42056 Porsche 911

MattsWhat

cheshirecat said:

They're selling them in stores (4 left in Manchester just now) so presumably nothing to do with the instructions.

MattsWhat said:

^I thought they weren't arriving in stores until August :S

@Huw posted this (today) on the news pieces about the set:
"Not even brand stores outside of Germany are stocking it yet so if you can't wait for its wider release in August, please place your order using the links below"

Apparently that isn't correct! (Or it was some other giant orange car that confused @cheshirecat )

cloaked7

cheshirecat said:

Could be they're working out what to do about the instructions error. Seems all the other June releases are now live and available, so just the 911.

Will be interesting to see how this plays out.  

SumoLego

Perhaps someone is going to be sacked at the Lego store local to @cheshirecat.

JudgeChuck

I've just got back from the LEGO Store in Stratford and they have it on display, although hidden right at the back of the store (to be fair, that's where all the Technic sets are), but also on the bottom shelf. It wasn't obvious and I couldn't see any other promotion of the set.

SumoLego

Looks like I'll be scooting down to my store tomorrow!

cheshirecat

They had some sort of print out (June newsletter?) on the front door with the 911 on, the 911 itself was in the middle of the technic section and the saleswoman was happily pointing out that despite being £250 they only had 4 left. I wasn't particularly interested so didn't look to see if there was a display model anywhere.

chrisalddin

update, the set is now showing as sold out on the uk Shop@home.

MattsWhat

About time, it hung around nearly as long as #10188.

cloaked7

Adzbadboy said:

I spoke to two employees separately and they both said it will not have a limited run. I stood for about an hour deciding if I should get it or not. In the the end it resulted in me not getting one; I was so close!

Will be interesting to see:
1 - If that is true about not being a limited run. (will it be another Death Star?)
2 - If it ends up being a LEGO website and LEGO store exclusive. (i.e. not sold by Amazon, TRU, Target, Walmart)

SithLord196

I'm leaning towards still getting it anyway. While it will be available through Amazon, I don't see it being on sale for as low as $200 anywhere.

Sure, I need to cash in VIP points to get it for $200, but if it makes the price more reasonable I see that as an acceptable trade off.

sonsofsceva

I have dallied minimally in Technic, but have always wondered why the Technic concept is always more of a skeletal shell than a full outside of the vehicle? I love the engines and steering linkage and the underside technical stuff, but the bodies throw me off.
On the other side, I also find it frustrating when there is a really nice LEGO set, like the Mini Cooper, for example, but it lacks the engineering possibilities like we see in the Porsche and other similar Technic sets. Why not both aspects in one model?

richo

Sheffield doing a roaring trade in them and may run out today.

TigerMoth

cloaked7 said:

Do you think this set will end up on Amazon?  Some sets are only available from LEGO . I'm no expert, but am thinking this set will only be available from LEGO.

The number of sets that don't eventually appear elsewhere has decreased; there's not much that doesn't appear in at least some other stores.

Lego_Lord_Mayorca

Got mine! At the Galleria in Houston, they were selling out quick! And in their shipping boxes, too! Some little kid got one from his dad on account of his good work and behavior in school for the past year. I was amazed, since my dad regaled me with a similar gift each year when I was a boy, but they never could be more than $50 in value! Kids these days!

graphite

Checked it out at the store at lunch today.  It is pretty cool in person.  It is really big and the box is smaller than I expected.  Was disappointed that the wheels don't turn the engine like most other technic models with engines.  I was really expecting with that gear box that it would be connected to the engine and wheels to actually show the difference the gears made.  Missed opportunity there.  Will wait and see if it can be had on sale at some point.

SithLord196

I believe the gearbox and engine are indeed connected to the rear wheels.

I have seen nothing state otherwise. If that was the case, it would make zero sense to me to have the gearbox and moving piston engine present.

tomahawker

@graphite, the gearbox is definitely connected to the rear wheels.  It's possible the gear selector was in neutral when you checked it out.

Lego_Lord_Mayorca

I also want to reinforce a statement someone quoted a Lego Store employee on regarding the availability of this set. Mild spoiler if you are attending one of the upcoming Lego Inside Tours, so stop reading now if you need to.

****

****

****

On the tour, we all met the Global Marketing Director for the Technic line, who spearheaded the development of this set, and when asked whether this set was some kind of "limited edition", he firmly declared that it was not. There is no "batch of only 100K" made, so even if it may seem like they are hard to find now, there will be as many available as any other standard Lego Technic flagship set. He even suggested this was meant to be on store shelves for up to two years.

graphite

@tomahawker it was in gear, and the Asst Manager who I was talking to is the one that built the display model said it wasn't connected.  Possible he built it wrong but he's pretty familiar with LEGO being a big fan himself.

tallblocktoo

Sariel is not overly impressed with the functions.  His seems to be a rather mixed review.  

bsiu922

I was checking around 12:30am PDT,  it said coming soon!  then 7:30am in the morning,  it is shipping in 30 days,  but my colleague was able to wait out last night and order.  So I decide to drive to the closest Lego Store and wait for it to open and get mine and also the Fountain! At least 10 go out of the Lego Store today while i m having some fun with the Disney CMF!

TigerMoth

tallblocktoo said:

Sariel is not overly impressed with the functions.  His seems to be a rather mixed review.  

A flappy-paddle gearbox is a new departure for TLG; it isn't for many serious Technic builders like Sariel. Other than that, most of rest of the set comes down to eye-candy for which reception is likely to be mixed.

Paperballpark

The gearbox/engine IS connected to the rear wheels. If you put it into Drive (or Reverse) and move the rear wheels, all the gearing will turn. If you put it into Neutral, it'll free-wheel.

Source: I've got it, and built it.

Legoboy

^ Did you build the gearbox right?  That's the question. ;)

richo

Who's Sariel? Am sure they're great, but their approval is not part of my purchase decision on any set. lol.

TigerMoth

The Angel of Death.

Also the author of a couple of popular Technics books.

Many people are interested in what experienced builders have to say about new sets, and not just Technics. That's demonstrated by the numerous reviews on various websites, including this one.

SumoLego

MattsWhat said:

About time, it hung around nearly as long as #10188.

I should get one of those.  Who knew it was going to retire?

Crowkillers

This is the staement addressing the sequential shifting order being 1,3,2,4 instead of 1,2,3,4

"Thank you to all our dedicated fans for the comments regarding the GT3 RS by LEGO Technic.

It is correct that the gears in this model are not sequential as in the real Porsche PDK. This is however, a deliberate decision taken to ensure that we make the best possible LEGO version of this amazing car that both meets our design requirements and gives everyone a great building and product experience.

It was a considered decision taken during development that the gears running in the correct order meant that it did not result in a great experience when driving the car. Too many gears are engaged at the same time and smooth running with all those tolerances is just not possible.

If you switch the build in steps 267 and 269 the gears will run sequentially, and everyone who feels that this is the better solution should feel encouraged to do so.

LEGO Technic really is the ultimate open source design product and now that it is finally available, we look forward to seeing all the ‘improved’ models our fans create. After all, that is what LEGO building is all about.

We hope everyone will have a great building experience and feel a strong sense of pride from creating both our version and their very own LEGO Technic representation of a Porsche GT3 RS. We are very fortunate to have such skilled and dedicated fans that can spot this small deviation from reality and would like to thank everyone for sharing their ideas and expert knowledge."

Crowkillers

richo said:

Who's Sariel? Am sure they're great, but their approval is not part of my purchase decision on any set. lol.

You may want to check out the review..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Y59aTZ_88A

Davian07

Thanks to Crowkillers for that communication from Lego.  

I went ahead and copped a set from Opry Mills Lego Store here in Nashville, TN.  The price, IMHO, seems fair given what we see around us in the world today. Is $300 a lot to pay for a "toy"?  Without a doubt.  But here LEGO is offering an "experience".  The box, while smaller than the MB Arocs is HEAVY.  It seriously strained my LEGO bag to the point that I asked to have it double bagged before I left the store.  The packaging is gorgeous.  After I build the set I will wrap the box in the LEGO bag and seal and store.  For myself, the purchase itself was part of the fun.

As for the build, I am really not all that disappointed with the rather weak stock offerings.  I've built Lego Technic since parents bought me the 1980 #8860 and in the past few years I've discovered the real joy- at least for me- is tweaking and building upon what Lego provides.  It is going to be an amazing experience adding McPherson suspension, Ackerman steering, and power functions to this model.  Instead of the approximate 6-10hrs completion time I am looking at weeks at my Lego build table devising how to incorporate Sariel's 7+R r/c transmission, working brakes, and head & taillights.  So, the $300 is going to likely provide me with an entire summer's worth of enjoyment.  

I told my wife I was  not buying any Jordan's (high end sneakers/trainers for those unfamiliar) or watches this year.  But I deliberately did NOTpromise I wouldn't purchase Lego.  A man has to have his vices... 

ARo2891

I visited my local Lego store and while it wasn't on display yet it was built and they offered to bring it out for me to see. The things a lot bigger than I thought it would be but was much lighter than I expected - especially after feeling how heavy the box was.  That might be a norm for technic but I haven't dallied much in technic so I wouldn't know. But it's gorgeous, I'll definitely pick this up if cinderellas castle disappoints. Heck maybe I'll finagle getting both by Christmas if I play my cards right. 

cheshirecat

Crowkillers said:

This is the staement addressing the sequential shifting order being 1,3,2,4 instead of 1,2,3,4

"Thank you to all our dedicated fans for the comments regarding the GT3 RS by LEGO Technic.

It is correct that the gears in this model are not sequential as in the real Porsche PDK. This is however, a deliberate decision taken to ensure that we make the best possible LEGO version of this amazing car that both meets our design requirements and gives everyone a great building and product experience.

It was a considered decision ...."

Does the 'mistake' actually improve the build, stability, running? Or is that, as it feels, a pitiful excuse because they don't want to replace the manuals? (an errata sheet wouldn't really suffice on a set where presentation was clearly so central to the product)

Surely if it was deliberate they would have said so in the manual with a quick diagram of how to make it right, for those perfectionists among us, as its so simple to do. Honestly, it has the whiff of a lie about it, which is pretty sad.

Crowkillers

cheshirecat said:

Crowkillers said:

This is the staement addressing the sequential shifting order being 1,3,2,4 instead of 1,2,3,4

"Thank you to all our dedicated fans for the comments regarding the GT3 RS by LEGO Technic.

It is correct that the gears in this model are not sequential as in the real Porsche PDK. This is however, a deliberate decision taken to ensure that we make the best possible LEGO version of this amazing car that both meets our design requirements and gives everyone a great building and product experience.

It was a considered decision ...."

Does the 'mistake' actually improve the build, stability, running? Or is that, as it feels, a pitiful excuse because they don't want to replace the manuals? (an errata sheet wouldn't really suffice on a set where presentation was clearly so central to the product)

Surely if it was deliberate they would have said so in the manual with a quick diagram of how to make it right, for those perfectionists among us, as its so simple to do. Honestly, it has the whiff of a lie about it, which is pretty sad.

All of the gears are always turning anyways regardless of how the 16 tooth and 12 tooth gears are placed in the back..  Why would Lego have a shift sequence 1,3,2,4 when having it 1,2,3,4 has the same amount if friction throughout the gearbox..?

If the shift sequence of 1,3,2,4 was Lego's intent, surely they would have told the reviewers(especially the experienced Technic ones) prior to sending them the sets so that there would no confusion.. No one is buying this new story from Lego about having a great experience shifting your model out of sequence and they can't wait to see what modifications builders come up with..

I noticed the error minutes after being informed about the irregular shifts... The problem and solution was presented to Lego last week and only today was an explanation publicly given..

Crowkillers

Looks like Eric Albrecht may have found the solution to the problems with the friction in the 42056 gearbox.. http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=133688&st=275#entry2575969

BooTheMightyHamster

Blakbird makes an excellent point.  Sending this set out, pre-production, to half a dozen top notch Technic builders could have fixed / prevented these issues.  The whole 'we always intended the gearshift to run out of sequence but didn't feel the need to mention it until someone called it a mistake' just feels fishy to say the least.

Paperballpark

Legoboy said:

^ Did you build the gearbox right?  That's the question. ;)

No. I had that part built about two days before anything popped up on the internet about it. Honestly, for those not used to Technic, I think it's virtually impossible to tell the gears are wrong - especially if you don't connect a motor to it. Heck, it's virtually impossible to tell at any one time which gear the car is actually in!

TheLoneTensor

Yeah, but to Porche gearhead enthusiasts who are drooling over this set, that's not unlike putting the Death Star laser on the bottom hemisphere and claiming that the other way "did not result in a great experience when engaging the play features of the set."

stevemack

Just picked one up from Liverpool store.... Box might be small but wow... it's heavy!

They wouldn't let me have the shipping box oddly?  Is this normal with every store?

Crowkillers

stevemack said:

Just picked one up from Liverpool store.... Box might be small but wow... it's heavy!

They wouldn't let me have the shipping box oddly?  Is this normal with every store?

I had read that some stores were giving people the shipping boxes, but some were not.. They probably suspected them of reselling and wanted to make it more difficult.. :D

cheshirecat

^This, previously (I think 41999's for example) some stores were told not to let people have shipping boxes as it apparently made it easier to resell. 

pharmjod

That's incredibly stupid and you can bet if I were in the store buying and they tried to pull that crap I'd raise a stink. If I'm spending $300 on a LEGO set and I ask for the outer shipping box which will just be discarded or recycled by the store they had better give it to me (or anyone for that matter) no questions asked. At a minimum it provides extra protection for the set box which is a large part of the attraction for this set. Once again, LEGO cutting off their nose to spite their face. 

SithLord196

I'm still really on the fence about buying this.

I was really looking forward to it, cashing in $100 of VIP points and using a small bonus I got at work to cover the rest, and building it as a reward for getting our second bedroom cleaned out and set up as a Lego room, but those two mistakes really make me take a step back, especially for a set that costs so much.

On the other hand, I would have never realized those mistakes and probably still have enjoyed the build anyway.

While the gearbox mistake should be criticized, I do feel as though a little too much hate is being heaped on the set for other parts of it. While I'm sure they could have worked harder to try and add more realistic steering and more realistic suspension, plus the all wheel drive, I also fear that may have pushed the set much closer to the $350 or $400 mark. One other thing we don't know is how much of each purchase ultimately gets sent to Porsche.

cheshirecat

^ I believe they did it when they were fairly sure it was a known reseller. Most of the staff have a pretty good idea who those people are. They were also told to refuse telephone sales for the same reason. 

richo

Not giving out the shipping carton is plain mean. I often keep things sealed for months, even years before building. It gives extra protection as its moved round my house looking for a space storage point.

cloaked7

I hope shop at home includes the original shipping carton.  It was years ago, but they did when they shipped me Death Stars and UCS Falcons.  I still have those sets in their cartons.

bobabricks

cloaked7 said:

when they shipped me UCS Falcons.

Um... May I ask how many you have had shipped to you?? Ha ha

MorkMan

The price on this set makes me hope that it goes to Pleygo - since I only want to build it - not keep it!

cloaked7

bobabricks said:

cloaked7 said:

when they shipped me UCS Falcons.

Um... May I ask how many you have had shipped to you?? Ha ha

Short answer - 2.

Long answer - LEGO was a lot different back in the day.  They would often discount sets when they discontinued them.  They seem to rarely do that now, I haven't seen them do so with any expensive sets recently.  For those that remember - set 10179 retailed for $500 and I don't think LEGO sold many of them (relatively speaking).  I never considered spending $500 on a LEGO set, so I didn't have a 10179 until I got an email from LEGO saying the 10179 was going to be discontinued and on sale for $20 off, making them $400.  They limited the quantity to 2 so I got 2.  I sold one years ago for $1,000, but still have other.  And, in the carton (which I mentioned they included).  Those were the days!  :-)

cloaked7

Also, it may just be me, but I think the average LEGO set price is much higher than it used to me.  I think people have excepted that LEGOS are relatively expensive and are willing to spend more on LEGOS.  There are probably statistics on this.

I say that, because I didn't hesitate to get 2 of the 911's and didn't even flinch at the price.  Personally, I have accepted some LEGO sets being expensive.  And, yes, it is just plastic and just a toy.  The things we rationalize (if that is the right word to use) to justify purchasing items is pretty amazing when one thinks about it.  I often think about what I pay for cable TV, my cell phone plan, my automobile.  I could definitely put most of that money to better use, but I don't.  My apologizes for waxing a bit philosophical.  :-)  Now, what about that orange color on the LEGO 911!!!  :-)

stevemack

cheshirecat said:

^ I believe they did it when they were fairly sure it was a known reseller. Most of the staff have a pretty good idea who those people are. They were also told to refuse telephone sales for the same reason. 

I'm not a massive in store buyer tbh, they said something about the box had information on we can't give to customers? Sounded like nonsense!