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Saturday, April 30, 2016

Video : LEGO® Technic - 42056 Porsche 911 GT3 RS -20160430

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5wy0YhCuuA

http://brickset.com/article/20854/technic-42056-porsche-911-gt3-rs




Discover the iconic Porsche 911 GT3 RS!
Experience the iconic Porsche 911 GT3 RS with this authentic LEGO Technic replica. Inside the box you’ll discover a special collector’s book chronicling the history of LEGO Technic and Porsche GT cars, together with 4 original-design rims bearing the RS emblem.
The sets of elements are boxed, and the building sequence gives an insight into the real-life vehicle’s assembly process. The model features detailed, orange bodywork, red suspension springs, detailed headlights, taillights, brake calipers and rims with low-profile tires.
The accessible cockpit features a detailed dashboard, working gearbox, steering wheel with gearshift paddles, racing seats and a glove compartment containing a unique serial number.
Functions include opening doors and hood with storage compartment and suitcase, and an opening rear lid that houses a detailed flat 6 engine with moving pistons.
This 1:8 scale model has been designed to provide an immersive and rewarding building experience
  • Features authentically designed aerodynamic bodywork, adjustable rear spoiler, headlights and taillights, red suspension springs, original-design rims with RS emblem, detailed brake calipers, low-profile tires, working gearbox, working steering wheel with gearshift paddles, detailed seating, glove compartment with unique model serial number, opening doors, opening hood containing a suitcase, and an opening rear lid with detailed flat 6 engine.
  • Includes a collection of authentic stickers.
  • Check out the orange color scheme.
  • Open the doors to access the detailed cockpit.
  • Lift the rear lid to access the detailed flat 6 engine with moving pistons.
  • Open the glove compartment to reveal the unique serial number.
  • Delivered in luxurious box packaging.
  • Includes a special full-color collector’s book including the history of LEGO® Technic and Porsche GT cars, plus comprehensive building instructions.
  • This LEGO Technic model is designed to provide an immersive and rewarding building experience.
  • This set includes over 2,700 pieces.
  • This set offers an age-appropriate building experience for ages 16+.
  • Porsche 911 GT3 RS measures over 6” (17cm) high, 22” (57cm) long and 9” (25cm) wide.

Monday, April 25, 2016

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Metro 20% storewide : 20160415-17

<ADV>Celebrate Metro 59th Anniversary with 20% off storewide + 5% Metro$ with Metro-UOB Card, 15-17 Apr! More deals @ bit.ly/M59Ctlg. SMS UNMT to 79777 to unsub

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

History : Collectable Minifigures

In Feburary of 2010, LEGO 8683-0: LEGO Minifigures Series 1 hit our shores. Since then, it has been 6 years and today, we are all looking forward to the release of CMF Disney in May 2016.

Release Date Description SKU RRP Sets Per Carton
2010 Feb Series 1 8683 3.9 3
2010 Aug Series 2 8684 3.9 3
2011 Jan Series 3 8803 3.9 2
2011 Apr Series 4 8804 3.9 2
2011 Sep Series 5 8805 4.5 3
2012 Jan Series 6 8827 4.5 3
2012 May Series 7 8831 4.9 3
2012 Sep Series 8 8833 4.9 3
2013 Jan Series 9 71000 4.9 2
2013 May Series 10 71001 4.9 2
2013 Sep Series 11 71002 4.9 2
2014 Feb The LEGO Movie 71004 4.9 2
2014 May Simpsons 71005 4.9 3
2014 Sep Series 12 71007 4.9 3
2015 Jan Series 13 71008 4.9 3
2015 May Simpsons2 71009 4.9 3
2015 Sep Series 14 - Monsters 71010 4.9 3
2015 Jan Series 15 71011 5.5 3

Nov 2014 : Met up with one of my friend to pass him his CMF. Yes, i have a group of regulars whom i help form sets of CMF for. They do not bargain with me about the price and in turn, i give them the best price i can. I was puzzled why the introduction of imitation CMF series 1 was driving the the price of CMF up instead of down. This friend of mine is in the financial sector and i hope from his perspective, i can get a better understanding.

Here is my friend's take (in my understanding):
People who start late in CMF are staying just outside the door due to the high price of series 1 and 2. You can choose to move on in later series without series 1 and 2, but completist will opt to not even start.

With the introduction of imitation Series 1, they can overcome this and step into the world of CMF.
However, the evil part comes. Even though imitation LEGO has comes very close, there is still a gap. refer to the link below. Pretty detailed comparison guide.
http://mybrickstore.blogspot.sg/2014/12/imitation-of-lego-collectible.html

When you put the entire series together, one day, the difference in quality will bug you enough to bite the bullet and just go for the original.

Some might think why does the current price of series 1 and 2 differ so much from the later sets? If its due the the first being lesser, shouldnt it only be series 1 that sees the price increment instead of both 1 and 2? Well, as to that series 1 is still ard double the price of Series 2. At the same time, for Series 1 and 2, you wont need to damage the packaging to find out that is the content of the packet. You can just scan the bar code that is printed on the back. LEGO stopped that practise when it came to series 3 and used bump codes instead.

Series 3, 4, 5 made thier way into 7-11 all ard Singapore. An overproduction perhaps and they needed a wider way to capture more consumers. Also the adjustment in assortment really turned up the heat for ppl to complete thier set with as little extras as possible. No one wants to have to pay for close to half a box of extras.

Series 7 and 8 had an unusually short run for some reason.

Series 9 was an experiment to see if they can repackage the series to sell better. In the process of that, they adjusted a carton to hold 2 sets and release half cartons to poor consumers who couldnt find anyone to share a carton. Strangely, the half cartons never came to Singapore.

Series 10 was the killer. The release of Mr Gold has brought alot of unsightly behaviours to the surface. Sadly, I didnt had the chance to get him. It killed off alot of completists collectors who are unwilling pay the secondary market in order to complete thier collection.

When series 11 came, a number of collectors has already fallen off the train.

The LEGO Movie series brought some new collectors into the game. Ppl who watched the LEGO Movie rekindled their feelings for LEGO and went back into the hobby. CMF LEGO Movie was a very good way to get back into the feel due to its low cost.

Series 14 was the first series to have a theme. Monsters. I love it. Goes extremely well with monster fighter theme.

Series 15 sees a price increase. Just before the Disney series is released... *plays conspiracy music*

Along the way, some interesting things happened. Suddenly mascots gain popularity with some of them having a 10x price increase. And with demand, our favourite imitator came into picture! http://mybrickstore.blogspot.sg/2015/01/imitation-of-lego-collectible.html

Some of you might ask if you have miss the release, will you be able to get the character again without paying premium? In fact, the Chicken-Suit Guy was given away as a free gift this year when you purchased $80 worth of LEGO.

4 Minifig packs were released.
http://brickset.com/sets/theme-Collectable-Minifigures/subtheme-Combi-pack
Beach - Everyone remains the same.
Halloween - Witch remains the same, Zombie got a colour change.
Rock Band - Every one gets a colour change!!!

Cheerleader and Skater got re-released in Brick Calendar.
http://brickset.com/sets/853195-1/Brick-Calendar

One theory that i had. CMF and Modulars are 2 opposites. Modulars, in order to have the attention fully on the building, gives all its resident minifigs classic face. CMF wise, gives every minifig a different face along with different accessories.

Hopefully, Disney series will bring a new bunch of collectors into the fray again.





Sunday, April 10, 2016

LEGO 21305 Maze review - 20160411

Currently available at LCS stores at RRP of $129.9/
 
Set number: 21305-1
Name: Maze
Set type: Normal
Theme group: Miscellaneous
Theme: Ideas
Subtheme: Miscellaneous
Year released: 2016
Tags: Castle /  Multibuild
Pieces: 769
Age range: 10+
Packaging: Box
Availability: Retail - limited
Notes: Based on project "Labyrinth Marble Maze" by user 'JKBrickworks'.
Description:
Display your skill and creativity with this 2-in-1 customizable Maze!
Build the classical-style maze and make it as challenging as you dare. Turn the wheels on the side to tilt the maze and guide the ball past the traps. Then rebuild it into a medieval-themed maze or create your own unique maze challenges inspired by tips from the set's LEGO® fan designer in the included booklet. A removable ball container and travel lock also mean you can take the Maze wherever you go!
  • The 2-in-1 Maze features a customizable maze system, wheel-operated tilt mechanism (incorporating LEGO® Technic axles and lift arms), built-in removable ball container with 4 orange balls, and a travel lock.
  • Rebuild the classical maze for an alternative medieval-theme maze.
  • The classical-style maze includes green ‘start' tiles, red ‘finish' tiles and divider elements.
  • The medieval-style maze includes assorted buildable cottages, a buildable archway and castle, plus divider and tree elements.
  • Turn the wheels to control the tilt and avoid the traps to complete each maze challenge.
  • Customize either maze to make it as simple or challenging as you dare.
  • Attach the ball container under the maze and apply the travel lock for safe transit.
  • Includes a booklet with building instructions for the classical and medieval-style mazes, plus inspirational tips for alternative builds from the fan designer of the maze.
  • This set offers an age-appropriate building and play experience forages 10 and over.
  • Maze measures over 2” (7cm) high, 10” (27cm) wide and 10” (26cm) deep.
 



I have no idea who designed the box. but if you are going to make a box of this size, the least you can to is to make it possible to house the completed set like how minecraft microworld can do it.





First layer of the maze. I like how tiles are used to strengthen the structure.
 
 
At this point, please make sure all the moving parts can move smoothly. otherwise, you might need to dismantle almost everything to rectify any issues.



 

 
The parts in the bowl are the parts for the alternate map.

 
Below is another way of building the part above. I find the method below to be more stable. If you know why the above method is used over the one below, kindly inform me.
 

Monday, April 4, 2016

Shopee code compilation 201604 ~[PUPPIES] $15 - $5 ~[MIDWEEK] $15 - $5 ~[CMFS15] $5 - $2 ~[PLAY] $6 - $3 ~[MONDAYBLUES] $6 - $3 ~[SURPRISE] $15 - $5

http://shopee.sg/mobile/

Here is  a compilation of the codes you can use. Do take note that each code can only be redeemed once.
Latest Code


~[PUPPIES] $15 - $5
~[MIDWEEK] $15 - $5
~[CMFS15] $5 - $2 : http://mall.shopee.sg/item/?sid=10508&iid=11542503  
~[PLAY] $6 - $3
~[MONDAYBLUES] $6 - $3
~[SURPRISE] $15 - $5

Here is a slight explaination of how shopee works so that we can iron out all misunderstandings. I have my share of hiccups since my store opened.
1. Buyer Place Order - applying of promo codes are done here.
2. Shopee alerts Seller and give Buyer 3 days to make payment.
3. Buyer's Action
- Buyer makes payment and Shopee informs seller to ship.
- Buyer makes payment and clicks on items recieved : This will allow Shopee to instantly process payment to Seller.
- Buyer forgets about it and Shopee cancels the transaction; this part Sellers have no control over and Buyer might lose the promo code.
4. Seller ships items
5. Buyer's Action
- Buyer needs to acknowledge that the good are received
- or apply for extension of date
- If no action from the Buyer, it is assumed that the Buyer has received the items after 7 days and will auto close.
6. Shopee will release payment to the Seller. which will take quite a few days.
Here are a few points to take note of.
- Sellers do not see how much the buyer is paying, what kind or how much savings you managed to offset using codes is not controlled or even seen by the seller.
- Payment settlement takes very long; please do not hold back the seller by buying something and not collecting. True that you paid for the items, but the Seller wont receive anything til much later. if you wish to create an unfavourable environment for the Sellers, they will simply list at a slower pace to have more payments clearing before listing more.
- Regardless of how many account or how many codes the Buyer is using, its the Buyer putting in effort to save as much as possible. Sellers don't have to adjust your pricing accordingly. You are not LLM.
A Seller Buyer relationship can be a cooperative one. We don't have to kill one another. Think Win-Win.