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    • thoroakenfelder
      Many Bothans died to bring us this set breakdown. Well, not really, but something like that had to be said. Actually, many people tend to confuse which Death Star the Bothans died to bring information about, and this is canonically the right one. The Ultimate Collector Series Death Star II is a pretty good representation of the object from the movie. I mean, as far as unfinished balls are concerned it really hits on all cylinders. OK, I kid, I kid. I really do like how they designed the final look,
       
       
       
      Released in 2005, the UCS Death Star II sold for $298.99. The set contained 3441 pieces. As of July 2016, used copies were selling for about $893 and unopened sets for $1720. When I take an average used price for all of the parts that make up the set, I get a value of about $980 making it more worthwhile to just purchase a complete used set. However, you may have a lot of the parts that make up this set already. For such a large set, I find it interesting that the parts distribution is so low. There are only 148 unique elements. (For comparison, the most recent Millennium Falcon 75105 has 294 unique elements.) That means that on average the individual elements appear a great many more times.
      I know that historically I have initially focused upon the pieces that are most prevalent in a set, but for this particular analysis, I will start with the parts that are rare or expensive. The criteria for falling under that definition are parts that appear in 10 or fewer sets and/or cost more than $1 per piece. I start from most expensive and go to least. There are 9 parts that match this criteria. (10 if you count the sticker.)
      Before I discuss the LEGO parts themselves, I think that it's important to talk about the sticker. The sticker itself is not integral to the build of the set. It I however vastly important to the completion of a set, especially when selling. There are a number of fakes out there. I am not qualified to tell you what to look out for with fakes, I just don't have the experience with spotting them. Stickers can be found already affixed (used) or still attached to the original sheet (new.) It's important to take into account if they are damaged or wrinkled or off center. Frankly, there's a lot of reasons why people hate stickers. In the past six months, used sticker assemblies have sold on Bricklink for $22.98-$100. In the same time frame, no one has sold a legitimate new sticker sheet, but 2 sellers are hopeful in the $240-$250 range.

      Now that we've got the sticker out of the way, let's look at the expensive pieces. (Honestly, if I were building one of these on a budget for myself, I'd skip the sticker and figure out which parts make up the plaque for the sticker and excise them first.)
      The first element of note is Element 50990a. The single Light Bluish Grey Dish 10 x 10 Inverted (Radar) - Hollow Studs averages about $12.50 used, but you'd easily be able to find one for closer to $7. It is found in 4 sets including 8971 Aerial Defense Unit and 10188 Death Star.

      You need 4 Technic, Brick 5 x 5 Right Angle (1 x 4 - 1 x 4) in red. Element 32555 is found in one other set, 8652 Enzo Ferrari 1:17. In order to get all 4 from a single seller, it's going to cost $10-$11 each. You want to watch that if you buy this set, someone hasn't substituted the black ones that sell for about $1 each.

      This next part falls into both of my categories. You need 32 element 30364 in tan. The Hinge Brick 1 x 2 Locking with 1 Finger Vertical End appears in 2 other sets, 4482 AT-TE and 7665 Republic Cruiser. Right now, no single seller on Bricklink has the quantity that you need used. You can find them in the $8 range, but you're going to need to make multiple purchases and that's going to push up your average price per part. Be careful that someone does not substitute light bluish grey which sells for less than $0.10.

      There are 16 light bluish grey Lever Small Base with Light Bluish Gray Lever in this set. Element 4592c05 appears in 7 sets. You can find what you need for about $4 each from a couple sellers. If someone switches for the black levers on light bluish grey base, they'd be spending just a few cents for each one.

      Coming in at an average of $4.39 each, element 3937 is next. One seller has a large quantity New for $3.34 each. You need 16 tan Hinge Brick 1 x 2 Base which appears in 3 other sets. If you wanted to cheap out, light bluish grey, dark bluish grey or black are easily found for about $.03 each.

      The Light Bluish Gray Wedge, Plate 4 x 9 without Stud Notches sells in the $3-$4 range. Element 2413 appears in 11 sets including one that we talked about before, 10175 Vader's TIE Advanced UCS. Significantly cheaper Light Bluish Gray Wedge, Plate 4 x 9 with Stud Notches can be found for $.48 so look out for that substitution.

      It seems like a weird choice to have a Pearl Dark Gray Technic, Liftarm 1 x 15 Thick. I mean it's the only part of that color in the set. You need 16 element 32278, which appears in 5 (or 4 if you don't count the Turbo Tank variation) set. One seller has the quantity that you need for $2.66 each, but the average is $3.67. Honestly, I don't know why they didn't use the much more common black one that sells for $.30.

      Element 42445 appears in 10 sets. Trans-Clear Bar 12L with 1 x 2 Plate End Solid Studs and 1 x 1 Round Plate End is not terribly expensive, averaging $0.90 for the 1 that you need. You could get one for as little as $0.25. Element 99784 is a similar piece, so make sure that if you want a completely authentic set that you get the right one.

      Averaging about $0.06 element 32015 appears in 5 sets. You only need one Tan Technic, Axle and Pin Connector Angled #5 - 112.5 degrees
       

      For just the 9 elements listed (excluding the sticker) we are looking at an average price of about $535. That's more than half the price of the set for 103 pieces.
      I want to be very clear here. When I am speaking about alternative parts, I am not in any way saying that they are official substitutions. These would be parts and pieces that might allow you to build this set on a budget, but should be disclosed if you ever decide to sell the set. It might be good enough for you, but someone purchasing one for their personal collection may assume that they received all the rare pieces and get mad if you do not disclose the differences. They would also be key pieces to look out for if you are concerned that someone is not selling you an official as manufactured set.
      Some of the pieces that make up this set appear a great many times. If I limit the search only to parts that appear 35 or more times, I come up with 19 different elements. (NOTE: I am not going to duplicate anything that appears in the previous list.) These 19 elements encapsulate 2219 pieces which is almost 65% of the set. I cannot stress enough that this is by no means a complete inventory of this set. I am ignoring a large number of different elements. This is just a survey of the more notable parts and pieces that make up this set.
      The most common piece in this set is 458 Dark Bluish Grey 1x2 Bricks. Element 3004 appears in 292 sets and averages $0.06 each. (to me, this part alone is prohibitive. I have a lot of Star Wars and Super Hero sets and I doubt I have 458 of this piece if I took them all apart. Apparently the next highest occurrence of this part is 200 in set 2000409 Lego Serious Play Window Exploration Bag. Whatever that is.)

      The next most common piece occurs about half as much. At 271, element 3794 is still a large quantity. Dark Bluish Gray Plate, Modified 1 x 2 with 1 Stud (Jumper) averages $0.09 each and appears in 239 sets. (The next highest usage of this piece is the 10179 UCS Millennium Falcon at 92)

      The light bluish grey plate, 2x8 comes on strong with 259 being the count. Element 3034 averages $0.18 each. It appears in 258 sets, with 10188 Death Star being the runner up  for most numerous with a distant 39.

      You also need 238 black technic brick 1x2 with axle hole. Appearing in 181 sets, element 32064 averages $0.04 each. The next closest set has 26.

      You need 169 light bluish grey 1x4 plates. Occurring in 479 sets, element 3710 is the most common piece so far. It averages $0.08 each. The UCS Millennium Falcon requires almost as many at 142.

      Appearing in 429 sets, we need 121 Light Bluish Gray Plate 2 x 3. Element 3021 has an average value of $0.08. (The UCS Falcon eclipses this one by doubling the required quantity to 243.)

      Light Bluish Grey 2x4 plates are incredibly common, appearing in 535 sets. You need 82 element 3020 with an average cost of $0.06. (The Maersk Line Triple E boasts a staggering 124 of these.)

      You also need 81 light bluish grey 1x3 plates. Appearing in 287 sets, element 3623 averages $0.07. (There are 31 in the UCS Millennium Falcon)

      Probably the single most common part in this set is the black Technic, Pin with Friction Ridges Lengthwise WITH Center Slots. Element 2780 appears in 1790 sets. They average $0.01 each and you need 72 of them. There are a bunch of technic sets that require hundreds of these in each set.

      You need 66 black Technic, Pin 3L with Friction Ridges Lengthwise. Each element 6558 averages about $0.08. It appears in 405 sets.

      Next, we need 61 light bluish grey element 3023. 614 sets have the 1x2 plate in this color. The average cost is $0.05 each.

      You also need 56 Trans-Neon Green Brick, Round 1 x 1 Open Stud. Averaging $0.05 each, element 3062b appears in 55 sets.

      46 element 44570 come next. The light bluish grey Hinge Plate 3 x 4 Locking Dual 2 Finger appears in 43 sets. These average $0.37each.

      Not surprisingly, you need 46 element 44568 to go with the previous piece. 94 sets include the light bluish grey Hinge Plate 1 x 4 Locking Dual 1 Fingers on Side. These pieces aren't too bad at $0.05 each.

      You need 45 black Technic, Axle and Pin Connector Angled #3 - 157.5 degrees. For $0.10 each, you can find element 32016 in 146 sets.

      The light bluish grey Technic Bush 1/2 smooth shows up 43 times in this set. Element 4265c appears in 491 sets and averages $0.02 each.

      You will need 42 light bluish grey plate 2x16. This part appears in 106 sets. Each one is going to average $0.39 each.

      You need 35 each of Elements 47397 and 47398.
      Both the left and right version of the light bluish grey Wedge, Plate 12 x 3 are going to average close to $0.40 each and appear in 40 sets each.

      To accumulate all of these most numerous pieces, you'd spend an average of close to $218. That's before all of the shipping on what is bound to be many orders.
      Thankfully, there are no minifigures with this set. They'd just be expensive and completely out of scale for this set.
      If you feel like your Death Star is not complete without instructions, it's going to be a bit of a chore and a bit expensive to find them. There's none available on Bricklink or Ebay right now. It seems like they have sold in the past for as much as $240. Fear not, the Death Star plans are in the main computer. That's right, LEGO has it available for download on their website. You don't have to get into a running gun battle or send your droids to a crazy dude who lives in the desert just to get them.

      The box is yet another expensive "nice to have" for this set. It appears to be equally as rare as the instructions. I couldn't recommend spending several hundred dollars for a cardboard box, but if you're missing it and the set doesn't feel complete without it, good luck. There are none currently available. That makes it a seller's market.

      If you want to talk about this epic set, try the official thread.
      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
    • Jeff Mack
      Thanks to forum member @ravenb99, we have a list of the possible discounts being offered on items at Lego Retail Shops and Online.  I only say possible because this year, Lego chose not to send the list out to their affiliates. The list appears to be as one would expect. Take a look.  I may have missed an item or two copying items over from the original list found here.  Chances are, it's 20% off
      As we head into the Holiday Season LEGO is excited to be able to promote a few great offers! On November 25th LEGO will be offering Free Shipping on all orders through 11/28! Plus you can shop the Brick Friday Sale featuring select products while supplies last and qualifying purchases receive a FREE Snowglobe through 11/28! Finally on Cyber Monday receive a FREE Coloring Wall Calendar with qualifying purchase!
      FREE Shipping on all online orders 11/25 - 11/28! Brick Friday Sale on select items while supplies last! (see below, thanks @ravenb99) FREE Exclusive Snowglobe with qualifying purchases! FREE Exclusive 2017 Coloring Wall Calendar with qualifying purchases! Exclusives
      10218: Pet Shop [20% off]

      Creator
      10244: Fairground Mixer [20% off]

      Juniors
      10667: LEGO Juniors Construction [20% off]
      10673: Race Car Rally [20% off]
      10674: Pony Farm [20% off]
      10683: Road Work Truck [20% off]
      10684: Supermarket Suitcase [20% off]
      10685: Fire Suitcase [20% off]
      10686: Family House [20% off]

      Duplo
      10806: Horses [20% off]
      10814: Tow Truck [20% off]
      10819: My First Garden [20% off]
      10824: Miles Space Adventures [20% off]
      10825: Miles ExoFlex Suit [20% off]
      10826: Miles Stellosphere Hangar [20% off]
      10829: Mickeys Workshop [20% off]
      10558: Number Train [20% off]

      Architecture
      21006: The White House [20% off]
      21013: Big Ben [20% off]
      21023: Flatiron Building [20% off]

      Ideas
      21303: WALLE [20% off]
      21304: Doctor Who [Door Buster 50% then 20%]
      21305: Maze [20% off]

      Creator
      31027: Blue Racer [20% off]
      31029: Cargo Heli [20% off]
      31036: Toy Grocery Shop [20% off]
      31037: Adventure Vehicles [20% off]
      31038: Changing Seasons [20% off]
      31040: Desert Racers [20% off]
      31041: Construction Vehicles [20% off]
      31043: Chopper Transporter [20% off]
      31044: Park Animals [20% off]

      Home
      40154: Pencil Pot [Door Buster 50% then 20%]
      40155: Piggy Coin Bank [Door Buster 50% then 20%]
      40156: Butterfly Organizer [Door Buster 50% then 20%]

      Lego Pirates
      40158: LEGO Pirates Chess Set [Door Buster 50% then 20%]

      Minifigures
      40161: What Am I [Door Buster 50% then 20%]

      Disney Princess
      41055: Cinderellas Romantic Castle [20% off]
      41061: Jasmines Exotic Palace [20% off]
      41062: Elsa s Sparkling Ice Castle [20% off]
      41063: Ariel s Undersea Palace [20% off]
      41069: Treasure s Day at the Pool [20% off]
      41140: Daisy s Beauty Salon [20% off]

      Friends
      41103: Pop Star Recording Studio [20% off]
      41106: Pop Star Tour Bus [20% off]
      41107: Pop Star Limo [20% off]
      41110: Birthday Party [20% off]
      41111: Party Train [20% off]
      41112: Party Cakes [20% off]
      41113: Party Gift Shop [20% off]
      41114: Party Styling [20% off]
      41115: Emmas Creative Workshop [20% off]
      41116: Olivias Exploration Car [20% off]
      41117: Pop Star TV Studio [20% off]
      41120: Adventure Camp Archery [20% off]
      41121: Adventure Camp Rafting [20% off]
      41122: Adventure Camp Tree House [Door Buster 50% then 20%]
      41135: Livis Pop Star House [20% off]
      40114: LEGO Friends Buildable Jewelry Box [Door Buster 50% then 20%]
      5004900: LEGO Friends Olivia Watch with MiniDoll [20% off]
      853552: LEGO Friends HandFootFun [50% off]
      853556: LEGO Friends Minidoll Campsite Set [20% off]

      Elves
      41171: Emily Jones the Baby Wind Dragon [20% off]
      41176: The Secret Market Place [Doorbuster 50% Then 20%]
      41177: The Precious Crystal Mine [20% off]
      41178: The Dragon Sanctuary [20% off]
      41075: The Elves Treetop Hideaway [20% off]

      Mixels
      41572: Gobbol [20% off]
      41573: Sweepz [20% off]
      41574: Compax [20% off]
      41575: Cobrax [20% off]
      41576: Spinza [20% off]
      41577: Mysto [20% off]
      41578: Screeno [20% off]
      41579: Camsta [20% off]
      41580: Myke [20% off]

      Technic
      42034: Quad Bike [20% off]

      City
      60047: Police Station [20% off]
      60077: Space Starter Set [20% off]
      60080: Spaceport [20% off]
      60081: Pickup Tow Truck [20% off]
      60084: Racing Bike Transporter [20% off]
      60090: Deep Sea Scuba Scooter [20% off]
      60091: Deep Sea Starter Set [20% off]
      60092: Deep Sea Submarine [20% off]
      60095: Deep Sea Exploration Vessel [20% off]
      60097: City Square [20% off]
      60105: Fire ATV [20% off]
      60109: Fire Boat [20% off]
      60114: Race Boat [20% off]
      60115: 4 x 4 Off Roader [20% off]
      60116: Ambulance Plane [20% off]
      60118: Garbage Truck [20% off]
      60126: Tire Escape [20% off]
      60127: Prison Island Starter Set [20% off]
      60128: Police Pursuit [20% off]

      Nexo Knights
      70310: Knighton Battle Blaster [20% off]
      70311: Chaos Catapult [20% off]
      70315: Clay s Rumble Blade [20% off]
      70316: Jestro s Evil Mobile [20% off]
      70333: ULTIMATE Robin [20% off]
      70334: Ultimate Beast Master [20% off]
      70335: ULTIMATE Lavaria [20% off]

      Ninjago
      70605: Misfortune s Keep [20% off]
      70733: Blaster Bike [20% off]
      70735: Ronin R.E.X. [20% off]
      70736: Attack of the Morro Dragon [20% off]
      70737: Titan Mech Battle [20% off]
      70738: Final Flight of Destinys Bounty [20% off]
      70739: Airjitzu Kai Flyer [20% off]
      70740: Airjitzu Jay Flyer [20% off]
      70742: Airjitzu Zane Flyer [20% off]
      70743: Airjitzu Morro Flyer [20% off]
      70744: Airjitzu Wrayth Flyer [20% off]
      70751: Temple of Airjitzu [Door Buster 30% then 20%]
      851342: LEGO NINJAGO Ninja Army Building Set. [Door Buster 50% then 20%]

      Star Wars
      75059: Sandcrawler [20% off]
      75074: Snowspeeder [20% off]
      75082: TIE Advanced Prototype [20% off]
      75092: Naboo Starfighter [20% off]
      75100: First Order Snowspeeder [20% off]
      75106: Imperial Assault Carrier [20% off]
      75113: Rey [20% off]
      75115: Poe Dameron [20% off]
      75127: The Ghost [20% off]
      75130: ATDP [20% off]
      75133: Rebel Alliance Battle Pack [20% off]
      75135: ObiWan s Jedi Interceptor [20% off]
      75136: Droid Escape Pod [20% off]
      75138: Hoth Attack [20% off]
      75140: Resistance Troop Transporter [20% off]
      75150: Vaders TIE Advanced vs. AWing Starfighter [20% off]
      10236: Ewok Village [20% off]

      Angry Birds
      75826: King Pigs Castle [20% off]

      Marvel Super Heroes
      76030: Avengers Hydra Showdown [20% off]
      76036: Carnage s SHIELD Sky Attack [20% off]
      76048: Iron Skull Sub Attack [20% off]
      76049: Avenjet Space Mission [20% off]
      76050: Crossbones Hazard Heist [20% off]
      76064: Mighty Micros SpiderMan vs. Green Goblin [20% off]
      76065: Mighty Micros Captain America vs. Red Skull [20% off]
      76066: Mighty Micros Hulk vs. Ultron [20% off]

      DC Comics Super Heroes
      76061: Mighty Micros Batman vs. Catwoman [20% off]
      76062: Mighty Micros Robin vs. Bane [20% off]
      76063: Mighty Micros The Flash vs. Captain Cold [20% off]
      76046: Heroes of Justice Sky High Battle [Door Buster 50% then 20%]
      76034: The Batboat Harbor Pursuit [20% off]
      76025: Green Lantern vs. Sinestro [20% off]

      Seasonal
      850850: LEGO Santa Holiday Bauble [20% off]
      850949: Christmas Snow Hut Ornament [20% off]
      851407: LEGO Holiday Wrapping Paper [20% off]
      853344: LEGO Holiday Ornament with Red Bricks [20% off]
      853345: LEGO Holiday Ornament with Gold Bricks [20% off]
      853574: Christmas Ornament Reindeer [20% off]
    • jaisonline
      One of Lego's 2016 Holiday promotions is now available now, the much anticipated 40223 Snowglobe set.  This available is considered "Early Access" for VIP members in the U.S. and Canada.  It also appears the general public (non-US and CA Lego residents) will be able to get the Snowglobe set from Nov 25th to the 28th.
      The Snowglobe is only available from November 19, 2016 through November 20, 2016 or while supplies last.  1 set will be included with each online and in-store orders costing more than $99.   Note: Offers not valid at LEGOLAND® Parks or LEGOLAND Discovery Centers
      The Snowglobe promotion should quickly disappear if prior seasonal promotions are an indicator (e.g. 2015's 40139 Gingerbread House promotion).  
       
      Please click on the picture below to visit shop.lego,com.

       
      Personally, I like the investment potential of this set as well as the design.  AFOLs and KFOLs are sure to enjoy the build experience and display value is exceptional.  
       
      If you are interested in this set, please click the Lego US and Canada links below...
      US Shop at Home = http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=jfOcdvfTNg4&offerid=115554.10000006&type=3&subid=0
      CA Shop at Home = http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=jfOcdvfTNg4&offerid=208931.10000001&type=3&subid=0

       

       
      Here is Lego's description of The Snowglobe set.
      "Add a wintry touch of LEGO® style to your holiday celebrations. Build the Santa minifigure and Christmas tree, place them inside the translucent globe and then shake to make the white LEGO® snowflakes fly around. You can also hide small gifts in the secret drawer until the special day arrives!
      Features a buildable Santa minifigure and Christmas tree, white LEGO® snowflakes, secret drawer, and door and flame elements. This item offers an age-appropriate play experience for ages 7 and over. Makes a great festive gift for LEGO® fans. Measures over 4” (12cm) high, 2” (6cm) wide and 2” (7cm) deep.

      *VIP Offer Details: Valid November 19, 2016 through 11:59pm EST (8:59pm PST) November 20, 2016 or while supplies last; quantities are limited. Merchandise totals calculated after VIP Point redemption; any applicable taxes, shipping charges, or value of gift cards purchased do not apply to merchandise totals. Offers exclude backorder items. Cannot be applied to previous purchases or combined with any other discount, offer or free gift. Offer valid only in the United States and Canada. Offers not valid at LEGOLAND® Parks or LEGOLAND Discovery Centers. Sale items not valid toward previous purchases and subject to availability. The LEGO Group reserves the right to cancel or modify this promotion at any time without advance notice. Double Points Offer: Points are attributed to the account once payment is received. VIP Membership required. See VIP.LEGO.com or inquire in a LEGO Store for details on free membership. Offer cannot be combined with any other VIP Program offer, discount or coupon. Points will not be credited for purchases made prior to, or after this promotion. Points will not be earned on the purchase of Gift Cards or any applicable taxes or shipping charges. Free gift with purchase offer: Valid only on item 40223 LEGO® Snowglobe. One free gift per household. Gift set not available for purchase. Qualifying purchase must be equal to or greater than $99 in merchandise only. Set is valued at approximately a $9.99 (US) / $11.99 (CA) retail value and cannot be exchanged or substituted for any other item or cash value. Free shipping offer: Applies to standard shipping only; upgrades do not apply. Standard order processing and delivery time is 3-8 days from the date of order. Free shipping orders may be subject to additional delivery time. For delivery rates and schedules, visit shop.LEGO.com.
    • Phil B
      This month (November 2016) marks my first complete year as a LEGO reseller and active BrickPicker, as well as the second anniversary of coming out of my Dark Ages. Okay, I was reading catalogs and buying a few cool sets for my kids every year before 2014, but nothing like the full-on assault of having to catch up with all that LEGO has offered in the past. To celebrate these milestones I thought it would be a nice idea to contribute some of my key lessons from the past year back to this community.
      First of all, a little background. What really got me out of my Dark Ages was LEGO Trains, actually, it was a Fleischmann N-scale model train set that I used to have when I was a kid and which my dad brought over from Europe to the US 2 years ago. Enthusiasm over introducing my son and daughter to model railroading quickly turned into disillusion because I realized that none of the US manufacturers made tracks compatible with my N-scale track, and that just buying extra rolling stock was going to set me back hundreds of dollars for single-purpose items, which break irreparably when played with by (young) kids. Then a little light-bulb went off in my head: What if I bought LEGO trains instead – we could build our own trains, cars etc., and whenever we wanted something different, we just take it all apart. So with my wife’s blessing, Santa brought the Blue Cargo Train set (60057) and two Horizon Express sets for Christmas 2014. Unbeknownst to her, I had also managed to get an (already retired) Maersk Train, a few My Own Train carriages and some other random train-related bulk lots. I participated in a RailBricks contest (the last one they did before unfortunately shuttering the magazine) and started my decent into the delightful madness that is the world of AFOLs.
      Since I’m a train guy, you won’t hear stories from me about having to have this or that Star Wars ship, or those exclusive SuperHeroes minifigs. Sure, my son has a Millenium Falcon and Poe’s X-Wing, and the key SW characters as buildables, but our LEGO buying was first focused on Chima (my son loved it), then shifted to Bionicle, and now my kids’ playing revolves around Harry Potter – we don’t own any of the sets, but have a few minifigures and a lot of imagination. My daughter has a lot of Friends sets which she loves, but is slowly growing out of her interest for these (my kids are 10 year old twins at the time of this writing).
      Then November 2015 hit, and I started investigating the value of some sets, and joined the BrickPicker forums. My first purchases started rolling in ….. Pirate Chess Sets from LEGO Shop-at-Home, and a few handfuls of 10697 Brick Boxes from WalMart. As I really love the brick, I had determined I was going to start my own BrickLink store (having designed several train cars and placing tens of BL orders I had gotten familiar with how this worked). And I read and read and read on BrickPicker, and participated in the discussions, and grew wiser and smarter and, I must say, warier as time went by.
      Here are the key lessons I’ve learned from my first year:
      The buying part is easy. The buying part is fun. Great adrenaline rush. But for many of us, there’s too much to buy. Just because it’s 50% off doesn’t mean you NEED to buy it. Case in point: I picked up a 31033 Vehicle Transport at Target in January 2016 for $10 (RRP: $25, so 60% off). Not a particularly nice set, it had just been released, available everywhere, and who will buy from you as a beginning Ebay seller? Needless to say, this set still sits unsold on my shelf. It’s all about buy-in. Where previous strategies mainly revolved around getting your hands on as many of the expensive sets as possible before they quickly but inevitably retired without much fanfare, the LEGO reselling game is undergoing a massive change. Buy-in price seems to be the key factor now. As a beginning buyer I was excited when I saw 20% off. A year later, 40-50% is where my heartbeat starts increasing. Selling takes time. It’s not difficult, it just takes time. Time to establish yourself as a trustworthy seller. Time to wait for prices to rise to a level you’re comfortable with. Unless you stumbled upon something truly desirable and unavailable, or if you are able to price significantly below others, don’t count on things selling within the first 30-day listing period. Darth Revans, Iron Patriots and Silver Centurions are obvious exceptions, but those don’t come by often. For other items it is a slow, slow game – listing and relisting. The game changes continuously. What works one month might no longer work the next month. Every Bob and Sally has LEGO items in their Ebay store. More and more people join and try to eke out an ever smaller amount of profit. Amazon throws up a gate. Ebay and Target stop a lucrative giftcard cycle. You need to stay in touch or your investments become much harder to sell, or your profit evaporates. Making a decent profit is not easy. At least, not for big(ger) sets. Just look at Ebay: You bought a set for $100 and want to make good profit. If you sell for $150 (shipping included), you will pay ~$18 to Ebay/Paypal in fees, and ~$10-$20 in shipping (in the US, depending on where you live). That’s $30-$40 off of your selling price, so you end up making $10-$20. A small profit is also profit, but you’ve spent time on this set, buying it, storing it, packing it, listing it, checking comparables etc. Unless you’re shifting hundreds of these sets a month, this will not be worth your while. Your time is valuable. Even if you consider this “only a hobby”, before you know you’re in your car driving from one Target to another. I have 6 or 7 Targets in a 15 mile radius from my house, and a similar amount of Walmarts. Popping into one is a quick affair. But when those clearance rumors swirly, and stock checkers are unreliable, your “quick check what they have” becomes a 3hrs+ road-trip. Plus, with 800+ LEGO sets on the market, you’re quickly spending 20-30 mins per store checking resale values, BL part-out costs etc. Then you need to list. Take a picture or two. Research what others are listing for. Do your administration (which for a detailed oriented person like me means adding a row for each set in a 30+ column spreadsheet tracking all sorts of aspects of your purchases). And for those of us who do the part-out route, there’s time in sorting out the set contents, setting up an organizational system, updating BL inventories etc. Choose your game plan. There is too much going on (what with LEGO producing 800+ sets a year as mentioned before) to play all fields. Unless you’re sitting on vast amounts of spare capital, you cannot AND go deep on expensive sets, and cover all themes (Modulars, SW UCS, GBHQ, SHIELD Helicarrier, Advanced Technic models etc) and part out, and BrickLink …. Pick one strategy that best fits your lifestyle. Your options are: Good old-fashioned investing – buy expensive sets for true investment purposes, i.e. stash them away for 3-5 years post retirement and see if that magical 3xMSRP has appeared. Clearance hunting for quick flip – grab those 50-75% off sets, and list them within a year to see if you can get >MSRP to get 75-100% ROI. Diamonds in the rough – take a punt on a few sets that you believe are “iconic” and not soon remade. Remember: First rule of fight club is that nobody talks about fight club. Sit back and watch others scramble over the “common” sets, and rake in the profits when the sets are retired and people realize they “need” them. Or at least, that’s the theory. Buy for part-out. Split your sets into minifigs, buildings and vehicles, and sell them separately for more than the original sets’ cost. I’ve had some luck with this strategy, though it was never my game plan – especially with Dimensions (minifigure and video-game discs sold separately, with the minibuilds as parts for my BL store inventory). Buy for parts. Look at which sets have good BL value, but be careful: unique/niche parts can drive up the value but see very little sales. Be selective. Don’t be a sheep. Tied to the previous point. It is so easy to get carried away. “Great deal on this SW UCS – now 30% off!”. Sure, but if you have a budget (and I recommend you have one from the get-go), plonking down a few hundred bucks on a set that you’ll likely have on a shelf for the next 2-3 years might not be the wisest decision. Plus, there are many others who jump in on this, so you need to battle your competitors in a game that is not your strength. Net, stick to your own plan. Document. Document. Document. Keep track of what you spend and how much you earn. A spreadsheet is good enough. Don’t count on profit until you have it in your PayPal account. Account for all expenses – boxes, shelving, tape, you name it. Find the right marketplace. Depending on your location, you have multiple options. Each marketplace has its plusses and minusses. The key ones are: Ebay. First choice for many. Used by bargain hunters, savvy shoppers and has generally a good, sizeable audience. To really have a good experience, you need to be honest in listing (duh), take lots of pictures, price right, ship fast, and have a return policy (and ideally, a generous one). Also, you need to use PayPal, and unless you work yourself up to Top Rated Seller, count on 12% of your total sale price (including shipping!) to be taken as fees. Amazon. Until very recently the absolute best place to start selling. Everybody shops at Amazon. Unfortunately, unless you pay $1k and provide proof of purchase (and potentially a letter from TLG proving you are an authorized reseller), you cannot list LEGO anymore. I was lucky to get grandfathered in based on a few sales I had in the spring and summer. FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) is the best one of the lot – limited effort (buy, add to inventory, pack and ship to Amazon – they take care of the rest) and a lot of eyeballs. This comes at a price: up to 20% of the sale price goes to uncle Jeff, but the “Prime” label makes up for that by commanding a premium price from buyers, and people happily click away. Plus, you get a chance to be featured in the Buy Box. Just be aware of returns – you might have to swallow the occasional destroyed item. Craigslist. Flea-market audience. Has the hassle of having to meet with people (and finding a place where to do this can sometimes take a lot of back-and-forth with your buyer), but once the sale is made you have no risk and no obligations. Also: no fees. BrickLink (and BrickOwl, its key competitor). AFOLs only. Limited eyes, but limited fees (1-2%). Your buyers know what they want. Shipping is extra, so no need to accounting for shipping costs in calculating your price. The only downside is that setting up shop properly is not easy – adding shipment methods, figuring out how to price those methods correctly etc. all needs some research. Of course you can do without, but you get more sales if you do it right. Facebook selling groups. No real experience here on my end. I’m part of my local Buying/Selling group, but what I see is not instilling much confidence: used cars, pitbull pups and phones. I doubt anyone will want to buy a LEGO set at a reseller premium there. Others have reported more success. There are other apps and marketplaces: Offerup, Kijiji in Canada, Gumtree in the UK, Marktplaats in the Netherlands and Belgium …. I have no experience with these but from what I’ve heard, they fit in with Craigslist/Facebook above. Conventions, flea-markets, garage sales. Very interesting venues, each with their own dynamic. You could get away with charging a premium at conventions (and potentially at flea-markets), but often your participation comes with a fee, so you need to account for that. Again, not an area I have dabbled in so far. Read up on key threads. Check what happened to 41999 to understand how the horde can get carried away sometimes. Read the Amazon/Ebay/CL threads for tips on how to get started, and for answers to commonly experienced questions. Check out the Ethics forum to understand what is being frowned upon – if we don’t keep certain practices and standards, retailers will counteract and remove things like the ability to stack coupons, or the acceptance of printed coupons, or even the privilege of a hassle-free return. And before you make your first purchase, check the speculative bubble thread – if you are still convinced you want to do this after reading that thread, you’re probably strong enough to handle what’s coming (or rozy-eyed enough to not care). Master the art of stacking. There are published deals (50% off at Target!) and there are “make your own deals”. The latter have the benefit that they are YMMV (your mileage may vary) – others likely won’t be able to replicate them. Several retailers (Toys’r’us, Kmart/Sears, Meijer, BAM, Ebay, Galeria-kaufhof and mytoys in Germany to name a few) have coupon and discount policies that allow for the stacking of offers. Combine sale pricing with credit card discounts, with reduced-price Gift Cards, with 20% off coupons, with Buy-one-get-one-free (BOGOF) offers, with points/rewards program certificates, until your buy-in price approaches $0. Then rub it in other’s faces on the "What LEGO set did you buy today" thread. Get in on those loyalty programs. For the price of a small piece of your soul, join as many rewards programs as you can. Ebay Bucks, TRU Rewards, Shop-Your-Way, Meijer mPerks, BAM club membership, Barnes & Noble membership, you name it. Carry the card. And if you don’t mind carrying multiple credit cards, use store-specific CC’s for your purchases, and earn discounts and cashback. Just pay them off every month, please. Be truthful in accounting. This goes two ways: Don’t get into trouble with the IRS. If you sell for profit, you are generating income. Better report it (plus in the US you can deduct the expenses incurred in making the sale, such as car mileage, shipping materials, storage materials etc.). Officially you should also register yourself as a reseller in your state/county (unless you block people in your state from buying from you). For my state (Ohio) this was really not a big deal – a small fee, some paperwork, and a twice-a-year reporting duty (so far always $0). Also, configure your selling accounts (Ebay, BrickLink) to automatically charge sales tax on purchases made by local buyers. You can only do this on Amazon if you have a professional selling account – when you sell as an individual you’ll just have to pay the sales tax out of the sales price. As a benefit: I get to buy tax-free in the few places that haven’t banned resellers (Amazon, Walmart) as long as it is for store inventory. Think about how you account for points, freebies etc. There are many ways to skin the cat, but I prefer this approach: Points never count as a discount on the purchase made to earn them, only as a discount on the purchase where they are used. Freebies count as a $0 purchase, and everything I earn on them is (gross) profit. So, those sets I bought at LEGO S@H for $75 to get the free Gingerbread House really cost me $75, even though I sold the GBH for $50 and made $40 profit after fees and shipping, and got 150 points as part of double VIP. Get approval from your S.O. (Significant Other). Some of us are blessed with AFOL partners. Some of us have bargaining partners – if you want to do this, then let me do my thing. Some of us have eye-rolling partners. And even some of us have to pretend and work undercover. Oh, and some don’t have partners, but I’m giving them a break and will not tap into my arsenal of AFOL bachelor puns. At least come to some sort of an arrangement. LEGO should never be the reason a relationship ends, and should never be more important than your S.O. I had big plans (and still have big plans) regarding my BL shop as well as regarding my LEGO Train building hobby. They’ve been slowed down – my wife protested against the amount of time I was spending on this and she was right. <Insert doormat pun here> Practice self-constraint. No you don’t have to buy it all. Often I go all the way through the checkout process and then take a breather. A quick comparison with other sites. Read some reviews. Think "yes it is x% off, but you still pay $y". And after amassing a closet full of LEGO: “First sell enough until you have more funds and more space, then buy again”. What also helps me is that I have a (very short) list of sets I really want to have for my personal collection. If there ever is a good deal on those, I’ll jump on it (ideally using Ebay Bucks or Credit Card reward dollars). For the other deals: there will be more deals in the future. Be helpful and you’ll be better off for it. Just like you need to build up a reputation of trustworthyness on Ebay or Amazon, I advise everyone to do the same on BrickPicker. Look out for your fellow BP-ers. Help them score a deal when needed. Post those deals when you see them (even if they don’t interest you), or at least, post them after you had your fill. Because all the goodwill you’re building up will help you get better deals yourself – via member-to-member private messages, or just by being "in-tune" with what is happening on the marketplace. And unlike many other platforms on the vast World Wide Web, Brickpicker is a very civilized, high-intelligence online forum. Conversations are kind, well articulated and insightful. Moderators intervene at the right time, and with clear principles. And everyone likes a giggle. Unless you are a professional reseller (and I know there are several that frequent BP), remember that this is supposed to be a hobby. You’ll enjoy it more when you keep your love of LEGO alive. Scale back when you don’t have time. Sell if you need cash. Pop seals and build if there’s something you’ve now taken a fancy to, or if the market for the set has cratered. But please, please don’t get in over your head.
      To conclude my story: I have spent considerable time over the first half of 2016 on building inventory, writing software to manage my BL store’s sales and pricing analytics, and sorted through about half of my sets and parted them out. I listed ~20k parts on BL, and have seen some nice sales coming through. However, as this is my hobby, I’ve had to take a break from adding to my BL store and it has been in hibernation mode over the past months as other priorities took over. I have continued to list sets on Ebay and Amazon to keep some sales going. I bought well – some initial purchases were not as good as some later ones when I got clearer on what I needed to look for in sets, however, those were offset by some lucky finds (Ghosts for half price, anyone?). I resigned myself to contributing to reporting sales and delightful banter to BP, and with ~3.5k posts to my name in just a year, I think I’ve been quite successful at that strategy at least.
      To round it all up, some statistics from my first year:
      Total resale purchases including supplies, shipping costs and fees: $7.3k
      Average discount over MSRP: 44%
      Total sales revenue: $3.0k
      ROI on those sales: >175% (But I sold quite a lot of freebies which drive ROI up)
      Average fee paid (Ebay, Amazon, BrickLink/BrickOwl): 11.2%
      Parts amassed for my BL store: ~110k
      Here’s to a great second year!

    • Jeff Mack
      Today we are announcing the winners of the Brickpicker Minifigure Book Photo Contest.  Now that we have two books out there in the wild I can say that it is not easy.  Ed has a few months of sleepless nights and or nightmares and I become a stalker looking to get permission to use photos in books or I pretend I am a photographer and take a few thousand photos hoping one is good enough.  With that being said, I have to say that the first book was super exciting mostly because it was our first book but the second book was a lot more fun.  For one thing, we knew what to expect overall, but it was a lot more fun because we got to deal with and see what type of photos the public came up with. 
      The first time I saw the photo below, I was in tears and laughed for a long time.  I loved it.  I knew we were in for a fun ride.

      So many people were helpful, giving and just fun to deal with.  That we appreciate more than anything.  Some really invested an immense amount of time and that we are humbled by and grateful for.  At this time I would like to announce the Grand Prize winner chosen by Ed and myself. The winner is Markos Chouris from Australia. The amount of time he spent taking thousands of photos for us was truly amazing.  He contacted me very early on and offered to help take a ton of photos of many of minifigures you see in the price guide part of the books.  The sad part is that we unfortunately could not fit all the figures from our original list into the book. A few of Markos' fun shot were also able to make their way into the book as well.  Thank you Markos for your help and dedication to helping to make the book great.  You are the Grand Prize winner of a $500 gift card to Amazon or LEGO.
      Below is a list of the other winners that were chosen by the publisher and will split up the remaining $1000 of gift cards. 
      Durand Family (Anna, Geneva, Isaiah, and Josiah Durand):  (note: $200 gift card will be given to the four of you, thank you all for your submissions)
      Heriberto Perez Acebo
      Fabio Broggi
      Charles Chang
      Tony De Marzio
      Daniel Flanagan
      Brandon Isensee
      Stephen O’Mahony
      Anthony Varos
      As a special note all participants whether you are in this list or not will receive a copy of the book from the publisher. I know I have a lot of the information from all of your for your photo releases, but if you are reading this, please contact me via PM or email ([email protected]) and type of your address so that I can give to the publisher (some are very hard to read).  For the winners above, please let us know whether you want an Amazon or LEGO gift card when you write me.  I will also try to reach out to all of you as well to make sure you are aware. All gift cards will be in USD($).
      Thank you again to all of you and hope that you had a great time taking the photos.
      Jeff & Ed
       

    • Jeff Mack
      Today, we are happy to report that our second book "The Collectible LEGO Minifigure: Values, Investments, Profits, Fun Facts, Collector Tips" is now available for purchase.  This was a fun book to put together since we were able to work with the Lego community to obtain fun photos of Lego minifigures in action. In the coming weeks, we will be announcing winners of the contest that we had when we first introduced that this book will be published.
      The first review of the book has been published by Huw over at Brickset and he states that "Nevertheless, it is a fascinating book that will appeal particularly to minifigure collectors."
      Here are a few screen grabs from the inner pages of the book.


      Order your copy today!!!!

    • thoroakenfelder
      As a lifelong Star Wars fan, I know that I am either supposed to be super excited by every new thing or super critical of them. Isn't that the way that fandom works? Love the innovation or hate the fact that it's not just like the stuff that I loved when I was 7. I'm cautiously optimistic about Rogue One. The Hovertank however struck me as a bad design. It's dull and boxy. It makes me think of nothing so much as a much more boring version of the Republic Fighter Tank. I got to thinking about it, and maybe I was judging it too harshly. So, I got one to build for myself and see if it turns out to be better than I expect.

      REVIEW: SET DETAILS
      Set #: 75152
      Name: Imperial Assault Hovertank
      Theme: Star Wars
      Parts: 385
      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 4 numbered baggies and an instruction book.

      BUILD AND EXECUTION:
      BAG 1: The first step is always to create the base of the vehicle. I assumed that the 4 axle holes here were for wheels of some kind. Invisible wheels to make it hover.

      I like that they are placing the spring missile launchers so deeply into the build. The more recent sets have done a good job with hiding the boxy launchers and the tails of the rockets. This tank is a 2 seater.

      With all the studs on front, I would expect some kind of decorative panel to be forthcoming.

      We're creating more of the boxy shape. Sure, there's some slopes,but for the most part it is a box to store a couple drivers so far.

      So, we add an upper hatch and a couple cannons. I feel like these cannons are underwhelming. 

      In bag 1, you also create Chirrut Imwe (Sorry, I don't know how to make the fancy letters.) You also make his staff and his crossbow rifle thing that's not a bowcaster.

      BAG 2: First, you create the hood, I guess you could call it the hood. It hinges upwards, completely obscuring everything. There's a slightly different technique for the grey round piece here. There's not a single control surface inside of this tank.
       

      This appears to be the beginning of the drive system for the tank. In an effort to make it less boxy,they're just adding some square stuff to the sides.

      I don't know if you can call this decorative or not. I guess it has assorted different shapes and colors, but it doesn't look terribly interesting.

      I guess it looks better with the big side cannon.

      You put together some kind of vented decoration for the front. You also add clear wheels so that it can "hover."

      Snap the 2 assemblies together, and you are half done.

      BAG 3: You start by creating a mirror image of the last portion of the build.

      Everything is the same, but mirrored.

      Just trying to show a slightly different set of images than previously. Note the gear, it's the trigger for the spring missile.

      When you snap the assembly on, you realize how small the crew compartment of the tank is.

      You also put together both Tank drivers.

      BAG 4: Well, it turns out, this isn't so much a tank as a flat bed truck. So, we're going to build out the bed.

      There's a lot of attachment points for stuff here. Instead of just leaving regular studs all over, they designed it to have the easier to remove jumpers.

      Add some fins and the body of the hover tank/truck is done.

      We build a storage container. It's fairly simple construction, but the space inside is incredibly small.

      You can fit a pistol and a pair of binoculars inside and that's about it really.

      Just attach the storage to a pair of jumpers, and you are ready to go.

      REACTION:
      I like that you can attach the rifle to the top like a .30 caliber on a modern tank. I feel like this set doesn't really remind me of a tank. The cannons on the side remind me of the Tank Droid, but that's just superficial. The design of the hovertank isn't terribly interesting. I had hoped that it would be more than a block of grey bricks, but no such luck. I don't really blame LEGO for that though. The production designers should have tried to get a little more style in.

      Chirrut Imwe looks good. He's got a skirt and dual sided head and torso. He's got a stick and a fancy gun. He's got one hand that's a different color. The character has a sort of gauntlet on, so I guess that's why he has a white hand. Donnie Yen's character is supposed to play a crucial role in Rogue One. People who want all of the mains from this movie will definitely want him. He's not selling the set for me though. Maybe when I see Rogue One, my opinion of the wannabe Force user will change.
      The Hovertank Pilots are just sort of there. To my eyes, the helmet is fine but not really necessary. The body decoration is well done, but not really a stand out. I'm again not blaming LEGO. The people working at Disney licensing need to have a longer talk with their production people to get them to make things look more interesting and playable. Sort of a riff on a Stormtrooper has been done and done and done. Make the tankers more unique.  


      FINAL THOUGHTS:
      As the cheapest Rogue One set, I expect it to be heavily purchased at Christmas time by all the relatives who remember Johhny likes LEGO and Star Wars toys. I would expect it to be ~$25 on Amazon in a year. It's going to be the most readily available set because of its price point.
      I don't expect Rogue One toys to bean ongoing staple of the theme. Army builders will like this set for its relatively low price point and cheap utility vehicle as well as the pair of tankers. It will fit into many scenes, so I don't expect it to be a stinker that lingers like the First Order Snowspeeder. If this is the only way to get Chirrut, that should help the aftermarket. Unless his screen time is basically everything that's been shown in the trailer. I don't expect this set to be a longtime fan favorite though. Unless someone really wants Chirrut or has all the AT-ST walkers they can store, this set won't make it to the top of many later buyer's choice list.
      EXTRA PIECES:
      nothing too spectacular here in the extra parts.

      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)
    • thoroakenfelder
      Last year during the Force Awakens Force Friday push, @Fcbarcelona101 wrote about the new LEGO offerings. I wanted to take a quick look at the new offerings for the new Star Wars prequel Rogue One: A Star Wars story. Oh yeah, that's right, it is a prequel. I know that a lot of people don't want to hear that word associated with Star Wars, but it is what it is.
       
      The first thing I would like to discuss are the Constractions or constructible action figures. There are 3 of them for the Rogue One release. As far as it goes, I'm not convinced of the long term viability of these The first series has started to disappear from shelves, but I don't think it's due to demand. On the other hand, I have seen my kids get really excited for these, so there issome market for them. I just don't think of them as being worth the time or space needed to let them mature. All of the figures in this line are $24.99, which is actually $5 more than the base figures of the same type from last year.
      The first offering is the hero Sergeant Jyn Erso figure 75119.

      Help the Rebel Alliance take on the Empire with this buildable and highly posable Jyn Erso figure. Featuring a blaster rifle with spring-loaded shooter, wheel-operated arm-swinging battle function, and detachable back-mounted truncheons, this durable figure is just the thing for recreating intense battles from the movie, Star Wars: Rogue One.
      Buildable and highly posable Jyn Erso figure features a blaster rifle with shooting function, an arm-swinging battle function and detachable back-mounted truncheons. Load the blaster rifle and fire the spring-loaded shooter. Place the truncheons in Jyn's hands and turn the wheel to take a swing at the enemy. Move the limbs into any battle pose. Sturdy and durable design for intense action play. Play out exciting hand-to-hand battles with this skilled soldier from the blockbuster movie, Star Wars: Rogue One. This figure offers an age-appropriate building experience for ages 7-14. Figure stands over 9” (24cm) tall. First of all, does it bother anyone else that they are calling it a blockbuster 3 months before it's been released? Anyway, as the hero, I am sure that there will be some demand, but the human figures from this line always look a bit questionable. It has inherent action features which seem to limit poseability because the wheel to create the swinging arms doesn't keep them rigid enough to display with arms up. I am sure it could be modified, but why bother? It's never really going to look more human.
      Next is the Imperial Assassin Droid with the heart of gold K-2SO 75120

      Infiltrate the Empire with buildable and highly posable K-2SO. This former Imperial security droid features a single/double-arm-swinging battle function, tough-looking decorated head and armor elements, and is extra tall for an even more impressive figure. This durable droid is perfect for dangerous missions against the Empire.
      Buildable and highly posable K-2SO figure features single/double-arm-swinging battle function, tough-looking decorated head and armor elements, and an extra-tall frame. Activate the single/double-arm-swinging battle function. Enter battle with this ominous looking buildable figure. Move the limbs into any battle pose. Sturdy and durable design for intense action play. Play out exciting hand-to-hand combat with this exciting droid from the blockbuster movie, Star Wars: Rogue One. This figure offers an age-appropriate building experience for ages 9-14. Figure stands over 11” (29cm) tall. If there's one character from this movie that fits this style, it's K-2SO. Like General Grievous from last year, the odd angular, skinny limbs serve to enhance instead of detract, like with the human figures. If there is a winner to be found here, it's him. I guess it will all sort of depend upon the reception of the character once the movie is out in theaters.
      The final constructible figure is the Imperial Death Trooper 75121

      Defend the Empire’s elite with this buildable and highly posable Death Trooper figure. Featuring a blaster rifle with spring-loaded shooter, blaster pistol with holster and imposing decorated armor elements including a pauldron with attachable ammo pouches, this durable Death Trooper is ready for action.
      Buildable and highly posable Death Trooper figure features a blaster rifle with spring-loaded shooter, blaster pistol with holster and imposing decorated armor elements. Load the blaster rifle and fire the spring-loaded shooter. Unholster the blaster pistol and get ready for battle. Move the limbs into any battle pose. Sturdy and durable design for intense action play. Recreate amazing battles with this menacing character from the blockbuster movie, Star Wars: Rogue One. This figure offers an age-appropriate building experience for ages 8-14. Figure stands over 10” (26cm) tall. The armored figures are more excusable than the human figures. Angular plates can be excused for angular armor plates, but it's still kind of awkward to see weird ball joints and gaps. I think that this one will have larger appeal than Jyn, just because some people will want more than 1. Will that translate into greater demand post retirement? I feel like that's not going to materialize in a truly meaningful way.
      With the Constraction distractions out of the way, let's take a look at the system scale offerings. In my opinion, if anything is going to hold future gold, it will be in this selection. Minifigure collectorsthat want all of the named characters will need to get almost all of the offerings. The ragtag Rebel crew is scattered across 4 of the 5 Rogue One sets. Unlike the Force Awakens sets from 2015, the majority of these new sets have predominately original designs.
      Imperial Assault Hovertank 75152 which retails for $29.99

      Help Chirrut battle the troopers patrolling the streets in their Imperial Assault Hovertank. With a rotating and elevating turret gun with dual spring-loaded shooters, elevating side guns, opening two-minifigure cockpit, storage container and ‘hover-look’ transparent wheels, the Imperial Assault Hovertank is the ultimate urban patrol vehicle. Includes 3 minifigures.
      Includes 3 minifigures: Chirrut Îmwe with his fabric cloak and 2 Imperial Hovertank Pilots. Features heavy-armor detailing, transparent wheels, rotating and elevating turret gun with dual spring-loaded shooters, storage container and opening two-minifigure cockpit and elevating side guns. Fire the spring-loaded shooters to repel the rebels. Give it a push and see it “hover” across the floor. Weapons include a bow, staff and 2 blasters. Also includes electrobinculars Recreate fantastic scenes from the blockbuster movie, Star Wars: Rogue One. The perfect addition to any LEGO® Star Wars collection. This set offers an age-appropriate building experience for ages 8-12. Measures over 3” (8cm) high, 7” (20cm) long and 5” (14cm) wide. This is a boxy little vessel. It's going to be the most common buy for kids who are receiving Rogue One sets for Christmas this year. I'd expect grandparents who know nothing about Star Wars to pick this one up because it is the cheapest. Depending upon how interesting or popular Donny Yen's character is, this may be a prize winner. If nothing else, 2 new troopers will make army builders happy.
      AT-ST Walker 75153 which retails for $39.99

      Join the hunt for rebels aboard the AT-ST Walker, featuring posable legs, wheel-activated turning top section, opening cockpit and top hatch revealing a detailed minifigure interior, dual spring-loaded shooters and elevating guns at the front. Includes 3 minifigures.
      Includes 3 minifigures: an AT-ST Driver, Baze Malbus with his heavy blaster and a Rebel Trooper Features posable legs, wheel-activated turning top section, opening cockpit and top hatch, detailed minifigure interior, dual spring-loaded shooters and elevating front guns. Weapons include a blaster pistol, blaster rifle and Baze's heavy blaster. Accessory elements include Baze's backpack and the Rebel Trooper's helmet. Recreate fantastic scenes from the blockbuster movie, Star Wars: Rogue One. The perfect addition to any LEGO® Star Wars collection. This set offers an age-appropriate building experience for ages 8-14. Measures over 9” (24cm) high, 6” (16cm) long and 5” (13cm) wide. The last time that a system scale AT-ST walker was released was 2007's 7657. Fans of Endor and those with the Ewok Village have been wondering when this classic vehicle would again appear. Of all thesets, this will have the most immediate demand from Original Trilogy fans that want to complete scenes. This set could easily go with Assault on Hoth or Ewok VIllage. Of course, it's also going to fit into Rogue One collections. Strangely, Wal-Mart reduced the cost on this set to $32.83 and Amazon and Target quickly matched them. THis makes an already anticipated set, even more in demand.
      TIE Striker 75154 which retails for $69.99

      Play out iconic sky battles with the amazing TIE Striker. With large adjustable wings, minifigure cockpit with top and front access, an opening rear storage hold and dual spring-loaded shooters at the front, this amazing model is the perfect opponent for any rebel starfighter. Includes 4 minifigures.
      Includes 4 minifigures: TIE Pilot, Imperial ground crew, Imperial Shoretrooper and a Rebel Trooper in Endor outfit. Features large adjustable wings, a minifigure cockpit with top and front access, opening rear storage hold and dual spring-loaded shooters. Weapons include a blaster pistol, blaster rifle and a double-barreled blaster (E-22). Accessory elements include electrobinoculars and a comlink. Recreate fantastic scenes from the blockbuster movie, Star Wars: Rogue One. The perfect addition to any LEGO® Star Wars collection. This set offers an age-appropriate building experience for ages 8-14. Measures over 2” (6cm) high, 16” (41cm) long and 9” (24cm) wide. What a strange looking TIE Fighter. I'm not really a fan of this design. This set has no named characters, so it will either be popular as an army builder or unpopular because none of the characters are hard to find. I feel like it's a bit expensive. I'm not a fan of ground crew in sets, because honestly, who wants to play with a guy that refuels the starfighters?
      Rebel U-Wing Fighter 75155 Which retails for $79.99

      The amazing U-Wing Fighter has all the details you would expect from an authentic Star Wars model, including 4 big engines, an opening minifigure cockpit with transparent lower observation window, opening side doors with pull-out stud shooters, dual spring-loaded shooters at the front, rear storage hold and huge wings that sweep back to create an even bigger model. Includes 5 minifigures.
      Includes 5 minifigures: a U-wing Pilot, Bistan, Jyn Erso, Cassian Andor and a Rebel Trooper. Features 4 big engines, an opening minifigure cockpit with transparent lower observation window, opening side doors with pull-out stud shooters, front spring-loaded shooters, rear storage hold and huge sweep-back wings. Weapons include 3 blasters and 2 blaster pistols. Also includes extra ammo. Recreate fantastic scenes from the blockbuster movie, Star Wars: Rogue One. The perfect addition to any LEGO® Star Wars collection. This set offers an age-appropriate building experience for ages 8-14. Measures over 3” (10cm) high, 17” (44cm) long and 7” (20cm) wide with wings closed, and over 14” (38cm) long and 25” (64cm) wide with wings open. THis set appeals to me, but it also leaves me a bit cold. There are aspects of it that hit on the parts of my brain that were formed in the late 70's/early 80's. I think it's because it reminds me a bit of Buck Rogers in the 25th century. The ships in that show were designed by Ralph McQuarrie who also did preliminary designs of all of the original Star Wars ships. This ship does seem to fit in with the aesthetic of A New Hope. However I prefer starfighters and this appears to be a troop ship. THis set does have the main character Jyn Erso, and I love the blue flight suit for the pilot. The addition of another alien head mold and another main character will also buoy this set up. I think this ship will be pretty well sought after in the future, as long as it has a significant presence in the film. I doubt this is the last time that we're going to see a Jyn minifigure though, so don't bank all your money on her presence.
      Krennic's Imperial Shuttle 75156  which retails for $89.99

      Krennic’s Imperial Shuttle is an intimidating Imperial starship. Featuring huge folding wings and opening front and side panels, this amazing model also has an opening minifigure cockpit, detailed hold with seating for 4 minifigures, a rear ramp with blaster storage, dual spring-loaded shooters and retractable landing skids. Recreate epic space battles from the epic movie, Star Wars: Rogue One, or create your own. Includes 5 minifigures plus a Droid.
      Includes 5 minifigures: Pao, Director Krennic, Bodhi Rook and 2 Imperial Death Troopers, plus a K-2SO. Features huge folding wings, opening front and side armored panels, opening minifigure cockpit, seating in the hold for 4 minifigures, rear ramp with storage, dual spring-loaded shooters and retractable landing skids. Weapons include 2 blasters for the Imperial Death Troopers, Krennic's blaster, Bodhi's blaster pistol and Pao's blaster rifle. Accessory elements include special combatbackpacks. Recreate fantastic scenes from the blockbuster movie, Star Wars: Rogue One. The perfect addition to any LEGO® Star Wars collection. This set offers an age-appropriate building experience for ages 9-14. Measures over 17” (45cm) high, 9” (25cm) long and 22” (56cm) wide in flying mode, and over 12” (33cm) high, and 7” (18cm) wide in landing mode. This set seemed to have the highest degree of pre-release hype for an original design. While the AT-ST was more anticipated by long time fans of the series, the villain's ship seemed to garner a fair proportion of discussion. With the inclusion of 2 Death Troopers or so many named characters, there are many reasons for minifigure fans to buy this set. Many have spoken of how this set hits the right notes that Kylo Ren's Command shuttle failed at last year. With this being the highest price point of the Rogue One labeled vehicles, it's going to be a purchase that will be made for holidays or birthdays. To me, the design is a little uninspired, but it is better than Kylo Ren's shuttle at least.
      The Death Star 75159 closes out this list. The retail price of this monstrosity is $499.99.

      Reenact amazing scenes from the Star Wars saga with the Empire’s ultimate planet-zapping weapon—the Death Star! With over 4,000 pieces, this fantastic model has a galaxy of intricate and authentic environments, including a superlaser control room, Imperial conference chamber, hangar bay with moving launch rack and Lord Vader’s TIE Advanced with space for Vader inside, Emperor Palpatine’s throne room, Droid maintenance room, detention block, trash compactor, tractor beam, cargo area, turbo laser with spring-loaded shooters and seats for the 2 Death Star Gunners, and 2 movable turbo laser towers. This fantastic set also includes 23 iconic minifigures and 2 Droids to ensure hours of Star Wars battle fun.
      Includes 23 minifigures: Grand Moff Tarkin, Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, Imperial Navy Officer, Imperial Officer, 2 Stormtroopers, 2 Death Star Troopers, 2 Emperor's Royal Guards, 2 Death Star Gunners, Death Star Droid, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Chewbacca, Princess Leia, C-3PO, Han Solo, Han Solo (disguise), Luke Skywalker (Tatooine), Luke Skywalker (disguise) and Luke Skywalker (final duel), plus R2-D2, an Imperial Astromech and a Dianoga trash compactor monster. Features a superlaser control room, Imperial conference chamber, hangar bay with moving launch rack and detachable TIE Advanced with space for Lord Vader inside, Emperor Palpatine’s throne room, Droid maintenance room, detention block, trash compactor, tractor beam, cargo area, turbo laser with spring-loaded shooters and seats for the 2 Death Star gunners, and 2 movable turbo laser towers. Weapons include 3 Lightsabers, 4 blasters, 3 blaster pistols, 4 blaster rifles, 2 force pikes, 2 Force Lightning elements and a bowcaster. Load up and fire the turbo laser’s spring-loaded shooters to keep the rebels at bay. Maneuver Lord Vader’s TIE Advanced into position and prepare for launch. Battle the Royal Guard in the throne room and then take on Palpatine himself! Help Leia escape from the detention block and swing to safety with Luke across the chasm! Will Obi-Wan shut down the tractor beam and help the rebels defeat the Empire? Can you spot the Dianoga trash compactor monster? Recreate other unforgettable scenes from the classic Star Wars films. The perfect addition to any LEGO® Star Wars collection. This set offers an age-appropriate building experience for ages 14 and over. Measures over 16” (41cm) high, and 16” (42cm) wide. Technically, this set is not a part of the Rogue One line up. However, the official launch was slated for the same day, and a lot of the plot of Rogue One seems to indicate a connection with this battlestation. What can one say that hasn't been said about this set many times before? I for one was never convinced of the long term viability of 10188. I felt like it had been released for far too long, and this set has put the nail in its coffin. I would think that all of the back stock of 10188 will serve to keep prices for this set down as well. This set will probably remain a flagship of LEGO Star Wars for more years to come, so proceed with caution.
      For promotions, LEGO offered Darth Revan and after he ran out Admiral Yularen. If the Admiral's value wasn't already in the toilet, I'd say you'd start having a hard time selling it. Although, I think customizers will have more interest in using him to make a Thrawn figure now that he's on Rebels. Poor Revan's going to sink and his value's probably going to exist at about 50% of previously at best.

      Toys R Us was offering the First Order Officer minifigure. I don't know that there was a ton of demand for him before, but expect it to be severely reduced now.

      FINAL THOUGHTS
      Overall, I think it's a nice selection of sets. I regret that there are none of the smaller impulse buy sets like last year's Rey's Speeder or a battle pack. The inclusion of mains in most of the sets and the lack of duplication of minifigures will make buyers need to buy multiple sets or a package of all the sets in order to get all the characters that they want. The hype of a new Star Wars movie will be there, but will not be as big as that for The Force Awakens. Just the fact that there's already been a full year of new Star Wars will damp down enthusiasms. Unless this film is bad, we'll probably see better gains on these that TFA,because I just think there will be less of it.
      I think that the Shuttle and the U-Wing are going to be the premium sets from this line, but the AT-ST will be the fastest seller on the aftermarket. With the fact that Disney is making a new Star Wars film every year, the companies that license the Star Wars brand will be constantly releasing new sets to keep up. Who knows when/if all of these sets will be remade. We may see reissues down the road, but I feel like it's going to be on a slightly longer timeline. Unless they make a sequel to this prequel, some of these will be thin on the ground in a couple years. That all sounds somewhat positive, but the glut of new Star Wars products may quickly cause people to forget these sets. The best you can hope for is the announcement that some of these characters or ships are appearing in Rebels or a future spinoff.
      I look forward to building a few of these and writing reviews. Until then, "May the bricks be with you."
    • thoroakenfelder
      I don't know about anyone else, but I like looking at bulk lots and playing a guessing game about what might be there. Sometimes I can figure it out and come out well, other times I am left scratching my head wondering what other people are seeing that I am not. I usually assume that it's a modular building and shrug it off as my lack of experience with them. However I don't have to shrug it off, I could educate myself.
      I begin my analysis by picking out a desirable set. In this case, I have chosen 10190 Market Street. Market Street was made in 2007 and retailed for $89.99. This set was significantly cheaper than any of the other modular sets when it was released. The lower retail cost is probably due to its smaller size. It is 1248 pieces, including 3 minifigures. Market Place was the only modular building set that was not released under the Creator imprint. It was instead released under the Factory imprint. LEGO Factory is the imprint used for a series of sets that were created in LEGO Digital Designer by fans and submitted to LEGO for approval and eventual release.

      The original LEGO.com description:
      Add Market Street to your LEGO town!
      Designed by a LEGO fan, this realistic LEGO Factory exclusive features interesting colors and details like spiral staircases, awnings, removable balconies and a terrace roof. The modular construction allows you to put it together in different ways and to enlarge your LEGO town or city as your collection grows!
      Combine with set 10182 Café Corner to expand your LEGO neighborhood! Designed to minifigure scale! Includes 3 townspeople! Build each floor separately and put them together to complete the building! Top three stories lift off to reveal inner rooms and staircases! Street base measures 10" x 10" (25.4 cm x 25.4 cm) and the building stands 13"" (33 cm) high! Realistic features include opening doors and windows, gate, street light, striped awning, fruit to sell at the market and more! The set comes with printed building instructions which are also available online at www.LEGOFactory.com/buildinginstructions.
      In the most recent update of the Brickpicker price guide we see that this set has risen in value to $1461 for a new copy and $631 for a used copy. For an unopened copy that's more than 16X the original cost of the set and even the used copy is more than 7X. I don't know if that used price includes instructions or a box. As we all know, the sets cannot be rebuilt out of just random parts that you find in your kid's LEGO bin. It takes a certain selection of parts, and that's what you or I would look for in a bulk lot to see if this set is present. If you were to buy this set broken down, you'd probably want to check out specific expensive pieces to make sure they were present. If you were thinking of building this set from scratch, what pieces would be the key pieces? I'm going to separate the parts into 3 groups. The first group is the most common pieces in this set. That doesn't necessarily mean that these pieces are common, just that they are the most numerous  in this set. To that end, I will list the parts that occur 19 or more times in this set.  The second group are the rare or expensive pieces. Any piece or minifigure that sells regularly for more than $1 and/or appears in less than 10 sets will make up this group. The third group, are the rest of the pieces, I'm not going to talk about them. There are lots of places including Bricklink and rebrickable.com that you can get a complete inventory, this article is focusing upon the highlights.
      If you decide to try to gather the pieces to build this set, you'd be looking at 1239 individual pieces (If the minifigures are treated as a single piece.) Those pieces can be broken down by unique color/part combinations, or elements. This set is made up of 184 elements. When I take an average used price of all elements, I get a total of $366.62. That's not actually that bad considering the cheapest used set I can find is $499. However, one should take into account that most sellers are only going to have a portion of the pieces that you need and each additional order is going to increase your expenditure. Also, as I mentioned, I used the average price, savvy shoppers could find many of the pieces cheaper, but you'd have to make a determination of whether it makes most fiscal sense to purchase a part for more if the seller has more parts that you need or for less from a seller that might not have anything else that you need..
      I always have a hard time labeling this section, most numerous, most occurring, most common? I'm going with most common. Anyway, Let's take a look at the pieces in Market Street that you need 20 or more of. We have 13 different elements that occur 20 or more times. I will list them from most occurring to least. I apologize for the times when the image is not the exact part/color combination. Sometimes the image was not available in the right combination. The part will always be correct if not the correct color.
      The most commonly occurring piece in this set is 82 Medium Blue 1x4 Brick. Element 3010 averages $.11 and the cheapest seller at the quantity you need is also at the same rate. This piece appears in 54 sets.

      The next most occurring piece is Dark Blue 1x4 Brick, element 3010. You need 79 and they're going to cost you about $.27 each. Actually one seller has the quantity that you need for $.21. The price difference is probably due to this part being available in fewer sets at 46.

      Medium blue is a dominant color in this set. You need 65 1x2 bricks in that color. Appearing in 89 sets, element 3004 is going to set you back about $.05 each, or somewhere in the neighborhood of $3.25 for all of them.

      Averaging close to $.06 (which to me is weird because I have a ton more of these than the previous piece.) Element 2877 shows up in 164 sets. You need 44 light bluish grey 1x2 brick modified with grill.

      Dark blue 1x2 bricks cost a little more, averaging $.18. Element 3004 appears in 48 sets. this set require 38 of them.

      You need 37 medium blue 1x1 bricks. It appears in 66 sets. Element 3005 averages $.05.

      Tan 1x1 tiles appear in this set 29 times. Element 3070b appears in this color in 89 sets. It averages about $.08 each.

      You need 28 1x1 round plates in light bluish grey. It appears in 428 sets and element 4073 could cost you as little as $.01 each.

      Light bluish grey 1x1 tiles appear in this set 26 times. Element 3070b appears in this color in 161 sets. You're most likely going to spend about $.05 each

      Appearing in 153 sets and averaging $.10 is element 3069b. For this set, you need 26 tan 1x2 tiles.

      Anyone who loves tiles has to be really excited for this section. Our next part is Dark Bluish grey 2x2 tiles. you need 24 element 3068b. THis part averages $.15 and appears in 217 sets.

      It's deja vu all over again. Dark bluish grey 1x1 tiles appear in this set 22 times. Element 3070b appears in this color in 148 sets. You're most likely going to spend about $.07 each

      Our final part for this section appears 20 times in this set. The white Window 1 x 2 x 3 Pane appears in 64 sets. Someone has plenty of new element 3854 for $.05 each.

      Between these 13 different elements, (~7% of the set) we have 520 pieces (~41% of the set.) If you take the average value of these pieces you're at about $58.64.
      Thankfully, there are no stickers. No one really likes stickers it seems, and they tend to cost more than anyone really wants to spend in these expensive sets.
      I'm going to split the minifigures from the individual parts that make up the rare/expensive pieces. For the purposes of this article, the rare/expensive label will be any part that is a part of 10 or fewer sets and/or costs more than $1.50 on average. The parts in this section will be listed from most expensive to least. We have 11 parts that meat these criteria.
      Our first part averages $24. Element 73435c01 appears in 6 sets. You need 1 light bluish grey Door 1 x 4 x 5 Right with Trans-Clear Glass. We explored this piece in the Cafe Corner. You might be able to find this part in a partial Krusty Krab set for less than $20 though.

      You need 4 white Hose, Flexible 8.5L with Tabbed Ends (Ends same color as Tube.) The average for element 73590c02a is about $12. You may want to try looking for Alien Fossilizer 6854 which sometimes sells in the $7 range. This part is found in 4 sets.

      When I wrote about the Cafe Corner, I also talked about element 3308. Dark Blue Brick, Arch 1 x 8 x 2 appears in 5 sets, and you need 5 of them for this set. Each one of these is going to run about $6 each.

      I feel like I need to issue a warning about element 4095. Light bluish grey Bar 6.6L with Stop Ring (Patio Umbrella Stand) might be replaced by element 63965. A $6 part could be substituted by a shorter $.12 piece. Thankfully, you only need 1. This part appears in 21 sets including 10179 Millennium Falcon which is why such an undistinguished part is so pricy.

      The counterpart to our earlier door is light bluish grey Element 73436c01. The Door 1 x 4 x 5 Left with Trans-Clear Glass appears in 5 sets (including the aforementioned Krusty Krab.) It averages $6 each, probably cheaper because it is not in the Cafe Corner. You need 1.

      Dark bluish grey Baseplate 16 x 32 is part of 23 sets. Most of those sets are fairly large. You need 2 element 3857. It averages a bit more than $5 but several sellers have a large quantity for less than $4.

      You need 10 Window 1 x 4 x 3 Train with Shutter Holes and Solid Studs on Ends. It appears in 14 sets including 10173 Holiday Train. Each element 6556 averages $5.

      Element 2039, White Lamp Post, 2 x 2 x 7 with 6 Base Flutes is almost a staple of the Modular theme. It appears in 21 sets and runs about $3.60, you only need 1.

      I'm sort of confused why there's an Exo-Force hairpiece in this set. I guess, it would look interesting as a houseplant, or maybe Mr. Greenjeans wears it on the weekend. Anyway, you need 1 Bright Green Minifig, Hair Angular Swept Back. This part appears in 8 sets and is part of 3 minifigures named Takeshi. Element 53982 averages $3.50, despite the fact that Takeshi can be found for less.

      You only need 1 element x39c02. The black Door 1 x 4 x 6 with 3 Panes with Trans-Black Glass appears in 9 sets and you can get it for $2 or less used. (New, this thing is over $11.)

      So, I guess this set might double as a Harry Potter set? The black Owl Large, Rounded Features is found in 10 sets. Element 40232 is actually in mostly Harry Potter sets (8). On average it sells for about $1.50.

       
      So the minifigures are unique to this set. How unique are they? As we saw with the Green Grocer, all of the minifigures shared parts with other pre-existing figures. We'll look and see if the same holds true here. Before I get into the breakdown, let me share with you a bit of trivia that I read. This is the only modular set that uses faces that are not the basic smiley face. Each of these minifigures has an individual personality.
      Our first minifigure is twn045. Dark Blue Jacket, Light Blue Shirt, Dark Bluish Gray Legs, Square Glasses, Dark Tan Female Hair. I'm going to call him Roger. Now Bricklink says that his shirt is light blue, but I think it's white paint on top of dark blue plastic. I think it's supposed to be a white shirt. You're going to be able to get him in the $6 range. When I price out the parts though, I'm looking at about $2 in parts.

      I'm going to call the next one Wendy. I have no reason for it, but I hate referring to the figure as Medium Blue Jacket, Dark Blue Legs, Reddish Brown Ponytail Hair. Wendy is not a number, she is a human being, so don't call her twn044 either. Wendy's not a cheap date, She's going to cost you about $17 on average. What makes this figure so pricey? I made a mistake when I wrote about Cafe Corner when I said that twn040 had a unique torso print. It's definitely not unique since it is shared by 8 minifigures. That's actually a lot of minifigures to share a part with. However, those minifigures all seem to be part of somewhat expensive sets. You won't find the torso piece for less than $12. (Keep your eyes peeled for twn024 which seems to sell for less than $10 frequently if you want to grab the torso for cheaper.) The rest of Wendy's pieces are less than $1 total.

      I want to call this guy Mr. Greenjeans. I know, he's got on overalls instead of jeans, but I don't have something for green overalls. Wilbur? Anyway, ovr032, Overalls Green with Pocket, Green Legs, Light Bluish Gray Male Hair is the cheapest of the three. I thought Roger was boring, but Mr. GJ is super dull. He's in the $4 range. His parts are about $2.75 with the torso being responsible for $1.75 of that.

      If you feel like your set's not complete without instructions, you can find a set, but it's going to run you about $200.

      I was unable to find data for the box having been available anytime within the past 6 months. I can't make an accurate estimation of the value.

       
      If you would like to discuss this set, please join the conversation.
       
      All images are the property of Rebrickable.com, Bricklink.com, 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
    • thoroakenfelder
      I remember that there was a weird point in the 90's when second string comic characters suddenly became popular. Inexplicably, guys like Ghost Rider, Silver Surfer and Moon Knight picked up in popularity and no one could explain it, so we all just sort of went along with it. Ever since then, I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Ghost Rider. Possessed stunt rider Johnny Blaze or geeky teenager Danny Ketch transforming into the spirit of vengeance and riding a flaming motorcycle while flailing away at bad guys with chains of fire really warm the memory box. I never tainted my memories of those fantastically bad years of reading comics by watching that Nick Cage atrocity, so maybe that's why I have fond memories still. Anyway, I heard that there's a new Ghost Rider in the upcoming season of Agents of Shield. What a perfect time to release a set with Ghost Rider, except the one in the show drives a Dodge Charger and not a motorcycle. That's a disappointment. At first blush, this set looks cool, so let's get into it.

      REVIEW: SET DETAILS
      Set #: 76058
      Name: Spider-Man: Ghost Rider Team-up
      Theme: Marvel Super Heroes
      Parts: 217
      Price: $19.99
      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 2 numbered baggies, a sticker sheet, a comic book, and an instruction book.
       

      BUILD AND EXECUTION:
      BAG 1: We start off with the minifigures because the instructions tell us to, and because honestly, that's where most people would go immediately anyway. (apologies to anyone reading this who doesn't want to read my dialogue, but I think that the Super Hero sets are infinitely more amusing if you make them talk.)
      Hobgoblin: Hey Spider-Man, coming to my party later?
      Spidey: What the? Dude, you need to moisturize, maybe get a little eye drop action,

      Spidey's got his new web net in this set, along with the new piece used to allow him to shoot it out in front of him. You begin building Hobgoblin's glider. I don't think he's got a special name for it, but since he's just a ripoff of Green Goblin, we'll call it the Hoblin Glider.
      Hobgoblin: That was incredibly hurtful. Now, I'm not going to let you play with my new drone.
      Spidey: I'm getting out of here before the FAA cracks down on that unlicensed drone. Oh, crackers, that wasn't the button for swinging webs.

      The Hoblin glider is actually starting to actually look good for such a small build. The use of the sloped piece and the teeth to make its horned "face" actually carries through well.
      Spidey: Well, dukes, I caught myself. It turns out my arch nemesis is gravity and the wrong button.
      Hobgoblin: I'm going to illegally modify my drone so I can ride on it.
      Spidey: But, that voids the warranty!

      you finish off the Hoblin Glider with a couple flick missiles and a couple spoilers. In my opinion, it looked better in the previous stage. Now, it just looks bulky.
      Hobgoblin: Ha ha ha ha ha, you said that I could never do it.
      Spidey: I literally never said that.
      Hobgoblin: What have you ever made in your miserable life webhead?
      Spidey: Well, while you were messing around with that thing, I made a web teepee.

      Now, because the Hoblin Glider is so small, you've got to pad the build with some environment, just not too much of one. Let's have a street corner. We almost never, errr sometimes see these sets with street corners, so let's start with a sidewalk.
      Hobgoblin: I should kill you foryourimpertinence!
      Spidey: That is literally the dumbest reason anyone has ever had for trying to kill me.

      I find amusement in dumb things sometimes like the newspaper vending machines. The red one is for the classic Daily Bugle which has a sticker showing the current headline as "Spider-Menace."
      Spidey: Spider-Menace? What's Jonah's problem? I've saved his life dozens of times. He even almost thanked me once.
      Hobgoblin: Where's the fly button on this thing?

      What is a street corner without a traffic light? Well, in the world of LEGO,it's a missed opportunity. I like the inclusion of the black streetlamp piece. The stickers on the street signs place this street corner firmly in New York, or anywhere else that has a Bleeker and Second Ave.
      Hobgoblin: I did it! Rise, RISE my Hoblin Glider!
      Spidey: Why can't I have a real villain instead of a lame Halloween costume? Hey, Gobby, you're going to get in trouble flying an unlicensed craft in the city.

      The trash can just has some random trash and the newspapers have 2 different sticker decorations reflecting which newspaper it is. I really dig the pumpkin head and wish I could get a bunch for a Halloween display.
      Hobgoblin: You knowwhat happens when a spider catches fire? The same as everything else. HA HA HA HA HA
      Spidey: TIme to be a jumping spider and bounce before that idiot's drone modifications blow in his face.

      BAG 2: Again, we start with the minifigure.In this case,it's Ghost Rider.
      Ghost Rider: The souls of a thousand bureaucrats cry out for vengeance at the voiding of a warranty. I must ride.

      You start forming the motorcycle much like any other. I made a big deal about pink pieces in Batman's motorcycle before.Interestingly, Ghost Rider has a big yellow piece in the middle. Yellow makes sense if you go with the flame motif. Moreso than the all black Batman.
      Spidey: Ghost Rider Motorcycle Heeeeeero! Riding along with his head on fire! Where's your motorcycle?
      Ghost Rider: I summon my mystic mount from the depths to once again ride for vengeance.

      Most of these super hero motorcycles (and Ninjago for that matter) have a big bulky block right in the middle. It's what you build everything else onto.
      Spidey: So, do you have the burning, itchy feeling of dandruff and dry scalp?
      Ghost RIder: You have no idea what this feels like.

      I like the decorative aspects of this build. THe multiple stacked fins and Trans orange pieces really sell it to me.
      Spidey: This is a cool flame chain that you have here. Where did you get it?
      Ghost Rider: Each link is forged from the soul of a criminal that sought to evade justice,but has since been sent to Hell.
      Spidey: So, not Home Depot?

      I like the appearance of that Nexo Knights pentagon. It gives a more unique shape to the chassis. Looking at the picture though, I feel like I needed to angle it differently.
      Spider-Man: So, it takes a while to summon your mystic motorcycle.
      Ghost Rider: You might want to put that chain down, your gloves are starting to smolder.

      Yet again, I find myself second guessing the motorcycle wheels. I feel like this installation might cause it to ride too low. I was right on the Ninjago set, as I had to flip a wheel when my kids played with it. The bottom of the cycle has 2x2 rounded bottom pieces to allow it to glide easier. That tends to tell me that the designer also felt it would ride too low. THis was also the first time that I noticed how big the tire was.
      Spidey: Wow, that's a big tire. Can you get those at Costco, or are they custom order?
      Ghost Rider: I use them to drive up buildings, or squash those deserving vengeance.

      The front wheel seems pretty tiny by comparison. I'm actually slightly underwhelmed by the appearance here. It seems somewhat puny.
      Spidey: Hey GR, I thought that your mystic motorcycle was a bit more flame-y.
      Ghost Rider: FLAME ON!
      Spidey: Wrong hero.

      Once you attach the flames, it does look a bit better, They fill in a bit of the skinny struts.
      Ghost Rider: Commence conflagration.
      Spidey: I wish I had some marshmallows to toast.
      Ghost Rider: The flames of vengeance are really good at roasting hot dogs too.

      REACTION:
      As far as this set is concerned, it's not a bad deal at $20. The inclusion of Hobgoblin makes sense when you consider that he's a demon possessed bad guy who has been literally twisted into a hobgoblin. Ghost Rider is a demon possessed hero that rides a motorcycle (or Dodge Charger.) The fact is, Hobgoblin's just lame. He's a dumber version of Green Goblin, and I am sick of this Spider-Man. I couldn't be happier with Ghost Rider, but I felt like the design of the motorcycle was lacking at points.The thing that bothers me the most is that the wheels and tires are standard black. The wheels of the classic motorcycle and even the new Dodge Charger are usually depicted as flame. I would be a lot happier if the wheels and tires were at least orange, or red. I'm not a fan of street corners. I'm wishing that they had made it something different, Maybe a wall that you could stick Spidey to.
      You may remember that I say the same things about all Super Hero sets. I keep saying how they always have a fire extinguisher, and based on the amount of flame in this set it needs one. This set, however, does not have one. Most SH sets have a truck, motorcycle, helicopter or plane. Obviously this one does have a motorcycle. I'm only at 50% for this one then. 

      For the minifigures, I'll start with Spider-Man. This is the same boring Spider-Man that we get in almost every set. It's not even the one with the 2 tone legs. He's going straight to the extras bin. Hobgoblin does have 2 tone legs and he has 2 faces. The front and back printing is nice. With a cape and a hood, he's got a lot of accessories. Ghost Rider has anew headpiece with an attached flame. His torso has nice front and back printing, but his legs, arms and hands are all basic black.



       
      FINAL THOUGHTS:
      As a $20 set, and a super hero set, I wouldn't lay a lot of stock on its future growth. Ant-Man and the Wolverine Chopper Showdown seem like the exceptions. I kind of doubt that this set has a short shelf life with the big Spider-Man push recently. On the plus side, I highly doubt that Ghost Rider will make another appearance anytime soon. Look for it to drop to about $15-$16 in the summer. I wouldn't buy a lot early. For a personal collection, it's a good set. If the appearance of Ghost Rider in Agents of Shield sparks renewed interest in this character, or if he appears in one of the upcoming Avengers films, I can imagine interest in this set causing a bit of a spike.
      EXTRA PIECES:
      I am including the Super Jumper as an extra piece, because I dislike the piece so much. It's got an extra piece that fits in the hand. It's a fairly new piece.

       
      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


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