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Top 3 Sets of 2016?
thebeermonkey
Member Posts: 390
As the year comes nearly to a close, I've been taking some time to think about what has been the Lego highlights in terms of sets released in 2016. My top three would be -
1. #71040 Disney Castle
2. #10253 Big Ben
3. #41128 Amusement Park Hot Dog Van
Things that made me scratch my head in 2016 -
Angry Birds
Assault on Hoth
What would your highlights and lowlights be?
1. #71040 Disney Castle
2. #10253 Big Ben
3. #41128 Amusement Park Hot Dog Van
Things that made me scratch my head in 2016 -
Angry Birds
Assault on Hoth
What would your highlights and lowlights be?
0
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Comments
2. Yellow Submarine
3. GB Firehouse
City had some decent sets this year. Technic surpassed all expectations. Angry birds wasn't appealing. Some of the seasonal sets this year have been a bit of a low but they have been saved by the Christmas Sets, and Insult on Hoth was a joke
Yellow Submarine
Ghostbusters Firehouse (just pipping Friends Hot Dog Van)
I would probably say:
#10251 Brick Bank (Modular bank, plus the great idea of having a laundromat on the corner of the building))
#76058 Spider-man: Ghost Rider team up (especially on sale as it lately has been, great deal at 12+ dollars for 3 figures, two of which will likely not be easily found in many other sets-GR, and Hobgoblin)
#76052 Classic Batman TV Batcave ( a bit silly and really centered around a group of fans, but still neat to me, just wish it was a wee bit cheaper)
I don't have any of these sets, but I would say
-Big Ben
-Disney Castle
-not sure, maybe Brick Bank or Ghostbuster HQ
2. #10253 Caterham 7
3. #41128 VW Beetle
HM: #40179 Personalized Mosaic Set ;)
HM: #60118 City Garbage Truck
HM: #70327 NK: King's Mech
HM: #75156 SW: Krennic's Imperial Shuttle
Though it pains me to do so as I own one:
6176782: Escape the Space Slug
1) Brick Bank #10251 - Love modulars and lots of great details in this one. Especially fond of the sand green windows.
2) #41174 Starlight Inn / #41180 Ragina Shadow Castle. The entire Elves line this year has been outstanding and really spiked my girls interest in Lego. They now industriously build caves, castles, treasure hoards and all sorts of things for their elves and dragons. Could go on for paragraphs but I will spare you.
3) #70603 Raid Zeppelin. Sky Pirates was a brilliant and creative new direction for Ninjago. Great parts, colors, and characters in the Raid Zeppelin at a solid price. Also, Zeppelin!
Honorable Mention: #60132 Service Station. Great design, car isn't a convertible, long overdue to have a new gas station in City. Only reason it didn't make the top three was the stupidly high RRP.
Best promo item: #40221 Fountain The statue that can be built male or female, flame yellow bike, nice minifig and park accessories are all perfect additions to my City. Added bonus of not having to buy a Friends Party train to get the bike.
Honorable Mention goes to the #5004419 Classic Castle set. Beautiful.
2. Yellow Submarine
3. The King's Mech
1) Disney Castle - It's Epic. Looks great and loved the build.
2) Ghostbusters HQ - such a great set and lots for your money (double thick walls). Lots of fond memories playing with this set with my son.
3) The Brick Bank - love the building techniques and new pieces and colours it introduced. Again, lots of fond memories playing with this with my son.
My favourite theme has to be Nexo knights. I love the monsters and new minifigures, as well as the new elements and recolours.
Releases that most excited me this year:
1. Bucket Wheel Excavator (for all its faults, I'm just happy to live in the same world as that thing)
2. Fun In The Park
3. Disney castle
Top three 2016 sets that I've actually bought:
1. Lance's Mecha Horse - really inventive, and it introduced me to lots of cool new (to me) parts
2. Dr. Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum - lovely display piece, and the tentacle monster is a triumph
3. Fun in the Park - so filled with imaginative detail, and I love that we got a wheelchair user minifig.
Stealing @Bumblepants' category: Best Promo Item:
Definitely agreed on #40221 Fountain. I'm amazed we got something that cool as a freebie!
Best CMF:
The faun - we've got four of them now, and my partner made two into a centaur!
Best theme:
Nexo Knights. It's given me so much childlike joy. :D
1) #41180 Ragana's Magic Shadow Castle. It has a delightfully dark color scheme, an extremely livable interior, and pretty much all the essential features of a LEGO castle (parapets, a throne room, traps, and a dungeon). It also has some fantastic environmental details, as are typical of the Elves theme, and a great character selection.
2) #41179 Queen Dragon's Rescue. Elandra the Queen Dragon is the highlight of this set, with a remarkably lifelike build, lots of articulation, and an aesthetically pleasing design. But the set also includes some stunning scenery packed with play features like a lava river and a prison tower matching the aesthetic of the Shadow Castle.
3) #70595 Ultra Stealth Raider. This is the standout set of this year's Ninjago range IMO. It's a brilliant reimagining of #9449, now with the ability to split into four vehicles instead of just two. It comes with four brand-new ninja figs (with room for two more), plus the toyline debut of Master Yang, Eyezorai, and Master Chen's special chair!
Other close contenders: #31044 Park Animals, #70323 Jestro's Volcano Lair, #70590 Airjitzu Battle Grounds, #70596 Samurai X Cave Chaos, and #71310 Umarak the Hunter.
There were plenty of sets and themes this year that didn't interest me, but most were still well-designed in their own right. The most disappointing for me were the Disney Princess Palace Pets range, which I'm not at all fond of. Its sets tend to be simplistic and saccharine, without the charm of similarly-priced Friends sets, and the Palace Pets brand as a whole feels like a clumsy marketing ploy.
That said, my biggest disappointment for the year wasn't any new set or theme, but rather the discontinuation of Bionicle generation two, which I'd been thoroughly enjoying. It was a huge blow to the Bionicle fan community, which was already fairly divided over the reboot, and leaves the future of the constraction category looking rather murky.
Best 3 for me were Technic Claas tractor, Disney Castle and Ideas Caterham.
Disappointments included Batcave, Porsche and Drag Racer, but at least the good outweighed the bad.
1) #76057 Spider-Man: Web Warriors Ultimate Bridge Battle- Great selection of Marvel minifigures, and nice model with lots of potential for expansion and customization. Also, excellently detailed stickers.
2) #75828 Ecto 1 & 2 - I think this Ecto 1 is a huge improvement over the first one, with opening doors, four seats and storage space in the back. Plus, the minifigures are superb.
3) #75155 Rebel U-Wing Fighter - I was really impressed with this model. It's great to have another ship for the rebels. Also, excellent minifigures here too. Jyn Erso is one of my new favorites.
1. Lance Mecha Horse - brilliant design, lots of technic, converts from horse to bike, takes quite a while to build for a small set
2. Disney Castle, magnificent design, even though I'm a modular fan first and foremost this has to come ahead of Brick Bank.
3. Fortrex, maybe not the best designed set in Nexo Knights for functions but for the look, and the idea of a castle on wheels like a tank, is symbolic of a great theme. Overall Nexo Knights is a step up from Ninjago and Chima for the design and functions.
1. Brick Bank
2. Classic Batcave ('66)
3. Spider-man bridge battle
looking at all sets:
Disney Castle. Didn't buy it because of the price. If I'd have bought it, it might've taken the second spot in my top 3.
1. #21307 Caterham Seven 620R - an amazing build, really nice techniques, and a great display model.
2. #10253 Big Ben - A fantastic model of part of one of the most famous buildings in the world. It's a little repetitive to build, but the end result is great.
3. #42056 Porsche 911 GT3 RS - The first Technic set I've built since I was about 12, and it's a beauty! I don't care about the flaws in the mechanism, it's a huge stunning display piece, which is instantly recognisable.
1. #42056 Technic 911 GT3 RS. I love a big Technic set and wanted it from the moment I saw the camo version. Orange works really well and looks great on the big shelf I've fitted for it. There are some little quirks in the various mechanisms, but I think its a great showcase for the theme and Porsche themselves.
2. #60199 City Ferry. I didn't really know I wanted this set until I got it for my birthday. Simple design, but very close to ro-ro ferries I've been on in the past in Cornwall or the Isle of Wight. Currently has a pair of Speed Champion Audis parked on the deck!
3. #10251 Modular Brick Bank. Another great building, yes its smaller than they were at the start, but its packed full of clever details like the folding chandelier and the working vault. Currently sat at the end of my modular street alongside the DO and PC.
I'm going to stick another three sets here, ones I want but have yet to buy.
1. #42054 Technic Claas Trac. Another massive Technic set that I would love to own one day, space and money permitting.
2. #75157 Star Wars Captain Rex's AT-TE. I'm a big SW fan and really enjoyed the new Rebels animated series. The big lumbering beast, looking a little ragged round the edges is captured perfectly in brick form.
3. #10252 Creator VW Beetle. I need to get this and add it along side the Camper from a few years ago. With a couple of colour changes it would then mirror my current 1:1 scale versions on the driveway.
#10251 brick bank
#70603 raid zeppelin
#60134 fun in the park
From this year's sets that I've got:
#76051 - Super Hero Airport Battle
#76060 - Doctor Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum
#40221 - Fountain
And of those that I haven't got, but would like:
#42056 - Porsche 911 GT3 RS
#21307 - Caterham Seven 620R
#21029 - Buckingham Palace
But there'll be plenty of chance to get those in 2017 right? It's not like Lego will release a whole load of sets I want next year is it? :-)
- Elves. I am not picking a singleset, because I feel this entire line keeps getting better and better and the line deserves mention. There are several sets one could pick from this theme as a top set of the year.
- I am going to go with the Maze. I think this was such a unique set. It works well, and one can modify it to create different mazes.
Brick Bank, GBHQ, VW Beetle
Top 3 2016 sets I need to get:
Big Ben, Disney Castle, Caterham Seven
- #75827 Ghostbusters HQ
- #71040 Disney Castle
- #76057 Web Warriors Ultimate Bridge
Of which I only own...none, and of which I want...all.Honorary mentions to:
- #10251 Brick Bank
- #71012 Disney CMFs
- #40223 Snowglobe
- #75157 Captain Rex's AT-TE
IMHO, no outstanding CITY or Star Wars sets.1 - green nrg dragon
2 - doctor strange's sanctum sanctorum
3 - lighthouse defense
I think I only built 4... but the 1st 2 are really nice. the 3rd is good but has some flaws.
#31050 Corner Deli
It was really cool seeing all the Modular Mocs inspired from this set throughout the year.
#71012 Disney CMF
This counts as a set right? It's CMF. It's Disney. Enough Said.
#76057 Web Warriors Ultimate Bridge Battle
One of the best locale sets from the Super Heroes theme.
#71040 The Disney Castle - one of the most stunning LEGO models yet, it's gonna be hard to pass this one.
#76057 Spider-Man Web Warriors Ultimate Bridge Battle - amazing set that's jam-packed full of features, great minifigs, and is overall a great playset
#60134 Fun in the Park - probably the greatest City set ever released :P I hope we get another one, like a beach or a skatepark or a mall. LEGO City mall. Get on it, LEGO!
Of those my top 3:
1. Brick Bank - as the only set I actually built, I give it the top spot. I got hooked on the modulars in a big way this year and this one did not disappoint.
2. GBHQ - Have not built, but I'm looking forward to it.
3. Disney Castle - See #2.
HM: Ultimate Bridge Battle - Love the attention to detail Lego put into this one, and the Scarlett Spider mini figure is my new favorite and brings back fond memories from my childhood reading the Spider-Man clone series.
1) #75153 - AT-ST: I never had previous versions of the AT-ST so building this was great!
2) #10251 - Brick Bank: Again, my first steps into modular buildings and this build was fantastic!
3) #71040 - Disney Castle: Day 1 purchase! It's the Disney Castle!
Most of the other builds I have completed this year are actually 2015 sets!
As my collecting started only a few years ago, primarily on Minifigs I have avoided mini-dolls, other than that I like most themes but I only have so much space and funds!!
#10251 Brick Bank - Some great new parts, excellent techniques (especially the build for the washing machines / deposit boxes) and looks great.
#21128 The Village - Biggest LEGO Minecraft set to date and really matches the source material very well. Villagers!! :-)
#70605 Misfortune's Keep - I've really enjoyed the Skybound theme and this is a great-looking set to act as its centrepoint.
Of the sets that I don't own, I would have to say that #75827 Firehouse Headquarters, #71040 Disney Castle and #42055 Bucket Wheel Excavator would have to be there or thereabouts.
1) GB firehouse - it is a right PITA to build what with all the mathematical filling but worth it when it is done. The detail is superb.
2) Yellow Submarine - the first thing that got me to vote on a Lego Ideas project so this was an obvious choice for me. I love everything about it, even the box recreates a scene from the film where two submarines pass and the Beatles wave at each other.
3) Fun in the park - bought one for a friend who used a wheelchair and thought it looked so good I got one for us as well. Loads of great people and really helps bring any city alive.
HM - Winter holiday train - the first Lego train set with track I have got and I really like it. Love the little train that goes round the Christmas tree. We actually have it going round our own Christmas tree to create Legoception.
The Disney Castle is amazing. I'm looking forward to Christmas Day and my daughter opening her gift and the adventures we'll have.
Brick Bank. As a city builder this was a great addition for my city. Good colors and a fun build.
The 60118 Garbage Truck. It has such a realist feel in Lego and the play factor on city layouts.
brick bank
vacation getways
Disney Castle - It's HUGE! And, iconic.
Marvel, Doctor Strange - Not the largest, most expensive, etc. But, I loved the movie and it's the only Dr Strange set. And, it appears to have some unique LEGO pieces (I'm not an expert, so not sure.). The set is an action set that fits the movie scene extremely well.
Honorable Mention - I really like the Yellow Submarine, the colors (yes a lot of yellow, but other colors too), the build, LEGO Idea set, and it's the Beatles.
Also, can someone explain to me from a technical perspective why Angry Birds sucks?
That set rocks!!
2. #76057, loved the fact that they included Ben Reilly, Kraven, Mac Gargan & Gobby (got an extra from #10687 for my LMSH glider, but I am considering swapping over the extra from the 2nd copy of #76057).
3. #21305, my dad is from Liverpool, so naturally, this was likely to end up on the list.
2. Brick Bank
3. GB Firehouse
Gotta get them all....
1. #42054 Technic Claas Tractor
2. #75137 Carbon Freezing Chamber
3. #10252 Creator VW Beetle
Brick Bank would probably make it in there.but I haven't bought it yet so....
Had to to remember what came out in 2016... because I built some awesome stuff that was really cool, and totally new to me, in 2016 that was probably a year or two old.
Here are, finally, my picks for top three sets (said the wordy bastard)...
3. #10251 Brick Bank
A Modular Building that stands apart from the rest in design and function.
2. #76025 Batman Classic TV Series Batcave
A massive set, with an incredible amount of bat-tastic minifigures, set-pieces and vehicles.
Aaaaand the number ONE set of 2016 IS...
1. #60134 Fun in the Park - City People Pack
I consider this kind of a CMF/Building Set hybrid for a lot less money than a full set of CMFers. It's got a LEGO infant, which is awesome. But it's major selling point, to me, is that it features a minifigure with a disability. This is a huge, huge deal to me, as not enough toys do. As a parent of a child with special needs, it's easy to see why this set to me would be the greatest accomplishment for TLG and LEGO product.
I was shopping in a LEGO store a month or so ago. All employees were engaged with customers. A woman was talking aloud about just not knowing what to buy for one of her grandsons who liked LEGO. I asked her if he liked the figures a lot, she said he did. I started talking about Fun in the Park, about mixing and matching the figure parts, about integrating the figures into what you already have, about the new Infant figure and the first minifigure with a disability.
The best part was I also explained that if by some chance he already had the set (and I said she could always check Brickset!) having two of this set just meant more options in mixing and matching and creating more unique minifigures permanently. She bought two. Other people standing nearby who were listening came over and picked up a set to carry. The shelf was cleared. I'm sure there were more in the back, but the 8 or so they had out? Sold.
When I was checking out the gal taking my card (who must have heard some of it) asked me if I wanted a job application. I laughed and just said "Nah...the set sells itself really."
As for Worst of 2016? LEGO is like pizza or sex. There are no bad LEGO sets.
Any LEGO Set you perceive as bad will eventually become right in the world when the appropriate amount of discount is achieved to suit your budget.
And I'm spent....
Based on what's in this thread so far, the top 15 sets for 2016 appear to be:
1. 71040 - Disney Castle
2. 10251 - Brick Bank
3. 75827 - Firehouse Headquarters
4. 76057 - Spider-Man: Web Warriors Ultimate Bridge Battle
5. 10253 - Big Ben
6. 21307 - Caterham Seven 620R
7. 60134 - Fun In The Park - City People Pack
8. 76060 - Doctor Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum
9. 42056 - Porche 911 GT3 RS
10. 41180 - Ragana's Magic Shadow Castle
11. 10252 - Volkswagen Beetle
12. 42054 - CLAAS XERION 5000 TRAC VC
13. 21306 - The Beatles Yellow Submarine
14. 76052 - Batman Classic TV Series - Batcave
15. 70603 - Raid Zeppelin
I'm not sure I can even pick a top 3 myself. My list of top 10 contenders (in alphabetical order) would be something along the lines of:
4002016 - 50 Years on Track
10253 - Big Ben
10251 - Brick Bank
21307 - Caterham Seven 620R
71040 - Disney Castle
75827 - Firehouse Headquarters
60134 - Fun In The Park - City People Pack
4000022 - LEGO Truck Show
42056 - Porche 911 GT3 RS
10252 - Volkswagen Beetle
I'm not sure I can pick 3, though. I keep going back and forth on which one would get the top spots. They're so different in nature it's tough to compare!
DaveE
Agreed. I found it difficult and I would change the Awards if it were up to me. I'd come up with some categories and junk in order to cover themes and packaging types, price points, etc., hmmm...maybe an Annual Brickset Brickademy Awards?