Subject:
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Quickie 10000 Guarded Inn (a review as if there never had been a set #6067)
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.reviews, lugnet.castle
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Date:
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Wed, 18 Jul 2001 08:03:24 GMT
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Viewed:
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2904 times
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Approx. $25 USD for 246 pieces.
The box is made in the style of newer packaging but has the advantage of
containing little to recommend keeping it (I like when I can throw stuff
away and eliminate packaging from what I am saving of a set). The image on
the box cover is in black and white and is identical to the image on the
cover of the instruction manual. The instructional manual itself is a nice
compact size that allows for easy storage utilizing a fair range of storage
techniques. I also like its small magazine like feel and layout.
There's a nice heft to the box and I am pleased to discover that it's not
just another big empty box -- there are lots of good modular elements to
build with here even if I decide I don't much care for the suggested design.
Strangely, there is a western printed horse included in the set -- an
obvious error. Thankfully, the traditional and intended castle horse is
also included as an after thought outside the box. I guess they caught this
error too late...
As I build, I note that the red castle wall of step 5 has a poorly printed
Tudor pattern on it -- the printing is both smudged and faint. The quality
control involved in the making of this element needs improving. The blue
door in step 6 is of the type we haven't seen since Fort Legoredo (where
that set contained black ones). It's also a pleasure to see the return of
the 1x1x2 hinge element, and also of the matching shutters in yellow (can't
wait until they do these again in black!). The inn sign suffers from some
muddy printing between the gold and the silver on the fallen goblet -- a
pity since this sign is SO cool! Kudos to the designer of this element! I
am tempted to call Shop@Home for a replacement element, but I note that both
sides of the sign are printed identically -- so I am going to assume that
this is a recurrent printing problem common to all of these sign elements,
at least in this run of the set. I hope subsequent runs have greater levels
of quality control. We shall see...
The grey wall assembly that comes after step 16 is impressive for the manner
in which it utilizes smaller modular elements to create such a sturdy wall.
There are lots of inverted black slopes too.
The roof of the Inn is supported by three black 1/2 arches and there are two
cool red Tudor walls, with better printing on them, that form the wall
opposite the wall mentioned above and perpendicular to the front of the inn.
There are lots of black slopes to form the roof as well, including the
sometimes hard to come by black gable element and even two low slopes!
Another nice thing is all the extra elements one has the end! There are
several flower elements, one flower stem cylinder, two yellow feathers, and
the usual 1x2 brick and plate pair that come with the horse -- just like in
the old days!
One of the problems I had with the set besides some poorly printed elements
was the fact that the elements were clearly injected molded from the front
side, leaving the front surfaces marred by the injection mark! What were
they thinking?!
Despite my quibbles, I am very pleased with the overall value of the set.
It is truly a great value for the money. You can add to your soldier ranks
with two crossed ax soldiers, you get a mounted black night, and an inn
wench with a red steeple headdress -- all that and countless excellent small
elements besides! My recommendation is to buy in quantity and never sell.
This set is far and away the best value this year.
Now that it's finished and sitting here next to my computer, warm in the
glow from the 100 watt lamp on my desk, I note that except for neutrals, the
colors of the set are the primary colors -- red, blue, and yellow! If
variants of the set ever become available (as with the "My Own Train" line),
they really should consider doing this set again with white walls and brown
doors and shutters -- those color choices would obviously make the most
sense. I might as well dream big for the unlikely...
But for the lack of greater quality control in the manufacturing of the
printed elements, this set would have achieved a perfect score without a
doubt. This set epitomizes what tight modular design can yield. For it's
size, it is very sturdy -- with enhanced playability because of a hinged facade.
Final grade: 9 out of 10 -- great set design, poorly executed at the factory!
-- Hop-Frog (Hi Ho, Hi Ho...)
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