History : Modulars

http://brickset.com/sets/theme-Advanced-Models/subtheme-Modular-Buildings

2007 : 10182-1 Cafe Corner
2008 : 10185-1 Green Grocer
2009 : 10197-1 Fire Brigade
2010 : 10211-1 Grand Emporium
2011 : 10218-1 Pet Shop
2012 : 10224-1 Town Hall
2013 : 10232-1 Palace Cinema
2014 : 10243-1 Parisian Restaurant
2015 : 10246-1 Detective's Office
2016 : 10251-1 Brick Bank
2017 : 10255-1: Assembly Square 

When I first started seriously collecting LEGO in 2009, i was still able to see some Cafe Corners and Green Grocers on the shelf. It was going for ard $240. I looked at it but didnt getting it as i was more intent on getting my old castle ninja series. There was a saying among LEGO collectors, "Always look forward, Never look back." Never would i expect that i would learn this the hard way.

Looking back from today, after a series of beating myself over the head, regret, remorse, i'm glad i opted for the ninja series. Firstly, it was something i really liked. Secondly, this gives me a real life example of a true story i can tell to newbie fans. ALWAY LOOK FORWARD, NEVER LOOK BACK. unless you can afford and really like it.

Someone ask me to ask someone to let me have a set as they have multiples of it. however, i wish not to impose this on anyone. It would be a great gift to me.

Now that the introduction is done, lets go into the history of modulars.

Let's resolve a conflict or at least try to better understand it. Some would argue that my list above was wrong, there is no Market Street in it. Some will say that 2012 : 10230-1 Mini Modulars has Market Street, its a confirmation that Market Street is a Modular. I would say it depends on which side are you looking from. Market Street is a fan created set under the line of Factory. (Factory went on to become Cucsoo and today its called Ideas.) The idea of modular building gave birth to the series of Creator Modular Buildings.

Modulars have a large piece count of above 2000 pieces and the set will have some exclusive parts at the point of release. As the interest point of the set is on its building instead of minifig, all Modular minifig will only come with classic face so that they do not draw attention away. Total opposite of CMF which there wont be 2 minifigs with the same face. This is why Market Street isn't a Modular, even though it is what started the Modular series

2007 : 10182-1 Cafe Corner
The first in the series. Usually the first and second set of a new series will have a low production run. and depending on the response will determine the production. CMF series 1 and 2 also had a low production and it was followed by an over production in series 3 4 5.

Dark Red Slope 75 2 x 1 x 3 - Hollow Stud
Dark Bluish Gray Frog
Light Bluish Gray Container, Trash Can with 2 Cover Holders 

One of the complaints that the fans had was that lack of furnitures which resulted in the later series to be all filled.


2008 : 10185-1 Green Grocer

White Window 1 x 2 x 3 Train
Sand Green Brick, Modified 1 x 2 with Groove
Sand Green Brick 1 x 8


2009 : 10197-1 Fire Brigade

Yellow Hose, Rigid 3mm D. 19L / 15.2cm
Black Brick, Modified 1 x 4 x 1 1/3 No Studs, Curved Top
Black Cone 2 x 2 x 2 - Completely Open Stud
Black Panel 1 x 4 x 1
Black Vehicle, Steering Wheel Small, 2 Studs Diameter
Tan Minifig, Utensil Bag Messenger Pouch
Red Brick, Arch 1 x 3 x 2 Curved Top
Red Panel 1 x 4 x 1
Red Garage Roller Door Section without Handle
Red Bracket 1 x 2 - 1 x 4
Metallic Gold Minifig, Utensil Dish 3 x 3
Metallic Gold Minifig, Headgear Fire Helmet
Metallic Gold Tile 1 x 2 with Groove
Light Bluish Gray Brick, Arch 1 x 5 x 4 - Continuous Bow
Light Bluish Gray Vehicle, Grille 1 x 2 x 2 2/3 Sloping 

One of the times i remembered strongly was when Amazon still ships LEGO to Singapore, and this was on the list. You can get this set for ard 40% off its RRP.
 




2010 : 10211-1 Grand Emporium

Black Support 2 x 2 x 10 Girder Triangular Vertical - Type 3 - 3 Posts, 2 Sections 
Black Hose, Rigid 3mm D. 15L / 12cm
Tan Brick, Arch 1 x 3 x 2
Dark Green Brick, Round Corner 3 x 3 x 2 Dome Top
Dark Green Window 1 x 2 x 2 Flat Front 
Light Bluish Gray Plate, Round Corner 4 x 4 
Trans-Clear Brick, Modified 1 x 1 with Headlight 
White Slope 65 2 x 2 x 2 with Bottom Tube with Layered Dress with Medium Blue Skirt and Gold Belt Pattern 
White Plant Flower 2 x 2 Rounded - Open Stud


2011 : 10218-1 Pet Shop

Tan Window 1 x 2 x 2 2/3 with Rounded Top
Bright Green Plate, Round 1 x 1 with Flower Edge (4 Knobs)
Orange Fish 
Yellow Plant Flower Small, 4 on Sprue 
Bright Light Orange Plate, Round 1 x 1 with Flower Edge (4 Knobs)
Light Bluish Gray Brick, Arch 1 x 6 x 2 - Thick Top with Reinforced Underside 
Reddish Brown Plate, Round 1 x 1 with Flower Edge (4 Knobs) 
Sand Blue Brick, Modified 1 x 2 with Groove
Pearl Light Gray Belville Bucket with Handle Holes
White Fence Spindled 1 x 4 x 2 with 2 Studs 
White Minifig, Utensil Saucepan
 

2012 : 10224-1 Town Hall

Black Slope 75 2 x 2 x 2 Quadruple Convex
Black Minifig, Hair Female with Top Knot Bun and Forelock
Black Garage Roller Door Section with Handle
Black Dish 4 x 4 Inverted (Radar) with Clock Face Pattern
Dark Orange Brick, Modified 1 x 2 Log
Dark Orange Brick 1 x 6
Dark Orange Brick 1 x 8
Dark Orange Brick, Arch 1 x 4
Dark Orange Brick, Arch 1 x 8 x 2
Dark Orange Brick, Modified 1 x 1 with Stud on 1 Side
Light Bluish Gray Plate 6 x 24
Light Bluish Gray Minifig, Shield Triangular with Town Hall Pattern
Reddish Brown Brick, Modified 1 x 1 with Studs on 2 Sides
Reddish Brown Minifig, Hair Female Ponytail and Swept Sideways Fringe
White Torso Wedding Dress with Necklace Pattern / White Arms / Yellow Hands
White Minifig, Beard, Medium Short

There was a very strong demand for this set. There were alot of theories as to why the shortage? Some say got more ppl speculating on LEGO, investors, hoarders, flippers and whatsoever.
Let me tell you the real reason for the shortage.
Sergio512 designed Ghost buster HQ; It can be built using 1 set of Townhall and he is giving the instructions free!


GBHQ Story 
GBHQ Ideas 
GBHQ instructions 

There was a fierce struggle for stock between GB fans and Modulars fans which resulted in a strong demand for the set. 
 


2013 : 10232-1 Palace Cinema

Red Baseplate 32 x 32
Medium Blue Plate 6 x 10
Medium Blue Plate 2 x 16
Dark Tan Tile 2 x 2 with Gold Star with Brick in Center Pattern

The first modular to be priced reasonably locally.
 

2014 : 10243-1 Parisian Restaurant

Black Tile 2 x 4 with 'CHEZ ALBERT RESTAURANT' Pattern (10243)
Black Chain, 5 Links
Red Scooter - Body
Light Bluish Gray Baseplate 32 x 32
Dark Red Brick, Round 2 x 2 Dome Bottom
Olive Green Brick 1 x 8
Olive Green Brick 1 x 3
Flat Silver Minifig, Shield Round with Stud and Ring Around Edge
White Croissant
White Tile 2 x 2 with Menu Pattern (10243)




2015 : 10246-1 Detective's Office

Black Tile, Round 2 x 2 with Bottom Stud Holder with Dart Board Pattern
Dark Orange Cone 2 x 2 Truncated
Dark Green Cylinder Hemisphere 4 x 4
Dark Bluish Gray Hero Factory Fist with Axle Hole
Dark Bluish Gray Cat Tail
Bright Light Blue Door Frame 1 x 4 x 6 Type 2
Reddish Brown Baseplate 32 x 32
Medium Blue Brick 1 x 2
White Tile 2 x 2 with 'WANTED' Minifig Front and Side Mugshots Poster Pattern
Trans-Clear Glass for Window 1 x 4 x 6 with 'THE HIGHLANDER' and White Decorative Border Pattern
Trans-Clear Glass for Window 1 x 4 x 3 - Opening with 'ACE BRICKMAN PRIVATE DETECTIVE' Pattern
Torso Open Suit Jacket with White Shirt, Red Tie and Belt Pattern / Sand Blue Arms / Yellow Hands



2016 : 10251-1 Brick Bank
Latest modular.
Light Bluish Gray Minifig, Utensil Gold Ingot (Bar)  and
Light Bluish Gray Minifig, Utensil Key, Ornamented with 1 Stud
Reddish Brown Tile 2 x 2 with Portrait of Male Minifig with Gray Hair, Beard and Black Suit Pattern
Sand Blue Door Frame 1 x 4 x 6 Type 2
Sand Blue Plate, Modified 2 x 2 with Groove and 1 Stud in Center (Jumper)
Sand Blue Tile, Modified 2 x 3 Pentagonal
Sand Green Window 1 x 2 x 3 Flat Front
Sand Green Window 1 x 4 x 1 2/3 with Spoked Rounded Top
Trans-Clear Glass for Window 1 x 4 x 6 with 'OPEN', 'Soap 'n' Suds' and 'Wash - Dry - Fold 24 Hour Service' Sign Pattern
Trans-Clear Glass for Window 1 x 4 x 6 with Ornate Silver Frame and Dark Green and Sand Green Oval Stained Glass Pattern
White Tile 2 x 4 with 'THE BRICK BANK TRUST PAY TO CONTEST WINNER FIVE HUNDRED STUDS' Check Pattern


2017 : 10255-1 Assembly Square
Coming modular 

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.