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    Brickpicker blog articles on LEGO investing, news, reviews, evaluations, discounts and more...
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    • Jeff Mack
      While I am getting closer to releasing a long overdue update to BrickPicker, now is a good time to release some content that I was hoping to release with the updated site.  @belljohn has been talking with Ed and I for a very long time and has spent a lot of time in creating a series of Brickvesting videos that he is happy to share on the BrickPicker YouTube Channel.  I am hoping to see this expand this into a bunch of different topic series and welcome any of you that are interested in working on some videos to reach out to me and we can work on it.  Set reviews, investing tips, set builds, etc. 
      It's not easy to speak for ~15 minutes, but Brook does an amazing job covering this topic. We will be publishing more videos soon from belljohn.  We hope you enjoy it.  Who knows, maybe soon you will see Ed showcase his amazing words of wisdom in video. That will be a real treat.
       
    • Alpinemaps
      In recent weeks, LEGOLAND California has gone through another price structure change.  This time, removing discounts from "Sale" and "Hard to Find" items that are carried in their shops.

      In year's past, annual passholders would expect to find LEGO sets priced at RRP.  With a LEGOLAND California Annual Pass, a 10% discount was applied to all orders.  During the years of "no discounts on exclusives," this made purchasing exclusives, such as modular buildings, a little more desirable at LEGOLAND.
      Late last year, LEGOLAND California started raising prices on certain items, to "balance" the Annual Pass discount.  Items such as the Disney Castle, which has an RRP of $349.99, has been priced at $384.99 at LEGOLAND California.  With the increase in price, the discount works out to less than a $5 savings with an Annual Pass.  This price increase is not limited to just "Hard to Find" items, though.  Even items like polybags, minifigures, and Brickheadz have seen a $1 increase over RRP.

      With this new policy, comes the pledge to reduce pricing back to RRP.  "You should notice we've reduced prices on the Hard to Find items," said one employee this past weekend.  (Although, the Disney Castle is still listed in store at the higher price).
      In my own analysis, LEGOLAND California was most likely losing sales on the Hard to Find items to the non-Annual Passholders.  Without a discount, there's not much need to buy a $385 Castle when you can order it from Shop At Home while you're standing there, and have it waiting for you when you come home from vacation.
      Keep in mind that state tax rates at LEGOLAND California are 7.75%.
      Whether this policy remains in effect during the usual Christmas season passholder double discount sale (20% instead of the usual 10%) remains to be seen.  No word yet on whether this will affect any other promotions that periodically go out to Passholders as well.  For the time being, though, one of the extra special "perks" that were granted to Annual Passholders has been taken away.  Investors that were using that perk as a means to leverage a little extra out of their Annual Pass will have to rethink that purchase when it comes to renew their passes.
      At this point in time, LEGOLAND Florida does not mirror this policy, although they do have a policy of restricting purchases as they see fit.
    • thoroakenfelder
      It looks like it's been about 6 months since I did the last one of these. I know I intended to do more, but time got away from me. It's time to get right back in and take a swing at yet another pricey LEGO set and what makes it tick, or brick.

      I never really thought much about the Y-Wing. It was never really one of my favorite Star Wars vehicles. It looked ungainly and not as sleek as the X-Wing. It is however a classic, used in the original series, reimagined for the Clone Wars and given life again in both Rebels and Rogue One. Recently I saw people talking about this particular set though and it was enough to make me curious about what makes this set difficult to piece together. I was surprised about the sheer volume of parts that are rare or unique. Some of these parts are fairly expensive.
      In 2004, a brand new Y-WIng Attack Starfighter would have cost $119.99 US. Compared to the prices of other modern UCS sets, that's a real bargain. If you could stumble across one at original retail, you'd be doing quite well. A sealed Y-WIng will run you about $1200-$1300 while a used copy sells for about $600-$800. When I plug the parts into Brickstock, an average used price for parts, is about $830. This is not including box or instructions. I am sure there are plenty of parts that are easy to find, but that's not where the bulk of your money will be spent.
      I can only imagine how the cost of this set would change if it had been made a year earlier when LEGO was still releasing everything in the old grays. It might have suffered the same identity crisis of the UCS Imperial Star Destroyer (10030), which can be found in both old and new gray.
      I'm going to be showcasing the parts that are of most interest in this set. I will first discuss the parts that appear in this set more than 20 times. Afterwards, I will be talking about the parts that appear in less than 8 sets and/or will run (on average) more than $1. There will be some overlap between these lists, so I will only list out any overlapping parts once, to avoid confusion. This set is composed of 1487 pieces (counting the single minifigure as a single part.) Those 1487 parts are distributed among 247 different unique elements. In this usage, an element is a unique combination of part and color. For example, there are 4 different colors of 2x6 bricks consisting of a total of 6 different parts, this counts as 4 unique elements.
      MOST OCCURING:
      As I said before, I will first be talking about the parts that occur in this set more than 20 times. There are 11 different elements that meet this criteria. These 11 elements account for 441 parts. That's almost 1/3 of the set. That means that the other 236 elements account for the other 2/3 of the set. That's what makes these parts so interesting. Even if you have some of these in your inventory, do you think you have anywhere near as many as you need to build this set? Let's take a look at them now. (All values quoted below are based upon Bricklink sold used parts, as of June 2017).
      The first piece that we are going to look at is the most commonly occurring piece in the set at 112. This piece is actually not common as it only appears in this set.The White Hose, Ribbed 7 mm D 2L actually qualifies for both lists. Being both rare and coming in at an average of just under $1 each, you're going to wind up spending over $100 on hoses to make the clean, white ailerons that give this ship the distinctive Y shape. If you're trying to build this set on a budget, might I suggest swapping the color for Flat Silver Element 78c02 which comes in at a modest $.04 making it about $4.50 to complete the look.

      Coming in at less than half the quantity of the previous piece we have the much more common element 4265c. The light bluish grey technic bush 1/2 smooth appears in 515 sets and has an average price of $.02 each.

      The third item on my list is Element 2555. This set requires 46 Light Bluish Gray Tile, Modified 1 x 1 with Clip. It's fairly common, occurring in 210 sets. It averages about $.05 each

      This set contains 40 Light Bluish Gray Slope, Inverted 45 2 x 2. Element 3660 averages $.04 and occurs in 233 sets.

      You've probably got enough element 2780 laying around from some of the 1863 sets that it appears in. This set needs 38 black Technic, Pin with Friction Ridges Lengthwise WITH Center Slots and they're only about $.01 each if you need to replace any.

      If you're a stickler, make sure that every one of the next element is 3794 not 3794b or 15573. The price difference between the pieces is about $.03 with this version being the most expensive at $.08. You need 34 Light Bluish Gray Plate, Modified 1 x 2 with 1 Stud (Jumper) which occurs in 240 sets.

      This set also requires 26 Blue Technic, Pin 1/2. Element 4274 appears in 611 sets and average $.02 each.

      24 White Technic, Axle Connector 2L (Ridged with x Hole x Orientation) appear in this set. Element 6538b appears in 15 sets and averages $.48 each. If I were looking to save a few dollars, I'd swap it for light bluish gray which averages $.06. That would save about $9-$10.

      The white Technic, Axle 12 appears in 10 sets. You need 24 at $.36 each. I'm not sure how it would impact the overall aesthetic, but the black version  of Element 3708 runs about half the cost and is considerably easier to find.

      The white Element 32039 Technic, Axle Connector with Axle Hole appears in 7 sets. It has an average cost of $3.47 each  making the final cost more than $83 to replace all of them if you needed to. Again, if I were wanting to build this set out on my budget, I'd swap these for light bluish gray for $.04 each.

      The last item in my list of most common pieces is Element 2412b. This set requires 23 Light Bluish Gray Tile, Modified 1 x 2 Grille with Bottom Groove / Lip which average about $.03 each.

      That takes care of the most commonly occurring pieces in this set. As you can see, not all of them are in and of themselves common. I have been asked in the past about which substitutions one could make to build a set on a budget. My analysis is purely based upon the cost and not on the aesthetic. I'm afraid without firsthand knowledge of the build, I can't know which suggestions alter the look significantly enough to disturb you. I am also making these suggestions as something to keep an eye out for when paying top dollar for a used set. If these swaps have been made, you're not getting an original set and shouldn't pay the going rate.
      RARE AND EXPENSIVE:
      When looking at a UCS set, sometimes the most expensive part is the sticker sheet. Sticker sheets are pricey and may be subject to counterfeiting. I'd look for some resources on what to look for in regards to "custom" sticker sheets. The individual stickered parts of this set seem exceptionally rare. The sheet itself 10134stk01 has sold for $75 on Bricklink.

      The assembled plaque has sold several times for about $46 while the other stickered pieces haven't been available on Bricklink recently so I cannot give you any information about their prices.

       
      The Instructions, if you need them to consider your set complete, sell for about $75 for a new set. Although as of this writing, the cheapest instructions available on Bricklink is $122.

      A box seems to run about $88. I would offer good luck to anyone who is looking for a box that is cheap enough to bother paying for shipping.
      FRONT
      BACK
      Not terribly expensive, this set comes with R5-D4 minifigure SW029 which appears in 7 sets. It's cost is about $4 for a used one. This is the only minifigure in the set.

      Now, let's take a look at the expensive, rare, and/or unique parts. In a lot of cases all three qualities overlap. Sometimes they do not. (I have found rare parts in a set that are not terribly expensive.) We'll take a look at all of the parts that cost more than $1 each and/or appear in 8 or less sets. Where I can find one, I might suggest less expensive parts so that someone could approximate this set for their own collection for a reasonable amount. It will also serve as something to look out for if you want an original set. I have already touched on a few of these pieces above and will not repeat them here. I have 27 parts which match this criteria.
      So, when we look at the expensive parts of this set, we have one show stopper. Unique to this set are 2 White Wheel 70 x 28 mm Futuristic which average about $94 each in used condition. Element 32077 also comes in Metallic Silver in 7 sets and would match the earlier hoses if you color swapped them for silver. (In silver they average about $2.50)

      Light Bluish Gray Slope, Inverted 45 6 x 4 Double with Recessed Center appears in this set 2 times. Element 30183 only appears in this set in this color. It appears to average about $15 although right now Bricklink shows the lowest at $22. You need 2. (I don't know what it would do to the look if you swapped in the $.10 white or Dark Bluish Gray.)

      I'm a huge fan of long descriptive names for parts in sort of an ironic way. My preference is for brevity, but that makes me think names like this are funny. Dark Bluish Gray Slope 45 2 x 2 with Black and Yellow Danger Stripes Pattern appears 2 times in this set. Element 3039px16 is only a part of this set in this color. (It was also available in old Dark Gray like the image below.)  It's a piece that runs about $11.50. If it were for my personal build,I'd be tempted to go for either the $.11 old Gray version or just put in a plain DBG slope and save myself more than $20.

      I've got to say, you don't see a lot of Dark Orange parts in stuff. This one seems like a weird one. 18 Brick, Modified 1 x 2 with Handle will run about $4.50 each (about $80 total). Dark Orange element 30236 appears in this set alone. However there are a lot of color options for this part that are significantly cheaper. (White or light bluish gray are about $.03 while Dark Red is about $.07. I might even suggest tan as the parts next to these are tan.)

      Copper is another color that you never see. In fact,it makes Dark Orange appear downright common. Element 75c08 in any color is not common. In Copper, the Hose, Rigid 3mm D. 8L / 6.4cm appears only in this set. This set requires 8 of them and at more than $4 each, you're looking to spend about $35. Other color choices that may work include red, orange, yellow, black or light bluish gray. They range from $.88-$.10 each. Again, I don't know what it does to the final look, but saving up to $34 on this build appeals to me.

      We are also looking at 4 of the much longer Dark Bluish Gray Hose, Rigid 3mm D. 14L / 11.2cm at about $4.25 each. Element 75c14 appears in DBG only in this set. If you are trying for an all original set, make sure someone hasn't swapped in the more common old Dark Gray or light bluish gray or black. (Reddish Brown is the cheapest version of this part at about $.30 while LBG is about $2.50 and the others are about $1.)

      I talked about this next part in the UCS Death Star II set breakdown. Light Bluish Gray Lever Small Base with Light Bluish Gray Lever sounds redundant but refers to the 2 parts that make up element 4592c05. It appears in 7 sets including the UCS Millennium Falcon. You need 8 of them and they are about $4 each. (Thanks Falcon) The black base with LBG lever is a bit cheaper at $2.50, but you could make it pennies if you swap for a black lever in either LBG or black base. Be very careful if you are looking for all original that someone has not subbed in the old light gray pieces.

       
      Next, you need 7 Copper Hose, Rigid 3mm D. 6L / 4.8cm which is unique to this set. Element 75c06  averages just over $2. Black will knock down the price per part to about $.13 each.

      Element 30083 also averages about $2 each. The White Windscreen 6 x 6 x 3 Canopy Half Sphere with Hinge was also available in 7418 Scorpion Palace. The other color options honestly do not appeal to me as a substitution. You have either Tran black or 2 shades of tran blue. You may have to bite the bullet on white.

      Next we have element 41770 Tan Wedge, Plate 4 x 2 Left. This set only requires 1. It is available in 7 sets (Actually 6 since one of those is a reissue of the Dagobah set in a different box. It averages just north of $1.25. It honestly doesn't look like it matters a lot what color this piece is, if you feel like subbing in white for it you'd be spending a whole nickel at worst.

      You need 18 of element 2412b in dark orange, which is unique to this set. In this color the Tile, Modified 1 x 2 Grille with Bottom Groove / Lip costs about $1.25 each making your total for a full set about $22. It's used as color accents on the ship. I'd be tempted to sub in red, reddish brown, or dark red and save more than $20.

      The next element 41855 is the only part in this set to have an officially recognized substitution. The 2 Light Bluish Gray Brick, Modified 2 x 2 x 2/3 Two Studs, Lip End may be substituted for 47457 without going against what people may have found in the original box. 41855 is available in 6 sets and will cost about $1.10 each. the substitution is closer to $.03.

      Light Bluish Gray Slope 33 3 x 3 Double Convex appears in 6 sets and averages about $.89. That's not too bad for the 2 element 3675 that you need. (It is at this point in the list that I will stop offering suggestions for replacement because we are unlikely to see $1 again. We are now in the realm of the rare but inexpensive parts.)

      The Dark Bluish Gray Minifig, Head (Plain) - Blocked Open Stud appears once in this set. Element 3626b is shown to be in 3 sets, although I would only consider one of those an actual set as the other was not a mass release set. It is found in Harry and the Marauder's Map. Which is a fairly inexpensive set. This part by itself is about $.68.

      Strangely, the Tan Wedge, Plate 4 x 2 Right is about half the cost of its twin from above. It averages $.67 for element 41769. This is because it appears in 8 sets instead of the 7 from the other piece. You only need one of these, but if you substituted the other one, I recommend making this one match.

      The Light Bluish Gray Tile, Round 2 x 2 with SW Radial Machinery Pattern is a part of 2 releases of the Millennium Falcon 4504 which just change box color. It is also a part of  8038 Battle of Endor.  Be sure that you don't wind up with the old light gray 4150px19 from the Imperial AT-ST. You only need 1 and it's less than $.65.

      You also need 4 Dark Bluish Gray Slope 45 2 x 8 which will cost $.64 each. Element 4445 appears in 8 sets.

      The White Slope 33 3 x 3 Double Convex appears in 4 sets. For the 2 element 3675 that you need, you're going to average $.64 each.

      You also need 1 Light Bluish Gray Wheel Spoked 2 x 2 with Pin Hole.  Element 30155 also appears in 7622 Race for the Stolen Treasure. It averages about $.40

      After that, we have element 4161 which appears 2 times. The Yellow Slope 33 3 x 3 is a part of 6 sets and is less than $.25.

      The Y-Wing has 8 Tan Hinge Brick 2 x 2 Top Plate Thin It's about $.18 each and element 6134 is a part of 6 sets.

      Element 30359b appears in one other set. It averages $.15 each and you need 16 White Bar 1 x 8 with Brick 1 x 2 Curved Top End (Axle Holder Inside Small End)

      The Dark Bluish Gray Minifig, Weapon Lance shows up in this set 4 times. It averages $.12. Element 3849 appears in 7 sets.

      Next, we have element 989 which averages $.09. White Hinge Brick 1 x 2 Locking with 1 Finger Top appears in one other set. You need 2.

      Element 44126 appears once in this set. Yellow Slope, Curved 6 x 2 averages $.08 and appears in 8 sets (including 2 other versions of the Y-Wing.)

      The Tan Slope, Curved 6 x 1 Inverted is a part of 4 sets. For the 2 that you need for this set expect to pay about $.07 for element 42023.

      The last part that makes the cut is element 30647. The White Vehicle, Fairing 1 x 4 Side Flaring Intake with Two Pins appears in 6 sets and averages about $.07 each. You need 4.

      FINAL ANALYSIS
      When I make all of my substitutions and remove the stickers and Minifigure, I come up with a total average value of $152. Sure, it wouldn't be original, but it would be good enough for me. I can understand wanting to have a wholly original set, especially one as pricey as this one, but for those, like me, on a budget, I think it would really bring a lot of joy to build one, even if some of the colors were wrong.
      The above lists in no way represent the full inventory for this set. Bricklink and Rebrickable both have an interactive inventory that would allow you to determine which parts fully make up your set.
      All images are the property of Rebrickable.com, Bricklink.com, Disney, Lucasfilm Ltd. and The LEGO Group.
      If you liked this article, please check out the others in the series:
      10123 Cloud City
      7181 UCS TIE Interceptor
      10212 UCS Imperial Shuttle
      10182 Cafe Corner
      10019 UCS Rebel Blockade Runner
      10185 Green Grocer
      10190 Market Street
      10175 UCS Vader's TIE Advanced
      10143 UCS Death Star II
       
    • Alpinemaps
      An image of the June 2017 LEGO Store calendar has appeared, and it looks like a new Carousel will be coming to the Fairgrounds theme.  The rumor of a new Carousel started back in January, but gained a lot of traction over the last week.  Set 10256, Fairground Carousel, appeared on Brickset earlier this week, which added fuel to the fire.  Early this morning, part of the June 2017 calendar appeared online, and it seems that the Carousel will appearing in June.

      (Image from BrickGeekz Facebook page)
       
      The Zombie Apocalypse
      Initial concern from BrickPickers could be classified as the "Death Star Effect."  Would we be getting a new set, or, as many feared, would we be getting a repackaged set.  Set 75159 is a more expensive version of 10188, with some very minor additions to the set.  The sets are similar enough that 75159 has created a price ceiling for 10188.  A return from the dead, in the form of a rerelease of 10196 with very little changes, could drop prices on 10196 dramatically.  A big concern for a set that has performed very well over the last 8 years.  A bigger concern for the investing community, is what we can expect moving forward.  LEGO is known for it's innovation, and repacking yet another existing set could cause a lot of disappointment, anger, and lose of confidence in secondary market prices for the investor.
      The (Golden) Goose
      With the reveal of the calendar page earlier today, overall initial reaction appears to be positive.  The fear of the Zombie Apocalypse appears to have subsided.  Many are enjoying the look of this new set, or, at the very least, appreciate that it is a completely new take on a carousel, rather than a revival of an old favorite.  A number of BrickPicker users chimed in with their opinion:
      Deadfraggle says:
      exciter1 chimed in with:
      pstebbing added:
      Tickets, Please!
      When 10196 was introduced, there was no Fairground theme.  But that all changed in June 2014, when 10244 Fairground Mixer appeared.  That was followed up with 10247 Ferris Wheel in June 2015.  2016 did not bring us any sets in the Fairground theme.  But, 2016 did see the Amusement Park sub theme of the Friends line.  With six sets in the theme, there was now a pretty big fairground theme that could be constructed.  
      A Grand Carousel, Indeed
      Set 10196, Grand Carousel, came out in 2009.  With 3263 pieces, and a retail price of $249.99, it remains the largest non-Technic set with Power Functions.  The set is red, white and blue, with tan plates making up the floor.  Nine minifigures were included in the set.  Brick built animals, that went in an "up and down" motion as the carousel moved, made up the main area of the build.  A series of cloth "tents" made up the top of the build, which gave it an interesting and realistic look.  Power Functions were included in the set, along with a 48x48 green base plate.  A sound brick was included, to give a realistic organ sound to the carousel as it spun.

      10196 Grand Carousel
      How Much Is that Doggie in the Window?

      For set that started out with an RRP of $249.99, that's not a bad return!  Prices have fluctuated a little bit over the last year, but stayed at about a 10x RRP for quite some time.  One can understand why a resurrection of the existing 10196 would be damaging to the value that investors and consumer put into this set.
      The Parts are Greater than the Whole
      I wouldn't necessarily say that - but there are some unique and valuable parts to 10196.  We don't quite know what to expect with 10256, but it appears that the parting value of those rare pieces will not be damaged.  Some of those rare parts include:
      Sticker Sheet - $60+ Green Baseplate - $70+ Jester's Cap - $2+ Cloth Top Section - $40+ (each, Qty Sound Brick - $150+ Let's Go 'Round Again!
      I would expect LEGO to have an official announcement soon.  Let's hope that it's everything we want, and more!
      Join us in our discussion here:
       
    • Alpinemaps
      Here is the list of current and upcoming polybags in the LEGO world.  If you've found a polybag that's not on this list, or have any update to give us, please note it in the comments below.  This information is put together from a number of different sources on the Internet, including real world reports. Availability in your area may vary.  This information is US-based.  These are from within the last 12 months.
      Some notable pieces of news:
      30611 R2-D2 will be available at Shop at Home with a $50 Star Wars purchase from May 4-May 7 30524 The Mini Batwing is now showing up at Target (it was a LEGO Store / Shop at Home exclusive) Walmart will have a spring polybag display that will include 30400 Friends Fitness Center and 30496 Star Wars U-Wing Polybags Currently Available

      Set Theme Set Name Locations 30351 City Police Helicopter Barnes & Noble 30352 City Police Car Target 30354 City Hot Rod  Target 30476 Creator Happy Turtle Meijer 30477 Creator Chameleon Legoland, Meijer 30604 DC Super Heroes Cosmic Boy DVD/Blu Ray 30606 DC Super Heroes Nightwing DVD/Blu Ray 30546 DC Super Hero Girls Krypto Saves the Day Legoland, TRU 71340 Dimensions Supergirl PS4 Starter Pack 30324 Duplo My Town {Random bag} Legoland 30375 Elves Sira's Adventurous Airglider Legoland 30399 Friends Bowling Alley Legoland, Target, Walmart 30400 Friends Gymnastic Bar Legoland, Target, Walmart 30401 Friends Pool Foam Slide Target 30448 Marvel Super Heroes Spider-Man vs. The Venom Symbiote TRU 30371 Nexo Knights Knight's Cycle Legoland 30372 Nexo Knights Robin's Mini Fortrex Legoland 30376 Nexo Knights Knighton Rider Legoland 30424 Ninjago WU-CRU Training Dojo Walmart 30425 Ninjago CRU Master's Training Grounds Legoland 30426 Ninjago Stealthy Swamp Airboat Legoland 30601 Scooby-Doo Scooby-Doo DVD/Blu Ray 30279 Star Wars Kylo Ren's Command Shuttle Target 30496 Star Wars U-Wing Fighter Legoland, Walmart 30611 Star Wars R2-D2 Lego.com 30521 LEGO Batman Movie The Mini Batmobile TRU 30524 LEGO Batman Movie The Mini Batwing Barnes & Noble, Lego.com, Target 30612 LEGO Batman Movie Batgirl Target  
      Polybags Coming Soon

      Set Theme Set Name 30353 City Tractor 30355 City Jungle ATV 40175 City {Policeman with cookie and stinger} 30475 Creator Off Roader 30551 Disney Cinderella's Kitchen 30323 Duplo My First Fish 40267 Duplo {Cake and door} 30402 Friends {Ski practice} 30449 Marvel Super Heroes The Milano 30377 Nexo Knights Motor Horse 30378 Nexo Knights Shrunken Headquarters 5004911 Nexo Knights Crafting Kit 5004914 Nexo Knights Armor Pod 30478 Seasonal Santa Claus  
      Polybags That Appear to be Unavailable

      Set Theme Set Name Locations Last Seen 30311 City Swamp Police Helicopter TRU Jun 2016 30346 City Prison Island Helicopter Walmart Jan 2017 30347 City Fire Car Kmart, Target, Walmart Jan 2017 30348 City Mini Dumper Legoland Jan 2017 30349 City Sports Car Legoland, Target Jun 2016 30350 City Volcano Jackhammer Walmart Jan 2017 30285 Creator Tiger TRU Jun 2016 30471 Creator Helicopter Legoland Jun 2016 30474 Creator Reindeer TRU Jan 2017 30446 DC Super Heroes The Batmobile Walmart Jun 2016 30603 DC Super Heroes Batman Classic TV Series - Mr. Freeze Lego.com Jun 2016 71342 Dimensions Green Arrow Gamestop Jan 2017 30397 Disney Olaf's Summertime Fun Kmart, Walmart Jan 2017 30322 Duplo Wildlife {Random bag} Legoland Jun 2016 30259 Elves Azari's Magic Fire Walmart Jan 2017 30204 Friends Wish Fountain TRU Jun 2016 30396 Friends Cupcake Stall Legoland, Target Sep 2016 30398 Friends Adventure Camp Bridge Walmart Jan 2017 40265 Friends Tic-Tac-Toe Lego.com Mar 2017 5004928 Gear Kiss Kiss Tuxedo Batman Movie Theater Giveaway Feb 2017 30338 Juniors Fire Car Target, Walmart Jan 2017 30473 Juniors Racer Legoland Jun 2016 30320 Jurassic World Gallimimus Trap Gamestop Jun 2016 30168 Marvel Super Heroes Gun mounting system Gamestop Jun 2016 30447 Marvel Super Heroes Captain America's Motorcycle  Legoland, Target, TRU, Walmart Jan 2017 5002946 Marvel Super Heroes Silver Centurion Gamestop Jun 2016 30373 Nexo Knights Knighton Hyper Cannon Legoland Jun 2016 30374 Nexo Knights The Lava Slinger Legoland, Target Jan 2017 30291 Ninjago Anacondrai Battle Mech Legoland, TRU Jun 2016 30421 Ninjago Skybound Plane Legoland Jan 2017 30423 Ninjago Anchor-Jet Legoland Jan 2017 5002144 Ninjago Ninjago Battle Pack TRU Jun 2016 30275 Star Wars TIE Advanced Prototype Legoland Jun 2016 30276 Star Wars First Order Special Forces TIE Fighter Target Jan 2017 30277 Star Wars First Order Star Destroyer Best Buy, Legoland, Target, Walmart Jan 2017 30278 Star Wars Poe's X-wing Fighter Target, Walmart Jan 2017 30602 Star Wars First Order Stormtrooper Lego.com Jun 2016 30605 Star Wars Finn (FN-2187) Gamestop Jun 2016 40268 Star Wars R3-M2 Legoland Mar 2017 5002122 Star Wars TC-4 Legoland Jun 2016 5002947 Star Wars Admiral Yularen Legoland Sep 2016 5002948 Star Wars C-3PO TRU Jun 2016 5004406 Star Wars First Order General Legoland, TRU Jan 2017 5004408 Star Wars Rebel A-wing Pilot Legoland, TRU Jan 2017 30522 LEGO Batman Movie Batman in the Phantom Zone Target Jan 2017 30523 LEGO Batman Movie The Joker Battle Training Legoland, Target Apr 2017 30607 LEGO Batman Movie Disco Batman - Tears of Batman  Lego.com Feb 2017 5004929 LEGO Batman Movie Batman Battle Pod Lego Store Feb 2017 5004930 LEGO Batman Movie Accessory pack Lego Store Feb 2017
    • jaisonline
      As with most Lego promotions, you must spend a required amount of money to get the 'free' item.   Many folks also use promotion stacking on http://shop.lego.com  which is the process of spending just enough money to earn multiple promotional items.  
      After waiting too long to order products at shop.lego.com to obtain the popular 40252 Mini VW Beetle promotion (sold-out online), I visited my local Lego mall store.  This store had current promotional sets available including 40252 and the 40265 LEGO Friends Tic Tac Toe set.  The purchase requirements were to spend $50+ for the VW Beetle set and $20+ in Friends items for the Tic Tac Toe polybag.  Both are popular items and make nice child Easter gifts (especially for my 2 children).
       

       
      While paying, I was told my $62 ($21 of that for Friends items) worth of Lego products wasn't enough to cover both promotional items.  The cashier told me their store were given strict rules to enforce around promotional items and I needed to pick one.  I ended up going home with the 40252 Mini VW Beetle set. 
      After arriving home, I double-checked if Lego's web site still allowed promotion stacking.  It did after added one $59.99 Friends set in my cart.   Both Tic Tac Toe and City Helicopter (replacement for the sold-out VW) promotional items were in my cart.

       
      I then read a 40252 Mini VW Beetle review where MeganL from brickset mentioned she was able to get both promotions by "doubling up" at a Lego store. 

        http://brickset.com/article/27432
       

      To further determine whether my experience was a mistake or an unannounced in-store change, I contacted Lego customer phone support today. 
      The nice representative informed me that other customers have called with the same question after being denied at their store. 

      At least one store manager told this same representative she was given rules to deny promotions stacking.  Her customers could only receive both promotions if they spent $20+ on Friends items plus another $50+ on more Friends or another theme.
       
      Please let us know how your local Lego store is currently handling promotion stacking and if it's different than past months. 
       
      Disclaimer: Not all U.S stores may follow the new rule regarding promotion stacking.   Lego's online website, https://shop.lego.com/  automatically stack promotions in the shopping cart before order check-out.  Additionally, some stores haven't allowed promotion stacking since their grand opening.
    • Alpinemaps
      Here is the list of current and upcoming polybags in the LEGO world.  If you've found a polybag that's not on this list, or have any update to give us, please note it in the comments below.  This information is put together from a number of different sources on the Internet, including real world reports. Availability in your area may vary.  This information is US-based.  These are from within the last 12 months.
      Polybags Currently Available

      Set # Theme Set Name Locations 30350 City Drilling Machine Walmart 30347 City Fire Car Target, Walmart 30354 City Hot Rod Target 30348 City Mini Dumper Legoland 30346 City Prison Island Helicopter Walmart 30474 Creator Reindeer TRU 30546 DC Super Hero Girls Kyrpto Saves the Day Legoland, TRU 71342 Dimensions Green Arrow GameStop 71340 Dimensions Supergirl PS4 Starter Pack 30397 Disney Olaf's Summertime Fun Walmart 30259 Elves Azari's Magic Fire Walmart 30398 Friends Adventure Camp Bridge Walmart 30399 Friends Bowling Alley Legoland, Target, Walmart 30400 Friends Fitness Center Legoland 30338 Juniors Fireman Target, Walmart 30522 Lego Batman Movie Batman in the Phantom Zone Target Unknown Lego Batman Movie Lego Batman Movie Accessory Pack Lego Store 30523 Lego Batman Movie The Joker Battle Training Legoland 30524 Lego Batman Movie Mini Batwing Lego.com 30376 Nexo Knights Knighton Rider Lego.com 30371 Nexo Knights Knight's Cycle Legoland 30374 Nexo Knights Lava Slinger Legoland, Target 30372 Nexo Knights Robin's Mini Fortrex Legoland 30423 Ninjago Anchor-Jet Legoland 30421 Ninjago Skybound Plane Legoland 30424 Ninjago Wu-Cru Training Dojo Walmart 30425 Ninjago Wu-Cru Training Dummy Legoland 30601 Scooby Doo Scooby Doo DVD/Blu Ray 5004406 Star Wars First Order General Legoland, TRU 30276 Star Wars First Order Special Forces TIE Fighter Target 30277 Star Wars First Order Star Destroyer Best Buy, Legoland, Target, Walmart 30279 Star Wars Kylo Ren's Command Shuttle Legoland, Meijer, Target, Walmart 30278 Star Wars Poe's X-Wing Fighter Target, Walmart 5004408 Star Wars Rebel A-wing Pilot Legoland, TRU 30496 Star Wars U-Wing Fighter Legoland 30446 Super-Heroes The Batmobile Walmart 30447 Super-Heroes Captain America's Motorcycle Legoland, Target, TRU, Walmart 30604 Super-Heroes Cosmic Boy DVD/Blu Ray 30448 Super-Heroes Spider-Man vs The Venom Symbiote TRU 30606 Super-Heroes Nightwing DVD/Blu Ray  
      Polybags Coming Soon

      Set # Theme Set Name 30351 City Police Helicopter 30352 City Police Car 30353 City Tractor 30477 Creator Chameleon 30476 Creator Happy Turtle 30475 Creator Off Roader 30551 Disney Cinderella's Kitchen 30323 Duplo My First Fish 30324 Duplo My Town 30401 Friends Pool Foam Slide 30208 Friends Smoothie Stand 30612 Lego Batman Movie Batgirl 5002949 Lego Batman Movie Batman Battle Pod 30607 Lego Batman Movie Disco Batman - Tears of Batman 5002948 Lego Batman Movie Kiss Kiss Tuxedo Batman Keychain 30521 Lego Batman Movie Mini Batmobile 30377 Nexo Knights Motor Horse 30378 Nexo Knights Shrunken Headquarters 30426 Ninjago Stealthy Swamp Airboat 30611 Star Wars R2-D2 Unknown Super-Heroes The Milano  
      Polybags That Appear to be Unavailable

       
      Set # Theme Set Name Locations Last Sighting 30349 City Sports Car Legoland, Target Jun 2016 30311 City Swamp Police Helicopter TRU Jun 2016 30471 Creator Helicopter Legoland Jun 2016 30472 Creator Parrot Lego Store Mar 2016 30285 Creator Tiger TRU Jun 2016 30321 Duplo Duck Lego.com Mar 2016 30322 Duplo Wildlife Legoland Jun 2016 2000447 Education Mini Milo CES 2016 Giveaway Feb 2016 30375 Elves Sira's Adventurous Airglider Lego.com Jun 2016 30396 Friends Cupcake Stall Legoland, Target Sep 2016 30204 Friends Wish Fountain TRU Jun 2016 30473 Juniors Racer Legoland Jun 2016 30320 Jurassic World Gallimimus Trap Gamestop Jun 2016 30373 Nexo Knights Knighton Hyper Cannon Legoland Jun 2016 30291 Ninjago Anacondrai Battle Mech Legoland, TRU Jun 2016 5002144 Ninjago Dareth vs. Nindroid TRU Jun 2016 30422 Ninjago Kai's Mini Dragon Lego.com, Target Mar 2016 30602 Star Wars First Order Stormtrooper Lego.com Jun 2016 5002122 Star Wars TC-4 Legoland Jun 2016 30603 Super-Heroes Batman Classic TV Series - Mr. Freeze Lego.com Jun 2016 5002125 Super-Heroes Electro TRU Feb 2016 30168 Super-Heroes Gun mounting system (Iron Patriot) Gamestop Jun 2016 5003084 Super-Heroes Hulk TRU Feb 2016 5002946 Super-Heroes Silver Centurion Gamestop Jun 2016 5002947 Star Wars Admiral Yularen Legoland Sep 2016 30274 Star Wars AT-DP Legoland Mar 2016 5002948 Star Wars C-3P0 TRU Jun 2016 30605 Star Wars Finn (FN-2187) Gamestop Jun 2016 30272 Star Wars A-Wing Starfighter Legoland Mar 2016 30275 Star Wars TIE Advanced Prototype Legoland Jun 2016
    • Ed Mack
      Hello LEGO fans...Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. It's that time of year again. Time to raise money for my son Max's school, St. Paul School, in Burlington, NJ. After a very...VERY...successful first BRICKPICKER LEGO RAFFLE in which we raised over $62,000.00 for the school, a year has passed, and it’s time to raffle off some dynamic LEGO gifts for charity. The money we raised last year literally kept the school open...which is a great thing. It's a special school that once again was voted BEST Private School in Burlington County, NJ, by The Burlington County Times, along with numerous other awards, such as:
      CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE 2017 BRICKPICKER LEGO RAFFLE FOR ST. PAUL SCHOOL!
      Best Private School Best PreK-Nursery School Best Teacher Best Fundraiser Best Music Instruction Best Tutor Service (Junior National Honor Society) As I stated last year, St.Paul School (SPS) and its community are wonderful. People from all races and religions attend St. Paul School. Besides excelling in educating the children, the school does a tremendous amount of charity for local people in need. From food drives to helping out at local retirement homes, the children of St.Paul School are required to perform “service hours” that are designed to teach generosity, altruism and instill a hard-working, disciplined attitude. Excellence is expected and permeates through St. Paul School and the faculty and student body, so does a sense of goodness and frugalness. We make a little money go a long way. For example:
      All grade levels (Pre – K through 4) are scheduled for “Specials” each week...such as art, music, library, computers, and physical education St.Paul School is nationally accredited by “AdvancED” (the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement – NCA – CASI. SPS middle-school students have three periods of Spanish and are testing into Spanish II for High School. SPS provides more periods of physical education each week than is required by the State. SPS provides multiple extracurricular activities such as: LEGO Robotics Club, Science Club, Vocal Choir, Rosary Group, Tonal Chimes, Hand Bell Choir, Crafty Kids Club, Basketball (Boys/Girls), Indoor Soccer, Cheerleading, Yearbook Club, National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), Student Council, MATHCounts, STREAM (Science Technology Religion Engineering Art Math, Activity Tutorial Period (ATP for 5th-8th grades) But all is not wonderful though. As many of you know, many Catholic schools have a hard time making ends meet. Enrollments are down due to weak economic conditions throughout the world. Even superb schools like St. Paul School have a hard time keeping the doors open. While we did pick up 25 new students this past year to ease the financial burden, we will still be way short of breaking even; thus the need for the 2017 BrickPicker LEGO Raffle 2.0. This year’s version of the LEGO raffle will start with TEN awesome prizes.These include:
      PRIZE #1 BRICKPICKER MEMBER RAFFLE LOT:
      21301 Birds (Salimr) Comic Con Throne of Ultron (echin313) Comic Con Dagobah Mini-Build (echin313) A mint 7144 Slave I (echin313) A mint 8001 Battle Droid (echin313) 10218 Pet Shop (exciter1) Rio Olympic Mascots set (Emvisawthatswho) 70816 Benny's Spaceship (Brickcrazyhouse) A special custom LEGO snow globe (Flanagan Bros Inc) PRIZE #2 BRICKPICKER MYSTERY RAFFLE LOT (OVER 5000 PIECES):
      A bundle of quality LEGO sets from multiple themes that will far exceed 5000 pieces! PRIZE #3:
      10220 - VW Camper T1 Van 42056 - Porsche 911 GT3 RS PRIZE #4:
      10227 - UCS B-Wing 75060 - UCS Slave I PRIZE #5:
      10221 - UCS Super Star Destroyer PRIZE #6:
      $500 Amazon Gift Certificate PRIZE #7:
      75159 - UCS Death Star OR 10188 Death Star PRIZE #8 CHOICE OF:
      75827 - Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters OR 71040 - Disney Castle PRIZE #9 CHOICE OF:
      10225 - UCS R2-D2 OR 10197 - Fire Brigade OR 10228 - Haunted House OR 10211 - Grand Emporium PRIZE #10:
      10255 - Assembly Square 10251 - Brick Bank This year’s total prize value exceeds last year’s total by over $1000.00. Last year we had 11 raffle prizes and winners from around the world. From Vancouver, Canada to Reno, Nevada to Miami Beach, Florida to the Isle of Man, United Kingdom and everywhere in between, generous raffle participants were rewarded with awesome LEGO prizes. The 2017 BrickPicker LEGO Raffle 2.0 can be found here on the secure Rally.up.com site:
      CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE 2017 BRICKPICKER LEGO RAFFLE FOR ST. PAUL SCHOOL!
      Like last year, we will ship the prizes to anywhere across the globe. If there is an issue with shipping or prizes, a comparable prize and/or shipping method will be arranged with the winner. Last year, the LEGO BrickPicker Raffle worked very well. The Rallyup.com site is a first class, secure site that made this all possible. They also issued the school a big fat check. All raffle proceeds and donations benefit the school directly by bridging the gap between what tuition covers and actual educational costs. It also raises money to upgrade the school’s technology, keeping St. Paul School ahead of the academic curve with a dynamic curriculum. The prizes have been donated by Jeff and I, the St.Paul School PTA and by some very generous BrickPicker members. I am hoping, like last year, that more people will donate sets after the raffle begins. It was fun adding to the prizes last year. You never know what can pop up as a prize!
      On a personal note, I would like to thank every person who donated sets/money and/or bought tickets to last year’s LEGO BrickPicker Raffle. It saved a wonderful school and kept dozens of people employed and 175 kids with their friends and teachers. I don’t like asking, but will anyway...please help out again this year. Even buying one ticket can help and it gives you a chance to win some great prizes. Watching the raffle ticket total rise every day was an intense rush and extremely gratifying experience. It made me so proud to have started this site with my brother Jeff and made me realize there is still good in this world…
      The contest will end on February 7, 2017 at 11:59 PM. Winners will be notified by Rallyup.com. If you are a winner, please contact me on the site so we can confirm the prizes and shipping addresses. The Rallyup.com site works very well and is secure, so please feel confident in donating to the school and purchasing raffle tickets. All the money goes to St. Paul School, which is a 501(c)(3), and to Rallyup.com for running the raffle. I will make every effort to supply the winners with the appropriate prizes. If there are shipping issues, inventory issues or potential problems beyond my control, I will make sure the winners are awarded LEGO sets/gift cards comparable to the original prizes. Any questions, ideas or concerns, please reply below or PM Jeff or me...
      TICKETS AVAILABLE UNTIL: February 07, 2017 at 11:59 PM EST
      DRAWING DATE: February 08, 2017 at 12:00 PM EST
      Thanks again!
      Ed Mack
    • thoroakenfelder
      I never had a LEGO system scale AT-ST. I got a UCS one from a comic shop, but that's not really the same. Even when I was a kid in the 80's, this was never my favorite vehicle. Now I look at my AT-AT and feel like it's missing something. The AT-AT is missing its little brother AT-ST. I was so excited to find out that this vehicle was coming for Rogue One. I really needed to fill out my display. It doesn't matter what minifigures are with it, as long as it fits with my Original Trilogy stuff. I didn't want to backtrack and find the 2007 system scale version because a set that's a decade old usually looks like a set that's almost 10 years old. This set looks good on the box. Can it be as good as it looks?

      REVIEW: SET DETAILS
      Set #: 75153
      Name: AT-ST Walker
      Theme: Star Wars
      Parts: 449
      Price: $39.99
      BOX CONTENTS
      Some people may wind up picking up a set that is open box or, want to verify the box contents before beginning a build. For this set, there are 3 numbered baggies, a sticker sheet, and an instruction book.

      BUILD AND EXECUTION:
      BAG 1: I'm interested from the beginning. There's a gearbox and a pair of axles right from the start. We're building the hips/pelvis/base of the walker. I was interested in the hinges as well.

      We're building out the base of the walker. We have to make it sturdy so that it can support that massive head on the spindly legs.

      Speaking of spindly legs, once we have finished the base, we start the legs. Honestly, I was hoping for more articulation here.

      The leg only has a single joint. I could see where the ankle could have a joint. In fact, optimally, there should be at least 4 joints. maybe that's just me griping. How much should we really expect from a $40 set?

      I'm not going to show multiple steps  making the second leg. It's just a mirror build of the first leg. You just finish some details, cover the corners.

      And, we've finished Bag 1. I was wondering why a $40 set had less bags than a $30 set. It seems to me that there was a lot of build for one bag. I'm guessing that it's more than 40% of the set.

      BAG 2: We're starting construction on the "head." Notice the little push levers on the back there. I've been noticing more and more that the triggers for the spring missiles and the missile launchers themselves are getting better incorporated than a year ago. A year ago I was unhappy with how poorly they hid the boxy shooters in the First Order Transporter. Now, I sort of look forward to seeing how well it is hidden.

      I'm still not seeing a cockpit coming together here. I can see the cutout where the missile launcher will go. I also appreciate the cutout for the push trigger. However, this base seems far too narrow.

      There's a thermal detonator piece on the orange 1x1 round plate. It's interesting to me that we're building up instead of out. I say that because in Return of the Jedi, we saw that the AT-ST is a 2 seater. I'm disappointed that this looks to be a single seater.

      I notice the posts and pegs and it says to me that we'll be slotting panels in place. We've also got pegs on the front and sides where decorative panels can be placed.

      Notice the spring launchers are now in place and we're shaping the head with wedges and slopes.

      Plug the head in place and add a couple of grey lightsaber handles for guns. I am not sure they're quite big enough. We also build out the AT-ST Pilot and Rebel Trooper in this bag. I'm wondering why they didn't just do 1 figure per bag.

      BAG3: The first side panel is coming together. Notice the peg holes.

      We put together a set of guns for the first side. Finish the panel and snap it on the posts.

      We're going to build another panel that is the mirror image of the previous one.

      There's a different weapon on this side of the vehicle which is actually accurate to the movie version.

      There's a roof panel that we're building now. It's going to hinge up so that you can place your figures.

      Finish the decorative bits and add a hatch to replicate the movie version. It's not really effective for playing inside, so it's purely decorative. I do like the panels on the front that represent the blast covers that would fold over the eyes.

      Peg it all together and we're done.

      REACTION:
      I love the way this looks. It's well designed and looks fairly accurate. I'm a bit sad that it's not a 2 seater. I'm also disappointed that there is only a single joint in the legs. To me it isn't as good as the legs of the AT-AT. I do realize that it's a much smaller set and you can do more with bigger sets, but I would think there could be a bit more flexibility. Despite my problems with the legs, I really do love the way this one looks. The assembly was fun enough and appeared to take a lot of cues from the UCS version. It is much more simple than the UCS version, so don't expect that level of complexity.

      The minifigures are good. I think that the AT-ST Driver with the goggles painted onto the helmet is nice. We've seen plenty of these guys with goggles on the faces, so it's nice to have something a little different. He's also got a dual sided head as well. I think the paint job of the goggles is a little goofy, but still, nice to have a little variety. I can't tell you how nice it is to have new Rebel Troopers. The helmet seems new and his uniform is different enough from the Hoth, Endor and Scout Trooper uniforms. It does look like a uniform, moreso than the Resistance Troopers from last year. Baze Malbus is an interesting looking character. He's got a dual sided head and he's got a big backpack and gun linked by a short piece of chain.



      FINAL THOUGHTS:
      On the day of release, Wal-mart  started selling this set for $32.83. It's surprising to have a discount on a new Star Wars set on the day it comes out. I have a theory that $29.99 is the upper limit for a gift for kids from friends or relations. This set is an outlier, but it's close enough that people might get it instead of the cheaper hovertank. This set is going to be popular for army builders and OT Purists. Since the last version of the AT-ST is so old, there's going to be a wave of people buying them new for their Ewok Villages or Assault on Hoth sets. I think this will be the most popular Rogue One set post retirement. It may not be the set that gains the most in value, but it will be the easiest one to move.
       
      Get it on Amazon
      EXTRA PIECES:
      There's an extra roller skate and even an extra thermal detonator. The rest is a mixed bag of the smallest pieces in the set.

       
      Please take a look at the other Star Wars Reviews:
      #75060 Slave I (click here) #75078 Imperial Troop Transport (click here) #75085 Hailfire Droid (click here) #75087 Anakin's Starfighter (click here) #75092 Naboo Starfighter (click here) #75094 Shuttle Tydirium (click here) #75100 Snowspeeder (click here) #75101 Tie Fighter (click here) #75102 Poe's X-Wing Fighter (click here) #75103 First Order Transporter (click here) #75109 Obi-Wan Kenobi action figure (click here) #75125 Resistance X-Wing Fighter Microfighter (click here) #75127 The Ghost Microfighter (Click here) #75131 Resistance Trooper Battle Pack (click here) #75132 First Order Battle Back (click here) #75133 Rebel Alliance Battle Pack (click here) #75134 Galactic Empire Battle Pack (click here) #75135 Obi-Wan's Jedi Interceptor (click here) #75136 Droid Escape Pod (click here) #75137 Carbon-Freezing Chamber (click here) #75139 Battle on Takodana (click here) #75141 Resistance Troop Transporter (click here) #75148 Encounter on Jakku (click here) #75150 Vader's TIE Advanced vs. A-Wing Starfighter (click here) #75152 Imperial Assault Hovertank (click here)
    • thoroakenfelder
      As much as I enjoy LEGO's super hero offerings, sometimes they put out characters that I just don't really care about. It's not that I don't like Doctor Strange, I just really never cared about him at all. When I first saw this set, I was struck with how interesting it looked. It's kind of like the Big Bang Theory set, but more interesting. You know, because of a giant Cthulu monster popping out of the wall. This set is exclusive to Target and to LEGO Shop at home, or LEGOLAND shops. This is the only set made for the forthcoming Doctor Strange film. It's much like last year's Ant-Man set in that regard.
       

       
      REVIEW: SET DETAILS
      Set #: 76060
      Name: Doctor Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum
      Theme: Marvel Super Heroes
      Parts: 358
      Price: $29.99
      BOX CONTENTS
      Some people may wind up picking up a set that is open box or, want to verify the box contents before beginning a build. For this set, there are 3 numbered baggies, a sticker sheet, a comic book, a large plate and 2 instruction books.
       

       
      BUILD AND EXECUTION:
      BAG 1: Well, as with all sets that contain minifigures, the first piece that you make in any bag is the minifigure. Check out the exclusively decorated disks. He's got 2 of those nifty handles that they designed to allow characters to hold items directly in front of them.
      Strange: Hello, I am Doctor Strange, Master of the Mystic arts and Sorcerer Supreme. Welcome to my Sanctum Sanctorum. What's that? you can't see my home, well I shall have to unravel the spells hiding it to allow the uninitiated access.

      You begin building the façade for the sanctuary. Lots of arch pieces in this set, and here we see the first 2.
      Strange: You may wonder what makes me a Master of the Mystic arts, well I received a double major from Cornell University in surgical medicine and tarot reading. I had a minor in hand waving and table thumping, then I banged my head when I slipped coming out of the shower and BANG . .  magic.

      You add tiles and a large slope. Your first sticker appears fairly early on, and it's a big one. we need mystic symbols for a magical doorway.
      Strange: In my time as the Sorcerer Supreme, I have helped many of my fellow heroes when they run into problems. Why hello Captain.
      Cappy: Hey Doc, the Red Skull did something with his cosmic cube thingy, and now I feel a little strange. Can you un-strange me?
      Strange: I am Strange, instead I will SUPER-STRANGE you!
      Cappy: Yeah ok.

      You expand the dimensions of the play area to about 3X the previous size. Plus, you start stacking mail.
      Strange: Your form has been restored.
      Captain America: Thanks man. I gotta get back to kicking Red Skull's tail up to his shoulders.
      Strange: You know, if you need help fighting the evils of the world, I am always here.
      Captain America: Yeah, sure, I'll do that.

      You continue to build up the wall. Here, we have created pivot points for play features. You can use the clear pieces to make your minifigures appear to fly or jump or whatever. Also, we see that Doctor Strange is a bit of a slob. First it was piles of mail, now it's piles of ancient documents.
      Strange: Now that my house is becoming visible, I see that Wong is really falling down on the job. This place is nowhere near as clean as he keeps telling me. I wonder where he is. I hope he doesn't make me find him again. I'll have to feed him a bowl of spider webs if he's hiding.

      BAG 2: You create a new circular portal, I'm actually not sure why I took a picture at this point in the build, except to introduce Wong.
      *THUD*
      Wong: Oof!
      Strange: Oh there you are, laying down on the job again. This place is a mess.
      Wong: Master, quickly, there's something evil that I am fighting.
      Strange: I hope it's the dust bunnies in the corners.

      I really kind of dig the use of the big blades to create the interesting pattern in the "window." Using large wall pieces to build up the walls is kind of a cheat I think. Although, just stacking 1x6 bricks would have been boring.
      Strange: Poor Wong doesn't understand that using a broom would be so much more effective at getting rid of dust than his fans.
      Wong: Master, the peril is nigh!
      Strange: The only peril I know of is how much you will suffer if you don't find the rest of my mail.

      You begin building the horrific creature here. using several gears and a bunch of tentacle pieces, you start to have a pretty sweet play feature. I am not a fan of play features, but this one really made me happy. The disk with the eyes is interesting because it is freewheeling. You can spin it independently and it will rotate somewhat as you spin the cog in back to make the center and the dark red cylinders on bottom spin.
      Wong: Master, it appears!
      Strange: See, Wong, I told you that if you just put a little elbow grease into it, the old shine will return to everything. Good man.

      You have to finish off the wall that holds the portal to another universe. It doesn't look like much right now.
      Strange: Past Due, final notice? Perhaps keeping my home and all the objects within invisible is a bad idea.
      Wong: Begone foul thing!
      Strange: That's right Wong, begone foul debt collectors, I banish you to the trash can of perdition.

      You finish building the creature here. I really like it a lot. Sure, it's kind of simple, but it's got some real personality. The longer tentacles twist in their mounts while the mouth rotates. It's just fun, and I hate play features usually.
      Wong: Master! Help me!
      Strange: If I wanted to clean this place myself, I never would have hired you! Now quit making such a big deal out of doing your job.

      I'm not entirely sure why this particular play feature was added. Is it some kind of a lever for a secret door that's not included. Otherwise, it's just a hovering ball.
      Mordo: Worry not Wing, I shall save you.
      Wong: Actually its Wong sir.
      Strange: Actually, it's "going to be out of a job" if he doesn't find my important letters soon.

      It's time to fill space and make it look less plain. To that end we build a nice little bookcase,
      Strange: Oh, my bookcase, Is it possible you put that letter from Tony Stark here?
      Mordo: grab onto my staff Wang and I shall pull you free.
      Wong: It's pronounce Wong sir, but If you can save me from this horrible thing, I'll let you call me whatever you like.

      So, Doctor Strange has another bookcase. It's basically the same as the first one.
      Strange: I completely forgot that I had another bookcase here. Hey Wong, remember when I was pulling rabbits out of hats?
      Mordo: Back foul beast! Back to the depths from which you arose!
      Wong: Oh thank you sir. I thought for sure that I would be eaten.

      You build a few more details like a table and candles along with another pile of mail. Place a bottle and cup and other stuff, and we're all done.
      Strange: Finally, there's my table with my important letters. . . By the hoary hosts of Hoggoth! What is that foul beast?
      Wong: I was trying to clean out the old Tupperware from your mini fridge and this was inside one.
      Strange: My guacamole!!!!!
      Mordo: Seriously man, you need to clean that stuff out more often.

      REACTION:
      I actually really liked the playset and facade. As I built it, I kept thinking of how boring the Big Bang Theory Facade is in comparison to this set. I enjoyed the messiness of his lair and even the play features. Usually I am not a fan of play features, but these were just fun. I'm not a fan of the character or even the minifigures, but that's just a personal thing. The figures look good enough.
      All 3 figures have dual sided torsos and deco on the front of the legs. Doctor Strange and Mordo have dual sided faces and Wong has some kind of decoration on the back of his head. I definitely don't understand the lines on his head. Mordo's using that hairpiece that they designed for Finn last year. Strange has painted details on the temples of his hair.



      FINAL THOUGHTS:
      For the most part, Super Hero sets are stinkers. People generally purchase them for the minifigures and the knock-off market has ruined the aftermarket for most of them. This set does have a few things going for it. It's an exclusive. Not all exclusives are winners, but it doesn't hurt. It's also unlikely that we'll see these 3 figures in another set anytime soon. If the Doctor Strange movie is popular, there will be more demand. We've seen what happens with a one off set from a marvel movie that gets limited distribution. It's too soon to compare this set to Ant-Man, but there are similarities. Keep a weather eye out for shortages.
       
      (NOTE: I realized after I finished that it is not Wong, but the Ancient One. However, all of my jokes that I set up were dependent upon it being Wong. So, sorry folks.)
       
      EXTRA PIECES:
      Lots of little pieces including a flame and a key and a red tooth piece. There is also another one of those new gripper pieces.

      If you like Super Hero sets, please check out these other reviews:
      76049 Avenjet Space Mission
      76065 Mighty Micros Captain America Vs. Red Skull
      76022 X-Men Vs. Sentinel
      76044 Clash of Heroes
      76037 Rhino and Sandman Supervillain Team-up
      76047 Black Panther Pursuit
      76050 Crossbones Hazard Heist
      DC Mighty Micros
      76053 Batman: Gotham City Cycle Chase
      76052 Classic Series Batcave
      76051 Super Hero Airport Battle
      76058 Spider-Man: Ghost Rider Team-Up


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