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LEGO |OT5| DARKNESS! NO MONEY! (or Break the Rules! Mix the Bags!)
- Thread starter PhoncipleBone
- Start date
- Status
BentBricks
Member
Regarding LEGO patents, the basic block patents are expired so anyone can produce those.
In Google Patent search: https://www.google.com/advanced_patent_search
use "LEGO" in the assignee field.
LEGO does have a LOT of other patents on "non-basic" elements that are not expired. "Clone" companies can't legally duplicate those elements (unless they don't observe international patent laws). This is probably why clone brands such as Mega Bloks have similar, but noticeably different elements to corresponding LEGO elements, but basic blocks, plates, etc are the same.
Hope this clears things up.
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Regarding buying bricks that match an existing LEGO set, I think it's completely legit when buying LEGO parts via places such as Bricklink. LEGO does get the money from the original buyer. It's no different than a person buying a LEGO set then selling it later.
As for Lepin selling the parts that happen to match the exact parts for a set, I think that may be legit via a huge loophole. The caveat is all the elements are ones where the patents expired and no trademarked or copyrighted material is used.
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Bought 2 of these bad boys at Target using the $25 off $100+ coupon!
Not for me though. Two kids (not mine) will get them as presents and I hope they like them. It would be such a waste if they didn't because I could have given them a home where they would have been enjoyed.
I haven't seen the movie, but if it's in the movie demand for that set should be higher than it already is.
In Google Patent search: https://www.google.com/advanced_patent_search
use "LEGO" in the assignee field.
LEGO does have a LOT of other patents on "non-basic" elements that are not expired. "Clone" companies can't legally duplicate those elements (unless they don't observe international patent laws). This is probably why clone brands such as Mega Bloks have similar, but noticeably different elements to corresponding LEGO elements, but basic blocks, plates, etc are the same.
Hope this clears things up.
-----------------------------
Regarding buying bricks that match an existing LEGO set, I think it's completely legit when buying LEGO parts via places such as Bricklink. LEGO does get the money from the original buyer. It's no different than a person buying a LEGO set then selling it later.
As for Lepin selling the parts that happen to match the exact parts for a set, I think that may be legit via a huge loophole. The caveat is all the elements are ones where the patents expired and no trademarked or copyrighted material is used.
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Bought 2 of these bad boys at Target using the $25 off $100+ coupon!
Not for me though. Two kids (not mine) will get them as presents and I hope they like them. It would be such a waste if they didn't because I could have given them a home where they would have been enjoyed.
I haven't seen the movie, but if it's in the movie demand for that set should be higher than it already is.
toythatkills
Member
When "Bricklinking" a set, I'll always shop Pick-a-brick and Bricks-and-Pieces first. It's not the cheapest way of doing things, but it feels like the right one, haha.
Boogalogist
Member
Some of my minifigures has black marker ink on them (Thankfully, not the pricey ones).
What's the best way to remove them without affecting the prints?
What's the best way to remove them without affecting the prints?
Bought 2 of these bad boys at Target using the $25 off $100+ coupon!
Not for me though. Two kids (not mine) will get them as presents and I hope they like them. It would be such a waste if they didn't because I could have given them a home where they would have been enjoyed.
I haven't seen the movie, but if it's in the movie demand for that set should be higher than it already is.
They need to love it, because it is just awesome. Started building it yesterday and had planned to stop at bag two so I can finish it today..but I could not
! I bought it after we got out of the cinema and from all the star wars lego sets this was the only one were they had only one box left, so people really seem to love it.
It also looks way better in real life than on the box imho.
childhood me would have never let it go.
SiegfriedFM
Member
A non-AFOL friend of mine called and was in trouble - he wanted to get the Yellow Submarine for his wife, but S@H was acting up and wouldn't have delivered in time anyway. Luckily I had a spare unopened, so it worked out. And I could order a new one with double VIP.
Another friend just got the Ecto-1. Ideas is really bringing in more fans.
If only the research institute was still around, we might have snared the last guy in our pub quiz group, who is a science teacher.
Edit: Goddammit. Lego just cancelled my order since I had bought two previously. How am I going to replace it now?
Another friend just got the Ecto-1. Ideas is really bringing in more fans.
If only the research institute was still around, we might have snared the last guy in our pub quiz group, who is a science teacher.
Edit: Goddammit. Lego just cancelled my order since I had bought two previously. How am I going to replace it now?
TheSecondSpitter
Member
The last three sets I've opened have had pieces missing:Fun in the Park, AT-ST, and Brick Bank
In the last 5 years, I haven't had single piece missing.
Is this a sign of the times or am I desperately unlucky?
In the last 5 years, I haven't had single piece missing.
Is this a sign of the times or am I desperately unlucky?
Unlucky I'd say. My AT-ST had like 15 spare parts left..
Chiaroscuro
Member
SiegfriedFM
Member
Needs to be in Europe. Anyway, I mailed Lego, let's see if that customer support comes through.
Chiaroscuro
Member
Hummm... in a last resort, you can ask your friend to buy one replacement to you.
Grabbed the Y-Wing today. Lego does a 15% of Star Wars sets this weekend in Belgium, so I pulled the trigger faster than planned.
My Hovertank arrived too. Now I have all Togue One sets bar the (overpriced) Scariff one, which I might get if it dips well below rrp (more then 15% at least)
Wanted to grab the new microfighters on shop at home, but as I allready had the Y-Wing from the book, my order only amounts to 29,97. 5 euro short for free shipping and 0,03 short for a free A-Wing pilot
My Hovertank arrived too. Now I have all Togue One sets bar the (overpriced) Scariff one, which I might get if it dips well below rrp (more then 15% at least)
Wanted to grab the new microfighters on shop at home, but as I allready had the Y-Wing from the book, my order only amounts to 29,97. 5 euro short for free shipping and 0,03 short for a free A-Wing pilot
FuriousOne
Member
When do the new SW sets release in the states?
Chiaroscuro
Member
I think Parisian Restaurant works better at the end of the lane, alley or right next to a park or something (at least it is hiw I intent to display mine).
By the way my first modulars are coming! Got the Pet Shop and I know that Parisian Restaurant would be my Xmas present. I will slowly buy the others. I just not excited to get Palace Cinema thought. Looks the worse of the bunch.
toythatkills
Member
The Palace Cinema looks fantastic built, it's not a thrilling build and the internal is sparse but it looks lovely in the street.
I like the Parisian Restaurant next to the Detectives office personally, because they're both a bit shorter then on the adjoining sides.
I like the Parisian Restaurant next to the Detectives office personally, because they're both a bit shorter then on the adjoining sides.
Is there a reference available on which sets are retiring and when? Kinda new to this whole Lego-as-a-hobby thing and I don't want to miss the Ewok Village if it's retiring soon.
My son took a sudden interest in Ninjago recently and decided to buy the Ninja Bike Chase last night. I helped him put it together since he's 4 (although he's quite good at this for a four year old already - he understands the instructions better than my almost 7 year old). Anyway, it struck me standing in the store that there wasn't a wide variety of Ninjago sets from a price standpoint. Nothing below $20 where we were and of course the highest end set was $100+. Anyway, we build this thing and it strikes me again that the set is essentially three smaller sets that could have easily been priced at $5-$10 each. The three vehicles look cool on their own and each had their own mini figure, and looked like something I would have purchased in a sub-$10 set when I was a kid. From a value standpoint, I'm not complaining, as they could easy sell those three vehicles individually for over $20 MSRP combined, but I don't understand Lego creating the artificial barrier to entry by packaging them together. If they made it easier for an impressionable four year old to get his hands on one good quality vehicle and a minifigure, I'm sure that would drive interest and further sales. Maybe Lego doesn't feel they need to do that to get our business. Struck me as odd.
My son took a sudden interest in Ninjago recently and decided to buy the Ninja Bike Chase last night. I helped him put it together since he's 4 (although he's quite good at this for a four year old already - he understands the instructions better than my almost 7 year old). Anyway, it struck me standing in the store that there wasn't a wide variety of Ninjago sets from a price standpoint. Nothing below $20 where we were and of course the highest end set was $100+. Anyway, we build this thing and it strikes me again that the set is essentially three smaller sets that could have easily been priced at $5-$10 each. The three vehicles look cool on their own and each had their own mini figure, and looked like something I would have purchased in a sub-$10 set when I was a kid. From a value standpoint, I'm not complaining, as they could easy sell those three vehicles individually for over $20 MSRP combined, but I don't understand Lego creating the artificial barrier to entry by packaging them together. If they made it easier for an impressionable four year old to get his hands on one good quality vehicle and a minifigure, I'm sure that would drive interest and further sales. Maybe Lego doesn't feel they need to do that to get our business. Struck me as odd.
Built the Y-Wing. I must say this is a brilliant set. Can't compare to previous versions, but the way they shaped the cockpit is very cool. There is quite some SNOT going on, and a lot of greebling (lots and lots of 1x1 parts to add texture). Fig collection is great to. (And as one of the characters barely made the Rogue One cut, I guess we will never see him again in another set). Really like the droid, with his transparant dome. Printing is a tad of on mine though (wonder if it would merit a replacement. It's not perfectly aligned)
Also: the bomb drop playfeature is incredibly welldone
Some downsides? The stickers on the engines are hard to allign. The droid sits sideways and you have to turn the turret to open tye cockpit, or you pull it off. But overall, for me, the best RO set after AT-ST
Also: the bomb drop playfeature is incredibly welldone
Some downsides? The stickers on the engines are hard to allign. The droid sits sideways and you have to turn the turret to open tye cockpit, or you pull it off. But overall, for me, the best RO set after AT-ST
PhoncipleBone
Banned
Seconding this arrangement. Those two look great together.
Chezzymann
Member
Parisian restaraunt and the full pet shop look best together imo. One of the reasons I chose it as my next modular.
BentBricks
Member
That reminds me I'm behind on modulars. I need to check my backlog. I can't remember where I left on in term so release dates. I think it was Parisian, but I'm not sure. :O
in the lego online shop you can order the available sets in a "retiring soon" order.
There's no exact way to track retiring sets. The Lego S@H site is useful when they label retiring soon sets but sometimes they don't label them and often times it's a bit late. You get a feel for certain themes sets retiring when new waves come out. If you want Ewok Village get it real soon.
As far as Ninjago that has always been one of the more kid friendly themes with multiple price points and keeping a couple seasons worth of sets on the shelf at same time. I suggest going to the S@H site to see all available sets and ordering there or waiting for restock. Keep in mind it's Christmas and Lego is extremely popular and shelves start to become pretty bare right about now.
Currently having some trouble with the Holiday Train. The pin and gear doesn't clip in to place at all and the tree on top is incredibly loose. When I do manage to balance it correctly, it doesn't spin as it's meant to.
I must have missed something somewhere but can't find it for the life of me. Ugh.
EDIT: I figured it out. Missing piece. Gonna blame the significant other
I must have missed something somewhere but can't find it for the life of me. Ugh.
EDIT: I figured it out. Missing piece. Gonna blame the significant other
I've spent a good part of today discovering PPUNG's motorized and RC LEGO MODs. Some are pretty simple, and others quite complex... like this RC Best Star:
https://youtu.be/Ldgok7Qoetg
https://youtu.be/Ldgok7Qoetg
TheSecondSpitter
Member
Extra parts are great, but if your set is missing a key part then it's inexcusable. People on Eurobricks have been complaining about an increased frequency of missing parts for the last year.
PhoncipleBone
Banned
Would we ever steer you wrong?
peteykirch
Member
I think the worst missing part in a Lego set for me, was I got a random Mixel that didn't have the eyeball pieces, it had 2 gray 1x1 brick
Reluctant-Hero
Member
Hmm... I might have to finally build it tonight. It's been sitting in a closet since May the 4th.
echoshifting
Banned
I ended up with a missing piece on the Star Destroyer last year
It was an angled flat piece. I was surprised to discover I didn't have any extras, I had to wait for LEGO to get the piece to me
It was an angled flat piece. I was surprised to discover I didn't have any extras, I had to wait for LEGO to get the piece to me
PhoncipleBone
Banned
There are many sets that have a few praising, with a few detracting. Resistance Troop Transport seems to be one of those that everyone that has gotten it sings the praises.
TheFuzz
Member
Phon, i know.... that's the scary part 😛
PhoncipleBone
Banned
Other set with near universal love: Super Hero Airport Battle. Mainly dat Giant Man.
Reluctant-Hero
Member
Yeah? Maybe I'll pick that up as well...
echoshifting
Banned
One of my Christmas sets. The airport battle, the bridge battle and the castle. Maybe the ferris wheel, maybe a second bridge. Very excited
PhoncipleBone
Banned
Well, the air control tower is almost universally said to be mediocre. The quinjet is average to above average. But everyone loves Giant Man. So damn good.
Spike Spiegel
Member
For $20 (actually $12, thanks to TRU's BOGO sale) the City Pizza Van is an awesome little build, The only thing I don't like is that there aren't any easy "handles" on the side panel wings to fold them up once they're wedged down into position.
That, and the chef doesn't come with a chef's hat to match the sticker image.
That, and the chef doesn't come with a chef's hat to match the sticker image.
BentBricks
Member
Destruction of Alderaan was the best part.
CITY summer Jungle Explorers subtheme:
GotG 2:
Mantis!
Jungle theme has potential. Better have tons of foliage elements. Hopefully nothing that I would find interesting because 2017 will be another expensive year for me with all the Super Hero sets.
TheSecondSpitter
Member
No Child Groot images?
The Emperor will be most displeased with your apparent lack of progress.
WordAssassin
Member
Jungle sets better have a bunch of new animals. Lions, tigers, sloths, monkey, elephant, etc go Lego go go go
BentBricks
Member
Please don't be Friends animal moulds, please don't be Friends animal moulds...
Boogalogist
Member
Some advice here, guys?
This seems an intriguing definition of 'city'
Chiaroscuro
Member
After Artic, Deep Sea and Volcano Explorers?
Actually I am glad that Lego includes those subthemes in the boring Cops&Firemen City line. Brings some life to it. I mean, I like city building and thus the City line, but very few sets are actually intersting. Friends does the City line better.
That's a hard one... maybe start with warm water and soap?
Nail polish remover or perfume would probably work, but I would be worried that they would also remove the print.
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