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Random set of the day: Dragster

Today's random set is 1528 Dragster, released during 1986. It's one of 26 Town sets produced that year. It contains 21 pieces and 1 minifig.

It's owned by 689 Brickset members. If you want to add it to your collection you should find it for sale at BrickLink, where new ones sell for around $182.00, or eBay.

Random minifig of the day: cty1558

Today's random minifigure is cty1558 Police - City Bandit Crook Male, White Shirt with Dark Bluish Gray Prison Stripes, Black Legs, Black Knit Cap, Sunglasses, a Town figure that came in one set, 60392 Police Bike Car Chase, released during 2023.

Our members collectively own a total of 1,428 of them. If you'd like to buy one you should find it for sale at BrickLink, where new ones sell for around $2.30.

Random part of the day: Pl.Round 1X1 W. Throughg. Hole

Today's random part is 28626, 'Pl.Round 1X1 W. Throughg. Hole', which is a System part, category Plates, Special Circles And Angles.

Our members collectively own a total of 58,904,605 of them. If you'd like to buy some you should find them for sale at BrickLink.

What's hot this week

These are the sets that have been viewed the most this week:

TW	LW		Set	Views
1	13	↑	10341 Artemis Space Launch System	6082
2	4	↑	75192 Millennium Falcon	3161
3			31212 The Milky Way Galaxy	2720
4			79006 The Council of Elrond	2488
5			10251 Brick Bank	2405
6	3	↓	77903 The Dark Knight of Gotham City	2340
7			71486 Castle Nocturnia	2324
8			71819 Dragon Stone Shrine	1764
9			75583 Minions and Gru's Family Mansion	1628
10			79015 Witch-king Battle	1474

The total number of set detail pages viewed this week is 1,188,191, which is 6,254 fewer than last week.

Review: LEGO Star Wars - The Force of Creativity

A number of LEGO Star Wars books have been published over the years, notably including the often-updated Visual Dictionaries, developed by DK. These are sometimes interesting, but none examine the popular theme in the depth many fans, myself included, would like.

5008878 LEGO Star Wars: The Force of Creativity is therefore an intriguing prospect. Created for the 25th anniversary of LEGO Star Wars, this book encompasses all aspects of the range, from its inception in the late 1990s to the design of modern sets and minifigures, as well as video games, animated series and fan creations.

However, this is an expensive book, costing £129.99, $149.99 or €149.99. While not unusual for coffee table books of its kind, no previous LEGO book has cost so much, so The Force of Creativity will need to impress!

Vintage set of the week: Port Crane and Flat Wagon

This week's vintage set is 132 Port Crane and Flat Wagon, released during 1972. It's one of 9 Trains sets produced that year. It contains 60 pieces.

It's owned by 177 Brickset members. If you want to add it to your collection you might find it for sale at BrickLink or eBay.

Random minifig of the day: sh070

Today's random minifigure is sh070 The Mandarin (Trevor Slattery) - Dark Green Cape, a Super Heroes figure that came in one set, 76007 Iron Man: Malibu Mansion Attack, released during 2013.

Our members collectively own a total of 9,762 of them. If you'd like to buy one you should find it for sale at BrickLink, where new ones sell for around $10.90.

Random part of the day: Plate 1X3 W/ 2 Knobs

Today's random part is 34103, 'Plate 1X3 W/ 2 Knobs', which is a System part, category Plates.

Our members collectively own a total of 15,491,849 of them. If you'd like to buy some you should find them for sale at BrickLink.

LEGO Star Wars 25th anniversary video teases new minifigures!

LEGO has produced a short animation to mark the 25th anniversary of LEGO Star Wars, which features several new minifigures, likely teasing their appearance in sets later this year!

Covering multiple eras of Star Wars, the video includes plenty of existing minifigures, beside some as-yet-unreleased characters, such as Cal Kestis, Nien Nunb, Ezra Bridger from Ahsoka and a young version of Leia Organa, inspired by the Obi-Wan Kenobi series.

It is possible these characters have been created as minifigures purely for the animation, but I highly doubt that, as the video also focuses on minifigures already released to celebrate the anniversary.

Watch the three-minute video and view screenshots below...

Review: 42608 Tiny Accessories Store

The smallest set in the Friends first half this year is 42608 Tiny Accessories Store. Typically these smaller Friends sets have shown to be quite a good value with plenty of play opportunities, so I'm expecting the same in this case.

Review: Wicked Brick Display Case for 75375 Millennium Falcon

Wicked Brick has produced some impressive display stands and cases since 2017, including one for 75192 Millennium Falcon, which I have used since the stand was introduced.

The smaller 75375 Millennium Falcon arrived in March and the company has developed various display cases and wall-mounted stands for this model too. Unfortunately, this particular design actually sold out before we received the display case, but it is still worth examining.

Blocks magazine issue 115 out now

Here's the press release for the latest issue of Blocks magazine:

Blocks magazine Issue 115 celebrates 25 years of LEGO Star Wars

The Force has been with LEGO Star Wars for 25 years and Blocks magazine has a packed edition to celebrate the occasion. In Issue 115, Design Master Henrik Andersen discusses designing the UCS Tie Interceptor, Matt Denton reveals how he upscaled the Stormtrooper mech and the story of LEGO Star Wars is told through 25 sets.

Issue 115 is available worldwide as part of a subscription or a single issue at blocksmag.com now and will be in UK stores from May 2.

Random set of the day: Go-Cart

Today's random set is 1251 Go-Cart, released during 1999. It's one of 63 Town sets produced that year. It contains 26 pieces and 1 minifig, and its retail price was US$1.7.

It's owned by 902 Brickset members. If you want to add it to your collection you should find it for sale at BrickLink, where new ones sell for around $15.10, or eBay.

Random minifig of the day: twn348

Today's random minifigure is twn348 Ludo Blue - Female, Bright Light Blue Hoodie, Blue Legs, Dark Brown Braided Ponytail, a LEGO Brand figure that came in one set, 40198 LEGO Ludo Game, released during 2018.

Our members collectively own a total of 4,248 of them. If you'd like to buy one you should find it for sale at BrickLink, where new ones sell for around $2.00.

Random part of the day: Lattice 8X14, W/ 3.2 Shaft, W/ 3.2 Hole

Today's random part is 30923, 'Lattice 8X14, W/ 3.2 Shaft, W/ 3.2 Hole', which is a System part, category Fences And Ladders.

Our members collectively own a total of 13,986 of them. If you'd like to buy some you should find them for sale at BrickLink.

Space-themed Icons and Art sets announced!

LEGO has today announced two new Space sets, 10341 Artemis Space Launch System and 31212 The Milky Way Galaxy! The press release follows:

The art of engineering: Lift off into space and explore the Milky Way with two new LEGO sets

Today the LEGO Group unveils two new sets that allow space enthusiasts to go out of this world, by exploring the art of engineering excellence behind human space missions to get a glimpse of what’s out there.

Random set of the day: LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar

Today's random set is 75023 LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar, released during 2013. It's one of 44 Star Wars sets produced that year. It contains 254 pieces and 9 minifigs, and its retail price was US$39.99/£24.99.

It's owned by 7,908 Brickset members. If you want to add it to your collection you should find it for sale at BrickLink, where new ones sell for around $59.90, or eBay.

Random minifig of the day: sh241

Today's random minifigure is sh241 Catwoman - Classic TV Series, a Super Heroes figure that came in one set, 76052 Batman Classic TV Series - Batcave, released during 2016.

Our members collectively own a total of 6,614 of them. If you'd like to buy one you should find it for sale at BrickLink, where new ones sell for around $16.10.

Random part of the day: Stick 6M W/Flange

Today's random part is 18274, 'Stick 6M W/Flange', which is a System part, category Signs, Flags And Poles.

Our members collectively own a total of 65,135 of them. If you'd like to buy some you should find them for sale at BrickLink.

Review: 75580 Minions and Banana Car

Minions are renowned for their love of bananas and unusual technology, so 75580 Minions and Banana Car should be an effective combination. The titular car definitely looks fun and four new Minions are included, with plenty of accessories for them all.

The price of £19.99, $24.99 or €24.99 accordingly seems enticing, so I am hoping this serves as an enjoyable introductory set for the broader Despicable Me 4 range.

Even more DREAMZzz sets announced!

The new DREAMZzz sets have now been added to LEGO.com, revealing prices for the range and two previously unseen sets, of which 71486 Castle Nocturnia is a definite standout!

These sets will be released on the 1st of August and there are now eight expected in total.

You can view those just revealed below...

Official images of three more DREAMZzz sets!

Images of three upcoming DREAMZzz sets were published earlier this month and three more have emerged via JB Spielwaren today.

According to JB Spielwaren, the sets will be released on the 1st of August, but I wonder whether they will be available earlier in some regions, given their early announcement.

View all three sets below...

Random set of the day: Ramp Crash

Today's random set is 8198 Ramp Crash, released during 2010. It's one of 18 Racers sets produced that year. It contains 145 pieces, and its retail price was US$14.99/£12.99.

It's owned by 903 Brickset members. If you want to add it to your collection you should find it for sale at BrickLink, where new ones sell for around $22.30, or eBay.

Random minifig of the day: col111

Today's random minifigure is col111 Rocker Girl, Series 7, a Collectible Minifigures figure that came in one set, 88315 Rocker Girl, released during 2012.

Our members collectively own a total of 25,364 of them. If you'd like to buy one you should find it for sale at BrickLink, where new ones sell for around $4.80.

Random part of the day: Cockpit 6X4X2 W. Ø3.2 Shaft

Today's random part is 87752, 'Cockpit 6X4X2 W. Ø3.2 Shaft', which is a System part, category Windscreens And Cockpits.

Our members collectively own a total of 270,164 of them. If you'd like to buy some you should find them for sale at BrickLink.

Review: 75583 Minions and Gru's Family Mansion

Befitting his ostentatious villainy, Gru resides in a spectacular mansion, inexplicably constructed among normal suburban homes. 75583 Minions and Gru's Family Mansion conveys the towering architecture of this location, albeit with dubious external detail.

On the other hand, the interior features various memorable details from throughout the Despicable Me series, while the minifigure selection is outstanding. Nearly the entire family is included, plus three exclusive Minions, so this is an extremely appealing prospect for fans of Despicable Me.

Jay's Brick Blog refreshed with new logo and features

Jay's Brick Blog, the news and reviews site run by my good friend Jay Ong in Melbourne, has just received a design refresh and a brand-new logo.

Perhaps more importantly, Jay has introduced a minifig identification feature which will help you identify series 25 and later minifigs by scanning the dot matrix code on the boxes without the need for an app, which is sure to be useful once the Space series 26 drops next month.

So, be sure to add the blog to your daily reading list and bookmark the minifig scanner ready for the 1st May.

Random set of the day: T-Rawket Sky Strike

Today's random set is 79120 T-Rawket Sky Strike, released during 2014. It's one of 10 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles sets produced that year. It contains 286 pieces and 4 minifigs, and its retail price was US$34.99/£29.99.

It's owned by 1,403 Brickset members. If you want to add it to your collection you should find it for sale at BrickLink, where new ones sell for around $90.00, or eBay.

Random minifig of the day: njo589

Today's random minifigure is njo589 Zane (Golden Ninja) - Legacy, a NINJAGO figure that came in one set, 40374 Golden Zane Accessory Set , released during 2020.

Our members collectively own a total of 1,596 of them. If you'd like to buy one you should find it for sale at BrickLink, where new ones sell for around $8.90.

Random part of the day: Beam 1X2X4, W/ Cross & Hole, No. 1

Today's random part is 80910, 'Beam 1X2X4, W/ Cross & Hole, No. 1', which is a Technic part, category Beams, Special.

Our members collectively own a total of 8,032 of them. If you'd like to buy some you should find them for sale at BrickLink.

Designer insight: Niek van Slagmaat

Many LEGO set designers use our BrickLists feature to maintain a list of the sets they've worked on and often provide interesting insights about their involvement.

Once a week we publish an entry from one of their lists on the home page to increase awareness of this information and to encourage more designers to create them.

Niek van Slagmaat wrote this about their work on 71765 Ninja Ultra Combo Mech:

Without a doubt, my favorite set I have worked on so far. Inspired by tokusatsu and anime alike, this set was something I wanted to do for Ninjago for a very long time.

I like to think of this set as a playtheme in a box. It has 1 mech, 3 vehicles and 1 villain mech. I took a lot of the learnings I got from designing Voltron and expanded on them in this set. By limiting the amount of technic and making as many of the connections system connections, I kept the wiggling and bending to a minimum while also making it relatively easy and fun to build.

For this set, I was finally given the element frame to create the piece I have been wanting since I worked on Zane's Titan Mech in 2019. https://brickset.com/parts/6365679/flex-joint-female-w-dia-4-85-snap The new hip and shoulder joint that marries the AT-AT ratchet with 2 Galidor ratchets to create a 2 axis joint capable of carrying larger models. This piece was originally pitched by Janko Grujic (https://brickset.com/sets/designer-Janko-Grujic), and I had asked for it ever since he did.

It also uses all the new pieces we made for SCCBS. It does this both in conventional ways (cockpit and limbs) and novel ways (shell in the thighs of the Kai mech). Fully showcasing the overall versatility of the new suite of elements.

I'm so happy that it is doing well and many kids have managed to get their hands on this toy. It is my pride and joy.

Despicable Me 4 sets now listed at LEGO.com

After a lot of silly fuss a few weeks ago involving lawyers and oversized minions, full pictures of the four Despicable Me 4 sets are now available for all to see thanks to listings at LEGO.com.

We've added them to our database and you can also view them after the break.

Random set of the day: Mosquito

Today's random set is 3070 Mosquito, released during 1999. It's one of 6 Space sets produced that year. It contains 20 pieces and 1 minifig.

It's owned by 198 Brickset members. If you want to add it to your collection you should find it for sale at BrickLink, where new ones sell for around $35.00, or eBay.

Random minifig of the day: pi099

Today's random minifigure is pi099 Pirate Blue Vest, Dark Green Legs, Dark Green Bandana, Long Brown Moustache, a Pirates figure that came in one set, 6241 Loot Island, released during 2009.

Our members collectively own a total of 6,290 of them. If you'd like to buy one you should find it for sale at BrickLink, where new ones sell for around $4.20.

Random part of the day: Roof Tile 1X2, Deg.45, W/O Knobs, No. 1

Today's random part is 39729, 'Roof Tile 1X2, Deg.45, W/O Knobs, No. 1', which is a System part, category Bricks, With Slope.

Our members collectively own a total of 17,970 of them. If you'd like to buy some you should find them for sale at BrickLink.

Recent reviews

Here's a list of the reviews that we've published recently:

	40686 Trade Federation Troop Carrier Although ill-suited for a promotion, this is nonetheless an appealing model
	75381 Droideka Considering the complexity of the droideka onscreen, this is a fantastic rendition
	75376 Tantive IV Other than its expensive price, 75376 Tantive IV is an outstanding set for display
	40704 Micro NINJAGO Docks As a continuation of the Micro NINJAGO City series, this is an excellent model
	75382 TIE Interceptor Accuracy is essential to the Ultimate Collector Series and 75382 TIE Interceptor delivers!
	42621 Heartlake City Hospital A satisfying update to Heartlake's City Hospital

View more reviews in the news archive »

Review: 40686 Trade Federation Troop Carrier

May the Fourth promotional items have usually settled into patterns, beginning with minifigure polybags, before the launch of brick-built droids and microscale models. Recent promotions feel less predictable though, including 40686 Trade Federation Troop Carrier.

This model looks excellent and suitably marks the 25th anniversary of The Phantom Menace, but seems better suited to army building than limited promotional availability. Even so, I am curious about this set, which will be available with purchases of over £145, $160, €160 at the beginning of May.

LEGO Piece Count Inflation: What's Up With That...?

Welcome to "What's Up With That...?", the article series where I, ex-LEGO designer James and host of new YouTube channel TUBESIDE, will explore some of the frequently asked questions from AFOLs about the mysteries of the design decisions of The LEGO Group.

Quick question: Are LEGO sets more expensive now than in the past? The simple answer is yes, obviously, but what about adjusting for inflation?

To make an easy comparison, 6276 Eldorado Fortress was $66 with 506 elements, adjusted for inflation, that's $163.05 in 2023 with a PPP of 32.1¢ and the one that came out last year is $190, 2509 elements, with a PPP of 8.6¢. So as you can see, LEGO models are better value now than before, case closed.

But as I write this, there are already people typing comments about "Yes, but in the old days there were much bigger pieces! Everything nowadays is made of tiny 1x1s to inflate the part count!"

Uh-oh, so what's up with that...?

This week's top news articles

These are the most read articles that we've posted during the last fortnight:

Article	Date	Views	Likes	Comments
UCS TIE Interceptor and more announced!	15 Apr	24202	128	143
Three summer DREAMZzz sets revealed!	09 Apr	21671	161	108
Three new Star Wars sets revealed!	10 Apr	19139	131	96
Bright-Coloured Filler Bricks: What's Up With That...?	13 Apr	18524	242	140
Review: 10332 Medieval Town Square	14 Apr	16140	175	50
May the Fourth promotions revealed!	15 Apr	13936	112	65
Review: 75382 TIE Interceptor	16 Apr	13127	164	84
Artemis Space Launch System discovered!	19 Apr	11393	149	79
Review: 75383 Darth Maul's Sith Infiltrator	10 Apr	11342	113	54
Review: 60439 Space Science Lab	07 Apr	9924	128	29

The total number of news article views this week is 193,599, which is 10,854 more than last week.

Reading Brick Show next weekend

The fifth annual Reading Brick Show takes place next weekend, 27th-28th April, at the Loddon Valley Leisure Centre, Reading, UK.

It's one of the largest LEGO shows in the UK where you'll find awesome MOCs, robot battles, building opportunities and traders selling new and used sets, parts and minifigs.

I will be there with my GBCs so, if you're attending, come and say hello.

Tickets can be purchased in advance, or on the door. I hope to see you there!

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40686 Trade Federation Troop Carrier

75381 Droideka

75376 Tantive IV

40704 Micro NINJAGO Docks

75382 TIE Interceptor

42621 Heartlake City Hospital