What's your LEGO 'status' today?

EGRoberts

5 days and a bit until they load us to move.. No date provided for when they will unload our stuff (my lego too grr) at the house.. I have measured the new lego room top to bottom and spent all week plotting on graph paper how to set up my lego storage, display shelves, desks and chair. Buying more storage, new tables, rug, and chairs and going to paint the room before stuff arrives.. Going to be great!

pxchris

I wrapped up the inventorying of both of the Pirates ships (#6285 Black Seas Barracuda and #6274 Caribbean Clipper) I picked up on Friday during the Bricks & Minifigs sale (see original post in the What Are You Buying Now thread for a pic of the ships as they looked right after I brought them home). As expected, both were very nearly complete including for the most part even the right vintage of pieces. I was able to fairly easily pull out the majority of what what missing or needed swapped out from my bulk with the exception of one part - the small red flags from the BSB - which I've already got on order for less than $1. The sails for the BSB especially need a good cleaning, but otherwise the sets are in really spectacular condition. I'm really looking forward to getting these beauties built again. They will make a great addition to my display. I'm really happy about snagging the box to the BSB as well, that will definitely add to the display. Depending on how much space I actually end up having at the convention, I may end up taking one of my BSB and setting it up next to the POBB ship build for comparison. All-in-all, a very happy acquisition! 

jnscoelho

Just found a small shop in a small village in Portugal with a brand new #42113 Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey, priced at 400€. Not my sort of thing, but I was really surprised to find one, especially there.

iwybs

Yesterday I finished my Classic Space remake fleet using a bunch of Bricklink orders that came in over the holiday weekend.  Now I've got fully modern versions of the 1978 sets 918, 924, 926, and 928 (two versions of the 918, a single-seater and a two-seater), plus a modern 6894 Blacktron Invader and a modern 6931 FX Star Patroller.

KungFuKenny

iwybs said:

Yesterday I finished my Classic Space remake fleet using a bunch of Bricklink orders that came in over the holiday weekend.  Now I've got fully modern versions of the 1978 sets 918, 924, 926, and 928 (two versions of the 918, a single-seater and a two-seater), plus a modern 6894 Blacktron Invader and a modern 6931 FX Star Patroller.

Photos please!

iwybs

https://flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/51717230835

JudgeChuck

iwybs said:

https://flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/51717230835

Oooh, I like those a lot! Very nice indeed! :-))

Speedman29

Staying away for work is a pain. Staying away so you miss the start of the advent calendars is a bigger pain!

Loving Christmas jumper Iron Man!

iwybs

More pictures of my Classic Space builds.  Too many pictures maybe.

https://flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/albums/72157720209835042

EGRoberts

I have my home being packed tomorrow by movers, loaded Monday, and unloaded Friday. I will be in a hotel for the entire week so of course I get that e-mail! Ordered in July and called customer service to update my shipping address. Thought I had another month! I pray it arrives at new address safely.. And that I get my mail key in time lol.

pxchris

Now that my guest room is empty again, I have taken it over to start prepping again in physical brick form for the convention in March.

First step yesterday afternoon was Islanders.



I'd started MOCing a "gate" into the Islanders encampment a couple weeks ago using some of the parts to a second (slightly incomplete) copy of #6278 I obtained not too long ago. Now I need to rebuild all of the Islander sets and get them fully set up with the rest of the layout and see if I like it in person. Doing digital layouts is very convenient for early planning, but nothing compares with seeing how it feels in real life. For example, the transition from the quarter circle river bend into the straight river baseplate from #6552 - I was very unsure how that would end up looking. But I think I'm going to be able to pull it off nicely.

The Islanders layout is significantly smaller (less than half the size) than the main Pirates Bluecoats layout I'm working on, so in theory I should have it fairly wrapped up before too terribly long, then I can focus more on the refinements of the layouts and explore more additions, such as lights and small filler MOC builds.

MaffyD

iwybs said:

More pictures of my Classic Space builds.  Too many pictures maybe.

https://flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/albums/72157720209835042

Love the updated Classic Space ships! Thanks for sharing all those photos!

gmonkey76

Finally showed up. 

bpk2300

Target today launched their “Lego Collection @ Target.” Not everything is available, yet but I bought a nifty storage container and a winter hat for my infant. There’s a pullover sweater available later this month that I’ll most likely nab for myself 😁

Lo1sJess

I ordered some of the gift wrap, the bricks puzzle, the small snow fight set and reusable bags.  Interested in a few addition things not available yet.

KungFuKenny

I like to collect the limited edition employee Christmas gifts that Lego gives out every year, but prices the last two or three years have been through the roof.  Luckily the parts list for last year’s set #4002020 was made available, and even though I had no instructions I was able to piece together the assembly by freeze-framing “speed builds” off of YouTube (thanks especially to Austrian Brick Fan!)

Still photos don’t really convey how interesting this set is once you start to turn the crank. The train and tree rotate, and elves hammer, paint, and move presents towards the moving conveyor belt. Personally one of my favorite actions is how the grandfather clock ticks on the wall - see below for a look at the mechanics behind the scenes…

I wasn’t able to get the “40 Years” printed piece that came with the set, so I used an extra Santa Claus sticker and made my own version for the front of the conveyor belt setup.  Now I just have to figure out how I can get a copy of this year’s Ninjago set…

Lo1sJess

very nice 😊 

pxchris

Crappy photo, as per usual from me...

This was another recent acquisition. Set #6066 Camouflage Outpost is a treasured set from my childhood. I played with this one so heavily that my original copy wasn't in great shape, a number of yellowed pieces, but especially sad was that I was missing a number of the minifigures or their pieces. The structure itself is one of the few that remained almost intact all the way up to my adulthood. I used the structure as a base for much imaginative play turning it into a secret hideout for my secret agent and many other adventures.
Well, I've long wished to buy a new copy of the set but the prices on Forestmen sets are almost as bad as Pirates and I was only willing to buy one that had all of the minifigs 100% complete, especially with the right feathers. I just so happened to come across one on eBay recently with a best offer option and the seller accepted my first offer.
It's now been restored to it's former glory and I'm so happy to be able to enjoy this beautiful set once again!

WesterBricks

^ one of my first sets as well. For a long time, I could rebuild it from memory. My original copy is long gone, I went through two dark ages before I truly appreciated the idea of keeping a set in good shape. Maybe someday I’ll be able to pick up a replacement.

andhe

I'm just holding out hope that lego reissue the small feather in black. They still make the part. 

Bumblepants

andhe said:

I'm just holding out hope that lego reissue the small feather in black. They still make the part. 

Surprised they haven't for a quill or embellishment of some sort in a line like Harry Potter.

autolycus

pxchris said:

Crappy photo, as per usual from me...

This was another recent acquisition. Set #6066 Camouflage Outpost is a treasured set from my childhood. I played with this one so heavily that my original copy wasn't in great shape, a number of yellowed pieces, but especially sad was that I was missing a number of the minifigures or their pieces. The structure itself is one of the few that remained almost intact all the way up to my adulthood. I used the structure as a base for much imaginative play turning it into a secret hideout for my secret agent and many other adventures.
Well, I've long wished to buy a new copy of the set but the prices on Forestmen sets are almost as bad as Pirates and I was only willing to buy one that had all of the minifigs 100% complete, especially with the right feathers. I just so happened to come across one on eBay recently with a best offer option and the seller accepted my first offer.
It's now been restored to it's former glory and I'm so happy to be able to enjoy this beautiful set once again!

Lovely little set! Congrats on getting it and having such good memories!

Now… why didn’t Lego give us a couple Forestmen with the Castle in the Forest?!?!

GrannyLEGO

I suppose my status is happy ... I broke down and bought the R2D2 which I had been contemplating because it also got me the fleece blanket about which there was some speculation as to size etc. It also got me the Santa's front yard which I am less than thrilled with but it was in a sense completely free since I didn't spend to get it.

The fleece blanket is about 4 feet by 6 feet, all white on the reverse side. It is machine washable, cold. I am quite pleased with it as being a) old and b) handicapped, I spend a  lot of time in my recliner often with a blanket of some kind. R2D2 is turning out to be a demanding build, Santa's front yard was stupid but a freebie.

pxchris

andhe said:

I'm just holding out hope that lego reissue the small feather in black. They still make the part. 

Bumblepants said:

Surprised they haven't for a quill or embellishment of some sort in a line like Harry Potter.

Have they made the small feather in any color other than white since they switched to the individual mold for it? I could look on Bricklink, but I'm being lazy at the moment. It really would be nice for them to make it more readily available. Black would definitely make for a great quill.

pxchris

Progress on the Islanders layout for Bricks Cascade. All of the sets rebuilt and basically placed how I'd originally envisioned them. Now the real work begins, bringing this all into something that looks cohesive, full, and displays well in a convention setting.

Casper_vd_Korf

pxchris said:
Have they made the small feather in any color other than white since they switched to the individual mold for it? I could look on Bricklink, but I'm being lazy at the moment. It really would be nice for them to make it more readily available. Black would definitely make for a great quill.

Well, in diagon alley it appears in blue and red, so there’s that.

autolycus

Status this morning: Disappointed. Santa’s Front Yard is now the GWP through December 24. Reports are coming out that a 2nd GWP was indeed planned but to start today, but has been called off. No word yet on whether the GWP was cancelled altogether or just pushed back. Maybe it will show up for Christmas in July next year?

pxchris

Casper_vd_Korf said:

pxchris said:
Have they made the small feather in any color other than white since they switched to the individual mold for it? I could look on Bricklink, but I'm being lazy at the moment. It really would be nice for them to make it more readily available. Black would definitely make for a great quill.

Well, in diagon alley it appears in blue and red, so there’s that.

And I completely forgot the dark tan one that came with Radagast! That's an expensive little bugger if you lose it.

andhe

Casper_vd_Korf said:

pxchris said:
Have they made the small feather in any color other than white since they switched to the individual mold for it? I could look on Bricklink, but I'm being lazy at the moment. It really would be nice for them to make it more readily available. Black would definitely make for a great quill.

Well, in diagon alley it appears in blue and red, so there’s that.

Yeah, red in Diagon alley (not blue though, might mean the modern fire plume) and a Princess set in 2020 and Nexo Knights in 2017, Green arrow got a lime one in 2018, and tan for Radagast in 2013 and Penelope Cruz's character in 2011.

The Disney CMF genie got close with a black and glod one, but I don't own the figure to see whether that was dual molded or what, but certainly tempting to get one and just sharpie the gold...

Switchfoot55

@autolycus, I wonder if this is because they still seem to have a lot of the Santa's Yard sets sitting around? 

Perhaps it gives me hope that I'll be able to nab the second one at some point in the future? Or maybe even the first?

autolycus

Switchfoot55 said:

@autolycus, I wonder if this is because they still seem to have a lot of the Santa's Yard sets sitting around? 

Perhaps it gives me hope that I'll be able to nab the second one at some point in the future? Or maybe even the first?

Could be. Could also just be shipping delays like they've had for several other promos this year. Santa's Front Yard is definitely still available. I might have ended up with an extra one myself--well, maybe 2 extras, but my wife was going to use at least one as a gift. If it all settles out with me having 2 of it for myself, I can let you know if you're interested in it. I'm sure we can work out a trade of some sort.

Diamondback_Six

autolycus said:
Status this morning: Disappointed. Santa’s Front Yard is now the GWP through December 24. Reports are coming out that a 2nd GWP was indeed planned but to start today, but has been called off. No word yet on whether the GWP was cancelled altogether or just pushed back. Maybe it will show up for Christmas in July next year?

On the one hand, one less thing to worry about tracking down alongside the sleigh and Santa's Visit, on the other one more thing I have to deal with the Old Crab braying about "why can't you get me what I want when I want it regardless what's happening in the supply chain?!" *rolling eyes*

madejp86

This weekend I received an invoice from Bricklink for taxes where I have not purchased or sold anything since Jan of 2020. What gives?

Bumblepants

Dropped into the Frankfurt store on the way to a work thing and got some great PaB and series 2 bandmates. No DJ Captain sadly but still some good ones. Also got Santa and goofy Snail polybag free. 

KungFuKenny

@Bumblepants

Based on the contents of that Pick a Brick cup it looks to me like you’re planning on expanding Ninjago City!

Bumblepants

KungFuKenny said:

@Bumblepants

Based on the contents of that Pick a Brick cup it looks to me like you’re planning on expanding Ninjago City!

Yeah I am, I have about 10k of those trans blue tiles already but I can't help but get more when the occasion presents itself.

autolycus

Trans blue tiles are also good for frozen ponds and rivers, for anyone considering an elaborate winter scene! I could use some myself! And some of those white studs.

Lo1sJess

much much better PaB selection than here!  There hasn’t been much turnover on the wall so same thing week after week.

Switchfoot55

I swear my local stores NEVER get tiles of ANY sort. 

I'd buy 3 large cups of the trans-light blue tiles if they ever show up, however! I have a rather elaborate winter scene that needs building!

Lo1sJess

I’d be in for at least 1 cup maybe 2 of trans-light blue tiles.

560Heliport

"Job security? I could do with a little less job security, thank you very much!"

Astrobricks

560Heliport said:

"Job security? I could do with a little less job security, thank you very much!"

I had a devil of a time finding that set until I realized some people spell snow plow as snowplough :)

lowlead

^^ It's those alu-min-eee-um people...

560Heliport

lowlead said:

^^ It's those alu-min-eee-um people...

The real reason for the American Revolution: they were tired of using extra letters to spell words! :)

Phoenixio

Just finished building Ninjago City, Ninjago City Docks, and Ninjago City Gardens.  What a display it forms with all 3 together.  I have them at family's, so they'll be able to see and gaze upon the wonders of bigger city displays.

At the same time, I had those packed into large ziplocks, about 1 per floor, and damn was it tedious to rebuild some parts.  You end up searching for pieces for such long times.  I think I'll learn from that and break them down in smaller bags at a time, but I also don't want to just follow the instructions backwards.  Can't imagine how incredibly tedious it must be for those giant Star Wars builds of light blueish grey only...

Astrobricks

^ Try a previously built Tower of Orthanc from one big bag. Ugh.

WesterBricks

^ ^^ I recently built a secondhand 1989 Batmobile that was broken down into two large bags in no particular order. It took 3x as long to build as it should have.

autolycus

Phoenixio said:

Just finished building Ninjago City, Ninjago City Docks, and Ninjago City Gardens.  What a display it forms with all 3 together.  I have them at family's, so they'll be able to see and gaze upon the wonders of bigger city displays.

At the same time, I had those packed into large ziplocks, about 1 per floor, and damn was it tedious to rebuild some parts.  You end up searching for pieces for such long times.  I think I'll learn from that and break them down in smaller bags at a time, but I also don't want to just follow the instructions backwards.  Can't imagine how incredibly tedious it must be for those giant Star Wars builds of light blueish grey only...

One compromise I have found is to not literally follow the instructions backward, but to figure out the sections that are made by each of the original bags (or sets of bags). Do your best to pull that whole section off in its entirety and then break down that section the easiest and fastest way you can.

It's still incredibly tedious, so I only do it with larger sets I know I'll rebuild. Winter Village stuff is a prime example. Hogwarts Castle took me a big chunk of a weekend to break down, and I did GROUPS of numbered bags together, not even individual bags.

lowlead

Phoenixio said:

...Can't imagine how incredibly tedious GLORIOUS it must be for those giant Star Wars builds of light blueish grey only...

=oD
Sorting and organizing is half the fun!

WesterBricks

lowlead said:

Phoenixio said:

...Can't imagine how incredibly tedious GLORIOUS it must be for those giant Star Wars builds of light blueish grey only...

=oD
Sorting and organizing is half the fun!

Who sorts the parts from used sets before building? I just dive right in, not even knowing if everything is there!