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CzaR

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  1. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #57

    By CzaR,

    Mudboggin...
     
    5561 Big Foot 4x4

     
    Description: Released in 1997 as part of the Model Team line, retail price was about 40 bucks then. Now it can sell MISB for about 150 bucks. Containing 761 parts, the set was your standard model team vehicle, with a steering function and other features.
     
    My take: Never had this set, it comes with some nice chrome parts from what I can see. I think this was the last model team set made if memory serves.
  2. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #58

    By CzaR,

    Back by popular demand, the CSS retruns! Check back on fridays now for the latest trip down memory lane! This week, ho ho ho its magic....
     
    5581 Magic Flash

     
    Description: Released in 1993 as part of the Model Team series, containing 785 parts, the set retailed then for around 60 bucks. Today it commands a price of 180-250 bucks MISB. One of the more alluring model team sets, in color scheme and functionallity.
     
    My take: I had this set, it was fun. The van has a steering function, opening doors and a hitch/trailer for the boat. The van is actually very similar to the custom rally van set from the same series. Model team was a line that was far ahead of its time, blending technic functionallity under system style. Next friday I will spotlight another classic.
  3. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #59

    By CzaR,

    There is a chill in the air...
     
    6973 Deep Freeze Defender
     

     
    Description: Released in 1993 as part of the Space/Ice Planet series, containing 399 parts and 3 minifigs. Retail price then ranged from 60-70 bucks. Today finding this set MISB is next to impossible and will cost anywhere from 200-400 dollars.
     
    My take: Never did get this set. Looks cool, there is a rocket that attaches to the topside of it via magnets. Any set with magnets in it is a plus in my book. Of course, Ice Planet is probably best remembered now as the sets with the ever so popular trans orange chainsaw parts.
  4. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #6

    By CzaR,

    I think I should keep with the sea vessel kind of theme for another week, therefore this week I spotlight:
     
    6542 Launch and Load Seaport

     
    Description: The largest set from the Nautica town series, the L&L Seaport was released in 1991. Retail price was about $60.00 US dollars, today it can be found MISB for around $400 bucks, a collectors piece for sure. Containing 1015 parts and 7 minifigs, it was one of the largest sets of its time. The set featured a loading crane that could scroll along the baseplates at the port, grabbing and loading/unloading the cargo from the boats to the truck and vice versa. Once built the set had a ton of play-ability, there is a booth with a caution stick that lowers/raises for the vehicles coming in or going out, the cargo containers could be loaded with various types of parts then loaded and unloaded and there is also a forklift vehicle to properly handle the cargo loads.
     
    My take: Yep, I had it, I lost it. I hate myself. I had more fun with this set than even the Airport Shuttle. The crane device worked very well even for the times I loaded up larger cargo containers. The set also had a great deal of rare and unique parts in it. If only I could go back in time, I would be a rich and happy man. Until next week!
  5. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #60

    By CzaR,

    Ouch! And the ref pulls a red card! Medic!
     
    3312 Medic's Station

     
    Description: Released in 1998 as a promo shell set, part of the Lego sports soccer series. The set included 72 parts and 2 minifigs. Retail price then was about 5 bucks. Today it has actually gained quite a bit of value and can be found MISB for about 30 bucks, a promotional item is the most likely reason.
     
    My Take: Never had this set, in fact I had a local shell at that time and I never saw it. Its your basic soccer accessory set, there is a stretcher and cart for those injured soccer minifigs. There were like a ton of soccer accessory sets.
  6. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #61

    By CzaR,

    Bad boys, whacha gonna do?
     
    6598 Metro P-D Station

     
    Description: Released in 1996 as part of the Town/Police series. Retail price then was about 60 dollars. Today it has doubled in value and can be found MISB for about 130 bucks. Containing 516 parts and 8 minifigs, this set was one of more detailed police sets.
     
    My take: Never got this set, I recall seeing it in K-B toys though. Looks like it has alot going on with it, there are several vehicles, a boat, a chopper and a breakaway cell. There is even a shark to deter the criminal from escape! Looks like there are security cameras and loudspeakers too.
  7. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #62

    By CzaR,

    This week, its ba-da-ba-ba-ba, Im lovin it!
     
    3438 McDonald's Restaurant

     
    Description: Released in 1999 under the co brand McDonald's, this set is the largest set that was offered at McDonald's. Containing 86 parts and 2 minifigs, retail price then was only about 15 bucks. Today it has jumped in value significantly, and goes MISB for anywhere between 70 and 100 bucks.
     
    My take: I never saw this set at my local McDonald's, or I surely would have scooped it up, just based upon collectors value alone. The set is straight forward, its a drive thru with vehicle and outdoor seating. The sticker sheet from this set alone fetches about 25 bucks!
  8. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #63

    By CzaR,

    This week were going back to the 80s!
     
    6391 Cargo Center

     
    Description: Released in 1984 as part of the town series. Containing 536 parts and 5 minifigs, retail price then was a mere 20 bucks. Today can be purchased MISB for a whopping 700-1000 dollars and is very difficult to find it sealed.
     
    My Take: I saw this set as a young child, I wanted it but 20 bucks in 1984 was alot to be spending on a toy. Sure wish I had gotten it though, now it is worth a small fortune! The set itself looks pretty fun, even for an older, basic set. There are forklifts, garages and a chopper! This set also features samsonite bricks, which themselves are collectors items.
  9. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #64

    By CzaR,

    3, 2, 1 Liftoff!
     
    6456 Mission Control

     
    Desciption: Released in 1999 as part of the town/space port series, retail price then was about 40 bucks. Sells MISB today for about 100 dollars. Containing 479 parts and 4 minifigs, this is your straight forward space shuttle launch set.
     
    My take: Never got this set, I had the older space shuttle launch pad one, which I believed I featured in the set spotlight a few months ago. That said, for some reason I think the older set had much more to offer in terms of playability.
  10. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #65

    By CzaR,

    Space, the final frontier...
     
    6704 Space Minifig Pack

     
    Description: Released in 1991 as part of the space/supplemental series. Containing 8 parts and 6 minifigs, retail price then was about 10 dollars. Today sells MISB for about 40 bucks.
     
    My Take: I had this set! Yay! Its your basic minifig pack, included are figs from M-Tron, Space Police (series 1), Blacktron (series 1) and Blacktron (series 2). I actually put this set to use alot, be it with my M-Tron, Space Police or Blacktron sets. I always did think those Blacktron jetpacks were neat.
  11. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #7

    By CzaR,

    This week I bring you a blast from the not so far past...
     
    7190 Millennium Falcon

     
    Description: Released in 2000 and retailing for about $80-100 US dollars, this is the original design of the Star Wars series Falcon. Today it can be found MISB for between 275-600 dollars, depending on box condition, truly a gem of the original SW series. Containing 641 parts and 6 minifigs, the set features what have become some of the most desired minifigs out there. I have seen that Princess Leia sell for as much as 60 bucks! The set also featured some unique parts, such as the game board and gunner turret seen in the movies. One of the most desired Star Wars sets out there!
     
    My Take: Finally! I can actually say I have this set! I cannot really elaborate on the playability of it, as I have it in MISB condition and I dare not open it or even touch it. The box is pretty much pristine and I take special care of it. It looks like it could be fun though, there are several interior elements that can be used to re-create your favorite scenes from the movie. Until next week!
  12. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #8

    By CzaR,

    Is it Tuesday again? I guess it is that time again....
     
    6389 Fire Control Center

     
    Description: Released in 1991 and retail price was about $50 US dollars, this was part of the classic town RES-Q 911 series. Today can be found MISB for anywhere between $140 and $200 dollars. Containing 514 parts and 4 firemen minifigs, the set also had a helicopter and fire truck. Functions include some really cool garage doors that slide open and closed and lots of firefighting equipment like hoses, axes, hammers and etc.
     
    My Take: Yep, I had this set when I was younger. It was alot of fun, even more so when paired with my other classic town sets. I really liked the design and parts of the garage doors. The landing pad for the helicopter was also a nice addition. The firetruck had a hydro cannon on top of it and a hose/spool in the rear, it actually looked pretty futuristic for a 1991 release. The only thing really missing from the set was flames! Until next week!
  13. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight #9

    By CzaR,

    Number 9 allready? Time is flying!
     
    6397 Gas N' Wash Express

     
    Description: Released in 1992 and retail price was about $45-50 US dollars. Today can be purchased MISB for about 100 bucks. Part of the classic city Octan line, the set had 458 parts and 3 minifigs. Featuring your standard gas station stuff like gas pumps, a store interior, car wash and vehicles, there was plenty to keep busy with when built.
     
    My Take: I enjoyed this set quite a bit when I had it. I had extra vehicles and minifigs so that was always adding to the playability of the set. The overall look of the set is true to a gas station I thought. There are also some parts like extra wheels/carrier and a carjack, so you could also do the mechanic thing. Everybody loves the brush parts and the car wash had plenty of these. Until next week!
  14. CzaR
    Should I bring my weekly set spotlight back? Im not sure if anyone really was interested in it, as most of the sets I listed were pre-2000.
     
    Or maybe some kind of new weekly highlight? MoC/member of the week? Im open to suggestions here.
  15. CzaR

    Classic Set Spotlight!

    By CzaR,

    Since I discontinued my MoC of the week picks, due to lack of time and other issues, I have decided to introduce a new kind of weekly entry. The Classic set spotlight. The purpose of these weekly entries will be to highlight a classic lego set (2000 or older) with images and a description. This will be the first entry and the first set highlighted will be my all time favorite lego set......
     
    6989 Mega Core Magnetizer

     
    Description: This set was released in 1990 and was part of the M-Tron space series. The largest set of the series, it had a retail price of about $50.00 US dollars. Containing 485 parts and 3 minifigs, the set also featured magnets as all the M-Tron series did. Once built, the set could be rolled around on its 6 wheels and pivoted between the last set of tires. The crane seen on the rear of the vehicle could be used to lift and drop the storage units with tools or mini vehicles pictured. Each of these had its own designated area on the main vehicle. The 2 rover type vehicles are stored in the sides below the crane, the flying mini vehicle is stored in a compartment in the rear with an open/close hatch and the 2 tool storages are placed just behind the trans green windscreen. All of them can be reached and dropped with the pivoting crane.
     
    My take: I used to have this set as a child, and I loved playing with it. Endless fun removing all the items with the magnets and playing with the minifigs. Whether it was a recon, reload or refuel mission, this set could handle it all for the young imagination. The storage units had mini tools and hoses/nozzles with tiny ropes in them and the crane worked perfectly. One day I hope to own this set again.
     
    Well thats it, look for another classic lego set next week!
  17. CzaR

    Colts Vs Patriots

    By CzaR,

    Any picks for the big NFL game today? Both of these teams are undefeated and it should be a great game to watch. Im picking the Colts to win, they are currently up by 3! The Pats have looked just plain amazing for the first 8 weeks of the season. As for my teams, well the Seahawks are up by 8 in the 3rd quarter versus the Browns. The Vikings romped past the Chargers , and the Steelers play tomorrow night against the Ravens.
     
    On another NFL note, the Vikings Adrian Peterson set a new NFL rushing record with a whopping 296 yards, all on the ground, for a rookie that is stunning. I wish I had his rookie card now.
  18. CzaR

    Cruel Brawl!

    By CzaR,

    What is your highest Cruel Brawl score?
     
    The most I have gotten so far is 5 with Metaknight and Jigglypuff. My goal is to get at least 12, somehow, and proof of it with a screenshot.
     
    I really dislike the blue alloy.
  19. CzaR
    This is my gas station clerk wishlist, if every customer I helped followed these guidelines, I would have no need to rant.
     
    ~Please do not call me any of the following in greeting or leaving: Buddy, Parter, Boss, Brother, Big Man, Youngster, Amigo, Compadre, Vato, Essay, or Hombre. A simple SIR will suffice.
     
    ~Please do not throw a ton of dirty, sticky change on my counter top and proceed to stare at me as you wish me to count it.
     
    ~If paying with a debit or credit card, please SPECIFY which type of transaction you would like, rather than have me ask over and over.
     
    ~When punching in your debit pin number, please do not proceed to shake, slam or yank on the debit pinpad when it beeps at you for inputting your digits too fast or incorrectly.
     
    ~When purchasing items that require photo ID, please do not be offended that I ask for it, or give me the LOOK.
     
    ~When asking for the location of our restroom, please do not refer to it as the can, the john, the throne or some of the more vulgar terms for said restroom.
     
    ~When asking for directions, please do not just say that place or act as if I have lived in the area my entire life.
     
    ~Please do not attempt to bribe me, be it with your good looks, cash, business offers, merchandise or family members.
     
    ~Please do not purchase an item less than 10 dollars with only a 100 dollar bill between midnight and 8 AM.
     
    ~When filling up gasoline, please do not expect me to know which number your vehicle is parked at.
     
    ~If you are in need of propane, please do not bring your tank into the store and place it upon my counter top.
     
    ~If you have made a mess, CLEAN IT UP yourself.
     
    ~Please do not bring in a huge pile of scratch/lottery tickets to be validated unless they are all winning tickets.
     
    ~Please do not place a large number of items upon my counter top, then proceed to walk away to shop futher when I have a line of customers behind you.
     
    ~When purchasing wireless minutes, phone cards or other types of telephone related items, please do not expect me to know your carrier and/or expect me to add minutes to your phone.
     
    ~If you have a complaint of any type, please SPECIFY the name of the employee that you were given trouble with, rather than proceed to belittle me.
     
    That is all for now, I am sure I will have plenty more. Thank you for your time and have a NICE DAY!
  20. CzaR

    Czar's Pick Of The Week!

    By CzaR,

    I decided to join the club and dedicate each Friday blog entry to highlight a MoC from Bionicle Based Creations. The only guideline being that the MoC has been made public within the same week, to keep things fresh. So without further ado, the first ever MoC to be put under the spotlight is......(Cue Fanfare)
     
    Lerahk by Distorted!
     
    Lots of good stuff going on there, a well done tribute to Lerahk. Congrats Distorted, you are my first ever pick of the week. No special images or anything, just a nod from me and a little piece of history here.
  22. CzaR

    Da Semis....

    By CzaR,

    Well I was graced with victory in the preliminary polls. However now is the semis and Poll B is loaded with quality entries. Go vote for your favorite one, (mine is entry 4!), and good luck to all!
  24. CzaR

    Dancing With The Stars

    By CzaR,

    Yes, I am blogging it after I was persuaded to do so, who is watching it?
     
    I admit, I watch it, I was sad to see Edyta go home, her and Julianne are, um, yea. Anyone have picks for the winner? Warren Sapp moves quite well for his size, I want to see the big man win it, just because!
     
     
  25. CzaR

    Dark Matter....

    By CzaR,

    Amazing!
     
    This is the most concrete evidence that dark matter does indeed exist. I have always found astronomy and space studies to be alluring, and essential to sustaining our civilization. Its a proven fact that single planet civilizations do not last, for a number of reasons. A large meteor, natural disasters, the sun burning out, climate, the earths climate is going downhill now as it is. The only safe place for us to continue our way of life will be the stars eventually. I do believe there is other types of intelligent life out there, just too far away for us to prove it, who agrees and disagrees with that?
     
    Anyway, this article is worth a read if you also enjoy space. Its almost hypnotic looking at the image there, the darker areas are what they claim is the dark matter, which comes from the collision of galaxies. Space is just so huge and vast, its like a never ending chain of wonder.
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