[TnB] Review 75827 Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters

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Who ya gonna call?

10 - GHOSBUSTERS!!!
3
50%
9
2
33%
8
1
17%
7
0
No votes
6
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No votes
5 - Maybe those other Ghosbusters. They have an ape for some reason.
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No votes
4
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No votes
3
0
No votes
2
0
No votes
1 - The EPA! I want to know more about what they do there!!
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No votes
 
Total votes: 6

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[TnB] Review 75827 Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters

Post by vynsane » Tue Dec 22, 2015 8:24 am

Name: Firehouse Headquarters
Number: 75827
Theme: Ghostbusters
Release Date: January 1, 2016
Piece Count: 4,634
Minifig Count: 9 + 3 ghosts
Age Rating: 16+
Cost: $349.99 USD / $399.99 CAD / £274.99 GBP / €349,99 EUR / 2999,00 DKK

Hey! Anybody seen a ghost?!

As you may or may not know, I've gone on at great length about the fact that my first letter ever written to a corporation was to LEGO, to suggest to them that they create a series of sets based on the Ghostbusters franchise. They responded that they pride themselves on creating their own play themes, and not those based on an existing franchise. My how times have changed.

Ever since the announcement of 21108 Ghostbusters Ecto-1, there was abundant speculation that there would be more than one set. Not only have we seen a Level Pack and two Fun Packs surrounding Ghosbusters in the LEGO Toys-To-Life genre videogame, LEGO Dimensions, but now we have the imminent release of 75827 Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters! Thanks to the LEGO CEE team, we here at Toys N Bricks have the great privilege to bring you our preview review of this enormous, and enormously anticipated, set! While the announcement of this set has not been without its share of controversy, particularly surrounding the similarity to a handful of LEGO Ideas proposals, it is also surrounded by a lot of hype. Does it live up to the anticipation? Will it quiet the critics? Read on for more info - but in the meantime, let's hear what LEGO has to say:
Get ready to bust some ghosts at the Firehouse Headquarters!

There’s definitely something strange in this neighborhood! Slide down the fire pole into action, power up the proton packs and start zapping! The Ghostbusters™ are chasing Slimer and other mischievous ghosts. Round them up in the containment unit! Take samples of slime to the lab and analyze photos in the darkroom. Or grab a pizza and relax with a game of pool in this detailed play set packed with features true to the movie classics!
  • Includes 9 minifigures: Peter Venkman, Raymond Stantz, Egon Spengler, Winston Zeddemore, Janine Melnitz, Dana Barrett, Louis Tully, Zombie Driver and Library Ghost.
  • Also comes with Slimer, Pink Ghost and Blue Ghost.
  • Slide the Ghostbusters™ heroes down the fire pole into action.
  • Chase the ghosts and secure them in the containment unit.
  • Turn the librarian old lady into a scary ghost with the double-sided face and extra wig!
  • Run tests on Louis in the lab to see if he’s possessed!
  • Suspend ghosts around the building’s exterior with attachable transparent arms.
  • Dodge the slime oozing up through cracks in the pavement.
  • Accessory elements include an alarm bell, fire extinguisher, computer, phone, toolbox, tools, jars of slimes, magnifying glass, camera, camera rolls, arcade game, toaster with slime, fridge with frozen pizza, milk and cheese, and much more!
  • Features opening walls for easy play access.
  • Features over 4,600 pieces.
  • Ghostbusters™ minifigures come with decorated arms.
  • Measures over 14” (36cm) high, 9” (25cm) wide and 14” (38cm) deep.
  • With walls opened out, measures over 14” (36cm) high, 18” (46 cm) wide and 14” (38cm) deep.
  • Firehouse Headquarters doors can open to fit the 21108 LEGO® Ideas Ghostbusters Ecto-1 inside!
Packaging

The box is enormous, easily the same size as the comparably-priced SHIELD Helicarrier, and is marginally the same weight, while the piece count of this set trumps the Helicarrier by more than 1,600 pieces.

By the nature of the tallness of the completed building, the design of the front of the box is vertically-aligned:

Image
Box, front by vynsane, on Flickr

While the design on the back is horizontally-aligned. I can't recall if I've seen a mix of orientation such as this on a LEGO box before.

Image
Box, rear by vynsane, on Flickr


Parts, Instructions, and Stickers

The 4,634 pieces are separated into an astounding 42 individual bags, as well as one 32x32 baseplate and one 16x32 baseplate, both in dark stone gray, two additional 6x16 plates in reddish-brown, and one long twisted rod in pearl gold.

A large number of the bags are contained in an additional two white cardboard boxes inside the main box.

Image
Contents, initial by vynsane, on Flickr

Image
Contents, extended by vynsane, on Flickr

The construction steps are included in one enormous 418 page instruction booklet, and the 29 stickers are split between two sticker sheets - one for the three reflective stickers, and one for the rest.

Image
Instructions and stickers by vynsane, on Flickr

The instructions include a page featuring all the included minifigures as well as Slimer, the pink ghost and the blue ghost. I find it funny that all the male characters are labeled by their last names, while the female characters are labeled by the first names.

Image
Instructions, character call-out by vynsane, on Flickr

Another page displays a break-down of all numbered segments, and what portions of the build they construct.

Image
Instructions, bag break-down by vynsane, on Flickr


Build: First Floor

The whole first floor is constructed out of the parts contained in the bags numbered 1 - 4, as well as the 32x32 and 16x32 baseplates.

Notable pieces from #1 bags include a handful of bricks and plates in Earth Green, the four printed 2x2 round "boat shoe" pieces used in the construction of the proton packs, the three cabinet doors, Winston Zeddemore's head and torso, and the ECTO-1 license plate.

Image
#1 bags, notable pieces by vynsane, on Flickr

The first set of bags lay down the sidewalk and the front half of each side wall, including the cabinets built into the left wall.

Image
#1 bags, completed by vynsane, on Flickr

Image
#1 bags, detail by vynsane, on Flickr

Image
#1 bags, interior detail by vynsane, on Flickr

One fun detail for the exterior is the portion of broken sidewalk featuring pink slime oozing up through the pavement in the style of Ghostbusters II. It's just one of the numerous small touches that reference both Ghostbusters movies.

Image
#1 bags, exterior detail by vynsane, on Flickr

Continuing the first floor, bags labeled #2 include another handful of Earth Green bricks, plates, and panels, Louis Tully's two heads and torso, as well as a (seemingly, to me) new 1x1 round tile with rod in pearl gold.

Image
#2 bags, notable pieces by vynsane, on Flickr

By the end of this set of bags, the perimeter of the building is closed in save for the front and side doors, and the left rear corner is complete, including the containment unit and first set of stairs.

Image
#2 bags, right side by vynsane, on Flickr

Image
#2 bags, left side by vynsane, on Flickr

One subtle reference not from the movies, is the "R.I.P. H.R." note - a tribute to Harold Ramis, who wrote the movie along-side Dan Aykroyd, and starred as Egon Spengler.

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#2 bags, interior detail by vynsane, on Flickr

One of the most iconic parts of the entire building, the containment unit!

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#2 bags, interior detail by vynsane, on Flickr

Bags numbered 3 complete the walls, as well as the large front doors. Notable pieces here include the lamp post used as an ornate support column, the 1x1 round tiles printed with a white star and the corrugated 6x6 black panel used in the construction of one of the front doors.

Image
#3 bags, notable pieces by vynsane, on Flickr

At this point, the walls of the first floor are complete, including the hinged segments.

Image
#3 bags, exterior right by vynsane, on Flickr

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#3 bags, exterior front by vynsane, on Flickr

The front features four printed star 1x1 round tiles and the 1x8 tile stickered with the set number and name.

Image
#3 bags, exterior detail by vynsane, on Flickr

Finally, the bags marked with a 4 construct the interior furniture and decorations as well as the top tiling and the support beams for the second floor. Notable pieces include Janine Melnitz's head and torso, three printed 2x2 tiles, the 2x2 pearl gold round dish, and a few more of the pearl gold 1x1 tiles with rod.

Image
#4 bags, notable pieces by vynsane, on Flickr

Image
#4 bags, interior by vynsane, on Flickr

The interior really takes shape in this portion of the build, including Janine's receptionist desk, and the "on call" desk behind it, a tool cabinet, and a filing cabinet.

Image
#4 bags, interior detail by vynsane, on Flickr

Another iconic part of the building is the alarm bell, mounted to the wall, which famously rings the first time they legitimately receive a call.

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#4 bags, interior detail by vynsane, on Flickr

Image
#4 bags, interior detail by vynsane, on Flickr

With the hinged walls open all the way, the interior is easily accessible, even to the deepest recesses.

Image
#4 bags, interior open by vynsane, on Flickr

As you can see, there are quite a few hinge bricks keeping this segment of the wall connected. It makes sense, since the walls are two bricks thick and thus are quite heavy. It's a bit unsightly, but understandable based on the amount of weight it will have to carry.

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#4 bags, exterior left side by vynsane, on Flickr

The classic sign out front is also added at this time.

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#4 bags added, detail by vynsane, on Flickr

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#4 bags added, right side by vynsane, on Flickr


Build: Second Floor

Starting with bags marked with a 5, the second floor begins to take shape. Unlike the first floor walls that are comprised of Light Stone Gray standard and brick-bricks on the outside and Earth Green and white on the inside, the second floor is Dark Red outside and Tan inside. This segment includes a collection of Dark Red and Tan bricks and plates, as well as Ray Stantz's head and torso, and a 1x2 three-side panel, which I have yet to see in any sets. If it's not new, it's new to me.

Image
#5 bags, notable pieces by vynsane, on Flickr

The beginnings of the second floor are constructed here, with the front wall and windows taking shape, as well as the layout for what will become the kitchen, complete with rug, in the back and the bedroom in the front.

Image
#5 bags, interior by vynsane, on Flickr

#6 bags continue to construct the main portion of the second floor. Again, Dark Red and Tan bricks and panels dominate, and a few printed pieces are included.

Image
#6 bags, notable pieces by vynsane, on Flickr

At this point, the kitchen and bedroom are nearly fully furnished - three beds in the bedroom and the kitchen cabinets, refrigerator and an arcade game cabinet are added, as well as the inner and outer layers of the long right-side wall.

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#6 bags, interior by vynsane, on Flickr

The kitchen is a requisite mess, with pizza boxes strewn on the counter and dishes here and there.

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#6 bags, interior detail by vynsane, on Flickr

Close-up of the arcade game cabinet - it must be pretty awesome to play a videogame based on yourself!

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#6 bags, interior detail by vynsane, on Flickr

With the bags marked with a 7, we complete this section of the second floor, including the kitchen table. This set of bags also includes the next minifigure, the librarian ghost featured in the first supernatural encounter that Venkmen, Stantz and Spengler have.

Notable pieces include all four parts of the librarian ghost, her book, and another portion of Tan and Dark Red bricks and plates.

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#7 bags, notable pieces by vynsane, on Flickr

The kitchen table is moved in, and the windows and ceiling support are installed, as well as the finishing touches to all three portions of the second floor walls.

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#7 bags, interior by vynsane, on Flickr

At this point, the removable main portion of the second floor is stacked on top of the first.

Image
#7 bags added, interior by vynsane, on Flickr

From the outside, you can see the detailing - particularly on the ornamental brick patterns surrounding the windows.

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#7 bags added, right side by vynsane, on Flickr

The facade is starting to take that instantly-recognizable shape, with the wide array of windows above the tall garage doors.

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#7 bags added, front by vynsane, on Flickr

We march forward, onto bags marked #8, which are used to construct the front hinged portion of the second floor. Again, Dark Red and Tan bricks, plates, and panels dominate. We also are presented with everyone's favorite ghost, Slimer! One particular piece of note is the 1x1 brick with ornate curled protrusion - something I've not seen before, but has probably appeared in other sets - I'm guessing Friends or Disney Princess.

Image
#8 bags, notable pieces by vynsane, on Flickr

This segment of the second floor encompasses the bathroom, complete with a toilet that is... having some slime issues. The two ornate bricks are used to hold the toilet tank above the bowl.

Image#8 bags, interior by vynsane, on Flickr


Build: Third Floor

At this point, we jump to the main portion of the third floor, which I found odd, but makes sense further down the line. Once again, Dark Red and Tan are the stand-out colors. We also get to construct Pete Venkman in this leg of the build.

Image
#9 bags, notable pieces by vynsane, on Flickr

Much like the previous section below it, this portion starts out by laying down the floor, two carpets, front wall and windows, and the foundation for the rest of the walls.

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#9 bags, interior by vynsane, on Flickr

The front and side are very similar to the level below, which is one reason why the build becomes a bit repetitive at this stage of the game.

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#9 bags, exterior by vynsane, on Flickr

With the bags numbered 10, the walls of the third floor are raised to almost their full height and the interior is furnished. Notable pieces in this round include the Earth Blue mechanic’s toolbox, the boombox stereo (which is upside-down in this picture, completely obscuring the actual detail of the piece - what can I say, it was very late at night by the time I was taking this picture!), the printed BRICK magazine featuring the original three ‘busters, the 2x2 printed dartboard, three translucent mini figure heads used as various glass jars (most probably containing one of either spores, molds, or fungus), and a flask of slime. Again, this round also contains a bunch of Dark Red and Tan bricks, plates, and panels.

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#10 bags, notable pieces by vynsane, on Flickr

The interior takes the shape of both a science lab and recreation area complete with pool table and dart board.

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#10 bags, interior by vynsane, on Flickr

Egon’s science lab area includes a work table, his computer and monitors, equipment, and tools.

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#10 bags, interior detail by vynsane, on Flickr

The screen has a sticker applied that displays the shape of one of the terror dogs, as in the memorable scene where Egon examines Louis Tully, a.k.a. Vinz Clortho, a.k.a. The Keymaster of Gozer. Just another day at the office.

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#10 bags, interior detail by vynsane, on Flickr

The construction of the pool table is very clever, it’s incredible that the six pockets actually are recesses in the table and not just black tiles on the same level as the felt.

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#10 bags, interior detail by vynsane, on Flickr

Stay tuned for part 2, coming soon
ALL HAIL THE BLACTRON EMPIRE!

Flickr Photostream | Dropbox - LDD files and instruction archive

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vynsane
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Re: [TnB] Review 75827 Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters

Post by vynsane » Tue Dec 22, 2015 9:13 am

Picking up where we left off...

Build: Third Floor Continued

The bags marked #11 are used to finish off the main portion of the third floor. Notable pieces here include those used to form Dana Barrett... or Zuul, the Gatekeeper. Again a handful Dark Red bricks and plates are the main attraction outside of the minifigure.

Image
#11 bags, notable pieces by vynsane, on Flickr

Once this set of bags is added, the walls are complete and the roof support beam is in place.

Image
#11 bags, interior by vynsane, on Flickr

From the exterior, you can now see the ornate detailing, particularly in the corners of the buildings where we can see the corbels, each comprised of a 1x2 curved slope attached to a 1x2 plate and 1x1 plate, finished off with a 1x1 round plate.

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#11 bags, exterior by vynsane, on Flickr

At this time, the third floor is now stacked on top of the rest of the build, bringing the building to its full height, minus the roof (which, really, only accounts for another two bricks).

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#11 bags added, left side by vynsane, on Flickr

From the front, the famous tall, wide set of windows now fully takes shape. The amount of architectural detailing around the windows and along the mid and top cornice really work to mimic the ornate decorations, even if they are not entirely accurate.

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#11 bags added, front by vynsane, on Flickr

Those details follow around the corner and along the long right side.

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#11 bags added, right side by vynsane, on Flickr

Bags marked with a 12 are used to complete the front left portion of the third floor. Naturally, Tan and Dark Red comprise the bulk of the pieces. There are a few white window panels, and the head and torso of Egon Spengler.

Image
#12 bags, notable pieces by vynsane, on Flickr

When this leg of the build complete we have a photography dark room, which is featured in Ghostbusters II in a scene where Ray and Egon are developing pictures taken by Venkman.

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#12 bags, interior by vynsane, on Flickr

The stickers applied to the wall show the pictures of Vigo the Carpathian, lighting aflame.

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#12 bags, interior close-up by vynsane, on Flickr

When this section is added, the building is nearing completion, with only the back corner of the second and third floor missing, as well as the roof.

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#12 bags added by vynsane, on Flickr

Rounding the bend on the construction, bags numbered 13 construct the back corner of both the second and third floor in one module. This is why we moved on to the main and front left portions of the third floor before completing the second floor. I found it odd that this wasn't broken into two distinct modules.

Tan, Dark Red, and the pieces for the Ghost Cabbie.

Image
#13 bags, notable pieces by vynsane, on Flickr

From the outside, this section is unique as it features the fire escape.

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#13 bags, exterior by vynsane, on Flickr

Inside, it features the interior staircase.

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#13 bags, interior by vynsane, on Flickr

When this section is added, we finally have all four walls. The only thing lacking now is the roof.

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#13 bags added by vynsane, on Flickr

The fire escape is crafted with detail out of a handful of ladder pieces with clips, droid arms, and bars of various lengths.

Image
fire escape by vynsane, on Flickr

Image
fire escape close-up by vynsane, on Flickr


Finally, those bags marked #14, and any remaining large plates, are used to construct the roof. A bunch of slope bricks in Dark Red, a few clear and light stone gray bars w/plates on the end, two clear minifigure heads, and the pink and blue ghosts are the most interesting pieces here. The ghosts are the same mold, but obviously different colors, and feature unique facial prints. The ghosts are hollow inside and actually fit on top of the clear minifigure heads, which opens the door for interesting sliming scenarios.

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#14 bags, notable pieces by vynsane, on Flickr

The roof is constructed with a large fixed portion the same size as the main area of each floor below it, and two hinged sections that correspond to the modules below them.

Image
roof design by vynsane, on Flickr

The hinged portions are locked into place by a pair of clips built-in to the HVAC unit on the roof:

Image
latching mechanism by vynsane, on Flickr


Complete Build

When the roof is finally attached, we have a complete building! From three sides, it looks phenomenal!

Image
complete building, left side by vynsane, on Flickr

Imagecomplete building, right side by vynsane, on Flickr

Image
facade by vynsane, on Flickr

However, the back is a cluttered mess - it's no wonder none of the announcement pictures showed hide nor hair of it. The back wall is one brick thick, compared to most other walls, so the interior details that these pieces make possible are all exposed on the back. It's unfortunate, but understandable - had the designer covered up this area, it would have necessitated another large collection of bricks and would have either taken one stud away from the interior, or pushed the entire building forward on the baseplates one stud. It may look bad, but I can live with it.

Imagerear by vynsane, on Flickr

The forward swing-out wall features the firepole, and from top to bottom: Photo lab, bathroom, and storage cabinets.

Image
swing-out wall by vynsane, on Flickr

The clear long bars are used to attach the ghosts to various parts of the building.

Image
liberally apply ghosts by vynsane, on Flickr

In order to remove the third and second floor portions of the swing-out wall, you will also need to remove the firepole. This is not a huge inconvenience, but it's not optimal. Since the building is constructed modularly, however, I don't see any way to avoid it.

Image
firepole removal by vynsane, on Flickr


Minifigures

Obviously, the four main characters: Pete Venkman, Ray Stantz, Egon Spengler, and Winston Zeddemore, are the main attraction. While three of the four feature either slight changes from their counterparts in 21108, one figure features significant improvements in likeness.

All figures feature double-sided heads, and printing on the front and back of the torso and on both arms. Venkman has obviously been recently slimed this time around.

Image
All four, front by vynsane, on Flickr

Other than the additional slime, all four backs are based on the same design. Venkman's alternate face features "just been slimed" printing, while the rest have a scared face.

Image
All four, reverse by vynsane, on Flickr

In addition to the four main characters, the set includes their surly secretary, Janine Melnitz, ghosts who feature in two scenes - the Ghost Cabbie who appears after the containment unit is compromised and the Ghost Librarian who appears as the first ghost encountered on-screen, as well as Dana Barrett - love interest to Venkman and host to Zuul, and Louis Tully, host to Vinz Clortho. A glaring omission here, however, is the lack of a Walter Peck, representing the Environmental Protection Agency, third district!

Image
Additional characters, front by vynsane, on Flickr

Four of these five feature printing on the back of their torsos, as well as alternate facial expressions - Janine: scared; Dana and Louis: possessed; and Librarian: angered spirit. The Librarian also features a separate hair piece to use when paired with this face, the same hair as Dana's, but in white.

Image
Additional characters, reverse by vynsane, on Flickr

Louis Tully also features a separate head (with only one facial print) for use when being scanned by Egon.

Image
Louis Tully additional head by vynsane, on Flickr

For this series of minifigure comparisons, the new one is on the left.

Venkman has had the most modification to his figure from 21108 - both facial prints are different, and the hair (which, I believe, is new and so far exclusive to this set) is much more fitting. The design of the front of his torso is largely unchanged save for the addition of slime.

Image
Venkman vs. Venkman by vynsane, on Flickr

Egon features the same head and hair as his 21108 counterpart. The front torso print varies only ever so slightly by the addition of some red added to the pouch on the left side of his belt, and the arms, of course, feature the Ghosbusters logo patch on the right and a pocket on the left.

Image
Spengler vs. Spangler by vynsane, on Flickr

Likewise, Ray Stantz has only the same minor cosmetic change to the front of his torso, the addition of red to the pouch on the right side of his belt.

Image
Stantz vs. Stantz by vynsane, on Flickr

Winston Zeddemore, similarly to Ray and Egon, features very few changes. He has a new hair piece, which is much more appropriate, but otherwise has the same head and similar torso (again, with the same additional red accents).

Image
Zeddemore vs. Zeddemore by vynsane, on Flickr

The addition of arm printing is utilized to great effect in the logo patch on the right arm, as well as the elbow pad on both arms of each figure.

Image
logo patch by vynsane, on Flickr

The left arm features a pocket as well as the elbow pad.

Image
shoulder pocket by vynsane, on Flickr

The back of each torso, however, features exactly the same printing - where the four characters had a Ghosbusters logo and a sticker of their individual last names, all four have the same comparatively simple design. Only Venkman is unique with an additional application of slime.

Image
back by vynsane, on Flickr

Interestingly, all four of the main characters' necks lack the signature paint stroke on the front of the neck post - at least in my copy. Whether this is normal or an aberration in my set, I'm not certain.

Image
missing neck paint by vynsane, on Flickr


Comparisons

As you can see, the ECTO-1 looks to be in relative proportion to the building.

Image
Together, at last by vynsane, on Flickr

But does it fit inside? Without removing a single thing, the front hangs out by roughly the length of the hood.

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Without removing anything by vynsane, on Flickr

If one removes the moving boxes only, leaving both Janine's desk, the partition, as well as the on-call desk, the car is still not able to fully enter the building.

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After removing some of the boxes by vynsane, on Flickr

After removing Janine's desk, the car is finally able to park fully in the building, but the doors can't close.

Image
After removing Janine's desk by vynsane, on Flickr

In order to fully park the car inside the building and close the doors behind it, everything up to the on-call desk (aside from the tool cabinet and box along the far wall) needs to be removed:

Imagefurniture removal by vynsane, on Flickr

Imageback 'er up! by vynsane, on Flickr

Imagedoors closing by vynsane, on Flickr

Imagedoors closed by vynsane, on Flickr

Naturally, many have wondered how this building compares to the highly popular modular building series. The footprint is obviously 50% greater than that of any modular building, but the building is set back by 5 studs. Still, the sheer height and depth of the building dwarfs Parisian Restaurant in comparison. Most likely the only Modular that would give it a run for its money, with its straight, square walls, height, and piece count, would be Town Hall. Unfortunately I don't have that set, but I imagine the only part that would reach the same height would be the clock tower.

Image
Comparison: Parisian Resaurant by vynsane, on Flickr

While building to building is comparing apples, let's look at apples and comparatively priced oranges - at the same price-point, we have SHIELD Helicarrier vs. Firehouse HQ! The Helicarrier is quite a deal longer, stem to stern, but its height is roughly half, including the stand which is mostly air. While the piece count of the Helicarrier is over 1600 less than that of the Firehouse, they weigh roughly the same.

Image
Comparison: SHIELD Helicarrier by vynsane, on Flickr


Scenes

"Want some coffee?"
"Do I?"
"Yes, have some."
"Yes! Have some!"

Image
Yes! Have some! by vynsane, on Flickr

"It's an ugly little spud isn't it?"
"I think he can hear you, Ray."

Image
snack? by vynsane, on Flickr

"Boy, I've gotta get some sleep, I'm dying"
"You don't look good."
"I don't?"
"You've looked better. You didn't used to look like this."

Image
You've looked better. You didn't used to look like this. by vynsane, on Flickr

"Do you believe in UFOs, astral projection, mental telepathy, ESP, clairvoyance, spirit photography, telekinetic movement, full trans-mediums, the Loch Ness monster and the theory of Atlantis?"
"If there's a steady paycheck in it, I'll believe anything you say."

ImageIf there's a steady paycheck in it, I'll believe anything you say. by vynsane, on Flickr

"I got to take out some petty cash. We should take her out to dinner. We don't want to lose her."
"Uh, this magnificent feast here represents the last of the petty cash."
"Slow down. Chew your food."

Image
Slow down. Chew your food. by vynsane, on Flickr

"This is where we put all the vapors and entities and slimers that we trap. Quite simple, really. Load a trap here, open, unlock the system. Insert the trap, release, close, lock the system. Set your entry grid, neutralize your field and the light is green, the trap is clean. The ghost is incarcerated here in our custom-made storage facility."

Image
Light is green, trap is clean by vynsane, on Flickr

"We're ready to believe you!"

ImageWe're ready to believe you! by vynsane, on Flickr

Imagethe whole gang by vynsane, on Flickr


Ratings!

Design: 10/10
The engineering necessary to allow both the swing-out walls and removable modular levels is quite impressive. Architectural adornments such as the ledge between the first floor and second floor, or the cornice along the roof line and corbels hanging below it really show a high level of detail in a few masterstroke assemblies.


Build: 7/10
While there are some interesting techniques, particularly in the interior and in the detailing of the exterior, the build is largely repetitive since it’s comprised of mainly straight walls.


Minifigures: 9/10
The updates to Venkman and Zeddemore are well done, and the addition of the ancillary characters and ghosts is great, but the lack of Walter Peck is worth the loss of one point.


Playability: 9/10
The swing-out walls and removable levels means there is a lot of opportunity for hands big and small to access the entire set, allowing for a great amount of play.


Parts: 8/10
The sheer bulk of bricks, panels and plates in Dark Red, Tan and Earth Green make this building desirable to rare parts collectors

Price: 8/10
Obviously it’s a hefty price tag, but you get what you pay for and then some, at just a hair over $0.07 per piece.

Authenticity: 9/10
To construct this legendary building at true scale would necessitate an additional 2,000 pieces, easily. While expensive, the price is reasonable for the amount of concessions necessary to bring the size down to a somewhat manageable size. The interior details feature expert references to both movies, and really I can find no fault with authenticity other than how much needs to be removed from the first floor in order to park the ECTO-1 inside.

Overall rating: 8.6/10
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Re: [TnB] Review 75827 Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters

Post by slacker » Tue Dec 22, 2015 10:07 am

Great review so far. Can you fit Ecto1 in the garage and still be able to open the garage doors?

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Re: [TnB] Review 75827 Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters

Post by desertrabbit » Tue Dec 22, 2015 11:10 am

slacker wrote:Great review so far. Can you fit Ecto1 in the garage and still be able to open the garage doors?
yes it can. you just have to move a few items in the ground floor away. nothing major though

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Re: [TnB] Review 75827 Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters

Post by Classicsmiley » Tue Dec 22, 2015 11:39 am

Thanks for the pictures! It's exciting to see all of the detail they packed into this set...

How did they do the corners on the top of the 1st floor, with the blue star and gray round tiles? Is it a 4733 connected to two 1x1 Technic bricks?

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Re: [TnB] Review 75827 Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters

Post by vynsane » Tue Dec 22, 2015 2:37 pm

desertrabbit wrote:
slacker wrote:Great review so far. Can you fit Ecto1 in the garage and still be able to open the garage doors?
yes it can. you just have to move a few items in the ground floor away. nothing major though
I have a few pics in part 2 that go into how well the ECTO-1 fits in the garage, but I wouldn't say it's "nothing major" - you basically would have to remove every piece of furniture on the first floor in order to park the car in there and be able to open and close the garage doors, and even then I'm not certain you would be able to.
Classicsmiley wrote:How did they do the corners on the top of the 1st floor, with the blue star and gray round tiles? Is it a 4733 connected to two 1x1 Technic bricks?
The brick in the corner is the piece you linked to (the 1x1 brick with studs on four sides, a.k.a "Travis Brick") but the piece on either side is a 1x1 corner panel.
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Re: [TnB] Review 75827 Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters

Post by legitimatealex » Tue Dec 22, 2015 11:32 pm

I'm loving it. Now if I only had an income. Great review.
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Re: [TnB] Review 75827 Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters

Post by slacker » Wed Dec 23, 2015 7:17 am

Vynsane

I would like to see a photo when you are done next to a modular building to compare size.

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Re: [TnB] Review 75827 Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters

Post by legohunter » Wed Dec 23, 2015 7:02 pm

Nice photos. Thanks for doing this review for us. I am looking forward for your part 2.

So, there is no wall and door between the bedroom and washroom, isn't it?

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Re: [TnB] Review 75827 Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters

Post by vynsane » Thu Dec 24, 2015 7:20 am

slacker wrote:I would like to see a photo when you are done next to a modular building to compare size.
I have that shot ready to go - I also went back and took a series of pics showing how it is possible to park the ECTO-1 in the first floor and open/close the doors, and what is necessary to achieve this.
legohunter wrote:Nice photos. Thanks for doing this review for us. I am looking forward for your part 2.[/url]
I'm most likely going to post part 2 after Christmas at this point - it will just get lost in the shuffle right now.
So, there is no wall and door between the bedroom and washroom, isn't it?
Exactly. It takes the "playset" tactic and lets you imagine the wall and door ;-)
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Re: [TnB] Review 75827 Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters

Post by brickarmor » Thu Dec 24, 2015 10:06 am

Great job! I so much prefer these well-written and photographed reviews to rambling videos. Am I correct that only Venkman is different from the figs in Ecto?

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Re: [TnB] Review 75827 Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters

Post by lordoflego » Sat Dec 26, 2015 12:46 am

That answers my question, now I know, the car DOES fit inside, that is awesome!
VENI VIDI VICI

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Re: [TnB] Review 75827 Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters

Post by vynsane » Wed Dec 30, 2015 10:58 am

Second post updated with Part 2! I'll have the poll up shortly.
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Re: [TnB] Review 75827 Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters

Post by lego the hutt » Wed Dec 30, 2015 2:25 pm

Thank you for the thorough review.

I'll be picking this up once there is a double vip point...or better, day.

Something that stands out to me that I didn't see mentioned, what is the leg piece of the librarian? Is that 2 pieces? I really like the look. It seems very abstract and I like the purple and clear combination. Has that been used before?

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Re: [TnB] Review 75827 Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters

Post by jmeninno » Wed Dec 30, 2015 2:30 pm

What do they use for the "cheese" in the fridge? Thanks in advance!

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Re: [TnB] Review 75827 Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters

Post by slacker » Wed Dec 30, 2015 2:33 pm

Great second half. I'm disappointed by the amount of stickers. Atleast the ghostbuster sign should've been printed. Ecto1 takes the entire first floor is another let down.

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Re: [TnB] Review 75827 Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters

Post by SpaceViking » Wed Dec 30, 2015 10:00 pm

Great review, Vynsane. Thanks for posting it.

I'm quite impressed by all the small details throughout the set. Those don't come through very well on the press release photos, and you did a nice job of highlighting them. This set wasn't on my 'want list' for anytime soon, but maybe I should rearrange my priority list. It looks like a fun build.

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Re: [TnB] Review 75827 Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters

Post by legohunter » Sat Jan 09, 2016 1:36 am

I saw the display of this piece at local Lego store today. It is huge and deep in length. Now, my problem is how to align/lineup this firehouse with my other modular sets. There are side walks at both side of the building. It could be tough to modify it for the migration. Currently, I already let my haunted house stands alone. :roll:

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Re: [TnB] Review 75827 Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters

Post by askthelegoguy » Sun May 07, 2017 1:56 pm

legohunter wrote:I saw the display of this piece at local Lego store today. It is huge and deep in length. Now, my problem is how to align/lineup this firehouse with my other modular sets. There are side walks at both side of the building. It could be tough to modify it for the migration. Currently, I already let my haunted house stands alone. :roll:
legohunter, I managed to fit it in rather well into my city, and it doesn't completely stand out and looks weird like you may think.

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