Lego Belville
Jason writes:
My daughter is a Belville fan. I noticed it’s been about a year since any new Belville sets were released, but the most recent 3 or 4 are still stocked at Toys R Us and LEGO stores, and appear to sell well (frequent empty shelves). With all the talk about the end of Bionicle, Technic and Pirates recently, is there any information about the future of Belville?
-Jason
Dear Jason,
First I would like to mention that Technic will not be ending. This was a false rumor found on certain internet sites.
I believe that most Belville sets are released in the beginning of the year. New sets should be coming out soon. These sets sell extremely well in Scandinavian countries but have mixed results in other parts of the world. One difficulty is convincing large retail chains (Walmart, Target, Kmart, etc) to carry a variety of Belville sets instead of another action line designed for boys. The Belville line will likely continue as long as the core market for it remains strong.
Sincerely,
LFan
Questions Thread: December 13th – December 19th, 2009
Please send in your Lego related questions to receive answers. You may reply to this post or send us an email at lfanquestions@gmail.com Thanks!
Sincerely,
LFan
The Bionicle Audience
Joao writes:
Who is the target audience of the Bionicles? I first noticed them several years ago and “didn’t get them”. Recently I started looking at LEGO again and noticed they are still around so there must be a commercial success behind it, but they seem so un-LEGO with many incompatible pieces and a very aggressive and combat tone of play rather than adventure/story with the rest. What’s behind these and how do they fit the LEGO universe?
Dear Joao,
Bionicle sets were designed for boys who like action figures and stories. TLG successfully broke into this area of the market by creating figures with collectable masks. Many fans of the brick are less interested in Bionicle sets because their elements are more difficult to fit into the LEGO system. However, the Bionicle theme was profitable for a long time which helped the company.
In the past few years the popularity of Bionicle sets decreased while regular system sets increased. This is likely the reason behind TLG’s decision to discontinue Bionicle in favor of an updated construction action figure line in 2010.
Sincerely,
LFan
Set Release Dates
Joao writes:
Does LEGO have a typical time of the year when new sets are announced? Or how often do they introduce sets in a year?
Dear Joao,
Yes. The majority of sets are introduced at the beginning of a year (January) or the middle of a year (late May – August). LEGO Direct sets sold on Shop at Home or at LEGO Brand stores have been announced at various times throughout the year.
Sincerely,
LFan
LEGO Designer List
Kyle writes:
LFan,
I was wondering if there is a way to find out who the (lead) designers are on the various Lego sets? Is there a website that discloses this information, or does TLG discourage this information from being public? I’ve seen some names mentioned from time to time on various AFOL sites, but nothing comprehensive. It would be great to have this information on current and past sets/themes.
Thanks in advance,
Kyle
Dear Kyle,
In the past TLG would never release set designer information. Today many set designers give presentations at conventions, are interviewed for magazine articles, and have building videos on LEGO.com. There is not a website with a comprehensive list of set designers.
Check out these resources for information on designers:
http://creator.lego.com/en-us/designers/default.aspx
http://www.brothers-brick.com/2008/09/24/interview-with-lego-agents-designer-matt-ashton-interview/
http://www.millionaireplayboy.com/toys/jenslegodesigner.php
http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=35533
Sincerely,
LFan
Mystery Building
John writes:
Just got the latest Shop@Home email – any information on the building on the far left in the holiday gift shop image?
Dear John,
The building on the far left is 7641 City Corner: http://shop.lego.com/ByTheme/Product.aspx?p=7641&cn=356&d=9
Sincerely,
LFan
Bionicle Inventory
Justin writes:
Alright, during the in-between time of Bionicle and its replacement line (I’m assuming you’ve heard the news), I’m planning on replacing all of my missing/broken pieces (some of them as old as Bionicle itself), but I seem to have no better option than building all 95 sets I own! I’m having to constantly take them apart and rebuild them as well, due to various contests and ideas for MOCs. Is there any easier way to make sure I have everything, or do I have to continue building all of those sets?
By the way, I have the pieces divided up by color (except for various axles and technic beams), so something that’s easy to use with that would be great.
Thanks!
Dear Justin,
Many fans sort by piece type instead of color. This will likely save you time when you are rebuilding your sets. You could inventory your entire collection piece by piece. It may be just as easy to build each set.
Sincerely,
LFan
Custom Colored Element Order?
John writes:
Hello,
Would it ever be possible for a group of AFOLs (LUG or LTC) to have a custom batch of parts molded by The LEGO Group? To maintain any remote chance of the answer being yes, naturally there would be restrictions:
- Current part mold
- Current ABS color
- Minimum quantity (multiple K8s)
Thanks for the terrific website!
John
Dear John,
It is unlikely that TLG would allow orders of elements in colors that are not in production. Currently they are testing out a LUGBULK order for many lugs around the world (but not the USA). This allows lugs to order pieces for their displays which TLG is already producing.
LEGOLAND theme parks could order unique colors in the past. This ability was taken away after the parks were divested from TLG. Small batch orders of parts are expensive for Lego to produce.
A more realistic solution would be for fan communities to contact TLG through their LEGO Ambassadors and suggest popular elements to be placed in future sets. Ideas include fall colored foliage, doors and windows in less common colors, etc.
Sincerely,
LFan
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