Page Not Found (404) Sorry, what you're looking for can't be found! The page might have been removed, had its name changed, or is temporarily unavaible. Or it probably just doesn't exist.I have a unhealthy fascination with Chinese LEGO knock-offs, and we've published several articles, like this one, about the rubbish that's available in markets across the far east in the past. I think it's because I find it incredible that the stuff, which violates so many intellectual properties, is being made at all. Brickset member woodywood currently resides in Shanghai so sees a lot of the junk first-hand. He's kindly sent me some minifig packs so I can see how bad they are for myself. Warning: this article contains disturbing images and strong language. First under inspection is JLB's (Jai Li Bo toys) Anna from Frozen. The box certainly looks attractive, and very LEGO-like. The contents, the figure and cards, are well packaged in heat-sealed bags. Unfortunately, that's all I have good to say about it.
Once you open the packet it's immediately apparent what rubbish this is. Now, when I watched Frozen I'm sure Anna was a fair-skinned girl with what the Disney wiki calls 'long strawberry-blonde hair' in ponytails and a long-flowing blue dress and red cape. I must assume that a different version was shown in China because this figure has a blue crop-top and an impressive tan... :-) As you can see the figure needs to be assembled from the cheap plastic parts, some of which are still on their sprue. The joints are loose and it's difficult to get the hair to stay on. A flower is thrown in for good measure. The best part of it is the trading cards... Next under the microscope is Star Wars Han Solo by Bom Bom. Again, the box, a good rip-off of a real LEGO one, and the packaging is not bad, but it soon becomes apparent that the photo on the front is that of the LEGO version of the figure, not the one in the box. The arms and hands are not pre-assembled and if I had to guess I'd say the plastic used is polystyrene rather than ABS.
The parts are very badly moulded and have sprue marks in prominent places. The hair fits better than on Anna, but once on it's impossible to get it off!. It bears a passing resemblance to the image on the box, but the printing is absolutely shockingly bad. Once again, the best part of the set are the cards, which have the appearance that they are part of some sort of game but the numbers and information is all rubbish. Collectors will want the whole set of them, I'm sure... Frankly they are complete and utter rubbish and I would not wish them on any child. Not only are they terrible quality and possibly made from unsafe materials, but in the case of Anna, in particular, the contents of the box bears no resemblance to what you think you're buying which can only result in disappointment. I know you won't need me to tell you this, but steer well clear! I really don't know why LEGO and Disney tolerates this stuff being made and sold, but as we have discussed before, I guess the legal framework to prevent it is not in place in China.
Now, excuse me while I go and disinfect my LEGO room and banish this junk to the bin. Thanks to woodywood for sending them, I think... :) Visit the Lego Store for the ultimate Lego experience. See hundreds of Lego sets, including new, exclusive and hard-to-find items, buy bricks and elements in any size, shape or color at the Pick a Brick wall, or join in an exciting, hands-on, family-friendly building event. Ask about free monthly mini-model builds, Lego classes or have your next birthday party at the store. WiFiKid FriendlyToy & Game StoresHow old are the children in your group? What to Buy and Where to Shop in Koh Samui There are hundreds of bargains to be found while shopping in Koh Samui. While almost every corner of the island has a store worth visiting, the main shopping sites are in Chaweng, Lamai and Nathon. Chaweng offers the most choice and Lamai has a nice range of quirky little stores, but Nathon usually has the cheapest deals. Thailand is famous for its dubious copies of almost everything, from watches to trainers to CDs, and Koh Samui shopping is no exception.
Such products can generally be found in the smaller local markets. Most department stores offer only genuine products and have fixed prices, but you can bargain almost everywhere else. Just keep it polite and friendly to reach a price everyone is happy with. Ark Bar Beach Resort Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui Sensimar Resort Koh Samui - Adults Only Hansar Samui Resort & Spa Deva Samui Resort & Spa Chaweng Noi Pool Villa Chaweng Cove Beach Resort Nora Buri Resort & Spa Ang Thong Adventure Tour Ko Tao & Ko Nang Yuan Snorkeling Tour Around the Island Tour Red Baron Junk Sailing Tour with Transfers Guided Photography Tour with Golden Pagoda & Big Buddha Chanita Thai Cooking Class Big Game Fishing Full-Day Tour Sea Kayaking at Ang Thong Marine Park About the writer -Home Country Denmark Copenhagen The next best thing to Legoland is this flagship store, which has exclusive sets to sell, including some rare classic issues.
There's a large play area and a Pick-A-Brick Wall for selecting the piece of your choice to buy in bulk, rather like shopping for Nespresso pods. Related articles on Copenhagen & DenmarkLego SolutionsSolutions OnlineLego Boy BedroomLego Bedroom Ideas Kids RoomsTiny Boys BedroomThree Boys BedroomBoys Bedroom Storage IdeasKid Bedroom Ideas For BoysBoys Bedroom MakeoverForwardWith three boys, I've been battling an ever-creeping LEGO problem for several years now. I've looked for storage solutions online, at LEGO s...Unit L35, Arndale Centre, Manchester, M4 3AQ Tel: 0161 819 2272 Website History: Located opposite Topshop in the Arndale, this is the second Lego store to be opened in the north, a year after the unveiling of the Liverpool store. The shop doesn't just sell Lego kits but provides an interactive experience, with engaging, welcoming staff and of course, plenty of Lego to get your hands on. The ethos of the store and of the company as a whole is to encourage children and adults alike to tap into their creative side through building models.
Unsurprisingly the shop is populated mainly with younger children, who busy themselves with making as much mess as possible, in between sessions gazing up in awe of the Lego monolith that is the Pick A Brick Wall. What is perhaps more unexpected is the number of adults in the shop, whether die-hard enthusiasts or simply passers-by. People of literally every age from infants to pensioners seem comfortable here, browsing the products and making their own models. Staff engage with children, showing them around the store and racing their Lego cars with them, whilst still finding time to talk serious with the grown-ups about the quality of the plastic and the benefits of Lego for brain development. What do they sell? The shop sells all kinds of Lego products, from individual mini-figures priced at £1.99 to huge kits which cost up to £119.99. There are the basic Lego bricks (called ‘four-bys’ by Lego aficionados) but also more unusual items such as Lego mini-figure ice cube trays and special Olympic Games characters.
The main attraction is the Pick A Brick wall, which resembles at first a pick-and-mix station – some of the translucent bricks seem almost edible. You simply choose a large (£11) or small (£6) cup and fill it with as much Lego as you want. Staff are on hand to give tips on packing as many bricks as possible into them. It's also advisable to keep checking back as rare bricks in unusual colours and shapes occasionally make an appearance in the wall. The main focus of the shop is the experience of visiting, and there are plenty of activities available in-store, thanks to the Build-A-Mini station and the Master Builder Bar, where you can browse and play games on the Lego website. It's easy to pass a few hours in here and difficult to feel out of place given the sheer variety of customers, and of course it's an invaluable resource for parents who want an easy day out for them and their children. Future The aim of Lego is to inspire new generations of builders, and to be more than just a toy, but a passion.
Adults in the shop were once those children discovering it for the first time, which is what is so charming about the whole experience. In light of this, the Lego Group will be celebrating the opening of their new Lego store in Manchester Arndale shopping centre with a three-day grand opening event on August 24-26. Families and everyone who loves Lego will be invited to a hands-on building event to create their favourite Manchester landmark in Lego bricks. The individual models will make up a giant Lego landscape which will come to life, brick-by-brick over the three-day event. Everyone participating in the building event receives a certificate and a special discount in store. The first 300 customers to spend over £25 in store on each of the three days will also receive a special Manchester gift with purchase. Verdict The shop so far seems to be a huge success – Lego's enduring appeal amongst all demographics is responsible for that. Whether in need of a day out, a child's birthday present or that final window for your model skyscraper, it's worth a trip to the Lego store, if purely for the experience.