

black Slope Brick 65 2 x 1 x 2

black Slope Brick 65 2 x 1 x 2

black Car Base 7 x 4 x 2/3

trans-black Windscreen 3 x 4 x 1 & 1/3 Slope 33

light bley Wheel Center Small Wide for Slick Tyre with Notched Axlehole

light bley Wheel Center Small Wide for Slick Tyre with Notched Axlehole

light bley Wheel Center Small Wide for Slick Tyre with Notched Axlehole

light bley Wheel Center Small Wide for Slick Tyre with Notched Axlehole

black Tyre 14 x 8 Slick Smooth

black Tyre 14 x 8 Slick Smooth

black Tyre 14 x 8 Slick Smooth

black Tyre 14 x 8 Slick Smooth

black Car Mudguard 2 x 4

white Car Mudguard 2 x 4

white Tile 1 x 2

white Car Steering Wheel

trans-clear Plate 1 x 1 Round

trans-clear Plate 1 x 1 Round

white Slope Brick 33 1 x 1 x 2/3

white Slope Brick 33 1 x 1 x 2/3

black Wedge 4 x 4 x 2/3 Curved

white Door 1 x 3 x 1 Left

white Door 1 x 3 x 1 Right

dark bley Tile 1 x 2 Grill

white Brick 1 x 3

white Brick 1 x 3

white Bracket 1 x 2 - 2 x 2

white Bracket 1 x 2 - 2 x 2

white Plate 1 x 2

white Plate 1 x 4

white Plate 2 x 4

white Plate 2 x 2

black Plate 2 x 2

black Plate 2 x 2

black Panel 1 x 2 x 1

white Plate 1 x 2

white Plate 1 x 2

black Plate 2 x 2

Minifig Hair Short Tousled Parted on Side (dont know the exact name of that color)

yellow Minifig Head (no sign of it in the BL or peeron database, appears to be new for 2010)

white Minifig Torso with Jumper pattern (new torso for 2010)

green Minifig Hips and Legs

red-brown Minifig Accessory Suitcase

I would take pictures of the model as built by me but I cant find my camera :)

Anyone else have any more guesses as to how this cool little car is made?

[Joebot]

I'm pretty sure Lego has a far better idea of what kids want to play with than any individual fan. It's not that some kids don't want to play with more civilian sets, but far more want to play with fire and police sets. There is a reason that the 7239 fire truck released in 2005 is still available (and looks like it will continue to be next year); it is one of the best selling sets. When considering a new set the descision they make isnt 'will this set sell', it's 'will this set sell better than anything else we could add to the product list'.

Fair enough. I was, of course, only speaking anecdotally from my own experience.

You bring up a good point about 7239. I'd like to see more of that sort of thing. It does make sense to always have fire / police / rescue sets available for purchase; these are "evergreen" themes that are always going to sell. However, why do they insist on redesigning them every 2-3 years? The new fire station in '10 is very similar to the previous one. Why bother? Why spend the design / development cost to create a brand new set instead of just keeping the previous one in production for an extra couple of years? I'd prefer Lego spend their development effort on some NEW stuff, instead of just rehashing the same basic thing over and over again.

[jonwil]

Fair enough. I was, of course, only speaking anecdotally from my own experience.

You bring up a good point about 7239. I'd like to see more of that sort of thing. It does make sense to always have fire / police / rescue sets available for purchase; these are "evergreen" themes that are always going to sell. However, why do they insist on redesigning them every 2-3 years? The new fire station in '10 is very similar to the previous one. Why bother? Why spend the design / development cost to create a brand new set instead of just keeping the previous one in production for an extra couple of years? I'd prefer Lego spend their development effort on some NEW stuff, instead of just rehashing the same basic thing over and over again.

Most likely it has to do with retailers who wouldn't sell these older products.

That and if they keep the same fire station around for too long, they loose sales as people either say "I already got that one" or "I dont want it", a new fire station may get new sales. (like the 2010 fire station is looking like the first fire station I buy for my collection due to parts selection but the previous fire station is of no interest to me)

[peterab]

Most likely it has to do with retailers who wouldn't sell these older products.

That and if they keep the same fire station around for too long, they loose sales as people either say "I already got that one" or "I dont want it", a new fire station may get new sales. (like the 2010 fire station is looking like the first fire station I buy for my collection due to parts selection but the previous fire station is of no interest to me)

I'd imagine this point about the retailers is correct. As for rehashing, it's all fresh as far as the target audience goes because every few years there is a new bunch of kids. I'd be very surprised if Lego was doing the three year cycle out of habit rather than knowledge that it's a good period to get the best return on their design investment.

[lightningtiger]

First of all, the new fire station is not even close to the previous. This one allows it to be joined to a t-junction road plate easier and the two storey station house also contains something really missed in the last one - sleeping arrangements like a real fire station. A slide pole too and not for some silly lift like in that tiny 2005 station, but one fire fighters can slide down on.

Second, it seems true about Lego redoing sets or themes every few years, kids are only nine once and by the time they reach twelve they be into something else while another nine year old gets the next recreation of a fire station or whatever. And the circle continues on and on.

[Joebot]

Most likely it has to do with retailers who wouldn't sell these older products.

That and if they keep the same fire station around for too long, they loose sales as people either say "I already got that one" or "I dont want it", a new fire station may get new sales. (like the 2010 fire station is looking like the first fire station I buy for my collection due to parts selection but the previous fire station is of no interest to me)

Now that is an interesting theory. I never considered it from the retailer's perspective. It seems entirely plausible that the retailers would force Lego's hand by refusing to stock what they perceive to be "old" or "outdated" models.

I wonder if that's what's driving Lego's ever-shortening product lifespans. Back in ye olden days, Lego would keep sets available for 3-4 years. In the past ten years or so, that's been getting squeezed down to, I would estimate, maybe an average of 2 years. And sometimes it seems even shorter, like maybe 12-18 months. It's as if retailers get one batch of sets, and when they sell out, they never restock them. The fact that the 7239 is still available is nothing short of astonishing these days.

First of all, the new fire station is not even close to the previous.

Well ... I'll just have to politely disagree with you on that one.

[Sammael]

7239 was the set that brought me out of my Dark Ages - so I'm not surprised it's still available. It's a fantastic set!

[lightningtiger]

I wrote that the neither fire station is the same. Well the only thing they share is two garages for the trucks, the trucks are different, the position and style of the garages are different. Also the old one had a long office between the garages and a tiny control room/office up stairs. The new one has a 16 wide 2 storey building attached to the garage complex to it's right side. It's like saying the past three Octan service stations are the same, they all look different. The next police station will also look different unless they release it as it is.

But hey everybody can have their on opinon, that's what this forums for.

In any case I will be buying the new fire station for my son's Lego city and a fire copter/4x4 for my country town's fire service.

And yes the 7239 fire truck is great, I have two, one built and the other MISB as a keep-sake.

[The Green Brick Giant]

And yes the 7239 fire truck is great, I have two, one built and the other MISB as a keep-sake.

Does Europe have Hess Trucks for Christmas? 7239 reminds me of the LEGO version of those, just a perfect truck, a fun build and kids muct love it.

But doesn't the fact that the fire truck came out, 5-6 years ago prove that LEGO doesn't need to make a fire station or police station every 3 years if they make them right the first time.

[lightningtiger]

So maybe next years fire station will be kept a long time, since Big W and Toyworld here in Oz still have fresh stocks of the 2008 police station and Toyworld (and a few independent retailiers) have got the 2007 service station back. On this front, back in 2007 they had a very short run and most retailiers got one shipment, then sold out pretty quick.

So we could have this problem again, of some sets in huge amounts and maybe others being depensed through an eye dropper.

[peterab]

Now that is an interesting theory. I never considered it from the retailer's perspective. It seems entirely plausible that the retailers would force Lego's hand by refusing to stock what they perceive to be "old" or "outdated" models.

I wonder if that's what's driving Lego's ever-shortening product lifespans. Back in ye olden days, Lego would keep sets available for 3-4 years. In the past ten years or so, that's been getting squeezed down to, I would estimate, maybe an average of 2 years. And sometimes it seems even shorter, like maybe 12-18 months. It's as if retailers get one batch of sets, and when they sell out, they never restock them. The fact that the 7239 is still available is nothing short of astonishing these days.

I don't think the retailers refuse to stock stuff just because it's old, but once sales start to slow down. Popular lines such as power miners are restocked, and even expanded. Retailers probably have a reasonable idea of how many of each set they will be able to sell. They will probably aim to order slightly less than that as it far less damaging to miss a little extra profit than be stuck with a loss on goods that wont sell.

While 7239 is available on S@H, I haven't seen it in a retail store for a long time. It will be interesting to see if it re-appears with the new fire range next year.

[wooootles]

Police 7236 is also the same case as the Fire Station. Maybe there's only so much you can do with cop car and fire engine variations that they'll probably get a makeover only after there is a new vehicle standard, or a new piece that revolutionizes LEGO vehicle building.

[jonwil]

So maybe next years fire station will be kept a long time, since Big W and Toyworld here in Oz still have fresh stocks of the 2008 police station and Toyworld (and a few independent retailiers) have got the 2007 service station back. On this front, back in 2007 they had a very short run and most retailiers got one shipment, then sold out pretty quick.

So we could have this problem again, of some sets in huge amounts and maybe others being depensed through an eye dropper.

I know of at least one Toyworld that still has stocks of the previous generation fire station(!)

[Matt Dawson]

As someone who has 'played' with lego for several years, I can quite honestly say that I wasn't attracted to their police, fire or ambulance sets (we're talking from pre- World City (S***y more like!) and the first true lego building I bought was, in fact, 2009's 7641 City Corner. It has everything - some action, playability, and those with generally every city set - which rescue, police chase or civilian can't be linked to them?

Remember the phrase in the first Lego Island game - "We make lotsa Pizzas, we make lotsa money. Why? We're the only place to buy food in town!"

Edited November 12, 2009 by Matt Dawson