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CzaR

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Blog Entries posted by CzaR

  1. CzaR
    This time we are going way, way back...
     
    396 Thatcher Perkins Locomotive

     
    Description: Released clear back in 1976 as a part of the hobby series. Containing 438 parts, this set is actually quite detailed given its age. Retail price back then was a mere 10 bucks, today it goes MISB for around 400 dollars, collectors take note!
     
    My take: When I first saw this set, I figured it was old, but not 33 years old, so I figured I would spotlight it for # 33. Once built, I suppose you could throw in some minifigs and enhance the fun factor of it. Until next week!
  2. CzaR
    Im pooh, where is muh hunny?
     
    2988 Surprise for Eeyore

     
    Description: Released in 1999 as a part of the duplo line. Retail price was about 20 bucks, can be found today MISB for about the same amount, not really a collectors item. Containing 28 parts and 3 minifigs, this was your classic pooh bear experience. How cute!
     
    My take: Well, what can I say here, there are duplo bricks, and pooh character figs. Loads of fun for the little ones I am sure, until next week!
  3. CzaR
    It has been a long time coming, trans orange chainsaws!
     
    6983 Ice Station Odyssey

     
    Description: Released in 1993 as a part of the Ice Planet line. Retail price was about 50 dollars, can be found MISB today for about 100 bucks. Containing 325 parts and 3 minifigs. This set was the largest of the Ice Planet series, comes with a nifty looking baseplate and large trans orange domes. Of course, the chainsaws and skis are there also.
     
    My take: This looks like one of the sets I should have gotten. The rockets have magnets on them and attach to the robotic arms seen there, cool. The ice planet minifigs are some of the most visually alluring ones, with their trans orange visors. This set manages to do alot with 325 parts, keeping playability over a long time. Until next week!
  4. CzaR
    Im going to be a big softie today.
     
    9020 Soft Starter Set

     
    Description: Released in 1998 as a part of the educational/dacta line. Containing 84 parts, retail price was about 100 dollars back in 1998. This has become a big time collectors item, selling for as much as 400 bucks MISB now! The bricks are quite large as you can see and some of them have the classic eye and smile pattern on them.
     
    My take: What fun! Huge soft bricks! I wish I had known this set existed about 10 years ago, I would have got a whole bunch of them and made my own bed of lego! I do however have 6 of those 2x2 green bricks on order though, so I am not at a total loss. Until next week!
  5. CzaR
    Medic please!
     
    6380 Emergency Treatment Center

     
    Description: Released in 1987 at a retail price of 25 dollars. Can be purchased today MISB for 200-300 dollars depending on condition, a collectors item! Containing 288 parts and 5 minfigs, the set was your basic hospital themed set.
     
    My take: I had this! Sadly it was lost in time, if only I still had it now! The set itself is straight forward, but when paired with a few other classic city sets you can have more fun. Until next week.
  6. CzaR
    Quick, to the jetty!
     
    6540 Pier Police

     
    Description: Released in 1991 at a retail price of 25 dollars, can be purchased MISB today for about 160 dollars. Containing 333 parts and 4 minifigs, this set was part of the harbor/nautica line. Features include 2 boats and 2 vehicles.
     
    My take: I cannot fully remember if I had this set or not, but I think I did. As I recall it was fun, having the cops in a high speed boat chase to get the bad guys. As with most sets from this time, when paired with another type of city set you can really enhance the playability of this one. Until next week!
  7. CzaR
    Okay, now that I am back on track here, it is time for the usual Tuesday entry. Getting ready for the big race!
     
    6355 Derby Trotter

     
    Description: Released in 1989 for a retail price of about 15 dollars. Today goes MISB for about 80 bucks. Containing 136 parts and 1 minifig, this was your classic wealthy rider/steed set.
     
    My take: Never had this set, I did see it in the store though. Should have bought it then I suppose. This is one of those sets that border on Belville-ish themed. This set also featured some of those nifty trans clear technic pulleys, which are quite rare and expensive now. Until next week!
  8. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #4

    By CzaR,

    As I will be out to the zoo tomorrow, this weeks set comes a day early!
     
    6984 Galactic Mediator

     
    Description: The largest set from the second series of Space Police. Released in 1992 and retailing for about $70.00 US dollars, today it can be found MISB for $200-500 dollars and is quite rare. Containing 387 parts and 3 minifigs, the set featured 2 prison cell blocks, a small rover vehicle and the front of the ship could be divided from the rear. Once built the cell blocks are held snugly in between the 2 rear wings and can be taken out as they pivot slightly. There are several tools to be found in the ship and lots of neat little details.
     
    My take: Once again, I used to own this set, it was a gift from my mother when I was ill in the hospital. Lots of playability to be had as you can take prisoners, repair the ship or detach the front of it in case of an emerency escape/capture mission. I really like the series 2 color scheme and minifigs also, the commander had shoulder pads and the dark green visors were a nice touch.
     
    Until next week...
  9. CzaR
    At 40, we have hit a milestone!
     
    6276 Eldorado Fortress

     
    Description: Released in 1989 at a retail price of about 50 dollars. This set has become one of the most rare, and most desired in MISB condition, and can fetch anywhere between 500 and 800 bucks now! Containing 462 parts and 8 minifigs, this was part of the Pirates/Imperial Armada series. The largest of the armada themed sets, this is truly a collectors item.
     
    My take: I could of had this set, instead I opted for the Black Seas Barracuda, shame on me I suppose. The set features firing cannons, a moblie crane like device, 2 life boats and a prison. Minifigs include captian red beard and one of his co-horts, the imperial admiral and soldiers, complete with minifig weaponry. Looks like it could be fun to mess with, a bit basic by todays standards but back in 1989 Im sure it was not. Until next week!
  10. CzaR
    Where is my mummy?
     
    5909 Treasure Raiders with Mummy Container

     
    Description: Released in 1998 at a retail price of 30 bucks, sells MISB today for about 130 bucks and has become a collectors item. Containing 172 parts, 5 minifigs and the storage container, this was part of the lego adventures desert theme. This set is identical to 2879, Desert Expedition, but this is the special edition with the storage container.
     
    My Take: First of all, I want the storage container, it alone is worth about 30 bucks and looks cool. The set itself is straight forward, there are a couple vehicles and a tomb to be explored. The palm tree parts are always good to have on hand and it comes with one of those scorpion things. Until next week!
  11. CzaR
    Another week, another set.
     
    8458 Silver Champion

     
    Description: Released in 2000 at a retail price of about 80 dollars. Can be found today MISB for about 250 bucks, a collectable and desired set. Containing 1431 parts, this was a big set. It is your standard large technic model, with gears, engine and the like. This set also features the big fancy tires that are most expensive.
     
    My Take: Should of got this one, it is worth a load of cash now. With all those parts, there are plenty of alternate models to make with it, adding to the playability of it. Mounting a motor on it could make for even more fun! Until next week!
  12. CzaR
    Runway 3, you are clear for takeoff!
     
    6396 International Jetport

     
    Description: Released in 1990 for about 60 bucks, this set sells today MISB for about 280 dollars, rare and collectable. Containing 508 parts and 8 minifigs, this set was the newer version of the original airport set released in 1985. It improved upon the older one in many ways, including a control tower and more baseplates.
     
    My Take: This set was always on my wanted list, never did get it though. I like the large trans light blue panels in this set. Once built it looks as if you could have hours of fun with it, the airplane opens up so you can get your minifigs settled in and buckled up for takeoff. Until next week!
  13. CzaR
    If a tree falls in the forest....
     
    6079 Dark Forest Fortress

     
    Description: Released in 1996 for about 35 dollars. Sells MISB today for a whopping 250 bucks, collectors item for sure. Containing 430 parts and 7 minifigs, this set was part of the limited castle dark forest series, which included a total of only 3 sets.
     
    My take: This looks like your basic forestmen sets, but with a more castle like theme to it. That said, I like the baseplate in this set and the minifigs are all a bit pricey in todays market. Until next week!
  14. CzaR
    Who likes bugs?
     
    2490 Insectoids Combo Set

     
    Description: This was a promotional set that was only released in the UK at Woolworths in 1998. Containing 2 insectoid sets and a life sized insect mask, the set price was about 20 bucks then. Today this item has become ultra rare and MISB this can sell for upwards of 250 dollars, big time collectors item.
     
    My take: Well, I never had a chance at getting this set, still I want the mask though. That could make for a neat MoC if you could somehow build around it. Until next week!
  15. CzaR
    Red 5 this is gold leader...
     
    7191 UCS X-Wing Fighter

     
    Description: Released in 2000 as part of the Star Wars UCS line, this massive set retailed for about 120 bucks. Today buying this collectors item MISB will cost you a whopping 500-600 bucks! Containing 1296 parts and 1 minifig, this set has become the most desired and valued UCS Star Wars set next to only the Rebel Blockade Runner. Even used this set can sell for upwards of 300 bucks!
     
    My Take: I was in TRU 9 years ago, looking at this set and the UCS Tie Interceptor. Oh how I wish I had not passed on them, this set is pretty much the holy grail of UCS lego sets. Seeing it sell for these absurd prices now gets me feeling all depressed. Ah well, until next week!
  16. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #48

    By CzaR,

    Lets discover the Arctic this week:
     
    6573 Arctic Expedition

     
    Description: Released in 2000 for a retail price of about 12 dollars, today it goes MISB for slightly more, about 20 bucks. Containing 111 parts and 2 minifigs, this set was part of the system arctic series.
     
    My take: I like the minifig accessories in this set, like the blue globe and parka, though I am not sure why there is a trans green spider to be found in the arctic!
  17. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #49

    By CzaR,

    On the road again...
     
    5580 Highway Rig

     
    Description: Released in 1986 at a retail price of about 40 dollars, this set became a big collectors item and now sells for about 500 dollars new and sealed. Containing 667 parts, this was one of the first sets using system on top of technic. Part of the Model Team line.
     
    My take: I had this set, complete, and lost it in time. So sad, good memories though!
  18. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #5

    By CzaR,

    This week I feature another truly classic set.
     
    6285 Black Seas Barracuda

     
    Description: This was the largest set from the first series of lego pirates. Released in 1989 and retailing for around $80.00 US dollars, it has become a big time collectors item in today's market, at $550.00 bucks MISB! Containing 876 parts and 8 minifigs, this set featured firing cannons, a rowboat, an adjustable crane like device and an anchor. Once built the set featured everything you would want from a sturdy ship, with captains quarters, a treasure chest of gold, a plank, lots of minifig swords and of course a treasure map!
     
    My take: Yep, I had this set and of course I lost it. It was a lot of fun since I had several other pirate sets from this series. I used to like to have the crew mutiny against the captain and have him walk the plank!
     
    Until next week....
  19. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #50

    By CzaR,

    Wow, another milestone, have I really posted 50 of these things allready!
     
    9748 Droid Developer Kit

     
    Description: Released in 1999 at a retail price of about 70 dollars, this has become a collectors item, like most all things Star Wars and now sells for about 130 dollars. Containing 657 parts and a CD, this was the dawn of mindstorms. The programmable scout brick would be the first of many to come that offers a new kind of interaction with a lego set.
     
    My take: Never got this one, sure do want it though. Lots of nice electric parts in this set. The white technic panels, micro scout brick and R2-D2 dome could prove very useful.
  20. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #51

    By CzaR,

    Seeing as I missed it yesterday....
     
    1354 Dino Head Attack

     
    Description: Released in 2000 at a retail price of about 12 dollars, today this set sells MISB for about 20 bucks. Part of the studios line, the set contained 86 parts and 2 minifigs.
     
    My take: This looked like a neat set, it seems rather comical, I am sure when combined with the movie maker set you could make some amusing scenes. Never did get it though.
  21. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #52

    By CzaR,

    Rocket man...
     
    6454 Countdown Corner

     
    Description: Released in 1999 for a retail value of about 25 dollars, today sells MISB for about 40 bucks. Containing 128 parts and 1 minifig, the set was part of the space port series.
     
    My take: This set has those neat trans red rocket nozzle parts. It also has a light and sound brick for added effect. Not really something I would be interested in outside of the parts, but still a nice and simple set.
  22. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #53

    By CzaR,

    Shocking!
     
    8388 Shock Cycle

     
    Description: Released in 1991 for a retail price of around 30 dollars, today this set sells for about 50 bucks MISB. Containing 251 parts, this was one of the first of the larger technic sets to feature a moving motor and realistic suspension on a bike.
     
    My take: Had this set, lost it. It has nice shock absorbers and those neat chain parts. Why did I have to lose all these good sets!?
  23. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #54

    By CzaR,

    The long arm of the law...
     
    6386 Police Command Base

     
    Description: Released in 1986 for a retail price of about 30 dollars, this can be purchased today MISB for about 200 bucks. Containing 365 parts and 4 minifigs, this set was one of the earlier police sets. Rather basic but at the same time there was plenty of play-ability to be had with it.
     
    My take: I think I had this set, forgive me my memory from the mid 80s is a bit hazy in my old age. I seem to remember playing with the helicopter. I thought the whole landing pad thing was pretty neat, there are a few interior details also, of course they can be jazzed up a bit with some of your own parts and stuff. The cell is quite, plain and a bit cramped, I sure would not want to be stuck in it!
  24. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #55

    By CzaR,

    Fire up the rig boys!
     
    5571 Giant Truck

     
    Description: Released in 1996 as part of the Model Team series at a retail price of about 50 dollars. This has become a sought after collectors item and now sells MISB for a whopping 400-600 bucks! Containing 1743 parts, it was one of the largest of the model team sets.
     
    My take: Sadly I had this set and lost it. It has lots of nice details and a steering function. I am not sure why it has become so valuable now, it is not really that old of a set but it must be very hard to come by now in a sealed box.
  25. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #56

    By CzaR,

    Scan the code, break the code, BREAK THE CODE!
     
    8479 Barcode Multi-Set

     
    Description: Released in 1997 for a retail price of about 70 dollars, today this set sells MISB for an astonishing 350 bucks, clearly a collectors item. Containing 1280 parts, this set had a unique function in that it had a code pilot brick that could read barcodes, each one resulting in a different kind of function.
     
    My take: Never had this set, I am still confused about the whole barcode thing. From what I have gathered, each time the code pilot reads a barcode, it results in the truck bed lifting, or the pincers in the front moving. Not sure what else could be done with it but at any rate, it is a valuable set and a neat part of technic history.
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