Modular Building Sets - Rumours and Discussion

[Blazej_Holen]

Just now, snaillad said:

I'd be interested if anyone can truly say that this is 'progress' or that 'modulars just keep getting better'. I think the modular buildings sell well no matter what so maybe they don't even have to try very hard thesedays.

I can say that :)

 

Btw. AS was Aniversary set, twice as big, and I consider it as the end of something old, and this one as beginning of something new. 

Just now, Qahne said:

The modulars almost all have a similar architectural language, except for Palace Cinema, they all look like parts of a generic Main Street USA. This is a big stylistic departure, and I can't see it meshing with my current street. If I do get it, it will probably be on its own.

Not true.. Some have European style for instance Pet Shop or Parisian restaurant, even AS or CC.. Uniformity is not the way .. you can find differetn buldings styles through almost every city... Its nice to have something different. 

[8BrickMario]

Oh, the modern faces add so much charm to this set. The minifigures can actually react to it! If nothing else, this is the perfect place for my Diner Waitress minifigure. I'm definitely looking to get this.

[ReplicaOfLife]

Sue me, but I like it a lot. Much, much more than I originally thought I would. Love the whole 50ies Rock'n'Roll vibe it gives off, and of course a recording studio is just right up my alley. Lots of great details in there aswell, the interior of the diner looks amazing!

Only truly negative points I can make out:

- completely unnecessary and ugly car (they at least should've included Homer Simpson if they're gonna give us a convertible version of his car...)
- ugly modern minifig heads. BOOOH!

[Dakar A]

Just now, Blazej_Holen said:

Not true.. Some have European style for instance Pet Shop or Parisian restaurant, even AS or CC.. Uniformity is not the way .. you can find differetn buldings styles through almost every city... Its nice to have something different. 

Totally agree. This is as much a stylistic departure as the PR, since both represent a departure from the 'main street USA' feel that people seem to strongly associate with the modulars. Not to mention that I've run into a NUMBER of 'main street USA' buildings in my life with 1950's style curved glass façades and a restaurant on the first floor, with apartments or other businesses on top that have a much more plain style.

[Darnok]

Just now, RogerSmith said:

- ugly modern minifig heads. BOOOH!

 

Umm... just replace them?

[marv]

I have to say I like the set and even think the car is not so bad.

Are double-sided heads still a possibility?

Edited November 29, 2017 by marv

[Qahne]

True, PR had a more European facade, but it used muted colours and a similar complex look that helped it blend. I don't see how Pet Shop is European, always reminded me of Sesame Street really. I would be fine with this if the diner were just on the bottom, but that big streamline tower in bright teal and white really doesn't blend with the upper floors well. They should have gone all in with a Miami style, or just done a normal building with a 50s diner below, this feels like a weird compromise. I'd actually really enjoy a series of Miami inspired buildings, but this is being marketed as a continuation of the classic modulars, and I just don't see that. I do, however, really like the return of teal, my favorite brick color, so I have some praise  

[Aanchir]

8 minutes ago, snaillad said:

I still haven't purchased AS but looking at the last three modular buildings in a row, it seems quite a big come down compared to AS from last year. I'd be interested if anyone can truly say that this is 'progress' or that 'modulars just keep getting better'. I think the modular buildings sell well no matter what so maybe they don't even have to try very hard thesedays.

This is absolutely progress in my book, and while perhaps not the best building yet (hard to beat the deluxe size and varied design of Assembly Square), it's certainly up there near the top. It has loads of creative techniques from the use of curved arch pieces to create the window frame and awning to the fully SNOTTED front wall which minimizes the overhang of the window arches and eliminates the usual "seam" between floors. Also some delightful creativity in the circular windows along the sides of the big curved section, the brick lettering which feels much more organic than the blocky style we're used to on many of the other buildings, and the hood of the grill inside.

I'm surprised to see so much frustration directed at the car, which is about as proportionate as a car can be while sitting two minifigures side-by-side in a six-stud-wide space. Perhaps it could stand to be a bit longer, but then it would feel out of proportion with the building. It's every bit as detailed as I'd expect in a modular building set (in fact, much more so than previous vehicles in the series), and doesn't seem to detract at all from the size or level of detail of the building's interior or exterior.

[cassieas1]

19 minutes ago, Willworkfortoys said:

Let this be yet another lesson to everyone who commented with unwavering certainty that this was FAKE because of 'x,y, and z'.  Remember, it's ok to be wrong but it isn't ok to be certain you're right when you're wrong.  I might be mistaken though.  

I agree but there are a number of new changes (ex. non classic faces) that could make the assumption of it being fake fairly reasonable. I think this logic also applies to people who were certain it was real based on one leaked photo. While it was true this time it may not always be the case.

Anyways, I think I will place this next to PR so their staircases are next to each other, that way I don't have to see as much of another modular's wall.

[Blazej_Holen]

I take that car as a cherry on a top of perfect cake :) Car is really great and it adds a lot to this set. Some AFOLS thinks that these sets have to be directly for them, and only them - uniform "amercianish" style, three floor at least, and huge footprint as previous first 5 modulars had (excluding MS). Sorry for that but, this is not the Lego way and I am glad for that. They surprises me every year and they never dissapoint me or people I know. It means nothing I get it but I am not much into that hates around every set that doesnt exactly fit into eyes of some people. Firstly it was hate all around when first leak came out..FAKE/UGLY/Bla bla..then those people turned their minds and suddenly they "fall in love" even plan to mod it by buyng two copies..and now ..? Car, faces...is it hard to make your own interior details such as furniture etc? Is it hard to replace those faces? Its Lego ...isnt it? :)

Just now, Qahne said:

True, PR had a more European facade, but it used muted colours and a similar complex look that helped it blend. I don't see how Pet Shop is European, always reminded me of Sesame Street really. I would be fine with this if the diner were just on the bottom, but that big streamline tower in bright teal and white really doesn't blend with the upper floors well. They should have gone all in with a Miami style, or just done a normal building with a 50s diner below, this feels like a weird compromise. I'd actually really enjoy a series of Miami inspired buildings, but this is being marketed as a continuation of the classic modulars, and I just don't see that. I do, however, really like the return of teal, my favorite brick color, so I have some praise  

As i wrote..it shouldnt be about uniformity and blending...After all even in great USA there are building like this...similar. Lego Modulars arent depicting specific countries, they aare inspired by them, but thats it...

[Dakar A]

4 minutes ago, marv said:

I have to say I like the set and even think the car is not so bad.

Are double-sided heads still a possibility?

Nope, the singer and the female weightlifter have alternate faces that aren't the classic smileys. There's a tiny chance that the classic faces are included, but given that there's nothing about that in the press release, I'd say that it's probably not the case.

[scottwb2010]

20 minutes ago, marv said:

I have to say I like the set and even think the car is not so bad.

Are double-sided heads still a possibility?

Looking at the official pics, it looks like the 'singer', the 'manager' and the female 'bodybuilder' have double sided heads going by their facial expressions.

[bitbamboo]

 

Are we being  pink-haters?

 

Edited September 20, 2022 by bitbamboo

[Qahne]

I actually think it would look more congruous if the tan section were pale pink, personally. Also, now that I think about it, wasn't there a better Cadillac model in LEGO City Undercover? Looking at this one from a distance it looks a little fat.

And true, we can change things as we like, but it doesn't mean we should have to. LEGO started including interior details because we complained about CC being empty, and they listened and now detailed interiors are a hallmark of the line. Changing it for no reason isn't a good thing IMO. Surprises can be either good or bad, and when you have a line of products that all share similar features, and you abandon them without a reason, that's a bad surprise I think. If they want a different route, fine, I understand, but don't treat it as being the same as before. If they  had a CMF line that was all simple classic figures, people would be mad because they know what a CMF line is and they have certain expectations, and I understand that, even though I prefer the classic look personally. I don't think it's hard to understand why some people aren't happy about this big change.

As to blending, these are all designed to be put together in a big layout, I personally think it's important that they manage to look good sat next to each other. In real cities this is often a consideration they have, and the colours here a bit too bright and plastic-y to fit next to the others. It would be better if it were a corner building so we could gradually see the colour get brighter on the edge and blend into more muted tones where it has to connect to the other buildings. 

Edited November 29, 2017 by Qahne

[paupadros]

31 minutes ago, bitbamboo said:

Are we being  pink-haters?

It does look great in red! The lettering for sure, the lining maybe not so much! The red certainly gives it more of an "alternative 1985 BTTF 2" feel. I like it!

[Carefree_Dude]

I wonder how the green grocer in pink would look?

OMG SOMEONE DID IT

i like. fisheye lens is terrible though.

Edited November 29, 2017 by Goldenmasamune

[ChrisPChicken]

I'm happy so many people dislike it. Maybe I can buy it without lego selling out on the first day!

[snaillad]

16 minutes ago, Aanchir said:

This is absolutely progress in my book, and while perhaps not the best building yet (hard to beat the deluxe size and varied design of Assembly Square), it's certainly up there near the top. It has loads of creative techniques from the use of curved arch pieces to create the window frame and awning to the fully SNOTTED front wall which minimizes the overhang of the window arches and eliminates the usual "seam" between floors. Also some delightful creativity in the circular windows along the sides of the big curved section, the brick lettering which feels much more organic than the blocky style we're used to on many of the other buildings, and the hood of the grill inside.

I'm surprised to see so much frustration directed at the car, which is about as proportionate as a car can be while sitting two minifigures side-by-side in a six-stud-wide space. Perhaps it could stand to be a bit longer, but then it would feel out of proportion with the building. It's every bit as detailed as I'd expect in a modular building set (in fact, much more so than previous vehicles in the series), and doesn't seem to detract at all from the size or level of detail of the building's interior or exterior.

For me, the Parisian restaurant set a very high standard of detail/interesting and varied techniques on all floors inside and out. The two sets I purchased since, the DO and BB both left me feeling rather deflated in comparison to the PR. Maybe I'll enjoy AS if I get around to purchasing it. It doesn't inspire me going forward and I would call it maybe just above average from what I've seen so far because can pick maybe 4-5 modulars I like more. I'm probably just a more harsh critic than others because I really like this genre of architecture and have built many moc's in this style/era.

In terms of techniques I would of preferred the use of the larger 6 wide rounded glass piece on the corner, if they could of figured a way to use that piece whilst making the model stable that would of been an excellent technique (built sideways), instead they copped out and put the 4x4 curved window on the inside of the window frame. A conveniently placed post box is and minifig is hiding that gap on several pictures

To me the fully snotted facade lacks any interest because its rows of tiles over and over again. For me this would have been a good opportunity to give us a different kind of window technique, or even build the lintels as part of the snot facade instead of using the arch brick vertically. I like the style of lettering used to say 'Diner' although I would of preferred it mounted vertically.

For me it looks as if the whole car has been based around the pretty high door piece, it makes it feel much higher than it's supposed to. I appreciated they are unlikely to make a new one for this vehicle especially, a door piece one/two tiles shorter would maybe of helped bring the height down  The tail fins of course are essential to this genre of car but they look just as laughably out of proportion much like the wheels used in the Palace cinema's vehicle were also pretty 'off'. It's supposed be a 16+ set and the car doesn't seem very 'advanced'. Perhaps EB member de-marco could show them a thing or two about making a car!

[MAB]

I think the problem with the car is that it is a car in a building set. It adds parts to the count / takes away parts from the building.

Although personally I don't mind it.

[Lord Insanity]

Well I think the Downtown Diner might be replacing the PR as my second favorite straight modular after the DO.

I think some people are misunderstanding the whole "main street USA" idea.  "Main street USA" is by definition a set of buildings from any architectural time, place, and/or style.  That whole "great American melting pot" concept is how hundreds of small towns through out the USA are.   Even Ninjago City and the Old Fishing Store fit in to "main street USA" in the larger towns and cities.  So far even my least favorite modular the GG (the scale is just so "wrong", see the other half of Pet Shop for the same style building in scale to most modulars.)  still looks good with careful placement.

Overall I consider this another awesome addition to my Lego Town.

[Carefree_Dude]

Just now, Lord Insanity said:

Well I think the Downtown Diner might be replacing the PR as my second favorite straight modular after the DO.

I think some people are misunderstanding the whole "main street USA" idea.  "Main street USA" is by definition a set of buildings from any architectural time, place, and/or style.  That whole "great American melting pot" concept is how hundreds of small towns through out the USA are.   Even Ninjago City and the Old Fishing Store fit in to "main street USA" in the larger towns and cities.  So far even my least favorite modular the GG (the scale is just so "wrong", see the other half of Pet Shop for the same style building in scale to most modulars.)  still looks good with careful placement.

Overall I consider this another awesome addition to my Lego Town.

 

Ninjago city would be absolutely destroyed by American building code and regulations ;)

[Qahne]

I disagree that Ninjago City is "Main Street USA" material. Main Street is about the mythical perfect small American town, with neat and tidy storefronts in turn-of-the-century buildings. Disneyland's famous section is the closest thing I can think of to LEGO's modulars, it's like a series of plastic Norman Rockwell paintings. Ninjago City is too exotic for anything of that nature, it's more akin to Blade Runner's LA if anything.

[Aanchir]

7 minutes ago, snaillad said:

In terms of techniques I would of preferred the use of the larger 6 wide rounded glass piece on the corner, if they could of figured a way to use that piece whilst making the model stable that would of been an excellent technique (built sideways), instead they copped out and put the 4x4 curved window on the inside of the window frame. A conveniently placed post box is and minifig is hiding that gap on several pictures

I don't really think this is a cop-out. If they'd used the big 6-wide glass on its side then either the studs would be exposed, or there'd be a straight line of tiles covering them, instead of the nice curved frame we see on the right and left sides of the windows.

[koalayummies]

13 minutes ago, ChrisPChicken said:

I'm happy so many people dislike it. Maybe I can buy it without lego selling out on the first day!

Wish you the best of luck but the "investors"** will be in line long before everyone else, they'll buy all 5 the store got in stock and then turn around offer to sell you one for $270. 

**The term they prefer to be called lest they be made to feel bad about themselves.

[Willworkfortoys]

10 minutes ago, Goldenmasamune said:

 

Ninjago city would be absolutely destroyed by American building code and regulations ;)

I've had to reference 2009, 2012, 2015 IBCs (International Building Code), 2009 IRC (Residential), and ANSI 117.1 today so this comment made me simultaneously laugh and cry.