Modular Building Sets - Rumours and Discussion

[dr_sarcophagus]

Hey Doge, welcome.

For my 2c I love the latest modulars. The DO in particular with its differing heights and depths really helps to break up the streetscape which otherwise would look almost like a single facade along the street.

But in the end I wouldn't worry about what anyone else thinks. I've been following discussions for some time and all modulars recieved a fair bit of hate from people when still in print. FB was boring, PS interior too bare, GE build too monotonous, PC too few seats and too many windows. After they go EOL they are instant classics.

Taste is personal and I think most people recognise that. I suspect many of those who get really upset feel they have no option but to buy each one even if they don't like it to complete the set. Personal tastes can also change as well. My first modular was the FB, which I did like initially - but I liked the parts more so I broke it up. I've recently rebuilt it though and like it more than I did before, particularly as it now has several companions.

Like you, it's the architectual style that is important to me and my favourite period is that 1900 - 1930 transition from Victorian to Art Deco. My street is also American and a bit rough around the edges. Like San Fran or LA back in the day. Hence I've passed up on GE, TH and PR (though I may end up getting that one). For me it has to be christmas or birthday to get a modular into the house so I have to be choosy as well. I was overjoyed with the DO when it was released, and it sat in the cupboard for 6 months until my birthday. All the while reading peoples complaints about the size and the storyline here. Well its perfect, or almost so. And cookies - well whatever it takes for lego to sneak a bar into a kids toy. I say thanks. And money laundering? Lol. I just wish BB was released this side of christmas because I'm facing an 11 month wait at this stage.

At the end of the day, you get what you like. In terms of investment advice that holds too because what you love many others will too.

[TheLegoDr]

^I'd also suggest as an "investment" to consider picking up sets that you would want to build. I agree that many others will likely like what you like. But I'm also of the mindset of "if you end up not selling it, it can be something you can still build on your own." Some sets may do well in the aftermarket, but you have no interest in them. If the aftermarket went bust (likely not), you'd be stuck with a bunch of sets you don't care about.

With that said, definitely modulars are worthwhile for collectors/resellers alike. They do add great details.

[Doge]

If anyone wants to reply to my questions please go here, the more different opinions the merrier!

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.

I appreciate your view on the last sets, I was curious how others would see the newest part of the street! It's interesting to know why the first three sets are so expensive to obtain. (it explains those whopping CC and MS prices ) Although I hope when I will sell the whole serie one day that there will be potential buyers..

Hey Doge, welcome.

For my 2c I love the latest modulars. The DO in particular with its differing heights and depths really helps to break up the streetscape which otherwise would look almost like a single facade along the street.

But in the end I wouldn't worry about what anyone else thinks. I've been following discussions for some time and all modulars recieved a fair bit of hate from people when still in print. FB was boring, PS interior too bare, GE build too monotonous, PC too few seats and too many windows. After they go EOL they are instant classics.

Taste is personal and I think most people recognise that. I suspect many of those who get really upset feel they have no option but to buy each one even if they don't like it to complete the set. Personal tastes can also change as well. My first modular was the FB, which I did like initially - but I liked the parts more so I broke it up. I've recently rebuilt it though and like it more than I did before, particularly as it now has several companions.

Like you, it's the architectual style that is important to me and my favourite period is that 1900 - 1930 transition from Victorian to Art Deco. My street is also American and a bit rough around the edges. Like San Fran or LA back in the day. Hence I've passed up on GE, TH and PR (though I may end up getting that one). For me it has to be christmas or birthday to get a modular into the house so I have to be choosy as well. I was overjoyed with the DO when it was released, and it sat in the cupboard for 6 months until my birthday. All the while reading peoples complaints about the size and the storyline here. Well its perfect, or almost so. And cookies - well whatever it takes for lego to sneak a bar into a kids toy. I say thanks. And money laundering? Lol. I just wish BB was released this side of christmas because I'm facing an 11 month wait at this stage.

At the end of the day, you get what you like. In terms of investment advice that holds too because what you love many others will too.

Thanks for the reply! I completely agree with the fact that every set has its own little disadvantage. The way the modulars become a street is indeed like you describe because of the wonderfull shared timeset of architecture and design. The beauty is in the part that every single building has its own 'orbit', like a splendid movie that's part of an epic trilogy (although such examples are rare ) The cookies, laundried money and such are just an acceptable detail that makes it a true Modular. So I agree, in a few years it will be just another classic.

^I'd also suggest as an "investment" to consider picking up sets that you would want to build. I agree that many others will likely like what you like. But I'm also of the mindset of "if you end up not selling it, it can be something you can still build on your own." Some sets may do well in the aftermarket, but you have no interest in them. If the aftermarket went bust (likely not), you'd be stuck with a bunch of sets you don't care about.

With that said, definitely modulars are worthwhile for collectors/resellers alike. They do add great details.

Very good point! Some years ago I only had the GG and the GE when I had the idea to make an investment in Lego. Since the stock market are hard to figure out and risky I wanted to have something more 'solid', and I realised (mostly big) Lego sets are worth the money. Although more people started to invest it was still a relatively good and safe option. After some research I wanted to choose between the new upcoming Batman Tumblr or the Architecture serie. Since I didn't like Batman that much (also black Legos are dust magnets ) and the architecture sets were a bit plain (when I saw a collectors pic there was roughly 80% sand bricks used in the already released onces) and sometimes hard to get I realized it was a dead end. Some time (and a christmas catalog ) later I decided to pick the Modular serie instead. The high prices together with the fact that its an part of a serie makes it very interesting for both a normal Lego fan as Modular collector.

Edited October 13, 2015 by Doge

[Terrasher]

Just coming back on a comment a couple people made regarding modulars ever stopping...

As long as they sell well, it would be a stupid decision for TLG to stop producing modular buildings (plus, it's one of the few sub-themes (besides UCS and Landmarks) that is directed mainly towards AFOLs).

Simple comment to reassure anyone that might fear seeing the last modular LEGO makes anytime soon.

[Peasantseverywhere]

The Pet Shop has been taken off Lego Shop U.K's website :) ................

[NBV83]

The Pet Shop has been taken off Lego Shop U.K's website :) ................

As far as I can see, it is only "Temporarily out of stock", but it could be that this is the end for the PS. Can't say that it didn't live long and prosperous. Glad I got one earlier this year.

[Herky]

Got the Lego catalog today, for those who did or didn't, the modular buildings are on pages 8 & 9 (except new Brick Bank)Telling stories here from left to right, it shows the PC, the PS, DO and PR

PC is 2194 pieces, measures 15" high due to the point on front, the top of the building is actually only 9.5" high, 10" wide and 10" deep; price $150

PS is 2032 pieces, 11" high (more like 10.5 due to railing), 10" wide and about 10" deep; price $150

DO is 2262 pieces, 10" high, 9" wide, 9" deep, price $160 10" high for the Barber shop, the pool hall side has to be 2" shorter

PR is 2469 pieces, 11" high (fireplace part, likely 9.5" for building height), 9" wide, 9" deep, price is $160

Bank is 2380 pieces, 10" high, 10" deep, 10" wide, price is $170

So my conclusion is that the buildings are getting smaller and there is a higher piece count for the extras like cookies and money laundering. This is what causes me to feel that the modular buildings are getting smaller and smaller. The overall height of the buildings is down, the width and depth are down. This is why you can't get your hands in there to build. There are a lot of cool extras now but I would trade that back for a bigger building and room and just some nice interiors myself. You want to go 2300 pieces with a 10.5 x 10.5 x 10.5 and keep the price at say $155 then I feel this is a good thing. We are getting smaller and more bricks yes, but this makes me pause to wonder if I really want the bank or not. It is a nice building...didn't need the laundry. I feel this trend will continue though, next year, 2500 pieces, $220 building will be a small 8x8x8...

[Gongoro73]

Got the Lego catalog today, for those who did or didn't, the modular buildings are on pages 8 & 9 (except new Brick Bank)Telling stories here from left to right, it shows the PC, the PS, DO and PR

PC is 2194 pieces, measures 15" high due to the point on front, the top of the building is actually only 9.5" high, 10" wide and 10" deep; price $150

PS is 2032 pieces, 11" high (more like 10.5 due to railing), 10" wide and about 10" deep; price $150

DO is 2262 pieces, 10" high, 9" wide, 9" deep, price $160 10" high for the Barber shop, the pool hall side has to be 2" shorter

PR is 2469 pieces, 11" high (fireplace part, likely 9.5" for building height), 9" wide, 9" deep, price is $160

Bank is 2380 pieces, 10" high, 10" deep, 10" wide, price is $170

So my conclusion is that the buildings are getting smaller and there is a higher piece count for the extras like cookies and money laundering. This is what causes me to feel that the modular buildings are getting smaller and smaller. The overall height of the buildings is down, the width and depth are down. This is why you can't get your hands in there to build. There are a lot of cool extras now but I would trade that back for a bigger building and room and just some nice interiors myself. You want to go 2300 pieces with a 10.5 x 10.5 x 10.5 and keep the price at say $155 then I feel this is a good thing. We are getting smaller and more bricks yes, but this makes me pause to wonder if I really want the bank or not. It is a nice building...didn't need the laundry. I feel this trend will continue though, next year, 2500 pieces, $220 building will be a small 8x8x8...

In Spain is different. PR and DO are 159€ while BB is priced at 149€.

[Arctic_Ace]

Maybe there should be a post office, apartment building or hospital.

[Terrasher]

Heh, Brick Bank still hasn't come out and we're already speculating about 2017's modular

A library, museum, hospital or police office have been proposed numerous times already. If I had to throw an idea, I'd say the next modular could be a dentist's office implemented in an apartment building (first floor would be the office while the top floors would be residential).

[Jern92]

I just want a bookstore. Or maybe a Lego store. That would be completely awesome!

[Lego Dino 500]

To be fair, the newer modulars are built more densely with a higher amount of pieces while ones like Palace Cinema and Town Hall and the older ones have a bare interior. And I'm guessing they're trying to scale down the buildings a tiny bit to make them more realistic and proportioned compared to larger ones like Town Hall and Palace Cinema to give them that "Wow!" when we do get a larger building. And I'd also like to see some smaller single story 16x32 small town style modular buildings thrown in the mix too, if they released one alongside the standard 32x32 buildings each year.

[greenalfonzo]

I'd like to see an American Brownstone-style townhouse, like those in New York or Boston. Also another more European style building - maybe another Dutch style building like Market Street.

Is there any chance they might re-release one of the earlier ones in high demand? Like GG?

[Still Raindrop]

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.

I feel the same; I like cool display pieces that I can also play with (even if that play is sometimes just setting up dynamic scenarios and poses for display). My wife isn't an AFOL (but she's supportive); she loves the exteriors of my modular street, but thinks the interiors are also very cool.

[Herky]

To be fair, the newer modulars are built more densely with a higher amount of pieces while ones like Palace Cinema and Town Hall and the older ones have a bare interior. And I'm guessing they're trying to scale down the buildings a tiny bit to make them more realistic and proportioned compared to larger ones like Town Hall and Palace Cinema to give them that "Wow!" when we do get a larger building. And I'd also like to see some smaller single story 16x32 small town style modular buildings thrown in the mix too, if they released one alongside the standard 32x32 buildings each year.

Here is the thing though, we aren't getting the same 32 x 32 buildings...the baseplates are the same, but the buildings are getting smaller and smaller, soon I will need 10 year old hands to actually get in there. Give me the bigger bricks any day, I don't need 1x2's where a 1x4 will suffice. Maybe I am the only one to get it. I like cool interior too but am not really playing with my sets, they are more display pieces. I do agree though, would love the brownstone on the half size, but a 3 story size, not the 1 story. I recall the brownstone in Home Alone 2, that row of houses would be very cool.

[greenalfonzo]

A Brownstone would be something of a natural to buy a second copy to have side-by-side with the first as well. Also a natural to include instructions for an alternate build of the facade, as a slightly different style Brownstone. A row of townhouses would be awesome. That's also what I envision doing with Dutch-style buildings like Market Street. Do another variation in yellow, then orange or green, etc.

(Go Hawks!)

[Agent 86]

It would be awesome if Lego released a half-size (16 x 32) Modular each year in addition to the full-size Modular.

Another townhouse would be great (especially if the façade was easily variable). I'd also be happy to receive some more small stores with apartments above like the Pet Shop. Or even a building with various services (e.g. bookstore on ground floor, dentist above and psychiatrist above that).

[BlockLogo]

This wishing for more residential buildings and an additional yearly release of a 16x32 modular comes up every couple of pages in this thread. It's not likely. But there are plenty of ways to get more residential buildings.

The pet shop is an excellent building to buy multiples of, especially the townhouse part. You can mirror build one or more pairs and just make some small random changes, if you're not a great MOC builder. It looks great in the middle of a modular block.

To a lesser extent, the actual pet shop part is also easy to modify into different types of stores (mine's a small flower shop) or residences. It also looks good with added floors next to taller buildings, or, if anything, contains tons of useful pieces for MOCs.

If you're not comfortable or skilled enough MOC (like me), you can also get the LEGO Neighborhood book, which has instructions for some pretty good commercial and residential modular buildings, like a base model that can be customized with different styles of façades. I highly recommend it.

Edited October 15, 2015 by BlockLogo

[dr_sarcophagus]

Here is the thing though, we aren't getting the same 32 x 32 buildings...the baseplates are the same, but the buildings are getting smaller and smaller, soon I will need 10 year old hands to actually get in there. Give me the bigger bricks any day, I don't need 1x2's where a 1x4 will suffice.

I have no issues with the bricks. They make perfect sense. Many rarer colours only come in 1x2 or 1x4 bricks so they have to use them to get a greater colour diversity. Also they need to maximise the use of the same part in the same colour to get economies of scale / allow easier sorting. For example in the DO all 1x1 black rounds had a hole, but they only needed them for the stove and I think a light fitting. All other applications of the part could have used a bog standard round, but that would have introduced another unique part.

Whenever I've encountered a part which at didn't seem to make sense, in all cases it could be attributed to part limitations or reducing the inventory range in the set. I.e to be able to make it cheaper or less frustrating to build. In Europe and Australia they don't even disclose the piece count on the box, which casts further doubt on this whole "artificially inflated piece count" theory.

Apologies, this is probably not what you were referring to in your post, but it has come up pretty frequently with modulars so I wanted to provide a different view.

Edited October 15, 2015 by dr_sarcophagus

[santaends]

I like it now, more than the past. Sure, you get less space to include custom furniture and minibuilds. But now, you're getting more tiny pieces. Which will help spruce up your older modulars with less interiors.

[BirdOPrey5]

Is there anyplace that sells (or gives away) alternate builds for modulars? I think that would be very lucrative... Buy another Pet Shop (and maybe some random smaller set for decorations) and you have all the pieces you need for some awesome alternate design. My biggest problem with the instructions they sell on eBay and other sites now is that I don't have the time nor will to bricklink a thousand different pieces- so if all the pieces from from an existing set or two, that solves the major issue.

It would be great if Lego did it themselves... then instead of selling one modular, people might buy two or three.

Edited October 15, 2015 by BirdOPrey5

[santaends]

Bird of prey> Check out Mugen on brickshelf. He has alt builds for the newer modulars from pet shop onwards. Lots of photos. You can reverse engineer them yourself, as no instructions are given.

I like his take on corner DO. That horizon express though.. not too nice.

[pirzyk]

Is there anyplace that sells (or gives away) alternate builds for modulars? I think that would be very lucrative... Buy another Pet Shop (and maybe some random smaller set for decorations) and you have all the pieces you need for some awesome alternate design. My biggest problem with the instructions they sell on eBay and other sites now is that I don't have the time nor will to bricklink a thousand different pieces- so if all the pieces from from an existing set or two, that solves the major issue.

It would be great if Lego did it themselves... then instead of selling one modular, people might buy two or three.

I like this idea, similar to zephry1934 doing alternate builds for 60052 (North American Cargo Train). I do not know of anyone currently doing this for Modulars :(

[Doge]

I'm currently planning to buy the Lego Modulars 10243 and 10246, but it's hard to find a fair price these days...

Does somebody know a good addres that ships for free to the Netherlands? I'm seeking for a place where I can buy them both for 300 Euro's or less.

[scottwb2010]

Is there anyplace that sells (or gives away) alternate builds for modulars? I think that would be very lucrative... Buy another Pet Shop (and maybe some random smaller set for decorations) and you have all the pieces you need for some awesome alternate design. My biggest problem with the instructions they sell on eBay and other sites now is that I don't have the time nor will to bricklink a thousand different pieces- so if all the pieces from from an existing set or two, that solves the major issue.

It would be great if Lego did it themselves... then instead of selling one modular, people might buy two or three.

Brick City Depot has alternative builds for Fire Brigade, Grand Emporium, palace Cinema and Town Hall