Classic-Castle.com

http://www.brickset.com/detail/?Set=10230-1

Taking this article at face value, this news appears to be official. To be released in 2012, Lego is producing a set with miniature versions of its modular building series. Several people in the bulletin board linked above remarked that the set seems awfully expensive at $80 US. However, with 1,356 pieces, the price per brick is about $0.059, which is slightly less than the price per brick for the modular Fire Brigade (10197) at $0.067; The only set I can recall off the top of my head which might be cheaper per brick is the Tower Bridge (10214) at $0.056. Anyway, it looks like there are tons of the tinier more specialized pieces in this set, which might make an interesting set for parts.

Between the announcement of this set, and the Miniature Castle Contest, this must be the season for miniatures.

The price point seems high because all of these parts are small. The micro sized set does have interesting building techniques and a cool printed (or sticker?) hotel brick. It will be interesting to see if the set sells well or has a similar fate as the LEGO Factory micro sized sets from several years ago.

Ben

The small print: "Available only to our LEGO® VIP Program Members,"

Now that's a bummer. I also notice a $20 difference in USD/CAD pricing, even though the currencies have been at or near par for a very long time. [/gripe]

Wow, this is really neat! I really wanted to have these sets in full size, and this miniature way gives me the possiblity to do so, at a fraction of the cost!

footsteps wrote:Now that's a bummer. I also notice a $20 difference in USD/CAD pricing, even though the currencies have been at or near par for a very long time. [/gripe]

Yeah, tis really irksome. However, I have noticed that a couple sets that have very similiar prices. The new PotC battle Pack is only a $0.50 difference from the US price and Canadian. Hopefully this is a sign to come.

EKnight

It does seem odd, but guess they must have researched a desire for it? I've seen a number of MOC versions as the modulars have been released over the last few years.

I guess it's intended as an incentive to sign up to the VIP programme (which can just be done online I think), along with the CMF 'allstars' survey earlier this year was also meant to be resulting in a VIP exclusive figure pack wasn't it?

I have not decided about this. I think it is a brilliant idea. If you have every cafe style building, like I do..they are huge and take up much space. This is a way to have them all small. I too thought it was kind of pricey, but then I looked at the piece count. I probably will buy this. I love those buildings.

This set is gorgeous! I missed how it was released - was this first shown at the LEGO Fan Weekend event in Skærbæk? I assume this will also be on display at BrickCon? Blue said there was going to be a set announced - is this the set?

Bruce

I have no idea what set it will be. I"m not totally sure there will be a set announced. Traditionally there is. Whichever one it is...expect much pictures to hit online.

I am not interested too much in microscale. Its a neat idea and I like the adaptability of the pieces and techniques applied to a much smaller/tighter scale.

If it was up to me, the best way to "reward" VIP's is to re-issue the Market Street or Cafe Corner...



Ben

Supposedly the set also includes the new brick separator: http://www.flickr.com/photos/artpoly/6182497584/ That is definitely a cool bonus.

Ben

Bruce N H wrote:This set is gorgeous! I missed how it was released - was this first shown at the LEGO Fan Weekend event in Skærbæk?

Yes, this was presented by Jamie Berard in Skærbæk this past weekend.

Look at all those details! This is great for a joke. I mean, you say to someone " Hey, I got you all the Lego Modular buildings" Thats the truth.

I doubt I'll be buying these. They look nice and all, but seem to be way overpriced for what is there.

On the other hand, it would give my Series 5 minifig guy in the Godzilla costume a place to stomp around in.

Urgh if this is the new set that's normally at released at STEAM this weekend it will be a massive letdown, even if the price per parts ratio is good.

They have a video about the set here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctconYz1 ... ture=feedu

The sign is printed, and the set has the "1x1 transparent brick back again after a long break."

I am thinking of getting the set because I lack a lot of little finicky detail pieces so this would fill that void.. hmmn. Depends on how long it is out, right now I'm saving for a Medieval Market Place, you have convinced me I need one.