Excitement is building for LEGO BrickLink Designer Program Series 8
Following the reveal of the five LEGO BrickLink Designer Program Series 8 sets, the community is ecstatic to start crowdfunding them.
The five LEGO BrickLink Designer Program Series 8 finalists have been unveiled as they start to transition to their final forms, and there’s no doubt based on early reactions that this is going to be a popular series.
Despite some criticisms and hopes for the final designs, there are just as many fans online planning to crowdfund one, two or more of the Series 8 models. Here’s what fans have had to say so far, especially from within specific sections of the LEGO community.
Coconut Cape
Coconut Cape has gone down well with many in the online LEGO community, but specifically with those on the LEGO Pirates Reddit, who are currently busy with The Thieves of Tortuga.
“I think this submission was particularly beautiful,” shared Fueld_. “The aesthetics are lovely. It also seems to be a bit smaller, which is a nice change on my wallet of late (and with Fortuna coming up).”
Others have minor complaints on the back of the build being open, though it’s only an issue from a few angles, whereas The Thieves of Tortuga has open backs visible from more angles.
“I wish the back wasn’t open, but it’s still a beautiful set,” commented thecheesefinder. “So many open back dollhouse style sets these days.”
“I have this very complaint (especially with Ominous Isle but not as much with Tortuga), mainly because it’s exposed and it isn’t that displayable from different angles,” responded XelaOrdnajela, before hoping it would be changed in the final design. “This one, I think, is a big offender because it’s just so beautiful that I need all sides to be covered while still having the option to remove the walls like panels.”
Overall, the next LEGO Pirates BrickLink Designer Program set has gone down well with Pirates fans, though.
Brick Railroad Locomotive
LEGO Trains have a spot in Series 8, too, thanks to the 1970s US train recreation that is Brick Railroad Locomotive. As you might expect, the news has gone down well on the respective subreddit, but not without some criticisms over accuracy.
“The bogies are a bit small, but I think there’s room to enlarge them to a proper size (the reason they are small is because they rely on the small LEGO-brand train wheels, which are simply too tiny to be actual diesel wheels),” said LastTrainSector5. “Overall, though, this is clearly a double buy.”
While many in the community share concerned comments over how many pieces the display base adds, most agree that they’ll be crowdfunding at least two copies this time next year, despite these concerns.
University of Science
KingCreations has gone from smaller, nature-focused models to a massive university in Series 8. The 3,995-piece University of Science has drawn plenty of praise in early reactions, especially from fans of the LEGO Modular Buildings Collection.
“So excited for the University of Science,” stated BunnyLuv13 before brainstorming began. “It’s been on my wanted list, and I’m going to figure out a way to make it modular. Maybe a little park on either side.”
Others need additional time to consider the model, especially since its massive piece count means an equally massive price.
“Great looking designs, indeed, but maybe not for me,” shared celestial_kuukunen. “The university appeals to me the most, but due to the size, I have to consider carefully before making a final decision.”
It will be interesting to see whether reactions change once the final design for the set is revealed ahead of crowdfunding this time next year. For now, we can only admire the fan design.
Dustmark Keep
As you might have expected, the latest LEGO BrickLink Designer Program castle has drawn plenty of reactions following yesterday’s reveal, especially for the desert location compared to previous Castle creations.
“The Dustmark Keep is the first really great BrickLink castle set,” notes Feryaz. “Not only is the design a level above the others, but it seems almost like an original LEGO set with more details. It is also the first to not just reimagine existing themes and styles, but it has its very own unique charm.”
“Mountain fortress is awesome in how the castle is built up (and how the ramp entrance to the castle goes around the outside),” counters Vystril. “I was super impressed when I put it together – pictures didn’t do it justice. Also, the Forest Stronghold looks great put together. Again, pictures are not doing it justice. I have it next to 10305 Lion Knights’ Castle, and while the set is a more fun build, the Forest Stronghold looks way cooler.”
This is highly likely to go quickly come next June when crowdfunding starts, so you might want to start saving up now.
Hot Air Balloon
Early reactions to the Hot Air Balloon across Instagram and Reddit are positive overall, but there’s no doubt that the smaller set is getting overshadowed by the other builds. Many comments on the set so far consist of simple one-sentence praises, before switching to lengthy comments on the other four sets.
It’s not surprising to see considering the other models in Series 8, and the success of Mictur’s Popcorn Wagon in Series 5 suggests that it won’t be an issue when crowdfunding starts.
BrickLink Designer Program Series 8 finalists
| BDP Series 8 set | Pieces | Stickers | Designer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coconut Cape | 2,425 | 0 | BallisticBricks |
| Hot Air Balloon | 876 | 0 | ExeSandbox |
| Brick Railroad: Diesel-Electric-Locomotive (A-Unit) | 1,428 | 4 | Thomas Roeder |
| University of Science | 3,995 | 7 | KingCreations |
| Dustmark Keep | 4,000 | 9 | Brickproject |
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