It came in a huge box that was in turn comprised of 4 smaller boxes each containing more Lego that I had ever seen in one place before. As always with Lego I was amazed and impressed with their quality control. All the pieces were there - none were missing - and there was even the usual array of spare extra pieces.
I must say that in my many years of building / buying Lego I have only ever had one experience of pieces being missing from a box and Lego's famous customer service excellence made sure those pieces were with me, free of charge, within a matter of days.
But back to the Death Star... you will see from the photos (click for a larger version) that the set is divided into several quarter spheres on each level and each depicts a famous scene from each of the three films (original trilogy). You get Luke's duel with the emperor as well as Luke and Leia's rope swing across the chasm. You get Obi Wan deactivating the tractor beam and trash compactor scene. The model is full of them - I'm sure you can figure the rest out from the photographs.
Unbelievably this is not the biggest Star Wars set available. Lego are currently selling (though they are not making any more) a huge model of the Millennium Falcon. Totalling 5195 pieces and costing £342 it is the biggest set ever. Would I like it? Hell yeah. But where the hell would I put it? One has to be realistic and let the occasional set get away.
Maybe if I win the lottery...?
In the meantime, I can dream...
You have the best wife (one of the - gotta count me in there, too, with my Mister) in the world. I am truly impressed, boggled and overwhelmed. Jimunitly. Or Gimanitly. American expression. I say we start a Millenium Falcon fund going for you.
ReplyDeleteFemminismo: big yay for the best wife (I count my blessings every day) and a big yay for the MF Fund. That's a really sweet thought. ;-)
ReplyDeleteIf by any chance you're coming to Copenhagen on a summer holiday I'll swap you the Millennium Falcon for a copy of your book.
ReplyDeleteJoe Bloggs: no kidding?? You actually own it? And you'd swap it? Are you crazy (in a nice way)? I can email you a copy of the book later today...! ;-)
ReplyDeleteEccentric idea, to say the least, I know. Let's call it an egocentric dare on my part. I gave it at least 10 minutes to settle in, told myself to sleep on it but decided to be bold. And no, I don't own it, but I'd make sure to purchase it, brand new - leaving it un-opened for you (I prefer the basic bricks) - before we seal any deal.
ReplyDeleteNutter!Headcase!Weirdo!
A wee bit, yeah, but it's all up to you; psycho-assessment, travelling expenses etc. Unfortunately I can't offer accomodation as we (wife n 2 kids) live in a rather small flat. There's some hostels nearby, no idea of their prices nor how much it costs to get to Copenhagen. I'd be happy to show you around the town, provide breakfast, lunch, an evening meal or two, or whatever suits the occasion.
All in all it might actually be cheaper for you to buy it yourself - I haven't checked any prices, although I recall having seen the M.Falcon priced around about DKK 3000-4000 (Gulp!) But like I didn't say - it was/is a bet I made with myself yesterday. My guess is the odds are 50/50.
It's not a question of any blog-stalking affection as far as I know - although I can't rule out that there may be a recessive axe-wielding-maniac gene running in the family.
I can't really tell you why this idea struck me or why I'm sticking to it instead of deleting all my cyberspace tracks... I mean, my life isn't that boring and I'm not overly rich either.
Don't really need any cheap or expensive thrills either. But there/here it stands.
My dear Joe, I wouldn't dream of putting you in a position of having to spend £350 on Lego which you yourself would never have the joy of building. I assumed your original offer (delightfully wild as it was) was meant tongue in cheek and as much as I like my novel I don't think it would be a very fair bargain to swap an unpublished copy for a toy that could break your bank. ;-) However, the rush of excitement and the daydreams you have given me this morning have all been to the good - so thank you for that. And should the wife and I and our 2 boys ever come to Copenhagan I shall be looking to you to be our tour guide par excellence (I'll leave my axe at home if you promise to do the same)!
ReplyDeleteThat's both a relief and a disapointment, Steve
ReplyDeleteBloomin' whacky, I know, but it was seriously meant.
I think I'll celebrate winning my own bet (which I would have won as well, if you had accepted) by buying a new axe (electric guitar) :)
Joe Bloggs: more of a disappointment to me! ;-) Only joking! A new axe sounds a mighty good use of your winnings!
ReplyDeleteWell, this little trade of excesses was fun! It would be fun to be able to buy everyone everything they want/.need, wouldn't it?
ReplyDeleteFemminismo: in the perfect world... we can all dream, can't we?
ReplyDelete