Green Grocer (#10185)
March 10, 2009.
# of pieces: 2352
# of minifigs: 4
Pros: Gorgeous architecture, beautiful display model,
sturdy playset, good minifigs, lots of pieces, great value.
Cons: None
Full Review: Lego(R) models are often divided into two categories: playsets or display models. You have a choice of either building a model that's fun to play with, but isn't something attractive enough to display permanently on a shelf, or instead you can construct a pretty display piece that you're afraid to touch for fear of of pieces breaking off.
The Green Grocer fills both of these roles marvelously. It's a beautiful display model (one of the few I have on display in my office), but it also makes a very sturdy and fun playset.
Note the great use of colors and creative architectural features. Everywhere you look there's something that makes you go "wow!"
Please see our photos below.
Here
's the full-length shot of the front of the model. Yep, it's a big one . . .
This picture to the left shows how each floor of the Green Grocer model is easily separated, and the roof comes off as well. Each floor unit is sturdy and can be moved around without fear of breaking apart.
This photo shows the interior of the ground floor. This is my very favorite part of the model. Note the grocery store setting on the left, with the tile floor, cash register, boxes of produce, and there's a freezer/cooler unit with goods inside. The right side of this floor has an entry foyer, mailboxes (that open and have mail pieces inside) and staircase.
This shot shows the front of the ground-floor grocery. This model reminds me of the little shops where I grew up in New York City. Note the blue and white awning, the curling dragon "wooden" signs, the produce in crates in the front (and in barrels inside the window). You can also see through the open front door my favorite feature: the "cooler" with colored "cans" and packages inside. You can also see through the window the cash register and clock on the wall. Great front steps, too.
Here's a close shot of the grocery section. You can see the cash register better as well as the clock on the wall, and the crates of produce and bread by the front window.
Extreme close-up shot of the cash register. If you look behind the counter, you can see a mouse hole! Oh no! And there's actually a little plastic mouse that hides behind the stairs. The hole is his private entrance. Don't tell the health department!
Did I mention I love the freezer unit! It's so cool!
Extreme close up of the mailboxes. Note that each of the boxes can open and there are small pieces of mail that fit through the slots. Note the different colored tile flooring in the foyer section.
Exterior shot of the second floor. Note the clever use of sloped bricks to make the red draperies. There are also balconies, a flower pot, and architectural features galore!
Interior shot of the second floor. Here we see the draperies from the other side. This room has a cozy lit fireplace. It also seemed like a good place to put the kitten miniature.
The model doesn't have much in the way of furniture, but furniture pieces can be added with some extra pieces and creativity.
Here's the interior of the third floor. There's an antique grandfather clock (complete with pendulum) and an area rug.
Exterior shot, showing one of the minifigures enjoying the view from the second-floor balcony.
Exterior shot of the rear of the model. Note the terrace patio, fire escape, back door entrances, ivy on the back of the wall, barrel with tools and trash cans.
Close up shot of the terrace patio, complete with patio furniture, flower boxes and a barbecue grill!