Review: 40693 The Lord of the Rings: Fell Beast
Posted by CapnRex101,LEGO occasionally releases gifts-with-purchase tied to specific large sets, which are a fantastic reward for buying those sets immediately, but their limited availability can also be frustrating. 40639 The Lord of the Rings: Fell Beast offers a perfect example.
Fell Beasts were not available in the earlier The Lord of the Rings range and the set includes an exclusive Ringwraith minifigure. These are ideal add-ons for 10333 The Lord of the Rings: Barad-dûr, although depicting the Fell Beast with just 269 pieces has resulted in some compromises.
Summary
40693 The Lord of the Rings: Fell Beast, 269 pieces.
While its availability is frustrating, the Fell Beast and its rider are satisfying, overall
- Accurate proportions
- Fully articulated body and head
- Exclusive Nazgûl minifigure
- Wings cannot be angled forward or back
- No eyes
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Box and Contents
Even though the Fell Beast probably warrants a bigger model, more akin to dragons found in NINJAGO sets, this creature seems fairly substantial for a gift-with-purchase. There are three numbered bags inside the box, while the box itself features the standard 18+ branding to mirror 10333 The Lord of the Rings: Barad-dûr.
The wings are made from vinyl and arrive attached to a plastic sheet, as normal. This material works reasonably well for a Fell Beast's leathery wings and has printed scales, but I still prefer fabric wings, which are more pliable and tend to appear more organic, in my opinion.
Minifigure
Once the War of the Ring truly begins, the Nazgûl ride Fell Beasts into battle. Also known as Ringwraiths, these servants of Sauron last appeared in 9472 Attack on Weathertop. The new minifigure features an updated torso and tattered cloak, which look good, although I wish their older cloak had returned, wrapping around the character's shoulders. This sword is a definite improvement, however.
The Completed Model
Though not a dragon itself, this recreation of a Fell Beast will be familiar to builders of LEGO dragons. The segmented design of its neck and tail are very reminiscent of other models and this creature's lithe proportions are typical of some earlier dragons. More importantly, I think the proportions of this model compare favourably with Fell Beasts in the movies.
Furthermore, the beast measures 28cm long and has a wingspan of 40cm when outstretched fully, so it looks pretty substantial on display. This is definitely large enough to appear to scale with minifigures, but I can easily envisage a larger and much more detailed model, particularly as NINJAGO dragons become increasingly impressive.
The creature stands on a simple base, representing the ruins of Osgiliath. Although small, this base is stable enough to support the Fell Beast comfortably and the differing brick textures are effective. Additionally, I am delighted to see Osgiliath represented at all because, like Barad-dûr, this location never appeared in the original The Lord of the Rings range from 2012 and 2013.
I love the spines on the Fell Beast's back and its reddish brown tongue is superb, represented by a horn piece. The claws and saddle look excellent too, but the lack of eyes is awkward. Fell Beasts' eyes are absolutely tiny and I can understand their absence here, since even 1x1 round plates would be too big. Stickers would have sufficed, but printed eyes would have been ideal.
The designs on the wings are appealing and these are connected to click hinges, so they can flap up and down. However, the wings cannot move forwards or backwards to fold against the body, which is a shame. The neck and tail are fully articulated though, as are the hips, feet and claws, so dynamic poses are possible.
Overall
40639 The Lord of the Rings: Fell Beast satisfies my requirements for an enjoyable gift-with-purchase. We have never seen the winged beasts of Sauron's forces in physical LEGO form before and this set complements 10333 The Lord of the Rings: Barad-dûr thematically, despite their differing scales. The exclusive Ringwraith is a welcome inclusion too.
On the other hand, if this had been produced as a standard set, I would be a bit disappointed with the design. Eyes were essential and this creature is nowhere near as detailed as many contemporary dragons. I think the Fell Beast warrants a larger version, ideally ridden by the Witch-king of Angmar, in the future. Nevertheless, this is a great reward for those purchasing 10333 The Lord of the Rings: Barad-dûr on release.
Thanks to Huw for the photos in this review.
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71 comments on this article
I so want a Ninjago-style fell beast set. Could easily sell a lot of these to collectors, hint hint Lego.
Also, I really like the hood. Is that a new part?
Because of the nature of the wing joints, it would be easy to add parts 6271535 and 6265699 held together with a cross peg and place them above the current joint, and then you should be able to get back and forth movement, right? Maybe the wings are too heavy, but I might try that out.
As a side, I do hope that the relative simplicity of the model and lack of a Witch-King figure indicates that there will be a larger Fellbeast set in the future, though they might just include it in a Minas Tirith set costing another fortune (I’ll still buy it though).
I don't know why everyone complains about a lack of eyes. From what I remember seeing on the Fellbeasts in the movies, they didn't have any eyes at all. That, or they were so small that recreating them in LEGO bricks would have made them obscenely large.
As a proper consumer set, rather than as a GWP, I would like to see a Fell Beast set akin to 76406 (Hungarian Horntail Dragon) complete with a flapping motion in some intimidating pose over the ruins.
As a GWP this seems generally fine for its intended purpose but could be improved a little.
I have to be honest, I'm more interested in picking up this guy on the after-market, than I am in Sauron's tower.
This, as the kids say, is a thing.
A great thing? Certainly not.
A horrible thing? That's certainly unfair.
So, we muddle through the middle blindly looking for eyes and the other two rumored figures. No leg printing. No eye printing.
A mimic you'll be not, but I'll get you all the same.
Thus will be my tenth Nazgûl. Awkward.
@KingTyrannos said:
"Because of the nature of the wing joints, it would be easy to add parts 6271535 and 6265699 held together with a cross peg and place them above the current joint, and then you should be able to get back and forth movement, right? Maybe the wings are too heavy, but I might try that out. "
Wouldn't towball joints make more sense? Should also be an easy fix of like 3 parts changes.
I appreciate the gesture of a minifig scale GWP but a true Lego Fellbeast should look more substantial, this is too much of a kiddie budget build to be compatible with Barad-Dur, Rivendell or most of the 2012 line.
@dimc said:
"I so want a Ninjago-style fell beast set. Could easily sell a lot of these to collectors, hint hint Lego.
Also, I really like the hood. Is that a new part?"
Not new, but I haven't seen it that often. 75246 is the only use that immediately springs to mind.
I don't understand peoples want to get it on the aftermarket. This is bound to be sold in the 35-50$ range even though the contents are ultra common pieces and look like a 20-25$ set if it were a retail item. Only unique parts are the figure torso and plastic sheet wings, maybe the cape which as Rex says is apparently a downgrade.
You could be looking at a 25$ purchase if you use Bricklink or PaB to get 99% of the pieces, make cloth wings yourself as the reviewer suggests and switch the unique torso print for any other Sith robe. Maybe also switch the hood piece for the old style to keep the price down.
@Rabrickzel said:
"It's basically way to punish customers who wait for sale because you then actually get less as you also pay less."
"Punish" is doing a lot of work there. You're no worse off without the figure other than your sense of materialism is suffering. People who buy early, certainly, are getting an incentive to purchase. (I was going to say "reward," but no, that'd just be inverting "punish." "Incentive" is a more accurate marketplace term.)
@Anonym said:
"
I don't understand peoples want to get it on the aftermarket. This is bound to be sold in the 35-50$ range even though the contents are ultra common pieces and look like a 20-25$ set if it were a retail item. Only unique parts are the figure torso and plastic sheet wings, maybe the cape which as Rex says is apparently a downgrade.
You could be looking at a 25$ purchase if you use Bricklink or PaB to get 99% of the pieces, make cloth wings yourself as the reviewer suggests and switch the unique torso print for any other Sith robe. Maybe also switch the hood piece for the old style to keep the price down."
Correct. I've had a recent itch to build some of the older San Diego Comic Con exclusive Star Wars sets. Using Bricklink, it's really not that hard, and I'm only out an exclusive minifigure chest or head unless I really want to pay inflated prices.
I don't think I'm going to built a Fell beast. I may build the very top Eye section of Barad-Dur someday just for some Batman displays.
@AlmostEmerson said:
" @dimc said:
"I so want a Ninjago-style fell beast set. Could easily sell a lot of these to collectors, hint hint Lego.
Also, I really like the hood. Is that a new part?"
Not new, but I haven't seen it that often. 75246 is the only use that immediately springs to mind. "
75324 has it in black.
@AlmostEmerson said:
" @dimc said:
"I so want a Ninjago-style fell beast set. Could easily sell a lot of these to collectors, hint hint Lego.
Also, I really like the hood. Is that a new part?"
Not new, but I haven't seen it that often. 75246 is the only use that immediately springs to mind. "
Ah, I don't pay attention to SW so I guess I missed it. Looks nice though, the modern hoods feel too big for my peasants, though I understand the old style cracked a lot. Certainly plenty of mine are.
If you don't like the GWP one, or want a more accurate one, there are excellent MOC instructions available from BuildBetterBricks (I am not affiliated, I just think it's a great model):
https://buildbetterbricks.com/products/instructions-for-lego-lord-of-the-rings-fell-beast-display-stand
@Rabrickzel said:
""LEGO occasionally releases gifts-with-purchase tied to specific large sets, which are a fantastic reward for buying those sets immediately"
So basically it's just like pre order bonuses in videogames. You buy now and get this extra stuff we may or may not ripped from the actual product and will lock it away if you don't buy it right now.
It's basically way to punish customers who wait for sale because you then actually get less as you also pay less."
I don’t think you can possibly say this was ripped from the final product, it’s definitely a separate set in itself and isn’t going to make Barad Dur any less by not being displayed alongside it. I think the crux of your argument is that it’s attractive enough to make you consider not waiting for a discount (me too!), but this isn’t in the same league as the Gringotts GWP.
Never come between a Nazgul and his prey.... which in this case happens to be your wallet.
@Rabrickzel said:
""LEGO occasionally releases gifts-with-purchase tied to specific large sets, which are a fantastic reward for buying those sets immediately"
So basically it's just like pre order bonuses in videogames. You buy now and get this extra stuff we may or may not ripped from the actual product and will lock it away if you don't buy it right now.
It's basically way to punish customers who wait for sale because you then actually get less as you also pay less."
The comparison is somewhat faulty because if this had been included in the big set, the set would definitely have had its price increased by about 25 or 30$ because producing the physical parts isn't free the way a checkmark in the digital directory of a video game is.
And for what? A handful of common parts, a torso and plastic wings to build something that isn't up to the detail of the rest of the set. No thanks, I would rather take those 25 bucks towards something else like a real Fellbeast set if they ever make one or custom instructions.
@Anonym said:
" @KingTyrannos said:
"Because of the nature of the wing joints, it would be easy to add parts 6271535 and 6265699 held together with a cross peg and place them above the current joint, and then you should be able to get back and forth movement, right? Maybe the wings are too heavy, but I might try that out. "
Wouldn't towball joints make more sense? Should also be an easy fix of like 3 parts changes.
I appreciate the gesture of a minifig scale GWP but a true Lego Fellbeast should look more substantial, this is too much of a kiddie budget build to be compatible with Barad-Dur, Rivendell or most of the 2012 line."
I think a towball would be ideal, but it depends on the weight of the wings, I think.
Oooh this DOES have Nazgul + Fell Beast! And yet... so boring.
Definitely would need Ninjago-style quality/size, so I can cough up money for it. As it stands, I'll build a budget for Barad-Dur and hope for future LotR offerings to be, well, better.
How about that Eowyn fighting the Witch King, TLG? C'mon, you know it would make for an absolutely terrific set. Price would be $49.95 with the maiden warrior and her horse, the great fearful Witch King, Merry with the Rohan helmet, a good dragon build with an easily detachable head, and maybe a sign that reads "I am no MAN!"
@oukexergon said:
"Oooh this DOES have Nazgul + Fell Beast! And yet... so boring.
Definitely would need Ninjago-style quality/size, so I can cough up money for it. As it stands, I'll build a budget for Barad-Dur and hope for future LotR offerings to be, well, better.
How about that Eowyn fighting the Witch King, TLG? C'mon, you know it would make for an absolutely terrific set. Price would be $49.95 with the maiden warrior and her horse, the great fearful Witch King, Merry with the Rohan helmet, a good dragon build with an easily detachable head, and maybe a sign that reads "I am no MAN!""
Star wars style diorame + quote
You attack my wallet but "you shall not pass"
The "new" hood works very, very well for the Nazgûl. (For characters like Emperor Palpatine… not so much.)
@AverageChimaEnjoyer:
My first reaction was that they didn’t have eyes either. But, while I don’t always agree with him, if @CapnRex101 says they have really tiny eyes, I’m inclined to believe that he actually spotted them.
@StyleCounselor:
Built one copy of Weathertop (best LotR set from the original run), bought five more on clearance, discovered one had been pilfered of all the minifigs and horses, got the most important bits replaced, and this will be my 15th Nazgûl. What’s that? The math doesn’t work out? Two copies of 79015 says otherwise.
I find it weird that the few people who are lucky enough to be able to afford the massive several-hundred-pound set are so quick to complain about a free add-on amounting to only 269 pieces. I'm sure the many who can't afford the big set would happily pay for this small GWP, but are not even given the option.
@xoddam said:
"I find it weird that the few people who are lucky enough to be able to afford the massive several-hundred-pound set are so quick to complain about a free add-on amounting to only 269 pieces. I'm sure the many who can't afford the big set would happily pay for this small GWP, but are not even given the option."
To be fair, the only ones who will get it and will have to live with it *are* those people, so it makes sense they would also be the ones to complain. Me? I complain regardless because complaining is my go-to.
@PurpleDave
I don't know how you sleep at night with so much inhuman screeching all around your Lego room terrifying all your other minifigs. Of course, I'm sure there are other terrors in your collection to worry about. Feel bad for those helpless city folk.
The set looks fine. As a GWP it works I suppose. But with an amazing GWP or not, I still don't have the funds to buy the set on day one anyway. So I'd have to wait. So thankfully it isn't super duper amazing that I just have to have it immediately.
The updated torso does look nicer, but the old cape looked nicer.
@oukexergon said:
" @xoddam said:
"I find it weird that the few people who are lucky enough to be able to afford the massive several-hundred-pound set are so quick to complain about a free add-on amounting to only 269 pieces. I'm sure the many who can't afford the big set would happily pay for this small GWP, but are not even given the option."
To be fair, the only ones who will get it and will have to live with it *are* those people, so it makes sense they would also be the ones to complain. Me? I complain regardless because complaining is my go-to.
@PurpleDave
I don't know how you sleep at night with so much inhuman screeching all around your Lego room terrifying all your other minifigs. Of course, I'm sure there are other terrors in your collection to worry about. Feel bad for those helpless city folk."
Great, now I can’t help but imagine @PurpleDave enjoying a nice Chianti with fava beans in his LEGO room…
The lack of eyes doesn't bother me. It just looks so scrawny.
@briandrewz86 said:
"The lack of eyes doesn't bother me. It just looks so scrawny."
It was a preemie. It’ll grow up fine, just give it time.
I think it’s a good GWP. It’s not an amazing set on its own, but does compliment the main set decently enough. It’s not punishment towards people that wait for a sale, it’s enticement. If you wait for a sale, then you save money. It’s a trade off.
I don't get all the criticism with this GWP. It's not Ninjago quality but it's also a free add-on to a D2C set so why would it be? It works perfectly as a companion. Fell Beasts aren't as big as the dragons in Ninjago so I like this size even if it's a bit small. I didn't even know they had eyes in the films so the lack of them in this set definitely doesn't bother me. I'm quite happy with it since it's a nice display piece with an exclusive Minifigure!
@oukexergon said:
"Oooh this DOES have Nazgul + Fell Beast! And yet... so boring.
Definitely would need Ninjago-style quality/size, so I can cough up money for it. As it stands, I'll build a budget for Barad-Dur and hope for future LotR offerings to be, well, better.
How about that Eowyn fighting the Witch King, TLG? C'mon, you know it would make for an absolutely terrific set. Price would be $49.95 with the maiden warrior and her horse, the great fearful Witch King, Merry with the Rohan helmet, a good dragon build with an easily detachable head, and maybe a sign that reads "I am no MAN!""
$99.99 USD, but yeah.
@oukexergon:
I mean, I do have Starro the Conqueror, Pennywise, Angry Pennywise, Poohneywise, 16 Beholders (not counting the official one), five Mimic dice boxes (four of which are getting stripped for parts), and a Mimicaneer dice box. Oh, and naked Ernie riding a motorbathtub.
@Rabrickzel said:
""LEGO occasionally releases gifts-with-purchase tied to specific large sets, which are a fantastic reward for buying those sets immediately""
When 76269 : Avengers Tower was due to be released, I absolutely intended to purchase it, just not on day one. Then 6487483 : Taxi was announced as the GWP and that was all the incentive I needed to change my mind and purchase on day one. I imagine the Fell Beast GWP will similarly motivate potential purchasers of Barad-dûr.
Gifts With Purchase that complement the sets to which they are tied are exactly that for which I asked LEGO when they conducted that VIP survey a while back, and I’m glad that enough people must’ve done the same that they finally started offering them. If they’re going to tantalize me with a GWP, making it complement the main set is the sure-fire way to get my money.
@PurpleDave said:
" @oukexergon:
I mean, I do have Starro the Conqueror, Pennywise, Angry Pennywise, Poohneywise, 16 Beholders (not counting the official one), five Mimic dice boxes (four of which are getting stripped for parts), and a Mimicaneer dice box. Oh, and naked Ernie riding a motorbathtub."
Isn't Ernie always naked in the bathtub? I assume he has a rubber ducky, making him roughly 10% less frightening. That said, on the whole, that does sound fairly horrific to the average city dweller.
Will definitely get it on day one with Barad Dur, no hesitation :-)
@MutoidMan said:
" @Rabrickzel said:
""LEGO occasionally releases gifts-with-purchase tied to specific large sets, which are a fantastic reward for buying those sets immediately""
When 76269 : Avengers Tower was due to be released, I absolutely intended to purchase it, just not on day one. Then 6487483 : Taxi was announced as the GWP and that was all the incentive I needed to change my mind and purchase on day one. I imagine the Fell Beast GWP will similarly motivate potential purchasers of Barad-dûr.
Gifts With Purchase that complement the sets to which they are tied are exactly that for which I asked LEGO when they conducted that VIP survey a while back, and I’m glad that enough people must’ve done the same that they finally started offering them. If they’re going to tantalize me with a GWP, making it complement the main set is the sure-fire way to get my money."
You had me until you referenced 6487483 Taxi as being a positive. I would have waited until that GWP disappeared from my cart to make my purchase. ;o)
I'm sure when the Daily Bugle came out, I saw something saying that with giant towers/buildings they always include a smaller vehicle. With that in mind it seems almost certain that this was originally in the original set, until they realised it looked terrible so gave it to us for free. I'm grateful.
Ah yes, the endangered New Zealand fell beast. Only found around 10333, the Auckland sky tower...
@oukexergon said:
" @PurpleDave said:
" @oukexergon:
I mean, I do have Starro the Conqueror, Pennywise, Angry Pennywise, Poohneywise, 16 Beholders (not counting the official one), five Mimic dice boxes (four of which are getting stripped for parts), and a Mimicaneer dice box. Oh, and naked Ernie riding a motorbathtub."
Isn't Ernie always naked in the bathtub? I assume he has a rubber ducky, making him roughly 10% less frightening. That said, on the whole, that does sound fairly horrific to the average city dweller."
The duck is the one from nightmare before xmas, after Jack fixes it...so no, still freaking scarey. .but.....mainly due to ernie.
@Maxbricks14 said:
"Ah yes, the endangered New Zealand fell beast. Only found around 10333, the Auckland sky tower..."
I'm reminded of an outtake where Gandalf says, "Orcs. And so far from Auckland!"
@PurpleDave said:
" @AverageChimaEnjoyer :
My first reaction was that they didn’t have eyes either. But, while I don’t always agree with him, if @CapnRex101 says they have really tiny eyes, I’m inclined to believe that he actually spotted them.
@StyleCounselor :
Built one copy of Weathertop (best LotR set from the original run), bought five more on clearance, discovered one had been pilfered of all the minifigs and horses, got the most important bits replaced, and this will be my 15th Nazgûl. What’s that? The math doesn’t work out? Two copies of 79015 says otherwise."
I like that. Forgot the little set. I guess this will be my 13th. I like that a lot!
I have to call out the following part of the review: "Additionally, I am delighted to see Osgiliath represented at all"... I *really* hope you're being sarcastic, because 20 bricks (if that) make a bit of a broken wall, not Osgiliath; not even a representation! ;-)
Otherwise, thanks for the overall review. I have to admit to being a bit disappointed with this representation and I agree with an earlier poster who referenced the BBB MOC, which looks far better (though far beyond a GWP, of course).
I've built all the other BBB LoTR sets and definitely plan to build their Fell Beast at some point. Their version of Osgiliath is also rather more impressive! ;-)
@dimc said:
"I so want a Ninjago-style fell beast set. Could easily sell a lot of these to collectors, hint hint Lego.
Also, I really like the hood. Is that a new part?"
I initially thought the latest Horntail from Harry Potter, but a Ninjago like dragon would work just as well.
But I still haven't got all the horses!!
Accumulated 4 Nazgul from way back, and MOCed the other 5 from SW shadow troopers. Good enough for me, and to be honest, variation adds to the characters.
@oukexergon:
Yeah, but not riding down Main Street.
@StyleCounselor:
I think a lot of people forget about the Witch King minifig, partly because he didn't show up until the Hobbit sets, rather than LotR. But it got me thinking. Obviously, when he stabs Frodo, we see his ghostly form with the crown, like the minifig. And obviously, when he's riding the fell beast, he's wearing his battle crown. But what about during Fellowship? Did we see all nine at any point, and were they all just wearing identical robes at that point?
felly the fellbeast
@Billbuilds said:
"felly the fellbeast"
Back in college, I once rolled up a random character for an RPG, and ended up with a dwarf whose steed was…a buffalo. I wanted to name it Buffy, but the GM wasn’t having any of that.
@PurpleDave said:
" @oukexergon :
Yeah, but not riding down Main Street.
@StyleCounselor :
I think a lot of people forget about the Witch King minifig, partly because he didn't show up until the Hobbit sets, rather than LotR. But it got me thinking. Obviously, when he stabs Frodo, we see his ghostly form with the crown, like the minifig. And obviously, when he's riding the fell beast, he's wearing his battle crown. But what about during Fellowship? Did we see all nine at any point, and were they all just wearing identical robes at that point?"
Yeah, they're all together when they're chasing Arwen and Frodo on horseback. I think we also see them all briefly at the ferry near the Shire.
But, I think the only time you can see their individual forms is when he stabs Frodo. Otherwise, it's just the identical outfit, as you said.
The only other time I can recall seeing their individual forms, in all of the movies, was the clash at Dol Goldur in the last Hobbit movie.
@StyleCounselor said:
" @PurpleDave said:
" @oukexergon :
Yeah, but not riding down Main Street.
@StyleCounselor :
I think a lot of people forget about the Witch King minifig, partly because he didn't show up until the Hobbit sets, rather than LotR. But it got me thinking. Obviously, when he stabs Frodo, we see his ghostly form with the crown, like the minifig. And obviously, when he's riding the fell beast, he's wearing his battle crown. But what about during Fellowship? Did we see all nine at any point, and were they all just wearing identical robes at that point?"
Yeah, they're all together when they're chasing Arwen and Frodo on horseback. I think we also see them all briefly at the ferry near the Shire.
But, I think the only time you can see their individual forms is when he stabs Frodo. Otherwise, it's just the identical outfit, as you said.
The only other time I can recall seeing their individual forms, in all of the movies, was the clash at Dol Goldur in the last Hobbit movie."
But when they show up in Gondor on fell beasts, the Witch King is clearly identifiable due to his battle crown. It’s just weird if he never wore it in the previous two movies. Then again, Gollum changed looks between Fellowship and The Two Towers.
@yellowcastle said:
" @MutoidMan said:
" @Rabrickzel said:
""LEGO occasionally releases gifts-with-purchase tied to specific large sets, which are a fantastic reward for buying those sets immediately""
When 76269 : Avengers Tower was due to be released, I absolutely intended to purchase it, just not on day one. Then 6487483 : Taxi was announced as the GWP and that was all the incentive I needed to change my mind and purchase on day one. I imagine the Fell Beast GWP will similarly motivate potential purchasers of Barad-dûr.
Gifts With Purchase that complement the sets to which they are tied are exactly that for which I asked LEGO when they conducted that VIP survey a while back, and I’m glad that enough people must’ve done the same that they finally started offering them. If they’re going to tantalize me with a GWP, making it complement the main set is the sure-fire way to get my money."
You had me until you referenced 6487483 Taxi as being a positive. I would have waited until that GWP disappeared from my cart to make my purchase. ;o)"
As the great Yukon Cornelius said: “You eat what you like and I’ll eat what I’ll like.”
One additional Avenger, two Outriders, a civvie, and a Tesla-like Taxi was a nice enough GWP for me. Sure, I wish it could’ve been maybe five Iron Leigonnaires and their alcoves to replace the Helicarrier Hulk cell, or maybe something else, but it was enough.
If it’s anything like the last gift with purchase (mimic chest) Lego will be sold out within minutes of the sell opening. They say they don’t want to drive up the after market price but then they under produce these GWPs?
Actually I feel sad and frustrated. I can't afford to buy such a huge set so soon. I will eventually buy it in some months, once I've saved enough. But by then I will miss this. Why not just add to the set itself of red rid of it completely?
I still feel this should be a set of its own to be buy any time...
That is the one I got. And I can only recommend it highly!
http://everydaybricks.com/tag/wings/
@xoddam said:
"I find it weird that the few people who are lucky enough to be able to afford the massive several-hundred-pound set are so quick to complain about a free add-on amounting to only 269 pieces. I'm sure the many who can't afford the big set would happily pay for this small GWP, but are not even given the option."
Few lucky people huh ? Few days ago I spoke with a guy who works at Lego factory. They will be shortening their summer vacation at the factory by about a week due to higher than expected demand that they are unable to meet. Lego is on track to have record profits this year as well. They could increase prices by 20% tomorrow and people would still buy it. You can bet that most of the people who whine in here are the first ones to get those sets. Inflation my a..
@Amik said:
" @xoddam said:
"I find it weird that the few people who are lucky enough to be able to afford the massive several-hundred-pound set are so quick to complain about a free add-on amounting to only 269 pieces. I'm sure the many who can't afford the big set would happily pay for this small GWP, but are not even given the option."
Few lucky people huh ? Few days ago I spoke with a guy who works at Lego factory. They will be shortening their summer vacation at the factory by about a week due to higher than expected demand that they are unable to meet. Lego is on track to have record profits this year as well. They could increase prices by 20% tomorrow and people would still buy it. You can bet that most of the people who whine in here are the first ones to get those sets. Inflation my a..
"
What proportion of Lego fans do you think buy these sets? 1%? 0.5%? Even that seems generous. That could be thousands of people. It's still only a 'few' in proportion to the millions of Lego fans.
@xoddam said:
" @Amik said:
" @xoddam said:
"I find it weird that the few people who are lucky enough to be able to afford the massive several-hundred-pound set are so quick to complain about a free add-on amounting to only 269 pieces. I'm sure the many who can't afford the big set would happily pay for this small GWP, but are not even given the option."
Few lucky people huh ? Few days ago I spoke with a guy who works at Lego factory. They will be shortening their summer vacation at the factory by about a week due to higher than expected demand that they are unable to meet. Lego is on track to have record profits this year as well. They could increase prices by 20% tomorrow and people would still buy it. You can bet that most of the people who whine in here are the first ones to get those sets. Inflation my a..
"
What proportion of Lego fans do you think buy these sets? 1%? 0.5%? Even that seems generous. That could be thousands of people. It's still only a 'few' in proportion to the millions of Lego fans."
I'd say there are 3 groups of people buying it - speculators who just want to sell it later for 2-3x the original amount. Second group are actual fans who want to build it and display it (I think that's the smallest group). Third group are actual Lego addicts who can't control the urge to not buy the new, shiny thing, doesn't really matter which theme. The fact that globally there are millions and millions of people with enough disposable income helps as well, they don't necessarily have to be AFOLs.
Bricklink Castle was sold out in about 2 hours (30 thousand sets, each going for what, 350 or 400 euros?). Obviously I don't have the numbers but big sets are sold in at least tens of thousands, more likely in 100k and more in their lifetime. Go buy Bricklink sets when they are released, you won't be able to log in as the traffic is so heavy and crashes all the time.
@Amik said:
" @xoddam said:
" @Amik said:
" @xoddam said:
"I find it weird that the few people who are lucky enough to be able to afford the massive several-hundred-pound set are so quick to complain about a free add-on amounting to only 269 pieces. I'm sure the many who can't afford the big set would happily pay for this small GWP, but are not even given the option."
Few lucky people huh ? Few days ago I spoke with a guy who works at Lego factory. They will be shortening their summer vacation at the factory by about a week due to higher than expected demand that they are unable to meet. Lego is on track to have record profits this year as well. They could increase prices by 20% tomorrow and people would still buy it. You can bet that most of the people who whine in here are the first ones to get those sets. Inflation my a..
"
What proportion of Lego fans do you think buy these sets? 1%? 0.5%? Even that seems generous. That could be thousands of people. It's still only a 'few' in proportion to the millions of Lego fans."
I'd say there are 3 groups of people buying it - speculators who just want to sell it later for 2-3x the original amount. Second group are actual fans who want to build it and display it (I think that's the smallest group). Third group are actual Lego addicts who can't control the urge to not buy the new, shiny thing, doesn't really matter which theme. The fact that globally there are millions and millions of people with enough disposable income helps as well, they don't necessarily have to be AFOLs.
Bricklink Castle was sold out in about 2 hours (30 thousand sets, each going for what, 350 or 400 euros?). Obviously I don't have the numbers but big sets are sold in at least tens of thousands, more likely in 100k and more in their lifetime. Go buy Bricklink sets when they are released, you won't be able to log in as the traffic is so heavy and crashes all the time.
"
As does the main Lego website.
@PurpleDave said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
" @PurpleDave said:
" @oukexergon :
Yeah, but not riding down Main Street.
@StyleCounselor :
I think a lot of people forget about the Witch King minifig, partly because he didn't show up until the Hobbit sets, rather than LotR. But it got me thinking. Obviously, when he stabs Frodo, we see his ghostly form with the crown, like the minifig. And obviously, when he's riding the fell beast, he's wearing his battle crown. But what about during Fellowship? Did we see all nine at any point, and were they all just wearing identical robes at that point?"
Yeah, they're all together when they're chasing Arwen and Frodo on horseback. I think we also see them all briefly at the ferry near the Shire.
But, I think the only time you can see their individual forms is when he stabs Frodo. Otherwise, it's just the identical outfit, as you said.
The only other time I can recall seeing their individual forms, in all of the movies, was the clash at Dol Goldur in the last Hobbit movie."
But when they show up in Gondor on fell beasts, the Witch King is clearly identifiable due to his battle crown. It’s just weird if he never wore it in the previous two movies. Then again, Gollum changed looks between Fellowship and The Two Towers."
It's clearly his party hat. Only for special occasions.
@StyleCounselor said:
[[ @Amik said:
[[ @xoddam said:
[[ @Amik said:
[[ @xoddam said:
]]
As does the main Lego website.]]
Even more proof that demand is at all time high no matter how high the prices are. The only way I see them heading south will be when the resistance to buy cheap copy brands (lepin, mould king) fades away. That will be their breaking point. There's currently no company in the world that can truly compete with Lego in brick building, period. ]]]]
@Amik said:
[[ @StyleCounselor said:
[[ @Amik said:
[[ @xoddam said:
[[ @Amik said:
[[ @xoddam said:
]]
As does the main Lego website.]]
Even more proof that demand is at all time high no matter how high the prices are. The only way I see them heading south will be when the resistance to buy cheap copy brands (lepin, mould king) fades away. That will be their breaking point. There's currently no company in the world that can truly compete with Lego in brick building, period. ]]]]]]
Or... there's something devastating that occurs in the real world which suddenly reminds us all that luxury plastic modeling toys are superfluous.
@StyleCounselor said:
@Amik said:
@StyleCounselor said:
@Amik said:
@xoddam said:
@Amik said:
@xoddam said:
@Amik said:
@StyleCounselor said:
Totally agree.
@StyleCounselor said:
[[ @Amik said:
[[ @StyleCounselor said:
[[ @Amik said:
[[ @xoddam said:
[[ @Amik said:
[[ @xoddam said:
]]
As does the main Lego website.]]
Even more proof that demand is at all time high no matter how high the prices are. The only way I see them heading south will be when the resistance to buy cheap copy brands (lepin, mould king) fades away. That will be their breaking point. There's currently no company in the world that can truly compete with Lego in brick building, period. ]]]]]]
Or... there's something devastating that occurs in the real world which suddenly reminds us all that luxury plastic modeling toys are superfluous. ]]
Well, Covid, inflation, current wars and conflicts almost everywhere - common sense would tell you that should´ve already happen. And yet, look where we are, demand for Lego is astronomical and none of those apparently have any impact on sales. That´s why I think only when people start buying cheaper competiton is when Lego will go down the drain
Wings are way too small and the wrong shape and the head sucks. Aside from that it’s really not bad to be honest
The fell beasts depicted in the theatrical presentations do indeed have eyes, they're not too large. The Witch-king's is also clad in armor which helps obscure them even further.
Probably the perfect part to represent them for an armored fell beast would be the antenna base from part https://brickset.com/parts/design-73587 , however that even looks too large for this scale. Would definitely need to be a bit larger scale based off that part.
so I haven't read/seen LOTR, so to me this is just a cool small dragon boy. but like, I'd totally love to get a cool small dragon boy like this, I don't have a lot of money to spend and the abiliity to buy something this small yet this cool seems like something ya don't see so much nowadays, but or course it's a GWP so I'm sad now.
Head looks like an Allien. So might be good start point of a MOC. Yeah this is my take from this set.
@Oorhon said:
"Head looks like an Allien. So might be good start point of a MOC. Yeah this is my take from this set. "
What do you mean they cut the power?! They’re animals!
Thanks for the review! I love this GWP and it's a much better incentive for day 1 purchase, than the Mimic dice chest was for the D&D set. I really hope it won't be gone in an hour or two, because I plan to buy 10333 in the afternoon from the Store.
Here's a reverse engineering Studio file of the GWP, minus the wings. It could be 100% correct if someone would post an image of the part list.
https://brickshelf.com/gallery/R0Sch/40693/40693.io
This is great GWP because It still can be build by yourself, even with its exclusive pieces.
Also if I recall, they had no eyes...
@R0Sch said:
"Thanks for the review! I love this GWP and it's a much better incentive for day 1 purchase, than the Mimic dice chest was for the D&D set."
Well, I own six copies of the Mimic, but you'd really need nine of these to have a full set, so it's apparently 50% more desirable.
@lordofdragonss:
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/middle-earth-film-saga/images/d/dc/Witch-king_and_Fell-beast.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/1200?cb=20210912093053
Here's a good closeup of the Witch King's fell beast. This is the one we get the best view of, during his final fight. You can see that his steed has armor plating on the top of its head (against giant eagles?), but the eyes are fully shielded from above. If you see a shot where the head is being viewed from a high angle, those protruding bits are going to completely hide not just the eyes, but the holes surrounding the eyes, making it seem very much like they're blind.
https://pm1.narvii.com/6496/bf63c863c3149c3e864d6cf66e4d354e81028a65_hq.jpg
The eight lesser Nazgul ride fell beasts with no armor on the heads, but the eyes don't really contrast with the body, and in busy action shots it's really easy to miss that they're there.