Modular Building Sets - Rumours and Discussion

[Robert8]

These look so good together

Edited October 11, 2015 by Robert8

[nikhkin]

I'm wondering if, since we now have 2 crime-based locations and a set with police minifigs, we might get a police precinct sometime in future. We have the DO, but a private detective wouldn't be working on something like bank robbery. It would make sense, especially now that the modular buildings are becoming more story based. Going back to something like a simple shop and house like PS, as much as it would be nice, would seem to be going against this new trend.

I think it would be something to go nicely with the FB, and could include a 30s era police car... although we haven't had a vehicle in a modular for quite some time.

[Agent 86]

I'm not overly familiar with the release pattern, but are we due a "civic" building next?

It's been a while since the Fire Brigade and Town Hall were released, so another civil building might be due sooner rather than later. And it does have easy and obvious "story" potential. Then again, even if the next Modular was a civic building, it could be a library, museum or hospital.

[Colossus]

Good Lord. Where to start. Does Jamie get stoned then brainstorm what criminal activity to portray in his modulars? Last modular's theme was cookie drugs, this one is money laundering. What's in store for the next modular? A certain ethnic restaurant with a tunnel next to a certain ethnic border so illegal minifigures can be smuggled into Bricksville? A post office that deals LSD stamps?

While the bank looks really good, it's small; it's scale diminished to add on a damn laundromat. This modular looks magnificent with either the extra floor or several studs wider. Unfortunately, once again, the brick count is bloated to add on details for a worthless story. The capper? Another $10 price hike. Way to stick it to the AFOL's, Lego.

[ilikeboomerang1]

Good Lord. Where to start. Does Jamie get stoned then brainstorm what criminal activity to portray in his modulars? Last modular's theme was cookie drugs, this one is money laundering. What's in store for the next modular? A certain ethnic restaurant with a tunnel next to a certain ethnic border so illegal minifigures can be smuggled into Bricksville? A post office that deals LSD stamps?

While the bank looks really good, it's small; it's scale diminished to add on a damn laundromat. This modular looks magnificent with either the extra floor or several studs wider. Unfortunately, once again, the brick count is bloated to add on details for a worthless story. The capper? Another $10 price hike. Way to stick it to the AFOL's, Lego.

You forgot something else for the restaurant: A guy named Donald Brick.

[BlockLogo]

You forgot something else for the restaurant: A guy named Donald Brick.

Donald Brick? Restaurant?

[Herky]

so the new modular, what to say other than why? First the size, too small, they put it next to the last 2 modular releases to disguise its size, it is short and needs another floor in my opinion, let me see it next to the Fire Brigade or the Pet Shop even. Piece count, 2380 is good, but again like last time, I am guessing the count is made up of smaller pieces to drive that count up and then they raise the price another $10 for a set that used to cost $150 but now is $170? They are plastic so it's base material is petroleum which is selling at an all time low.

Jamie's story...pfft...get it together Jamie, you stink at this, a Laundromat next to a bank? Couldn't he just have made a bigger, cooler bank and really do justice to it without the laundry and the story?

All that said, this is way better than DO to me, just getting less for more $ these days as Kristiansen adds to his $10.3 billion net worth...ugh, why do I keep making this guy richer?

[blarghiflargh]

they put it next to the last 2 modular releases to disguise its size

Or perhaps it's because it's the newest modular, so being next to the last two only makes logical sense...

[LegoSjaak]

so the new modular, what to say other than why? First the size, too small, they put it next to the last 2 modular releases to disguise its size, it is short and needs another floor in my opinion, let me see it next to the Fire Brigade or the Pet Shop even. Piece count, 2380 is good, but again like last time, I am guessing the count is made up of smaller pieces to drive that count up and then they raise the price another $10 for a set that used to cost $150 but now is $170? They are plastic so it's base material is petroleum which is selling at an all time low.

Jamie's story...pfft...get it together Jamie, you stink at this, a Laundromat next to a bank? Couldn't he just have made a bigger, cooler bank and really do justice to it without the laundry and the story?

All that said, this is way better than DO to me, just getting less for more $ these days as Kristiansen adds to his $10.3 billion net worth...ugh, why do I keep making this guy richer?

I'm afraid you might be better off not being into Lego any more.. looking at Lego being plastic is like looking at a Ford Mustang being some scrap metal and a bit of leather here and there.. I do not want to be rude on you, but you heart would be better off to protect it from anger about a pile of plastic...or am i wrong? I was angry about the rehash of the Winter Village Toy Shop, but now that i sold all Winter Village stuff, it is no longer a point for me...it is that simple...

[Brick-Surfer]

Does anybody know the reason or have a good explanation why LEGO switched the (alleged) release dates? Or do they spread those rumors (fake dates) by themselves just to see how people react and to demonstrate that there are no leaks within the company when it comes to important sets?

[santaends]

so the new modular, what to say other than why? First the size, too small, they put it next to the last 2 modular releases to disguise its size, it is short and needs another floor in my opinion, let me see it next to the Fire Brigade or the Pet Shop even. Piece count, 2380 is good, but again like last time, I am guessing the count is made up of smaller pieces to drive that count up and then they raise the price another $10 for a set that used to cost $150 but now is $170? They are plastic so it's base material is petroleum which is selling at an all time low.

Jamie's story...pfft...get it together Jamie, you stink at this, a Laundromat next to a bank? Couldn't he just have made a bigger, cooler bank and really do justice to it without the laundry and the story?

All that said, this is way better than DO to me, just getting less for more $ these days as Kristiansen adds to his $10.3 billion net worth...ugh, why do I keep making this guy richer?

Bricks. You have them. Mod what you don't like, leave what you like.

Happier that way.. :)

[Tariq j]

Looks very good, I think it will go well along side the others

[Herky]

I'm afraid you might be better off not being into Lego any more.. looking at Lego being plastic is like looking at a Ford Mustang being some scrap metal and a bit of leather here and there.. I do not want to be rude on you, but you heart would be better off to protect it from anger about a pile of plastic...or am i wrong? I was angry about the rehash of the Winter Village Toy Shop, but now that i sold all Winter Village stuff, it is no longer a point for me...it is that simple...

Who's angry? I was just critiquing it like we all do, this is a discussion thread so I discussed my thoughts, just like everyone who likes it posts that they like it, the difference is I put out my points as to why, not just some random I like it or I don't like it post. Santaends is right, but I don't want to buy two sets to make a proper build that should have been done in the first place. I have lots of sets, around 500...some pretty rare. Not angry, just baffled as to what I perceive as the 3rd poor showing out of Jamie in a row.

[TheLegoDr]

I agree. I don't want to have to buy 2 sets of $170 each to make a set worthwhile. This bank is waaaay too small for what it needs to be. I don't want a Town Hall esque sized bank (although we have plenty of them around here, that even look like Town Hall...very odd). But THIS bank could certainly have been bigger. I understand the want for a story, but it isn't needed in sets like this, unless they were selling worse than expected so thought they would grab a new target audience with the story. Kids aren't buying them, adults are. Maybe some adults buy them FOR their kids, but I doubt it. I buy them for me for display and sometimes my daughter will play with them, but she is bright enough to create her own story and not something that was drummed up for them. Either way, to add in a story hurts everything I liked about these buildings.

Another $10 price hike is making it difficult to justify buying these, just like the CMFs...there is a point where enough is enough. Plus, bloating the piece count with tiny pieces because everything is tiled on the inside doesn't help justifying it. Sure, it has more pieces in total, but still the same piece count that other modulars had that were bigger. As much as I like a nice interior, I would rather have a better looking exterior/bigger scaled exterior and I'll worry about the interior. I like what others have suggested before by releasing a small set just involving interior details (furniture, small group of tiles for flooring, etc.). I think that could actually sell well. Granted, from what you read on these forums, people eat these sets up even with the higher price, so things won't ever change. I guess it comes down to me getting out of some of this hobby. It's becoming too expensive for me to handle.

With all of that said, I do like the facade. I like the details and color scheme. It works well here. I just want it to be bigger. I'd expect a corner building (plus a bank no less) to be larger and more grand. The sand green windows are nice, but I don't know how much I'll use them in other settings until they come out with the 1x2x2 window. The zipline piece on the roof is a neat addition. I hadn't considered that. Things like that make me want to buy it, but I can't justify that price.

The laundromat is a neat addition and I think it would be welcomed, if it was in a different setting. I understand the inclusion for the "story," but I also think that is a tad too small for what you get.

I can see many modifications needing to be done, which seems silly. But I can't wait to see what others do with it and see if it persuades me to get one (although the earliest I will get it will be next Christmas).

Edited October 12, 2015 by TheLegoDr

[jaesroe]

I assume that this topic will be less vibrant with fewer threads than used to be until spring/summer 2016 when we start our speculation for 2017 modular set -10th anniversary of modular theme~

Edited October 12, 2015 by jaesroe

[Sammael]

It's just funny to see all the Americans bitch about the price increase when this is the first time in history that sets are actually cheaper in Europe than in the USA. And while there was certainly some complaining, I don't think the Europeans ever threatened to stop buying LEGO because it was cheaper on the other side of the pond.

[nikhkin]

It's just funny to see all the Americans bitch about the price increase when this is the first time in history that sets are actually cheaper in Europe than in the USA. And while there was certainly some complaining, I don't think the Europeans ever threatened to stop buying LEGO because it was cheaper on the other side of the pond.

Yep, certainly is nice for us to get a set cheaper for a change. I wonder if it has something to do with the cost of manufacturing at the US factories

Anyway, on topic - the more I look at the set the more it grows on me. I think it'll fit nicely to finish off my modular street (the only corner I have is the PC) so to have another corner for the far end will be a excellent addition. I hope it doesn't sell too quickly on release, last year I got to the store at opening and they still only had 3 on the shelf by the time I got into the shop.

[Terrasher]

Brick Bank sure is pretty. Although, the major con for me is its size: should at least be as tall as the Grand Emporium (minus the sign). A short bank feels kind of odd, since it's one of the structures you'd expect to see near a Town Hall (which dwarfs this set).

[Doge]

I shared the forum's enthusiasm of the last days when finally the newest Modular House was announced with pictures, details and everything!

As a young collector I already obtained 6 Modulars. I started with the Green Grocer in 2008 and I got every set of the following years towards the Palace Cinema of 2013.

The main reason for me personally to collect the Modulars is their beauty (They're gorgeous display modells! ) as well as the value, its also a future investment.

Due to new upcoming sets and retiring ones I would like to talk about the last three modulars from the years 2014-2016, as seen bellow.

I got a few questions to my fellow Lego (Modular) Collectors and I would highly appreciate your opinion about this matter:

1. Will the newest Modular sets fit in with the older ones? (Meaning design, not technically )

2. Do you think the last three Modulars are worth buying?

3. Are the last sets from the Modular series still worth buying as investment?

4. How expensive would you estimate my current modular serie? (so the complete sets from 2008-2013, once build for display including all instruction booklets and well preserved boxes)

[LegoSjaak]

Who's angry? I was just critiquing it like we all do, this is a discussion thread so I discussed my thoughts, just like everyone who likes it posts that they like it, the difference is I put out my points as to why, not just some random I like it or I don't like it post. Santaends is right, but I don't want to buy two sets to make a proper build that should have been done in the first place. I have lots of sets, around 500...some pretty rare. Not angry, just baffled as to what I perceive as the 3rd poor showing out of Jamie in a row.

I get your point now and i'm glad to hear you aren't angry.... For the rest it is 'just' an opinion, and that is good...everybody would leave this forum immediately if everyone would comment a new set with 'Awesome' haha... So you keep a healthy discussion vivid!

[ilikeboomerang1]

Donald Brick? Restaurant?

You know, Donald Trump. Immigrants. Wall.

[Herky]

I get your point now and i'm glad to hear you aren't angry.... For the rest it is 'just' an opinion, and that is good...everybody would leave this forum immediately if everyone would comment a new set with 'Awesome' haha... So you keep a healthy discussion vivid!

We are cool, I like your thoughts and really everyone else's as well. I am in the rare camp though in that my first modular and my favorite still is Fire Brigade. I like Green Grocer a lot, the GE is good, and I get you can't get a super detailed outside and inside without going too high in piece count and price. But I am no prude, I just bought the employee Birds set and can't wait to get that,(good price too) I have sets going back to my childhood in the late 70's and while I am not a Lego apologist, I am a big fan, even have a 2x3 Lego flag that I bought. I want that good size with good details and while I don't care as much about the interior (mostly cause I don't "play" with my sets) I am happy to pay what I perceive is a good price for a good size set.

The reason why the sets are cheaper in Europe now vs US is the conversion rates are much closer than they used to be, used to be $1.50 or even $1.75 = 1 Euro, now it is something like $1.10 to $1.15. Oddly enough the pound is still pretty strong.

For those who love these last 3 sets, everything is awesome yes, for those who don't, well we still buy them, but the more this goes on, the more I am thinking about just sticking with my old ones and trying to get Corner Café and Market Street instead of the new ones.

1. Will the newest Modular sets fit in with the older ones? (Meaning design, not technically )

2. Do you think the last three Modulars are worth buying?

3. Are the last sets from the Modular series still worth buying as investment?

4. How expensive would you estimate my current modular serie? (so the complete sets from 2008-2013, once build for display including all instruction booklets and well preserved boxes)

Here is my thoughts on your questions: 1. They do and they don't, the PR does most of all and if the bank didn't have the laundry I would say yes, but the DO seems out of place on the block to me (again my opinion)

2. Almost the same answer, PR yes, DO not sure, Bank yes but not with the laundry

3. Yes, all these sets will go up in value, not likely as much as CC, GG and MS but those 3 were lower production runs, while the other modular are now pricier, they are still to be found in great numbers than the first 3.

4. If you have the GG, complete with box and instructions, you are likely at $800 minimum, the rest I would just check ebay for sold prices and brickset...this will give you a good value, but just take your initial cost and add 30% will give you a minimum ballpark figure for now.

Edited October 12, 2015 by Herky

[Lyichir]

Well, I for one loved the Detective's Office and love the look of this new Brick Bank as well! I don't see why people assume that only kids like sets to have a story... I for one like my sets to be suited for both play AND display. And many non-FOLs whom I've shown my modular buildings seem to react similarly—they're typically less enthused by the static architectural detail of sets like the Green Grocer than they are by the detailed interiors and complex narratives of some of the past few modulars.

Edited October 12, 2015 by Lyichir

[ilikeboomerang1]

Can I tell you something guys? I would like for the next Modular Building to be a stock market. And since this seems to be set in the 1920s-1930s, they should add a new piece: broken 1x4x6 windows! After all, this IS during the Great Depression.

[parksroad]

Donald Brick? Restaurant?

Nobody builds walls like Donald Brick. Nobody. And restaurants? They LOVE him.