Sir Gareth Posted October 29, 2014 Posted October 29, 2014 (edited) I'm not a big investor, but I would think the LotR sets would be worth more than the Hobbit sets in the long run. Just look at the current prices of the wave one sets. UHA and Orc Forge have already almost doubled in value, and Helm's Deep is getting up there. Edited October 29, 2014 by Sir Gareth Quote
Blazej_Holen Posted October 29, 2014 Posted October 29, 2014 I am on the Deathleech side.. More sets with possibility of combination to recreate proper MT is just most racional odea to depict MT as proper as it possible to maintain atleast Helms Deep size... Those sets could be themed for example as Lake town sets are. Front gates could be Battle at Pellenor fields with Rohan, Nazgul/Grond/Haradrim, orcs and Gondor... Then Citadel with Denethor Witch King, Gandalf and Pippin, and others.. Maybe battle between White wizard and Witch King and also Pippin who helps to save Faramir, then maybe outer walls in army builder style.. Kids can use each set as whole think and as bonus they can collect all of them to create white city.. Also separate sets would be cheaper deal.rather then one massive Fortress/city Quote
Borador Posted October 30, 2014 Posted October 30, 2014 I'm not a big investor, but I would think the LotR sets would be worth more than the Hobbit sets in the long run. Just look at the current prices of the wave one sets. UHA and Orc Forge have already almost doubled in value, and Helm's Deep is getting up there. I'm not a big investor either, but I don't think value is going to depend so much on theme, and more on what sets are iconic and well designed. Bag-End will probably be worth quite a bit. Though most Hobbit sets are subpar, and the films less well liked (by both fans and non fans), I expect most Hobbit sets will be worth less, but let's not generalize that much... Quote
Alcarin Posted October 30, 2014 Posted October 30, 2014 The problem is making sure each set still appeals to kids. They aren't interested in buying a set that's just the citadel or just the front gates, they want the whole thing in one shot. But, most kids don't have the kind of money to buy 2-3 big sets along with several small sets, and few parents are willing to drop that much. I think the best way to sell Minas Tirith is one big set (between Helm's Deep and Orthanc Size) and one, maybe two, smaller sets (UHA size.) Do they have cash to buy 2x Black Gates as advertised for the full build? Probably no, kids got 1..... so where is the problem Quote
Risgrynsgrot Posted October 30, 2014 Posted October 30, 2014 Speaking of the Two Black Gates.. How do build the double one? Is it just a matter of building two copies of the Black Gate set (I know that you build the rock, the tower and the wall-part separately) and put them together like one massive gate or do you actually have to freebuild it? Quote
TheWorldAhead Posted October 30, 2014 Posted October 30, 2014 Speaking of the Two Black Gates.. How do build the double one? Is it just a matter of building two copies of the Black Gate set (I know that you build the rock, the tower and the wall-part separately) and put them together like one massive gate or do you actually have to freebuild it? Supposedly you just buy two, build them, and put them together. Obviously, this will not be film accurate, because then you will have two sets of double doors. Ironic, seeing as in the book there was only a single door, and if you build the "suggested" combination you will have four. On a different note, I was wondering whether the Staff Pick for Minas Tirith "means" anything. As much as I want NujuMetru's set to sit on my desk, I fear that a model that size from an existing license will never be made into a real Ideas set. For instance, during this review, I don't think the "Ultimate Collector Series AT-AT" stands a snowball's chance in hell against something like "Doctor Who," which is a one-off fan favorite that couldn't be made into a set later. Even if Minas Tirith happened to be a small model, I find it hard to believe that the Review team would choose a set from a line that was essentially just abandoned. So I guess, let's get to 10,000 first and then start hoping for the best. Any other places we could try to get support besides TheOneRing? The LOTR Facebook page, maybe, or would that be impossible? Quote
AFOLguy1970 Posted October 30, 2014 Posted October 30, 2014 If you put the double Black Gate together per the instructions, you will end up with two opening gates. One has to figure out how to combine the parts to make it just one gate. Quote
wesker Posted October 30, 2014 Posted October 30, 2014 Any other places we could try to get support besides TheOneRing? The LOTR Facebook page, maybe, or would that be impossible? Maybe some Lego Youtubers can help promote it? Quote
Blakstone Posted October 30, 2014 Posted October 30, 2014 They might or might not go up after market wise. No ones if these exuberant eBay prices really sell. So if you are going to do it, be prepared that they may never sell. If you can accept that fiscal risk, go ahead. The worst that can happen then is you have some duplicate sets you can use years later. That said, some sets are likely to be considered classics such as Helm's Deep and Bagend. But also look for clearance sets. My only investment set is a $90 Helm's Deep set. I would make a $40 profit if I just sold it at retail. But if I can not sell it. I have great bricks and a second Theoden. Quote
cullmancreations Posted October 30, 2014 Posted October 30, 2014 I understand. We'll I don't feel so bad getting another goblin king battle. It could make for some more nice brown parts plus I really like the headpieces for the goblin soldiers Quote
Blakstone Posted October 30, 2014 Posted October 30, 2014 (edited) One of the local Walmarts have the Goblin King set for $75 which is a great clearance price. There may be demand later for the big fig. I passed it up for another Black Gate but that is just for parts, not investment. Minis Tirith continues to dribble in support. I happened to leave that page up in another tab earlier today and started refreshing it. It has gone up about 6 supporters in an hour. Keep on climbing. Edited October 30, 2014 by Blakstone Quote
Sir Gareth Posted October 30, 2014 Posted October 30, 2014 (edited) Do they have cash to buy 2x Black Gates as advertised for the full build? Probably no, kids got 1..... so where is the problem The problem is making the sets appeal to kids, and this is part of it. Pretend LEGO releases four Minas Tirith sets: a $30 outer wall, a $50 inner wall, a $60 main gates, and a $70 citadel. Kid's will buy the $60 set because it most resembles Minas Tirith. Like the Black Gate set, kids don't have the money to buy more than one. Unlike the Black Gate, that means the $30, $40, and $70 will continue to sit on shelves, take up space, and just not sell well. Sure AFOLs will likely buy multiples of all four sets, but they're in the minority here because kids are the ones that count for the majority of sales. Now instead pretend LEGO releases 2 Minas Tirith sets: a $130 Minas Tirith and a $30 outer wall. While more expensive than the other example, kids will feel more obliged to buy this one because it's the only Minas Tirith set on the market. LEGO gets their money and AFOLs can still buy multiples. Edited October 30, 2014 by Sir Gareth Quote
cullmancreations Posted October 30, 2014 Posted October 30, 2014 where is this Walmart do they still have it? Quote
Deathleech Posted October 30, 2014 Posted October 30, 2014 (edited) Now instead pretend LEGO releases 2 Minas Tirith sets: a $130 Minas Tirith and a $30 outer wall. While more expensive than the other example, kids will feel more obliged to buy this one because it's the only Minas Tirith set on the market. LEGO gets their money and AFOLs can still buy multiples. That's assuming a $130 Minas Tirith is even possible. Nuju's Minas Tirith is about a $250 set and it is condensed a TON. He could shrink the trebuchets and get rid of the brick built Fel Beast but even then you are looking at a $200 set. That's about as compact as Lego could feasibly go without making the set look ridiculous and losing sales for that reason. How many kids do you know who are going to dish out $200 for a Minas Tirith and then another $30+ for a single (or few) wall add-ons? Edited October 30, 2014 by Deathleech Quote
atreyu2112 Posted October 31, 2014 Posted October 31, 2014 Speaking of the Two Black Gates.. How do build the double one? Is it just a matter of building two copies of the Black Gate set (I know that you build the rock, the tower and the wall-part separately) and put them together like one massive gate or do you actually have to freebuild it? This one was modded and looks GREAT: which makes it look a lot like it did in the movie... Quote
Kraby Posted October 31, 2014 Posted October 31, 2014 This one was modded and looks GREAT: which makes it look a lot like it did in the movie... Indeed... Looks really nice. I might try something similar. Quote
Alcarin Posted October 31, 2014 Posted October 31, 2014 The problem is making the sets appeal to kids, and this is part of it. Pretend LEGO releases four Minas Tirith sets: a $30 outer wall, a $50 inner wall, a $60 main gates, and a $70 citadel. Kid's will buy the $60 set because it most resembles Minas Tirith. Like the Black Gate set, kids don't have the money to buy more than one. Unlike the Black Gate, that means the $30, $40, and $70 will continue to sit on shelves, take up space, and just not sell well. Sure AFOLs will likely buy multiples of all four sets, but they're in the minority here because kids are the ones that count for the majority of sales. Now instead pretend LEGO releases 2 Minas Tirith sets: a $130 Minas Tirith and a $30 outer wall. While more expensive than the other example, kids will feel more obliged to buy this one because it's the only Minas Tirith set on the market. LEGO gets their money and AFOLs can still buy multiples. Ofcourse, BUT thats why a perfect option for Minas Tirith would be: 40$ wall addon (same as Helm's Deep battle pack) 120$ or 140$ Battle of Minas Tirith = Grond + Gates with play function of destroying gates 200$ exclusive Minas Tirith Courtyard Pretty much copy this picture into LEGO set for 200$ Now you have 3 sets, 1 perfectly suited for kids (120-140$ range) with memorable scene of battering down the gates, you have a perfect addon (again okish for kids and AFOLS) and you have pure cherry pick of the tower of Ecthelion for AFOLs again for a solid price 200$...... with those 3 pieces hardcore LOTR fans could buy multiples and make their own Minas Tirith that looks way better, kids would get the most essential play ground part (Gates and maybe 1 wall) and army builders could build armies of Orcs and Gondorians from the battle pack and get loads of white bricks to sell to Mians Tirith builders/modders. WIN-WIN-WIN Now the only problem that I can see is the fact that LEGO would probably be hesitant to release a WHITE TOWER exclusive with already having Orthanc out..... but such is the importance of both towers that despite LEGO views it would be essential that we got both, if not 3 actually :P Quote
MAB Posted October 31, 2014 Posted October 31, 2014 I have now placed votes for most Minas Tirith sets, but I have also told Lego what I would pay for them - $10 to $50. I cannot see them doing a $400 ideas set. I cannot really see them doing a $100 ideas set, not for an existing theme. If there are not going to be new molds used, then it might as well be a cheap set to get a few missing minifigs with existing parts in a new print. Not that I think it will happen anyway. Quote
Blazej_Holen Posted October 31, 2014 Posted October 31, 2014 Ofcourse, BUT thats why a perfect option for Minas Tirith would be: 40$ wall addon (same as Helm's Deep battle pack) 120$ or 140$ Battle of Minas Tirith = Grond + Gates with play function of destroying gates 200$ exclusive Minas Tirith Courtyard Pretty much copy this picture into LEGO set for 200$ Now you have 3 sets, 1 perfectly suited for kids (120-140$ range) with memorable scene of battering down the gates, you have a perfect addon (again okish for kids and AFOLS) and you have pure cherry pick of the tower of Ecthelion for AFOLs again for a solid price 200$...... with those 3 pieces hardcore LOTR fans could buy multiples and make their own Minas Tirith that looks way better, kids would get the most essential play ground part (Gates and maybe 1 wall) and army builders could build armies of Orcs and Gondorians from the battle pack and get loads of white bricks to sell to Mians Tirith builders/modders. WIN-WIN-WIN Now the only problem that I can see is the fact that LEGO would probably be hesitant to release a WHITE TOWER exclusive with already having Orthanc out..... but such is the importance of both towers that despite LEGO views it would be essential that we got both, if not 3 actually :P Its taller than Tower of Orthanc Itself :D Set like this for 200 bucks? Be real :) Quote
cullmancreations Posted October 31, 2014 Posted October 31, 2014 10-50 dollars for a Minas tirith set is not possible if you really want to capture the scene. even $100 is not enough for the projects on ideas currently Quote
MAB Posted October 31, 2014 Posted October 31, 2014 10-50 dollars for a Minas tirith set is not possible if you really want to capture the scene. even $100 is not enough for the projects on ideas currently It is enough, depending on the scene you want to capture - more than one thing happens at Minas Tirith. For example, there is the fell beast attack, the large battle, the crowning, the funeral / death pyre, the lighting of the beacon, ... $10-$50 was enough to capure a scene in Rivendell, enough for a scene in Hobbitton, enough for a scene inside Orthanc, etc. Obviously not enough to capture an accurate representation of the buildings / village, but enough for a scene. Quote
Alcarin Posted October 31, 2014 Posted October 31, 2014 Its taller than Tower of Orthanc Itself :D Set like this for 200 bucks? Be real :) LOL As copy paste i meant buildings not height of it, obviously it would have to be adjusted, but still the core remains the same, Hall of Kings + White tower and courtyard with white tree.... 2500 pieces 200-240$ .... Quote
Khalim Posted October 31, 2014 Posted October 31, 2014 (edited) Speaking of the Two Black Gates.. How do build the double one with 2 sets ? Here : The website (french) and the LDD file is available ! : http://www.lordofthe...e-au-format-xl/ Enjoy ! Edited October 31, 2014 by Khalim Quote
Deathleech Posted October 31, 2014 Posted October 31, 2014 (edited) $10-$50 was enough to capure a scene in Rivendell, enough for a scene in Hobbitton, enough for a scene inside Orthanc, etc. Obviously not enough to capture an accurate representation of the buildings / village, but enough for a scene. It could be done, but that would be really lame. Most people want the entire Minas Tirith city, not a single wall piece. It also would leave out tons of play features like exploding walls, catapults (that actually belong!), a battering ram for the front gates, etc. The Rivendell set captured all the main scenes that took place at that location. It was the forming of the Fellowship, and Gimli trying to smash the ring. Sure there are other parts, but none of them are really action packed or worthy of sets. Minas Tirith is the exact opposite. The sheer design makes it interesting and something people want to build, then add in all the possible play features, characters, scenes, etc. and it needs more than a $10-50 set. The only issue is Minas Tirith is too big. I mean we are talking about a $250-400 set to do it justice, or an entire wave of Minas Tirith sets. Neither seems likely from Lego at this point... or any point unless the theme got as popular as Star Wars. Edited October 31, 2014 by Deathleech Quote
Alcarin Posted October 31, 2014 Posted October 31, 2014 It could be done, but that would be really lame. Most people want the entire Minas Tirith city, not a single wall piece. It also would leave out tons of play features like exploding walls, catapults (that actually belong!), a battering ram for the front gates, etc. The Rivendell set captured all the main scenes that took place at that location. It was the forming of the Fellowship, and Gimli trying to smash the ring. Sure there are other parts, but none of them are really action packed or worthy of sets. Minas Tirith is the exact opposite. The sheer design makes it interesting and something people want to build, then add in all the possible play features, characters, scenes, etc. and it needs more than a $10-50 set. The only issue is Minas Tirith is too big. I mean we are talking about a $250-400 set to do it justice, or an entire wave of Minas Tirith sets. Neither seems likely from Lego at this point. To be quite honest, The Gates had majority of action (and the 1st wall, well 2nd if we nitpick that outer rim is also a wall) like 75%........... so a 140$ Gates of Mians Tirith + Grond with 40$ wall would cover majority of action........ The only trully memorable scene is Witch king destroying Gandalfs staff, Denethor throwing over the wall and ofcours the 1st sight of Gandalf arriving to Minas Tirith......... rest is neglectable in terms of action or sight seeing value. Ok and the crypts, but i never saw those in any MOC or idea The only thing we really need is 140$ Gates with 7 figs + Troll and 40$ wall extension a copy from UHA...... and then Witch King showdown set and possibly Balrog anything above that is cherry picking in terms of importance (as far as the figs and scenes go) Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.