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The LEGO Creator Expert Bookshop is my first time building one of the LEGO sets intended primarily for older fans of LEGO. Coming in with 2,504 pieces and quite a large box this set can appear intimidating at first glance. That intimation quickly fades once you read the instructions. This set is a pleasure to build, and can be done in a few hours for most experienced builders.
Construction
This set is laid out in a very methodical way in terms of how you build it. Each building is it’s own entity. This means you can chose the order you want to build in. Either bookstore first or townhouse first. Once you decide on the building to start with you will begin by opening the bags of LEGOs associated with the first level of the building.
Probably the most unique part of all in the construction is layers of mostly smooth bricks between levels. This makes opening the set to the various levels an breeze. In comparison to sets where there is minimal internal detail, this set packs in as much detail is possible into every square inch. I feel this adds a lot to the experience of the set after it has been built.
Bookstore
The bookstore construction is primarily broken down into the main floor, then the second and attic. These two sections are further subdivided so that the amount of loose LEGOs you need opened to build with can be kept to a minimum.
The first set of bags to be opened build up the front steps, floor, and cash register area in the bookstore. The floor features a tiled pattern that adds to the personality of the building. In front of the store there is an outdoor bookshelf with a few books. There is also a tile pattern in the street in front of the store. This stage finished up with the counter and cash register for the store.
The next stage of construction is to finish out the main floor of the store. This includes all of the bookcases and the stairs to the second floor. The stairs in the bookstore are a spiral which is unique compared to the normal stairs seen in a lot of sets. The bookcases are unique and contain a variety of size, color, and shape of books greatly adding to the warmth of the store. This level finishes off with the sign for the store over the door.
The second floor brings us to the owners apartment for the store. The first part of this apartment is a living space and balcony. The living space has a grandfather clock, comfy recliner and reading light. This space looks so cozy you might be jealous of the minifig that can occupy it. From the living space you head out to a small balcony with a table and two chairs with a cup of coffee.
The bookstore finishes up with the attic, where the bedroom is, and the tree in front of the store. The attic section is actually built as two chunks so you can pull away part of the roof to see the bedroom. The bedroom itself is fairly simple with a basic blue bed and a pet iguana in a terrarium. The roof line includes some intricate details including a large gabled window and arched roof. Finally the tree wraps up the bookstore adding a great bit of depth to the overall detail.
Townhouse
Like the bookstore the townhouse is broken down into four sections. Construction starts in the basement, then moves up to the main floor, second floor, then finishes with the roof.
The first step of construction is the basement and street in front of the townhouse. This section also includes a front flower box as well as a small garden in the back yard. The basement itself contains a ladder and some basic gardening tools. It also has a staircase leading up to the main floor. In the front of the house this section includes the sweeping curved stairs and railing leading up to the main floor.
The main floor is next up to be built. This floor is packed with a large amount of detail. Towards the read of the house you have the kitchen cabinets that include jars in the cupboard. The rear of the house also includes the door to the back yard and stairs to the second floor. The front of the house has a fireplace beside the table where there is tea and the morning paper. Beyond the table is a lovely chaise in the bay window. As you go to leave out the front door you pass an umbrella and hat on the coat hooks.
From the main floor we need to build the second floor. This houses the bedroom and beginning of the roof. The bedroom is made up from a fairly ornate bed and dresser. The roof and two gabled windows finish out this section of the townhouse and include what I feel is the most detail. The roof is designed to appear shingles and as such contains a large number of small detail pieces. These pieces really add to the overall look of the townhouse.
Finally the townhouse finishes up with the back balcony and remainder of the roof. The back balcony does not extend the full width of the house as there is a section of roof covering the stairs to the second floor. It does contain some flowers on the rails on the far side. The roof itself finishes up with a chimney for the fireplace on the main level and a decorative railing along the front ridge-line.
Finished Set
The finished set is a beautiful pair of LEGO building. Both inside and out there is a wealth of details to be seen. The biggest point in the design of the Creator Expert city sets is the ability to connect the buildings to each other. This is done in a consistent way across all of the sets, and in some cases within a set. For the bookstore and townhouse the two units can be separated and even joined in the other order from what is shown.
The number of minifigs provided as well as the items for them to hold and use really brings the set together. There are a few studs in the street that make posing minifigs easier. That and the ease of opening the building makes placement and movement simple.
Overall this is a great set that I would recommend for someone looking to move into the more advanced sets. The subdivided construction keeps things from getting overwhelming. The end result is a beautiful pair of sturdy buildings that don’t feel too fragile to play with. The overall design and how it works with respect to minifigs is great.