Which Modular to build first?

[Andy D]

My studio cabints, desk and shelves are supposed to be installed next. Now I am trying to decide which modular to build to inaugurate my studio. I have alredy decided that he first build will be a modular. I have in my inventory four (4) to choose from... The Fire Brigade, The Pet Shop, The Town Hall and The Palace Cinema.

Of those four, which did you have the most fun building and why?

Thanks,

Andy D

P. S. The Cafe Corner, Green Grocer and the Grand Emporium are built and waiting for a space on the shelves.

[LEGO Guy Bri]

I would add the Pet Shop. I feel it fits in better with the theme of "old residential style street", (need better word) style. The Cinema is too flashy, the Town Hall is much larger and more suited to be free standing, and the Fire Brigade, while very close too the same style, is still not something you'd want to live next to... quite noisy when a fire breaks out. Personally, I'd even consider putting the Grand Emporium elsewhere. Then again, thats my way of thinking. Looking forward to see your studio

[AncientDayz]

I have all the modulars built (including three pet shops) except for Market Street and have them lined on a street. If you are talking looks, I agree with the post above mine and say that the Pet Shop should be built next as it adds to the residential feel (hence why I have three townhouses built). However, you asked what I had the most fun building (not what would look best next). In that case, out of the ones you have remaining, I would pick the Fire Brigade. The Cinema, while cool, didn't have many "wow" moments for me. The Town Hall is just big, and I while the columns were kind of interesting, I found the build sometimes annoying - just layer after layer of bricks. The Pet Shop has some, for lack of a better word, "cute" moments and it doesn't nearly get as repetitive since there are two smaller units, but the Fire Briigade edges it out with the year, furniture on the inside, door, etc (however, some parts around the bag door can get repetitive).

I have to admit somewhat that my feelings may be based slightly in the order that I built these. For instance, I built the FB before the Pet Shop so the signage on the Pet Shop was not as unique to me, the stairs on the Palace Cinema was a "been there did that," etc.

Anyway, rambling aside, PS or FB. I lean slightly with FB for the build or PS for the looks.

[Andy D]

Thanks for the replies. Yes, it is fun involved with the actual construction, the enjoyment involved with building the modular, not how it will be displayed.

Thanks, anyone else?

Andy D

[tomdobs55]

I'd go with the palace cinema I had so much fun building that there was always something different. What I did was start from the roof and made my way down.

[Kivi]

I would start with FB or TH but definitely leave PS to be the last. That's just my experience as PS was the least interesting modular for me to build.

However, if you still can't decide and you have enough space, let's build all four of them simultaneously.

[Andy D]

I'd go with the palace cinema I had so much fun building that there was always something different. What I did was start from the roof and made my way down.

This gives new meaning to the term "Top down".

Did you do it for the challenge? Or?

However, if you still can't decide and you have enough space, let's build all four of them simultaneously.

Wow! Thanks! But, I'm not sure how I would handle having four modulars open and in progress at the same time. Maybe I'm just not that advanced yet, one modular at a time. In fact this is rather freightening.

Thanks for the replies so far...

Andy D

Edited April 26, 2013 by Andy D

[tomdobs55]

I wanted to do the roof sections first because that seemed like the most fun with the signage and whatnot. Also I wanted to leave the tiling on the baseplate until the end

[Undercover California]

Inaugurate your studio, inaugurate your town. Town Hall is a nice start...

Happy Building!

[paul_delahaye]

I'd build them in the order Lego released them!

They all have their building merits

[eurotrash]

I've been on a bit of a modular tear over the last twelve months and have built the four that you've now got waiting for you.

They've all got merits and there's not a bad/dull build amongst them, but I think if you're going to want to build them in least -> most interesting build order I'd go with the Town Hall, the Palace Cinema, the Pet Shop, and finally the Fire Brigade.

The Town Hall is a great building, but the sheer size of it makes it a bit repetitive - although there are some lovely detail work and the facade/Greek bits look sumptuous. The Palace Cinema has lots of interesting sub-builds - the entrance way/foyer is well designed, the vertical snot lettering is really effective and I love the roof, but I can't get over that poor limo (do yourself a favour and don't build it - just move the pieces straight to your spare bins). The Pet Shop has two separate buildings - again with some great details. There's a bit in the House building that literally made me laugh out loud when I realized what the designers had done (I won't spoil it for you and I'd suggest you don't read any reviews before you build). And finally the Fire Brigade - it's a good sized build with plenty of interior details in the kitchen area and a striking facade. Some of the techniques for the upper part of the FB's facade made me genuinely think that the Lego designers really know their stuff.

What I would suggest is take your time over building them - don't rush through them. There's so much crammed into each of them that they deserve a slow contemplative build over a couple of evenings with a few beers.

[Andy D]

... Snippage

What I would suggest is take your time over building them - don't rush through them. There's so much crammed into each of them that they deserve a slow contemplative build over a couple of evenings with a few beers.

Thanks for the suggestions, BTW, ot takes me about 6-8 hours over three days to build a typical modular, I do like to really look at what I am doing, I try to learn as much as I can with eah new build and taking my time is the way i can facilitate this.

I appreciate all the replies so far, and the reasoning behind the suggestions, but I still haven't decided. Just when I find myself leaning in one direction, someone post something else which causes me to re-think.

Call me "still undecided"

Andy D

[eurotrash]

Call me "still undecided"

Jeesh! And what does your tagline state? "Get Organized and build more is my motto for 2013" I say grab the Magic 8-ball and see what the Universe has in mind....

[Andy D]

Jeesh! And what does your tagline state? "Get Organized and build more is my motto for 2013" I say grab the Magic 8-ball and see what the Universe has in mind....

Busted...

Well, I can't build anything right now, because my studio will not be installed until next Thursday, so all I can do now is be here (EB) and dream of my next build.

Never thought of using a Magic 8-ball (I don't have one). This is s close a I can get to a Magic 8-ball.

Getting the new studio completed is a big, very big part of my get organized. EB will just have to be my Magic 8-ball <VBG>

thanks,

Andy D

Edited April 27, 2013 by Andy D

[peterab]

I'd also suggest the Fire Brigade if you want the most interesting build. It's my favourite build of all the modulars I've built so far. I haven't built my town hall yet and don't own the cinema, but I really enjoyed the Fire Brigade.

[scottwb2010]

Thanks for the suggestions, BTW, ot takes me about 6-8 hours over three days to build a typical modular, I do like to really look at what I am doing, I try to learn as much as I can with eah new build and taking my time is the way i can facilitate this.

I appreciate all the replies so far, and the reasoning behind the suggestions, but I still haven't decided. Just when I find myself leaning in one direction, someone post something else which causes me to re-think.

Call me "still undecided"

Andy D

Hi Andy D

I would start with the fire brigade first, not just because Im a bit biased towards it but personally it seems right to build them in order they were released. This way you learn the "latest" build techniques that came with each years release rather than starting building the newest then when you go to build an older one there isn't so much fun.

[TheLegoDr]

I will concur Fire Brigade is the good one to start with. That was my first Modular, and therefore the first one I built and I really enjoyed it. I was not wanting Pet Shop at all, but I decided to buy it because I want them all and I was pleasantly surprised with the build techniques. I love the little details and the idea of 2 smaller builds. I don't own the other two yet, but will get them before they are retired. I love the dark orange in the Town hall, but the sheer size of it seems overwhelming. I almost want to MOD it to something smaller.

So Fire Brigade, Pet Shop, then your pick between the other two.

Have fun building!

[Cwetqo]

Why build most interesting set first? You do it and then you know that you reached the peak and that its only going to get worse.

Another thing is ranging between them. I know that I enyojed each of them almost the same, so it would be hard choice. So, in your case I would probably build them like they came out.

If I would have to choose, I would range them (from best to worst):Cafe Corner (it was my first, so I'm probaly biased), Grand emporium (I really like corner buildings), Green Grocer (best arhitecture), Fire Brigade,Palace Cinema, Pet Shop and Town Hall.

[Faefrost]

My vote would go towards FB as the most fun build. They are all great, but FB has the most little moments and sub builds and neat details, while at the same time being big and open enough to really enjoy it all. The front brickwork and the facade on the FB are just wonderful as you see it going together. It doesn't have that "stacking layers of bricks" feel that the massive TH can have.

[melbs]

Opened the town hall first then grand emporium then petshop then fire brigade. Still waiting for my palace cinema to arrive

All builds are equally fun, especially that me and my wife would build them together. Just go with what you feel would look best in your studio first.

I did town hall first since I wanted to do a city layout and any city should start with its town hall.

[timmyc1983]

Well i only have the FB and the PS.... But....

I tend to agree with Cwetqo... When i have several sets to build i always build the one i am most looking forward to building last, save the best for last and all that...

Between the FB and the PS however, it's very close. The FB is great as people have mentioned, the facade is very unique and the micro builds upstairs are awesome, but the PS's two buildings is pretty cool as well as some of the cool micro builds inside the buildings... Tough choice!

Happy building

Edited April 30, 2013 by timmyc1983

[eurotrash]

Never thought of using a Magic 8-ball (I don't have one). This is s close a I can get to a Magic 8-ball.

Luckily I used my Magic 8-ball and it said - quite definitively - to "Build all of them simultaneously from the roofs downwards". Yeah, I know the answer was surprisingly specific but there you go. The Universe has spoken.

[Andy D]

Luckily I used my Magic 8-ball and it said - quite definitively - to "Build all of them simultaneously from the roofs downwards". Yeah, I know the answer was surprisingly specific but there you go. The Universe has spoken.

Hmmm... I don't think I can handle that kind of stress in my life right now, but thanks for asking your Magic 8-Ball for me.

Well i only have the FB and the PS.... But....

I tend to agree with Cwetqo... When i have several sets to build i always build the one i am most looking forward to building last, save the best for last and all that...

Between the FB and the PS however, it's very close. The FB is great as people have mentioned, the facade is very unique and the micro builds upstairs are awesome, but the PS's two buildings is pretty cool as well as some of the cool micro builds inside the buildings... Tough choice!

Happy building

After reading all the comments, it looks like it is coming down to the FB or PS. The TH is just more than I want to tackle right now, too big and I think I will save he PC for later.

Thanks for all the help!

Any more?

Thanks,

Andy D

Edited April 30, 2013 by Andy D

[Andy D]

I finally got started! Amazing I started this thread almost a month ago and just got around to building. Well, real life and responsibilities sometimes get in the way.

I decided on the Fire Brigade! I started Monday, and should finish tomorrow. It has been a great build, lots of surprises and interesting techniques.

To think, I almost passed on this one a couple of years ago. I sure am glad I didn't! Besides being a fun and quite an educational build for me it is a great parts pack! I went from almost not buying to buying 2 and I am glad I did.

Andy D

[tomdobs55]

I wish I bought 2 it really is a great parts pack. I'd love to mod it to make my dad's old fire station which looks a lot like the fire brigade only with 2 bays.