Confessions of A Junkie, Part II Lego Bulk 1,200 Piece Tub
Written: Jan 16 '02 (Updated May 24 '08)
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Pros: Awesome starter set, great assortment of sizes.
Cons: Not enough black or green pieces.
The Bottom Line: A stellar gift for any Lego freak - I challenge any true fan to deny that this is one of the best universal sets ever released.
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| Freak369's Full Review: LEGO 1200-Piece - Blue Tub |
When you come across a hard-core Lego addict – the tell tale signs are painfully obvious. Broken fingernails [avoid this with the help of a brick separator], sore thumbs and wrists, assorted Lego paraphernalia [magazines, pens, toothbrush sets etc], hiding unopened boxes in the back of closets and a handful of other checklist activities. But make no mistake about it – they haven’t reached the point of no return until they set ordering the 1,200-piece bucket in bulk quantities. How do I know all this? How am I privy to such sorted and addictive activities? I cannot lie, I am a Lego Junkie.
As I’ve mentioned in many of my Lego reviews, my love of these little plastic bricks can be traced back many years. Back to when there were just basic sizes, colors and shapes. Before the robotic designs crept onto the shelves, long before they were converted to Playstation and computer games and yes, before the erection of Legoland. To say that I am a Lego expert would be a gross exaggeration and outright lie – instead I prefer the term "Lego enthusiast" - which of course is a kinder term to what I really am, a junkie who regularly abuses the MasterCard with obscene purchases at toy stores.
The Godfather of Lego Sets
If you had to pick out one set from all the Lego sets ever created – which one would you pick? Sure that is a tough question when you think of all the incredible sets released – Anakin's Podracer, Hogwarts Castle or even the Jack Stone Res-Q Super Station … and the list goes on. Each person has his or her own reason for a favorite set or series – but what it all boils down to is functionality.
The Lego 1,200 piece set is one of the best bulk pack / universal items on the market. For those non-Lego people here is a little background information for you. The term ‘bulk pack’ refers to sets that are released without a particular theme. These bulk packs are usually basic pieces that can be used with any of the Lego sets to enlarge, enhance or redesign. “Universal” is the same thing as a bulk pack, but usually on a much smaller scale [20 pack assortment, 600 and 800 piece tubs]. Now, in some cases there are bulk packs released with themes – Star Wars Creator of the most popular and introduced some great pieces to the Star Wars series.
The 1,200-piece bulk set is absolutely phenomenal. Sure, I might be slightly biased due to my history and addiction – but I am not the only person to make such a statement. One of the nicest things about this set / bulk pack is that it allows someone just starting out to get a wide variety of pieces, colors, shapes, fixtures and implements for a pretty decent price.
Set 3033
The 1,200 piece "special value" set come packaged in a hard plastic rectangular box. Don’t confuse this with the smaller Lego Classic Building Set, 800 or 600 piece bulk tub that is made of soft plastic with a burp lid. Lego really did go all out with this set and it's reflected in all areas. Non-Lego people might not really care about the packaging – but it is a determining factor for some Lego lunatics. The box is blue in color, measures 12.5 x 16 x 8 and is stackable. Unlike previously released bulk tubs, the plastic on this is sturdy – and strong! I put it to the test by stacking weights on top of it. The top showed no sign of stress with 100 pounds on it. Even though I tested it at 100 pounds, make sure you don’t allow children to stand on it or use it as a seat or step stool. You never know when the lid might decided “enough is enough” and cave in.
Now, onto the controversy. My fellow junkies brought it to my attention that there aren’t enough green or black pieces in this assortment. While the variety of sizes and shapes is greatly varied – you do tend to get more yellow, blue and white pieces than any other. I guess I never noticed it – most of the time my eyes were glazed over and I was too busy wiping the drool off my face to start breaking down the color / piece count.
For Your protection….
The box isn’t sealed or protected like the cardboard sets, but rather with a plastic strap. Make sure you check that this is still intact and has no slack in it. You never know when someone will get greedy and steal a few of the small plastic bags out of the box and leave you short a few hundred pieces. There were a few people complaining about missing pieces on a Lego chat board about a year ago. It seems that people were buying the sets, taking them home, picking the strap apart at the bottom and removing half the bags. They then reattached the strap and melted the plastic together and returned them to the store saying they weren’t needed. The stores caught on to this scam when people started bringing back sets that were missing half the bags. So, when you get your set, make sure you have at least eight bags – anything less than that and you might just be getting ripped off. It might take a while to count out the pieces but if you get a few friends to help – you should be able to determine the total count [or ball park estimate] and take it from there.
If you do notice a shortage in pieces I highly suggest that you contact Lego directly with the store name, date purchased, UPC code, price paid and any relevant information. You should also contact the store and make them aware that the package was sort arrange for a return of the item as well as a new set that has the complete number of pieces. If they have to sit there and count them in front of you to make you happy then that is what needs to be done.
When an item is returned to a store it should be given the once over to make sure it has all the appropriate pieces. Since it looks sealed most associates won’t go the extra mile and give the strap a good tug to see if it comes apart. If you are shopping for this and the band seems loose or isn’t attached at all – use your own discretion. If there are bags missing – ask for the toy section manager and offer to buy it for half price. :]
Checklist
Once you break open the package you’ll find ten small plastic bags containing the Lego pieces. Now, don’t get too worried if you find nine bags – the same thing goes if you happen to find eleven. Unless the box has been tampered with – you will get 1,200 pieces – they might just be packaged differently.
There is one thing I will not do in this review – and that is list all the different pieces. Firstly, no one will bother to read it. Secondly, it is almost impossible to do with 100% accuracy. Thirdly, enough people fall asleep during my reviews as it is :] Since it is also impossible to give an accurate description of each bag with an estimation of pieces, colors and sizes – mainly due to the fact that substitutions happen all the time – I’ll give some basic information.
Don’t buy this set expecting to get window frames, door frames, wheels, neon rivets, trees, animals, Lego figures, small base plates, flat pieces or anything stenciled. This is the bare bones, basic line of pieces. Everything from 1x1 pieces to 2x8 pieces are included. As I said earlier, there are no flat pieces or base plates in this set. If these are what you desire – or you want a broader selection check out my recommendations at the end of this review for suggestions.
The colors you receive are as follow: white, red, blue, black, green and yellow. I am still a little amazed that brown was not included in this set – then again, I just review them, not design them. Again, if these colors aren’t enough for you, I’ll make a few suggestions at the end of the review.
Not Just For Beginners
Regardless of the age or years of Lego experience, any true fan will go nuts over this if they receive it as a gift. Example – your significant other is a home improvement junkie – do you sit there and weed through all the tools to see what’s missing or take the easy way out and buy a Home Depot gift certificate? Same premise here – it’s pretty much a ‘no brainer’ type of gift for block addicts. Face the simple fact – you can never have too many Lego’s. The bumper sticker on my vehicle reads “Who Ever Dies With the Most Lego’s Wins”
This is also great for avid collectors who may need to update or replace pieces that are damaged, scratched or discolored. Contrary to popular belief, Lego pieces do lose some of the intensity if exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time. Damage can occur if they are stored in large bins or handled roughly. This set allows someone to weed out the bad pieces that can’t be repaired and replace them with new ones.
Not For You?
So, you are saying that this set just doesn't get you motivated to build? Maybe it's the lack of exciting colors or the limited size and shape of the pieces. Face it – if these were the only Lego’s we had to build with – chances are we’d lose interest in about 48 hours. My two other suggestions would the Lego Classic Building Set which includes small shrubbery, wheels, window frames, a few bricks with smiles on them, clear pieces and small, flat base plates. Retail price is $19.99 if you can find them anywhere.
If you are still not satisfied with the selection in the Classic set mentioned above, you can always go to the Lego website and buy the pieces in bulk packs. For example – a bulk pack of Lego Christmas trees [also called Spruce Trees] will set you back $7.99 for 25 pieces [set # 3499]. You can buy literally any piece ever made at a reasonable price and get a fair quantity. This is great for completing scenes where multiple pieces are needed and only a certain quantity are packed in each set. I had to do this when I needed more dragons for my castle. Rather than buying small sets that contained the dragon, I bought them in bulk and saved over $70.00 over buying the sets. As a last resort, contact a brick broker and buy the pieces outright or offer to swap pieces you aren't using for the ones you want or need.
Who Would Love This
This would be a great set to give as an introduction to the Lego series. Even more so if a child has expressed an interest in or had been previously introduced to the larger Duplo line of blocks. I would also suggest a smaller set with a wider variety of pieces [wheels, windows etc] to enhance the replay value. When you look at the number of pieces you are getting in this set verses the cost – it’s a tremendous way to start a collection or to boost an already existing Lego fanatics stock.
As will all Lego sets, this one includes some small pieces that could present a choking hazard. Make sure that the child is ready for the responsibility of picking up the blocks as well as knowing that the pieces don’t get shoved into body cavities. The only thing worse than stepping on a Lego brick in the middle of the night is having to dig one out of an ear, nose or other orifice.
The Stats
Set Name: 1,200 Value Pack Set
Also Known As: 1,200 Piece Special value Pack
Family Set: Universal, stand alone unit
Lego Set: 3033
Number of Pieces: 1,200
Age Recommendation: 5 - 10
Ease Of Assembly: Unlimited
Time Of Assembly: Unlimited
Cost: $14.99 - sale
Retail prices vary from $19.99 - $22.99
As always, thanks for the read!
~^V^~ Freak ~^V^~
© 2004Freak369
Lego Grey Base Plate
Straight Road Plates
Curved Road Plates
Cross Road Plates
Duplo Base Plate
Duplo Building Plates
Brick Separator
Life on Mars Accessories
Castle Accessories
Space Port Accessories
Belville Fairy Tale Accessories
Castle Expander Pack
Belville Interior Designer Accessory Pack
Adventurer Accessories
Lego Magazine - Lego World Shop
Count Down To The Holidays Calendar
Belville 2007 Advent Calendar
Lego 1200 Piece Blue Tub
Lego Classic Building Set
Classic Set With Building Table
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): $14.99 -sale
Type of Toy: Blocks
Age Range of Child: Whole Family
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