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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