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A few more photos from phase 01.

I started a project over the holidays with my son. We decided to start building scenes from each of the six tolkien films into modularized sets of about 4 to 5 baseplates each. All of those plates will be modularized for easier transport and use technic pins.. This will probably take me 2 to 3 years to do all six scenes, and require a lot of different parts, and techniques to build them, since all six scenes will be different and showcase different sets. We started with "An unexpected Journey. There were 4 sets from that film made by lego (Unexpected Gathering, Gobling King Battle, Riddles for the RIng, and Attack of the Wargs). I figured, we could combine 3 of those from the "From the Out of the Frying Pan and into the Fire" scene at the end of the movie, by building a mountain around the Goblin King with cliffs and tunnels that lead down the mountain where the Dwarves climbed up the tree that was built on a cliff. This is our first moc of the layout. It will combine 3 modular 32x32 baseplates, and more than likely a 16x32 for the tunnel section. I managed to score a big bulk lot of castle wall pieces, so it helps build the cliff structures. Eventually i'll add some snot pieces, and smooth tiles to fill it all in, but that all takes time.

I broke open the seals of this yesterday and built book 1 and today we built the rest of the set but I had to build the wings twice. It has been a long time since I opened a Lego set without numbered bags and it brought back fond memories. So beautiful!

Hi Everyone, My name is Cody, and I stumbled across this site a couple of weeks ago. What a wealth of information; it's fascinating! I'm intrigued by "Lego Investing", and decided I might try this as a a side hobby. It's also an excuse to buy Lego. I loved Lego as a kid, but sort of put it aside in my adult years. I always browsed the stores, but I just couldn't justify spending the money, and finding a place to display it. This all changed over Christmas when I was building Po's X-Wing with my brother...the detail of the mini-figures, the overall look of the ship, and the fact that it was just plain fun. Some kind of mental dam broke, and I was like, "Why not?" Anyway, my girlfriend and I chose to invest a several hundreds of dollars in some sets. Wisely? I don't know. I'm fascinated with the concept of long-term investing (I'm, by nature, a saver), and figured buying Lego sets and seeing how they perform over time can't be any worse than my current stock portfolio. Short-term flipping is a little less interesting to me (I haven't sold over Ebay before), but might provide a cash infusion once in a while to support my interest in larger sets. However, this aspect of the Lego Investing world is a little more scary for me as I haven't the foggiest how to predict what might be a good choice, and what might just be a waste of money. But, as I said earlier, it's an excuse to have Lego...and I can build it if it doesn't go well. I just have to remember that I can't go nuts and spend all my money on Lego! I've been reading the forums a lot trying to learn everything I can; I'm obviously late to the game. I wanted to thank everyone for their wealth of knowledge, and there willingness to share with others, especially to new folks, like myself, who might be perceived as competition, or perhaps a "dilution" of the system. I assure you, my interests are primarily amateur, and I look at this as a part time hobby that may result in the occasional payout. I hope to be a useful member of this community, and I look forward to collaborating with anyone interested. Thanks for your time, Cody

I was cringing and getting goosebumps from the awkwardness. So evident they were reciting some lame text, but gosh! These videos are getting creepier and creepier. Also, this is supposed to be a DESIGNER video. Talk about the design aspects please and how the idea of the set came forward, not the commercial details that are present in every review. Any person is capable of that, especially without the added creepiness, you don't need a designer to be present for this... disappointed. For example in the HH video the guy was talking about his personal input and his attachment to the theme and the thought behind the characters. That is a good one. This is lame.

I know that there are plenty of investors who think themselves savvy for purchasing at 10-20% above MSRP after a set has proven that it is sold out and will be imminently retired, but I question the viability of the strategy moving forward. I believe we are living in a new age of investing where the buy-in price means everything. Margins are smaller, and every $10 less you paid for a set is $10 earned on the resale. I would much rather have my MSC, that I paid $193 for six months ago hoping that it would likely retire, than a $275 MSC today now that I am 100% certain it is retiring. That $82 difference might be quickly made up when you've got SSD or TH-type growth on your hands, but those are rare exceptions and becoming rarer. Make your picks, wait for the absolute best deals you're ever going to find, then pounce on them and wait it out. For a real investor: Lower buy in > retirement certainty

About 6 weeks ago I said the JW sets were in the 2016 Wholesale Form, now since the Raptor Escape is a Lego and Walmart Exclusive, that set would not be on the list, and it just shows the sets listed, it does not say All Year, Spring Only, which means Lego is not sure how long into 2016 they will be around for. Ed

Here's one each from my haul today:

I bought a few tickets today, new to the brickpicker community. Getting 2016 of to a good start, be positive and support this good cause.

Built the Ghostbusters set - build took about 11 hours. The set is huge, here is a photo next to some recent modulars. Super fun build, the inside looks killer in person.

Start working on Target then:

Picked up some of these 70% off ($1.19 each) at Meijer ... 30275 TIE Advanced Prototype 30303 The Joker Bumper Car

I agree and I thank you for your support. There are thousands and thousands of worthwhile charities, schools, churches, hospitals, etc. throughout the world that could use money. Unfortunately., we cannot help them all, but I am trying to make a difference in my community. It's 150 kids and their families and about 30 teachers/faculty and their families that are in need and I am trying anyway I can think of to make it work. Now after this is all done and people want to approach Jeff and I about running some kind of charity raffle for a good and reputable cause, you can PM us and we can discuss it. This is all new to us and I still feel uncomfortable asking people for any sort of donations, but I have a platform that enables me to do so and we are giving it a shot. I am really thankful of all the support we have received so far and in the future.

I hate to rain on your parade, I really do but I think that renting out lego sets is not a good idea. I feel like the similar businesses out there are giving the impression that its a thriving market but I just can see how it can be. I could be 100% wrong but I just don't feel alot of people out there want to go through the hassle of renting then returning sets. I do not want to discourage you in any way if this is really something you want to do. Go for it but I think there is a tough road ahead if you decide to.

Sold a few pieces of my childhood today. Good thing too, paid for the Tumbler I grabbed yesterday... 6278 Enchanted Island $166 shipped and as a lot 6799 Showdown Canyon $22.25 5958 Mummy’s Tomb $44 5948 Desert Expedition $47.50 = $113.75 shipped. The haggling was real on this one. Since these were from before my dark ages, my buy-in was $0. Did fairly well I think.

Sleeper set!! I doubt very many hoarded on this given many other high profile sets were on its way out around the same time.

Built Dilophosaurus Ambush - the jeep is great, gyro-ball is really cool, and the dino, even though it's not actually in the movie, is excellently detailed. All around, a great build and recommended for dino-philes. I will be starting on the original Batman sets shortly. I have four of them - 7779 Catwoman Pursuit, 7781 Two Face Escape, 7783 Mr. Freeze Invasion, and 7785 Arkham Asylum. Also have Ninjago Ice Dragon and Indy Jones Shanghai Escape in the queue.

Going to need a bigger custom basket.

A Polish online retailer have posted images of 3 upcoming Capt. America Civil War sets. The sets appear to contain a nice array of vehicles, play sets, minifigures and a brick built version of gigantic Ant-Man. Some Marvel characters such as Black Panther and Crossbones will finally make their minifigures debut. It also appears The Quinjet gets it's third remake since 2012 while other minifigures are refreshes or carryovers from previous sets. While unsure of their investing potential at this time, I do think most of these sets will be highly popular. Source = http://www.extraklocki.pl/katalog/klocki-lego-super-heroes/marvel/3,9,id,desc/? View full blog article

Surprisingly, I'm not. I don't like that set, and I don't invest in things I wouldn't personally buy. I don't like it for a few reasons: —This is the 3rd edition of the Quinjet, and there is a weird looking cog piece on top of it that just looks out of place. I prefer both other versions of the Quinjet. —Giant Man is a big part of the price because he basically has more pieces than the piece of airport we get. —Once again, most of the price relies on the minifigs instead of the set, and 2 of those we already get in other sets. —This Quinjet does not have Black Widow. That was a big selling point in the 2 other versions as she is a very popular character, and was most accessible through the Quinjet. However, I won't deny the virtues of the set: —It has exclusive minifigs: Agent 13 and the new version of Scarlett Witch, a new Iron Man suit, and War-machine (this might be the last time we get a War-machine if he dies as the trailer suggests). —It has 2 exclusive versions of Ant-Man which would complete my original size Ant-Man very well. But that's it. All the pros are what I mentioned in my cons as the set being minifig price justified instead of build justified. The Quinjet sure does have a lot of pieces, but I don't like this version of it, and the building part of the set is just too weak for my liking. Overall, I just think that any other set from this wave would be a better investment because they don't have previous versions of themselves, they all have 1 or 2 exclusive minifigs, and their builds just seem more interesting overall. Plus, cheaper sets are easier to sell than those that end up worth 100+ € simply because mentally approaching the 100 mark is blocking for a lot of people. It also limits the client range by taking away the kid birthday present option (unless you have a lot of money or really don't want to disappoint your kid). Please do keep in mind that this is my personal position on the matter

Don't lose patience. I was able to score an AT-AT at retail from Amazon a few days ago thanks to the stock tracker. It was the first time in weeks that I was able to complete checkout before disappearing in my cart. You just have to be quick. For new members, you can sign up for stock alerts here: http://www.brickpicker.com/brickwatcher/lego-stock-checker.cfm

Interesting stats from bricklink on sales in euros: 10227 Bwing: 5 sold in Jan, 56 listings and minimum 290 euros 10225 R2: 3 sold, 63 listed, min price 300 10240 Red5: 14 sold, 64 listings, min 298 euros Similar stats for similarly priced sets retired in the last 3 years.

I'm looking forward to my new shiny town hall. [emoji4]aaaaaand helping the kiddos.

That giant Ant-Man is dope. Just what we need, another Quinjet.

Ha. Maybe even a "hive-five"

my ant-man final battle stash just high-fived itself.

HE's sell, and at a profit, but again - what are people expecting? It all comes back to the same thing... 1 year is not sufficient time for sets to appreciate in value in today's market. With a set like this and with LEGO releasing some really nice trains since HE retired, you're looking at the 3-5 year range for this set to truly show proper gains.

Looks like Lone Ranger finally came through for you!

Well, so far tonight: 70754 Ninjago ElectroMech 41103 Pop Star Recording Studio

I haven't paid much attention to this set or theme until recently. My son is obsessed with Ninjago. We are building the Temple of Airjitzu and this would go nicely with that. The more time I spend building Ninjago sets, the more I like them. Especially the more recent sets. I love the figures. The detail on the printing is fantastic. Some of the weapons are very creative mini builds as well.

I picked some of these up for $29 each after TRU coupons & GCs last week and feel great about them. This set is the opposite of the Exo-Suit in just about every way: It's nice to look at, it disappeared quickly and quietly, and there aren't 20 of them in everybody's storage room.

I see people posting these things a lot these days but I don't see how it is relevant. Any retired set will jump in price immediately on secondary markets because there is a minimum price point for sellers where it is worth it for them to list it. The only thing that matters is the price of sold listings.

Jumped to $349 on Amazon the 1st day it went out of stock. Just an observation.

- As of today, at SH you'll get a X-Wing polybag #30278 upon spending at least €55,- on Star Wars. - Star Wars advent calendar available at €23,-, limit 2 p.p. Don't wait for this. - Lot of retiring Star Wars stuff sales -> call to check. For example AT-AT at €91,-. Maybe it's a good idea to call to check. - 42009 Technic crane €140,- C2C. - And more.

Kind of disappointing to see that less than 1% of the community has participated in the raffle for a good cause. They are excellent prizes after all.

Over 250 in past 4 days at BN their down to 85 left. GCs and eBay Bucks to bad Niko pulled his listing for $195.

Dr Wu's at it again!!!!

The lego store employee that I spoke with said March.

Welkom Roy! Nice story! Good luck after your second escape from the Dark Ages

This is not a LEGO exclusive set, so it can be discounted.

Rancor might be picking up combo sales with Jabba palace. I'm sure that's a common problem with that type of set. I'll let Jeff confirm that, though. I sold (dumped) a couple Vader/Luke combos right before Christmas but I certainly didn't give them away for $0

"Als displayset scoort deze wat minder, net om de reden waarom het zo een goede displayset is." -> "(...) zo een goede speelset is." I think you mean? Nice review.

Wow, that post was so chock full, I need to go to the toilet now! Why would Slave go before EV and Sandcrawler???

Not in store but still online? That works for me as most of my purchases are online but this makes little sense from a business standpoint for TRU...

Went to a nearby Lego store for a couple buildable figures and realized the person in line in front of me was returning a 75054 AT-AT. Told the cashier I'll take the AT-AT you just got in and walked out with all this for $145.

It´s these Americans who are only used to politicalopinion polls with 2 options

Ask him about PS so I can plan by doing the exact opposite of what his info is!

Even within the US, the variance on shipping is crazy! I had a customer order just over a pound of bricks from me a while ago. The weight forced me to priority mail, and their zip code put them in the farthest zone for me. I gave the quote at cost and they made it clear they didn't really believe me but paid anyway. I want happy customers and good customer service, so I looked at many options and discovered that I could split the shipment and send both packages usps 1st class for about $3 less. They said ok, so that's what I did and refunded the additional difference. (Remember they paid right away) I haven't heard from them that they so much as received the shipments... Still a good sale, and I'm not complaining (I know I do too much of that) just trying to illustrate how shipping prices can very often not make sense... I should add that I don't add any fees, and I always give cost prices to customers, I don't inflate anything.