The Modular line of LEGO buildings is by far my favorite LEGO line. Ever. I was hooked the first time I saw the Cafe Corner advertised on the back of a LEGO catalogue. Since the Cafe Corner, each subsequent modular building has been better than its predecessor.
Until now.
I’m just not feeling the Modular LEGO Detective Office.
All the previous modulars (Cafe Corner, Green Grocer, Grand Emporium Town Hall, etc.) had a nostalgic charm. They seemed like an idealistic representation of simpler times in Anytown, USA. Modular Main Street just felt friendly, affluent, and well kept.
The modular LEGO Detective Office seems… seedier; like it’s from the other side of the tracks. It seems grittier, more modern. And it seems smaller. I am feeling very underwhelmed by this one.
I’ll still buy one for the parts, no doubt, but this is the first LEGO modular that will most likely get huge modifications.
Even on the rear box art it just looks out of place.
As for the interior, this is inferior to those modulars that come before it. A pool hall with one table? A barbershop with one chair? This really should be two buildings.
Ironic that my least favorite modular may be the first of which I end up buying two copies. Hmmmmmm…..
So to get to the detective’s office, you need to go through the apartment, which only appears to contain a bathroom?
I see no bathroom in the apartment, either.
Sorry, LEGO, I’m just feeling this one. If it’s $159.99 like the Parisian Cafe, I might just stop being modular complete.
What do you think of the Modular LEGO Detective Office?
I am an Adult Fan of LEGO (AFOL) and an active member of the Michigan LEGO User Group (MichLUG). I have loved LEGO for as long as I can remember. I am currently working on the following models:
– UCS Millenium Falcon
– Emmett’s Apartment Building
– Gringott’s Bank
Some examples:
Destiny Road:
https://flic.kr/p/dqhzco
Parisian Restaurant:
https://flic.kr/p/bkBqK2
There are a lot of models in my gallery: http://www.flickr.com/photos/valgarise
Very nice. I have seen both those in the past. I love your work!
Well. I believe it is a nice building and a lovelly idea. I really enjoy idea because I build a MOC in 2.012 named Destiny Road. It was one of my modular buildings which contains in basement a barbery and in the first floor a detective office.
Casual?
I have published also my Parisian Restaurant in 2.012. If you check datails many of them are similar to official set.
Well, I am happy to see Lego guys appreciate AFOL ideas but perhaps some credit will be a good detail.
Kind regards.
Valgarise
Interesting. Can you share some links to these creations of yours? I would love to see them.
I really like this set.. even more now I know there is a candy-smugglers back-story during prohibition haha. Just look at all the (hidden) details in there too.
BUT, I don’t like it more than the Parisian Restaurant. I agree this set is too cramped.
This also causes my main dislike of the set; there is an open connection between the barber-shop and the outside of the building via the stairs…
BTW did you see that mirrorpiece! Wow, I’ve been waiting a long time for a piece like that! That may be the reason for getting two of this set 🙂
I agree, there are a lot of great hidden details.
I didn’t notice the mirror. I’ll have to go back and look for it!
I had another closer look and I love the interesting corbels (which are different on each side), the funky “Pool” sign and the period printed windows. I also like the upstairs windows on the pool hall half. They look like casements. Cool! I like the integrated column-ish things on each side of the tall street level windows too.
I can see how you are disappointed with the interiors but I think the exteriors are smashing.
I wonder if, one day, they’ll manage a building with a revolving door?
Actually, the Grand Emporium has a revolving door. Very cool feature!
Ah! Well, we were’t lucky enough to be paying attention for the first 2.
Is there some sort of platform so a character can “rotate” into the building with the door or is it merely conceptual? As I guess you could well say the interior of these buildings is more conceptual. ; >
I wish I could afford two of every Modular building and three of every Creator building.
I really like this set – it’s funky and different and yes, perhaps a tad seedy so it will probably go around the corner from Main Street. I live near a town that had its heyday in the 1930s-1950s, so all the modular series buildings look very familiar to me. Especially if I add a completely modern gym MOC, looking totally out of place where an old building was torn down.
By the way, big fan.
What you say is true. Progress does lead to architecturally out of place buildings. I think I’m ok with that.
I really think my issue is the scale. The interiors seem way too cramped. The more I think about it, the more likely I will be to buy two of these to make bigger versions while keeping the look the same.
And I’m glad you’re a fan! Very much appreciated.
I think it’s adorable! I love the Guy Noir 50s vibe and the complexity of the combined buildings’ exteriors. I mean it adds vibrance to the street when things have different heights/shapes. And if they seem to come from different decades that just mimics real life too.
I haven’t bought or built the modular buildings but I do get them for my son. I will definitely get him this one.
OTOH, I really can empathize with you because I feel the exact same way about this year’s Santa’s Workshop edition to the Winter Village (which I do build). I had to chuckle at your lament that you’d end up buying 2. I will buy 2 of Santa’s Workshop too since I really feel it needs so much work still.
Hope you’ll come to some peace about this. My son has also had to get OK about not having the first 2 modulars. ; >
PS Is that a water tank on the roof? Too cool!
I do believe that is a water tower! I think the firehouse has one, too. A very nice touch!
I do like the complexity of the combined exteriors. Like you said, the varying heights and shapes work well. These just seem out of scale with the other modulars. Kind of like between them and the new Creator line.
I am very disappointed that Santa’s workshop is lacking, too. I was planning on getting that on Black Friday!