There are two LEGO Creator sets that are similar to the LEGO Modular Buildings but are smaller in size and cheaper in price: the #31026 LEGO Creator Bike Shop & Café and the #31036 LEGO Creator Toy & Grocery Shop. And, according to preliminary information, LEGO is planning to release a third set next year, so it seems like this is a successful line that will continue for some time. 🙂
These smaller LEGO Creator sets appeal to those who like the LEGO Modular Buildings but don’t have the space to display them, the funds to buy them, or they just prefer smaller buildings. And because these are 3-in-1 sets with instructions for three different models, you can even buy multiple copies and build each one differently – thus creating a whole street! Other people who are really curious about these smaller LEGO Creator sets are those who do have the larger LEGO Modular Buildings, and wonder if they could incorporate the smaller sets in their layout. The most frequently asked question is how do the smaller sets compare in size? Would they look good next to the larger structures?
Because both the LEGO Modular Buildings and the smaller LEGO Creator buildings are minifigure size they are definitely compatible. They are however shorter and simpler. Also, while the LEGO Modular Buildings have stacked floors to play inside, the smaller LEGO Creator buildings open up like a doll-house. Still, because they are similar in style to the LEGO Modular Buildings, they can definitely be added to the same street either as they are, or with some modifications. In the following video LEGO designer Morten refers to the #31026 LEGO Creator Bike Shop & Café as the little brother of the LEGO Modular Buildings, and shows you the set next to the #10243 LEGO Creator Parisian Restaurant. As you can see, they look quite good together. Then Morten highlights the features of the smaller set, and even displays all three alternate models next to each other. 😀
The #31036 LEGO Creator Toy & Grocery Shop is a similar 3-in-1 set, that is designed to work well together with the #31026 LEGO Creator Bike Shop & Café, and could be even incorporated into a LEGO Modular Building setting. It is interesting to note though that this set is even smaller in piece-count and price. While the #31026 LEGO Creator Bike Shop & Café is 1023 pieces and $89.99, the #31036 LEGO Creator Toy & Grocery Shop is only 466 pieces and $39.99 – so about half. However the scale is still designed for minifigures and the styles do match. I would say that the first set is definitely more substantial and looks better next to the LEGO Modular Buildings, while the second set is more like a couple of small kiosks.
The point is that if you can’t – or don’t want to – buy the LEGO Modular Buildings, and still would like to have a nice looking street, these smaller LEGO Creator sets are an excellent option. I especially recommend the #31026 LEGO Creator Bike Shop & Café because of its nice design, great detail and substantial size. If you buy multiplies of the set you can create a very nice street. I would suggest getting a couple of this set, and one of the #31036 LEGO Creator Toy & Grocery Shop sets to add some variety to the layout. And as you can see in the video above, if you already have the LEGO Modular Buildings, the smaller set doesn’t look bad next to them at all. If you are interested, you can find both sets under the LEGO Creator section of the Online LEGO Shop.
So what do you think? How do you like these smaller LEGO Creator buildings? Do you have them already? Did you use them to build up your LEGO street? Feel free to share your thoughts and own review in the comment section below! 😉
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I like the smaller sets and I build them in between the modulars. With two small children I don’t have too much spare time, and the smaller Creator sets are more accessible and quick to build on a single evening. Still they have the great Creator feeling, where the common bricks are used for creating buildings. Rumors on Eurobricks indicate that a Creator set with a deli will be released next year. I will most definitely be getting it.
The price per piece is also quite good, and with common bricks for doors and windows, and also bricks for details, the small sets are perfect for getting bricks for a MOC modular. Still planning on doing that one day, when I have more time.
Yes, I have also read that the next set was going to be a Corner Deli. Can’t wait to see it. It is true that for quicker buildings with children these smaller sets are perfect. Even if they accidentally (or purposefully) break them, it is not a big deal as they can be re-built in no time. At the same time they are substantial enough for some realistic play. Also, as you mentioned, the parts selection is very good. I’m glad they are continuing this line. 🙂
I was talking with my friend (also a part of The Brick Lot) about the new Corner Deli, we are actually going to be talking about it in a podcast we are making. Oh ya, hey Admin I am starting a podcast every I don’t know yet, but the first one would already be up but the microphone for some reason was picking up electronic noise (basically the noise of the electrical currents inside the computer for those who don’t know) so the audio is useless so we have to re-record on Sunday.
Oh… that’s ain’t fun. 😯
Do you like my idea about doing a LEGO podcast? A few other people have done one but theythey stopped around three years ago.
It is a great idea, although the only thing is that LEGO is a very visual hobby, so it is hard to convey everything just by a podcast. William regularly podcasts about LEGO trough a regular hobby channel.
I have both one modular building(10211, Grand Emporium) and one of the ‘mini-modulars’ (31036, Toy and Grocery Shop) and I can say that they fit together very well, I’m planning on getting more of both but these smaller buildings have the benefit that I can fit much more on my small 60 by 120 cm city. This adds to a more varied street which is something I don’t particularly mind. However I don’t like the fact that these are dollhouse like. It hampers access when you have them clutched onto a plate.
Yes, when space in an issue these smaller sets are very nice. As far as the dollhouse aspect of them, I have seen a number of people convert them to a similar setup as the modulars. With a bit of modification it is possible. And this can also be a nice, creative project. 🙂