What else fits in the LEGO Ideas Vending Machine capsules?
There’s a new capsule element in LEGO Ideas 21358 Minifigure Vending Machine, and two combined can hold much more than just one minifigure.
One of two new elements in LEGO Ideas 21358 Minifigure Vending Machine is a half-spherical element used to create the capsules that are dispensed from the machine. They’re designed to fit minifigures inside for the LEGO Ideas set, but that doesn’t mean they can only hold minifigures.
As well as being the same size as Aunt Marge’s body from 76451 Privet Drive: Aunt Marge’s Visit, the capsules are large enough to hold everything from mini-dolls to mini builds, and we’ve taken a closer look at the full potential of this new element.
Mini-dolls
Since minifigures fit perfectly in 21358 Minifigure Vending Machine‘s capsules, it shouldn’t be surprising to learn that mini-dolls work perfectly in them too, even with a substantial number of accessories.
Whether you decide to fill the capsules with Mini-dolls from Friends, Wicked or Wednesday, rest assured, they’ll all fit inside the capsules with ease. You can even mix them with minifigures in other capsules to create an assortment inspired by pop culture or original LEGO characters.
Mini models
As you would expect, miniature models fit perfectly inside 21358 Minifigure Vending Machine‘s capsules, but what models will fit inside each one will depend on the size and quantity of the parts. As a general guideline, builds from the LEGO Advent calendars are the perfect size.
It’s just a shame that 21358 Minifigure Vending Machine only includes 16 capsules. Eight more and it would be perfect for randomising the contents of your annual LEGO Advent calendar. Hopefully, those capsule elements eventually land on Pick a Brick to expand the LEGO Ideas set, which has enough room to hold 24 capsules, but not much more.
Minions
Another kind of LEGO minifigure currently available can just barely fit inside the new capsules, as well. LEGO Minions from the four current Despicable Me 4 sets can sit neatly inside the ball-shaped containers when disassembled, including room for accessories.
Given the two larger body elements, 21358 Minifigure Vending Machine‘s capsules only offer barely enough space for LEGO Minions, but they can still fit a single figure from the current Despicable Me 4 sets.
Animals
Another option for filling the capsules in 21358 Minifigure Vending Machine is to fill them with LEGO animals. There’s more than enough space for four small animal pieces in the new capsule elements.
You’re not going to fit the likes of a LEGO tiger in the capsules, never mind a dinosaur, but you’re more than welcome to fill one with LEGO goats.
LEGO Ideas 21358 Minifigure Vending Machine is available now for £149.99 / $179.99 / €169.99. Click here for a closer look at the model and its 16 minifigures in our thorough review.
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It seems obvious to me, although noone else seems to have connected these dots:
Lego often issue specific pieces as they mould-test for upcoming themes – often in CMFs. (for example, the “Frankenstein Monster” head mould released as a concept a couple of years before Monster fighters)
It looks to me as if the vending machine is merely a proof-of-concept for spheres with goodies inside.
Sound familiar?
With Lego’s announcement of the License agreement with Pokemon, the VERY obvious use for them is as Poke-balls. I predict we’ll see a range of collectible Pokemon (Gotta Catch ’em All) Pokeballs with blind-package Pokemon builds/figures inside.