Which modular building should I get next?

[bjorn77]

Hi!

I recently bought and built my first modular building. I chose the Pet Shop for a number of reasons; I prefer residential buildings to corporate or municipal ones, I loved the vibrant colors, detailed interior and assymetrical design. Overall it was a really pleasant build.

Now I am ready to go for the next building and I am having a hard time choosing which one. The two modulars I like most judging from pictures only are unfortunately Green Grocer and Café Corner which are not available anymore (and I'm not going to pay $500+ for a used or brick linked set). None of the other buildings are really appealing to me thematically, I would actually prefer another residential building. Going by looks, I guess the GE is my #1 choice. However, the build seems a bit repetetive as the second and third floor are almost identical. Also, the interior is lacking (which I could MOC I suppose). Now I'm starting to think that maybe I should build my own residentail building instead, or someone else's MOC. If so, which of the current buildings would be the best for parts?

Thanks for any input,

Björn

[eurotrash]

There's another option for you to consider. It's possible to find and purchase plans for Modulars on the interweb and then build them yourself (either from your own supply of Bricks, or from orders from Bricklink). Here's two links:

http://www.brickcitydepot.com/city-building-instructions.html

and

http://www.brickbuilderspro.com/shop-instructions/

These two are legitimate, but there are, unfortunately, a number of other less honest sellers who are reselling other peoples designs (there's a thread in this forum with details).

I've downloaded and built Modulars from both of these sites and the instructions are easy to follow and come complete with a parts lists that can be uploaded to Bricklink. It's more work than simply buying a Lego kit, but far more rewarding.

Good luck!

[bjorn77]

How much would you usually pay for those kind of MOC sets using brick link? What is the average price per piece (I know windows etc are much more expensive than basic pieces)? I assume that it will be quite pricey, no? The official modular sets have a really good price ratio compared to a lot of other official Lego sets.

I mean, if the official 2000 pieces sets are retailed at $150, how much can I expect to pay for a 2000 piece MOC?

Edited April 3, 2013 by bjorn77

[Redhead1982]

I'd suggest to go for Fire Brigade, if it's possible to get. I know its time is running out. It's a nice build, both exteriors and interiors, and could be MODed into residential building.

[eurotrash]

I mean, if the official 2000 pieces sets are retailed at $150, how much can I expect to pay for a 2000 piece MOC?

You're going to be paying somewhere in that range for 2000 pieces. However, one of the great things about Bricklink and modding a MOC is that it gives you an opportunity to hunt for bargains and devise cheaper ways of substituting expensive pieces for less expensive pieces.

I'd suggest to go for Fire Brigade, if it's possible to get. I know its time is running out. It's a nice build, both exteriors and interiors, and could be MODed into residential building.

Good choice!

[TrumpetKing]

I think there is a similar topic in this forum. I haven't seen it in a while, but I remember there being one. I personally am not a big fan of the Fire Brigade, I don't own it, but I just find it a bit bland for my tastes personally, so I would go for Grand Emporium, which looks beautiful, but I will tell you that it has a repetitive build, apparently. I plan on picking it up this Summer. If you are looking into delving far in collecting them, go for the Fire Brigade, because that one should be removed from shelves very soon.

[timmyc1983]

I'd suggest to go for Fire Brigade, if it's possible to get. I know its time is running out. It's a nice build, both exteriors and interiors, and could be MODed into residential building.

I agree with RedHead ^ I recently bought and built both the Fire Brigade and the Grand Emporium and was originally looking forward to the GE build more and altho there are some great features and micro build in the GE (the chandelier, escalators and the billboard in particular) i think overall i enjoyed the FB build more. It also has some great micro builds with the interiors. The only downside for me with the FB was that it's only 2 stories, but i guess it just depends what you want to do with it. IMO they are both great buildings and good builds, and sit pretty in my town :D

Your other option is the bricklink the Cafe Corner or Green Grocer. I just finished BLing the CC and it very rewarding and ended up being around AU$100+ cheaper than buying a set from BL or eBay, and it's very rewarding. I have made a start on the GG now too, but i will be taking a longer time with it as i noticed it's better to combine as much postage as possible when using BL, so i'm combining orers with other projects.

Anyway, hope this helps and good luck :D

[Phazon]

I agree with most of you that buying the Fire Brigade is the best choice. Since it will be discontiued at this year, (atleast that's what I read somewhere) the prices will eventually rise and the built itself was a neat one. There are some great techniques and you can also consider it as a great parts pack if you don't like the finished building. I was convinced about buying one, because I read a review here on Eurobricks. I googled something like: "Lego Fire Brigade/ Grand Emporium [set number] eurobricks review." This gives you an idea about the details which the sets have to offer.

I like the Green Grocer most and if you like to build it, or something similar, the haunted house might be a good start for the green bricks. And as a MOC'er, the extra pieces are always welcome.

[Brinstar]

I would also recommend the Fire Brigade. It is the cheapest and best value modular building. It is also likely to be discontinued by the end of the year at the latest. Although not specifically a residential building, the upper floor is basically a living area complete with kitchen, sofa and table tennis table.

[bjorn77]

Thanks for all the input. I noticed that brick city depot are selling instructions to moc's based on the official modular sets, so you don't even have to buy additional parts. I'm gonna go for the fire brigade now!

[Vincent Kessels]

The Fire Brigade is indeed a good choice, but if you're considering MOC-ing residential buildings another Petshop (or two) is also a good choice.

[bootz]

They're all a blast to build. Occasionally they can be repetitive but they're satisfying in the end. I started with PE then got GE, FB, TH, and PC in that order. My girlfriend and I build them together and always look forward to the next set. I would recommend getting the next oldest one that is currently on sale, so if you can still get FB I would go for that.