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CzaR

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  1. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #10

    By CzaR,

    We shift to Trains this week...
     
    2150 Train Station

     
    Description: Released in 1996 as a part of the 9 volt train line. Retail price was about $70 Us dollars, today can be found MISB for about 350 bucks. Containing 566 parts and 8 minifigs, it is a big collectors item. The set featured some luggage carts, a mini cafe and boarding times/other info for the minifigs. The interior of the station is kind of basic but you can always snazz it up with more parts.
     
    My take: Never had this set but it would have gone well with my Metroliner train set. It is one of the most sought after train sets, even though there is no train/tracks! I like the overall look of the set, good baseplates and the roof design was well done. Playability increases with a train set of course but the set alone offers alot to do also. Until next week!
  2. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #11

    By CzaR,

    This week I review a set that was perhaps the basis of the Tarakava.
     
    8257 Cyber Strikers

     
    Description: Released in 1998 as a part of the Technic Competition line, retail price was about $30 US dollars. Today can be found MISB for about 50 bucks. Containing 367 parts and 2 minifigs(technic), the set featured some vibrant colors. Clearly, this was the dawn of what would become the Tarakava. The action function is nearly identical, as are the tread and handle designs. What is different is the angle of the extending strike, it is a downward angle aimed at the circular target. There was also a sticker sheet included in the set, adding to the collect-ability of it.
     
    My Take: I will soon have this set as I ordered it MISB. When I came across it in the store years ago I instead bought a Muaka/Kane-Ra set. While I do not regret that I do regret not coming back for this set. It looks to have alot of neat parts in teal and purple, not to mention the unique technic minifigs. It also appears to be fun once built, once you strike the target the pilot is ejected from his seat! All in all this is one of those sets that are low on price but big on play-ability and parts. Until next week.
  3. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #12

    By CzaR,

    NINJA, VANISH!
     
    6093 Flying Ninja Fortress

     
    Description: Released in 1998 as part of the Ninja line. Retail price was about $60 US dollars. Today this set can be purchased MISB for about 200 bucks and has become a collectors item. Containing 654 parts and 9 minifigs. The set featured a distinct eastern style of buildings, ninja gliders, treasure and plenty of katanas! Samurai and Ninja minifigs could be found and there was also one of those horse minifig thingys.
     
    My take: Never had this set, looks like a blast though. I like the domed towers, glider parts and the minifig headgear. I think there was a skeleton minifig in this set also. The Ninja line has been mostly forgotten over the years, most people prefer to collect the classic Castle sets as opposed to this series. Until next week!
  4. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #13

    By CzaR,

    Whew, okay now to the weekly set!
     
    6986 Mission Commander

     
    Description: Released in 1989 as a part of the original Space Police series. Retail price was about $60 US dollars, today can be purchased MISB for 250 bucks. Containing 460 parts and 3 minifigs, the set was one of the first larger spaceship sets made by lego. Features included jail cells for the prisoners, interior elements and the pilot area lifts up to reveal a mini land based vehicle.
     
    My Take: Never had this set but I did want it. I liked the original jail cells better than the second series of space police, these ones had bars instead of a windscreen. The ship itself had alot of neat interior elements like a cargo bay and engine room. Until next week!
  5. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #14

    By CzaR,

    It is that time again!
     
    6395 Victory Lap Raceway

     
    Description: Released in 1988, containing 550 parts, 13 minifigs and retail price was about $70 US dollars. Today can be purchased MISB for about 270 bucks. One of the largest sets of its time, it had many features. Including race cars, grand stands, repair equipment/crew, camera equipment/crew, starting grid and an announcers box. This set was ahead of its time I would say and it has become a collectors item.
     
    My take: Had this set at one time, it was hours upon hours of fun. With all the extra vehicles/minifigs, there was just non-stop playability with this set. Sometimes I would add extra base plates to make a full track, other times I would stage a demolition derby! I really do wish I had kept this set. Until next week!
  6. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #15

    By CzaR,

    Pirates anyone?
     
    6273 Rock Island Refuge

     
    Description: Released in 1991 and retail price was about $50.00 US dollars. Today can be purchased MISB for around 200 dollars. Containing 349 parts and 7 minifigs, the set also had other unique parts like a shark, raft and mini-boat. The baseplate for this set has become quite rare. Features include your typical Pirates stuff, treasure, traps, swords and of course the monkey minifig!
     
    My take: Had this set at one time, lots of fun. I would sometimes re-arrange the build of the set to form one long bridge, then do my best re-creation of that scene from the Temple of Doom! Lots of little details in this set, a frying pan and cooking area. Until next week!
  7. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #16

    By CzaR,

    And away we go!
     
    6085 Black Monarch's Castle

     
    Description: Released in 1988, containing 629 parts and 12 minifigs. Retail price was about $70 US dollars, today can be purchased MISB for a whopping 700 bucks, big time collectors item. This was one of the first of the larger castle sets, from the black knights series. Features include you standard castle stuff, drawbridge, armored minifigs, horses, and the castle can be opened up and closed. Considering it was released in 1988, the set sort of pales in comparision to some of the castle sets today, lacking the catapult, ballistae and other functions. Still it is worth far more than the newer sets being a diamond in the rough.
     
    My take: Never had this set, looks like it could be entertaining. Not a whole lot of functions besides the drawbridge, but this forces you to use your own imagination more! One thing I always did like about classic castle sets was the minifig weaponry, axes, bows, swords and the other stuff like the horses covers. Until next week!
  8. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #17

    By CzaR,

    Yea, yea, I am late I know...
     
    8457 Power Puller

     
    Description: Released in 2000 and retail price was about $100 bucks. Today can be found MISB for around 200 dollars. Containing 979 parts, 1 minifig and the set even came with a VHS video! This set was one of the only lego sets ever released with an instructional video. The main purpose of this was to showcase what the set could pull, heavy items that most motorized sets could not even budge.
     
    My take: Never had this set, wanted it though. It has a ton of useful yellow parts, motors, engine stuff and the biggest tires that lego makes. I really want some of those huge tires but even alone they are expensive! Until next week!
  9. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #18

    By CzaR,

    *Randomly picks set*
     
    7161 Gungan Sub

     
    Description: Released in 1999, retail price was about 40 US dollars. Today can be purchased MISB for around 120 bucks. Containing 366 parts and 3 minifigs, this was one of the earliest Star Wars lego sets made. Everyone wants Jar Jar Binks! Features included a front mounted anchor and some seafloor details.
     
    My take: Almost got this set once, instead I opted for the X-Wing Fighter. Looks like it could be fun to build, minifigs are also quite desirable. It also has the somewhat rare blue anchor part and some neat looking blue tubes swirling down the back. The design there is pretty clever actually. Until next week!
  10. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #19

    By CzaR,

    Space, the final frontier....
     
    6990 Futuron Monorail Transport System

     
    Description: Released in 1988 as part of the Futuron space series, retail price was about 100 bucks. Today can be found MISB for a whopping 800-1000 dollars! Containing 701 parts and 5 minifigs, the set was one of the largest of its time. Features included dual ports for the monorail shuttle, trasport vehicles, lab and the motorized shuttle!
     
    My take: I had this set, I was crushed when I found out it had been given away! I had alot of fun with it, while not as diverse as the Airport Shuttle monorail, this one still had plenty of play ability. Lots of nice parts in this set, trans blue windscreens! Until next week!
  11. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #2

    By CzaR,

    Another week, another classic lego set to be spotlighted, this week it is....
     
    6399 Airport Shuttle

     
    Description: This is one of the few monorail sets ever released by lego and probably the most desired. It was released in 1991 for a suggested retail price of about $179.99 US dollars. In todays market I have seen this set sell for as much as $1700.00 US dollars in a sealed box, clearly one of the most wanted lego sets ever made. Containing 731 parts and 9 minifigs, the set featured the electric powered monorail and a 2 level track. Once built you can load up the tram car with the minifigs and their luggage, then switch on the motor and watch the tram carry them from point A to point B. The tram opens up on one side to reveal seating. The set came with lots of unique stickers and parts, like the food stand seen just below the staircase. You can also switch around the monorail tracks for new configurations.
     
    My take: I used to have this set when I was younger, I am kicking myself now for losing it. Lots of playability could be had with the set, even more so if you have extra monorail tracks. It is rather large when completed so we had a designated area for it to be displayed in the house. I remember one time I made a 3 level track, it was awesome. While I hope to one day own this set again, the price is just staggering, even for a used set.
     
    Until next week....
  12. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #20

    By CzaR,

    Incredible, it has been 20 weeks since this began. Where does the time go?
     
    5540 Formula 1 Racer

     
    Description: Released in 1986 as a part of the Model Team series. Containing 451 parts and retail price was about 50 dollars. Today can be found MISB for about 200 bucks. This was one of the very first Model Team sets, in which lego decided to take a new direction with building sets. Lots of nice details, including an engine with removable cover, steering controls, stickers and an alternate model.
     
    My take: This was one of my earliest lego sets, I was but 5 years old when I got it so I had some trouble building it, most complex for one so young! When I did finally get it built, I was so proud of myself I brought it to school on show and tell day. Needless to say I was the talk of the classroom that day. Until next week!
  13. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #21

    By CzaR,

    And in the spirit of the holiday season....
     
    1628 Santa Sleigh with Reindeer

     
    Description: Released in 1989, retail price was about 5 bucks. Today can be found MISB for about 22 dollars. Containing 63 parts, this set was one of the first to pair your blocky santa with your blocky reindeer!
     
    My take: Not a whole lot to elaborate on here, other than it is a cute set. Until next week, and merry christmas!
  14. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #22

    By CzaR,

    This will be the last one of this year!
     
    3409 Championship Challenge

     
    Description: Released in 2000 as a part of the lego soccer series, at a retail price of about 60 bucks. Today can be found MISB for about the same price, as its value has not changed very much. The reason is probably because there is a special edition of this set that features orange minifigures, which sells for double the amount of this set. Containing 248 parts and 12 minifigs, the set has all you need for an exciting lego soccer game. The goalies can be moved with the lever behind the nets seen above. Lots of stickers to be applied also.
     
    My take: I never had a large soccer set, only the smaller ones. This looks like a blast though, I did have a larger lego basketball set and it was alot of fun while it lasted. I would imagine a lego soccer game would be played at a faster pace, thus making it more challenging and fun maybe. Plus you could always add the field expander parts to the set, making a soccer field as big or small as you like. Until next week (year)!
  15. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #23

    By CzaR,

    First of the new year!
     
    6977 Arachnoid Star Base

     
    Description: Released in 1998 as a part of the Insectoids series, this was the largest set of the line. Retail price was about 60 bucks then, now can be found MISB for about 100 dollars. Containing 419 parts and 4 minifigs, the set had alot of those neat trans blue and green parts. Also featured were light and sound which the stinger part emits.
     
    My take: I wanted this set as it has lots of trans colored goodies. I think that light and sound parts are getting more and more in demand. It looks like you could roll it or have it take flight for playability. Until next week!
  16. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #24

    By CzaR,

    Im feeling Technic-ish this week.
     
    8448 Super Street Sensation

     
    Description: Released in 1999, containing 1437 parts. Retail price then was about 100 dollars, since then it has become a big collectors item and now sells MISB for about 300 bucks! This was one of the first technic sets to feature a whole new level of details, including rack and pinion steering, motor, wing doors and several alternate models to be built.
     
    My take: This has become one of the most desired technic sets out there, I really should have bought it when I had the chance to. I really like the part selection of this set, there are technic parts of just about every type to be found in it. Until next week!
  17. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #25

    By CzaR,

    3...2...1...Liftoff!
     
    6339 Shuttle Launch Pad

     
    Description: Released in 1995 as part of the Town series. Containing 547 parts and 4 minifigs, retail price was about 50 bucks. Today can be bought MISB for 200 dollars, a collectable set to be sure. Features included a detachable rocket booster, working crane, shuttle interior and launch command area. The crane can be used to pull in the shuttle, connecting with the rockets.
     
    My take: I had this set at one time. It was actually alot of fun, the shuttle interior is detailed, and the crane can be used for other things than just pulling in the shuttle. It has skyrocketed in value, oh how I wish I had never opened it. Until next week!
  18. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #26

    By CzaR,

    Surfs up dudes!
     
    6595 Surf Shack

     
    Description: Released in 1993 as a part of the recreational town series. Retail price then was about 8 bucks, today can be purchased MISB for around 30 dollars. Containing 80 parts and 3 minifigs.
     
    My take: Never had the set, not too much to elaborate on here. It is a surfers shack, looks like there is a rack for the surf boards and life jackets. Possibly some condiments behind the shack there, looks like a ketchup and mustard holder. Until next week.
  19. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #27

    By CzaR,

    Im banking on this one...
     
    1490 Lego Bank

     
    Description: Released in 1988 and retail price was about 20 dollars. Containing 174 parts and 3 minifigs, can be found MISB today for anywhere between 400 and 1000 dollars, this is one of the rarest lego sets ever made.
     
    My take: What makes this set so rare? I honestly have no idea, I guess it was one of those forgotten sets that just did not sell very well or was limited in quantity. Playability looks pretty limited, you can probably stage a bank robbery or something, but why would you even want to touch this set? If I had it I would seal it air tight and tuck it away! Until next week!
  20. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #28

    By CzaR,

    Who is ready for the great outdoors!
     
    6552 Rocky River Retreat

     
    Description: Released in 1993 and retailing for about 30 dollars, can be found today MISB for about 70 bucks. Containing 232 parts and 2 minifigs, this was one of the recreational series.
     
    My take: Looks like this set has it all for the outdoorsman lego fan. I like the selection of minifig tools in this set, metal detector, broom, frying pan and so on. It also comes with a cowgirl minifig and a steed! Until next week!
  21. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #29

    By CzaR,

    Lets play cops and robbers!
     
    6755 Sheriff's Lock Up

     
    Description: Released in 1996 and retail price was about 20 bucks. Today can be found MISB for about 70 bucks. Containing 159 parts and 4 minifigs. The set was released as a part of the lego Western/Cowboy series.
     
    My take: Showdown at high noon! This looks like a cool set, the jail cell blown open, as seen in the image there with a cute little dynamite system tile, my how lego has evolved now with the Power Miners dynamite . Until next week young rustlers!
  22. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #3

    By CzaR,

    This week I introduce another classic set. After some consideration I decided on....
     
    5590 Whirl N' Wheel Super Truck

     
    Description: From the Model Team series, this was the largest set from that line. Released in 1990 and retailing for about $100.00 US dollars, it can be bought today new and sealed for $400-600 dollars! Quite a collectors item. Containing 1062 parts, the set featured several functions. Most notable is the steering of the semi truck, the extra wheel on the rear of it can be used to steer it. Once built you could remove the trailer from the hitch and load/reload the helicopter, which has spinning propellers. Both models are loaded with details, notice the windshield wipers in the semi truck and the interior of both models. There were many unique parts in this set, from the doors to the windshields and everything in between.
     
    My take: Yes, yet another rare and valuable set I once owned and lost. Gosh I just hate myself now. This set was a blast to play with, sometimes I would use my technic minifig to pilot or drive the models. It is quite large when completed and I got many comments from visitors to our house when it sat on our shelf. One day I even took it to school for show and tell, I was the star of the day! Of course I would love to own this set again, but of course the price is just too high for me to be buying it. Ah well I suppose I can always dream.
     
    Until next week....
  23. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #30

    By CzaR,

    Rare set alert!
     
    6067 Guarded Inn

     
    Description: Released in 1986 as a part of the Lion Knights series, retail price was about 20 dollars. Can be found today MISB for a whopping 300 bucks! The reason is that this set was a limited release, therefore has become very rare 23 years later! Containing 228 parts and 4 minifigs, the set is your basic middle ages pub/inn.
     
    My take: Oh how I wish I had gotten this set. it would have complimented my Forestmen sets nicely. Not to mention it is worth a ton of cash now. Until next week!
  24. CzaR
    As a seller of lego worldwide, I can relate to this weeks classic set!
     
    6375 Trans Air Carrier

     
    Description: Released in 1990, retailing at about 20 dollars. Can be bought today MISB for about 100 dollars! Containing 200 parts and 2 minifigs, the set is your basic cargo airplane.
     
    My take: I had this set! I really enjoyed it too, there is a working forklift and cargo car, the plane opens up to load/unload and the front wheels can swivel for easy landings. Until next week!
  25. CzaR
    Today we showcase one of the great retro space sets!
     
    6940 Alien Moon Stalker

     
    Description: Released in 1986, retail price was around 30 dollars. Can be purchased MISB today for about 200 dollars, a collectors item to be certain. Containing 253 parts and 2 minifigs, this was one of the first of the larger classic space vehicle sets. Features include pivoting windshields, swivel-action legs and a moving claw on the backside of the vehicle.
     
    My take: I had this set, it was one of my very first lego sets if I recall correctly. I sure did have fun with this one, it was loaded with many features I had never seen before. When I first realized that the legs actually move I was like wow, this set is just too cool. Many moon adventures I had, until next week!
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