Set Review - #21310 - Old Fishing Store - LEGO Ideas

It took me too long to build this and then do the post.  Sorry...

Set #21310, the Old Fishing Store, was released on 2 September 2017 in the US.  The price is $149.99 in the US and with 2019 pieces it works out to be $0.073 per piece.  It is set number 18 in the LEGO Ideas line so let's get right to it.

Here is the box.  It's about the same size as the #21309 NASA Saturn V Rocket box.

Next up are the parts.  There are 7 sets of bags, a tan 36x36 stud base plate, an instruction book in plastic wrap, and some stickers.  While I'm not a huge fan of stickers, they weren't too bad to apply to the set.

The minifigs are all in the first set of bags.  There are 4 of them which includes 2 men, a woman, and a boy.  The 2 toned legs are something I don't recall seeing elsewhere.  I presume it is supposed to be that they are wearing boots.

The first set of bags for the build starts the base of the store.  Nothing too out of the ordinary.  A lot of brick stacking which included a number of 2x4 bricks which you don't see too often these days.  The hidden spider web is a fun touch.

The second set of bags puts in the floors to include the floor boards with printed textures on them.  I like how some of them are staggered and there are different colors used.  The tiles inside the store are a great color too.  Especially with the dark green that is used.

The third set of bags adds the start of the walls.  I'm a huge fan of the siding color choice.  The technique of angling tiles to show that they are starting to fall off as you would expect in an older wooden building near the sea is a great touch.  Anyway, this set of bags starts the details of the store and an office is built too with a desk, chair, and light with a newspaper.

The fourth part of the build just about completes the first floor of the set except for some of the details inside the store and the outer details.  It also includes the fencing around the deck outside.

The fifth set of bags completes most of the details of the store, starts to build up the roof, and completes some of the outer details to include some cases of lobster and fish.  You can see the store has fishing equipment, scuba diving equipment, some nets, and a few other items.  Yeah, a few of the items are dynamite.  I'm not sure why they'd be selling that at a store like this... who fishes with dynamite?

The sixth set of bags finishes the sidings and the roof.  The roof is creatively built with different colors of bricks, tiles, and printed tiles.  You can also see the addition of some seagulls.

The final set of bags completes the build.  The last detail is the watch tower about the office.  It includes a ladder to climb up, a telescope to look out, a flag, and a fun crab attached to the fencing around the deck of the tower.

My take on this set... it's a great build and you should get it.  It has lots of great pieces and uses some great building techniques.  At around 7 cents a piece it's not a bad deal despite the $150 price.  It's hard to say if a set like this will ever be discounted so look for opportunities to get double VIP points or one of the cool freebies LEGO gives out with purchases.  Typically the Ideas sets are around for a year or possibly a bit longer so get yours now before you have to pay a higher price on the secondary market.

Set Review - #21309 - NASA Apollo Saturn V - LEGO Ideas

The seventeenth LEGO Ideas set (has it been that many already) was released in the USA on 2 June 2017.  The NASA Apollo Saturn V has 1,969 pieces (after the year 1969 when the USA reached the moon).  Priced at $199.99 it works out to be $0.061 per piece (which is great).  It has been sold out multiple times since it was released.  I'm lucky to have snagged one before it was sold out again.  Onto the set review...

Here is the box.  The front shows the completed set with the NASA logo.  The back shows the different stages of the rocket along with a pictorial timeline from launch to moon landing.  

The set contains 12 parts bags and a thick instruction booklet.  Like other Ideas sets, the instruction booklet has information about the set design process and the Apollo Saturn V itself.  

Bag 1 starts off with the S-1C Stage (I had to go to the instruction booklet... I didn't actually know that off the top of my nugget).  For those of you who aren't space buffs, that's the bottom stage of the Saturn 5 with the giant rockets that lift the whole thing off the launch pad.  The use of SNOT techniques starts off with this stage.  It's pretty impressive that they didn't have to use all giant BURPs.  This part was probably the most fragile of the build.  It fell apart multiple times during the build.  Thankfully it held together and the rest of the build was pretty solid after that.  

Bag 2 added more to the S-1C stage.  One of the best parts of this build (in my opinion) was the printed bricks (curved slopes).  I couldn't imagine having to apply stickers to this entire set in all of the places it would have been required.  The printed curved slopes definitely make the set look more realistic and make it look sharper.

Bag 3 continues with the stage and making the outside round.  Besides curved slopes that say "U - S - A" there are also American flag curved slopes.

Bag 4 continues to round out the S-1C stage.

Bag 5 finalizes the rounding out of the stage.  The use of 1x2 white grill tiles to make it rounded is an interesting building technique.  That part gets a bit repetitive, but it helps add realism to the actual rocket.

Bag 6 adds the 5 F-1 engines with the use of the barrel pieces.  If you look at this set you can see where a brown version was used as a look out post for a Pirates set.  Interesting use of the same piece in black for a rocket.

Bag 7 is the S-II stage.  The build starts off the same way as the last stage with an inner shell.

Bag 8 continues on the S-II stage.  I am a huge fan of the 1x6 white printed tiles.  Thank you LEGO for not using stickers here.  

Build 9 finishes out the outer shell of the stage.  4 steps to finish out each side.  

Bag 10 completes the stage and the picture here shows it attached to the S-1C stage.

Bag 11 is the S-IVB stage.  You can see the J-2 engine in the picture of it alone and then the other picture is of it attached to the rest of the model.  It's definitely getting tall and harder to photograph (for a non-pro like me).

Bag 12 has numerous items.  Pictured here is the Lunar Module on the surface of the moon along with 4 astronaut figures.  It's pretty impressive the amount of detail the builder crammed in despite the size.  The 1x2 printed American flag tile is great that it is not a sticker, but I can see myself losing it someday based on how it is attached.  

Huge fan of the use of the gold colored pieces!

Here is the Command Service Module after landing in the ocean.  It has the flotation raft and balloons out (are those the technical terms?).  This part is a simple build and once again I'm glad there are not stickers. 

The last part is the instrument unit (on the bottom, but it's the top in the picture), The covering for the lunar module, service module, and command module, and then the tip called the launch escape system.  This part of the build was pretty easy, but the instruction booklet does a good job of showing how the actual rocket was set up.

Here's the full rocket (only I'm a bad photographer so you miss the very tip).  It comes with 3 stands so you can set the rocket on its side.  This also allows you to take the stages apart and display them separately.  To be fair, the design is sturdy enough that you can set it down on the bottom stage and it will not come apart (unless you knock it on the floor).

The verdict... AWESOME!  I highly recommend this set.  It was a great build with some nice detail and interesting building techniques.  The types of pieces used are pretty good too if you would want to take it apart.  The no stickers is a real bonus too.  The downside... it went on sale in the US, was sold out, was back in stock, and has been sold out for over a month again as of the posting of this review.  LEGO has not said whether they will add more to inventory or if it is done.  If you haven't purchased one and you want one, pick it up before it sells out again.  I'm glad I caught it when I did.  If LEGO doesn't release additional inventory, my guess is this set will jump up pretty quick on the secondary market.  

Set Review - #71019 - The LEGO Ninjago Movie Collectible Minifigures

The LEGO Ninjago Movie comes out on 22 September 2017.  Numerous set announcements have come out with sets based on the movie and you can see the trailer here.  With this movie as like the LEGO Batman and The LEGO Movie, there is another set of Collectible Minifigures.  Released on 1 August 2017, the Ninjago Movie has 20 unique minifigures.  They are $3.99 at retail price and you can order up to 40 from LEGO Shop @ Home.  Since the movie isn't out, I can't comment on any of the characters in terms of their roles in the movie, but here is what I think of the minifigures.  

Zane - First up on the left is Zane.  In that sweater, he looks like he could win an ugly sweater contest.  

Lloyd Garmadon is next in the middle. I like the bowl and spoon although the spoon is pretty big compared to the bowl.

GPL Tech -  This character is great!  The huge glasses and lab coat, laptop, and coffee mug.  Nice!

Jay Walker - The selfie stick is a nice touch.

Misako - Has there been a character with that color orange hair yet?

Shark Army General #1 - I'm curious to see the movie to find out what this character is about. 

Gong & Guitar Rocker - Is LEGO running out of ideas.  How many rockers have we had in the past?  Let's see, we've got the Rock Star from Series 12, the Monster Rocker from Series 14, and Glam Metal Batman from The LEGO Batman Movie.  I think they need to start coming up with some other ideas.

N-POP Girl - The Uni-Kitty shirt is nice.  I almost missed it at first.  Her hair, while a different color, is the same as Nurse Harley Quinn from The LEGO Batman Movie.  Her skirt/tutu looks familiar too.  

Cole - I don't remember the last time I saw an old school stereo like that.

Master Wu - This is a great character.  I like the hat and the box of corn flakes.  

Sushi Chef - Now I'm going to have to make a sushi restaurant.  The little rolls are a nice addition to the figure.

Lloyd - This series comes with 2 Lloyds.  This figure has a hair piece and then a mask piece.

Garmadon, Flashback Garmadon, Volcano Garmadon: The 2 torsos are a first for any of the collectible minifigure series releases as far as I know.  I like the taller figure design.  I wonder if we'll see this method more often in the future?

Shark Army Great White, Shark Army Angler, and Shark Army Octopus are some different characters for sure.  The octopus is the first time I've seen one of the LEGO guns that shoots a 1x1 round tile piece.

Spinjitzu Training Nya and Kai Kendo are the last 2 to make 20.  We've had one similar which is back in series 15, the Kendo Fighter.  

Overall, should you buy this series.  To be fair, LEGO has me addicted and I have this strong urge to collect all if the figures in every set they release.  Also to be fair, I run a store and sell the extras so if I get a figure I don't want, I put it up on Bricklink.  If you are addicted like me, run out and grab them.  If not, there are a few figures that are fun, but to me nothing over the top.  Maybe my mind will change once I see the movie.

Set Review - #75168 - Yoda's Jedi Starfighter - Star Wars

Continuing on reviews of the 2017 Star Wars sets, here is another set, #75168, Yoda's Jedi Starfighter.  It is from the Clone Wars cartoon so not from any of the movies and it looks somewhat similar to #75038 Jedi Interceptor and #75135 Obi-Wan's Jedi Interceptor.  Back to this set... This one was released on 17 February 2017 in the US and retails for $24.99.  I picked it up from Amazon.com for $19.99.  At 262 pieces retail is $0.095 per piece.  For the sale price it works out to $0.076 per piece.  Either way, not too bad for a licensed Star Wars set.  

The box is fairly small and has the standard displays on the front and back.  I enjoy the "Master your Force" slogan on the back in English, French, and Spanish.  

Contents are 3 parts bags, a small sticker sheet, and the instructions.  For this review, I didn't apply the stickers.

The first bag contains Yoda and a green light saber.  This is the same Yoda figure as found in #75142 Homing Spider Droid.  The build involves a lot of Technic pieces which makes it slightly more challenging then the standard Star Wars set build.  I am also a fan of the use of all of the dark green parts.  

Bag 2 contains a R2-D2 figure which is the same as the one found in #75136 Droid Escape Pod.  The difference from others being that he has a lavender colored light on his top versus a red colored one on some of the previous figure version.  This bag completes the cockpit with the opening and closing hatch as shown in the picture.  It also uses more great dark green pieces.

The last bag completes the set.  As per most Star Wars ships, there is a spot for the droid.  Also it is shown with Yoda in place.  No place to store his light saber (I guess he would have it off inside) and no controls to maneuver the ship.  The wingtips use some more Technic pieces to attach the wings  

Overall, I'll be honest, I started off thinking it would be terrible.  $20 down the drain..  Actually not so much.  It was a fun build mixing the standard building technics and use of Technic pieces.  I was quite impressed actually.  It was a fun build that pushed over the edge slightly, but nothing I couldn't handle.  The minifigures are great too so no complaints here.  Pick it up and maybe even on sale at Amazon.com or elsewhere.

Set Review - #75171 - Battle on Scarif - Star Wars

It's time to look at another one of the Rogue One Star Wars sets.  I realize this one has been out since 7 February 2017, but I waited to pick it up from Amazon.com for 20% off.  Why pay full price right?

So it's time to look at the Battle of Takodana... I mean the Battle of Scarif (#75171).  Given the new Disney movie trend, it will be interesting to see if the Last Jedi movie has another battle scene set when it comes out too.  To me, it seems like these sets are very similar.  They both include doorways with moving parts, some hidden things, a few plants, and a few minifigures.  Okay, rant over.  Let's get into the review.

#75171 includes 419 pieces and 4 minifigures.  Retail price in the US is $49.99 or $0.119 per piece which is somewhat standard for the Star Wars theme.  I picked it up on Amazon.com for 20% off ($39.99 or $0.095 per piece).  It will be interesting to see what this set does in terms of price after a while as the Battle of Takodana set made it to around 40% off on Amazon.com and at Walmart during it's span on the retail shelves.

Here is the box.  Standard presentation on the front and back.  

Contents are three numbered parts bags, an instruction booklet (badly folded), and a folded sticker sheet.  Included with the parts is a brick separator in bag #1.

Bag 1 contains Cassian Andor and starts the main door at the landing pad on Scarif.  For this review, I decided not to use the stickers in the event I choose to use the pieces for something else later on.  As for the build itself, there are a number of play features included.  The door can be moved to be opened or closed and that is the main part of this bag and can be seen in the pictures below.  The build techniques are pretty simple so far and the pieces are pretty standard.

Bag 2 includes Jyn with hair and then her helmet so she can go into the Imperial facilities disguised as a member of the Imperial Ground Crew.  Some play features on this one include two 2x2 stud boxes where you can press down some Technic pieces and it pops out the 4x6 light grey plate nearby (as seen on the box).  Also, it has a slide out part where 2 additional blasters are stored as you can see in the second picture.

The third and final bag finishes up the build.  It also includes 2 identical Scarif Storm Troopers. Before I move on, I think the marketing scheme Disney is using is to create new facilities for each movie so there can be a new set of Storm Troopers for them to market.  Really?  Why can't there just be one Storm Trooper everywhere.  Why do they need a tan outfit for Scarif and then the greenish outfit for Endor, and it's okay to go to Tatooine in what I would refer to the standard Storm Trooper garb?  So if you collect Storm Troopers, the Scarif version is only in this set so far so go out and buy it today!  

As for the final build, besides expanding on the battle area, it also includes some foliage another orange storage container (as found in #75152 Imperial Assault Hovertank) with some Imperial binoculars (again, I'm sure there is a technical name that I am not aware of), and the large palm like tree and antenna topple over.  Oh boy!  Or maybe "Oh boy?"

Okay, bottom line, the set seems too much like #75139 (in my opinion).  While there are some decent parts that you can use elsewhere, I'm not sure it is worth the price of the set to get these parts.  The real reason to get this set are the minifigures (like most Star Wars sets).  All 4 of these minifigs can only be found in this set.  My advice is to grab it for 20% off on Amazon.com now or to wait until closer to Christmas time where Amazon may decide to increase the savings.  

That was my unimpressed review, what are your thoughts.  Let me know in the comments or you can email me.

Set Review - #75169 - Star Wars - Duel on Naboo

Continuing on my Star Wars set reviews, here is another set from the winter 2017 release line.  The Duel on Naboo (#75169) was released in the US on 17 February 2017.  The cost is $24.99 in the US for 208 pieces.  This works out to $0.12 per piece.  I waited for the set to go on sale at Amazon.com for $19.99 so I got it at $0.096 per piece.  The set contains 3 minifigures.  Since it is based on Episode 1, it includes Darth Maul, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Qui-Gon Jinn.  Onto the build...  First up the obligatory pictures of the box to include the front and back.

The contents are 3 numbered bags, the instruction booklet, a sticker sheet with one sticker, and 2 larger plates not in bags.

Bag 1 contains Qui-Gon Jinn with a green light saber.  It starts the base that includes the giant shaft that Darth Maul falls down after he is killed.

Bag 2 includes Obi-Wan with a blue light saber, continues with the shaft build, and starts on the walkway.  It also starts with a simple Technic mechanism to work the force field that opens and closes during the fight scene.

Bag 3 finishes it up and includes Darth Maul with his dual sided light saber.  I didn't throw the sticker on in the event I wanted to use the pieces for something else.  You can see how pulling the Technic piece out closes the field and then pushing it back in opens it again.  Other than that, it is a pretty simple set.  The building techniques aren't really out of the ordinary and the pieces aren't really that exciting.  Overall, buy this set is you want the minifigures.  Darth Maul and Qui-Gon Jinn last appeared in the Sith Infiltrator #75096 in 2015.  The younger Obi-Wan was in Obi-Wan's Jedi Interceptor (75135) from 2016 so it was very recent.  Definitely wait for the set to be on sale.  As of the writing of this post (22 June 2017), it is 16% off on Amazon.com.  

Set Review - #75152 - Star Wars - Imperial Assault Hovertank

It's been a bit since I've reviewed a Star Wars set so time to get back in the game.  This one is not a new one.  The Imperial Assault Hovertank is from "Rogue One" and has been out since 1 Oct 2016.  At $29.99 (in the US) for 385 pieces it works out to $0.078 per piece.  I picked it up for 20% off on Amazon.com for $23.97 which works out to $0.062 per piece.  As of 14 June, the set is still 20% off on Amazon.com although if history is worth anything, the discount may increase as the Christmas shopping season approaches.  Either way for less than $0.10 per piece for a licensed set, this one appears to be on the cheap side.  

Here is the box.  Standard front and back for a Star Wars set.  

The contents include 4 numbered parts bags labeled 1 through 4 and an instruction booklet.  Thankfully, there are no stickers.

Bag 1 includes Chirrut Îmwe with 2 weapons and a clip on the back to store 1 of them.  It also starts off the troop compartment of the hovertank.  Basic building techniques here and nothing outside the ordinary.

The second bag builds the left side of the hovertank.  It clips on with 2 Technic pins and has 2 Technic wheels on it that are clear so when it is complete you can move it around (it would have been much cooler if they actually made it hover, but I probably couldn't have afforded it then).  

The next bag has the 2 hovertank troopers and it completes the right side so you now can move the vehicle around on the wheels.  You will also notice that the excess parts pile is growing.

The fourth bag finishes up the set.  It includes the back cargo area, the orange cargo case, a rifle mounted on top, and it installs the 2 plastic spring mounted shooters (what is the technical name of those?).  The shooters are activated by a Technic pin and gear attached to the outside of the hovertank on either side (which I learned on accident during assembly).

My thoughts?  It reminds me too much of 75100 First Order Snowspeeder from "The Force Awakens."  Another "troop transporter" that "hovers" and has Technic wheels.  In terms of minifigures, you get two "storm troopers" and then it is the only set (so far) with Chirrut Îmwe.  Not super impressive, but if you want the minifigs and can pick the set up at a discount, you get them with a decent amount of parts considering the price.  My overall opinion is not to buy it.  It is really not an impressive set.  What are your thoughts?

Set Review - #70903 - The Riddler Riddle Racer - The LEGO Batman Movie

According to Google, The LEGO Batman Movie was released on 10 February 2017 (in the USA).  The sets came out on 2 January 2017 in the USA. I'm finally getting around to reviewing one of them.  I recently picked up the Riddler Riddle Racer at Amazon.com for 20% off. It is regularly $29.99 and I got it for $23.99 (as of today 10 June 2017, it is still 20% off there).  The set contains 254 pieces and 5 minifigures.  The regular price makes it $0.118 per piece.  The 20% off price is $0.094.  I realize it is a licensed set, but seems rather high to me even at the 20% off price.  

Here is the box.  The front has the movie logo, a picture of the set, the minifigures, and then the minifigures listed on the bottom.  The back shows the set again and then some of the play features to include the spring loaded "shooter" part.

The contents are very simple for this set.  There are 2 parts bags, an instruction booklet (crammed into the box), a small sticker sheet with 2 stickers, and a 6x16 black plate which is the base of the vehicle.

The build is rather simple.  The first bag starts with Calendar Man, Kite Man, and Batman.  Kite Man comes with an extra visor.  Batman comes with 3 batarangs and an extra belt.  Then it goes to the start of the vehicle.  For this review, I decided against putting the stickers on.  It didn't take much away from the model in my opinion.  

The second bag has the Riddler and Magpie.  Magpie comes with 2 dynamite stick packs.  It also completes the build.

The vehicle uses a number of great green and dark green pieces that could be used elsewhere.  The green window frames with the yellow glass for headlights is awesome too and could come in handy for a MOCs.

The build itself is simple.  It is mostly studs on top, but that gets the details across.  The part used for the mirrors is the first time I have seen it that way.  In the past I think I've only seen this part as a minifigure accessory to go down a zip line.    

The engine compartment tilts up so you can shoot the translucent green poles out of the spring brick (I'm sure there is a technical term for all of these, but you get what I'm talking about... someone please correct me).  

Overall... I think this set is a minfig pack.  You get 5 minifigures from the movie in one.  The car and the parts are okay, but nothing super amazing or out of the ordinary.  My recommendation is to not buy unless you really want the minifigures.  If you want to get it, definitely look for it at a discount on amazon.com or Walmart.  My guess is around Christmas time these sets will be discounted even more so if you can wait, definitely do it.

Set Review - #71018 - Series 17 Collectible Minifigures

After the LEGO Batman Movie collectible minifigures, it was good to get back to another series of original designed collectible minifigures.  Series 17 was released on 1 May 2017.  Oddly enough on the first day of the release, you could only purchase 5 at a time.  The next day you could purchase up to 32.  The price has held at $3.99 for a while now (I believe Simpsons Series 1 was the last set at the $2.99 price point).  This series contains 16 minfigures like the previous series versus 20 from Batman and 18 from Disney.  So let's get into the review of the minifigures.

I believe the last male surfer minifigure was from series 2.  This one has a wet suit, some facial hair, and a good blond hair piece for his head.  To me what stands out for this figure is the board.  The shark mouth on the board is an awesome design in my opinion.  It's a lot better than a lot of the plain boards of the past.  For reference, the Series 2 minifigure had a board with a palm tree and sunset on it.

Oddly enough, the Circus Strongman has an equivalent in series 2 as well, a weightlifter.  To be fair this one has a circus theme versus the sole lifting focus as the one in series 2.  The mustache in this one is a nice touch and the weight has a 100 label on it versus the weight lifter's plain weights.

The Gourmet Chef is different from most LEGO minifigure chefs.  The hat does not rest dead center on the head as it is crooked to the side and shows the woman's hair.  Also the whisk is new (I think) and the pie has strawberries printed on top.  This one could go well with the bakery in Assembly Square or the Parisian Restaurant.

From my NLS, the Corn Cob guy is "made by his mustache."  Without it, this one would be rather plain.  While there has been numerous minifigures dressed as animals, this is the second as a fruit/vegetable.  The first was banana guy in series 16.  I'm looking forward to seeing what other types of foods LEGO comes up with next for minifigures of the future.  

The Veterinarian contains a rabbit at the smaller scale of pets.  Originally dogs were much larger and have since shrunk similar to the one with the dog show judge in series 16.  The minifigure comes with blue hands (presumably wearing gloves, a name tag on her pants, and with a stethoscope around her neck.  

The Hot Dog Man is different than the hot dog man from series 13.  This one is a vendor selling a hot dog in a bun and a drink.  The minifigure comes with a tray and he is wearing an apron and the hat seen at some of the old fashioned fast food restaurants out there.  

Butterfly Girl looks like many of the little girls I see walking around these days only she into butterflies versus princesses.  The wings, face and hair decorations, tank top with the butterfly, and flowers all fit in with the over-the-top ways I have seen little kids walking around today.

The Roman Gladiator fits the theme of numerous other collectible minifigures to include the Roman Emperor from series 9 and the Roman Commander from series 10.  This one has a golden trident as a weapon, some brown gloves, and some rockin' abs.  

In my opinion, the Connoisseur should be called "French guy".  Not sure why he isn't, but whatever.  He apparently is a connoisseur of bread that is 2/3s his size.  He also has a bulldog type dog similar in size to the rabbit that the veterinarian has.

The battle dwarf is a newer design.  He's not really a Lord of the Rings type, but he is ready to kick some butt.  He comes with an ax and then a hammer with the drawing of a boar-like animal on it.  His beard is big and bright red as is his mohawk-like red hairdo.  

The Retro Spaceman is right out of the... is it the 70s?  Earlier?  Do kids these days even know what a retro spaceman is or was this minifigure solely build for AFOLs?

Speaking of kids not knowing where the reference comes from, do they know what this Yuppie minifigure is and when cell phones were that size?  The shades are pretty cool and I think the printed cheese slope is awesome.

Series 15 had a spaceman and series 17 has a Rocket Boy dressed up as a rocket.  I like the "kid drawn" classic space flag and the costume rivals some of the best seen at Halloween time.  I think this one is the best in the set, but that's just me.

The Dance Instructor is straight out of the 1980s.  The head band and outfit definitely come from that decade.  The water bottle is a new LEGO printed design with the H2O symbol.  And 1, and 2...

When I think of elves, I more often think of the small people that work for Santa Claus (versus the Will Ferrell movie).  Elf Girl Is clearly not one of those as she is the standard minifigure size and has a large sword and shield.  She is ready to take someone out.

The highwayman was quite possibly the most talked about minifigure in the set.  When LEGO announced that series 17 was coming out, they listed this one as a "mystery minifigure."  It existed as a black outline as it does on the minifigure packets.  In reading some of the other LEGO fan sites I tend to agree that I don't get LEGO's marketing strategy.  It was very strange in my opinion.  What was so special about this minifigure to hide it?  Don't get me wrong, it's cool with the cape, scarf over the bottom of the face, 2 pistols, and tri-corner hat, but beyond that I'm not really sure what LEGO was going for.  

So there is my take on Series 17.  Another great, original series in my opinion.  Scoop them up now before they go away and the prices go up on the secondary market.

Set Review - #10255 - Creator Expert - Assembly Square (Modular Building) - Part 3

Part 1 of the review        Part 2 of the review

It was a challenge, but I managed to finish the build before moving.  Here is the rest of the review...

The fourth set of bags contains 5 parts bags.  It includes the second floor build above the bakery and flower shop which consists of the dentist's office and photographer's office.  Below is the complete version from the front.  

The dentist's office is impressively full of details.  The chair, light, and trays for the dentist to use all look similar to many dental facilities.  I don't know about some of the tools that he has to use, but I guess they weren't going to make special tools just for this set.  

The photographer has a small shop attached to the dental office and he shares a waiting room with the dentist.  The camera itself is very old looking, but is a great design of an old camera by LEGO bricks.  There is a photographer minifig (is this the first mustache in a modular?) and then you can see the photograph 2x2 tile on the wall.  There is also a white background for taking photos.  The box shows the ballerina figure (shown later) posing on it.

The fifth set of bags contains 7 parts bags.  As can be seen below, this completes the floors above the coffee shop.  It includes a music studio/store, the dance studio, and then the top of the building.

The second floor is the music shop.  It contains a counter with cash register and then some instruments you can buy to include a drum set, saxophone, acoustic guitar, and an electric guitar.  The store looks a little bare, but I'm sure you could MOC up some good additional things to fill it up the store like records or other instruments.

The third floor is the dance studio.  It contains a bar, mirror (similar to the barber shop from the detective's office), and piano with a seat to play.  Beyond that, there isn't much detail which is okay in my opinion.  The dance studio also has a clear door that opens up to a small balcony which can be seen in the picture on the bottom left below.

To roof of the 3 story building in Assembly Square deserves some mention.  The design is fairly simple, yet it comes across as very detailed and architectural (If that's the right word to describe it).  The designers used a piece new to me that I found pretty cool.  Brickset says it appears in 6 sets so apparently I'm not up on my new pieces.  

The sixth and final set of bags contains 7 parts bags.  It completes the top floor of the right side building, the fountain, and lamp posts.  To start off, the top floor is an apartment for a LEGO fan.  The instructions show a female minifigure with a baby minfigure.  You can decide whether those are the only 2 occupants or who the true LEGO fan is in that apartment.  The apartment contains an interesting design for a couch that folds out to be a bed as well.  There is a small kitchen and toilet in a room too.  In terms of LEGO, there is a table with a train display (and a Horizon Express?), a box for the cafe corner, an Eiffel Tower, and a few others I'll let you figure out on your own if you get the set.  

The back of the set shows the outdoor patio area with a grill/cooking area, seating, and a plant that has seen better days.  

The roof over the apartment has another simple, but cool design which includes a spire and even a white chicken.  I was disappointed in the roof over the outside patio area as it contains 2 BURPs (Big Ugly Rock Pieces).  I thought that for a Creator Expert modular building and for the 10th anniversary set they would come up with some great design similar to what was done in the Parisian Restaurant.  Oh well.  It still looks okay, just a disappointment that it is such a big piece.  

Last up is the fountain and lights.  The lights are similar to others from other modular sets.  The fountain is a nice touch to the square.  

Overall it is another amazing build.  I wish I had all of my modulars built so I could add this one to the mix and take a picture.  In my opinion, the Creator Expert team did an outstanding job putting this one together.  I like the use of some of the colors and techniques from previous modulars and a few of the fan references like the AFOL apartment.  While this set is expensive, I found it to be worth the price (even if I used a lot of VIP points).  The build was exceptional and challenging, the types of pieces and colors were fantastic, and the design will go great in many CITY scenes.  Happy building!