Inzane and cei, I look forward to seeing your pictures!

I am still waiting for that last BL order, it has finally shipped but if it doesn't arrive within and hour or two I won't be seeing it until at least Monday...

TheLegoDr, I have never seen a straight MOD of CC let alone one that was 48 studs wide - I can't wait to see your pics!

  On 1/29/2014 at 3:16 AM, higglies said:

Sorry - I noticed it when browsing BnP by set. It was a surprise as I had a hard time with it too and ended up getting it as a complete assembly on BL (as recommended by another post prior). Also noticed it was gone from BnP shortly after - mistake maybe - mine likely as I was giddy about the parrots being back.

Also letting you know that 60598 works fine for the top floor window 2x4x3 frames without any work-around. You just need to get the 60608 panes for them.

BnP shows the light bley turn plate bottom (ID# 3680) back again.

Yes and also all the torsos for the sets is back again on BnP.

Seems like they still produce some stuff in waves.

  On 2/15/2014 at 7:57 PM, higglies said:

BnP shows the light bley turn plate bottom (ID# 3680) back again.

You tease!

Unless I was looking in the wrong place they weren't showing in stock last night when I checked.

  On 2/15/2014 at 7:57 PM, higglies said:

BnP shows the light bley turn plate bottom (ID# 3680) back again.

I also checked after reading this but they were still showing as out of stock within an hour of that post.

  On 2/16/2014 at 5:12 PM, Inzane said:

You tease!

Unless I was looking in the wrong place they weren't showing in stock last night when I checked.

Not trying to tease - but Lego might be...

The only color not showing available when I checked yesterday was white - now white and light bley are not. There and gone again.

I managed to score the market street mini figures from BnP. Maybe I should have bought more torsos but since I don't sell things I just needed the one. I got the kitten eyes 2! But wow it costed $2.72...

I'm really concerned though as to why the prices have jumped on the majority of parts. Most torsos are now at .84 cents CDN and legs at .65 cents.

Edited February 16, 201411 yr by Wodanis

I also picked up the last torso I needed for MS from BnP along with a light bley trashcan that I needed for CC. I am going to call them tomorrow to see if the grey turntable bases can be added as a backorder. I would love to avoid placing a BL order just for those...

Tomorrow should be the day I get my last BL order, then I can start building my CC and MS

The good news. That PaB order I was waiting on arrived yesterday. yay! It contained a tonne of 1x6 and 1x8 bricks, both for CC and GG. I was able to build the rest of my Cafe Corner, with the exception of still waiting on 6 of the reddish brown 1x2 inverse slopes that are coming in a bricklink order. BTW, those "new" 1x2x3 panels w/ side support actually don't look too bad once installed in the model. However I did follow up with an order of 1x2x3 window frames (and glass) to swap out later, to see how that looks.

The not so good news... I did that dangerous thing we should never do. I added up my credit card statements for all the BnP, PaB and BL orders I've placed so far. The total is in the ballpark of ~ $1000 CDN and change!! However, that is obviously including tax and shipping charges, the odd few (oops) parts duplications, a few extra parts for experimentation (eg. different window frames, etc.), and of course the main point... this is all THREE modulars together: MS, CC and GG.

By comparison:

Original CDN MSRP for those three sets was $560 CDN (CC: $200, GG: $220, MS: $140).

And it looks like from "used" set listings I've seen, you'd be looking at a minimum of $2000 CDN to buy them (let alone the cost of "new" in box). That's assuming > $700 CC, > $700 GG, and >$600 MS.

Edited February 18, 201411 yr by Inzane

  On 2/18/2014 at 6:47 PM, Inzane said:

The good news. That PaB order I was waiting on arrived yesterday. yay! It contained a tonne of 1x6 and 1x8 bricks, both for CC and GG. I was able to build the rest of my Cafe Corner, with the exception of still waiting on 6 of the reddish brown 1x2 inverse slopes that are coming in a bricklink order. BTW, those "new" 1x2x3 panels w/ side support actually don't look too bad once installed in the model. However I did follow up with an order of 1x2x3 window frames (and glass) to swap out later, to see how that looks.

The not so good news... I did that dangerous thing we should never do. I added up my credit card statements for all the BnP, PaB and BL orders I've placed so far. The total is in the ballpark of ~ $1000 CDN and change!! However, that is obviously including tax and shipping charges, the odd few (oops) parts duplications, a few extra parts for experimentation (eg. different window frames, etc.), and of course the main point... this is all THREE modulars together: MS, CC and GG.

By comparison:

Original CDN MSRP for those three sets was $560 CDN (CC: $200, GG: $220, MS: $140).

And it looks like from "used" set listings I've seen, you'd be looking at a minimum of $2000 CDN to buy them (let alone the cost of "new" in box). That's assuming > $700 CC, > $700 GG, and >$600 MS.

Not bad at all for your first effort. I assume it is? I was around 600-700 CDN for CC and GG. Considering that the GG tends to sell at a minimum of $1200 CDN, I think we are in good shape.

Edited February 18, 201411 yr by Wodanis

The only main difference between MISB/complete vs a bricklinked version is the Box and Instructions. Is anyone purchasing those? Because that will greatly skew the overall price difference between how much you are saving. Not that I'm trying to rain on anyone's parade (I am a bit of a debbie downer). Just bringing that to my attention. Either way, you are saving a good deal of money on the end result.

I am planning on making a BnP/bricklink order soon. I am only around a computer when I'm at work and this is our busy period, so I never have time to actually sit down and order anything. I'm surprised I have this quick amount of time to actually get on here and say something. If BnP or Bricklink wouldn't automatically log me out/restart, I could let it be open all day and get an order in.

Hey all,

I just finished my first bricklinking project last night, the Green Grocer. Since I used a lot of tips from this thread, I figured I'd share my experience:

Total Cost (including shipping): $290

Total time taken: ~16 hrs

Notes:

- I am reusing any pieces I already have from other sets instead of buying them. I'm guessing this is saving me $50-100.

- I replaced the 1 x 8 sand green bricks with a combination of 1 x 6, 1 x 4, and 1 x 2 bricks.

- I replaced the 2 x 2 sand green bricks with grooves with the ones without grooves. I know this will affect the overall look quite a bit, but it saved me $80.

- I replaced the train window with a regular window.

- I didn't get the minifigs

- I used LEGO'S bricks and pieces service for just about all of the sand green parts. They were much cheaper than bricklink.

- I also placed a pick-a-brick order and 10 bricklink orders, all from stores in USA.

- 4 of the bricklink orders were just to get a single rare piece (the 1 x 4 tiles with the design on them, the tan arch, the dark red 1 x 1 brick, and the tall dark red inverted slope piece)

Hope that's helpful and thanks for all the tips on here!

  On 2/18/2014 at 10:53 PM, TheLegoDr said:

The only main difference between MISB/complete vs a bricklinked version is the Box and Instructions. Is anyone purchasing those? Because that will greatly skew the overall price difference between how much you are saving.

Bear in mind I was quoting on the low end of the used set listings, and of the ones I've seen a lot tend to be w/o box, and some are even w/o instructions as well at those (lower end) prices. So I don't think the overall price differences I was quoting are too far off. But either way, you get the point.

And if you want to talk brand new sealed box sets (which ensures you get a nice box and minty instructions, etc.) vs. bricklinking, I think the sum of the three sets is easily in the neighbourhood of $3000 or more at current market prices.

Post a picture so we can see what it looks like!

I finally got my last BL order for CC and MS

Here is my final cost (includes all shipping and handling):

• GG - $404.89
  
• CC - $251.01
  
• MS - $215.06
  

So my total for all 3 is $870.96, I am very pleased with this!

As referenced earlier in this thread I made the following changes to these sets:

• GG - substituted 1x2 and 1x6 sand green bricks for the 1x8's
  
• CC - Modified to use 6 high doors, 1x2x3 windows used on second floor, 1x4x3 windows with half panes used on third floor
  
• MS - substituted curved railings for the white hoses
  

I do have a BnP order I am waiting on with the last torso that I need for MS, the grey garbage can for CC and the grey turntable bases for CC, but this will not keep me from building

Hopefully I will be able to get some pictures of my progress late tonight!

  On 2/19/2014 at 9:03 PM, sin said:

Here is my final cost (includes all shipping and handling):

• GG - $404.89
  
• CC - $251.01
  
• MS - $215.06
  

So my total for all 3 is $870.96, I am very pleased with this!

Not too shabby. My total when converted to USD is around ~$930-940 USD. I had to pay more for shipping to Canada likely (particularly for US -> CAN BL shipments), and I had a few parts duplications, and also didn't separate out some other "extra" parts I bought for other projects.

On the other hand I do have a few more items I still need to source. There are still about 5-6 items I need to source for MS, and for GG one of the minifig hairs I think. For CC I'm trying to get the original white skiis, as I'm not liking the new style really.

That's awesome Sin. Those prices of CC and MS are not too much more than the original price. I realize a few changes, but still overall seems worthwhile to bricklink them. I may have to bricklink MS sometime just so I have it. Although I'm not in love with it.

I have no idea how to tally up the total spent on my projects since I've purchased pieces for other projects too AND a lot of pieces have come from other sets I purchased, plus I'm modifying mine. Either way, I think it will come up for far less than the official prices.

I can't wait to see some more pictures.

I got a little busy yesterday and had no time to build but I finally got my CC started

So, as it turned out the collision issue I had with my design in LDD with the two front door pillars was very much legitimate. Just a small tweak fixed the issue - dropping the pillars down by a plate. I then added a 1x1 round plate to the top of each pillar to get them back to height no biggie.

I am very happy with how the modification to 6 high doors worked out. The build around the side door is actually much cleaner than it was in the original set.

First floor is done!

More to come tomorrow night

Looking great Sin. The side door looks good too. I was thinking of swapping the side door to the 1x4x6. Now I know how it will look in reality.

I'm debating about swapping the new skis for the old style. I may yet do so.

Looking good sin. Man, I gotta get some pictures up.

On mine I went with a "used" light grey (as opposed to bley) right door for the side door. Its not too bad, other than the obvious fine scratches on the plastic (typical of used parts like that). The color difference between grey and bley is not too noticeable there.

For the main front door, I'm using the proper door piece, "borrowed' from my building bonanza set. It is a curious design decision why they decided to use 5-high doors for these early sets in the first place. Maybe it was a transition period where there weren't a lot of 6-high options yet.

I definitely don't like the "new" skiis. It's good that you have the old ones. I'm in the process of sourcing them. I've got 6 on the way and just need 5 more. One of the problems with the new ski design is without that little nub/protrusion on the top of the ski, its much harder to space them along the hose.

I've got all the correct minifig parts. The last piece, which is still coming is the one bloody reddish-brown female hairpiece that was actually from harry potter sets also. Hard to get. I'm also waiting for a light-bley garbage bin (the 4-tab variety that you suggested... thanks). For the red bicycle I'm just going to borrow the one from my little city camper van set.

Thanks guys!

  On 2/21/2014 at 4:00 PM, Inzane said:

The last piece, which is still coming is the one bloody reddish-brown female hairpiece that was actually from harry potter sets also. Hard to get.

You have got that right, I paid $2.50 for mine

I look forward to seeing your pics!

  On 2/21/2014 at 5:01 PM, sin said:

You have got that right, I paid $2.50 for mine

You made me look. I paid ~ $1.70-ish for mine, but I spent > $2 on the white cat for GG (maybe I should've have bothered, I've got a couple already from the Holiday Train and one of the Winter Village sets (toy shop, I think?).

Also, there's one particular reddish-brown female hairpiece for GG that's even worse than the CC one. It's > $4 in most listings (one US-based sub-$4 listing that doesn't sell internationally. boooo!) and even rarer. Only ever in GG and one Hogwart's castle set. Grrrrr.... Curse TLG for using such a rare piece. When you ask at replacement parts about these, even though out of stock anyway they mention "that's a licensed item, can't sell it to you anyway.... ". What the? I still need to source this one but I'm tempted to skip it honestly and substitute with a different piece.

  On 2/21/2014 at 5:12 PM, Inzane said:

You made me look. I paid ~ $1.70-ish for mine, but I spent > $2 on the white cat for GG (maybe I should've have bothered, I've got a couple already from the Holiday Train and one of the Winter Village sets (toy shop, I think?).

Also, there's one particular reddish-brown female hairpiece for GG that's even worse than the CC one. It's > $4 in most listings (one US-based sub-$4 listing that doesn't sell internationally. boooo!) and even rarer. Only ever in GG and one Hogwart's castle set. Grrrrr.... Curse TLG for using such a rare piece. When you ask at replacement parts about these, even though out of stock anyway they mention "that's a licensed item, can't sell it to you anyway.... ". What the? I still need to source this one but I'm tempted to skip it honestly and substitute with a different piece.

I was mixed up, its the GG hairpiece you mentioned that I paid $2.50, the one from CC ran me $1.20.

I paid $2.50 for the cat though...

  On 2/21/2014 at 5:12 PM, Inzane said:

You made me look. I paid ~ $1.70-ish for mine, but I spent > $2 on the white cat for GG (maybe I should've have bothered, I've got a couple already from the Holiday Train and one of the Winter Village sets (toy shop, I think?).

Also, there's one particular reddish-brown female hairpiece for GG that's even worse than the CC one. It's > $4 in most listings (one US-based sub-$4 listing that doesn't sell internationally. boooo!) and even rarer. Only ever in GG and one Hogwart's castle set. Grrrrr.... Curse TLG for using such a rare piece. When you ask at replacement parts about these, even though out of stock anyway they mention "that's a licensed item, can't sell it to you anyway.... ". What the? I still need to source this one but I'm tempted to skip it honestly and substitute with a different piece.

  On 2/21/2014 at 5:16 PM, sin said:

I was mixed up, its the GG hairpiece you mentioned that I paid $2.50, the one from CC ran me $1.20.

I paid $2.50 for the cat though...

Unfortunately I paid 4 Euro for the GG hairpiece. I managed to get the one from CC for about $1 each. Bought two of them. I'm waiting on my cat to arrive but it was $2.72 from BnP. I'm hoping it is indeed the printed cat and the not the white one from the thanksgiving polybag. As for the use of the rare piece. The designers usually use what parts are available in the current selection. Since CC was from 2007 and GG was from 2008...it explains why the Harry Potter pieces were used. I can't believe the red roof tile is costing me .38 cents. I find it funny that most of the time I know more about the system of BnP than the reps do. Currently for some odd reason minifig torsos from City are all showing up as 'Licensed' including some of the legs. I know there system has gone through an upgrade but I'm surprised they haven't resolved the issue yet.

Is anyone else bothered by the huge gap on the side door? Below the arch and above the door. It seems like a huge gap. I wonder if there is a good way to fix that.

I am glad I'm not bothered by the official minifigures of these sets. Although I wouldn't mind having that hairpiece, but only because I actually want the Umbridge character for my HP collection.

My next dilemma: With my modified CC, I currently have the official set oriented straight instead of around a corner. Meaning, it takes up like 44 studs (or something close). I was planning on stretching it out to 48 width (essentially 3 16x32 baseplates), but I'll have to modify a few bits. Or do I shrink it down to only cover a 32x32 baseplate. It would essentially only have the tower on one side with the upper floor like normal and then the side door where it normally would be. If I keep it large 48 studs, it will have both sides of the upper levels, but the tower may look too small because of the width. Also, that would be centered and may look too much like Town Hall and Fire Brigade with they central tower and symmetrical sides...

What do you guys think? That is, if I made sense and you can picture it in your heads.

I thought about building the upper floor and see how small the tower looks, but I may change it to a smaller 32x32 baseplate design just to be different, yet again.

So far great pictures Sin!