2017 Modular Building - "Celebrating Modular Buildings' 10th Anniversary!"

josekalel

It's amazing how great and almost perfect this set looks. I really hope using a 16x32 plate for the left building isn't a hassle...even then, it will be day one buy for me. Sorry wallet, sorry personal finances...

TigerMoth

Bosstone100 said:

@TigerMoth - Nope. Read what I typed. I've copied it here for your convenience.

Bosstone100 said:

Hmm... over at Eurobricks someone posted a Lego "card" listing a launch date of 4/1/2017? So is #10255 the next modular or something they'll be selling in addition to the next modular on 1/1/2017?

Did I actually say anything about three days? Or does your arrogance prevent you from realizing a board member from the US might read that as month/day/year?

I know how you might've read it. The card gave a launch date, for Assembly Square, of "4/1/2017" - if you have any doubts, it's the first post of this thread. We've also seen the press release announcing Assembly Square as being available from "January 1st". That rather kills any discussion about the date. If you wish to persist in suggesting that Assembly Square is to be released in April, and a different modular in January, then you are totally ignoring all that has been said.

dougts

slovakiasteph said:

I thought I'd come to the forum to find a balanced view or two, but everyone loves it here too?  I posted my comment under the news announcement.  Would've rather had a large building and 1 small one for this price.  The middle building looks too similar to GG.  Overall, not sure how the three buildings are similar enough in style to work together.  So, not a huge fan, but that might be ok as I doubt I'll be able to afford it.  :P

I know the feeling, as I was swimming against the current on DO and BB.  That said, the initial reactions are generally overwhelmingly positive due to initial excitement. Give it time, and I'm sure you will have company

Fauch

weren't they a lot of "it's small" reactions about BB?

dougts

yes.  but most people followed that up with "but it's fine, because there is so much detail"

BrickDancer

TigerMoth said:

BrickDancer said:

You're right, they are trying to set the price based on the next few years while this set will be active. Hence they are trying to preempt the future and setting it where they believe it will land. Which is even worse off than the current $1.22:£1.00. The GBP will be equal to Euros soon enough.

That works the opposite way. If £170 is supposed to be the same as $280 or €240, you're looking at $1.60:£1.00 or €1.40:£1.00, which is where we were a year or two ago.

If sterling had parity with the euro, then the price would've been set to be £240.

Well it's in the right direction of what I was trying to say. That the GBP will continue it's downward spiral trend, not going back to where it was. Brexit is going to do irreparable harm to your currency in the medium term. Check out this forecast (though only predictive and not a sure sign of course):

http://longforecast.com/fx/pound-to-dollar-exchange-rate-forecast-for-2015-2016-and-2017.html

Besides, the huge difference in pricing of +65% sticks out like a sore thumb when compared to any recent released sets which were +20% at best. But this is not something we'll have to wait long to see like currency movements. As I expect a corrective statement on the set's UK pricing in the next day or two.

Bosstone100

TigerMoth said:

Bosstone100 said:

@TigerMoth - Nope. Read what I typed. I've copied it here for your convenience.

Bosstone100 said:

Hmm... over at Eurobricks someone posted a Lego "card" listing a launch date of 4/1/2017? So is #10255 the next modular or something they'll be selling in addition to the next modular on 1/1/2017?

Did I actually say anything about three days? Or does your arrogance prevent you from realizing a board member from the US might read that as month/day/year?

I know how you might've read it. The card gave a launch date, for Assembly Square, of "4/1/2017" - if you have any doubts, it's the first post of this thread. We've also seen the press release announcing Assembly Square as being available from "January 1st". That rather kills any discussion about the date. If you wish to persist in suggesting that Assembly Square is to be released in April, and a different modular in January, then you are totally ignoring all that has been said.

Why are you putting words in my mouth? I didn't persist with anything. I was questioning because of what was posted earlier. You are arrogant and have acted like a self-appointed admin since the day you started coming here.

Tell you what. Don't comment about anything I say. I'm not really interested in your opinion.

BrickDancer

I'm ambivalent about this set. I like the high piece count, larger footprint and nice details. But is a bit messy as 3 separate buildings, while lacking any way to move it around into different set-ups. It reminds me of a super sized version of the Creator Deli set.

TigerMoth

Bosstone100 said:

Don't comment about anything I say.

That's not you're choice.

I'm not really interested in your opinion.

Good. Then you won't read them. If you don't read them, you can't reply to them. Then we're both fine.

SumoLego

JudgeChuck said:

Market Street?! Well, that puts that argument to bed, I suppose...

/runsawayquickly! ;-)

There's an Eiffel Tower too.  Shall we start another debate?

Pitfall69

@Bosstone100 , maybe Lepin's "Assemble Squar" will be released in April ;)

Bumblepants

SumoLego said:

JudgeChuck said:

Market Street?! Well, that puts that argument to bed, I suppose...

/runsawayquickly! ;-)

There's an Eiffel Tower too.  Shall we start another debate?

OR we could start speculating for an redesigned Eiffel Tower in 2017!

Gavin83

BrickDancer said:

Gavin83 said:

BrickDancer said:

I very much doubt the UK price of £169.99 is correct. I imagine they'll change that to £269.99 very soon. Considering currency exchange today is $1.22:£1.00 and dropping like a stone due to your Brexit.

Considering the prices never change on the set throughout its life I'd imagine they don't set the price based on current exchange rates, it's too volatile. Besides which anyone in the EU should be happy, it'll be easy enough for them to order it from the UK with a massive discount.

If they did set the price at £269.99 people would just buy it from the EU instead and sales in the UK would be poor. I'm guessing they want to avoid this.

You're right, they are trying to set the price based on the next few years while this set will be active. Hence they are trying to preempt the future and setting it where they believe it will land. Which is even worse off than the current $1.22:£1.00. The GBP will be equal to Euros soon enough.

I don't wish to start a Brexit debate, I have other forums to post on for that and its all opinions at the moment. However it really doesn't matter. There's no point in taking into account the currency conversion and pricing it really high if no one will buy it. Price it at £269.99 and the sales will suffer. They'll have analysed at what price point they think they'll make the most profit and it's clearly the price they've set. 

SumoLego

BrickDancer said:

It reminds me of a super sized version of the Creator Deli set.

Sausage redesign?  Or is a Lego kielbasa on the horizon?

dragon114

Pitfall69 said:

@Bosstone100 , maybe Lepin's "Assemble Squar" will be released in April ;)

it be out in a few weeks and claim lego stole their design

SumoLego

Pitfall69 said:

@Bosstone100 , maybe Lepin's "Assemble Squar" will be released in April ;)

I think you mean "Creators A55EMB SPUARE".

Pitfall69

SumoLego said:

Pitfall69 said:

@Bosstone100 , maybe Lepin's "Assemble Squar" will be released in April ;)

I think you mean "Creators A55EMB SPUARE".

Don't tell me what I mean!!! I have a wife for that.

Bosstone100

@TigerMoth - wow!  You really are an arrogant prick. 

BrickDancer

@Gavin83 not trying to debate it either. As I'm in the US so do not have a dog in this fight about Brexit. More just observation and curiosity from the sidelines. So cheers! =)

TigerMoth

BrickDancer said:

Check out this forecast

Sorry, I don't read fairy stories. I've been around long enough to have seen that anybody who knows what's going to happen in the financial world makes their fortune and disappears to a life of luxury. Those that don't, and hang around making forecasts, are just guessing.

Besides, the huge difference in pricing of +65% sticks out like a sore thumb when compared to any recent released sets which were +20% at best.

Yes. But that comes down to a decision made a couple of years ago about what this set was going to be, the target market - and the price. If they start changing any of that significantly, then it's likely to create unforeseen issues.

We're likely to see more of it. However, it's more noticeable on expensive sets. Alright, so I have bought Mixels on the other side of Europe, and planned it that way, but only because I would eventually make the trip anyway. In general terms, even large percentage differences aren't really worth bothering about for low-value items. That low- / high-value distinction is important for the modulars. Most other high-value sets relate to what I call a "cult" interest, where the theme itself has fans. As such, they'll pay what, on a purely rational basis, are "silly" (or "sillier") prices. The modulars are different in that they appeal to people with less of an emotional interest. As such, the prices have to be reasonable.

That makes TLG's position difficult, but they can't just double the price "to bring it in line" without consequences. That doesn't mean that it won't happen, but it requires a bit more thought about the pros and cons. They also got quite a bit of flak last time they increased the price between announcement and release; I don't suppose they want to repeat that. The obvious thing to do is to price to the market, keeping the market happy, and essentially hope that the situation resolves itself by the time of the next big general-interest set.

mr.piggles

Foiled again... no PP for me. :( 
This'll do though... it's attractive enough. Finally a reason to use all of my squirreled away VIP points I guess. The police force in my modular city's just gonna have to set up an undercover precinct somewhere.

cheshirecat

The price will have been set pre brexit and they've left it alone. I seem to remember that big Ben/palace of Westminster was similarly good in terms of £ price. But as the pound has plummeted everyone's a winner as you can just order from the UK.

SumoLego

Pitfall69 said:

Don't tell me what I mean!!! I have a wife for that.

Someone has to do it when she's not around.

Vortex

Well I suppose this should end all debates over The Market Street and it's lineage. Welcome home, Bastar*!

HugeYellowBrick

Does anyone else feel this looks like wrapping up the series and saying goodbye?

CurvedRoadPlate

HugeYellowBrick said:

Does anyone else feel this looks like wrapping up the series and saying goodbye?

I think these are too popular for that to happen. 

JooTog

HugeYellowBrick said:

Does anyone else feel this looks like wrapping up the series and saying goodbye?

Not without first releasing modular police station, hospital + pharmacy, school, DMV, counterfeit factory, and disguised secret agents HQ :-)

William_Townsley

And sausage factory^ 

TigerMoth

HugeYellowBrick said:

Does anyone else feel this looks like wrapping up the series and saying goodbye?

Unfortunately, there are rumours that that's exactly what's going to happen.

CurvedRoadPlate said:

I think these are too popular for that to happen. 

One problem is there is a limit to the number of buildings before you start repeating the style or function - a municipal building is a municipal building; a shop is a shop; some would just be too big.

Recce

dougts said:

slovakiasteph said:

I thought I'd come to the forum to find a balanced view or two, but everyone loves it here too?  I posted my comment under the news announcement.  Would've rather had a large building and 1 small one for this price.  The middle building looks too similar to GG.  Overall, not sure how the three buildings are similar enough in style to work together.  So, not a huge fan, but that might be ok as I doubt I'll be able to afford it.  :P

I know the feeling, as I was swimming against the current on DO and BB.  That said, the initial reactions are generally overwhelmingly positive due to initial excitement. Give it time, and I'm sure you will have company

TLG have been moving down the "smaller with more details" route ever since the first 2 modulars, don't think that is going to change soon. 

I believe that is also part of their counter copycat move, i.e. to use more and more new parts that still had the patent in force and moving away from standard bricks that already expired years ago. 

As for this new modular, I think it is detailed and big enough, at least compared to the recent sets, though I'm afraid the price here in SG could be as high as US$420 :(

TheBigLegoski

Sorry too exited about the new Modular building articles I just saw on the the Brickset frontpage to go and read all the posts on this topic spanning already six pages. So I don't know if someone already brought this up on one of the previous pages.

Anyway...........
Can anyone confirm, after just studying the photo's, that indeed if you want to, you can swap out the café on the left, by exchanging the large and small baseplate, so you can build the cafe as the corner building facing outwards, sitting with it's blind wall tugged up against the bakery?!?! Or even as a loose modular. The small base plate is 32x16 and the big one 32x32. The café can be build onto the small base plate. There are two studs left just used for tiles for the street, but the 'florist' building has a side entrance door too, so that can be used as a corner building next to a park or square in your street layout, or MOC something adjacent to that florist building and make it bigger.

I would probably swap these buildings around. This set looks great, but it also makes me feel like modding the hell out of it, just for the fun of it!

Don't think I need confirmation. My eyes did not deceive me!
Anyway: this modular building is epic!

I can really kick myself in the head for not having started to collect the modulars sooner, when I still had the chance to buy the Town Hall, the Fire Fighter's station, and the department store! I just have to live with it now.

Glad I bought the cinema, and the pet-shop, next one I will get is the restaurant, then either this new one or the detective's office. After that the bank; the bank and the whole money laundering scheme is also really funny.
 

Jern92

BrickDancer said:

I'm ambivalent about this set. I like the high piece count, larger footprint and nice details. But is a bit messy as 3 separate buildings, while lacking any way to move it around into different set-ups. It reminds me of a super sized version of the Creator Deli set.

Agreed. When I first saw it I wasn't entirely sure how to react. It looks a lot like a supersized version of Creator 3-in-1 sets. Plus it appears that the buildings have shrunk to about half the size of what they were before. Though I must say I appreciate the detailing and the many easter eggs throughout the set, after checking out more pictures and the designer video.

Anyone notice that Jamie seems more rushed with this video than any of the previous ones, like he's rushing to go to the bathroom or something?

Fauch

TigerMoth said:

CurvedRoadPlate said:

I think these are too popular for that to happen. 

One problem is there is a limit to the number of buildings before you start repeating the style or function - a municipal building is a municipal building; a shop is a shop; some would just be too big.

repeating styles seems to have been a goal here, to some extent.

kiki180703

This will be most probably a day 1 purchase for me too. It's so nice!

flord

Watching the designer video again, this doesn't seem to be a send-off for the modular theme. I suspect it's too popular and they have a ways to go before they have to start worrying about repeating themselves.

gmonkey76

I don't think LEGO will end the modulars any time soon. Maybe it's a test to see how well bigger more expensive modulars will sell. If it sells well we could sell modulars that cover two 32 x32 baseplates, and the we might see a proper hospital.

ecmo47

I'm with Brickdancer and Jern on this set. It's interesting and packed with detail but the buildings look "shrunk" to me. A little too much going on in a relatively small space. This is the third modular in a row that is a "combo" set-up with multiple buildings/activities packaged into a single base plate.  This makes it a lot harder to customize into your own unique building. With pet shop, you could easily mirror image the brownstone and add some extra levels for a whole new look.  With this set, it will take significant skill and parts to do something different. It's like Lego is discouraging your own creativity with these high-end sets.

Aanchir

Personally I think the multiple-buildings setup is brilliant and I'm glad they've kept going with that. Rectangular buildings of uniform width tend to make for a fairly boring, repetitive layout once you have a certain number of them. By contrast, the latest few sets that split one base between buildings of varying sizes result in a much more varied and organic town layout.

This is also why mirrored versions of the Pet Shop have never greatly appealed to me. That set's variety and asymmetry are exactly what make it so visually interesting; why sacrifice those things in favor of a more rigid, repetitive layout? Mind you, I know that in real life it's not unheard of to have an entire city block or even an entire neighborhood made up of identical townhouses. But visually, that kind of cookie-cutter street layout is just as boring to me IRL as it is in LEGO.

If you want to buy multiples of this set to make bigger buildings, of course, you certainly still can. I've seen people do so with the Brick Bank. But you will have to stretch your creative muscles a bit more instead of just repeating the same layout from the instructions. And chances are, your town layout will benefit a lot more from that than it would from just mirroring every building.

SumoLego

^ I am visualizing the rowhouses and opening song from 'Full House'.

(Whatever happened to predictability... the milkman...)

I think there would be a Lego riot if this were the last of the modulars.  But I could definitely see them dreaming up something similar, but different.  (Free-standing structures - modular cottages?)  The do have smart folks and lots of market research.

nhyone

Personally, I won't mind if the current Modular Buildings, as we know it, end.

The buildings are all very varied, but ultimately, their (mostly) 32x32 layout, triple-floor and shop-front format give them some sort of uniformity.

Bumblepants

End of the modular line rumors seem pretty foolish. They are still quite popular, not beholden to any license, and make an excellent halo product for the creator line and brand as a whole. Also, what would they gain from discontinuing them? I think someone on EB or wherever probably posted 'hey what if this is the last one?' and now there is a rumor.

snowhitie

I'm lovin'it. I don't mind it's a different format than the other ones, I think it makes it more interesting, it sits really well togetheR. Loving the detail.

@JudgeChuck the love HLC tile can also be seen at the dentist, together with a Lego news. I think it's just supposed to be trading material in the waiting room. I've actually been making a kiosk/juice bar combo and they 'sell' the HLC one there too. I love it when they mash all of Lego together.

Paperballpark

TheBigLegoski said:

Can anyone confirm, after just studying the photo's, that indeed if you want to, you can swap out the café on the left, by exchanging the large and small baseplate, so you can build the cafe as the corner building facing outwards, sitting with it's blind wall tugged up against the bakery?!?!
 

You'd have to mod it a bit, as there's arches connecting the buildings over the alleyway. Also, the lights on the side of the cafe would stick out over the edge of the 16x32 baseplate.

Pumpkin_3CK5

mr.piggles said:

Foiled again... no PP for me. :( 
This'll do though... it's attractive enough. Finally a reason to use all of my squirreled away VIP points I guess. The police force in my modular city's just gonna have to set up an undercover precinct somewhere.

 "No PP for Mr. Piggles" sounds like a book haha

 I think it's cool how they took a bit of something from their previously released modulars and combined it without the finished product looking like a Picasso. No offense to any fans of his out there.

Paperballpark

Found another new piece - the top of the cash register in the music shop. It's a 1x1 slope with a flat tile protruding at the top. Interesting.

AllBrick

Looks like the Lego fan is a single parent. How poignant.

LostInTranslation

Didn't it state in the video she's babysitting? 

AllBrick

LostInTranslation said:

Didn't it state in the video she's babysitting? 

I watched the vid, missed that bit though. Slightly irresponsible if she is.

ecmo47

Bumblepants said:

End of the modular line rumors seem pretty foolish. They are still quite popular, not beholden to any license, and make an excellent halo product for the creator line and brand as a whole. Also, what would they gain from discontinuing them? I think someone on EB or wherever probably posted 'hey what if this is the last one?' and now there is a rumor.

Agreed. From past history, Lego only makes anniversary sets for continuing lines. 10179 comes to mind for Star Wars 30th and there is rumor that there will be one for the 40th. We did not get an anniversary train that many of us were hoping for.

nhyone said:

Personally, I won't mind if the current Modular Buildings, as we know it, end.

The buildings are all very varied, but ultimately, their (mostly) 32x32 layout, triple-floor and shop-front format give them some sort of uniformity.

True but the new Ideas set, Old Fishing Store will be a break from this.  (Except it's still a 32x32 base plate).  Hopefully it will prompt Lego to explore different layout designs. I'd like to see a 50's style gas station that has a large base but only 1 story. Also, the Ideas set may very well be the second modular of the year that was discussed.

Aanchir: Agreed! I didn't make my point very well and perhaps it wasn't a good point to begin with. You and I and many of the Brickset crowd WILL buy multiple copies, explore modifications on LDD, place a bunch of Bricklink orders and make the Townsquare into our own unique creations. My point was the average Lego buyer will not do this. With the Pet Shop, you could buy 2 or 3 sets and easily modify the building by stacking the levels up for a taller building or mirror image one and set it by the other for a nice rowhouse street. Is this "creativity"? It is to some, especially to younger builders. With the last three Modulars, you cannot not make EASY changes to the overall design.  I liked the GE/CC/PS in that you could buy multiple sets and just keep stacking them up as tall as you wanted.

arathemis

like it, want it, NEED IT.....

(looking over items in the house to sell, to make cash for it :D )