Good point. Every country seems to have different price points. The funny thing is, a lot of pieces I feel can be overpriced here too..

I hadn't thought of the particular pieces you are using. Plus tiling the floors would add up. I hadn't done that to any buildings yet, but I plan to in the future.

I think I'm of the mindset, I'll substitute cheaper pieces but still maintain an aesthetic I want. Like you were saying about the 1x4x5 white arch brick. I noticed those are hard to come by because I need 4 for a project I am doing. I may end up changing colors, but it won't look right. Yours obviously can't change colors, but I was wondering if you could swing this piece. If you could, then it would be significantly cheaper and add more structure since it would be solid across the top. Just an idea.

Also, I've built a few modular roofs so far with the GG and CC, but I didn't use the official pieces/sizes. I threw together whatever I needed and made sure it was structurally sound/connected underneath to not break. That way I can use up plates I'm not using otherwise and I don't have to spend money on the exact pieces needed. That's another idea for you, if interested. Multiple smaller (4x8, 6x6, etc) plates may end up cheaper than the three 6x24 you need. I don't know. But if you have a lot laying around, it could work in your favor.

Either way, keep up the good work. It'll be neat to see.

I tend to use blue or green baseplates (preferably green for modulars) since you can at least pretend it is grass. The nice thing is you can use any baseplate since almost each modular has a different colored one. The medium stone gray isn't too bad price though comparitively. They are only $5 here through amazon.

I think I'm of the mindset, I'll substitute cheaper pieces but still maintain an aesthetic I want. Like you were saying about the 1x4x5 white arch brick. I noticed those are hard to come by because I need 4 for a project I am doing. I may end up changing colors, but it won't look right. Yours obviously can't change colors, but I was wondering if you could swing this. If you could, then it would be significantly cheaper and add more structure since it would be solid across the top. Just an idea.

Also, I've built a few modular roofs so far with the GG and CC, but I didn't use the official pieces/sizes. I threw together whatever I needed and made sure it was structurally sound/connected underneath to not break. That way I can use up plates I'm not using otherwise and I don't have to spend money on the exact pieces needed. That's another idea for you, if interested. Multiple smaller (4x8, 6x6, etc) plates may end up cheaper than the three 6x24 you need. I don't know. But if you have a lot laying around, it could work in your favour.

When it comes to sets I am a perfectionist about getting the exact pieces, for the most part. However I do see your point. I suppose if I gave it some thought I would come up with an alternatives. In my MOC I give myself much more leeway in what I use. My logic was to use the parts necessary for each situation. For example using a 1x3 tile and not a 1x1 and 1x2 tiles in order to keep the part count and cost down. My constructions tend to be very solid as a result. I should show you the base of each floor. I'm learning with each creation how to arrange the floor panel structure each time I construct something new.

I knew the 6x24s would be pricey. Some of the coloured tiles on the other hand I did not. I was wondering about the part you suggested but i think it is too long. I may experiment with a 1x8 bow although I really like what I've used. If i cant get these parts i will be rather buggered. I could not gain an answer from Lego customer service about why all the brick with bow 1x5x4s are out of stock. It's an 'evergreen piece' and in the course of the discussion I believe they are changing the design ID which may explain why they are 'out of stock'. I think I really should be working for Lego because at times I understand their system better than some of the operators do.

What I would love to see is for them to post their catalogue of BnP pricing so I can make comparisons for price per part with PAB. Would save so much time for me and customer service.

Edited May 4, 201410 yr by Wodanis

From what I could tell they have been changing the molds of those 1x5x4 bows, so that is probably why the ID number is changing. It's like the dark blue arch from Cafe Corner vs the Winter Village Market. They are different if you look at them.

Sorry, I didn't notice that piece was 1x12. I thought it was 1x10 which would equal two bows. It probably will be too long for you.

No worries TheLegoDr. Using the LDD update I managed to find the new number for the 1x5x4 bows. However they still don't list white! They are about $3 each on Bricklink...I want to stay away from Bricklink as much as possible. I also found that TLG did not have the 1x6x3 brick w.bows either in white. I tried to use a 1x8 brick w.bow but it doesn't look right. Not without major redesign of the upper floor. I supplemented the 1x6x3 bow with the shorter 1x6 bows and it creates a different look.

I'm not sure I like it this way. What does everyone think? I may end up having to just bricklink those particular parts...

Looks really good! Keep up the good work!

Good point. Every country seems to have different price points. The funny thing is, a lot of pieces I feel can be overpriced here too..

I hadn't thought of the particular pieces you are using. Plus tiling the floors would add up. I hadn't done that to any buildings yet, but I plan to in the future.

I think I'm of the mindset, I'll substitute cheaper pieces but still maintain an aesthetic I want. Like you were saying about the 1x4x5 white arch brick. I noticed those are hard to come by because I need 4 for a project I am doing. I may end up changing colors, but it won't look right. Yours obviously can't change colors, but I was wondering if you could swing this piece. If you could, then it would be significantly cheaper and add more structure since it would be solid across the top. Just an idea.

Also, I've built a few modular roofs so far with the GG and CC, but I didn't use the official pieces/sizes. I threw together whatever I needed and made sure it was structurally sound/connected underneath to not break. That way I can use up plates I'm not using otherwise and I don't have to spend money on the exact pieces needed. That's another idea for you, if interested. Multiple smaller (4x8, 6x6, etc) plates may end up cheaper than the three 6x24 you need. I don't know. But if you have a lot laying around, it could work in your favor.

Either way, keep up the good work. It'll be neat to see.

I tend to use blue or green baseplates (preferably green for modulars) since you can at least pretend it is grass. The nice thing is you can use any baseplate since almost each modular has a different colored one. The medium stone gray isn't too bad price though comparitively. They are only $5 here through amazon.

Having built one Modular MOC from scratch and slowly working my way through another I can tell you with certainty that TheLegoDr is 100% correct about plates for roofing and flooring. You do not need big expensive hard to find plates. A good mix of 4x8, 4x6 and a ton of underlying 2x whatever's will do the job better and cheaper. If you need some good templates look at the instructions for the Fire Brigade and the Grand Emporium. They do a lot with smaller plates. It is much much cheaper. Big plates are expensive, hard to find and even harder to find in new or even decent condition.

Tiling floors gets expensive as well. I will suggest you not get hung up on a specific floor color scheme unless it is a specific mosaic type effect you are looking for. Lately I tend to just buy random tiles to fluff out an order when I order other stuff. This way I have a selection of cheap options. (I'm also lazy. If I don't have tiles on hand to finish a projects flooring I will tend to wander off and forget to order more, so it will sit on my shelf forever with the interior half tiled.)

For the arches, have you tried experimenting with the new Gothic to create an effect similar to what you are going for? They are available in white and should be dirt cheap. There were 4 in the LotR Council of Elrond set that has been getting blown out at discount pricing. As you are discovering, no LDD color scheme survives contact with Bricklink.

For the arches, have you tried experimenting with the new Gothic to create an effect similar to what you are going for? They are available in white and should be dirt cheap. There were 4 in the LotR Council of Elrond set that has been getting blown out at discount pricing. As you are discovering, no LDD color scheme survives contact with Bricklink.

Thanks Faefrost, appreciate the advice. Funny that you should point that part out as I just used those pieces in the above images. It creates a different aesthetic but I was considering using them. I will try your and TheLegoDr advice about using smaller plates for roofing and flooring in the future. Sometimes I get lazy as well and use whatever part is simplest.

I had the forethought of picking parts and colours that were available at least when I began designing them. I will try my best to attain the correct parts and colours. You never know after all is said and done with this I may do a revamp. For me its important that I just acquire what I need and build this in all its glory.

Obviously you want to build this sooner than later. It makes me wonder if lego plans on releasing those white arches again. The dark blue had quite a hiatus, so it is possible. It seems like they were only available in really old sets, so it is odd they haven't come out since then. You could continue to bide your time? But then again, that wouldn't be any fun.

I needed 4 for my skulls eye schooner revamp, but I think I am going to change to how the black seas barracuda did their stern. They used a 1x2x3 inverted slope with a 1x2 inverted slope above that and then a 1x3 inverted skills on top of that. It takes up about the same foot print, but a slightly different curve (not as rounded).

I didn't mind how that gothic arch looks, but I think the full curved bows look better in the long run. But I think you could get away with those gothic arches.

Edited May 6, 201410 yr by TheLegoDr

You may be right TheLegoDr. I can order most of the other parts over the next few months and with luck the white arches may be re-released. Actually that sounds sensible. I think the 1x5x4 bricks w.bows as ever green pieces. In fact it makes me wonder if TLG uses such a category for parts.

I can't wait for my parts to arrive and start striking them off the list.

And I actually tried the different slope method I described earlier and it wasn't right like I thought. But I found a different combination that may work. But I hope the actual pieces get re-released.

And I actually tried the different slope method I described earlier and it wasn't right like I thought. But I found a different combination that may work. But I hope the actual pieces get re-released.

Take a quickie photo for me to look at? Two heads are better than one.

Spoke to Customer Service again today. Found the new design ID for the brick w.bow 1x5x3 (76768) and they had all colours but white of course...I'm still hoping for a re-release. They had no information on file currently about this particular part. Usually they have some note on file that talks about how long a part will be around for (current production life). For instance brick yellow (tan) 1x5x3s are good till 2017. I would love access to there system haha. In the meantime my order should be shipped next week.

Side note: updated my spreadsheet formulas so now it provides comparisons between PAB, BnP, and Bricklink and the amount of savings per method.

Quick update:

Two of my orders have arrived this week but alas my baseplate was missed on my order when it was shipped. It should arrive in a week or so. Most of the unique parts are now acquired.

Most of the cost right now are the bricks and plates which is still sitting at a cost of about $400. Really wish there was a lego shop near me to make my project cheaper. I've had to make the adjustment to my design with the arches and the windows. Initially I had the 1x2x3 windows in tr. blue but only one 'Cars' polybag ever made that part in a set. I've switched it to clear. Frustrating but what can one do? In any case I'm using tr. blue for the centre windows and doors and the other sides of the building; while clear will be on the front left and right facade. Should create a distinct look all the same. A heads up to those who wish to use tr blue glass. The 1x4x6 frame glass are .68 cents CDN each. Pricey.

Update 2

I've been rather stuck with the project due to funding being diverted to sales over the summer. I finally purchased the Parisan Restaurant. I was hoping to do more orders but life is also getting in the way.

I'm about halfway in terms of parts. This modular is about 2800 parts. Mainly what I need now are plates, tiles and bricks. Most of the specialized pieces have been secured. I decided to switch to white window frames for the upper floors except for the front facade. This saved about $8 by switching colours. Right now I'm playing around with a few design tweaks. Nothing substantial that would affect the overall look. For instance I added a 1x4 window bar to compliment the original ladder to the roof and a new painting for the boss's office.

I will post some new images soon.

It's a bit frustrating to see my project in ziplock bags and not built yet...but I have about $300 left of parts to purchase. Naturally we have more sets coming out soon and then advant calendars...sigh. I don't even have the exo suit....

Cool police station, looks very nice and art deco.

Cool police station, looks very nice and art deco.

Hey thank you CityBuilder!

Here are some of the latest photos of the LDD design. Purchasing parts is halfway complete.

After a long journey of acquiring parts I have finally managed to complete my police modular. I still need a few pieces as I missed some in the last two orders but its essentially 99% complete. Apologizes for the photos I am a little out of practice. My creation is so much larger in reality as it turned out. It is as big as the Town Hall modular. I think the overall creation turned out great. I had to do a few tweaks with the parts and it took much longer to build as LDD does not base the instructions from the ground up. I have more photos on my flickr account. Have a look and enjoy!

Edited November 23, 201410 yr by Wodanis

Wow. That is amazing. You did such a great job on this. I imagine it costed you a small fortune though. Well worth it in my eyes.

Very well done!

I've been curious to see it in the brick. And it did not disappoint. I think it fits of week with the others. In always unsure of white buildings, but this seemed to work pretty well.

Wow. That is amazing. You did such a great job on this. I imagine it costed you a small fortune though. Well worth it in my eyes.

Thank you Floundie! It was a small fortune, around $600 CDN. If I had a Lego store near me this would have been made much cheaper with a Pick a Brick wall.

Very well done!

I've been curious to see it in the brick. And it did not disappoint. I think it fits of week with the others. In always unsure of white buildings, but this seemed to work pretty well.

Thank you TheLegoDr! It was an interesting process building it. Building it in reality makes the stress points obvious, as I found out, and how the structure should change from the digital model. I am overall pleased that I kept the original vision intact. There is even a slot to place a weapon in the armoury wall and you can push down on the lever to get it inside.

An Amazing build!

Congrats for make it a reality!!

It's my imagination or on one side is a door for another building with be connected to the station?....

Vehicle parking?

It's really good to see it made out of Bricks! Excellent job.

Good to see this brick built wodanis and to see how it turned out. Great result!

An Amazing build!

Congrats for make it a reality!!

It's my imagination or on one side is a door for another building with be connected to the station?....

Vehicle parking?

Thank you NgRO. Originally I was planning on having it connect to a second section for jail cells and what not. May do so in the future, haven't decided.

It's really good to see it made out of Bricks! Excellent job.

Thank you Eurotrash!

Good to see this brick built wodanis and to see how it turned out. Great result!

Thank you Scottwb2010! It's pretty massive. I'll have to build my modulars again to see how it looks all together.

AWESOME work there 'Wodanis'......keep up the cool stuff there, though there seems to be a bit of drinking in that police station ?

Brick On 'Wodanis' !