CUUSOO Corner

Yellowcastle

I just love that Viper and I feel it would indeed be possible to secure the Galactica license inexpensively. But I assume that there's some contractual clause with Lucas that will keep LEGO from entering into a licensing agreement with any IP remotely similar to Star Wars. LEGO had a "Get out of Jail Free" card with Serenity because it did deal with adult themes. I'm really curious how they'd respond to a worthy BSG, Galaxy Quest, Enemy Mine, The Last Starfighter, Starship Troopers, etc. submission.

Crowkillers

Well only 31 more votes to hit the 500!

Vote here please

I can't believe that I hadn't seen that on Cuusoo before... that is really amazing!

dougts

But I assume that there's some contractual clause with Lucas that will keep LEGO from entering into a licensing agreement with any IP remotely similar to Star Wars.

Not to mention, Lucas was furious with the original BSG way back in '78, which he viewed (correctly) as a blatant attempt to capitalize on SW mania. Lucas apparently even got many complaints from people who thought his SW TV show wasn't as good as the movie.

Modeltrainman

Thanks guys. Question. If I made it detailed enough, does it stand a chance?

Legofanscott

Id love to see a UCS size Zero x from Thunderbirds, that would be awesome!

Or how about a UCS size space 1999 eagle :D

cheshirecat

I think people need to move away from ucs everything on cuusoo. Its not gonna happen.

dougts

Personally, I would say no. It's licensed, which makes it harder. It's not a current license, which means its market appeal is much more limited, both in securing votes on Cuusoo and in LEGO's ultimate determination of whether they can make money on it or not.

But ultimately, it's up to you on whether you think it's worth your time and effort or not. If YOU want an iconic UP house, I would recommend you get some bricks, start building it for yourself, keep tweaking it, and once your satisfied with it, you have a great model that you personally love and are invested in. At that point, snap some pics and throw it on Cuusoo. Whatever happens after that doesn't matter - you will already have won.

Legofanscott

I think people need to move away from ucs everything on cuusoo. Its not gonna happen.

I shouldve said i WANT Lego to make them rather than for someone to make MOCS to put on cuusoo :D

Bustin

Thanks guys. Question. If I made it detailed enough, does it stand a chance?

Take a closer look at the source material. At very first glance the roof is immediately noticeable as incorrect.

LegoFanTexas

I think people need to move away from ucs everything on cuusoo. Its not gonna happen.

Why? We are adults, we want ADULT sets... Little piddly 300 part sets are of little interest to most adults, or at least to me they are.

If that BTTF car is made at the scale in the pictures, I'm not going to be interested, that is a kids toy. Give me a thousand part version of it and I'm all over it.

That is just the reality of it...

Legofanscott

I think people need to move away from ucs everything on cuusoo. Its not gonna happen.

Why? We are adults, we want ADULT sets... Little piddly 300 part sets are of little interest to most adults, or at least to me they are.

If that BTTF car is made at the scale in the pictures, I'm not going to be interested, that is a kids toy. Give me a thousand part version of it and I'm all over it.

That is just the reality of it...

Same here

I know Lego is mainly marketed at kids and always will be but a huge part of their sales are from AFOL, especially now that Lego are regularly producing large scale exclusive sets and im sure Lego know that aswell

mista_carrot

My Lego Type III Ambulance:
http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/17901

Please support it if you like it!
Questions, comments and criticisms welcome!

It might be stepping on TLG's current hospital theme territory, but I think by the time it reaches any significant vote count, they'll probably be back to focusing on Police and Fire sets :P

LegoFanTexas

^ Just supported you (the Type III Ambulance)

Had no idea those box ambulances even had a "type", shows what I know!!! :)

Modeltrainman

Guys, I've modified the house, having trouble with the roof, but now Im afraid LEGO won't like it. I used the clapboard technique from the Western Modular, and a roof technique similar to one used on the WV Toy Shop. I'm really new to advanced stuff.

mrseatle

"Earth Vader"... :)

Steve_J_OM

I just love that Viper and I feel it would indeed be possible to secure the Galactica license inexpensively. But I assume that there's some contractual clause with Lucas that will keep LEGO from entering into a licensing agreement with any IP remotely similar to Star Wars. LEGO had a "Get out of Jail Free" card with Serenity because it did deal with adult themes. I'm really curious how they'd respond to a worthy BSG, Galaxy Quest, Enemy Mine, The Last Starfighter, Starship Troopers, etc. submission.

I think BSG is further removed than Firefly from the LEGO 'brand fit'. It is far darker.

cheshirecat

..but a huge part of their sales are from AFOL..

I'm not going to go find the quote now, but seem to remember an official lego comment that basically said this isn't true - the AFOL market is tiny as a percentage, although no doubt growing. Also, it seems as though a huge number of UCS sets end up being discounted, even the UCS MF was. Given that they're no doubt low production runs in the first place that is saying something. Also this is CUUSOO Corner - if lego are going to take a risk with a cuusoo model (and surely they are by definition riskier than their main product lines) its not going to be on a 2000 piece UCS set.

CCC

How do LEGO know who the user is? AFOL or kid. I have a number of "kid" sets that I don't let the kids touch. They are mine.

Bustin

Lego's model seems stuck in the past. The generation of kids that made Lego explode never stopped building. Lego doesn't seem to get that.

You have to wonder what the effect would be if every AFOL stopped purchasing Lego for a month to say hey Lego you're wrong on this.

mr_benn

I don't necessarily agree with the assertion that adults ONLY want big adult models like the Sopwith Camel or whatever. I can't talk for everyone, but from what I've seen there are a lot of AFOLs who like the Minifig-scale stuff for making their own cities - a 150 piece BTTF Delorean that can fit into my town is a lot more appealing than a huge car that needs somewhere independent to actually display it.

Yellowcastle

^^ IMO, we are truly living in the Golden Age of LEGO, especially for AFOLs. There are more large, complex and exciting sets for us than ever before and profits are booming. I'd say their "model" is working just fine.

Bustin

I do not understand why Lego could not directly appeal to multiple markets. Through an online store Lego could directly target the AFOL market. They could produce less quantity since they believe the AFOL market is small, and charge a higher price than the average in store products for their "core" market. The AFOL market would still purchase these targeted sets, while Lego would keep them out of the stores and away from the children they generally target.

Crowkillers

Lego definitely takes AFOL comments and suggestions into consideration for new models/new parts, but models still need to be made for children despite the fact that Lego depends on the tens of thousands of AFOL from around the world to continue to stay interested and focused in their product so that they can continue to pump out one MOC better than their last MOC to keep the interest level up of everyone else... Look how many people attend shows from all over the world, without AFOL, you have no shows to draw in the crowds and show off what can be accomplished with Lego... From my experience at shows, many people that attend them as guests are very naive when it comes to Lego... Great models from AFOL are what turn on other NON-AFOL onto building and this also gets their children involved and they see these models both online and at the shows... AFOL continuously give TLC free advertisement whether it be at shows that they pay $50+ to attend and display or the millions of photos/videos on the net... Even though the AFOL market may be smaller than the children's market, I think Lego needs to remember to keep the heart and soul of their product happy because without the AFOL, I really don't believe this product would be as powerful as it currently is...

Crowkillers

Also HUW, if you want to pull down my Vampire GT model and replace it with another Cuusoo MOC, that is fine with me... I think it has drawn out as many supports as it is going to get here at Brickset... ;) Time to give some other worthy MOCs a chance in the spotlight... I don't think that any Technic stuff is ever going to have a shot anyways.. It's just not a popular enough theme with Lego builders around the world...

samiam391

This isn't mine, but I love the idea and design (definitely needs some color work) so I thought I'd share:
http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/17647

Bandit

I do not understand why Lego could not directly appeal to multiple markets. Through an online store Lego could directly target the AFOL market. They could produce less quantity since they believe the AFOL market is small, and charge a higher price than the average in store products for their "core" market. The AFOL market would still purchase these targeted sets, while Lego would keep them out of the stores and away from the children they generally target.

Umm, they've been doing exactly this for the last 12 years. Who do you think the UCS Star Wars and big exclusive sets are made for?

Crowkillers

Umm, they've been doing exactly this for the last 12 years. Who do you think the UCS Star Wars and big exclusive sets are made for?

That's a good point.. The age ranges for the UCS are like 16+ instead of a range of 11 to 16...

Bandit

^ that, and not to mention that the number of non AFOL parents buying their kids $150+ lego sets has to be close to nil.

graphite

^ this point has been brought up before and is not true. There are probably a significant number of well off parents out there that buy whatever their kids point at. Which was also the argument as to why a lot of the ninjago and other sets will do well in the aftermarket.

Bandit

^ Not true? Do you have facts to back that up? Sorry, I think you're wrong. Of course there are parents that will do this, but I don't think the number is significant at all. In the entirety of all lego sales, I think that number is very insignificant. Guess we'll just have to disagree.

LegoFanTexas

^ that, and not to mention that the number of non AFOL parents buying their kids $150+ lego sets has to be close to nil.

This is VERY not true...

I have personally witnessed, more times than I can now count, parents buying 10188 Death Star for their 10 year old... From what I've been told by multiple Lego store employees, including the manager, far more Death Stars are going to kids, than are going to adults.

It is a $400 dollhouse... but before you think that is insane...

http://www.amazon.com/Barbie-Pink-3-Story-Dream-Townhouse/dp/B001XOZPEI/

This is cheap Chinese plastic that will be forgotten in a year or two, and it is $136...

A pair of Olivia's House or the modular Pet Shop is about the same price, but a much better quality toy that will last.

Another example:
http://www.amazon.com/Blast-Zone-Twist-Spout-Water/dp/B007AQ35KE/

This is $300, will get played with for 1 summer, and probably not survive being stored over the winter in the garage. This is selling many units a day on Amazon right now.

http://www.amazon.com/Power-Wheels-Jeep-Wrangler-Rubicon/dp/B0015KU1GC/

How about a PowerWheels? This Jeep is $265, it also is very popular (more than one is driving around our neighborhood as I type this).

So $200-$400 for parents to spend on Lego for their kids is not crazy or out of line at all...

LegoFanTexas

^ Not true? Do you have facts to back that up? Sorry, I think you're wrong. Of course there are parents that will do this, but I don't think the number is significant at all. In the entirety of all lego sales, I think that number is very insignificant. Guess we'll just have to disagree.

Any person's view on this is going to be colored by their economic place in the world...

You may think spending $400 on a kids toy is just nuts, but that doesn't mean everyone else does.

I would agree that the "average" person does not do this, but there are enough people above the mean that can afford it to make a market.

Bustin

Umm, they've been doing exactly this for the last 12 years. Who do you think the UCS Star Wars and big exclusive sets are made for?

I don't feel slapping a UCS title on a child targeted theme makes it AFOL oriented.

Bustin

You may think spending $400 on a kids toy is just nuts, but that doesn't mean everyone else does.

When I managed a Gamestop for the first two years of the Xbox 360 and PS3 release 90% safely estimate of the sales for the new PS3 systems were for kids 8-12 years old. They were $600.00 when they released.

Kids came in showed their parents what Jonny just got and the parents bought it.

Legogeek

I think you guys are getting way off the topic....

Bustin

It's certainly possible^

I think that the Shaun of the Dead set could have been sold online only and would have been a worthy modular building, throw in the fact that it was Shaun of the Dead and it was even better in my opinion. That could have been an AFOL targeted set.

Then again maybe I am just the small side of the AFOL world. I am not in to the UCS Star Wars. I liked the movies, don't get me wrong but it is not my thing as far as adult Lego building would be concerned.

Yellowcastle

Yes, let's steer back towards Cuusoo....thanks @Legogeek

LegoFanTexas

^ Roger Roger...

Speaking of Star Wars, Dark Bucket just passed 10,000 supporters...

Anyone want to place odds on what happens next with that set?

http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/2674

Bustin

^ Roger Roger...

Speaking of Star Wars, Dark Bucket just passed 10,000 supporters...

Anyone want to place odds on what happens next with that set?

http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/2674

I do not see it passing. Even in the last ditch attempt with the "Dark Bottle".

Bandit

Any person's view on this is going to be colored by their economic place in the world...

You may think spending $400 on a kids toy is just nuts, but that doesn't mean everyone else does.

I would agree that the "average" person does not do this, but there are enough people above the mean that can afford it to make a market.

Let's put it this way. I'm in the top 3%+ US income bracket, as are all my friends (all with kids). I think it's nuts (I'm not buying my kids stuff that expensive, although of course I buy it all for myself!), and I don't have one set of friends who would even consider doing that for their kids. Certainly there is a market for those who do, but I refuse to believe it isn't tiny overall.
Also, I think the Death Star is a special case in a category all its own. What percentage of, say, IS or Town Hall sales are going to bratty kids who get whatever they want? I say tiny overall. Also, this doesn't count kids who use all or most of their own money to buy the sets. Anyway, sorry, back on topic.

Bandit

Umm, they've been doing exactly this for the last 12 years. Who do you think the UCS Star Wars and big exclusive sets are made for?

I don't feel slapping a UCS title on a child targeted theme makes it AFOL oriented.

It has nothing to do with the UCS label. It has to do with the price point. Also, Lego addresses every point you made in your post with regard to selling their exclusive sets on their [email protected] website. Lego is certainly catering to the AFOL market as great as they ever have, with or without Cuusoo.

Yellowcastle

@Bandit - this sidebar discussion is off topic and should be nixed. Thanks.

dougts

I do not see it passing. Even in the last ditch attempt with the "Dark Bottle".

no way it passes. a couple of plates for them to stand on is never going to pass muster as a construction set - it's no different than magnets in all practical purposes.

The second issue if of course the price point. LEGO isn't going to want to put 20 minifigures in a bucket and sell them for $50 when they can continue to strategically place the same minifigures into a wide array of more expensive sets and make more money.

I think the battle packs are what we are going to continue to see to fill the "army building" role. they sell very well, and allow LEGO to hit a price point in the SW theme that they otherwise wouldn't be able to.

Bandit

I do not see it passing. Even in the last ditch attempt with the "Dark Bottle".

no way it passes. a couple of plates for them to stand on is never going to pass muster as a construction set - it's no different than magnets in all practical purposes.

The second issue if of course the price point. LEGO isn't going to want to put 20 minifigures in a bucket and sell them for $50 when they can continue to strategically place the same minifigures into a wide array of more expensive sets and make more money.

I think the battle packs are what we are going to continue to see to fill the "army building" role. they sell very well, and allow LEGO to hit a price point in the SW theme that they otherwise wouldn't be able to.

It would be interesting to know just what exactly their license stipulates as far as figs go. Is it a piece per fig ratio? Is it solely a set review by review basis by Lucasfilm? Is there a max cap allowed per set? And if so, was the Death Star a special case? Or is there a cost factor to it as well?

Yellowcastle

^ I would love to see the details of that license.

Bustin

These are the top 4 projects that I want to purchase for myself right now that have not reached the goal.

UCS Douglas DC-3 http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/17534

ALA-N: Astronautical Lunar Android 9 http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/10265

Futra CS Concept Car http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/8833

UCS Tron Light Cycle http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/15895

BrickDancer

^I would buy the DC-3 and Tron Cycle in a blink if it were up for pre-buy even. Are the chrome pieces custom on the DC?

I also really like the idea and concept being suggested on the Futra CS, essentially a New Age Space theme. I would hoard all those nice carbon fiber printed pieces he used on the Concept Car.

But one of my faves right now on Cuusoo is getting zero attention.
Gundam http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/8398

I thought this was a perfect rendering of a classic mech. Just look at the shield alone, not to mention how accurate the shapes and lines are to the original source. This one makes the new Ninjago Samurai Mecha look like it was designed by a child.

monkey_roo

^ some nice models there, like the DC-3, put a vote in there.
On the star wars figure front it struck me that Lego has sold, or at least given away individual fingers for some time, most recently the TC-14 droid, so there must be something in the agreement that allows them to do just figures.
I'm no expert but my understanding is the licence issue is the conflict with Hasbro's licence, which would be an interesting compassion.
I don't think the idea will pass, but it might be a closer call than we all thing, financially Lucas and Lego will want this, maybe not on the scale proposed but similar packs as Lego do for other ranges, five figures, maybe ten sort of thing. Could be interesting and what Lego say will certainly be interesting on this one.

Bustin

Ssorg says the chrome pieces were an expensive acquisition so my guess is that he bought them all, where I have no idea.

I was never in to Gundam, I watched Voltron a lot when I was like 5/6ish then lost interest in most Mech stuff.

BrickDancer

^Maybe the pieces were from UCS Naboo SF? I'll need to research on BL to see where most of these nice chrome pieces originate from. But certainly would like to get some into brick inventory for MOC.

Grew up on Voltron too, then went into Transformers, then to Robotech, then finally onto Gundam. Those were the great mechs of my time and its been nice to see a few renderings on Cuusoo of each. Seen a couple nice Optimus Primes, a Robotech Valkyrie in hybrid mode, Voltron fully assembled. But mechs don't seem to have a solid spot in the demographics for Lego, so not sure how a large (>1,000 pieces) one would do on the open market as a shelf set. Let alone one that is >3,000 pieces like the Gundam one I referenced. Hence the low <600 votes for this Cuusoo candidate I suppose?