Bricklinking Modular Buildings

[cei]

I've had a bunch of orders arrive, which allowed me to start building CC. I reached the third floor before hitting the sticking point of yet not having the red roof bricks from Lego (despite 3 other PaB orders being here!). I'm still waiting on turntables and the grey side door (I have a red as temp) as well, but you can build without and slot in later. Things about the build?

- Lego's PDF instructions are terrible for brown. Second floor was guesswork mainly.

- My second floor doesn't sit right on the third. The 1x6 brown tile above the corner window sub-build seems to be one plate too high. I'll review when the turntables arrive as I'll have to rip that part out.

- Really tempted to replace the first floor 'windows' with actual windows. The newer windows used in other modulars would be much much nicer.

[TheLegoDr]

^I agree. That is one of the first things I did was change all of the windows to actual windows.

As far as PDF, yes, LEGO has terrible scans of those pictures. I never use LEGO's website for instructions. I actually use this page. The scans are better for sure. Plus, you can open each page individually if interested.

EDIT: As far as I know, returns are not allowed because they are a custom order, just like Sin said. They are packed and shipped from their warehouse. I believe hand picked at that, so it is time consuming enough for them, let alone allow returns.

It doesn't matter if you order from the original inventory. If the mold is replaced with a new version, it will still come up as an "alternate" in the inventory. Doesn't the new ski mold pop up in the CC inventory too (even though it is completely different!)? I do believe with the new blue 1x8 arch is a little different. I haven't attempted putting the modified curved bricks on underneath it yet, but they usually replace things over time to make them more structurally sound or functional in system.

In all seriousness, for a set from 2007, if you want the original pieces, you will have to order from bricklink at high aftermarket prices to guarantee you get the pieces that came with the set. Most pieces that old (almost 7 years now) would have shifted molds I'm sure. Just keep that in mind.

Since I don't mind making changes to official sets, none of this has bothered me so far, unless a new mold changes the functionality of the actual piece (like the flower stem in GE having/not having a hold).

Edited February 4, 2014 by TheLegoDr

[sin]

- Lego's PDF instructions are terrible for brown. Second floor was guesswork mainly.

- Really tempted to replace the first floor 'windows' with actual windows. The newer windows used in other modulars would be much much nicer.

I totally agree with the quality of the pdf instructions. I had a rough time with several parts of the GG build and had to go back and forth checking my parts list to see if I was using the correct colors - small brown, black and dark green pieces were the worst.

On the same page with TheLegoDr with the windows, I decided to use actual windows from the get-go. If you want to see what it looks like with the windows I posted a render a few pages back of what my CC build will look like.

[cei]

Yeah, actual windows look nice - plus I've never been a fan of Lego using holes to imply a window. Time to switch them out - I've got stacks of spares!

Should be finished by the weekend, as long as the turntables and roof pieces turn up that is.

[Inzane]

It doesn't matter if you order from the original inventory. If the mold is replaced with a new version, it will still come up as an "alternate" in the inventory.

In all seriousness, for a set from 2007, if you want the original pieces, you will have to order from bricklink at high aftermarket prices to guarantee you get the pieces that came with the set. Most pieces that old (almost 7 years now) would have shifted molds I'm sure. Just keep that in mind.

In the specific case of the 1x2x3 white panels, I'm curious how this impacts Pet Shop. According to the bricklink inventory, that set which is 2011 has x2 of the 2362(b) panels. But for that set, BnP is also showing 87544 (the one with side supports) in the Pet Shop set inventory, just like in the CC inventory. If you were to buy a Pet Shop set today off the shelf which part is going to be in your set, 2362 or 87544? Kinda crappy that they may have discontinued a part that's in a still-in-production set... you'd be S-O-L for a replacement from TLG.

[sin]

In the specific case of the 1x2x3 white panels, I'm curious how this impacts Pet Shop. According to the bricklink inventory, that set which is 2011 has x2 of the 2362(b) panels. But for that set, BnP is also showing 87544 (the one with side supports) in the Pet Shop set inventory, just like in the CC inventory. If you were to buy a Pet Shop set today off the shelf which part is going to be in your set, 2362 or 87544? Kinda crappy that they may have discontinued a part that's in a still-in-production set... you'd be S-O-L for a replacement from TLG.

I bought a pet shop over a year ago from a brand store and it came with the panels w/ side supports. I never thought to look until earlier today when the issue came up in this thread, even then I didn't realize that the set originally had the older version.

[TheLegoDr]

Well that's why they are alternate pieces. Essentially the same design, yet more structurally sound (at least in LEGO's eyes). As far as replacement parts, I guess the point is that you may never have 100% original parts in any set. I think the same thing happened with the Star Wars Death Star. It was in production so long, some of the figures faces in the later production runs had pupils, while the early releases only had the black eyes (I think, I don't own it, but I read something about it). Just subtle changes to existing sets depending on current stock and if they change any molds and have to do another production run.

I honestly have never noticed if I have a new or old mold, with the exception of some of the new 2014 molds of the 2x2 round tile with bottom hole instead of X and 1x1 jumper plate with central stud underneath to offset things. Those are really the only times I pay attention to mold changes. (as in, if it will change how the piece functions)

[Heppeng]

Built my Market Street last weekend. Unfortunately due to a few minor errors on the Bricklink orders it is only 99% done - e.g. got sent white 1x6 tiles instead of tan and a couple of other errors. However I am really pleased with the way it has turned out. It looks virtually indistinguishable from the genuine article. You cant tell its not the right window frames from the outside, and as the light grey doors are slightly recessed and therefore a little in the shade you can't tell that they are not bluey grey.

The hoses too look the same - you really have to know your 'tabbed ends' from your 'tabless ends' to realise they are not original.

Once I get it 100% I will take some pictures.

[sin]

Built my Market Street last weekend. Unfortunately due to a few minor errors on the Bricklink orders it is only 99% done - e.g. got sent white 1x6 tiles instead of tan and a couple of other errors. However I am really pleased with the way it has turned out. It looks virtually indistinguishable from the genuine article. You cant tell its not the right window frames from the outside, and as the light grey doors are slightly recessed and therefore a little in the shade you can't tell that they are not bluey grey.

The hoses too look the same - you really have to know your 'tabbed ends' from your 'tabless ends' to realise they are not original.

Once I get it 100% I will take some pictures.

I am very curious to know how it looks with the tabless hoses. I assume you found white ones? I anxiously await your pictures!

[Inzane]

I'm curious how market street would look with those curved fence pieces in white for the 2nd and 3rd storey balconies (I'm referring to the piece used on Grand Emporium in Black # 30056 Fence Spindled 4 x 4 x 2 Quarter Round).

[sin]

I'm curious how market street would look with those curved fence pieces in white for the 2nd and 3rd storey balconies (I'm referring to the piece used on Grand Emporium in Black # 30056 Fence Spindled 4 x 4 x 2 Quarter Round).

That's a good call, I am going to check that out. I have been brainstorming for alternatives to the hoses, up till now the best replacement I had come up with would have mirrored the ground floor railing that uses the 6L or 6.6L umbrella rod with straight robot arm/bars on the sides to mate up with the building...

[TheLegoDr]

I have very little interest in building MS, yet after these other projects, I will probably succumb to that as well. With that said, I planned on tinkering with those curved fence pieces. It would blend with the GE and TH in terms of part usage. It'd be interesting to see what it would actually look like though. But in reality, I don't particularly care for that style of building with the two front balconies. I like the roof shape and the side balcony, but the other two front balconies seem pointless to me. Plus with the stairwell in the interior being in the middle, that limits the use of the actual building. Thus another reason why I plan on modifying it extensively (if I do indeed build it).

[sin]

I have very little interest in building MS, yet after these other projects, I will probably succumb to that as well. With that said, I planned on tinkering with those curved fence pieces. It would blend with the GE and TH in terms of part usage. It'd be interesting to see what it would actually look like though. But in reality, I don't particularly care for that style of building with the two front balconies. I like the roof shape and the side balcony, but the other two front balconies seem pointless to me. Plus with the stairwell in the interior being in the middle, that limits the use of the actual building. Thus another reason why I plan on modifying it extensively (if I do indeed build it).

Alright I was pretty excited to try this out. I had built MS in LDD without any MODs and decided to try out the curved railing that you mentioned from GE. I left the changes bright red so its easy to see - the only changes here are eliminating the hoses, robot arms, clips and either the 2x6 plate on the balconies or the 1x2 tile on the front staircase in between the two clips and then adding the pieces in red.

Now one huge question that remains for me is what colors I can get these railings in. I think I like this solution a lot...

Edit - white is readily available for the curved and straight fence pieces

Edited February 5, 2014 by sin

[Wodanis]

We all definitely have the same thoughts because I designed my mod of market street with just those exact pieces! Haha

[Heppeng]

For comparison, I replaced this: (Flexible 8.5L with tabbed ends, average BL price £8.08))

With this:(Flexible 8.5L with tabless ends, average BL price £2.70)

When on the building I reckon 99% of people won't see the difference unless they look really close!

In fact, I am surprised it does not get suggested as an alternative more often!

[MatthewH01]

I have actually been thinking about bricklinking a Market Street.

I am making a few changes to the design, such as:

1. Any out-of-production piece will be replaced by an in-production piece (such as replacing the 5-high doors with 6-high doors)

2. All the LBG Grill bricks have been replaced by standard 1x2 bricks (was not a fan of these in the original design)

3. I have changed the design of the top floor, as the side balconies would be useless next to the other modulars. Instead, the roof is now continuous on both sides, with a window at the back and a skylight added.

4. The White fences on the front have been changed to a similar design as in the Town Hall.

I bricklinked a Cafe Corner 2 years ago, the total cost was about $530AUD (including shipping). I have made a few changes to the design there:

1. I have used a left LBG door instead of a right LBG door.

2. The second story windows were originally replaced by the version with side supports, but I have just changed them to the 1x4x3 Frame with glass (as seen in the FB on)

3. The Dark Blue 2x2 corner bricks were replaced by 1x2 and 1x1 bricks (will get the proper ones eventually).

4. One of the support pillars was replaced with a combination of 1x1 bricks and 1x1 round bricks, but I have ordered the proper piece (just waiting for it to get here...)

5. Replaced the 2 16x32 baseplates with a 32x32 baseplate.

6. Added an interior to the Ground Floor.

Everything else is as it should be.

I will upload some images once my Flickr account decides it actually wants to log me in...

Edited February 5, 2014 by MatthewH01

[cei]

Ah Market Street, the one "modular" I will never own. To me it isn't a proper modular, as it pre-dated the series, and acted more as a test set for what was to come. Its design is pretty poor and I find it never fits well in to a modular street due to the badly under-designed alleyway and several other aspects (such as side balconies). Arguably it should have been released as a 16x32.

[Heppeng]

I was not too keen on MS either, but I love the PR, and it needs a low modular next to it to better show off the rear seating area and chimney details. So it was either a MOC, leave it on the end of a street, or MS next to it. I solved the balcony issue by building the top floor opposite hand so it overlooks the alleyway/PR. That really tested my brain following the instructions for that! I am not sure why Lego appeared to design it the wrong way round?

[Legogal]

It is amazing reading about heroic efforts folks have made to bricklink Cafe Corner and Green Grocer! Quite impressive.

Learned so much from reading most of this thread. I was not aware how often they change parts used in a set. And how many parts go out of production. Having built both of these modulars only from new sets, this thread makes me appreciate the original parts on my shelves and how hard it is to BL these buggers.

And makes me buy a new modular when it is introduced rather than risk not getting one later.

To the hardy souls who have shared their tales here, thanks!

[cei]

My red roof bricks arrived from Lego! Looks a lot better - now it's just turntables :(

Also started on an interior for the ground floor. Will post when done :)

[Ophrys]

I'm close to complete the MS, and as most of you, I decided to significantly mod the original model because of the problem of price and availability of many parts. Actually I changed the dark blue in orange and the sand blue in yellow in the LDD model, and I like the result, and by checking my inventory I had the good surprise to see that I already have more than 80% of the required parts, at least for the building (I abandoned the project to build the left market part... OK, it will be not a real market Street ). I also will follow the Sin's idea about fences and balconies, quite smart! I'll post pictures when the model will be finished.

[TheLegoDr]

To the above, most people don't consider it pay off the line. And that is because it isn't truly. It was designed by a fan and was under the design by me program which has since been disbanded. But it was designed by an amateur and that is why it looks so amateur and not as polished as the rest of the line. Another reason why I wouldn't care to own it. Now the fact it is included in the mini modular line changes things, but most of my official modular don't look like they should, so not a huge deal to me.

[sin]

I checked my mail today and was shocked to see that my BnP order arrived already. I was not expecting it so soon, I am not sure why it would ship so much faster than PAB orders - not that I am complaining!

This order contained items from both CC and MS that were too costly or hard to find on BL. Everything came just as I requested, parts are exactly what I was expecting and there were even some extras of several lots. One thing I said I would report back on were the two 80mm hoses from CC, I received the exact part - no cutting required. Perhaps they had gone out of stock by the time other people in this thread tried to order them.

One more BL order and the PAB order and I will have everything for an epic building session . Now I just have to figure out where the hell I will display them...

[Inzane]

I checked my mail today and was shocked to see that my BnP order arrived already. I was not expecting it so soon, I am not sure why it would ship so much faster than PAB orders - not that I am complaining!

This order contained items from both CC and MS that were too costly or hard to find on BL. Everything came just as I requested, parts are exactly what I was expecting and there were even some extras of several lots. One thing I said I would report back on were the two 80mm hoses from CC, I received the exact part - no cutting required. Perhaps they had gone out of stock by the time other people in this thread tried to order them.

One more BL order and the PAB order and I will have everything for an epic building session . Now I just have to figure out where the hell I will display them...

i was hoping more of my orders would be trickling in. I lucked out on monday with lots of parcels, but I'm still missing a few key lots needed to start building the ground floor of CC, so i will continue to wait.

I was told initially that the 80mm hoses were OOS when I placed one of my orders, so a couple days later I called to cancel them and order 120mm instead. Well they didn't cancel and now i have 120mm and 80mm coming in the mail. Oh well.

[MatthewH01]

Ok, Here is my planned version of Market Street:

And a picture showing the new roof design:

Edited February 7, 2014 by MatthewH01