Ferris Wheel (10247) - Baskets And The Head Sized Pretzel

We started building the baskets for the ferris wheel last night - got the 4 green ones done before we got carried away playing with the set haha.

Green baskets in place!

It runs so smoothly - it was mesmerizing to watch the baskets rotate as the wheel spun. The attention to detail continues to amaze me on this set.

There is even a mechanism to raise and lower the floor platforms so that as passengers are boarding, the basket and the wheel is physically prevented from turning. Clearly a good Health & Safety practice!!

Platform in lowered position - buckets just clear

Platform in raised position - buckets physically cannot pass

And of course, what better way to enjoy a ferris wheel ride than to gnaw on a pretzel that is bigger than your head? This ferris wheel must be in Texas!!

Passenger enjoying his Texas-sized pretzel

I think this is the passenger!!!

Ferris Wheel (10247) - The Wheel is Up!! Chapter 3 Done!

We had a momentous night yesterday, completing and mounting the structure of the ferris wheel. It DEFINITELY is starting to take shape. Each "side" of the structure was built separately and then the two sides were aligned and joined together. This took a little finesse to get everything lined up and snapped together.

I am confident that we assembled everything correctly as the wheel spins freely without any hitches or wobbling. The operation is very smooth - the small hand crank works well in propelling it along at a leisurely pace.

Chapter 4 may be the most fun (certainly the most fulfilling) part of the build as the trolleys are mounted and the finishing touches are put on. That will be coming up soon!!

Super Star Destroyer (10221) - First Parts Order!

I went to pick up my first order of parts last night. Over 1300 pieces!!

I started counting them to make sure everything was there but only got a fraction of the way through last night. On the bright side, the parts I did manage to go through were all present and accounted for.

The seller had everything neatly separated and bagged into like components, which definitely made it easier to locate the pieces.

Ferris Wheel progress may slow down a little as I use the table for piece counting. Sorry mom!

Super Star Destroyer (10221) - The End Is In Sight!

... at least as far as ordering the parts goes ...

With my 3rd round of buying, I have cut my "missing pieces" list down to 301. That's less than 10% to go. Unfortunately, none of my local buyers have any of these pieces so I may have to shell out yet more in shipping costs. That being said, people are always adding to their stock so I am sure that if I am patient enough, some of these pieces will become available through area sellers.

The total cost thus far has come out to roughly $480. I guess that's not too surprising considering the original Lego kit was selling for $500. If I was able to get everything locally, I would have saved at least $40 in shipping but I guess I can't complain. I have been able to get a good chunk of the pieces from local sellers. I had really hoped that I could piece it out for less than $500 but that isn't going to happen.

My first local purchase is ready for pickup, so I am planning on getting that tonight. I have 4 other parcels that I had to order from outside the city in the mail so I am expecting those within the week. Then I'll have to get my counting fingers out and double check the orders!

Ferris Wheel (10247) Winter Gardening - Chapter 2 Complete!!

This weekend saw the completion of chapter 2! The base and frame of the ferris wheel are all done and the chapter ended with some landscaping.

We "planted" over a dozen flowers and 2 huge rosebush trees. Mom enjoyed getting to do some gardening during the winter. Personally I think this is a far superior way to garden. There is no weeding or watering and no crawling around in the dirt!

The flower and rosebush trees definitely did a lot to brighten up the entire set with some additional color.

Look at that landscaping!!

Mom is really excited to start chapter 3. It looks like that chapter is dedicated solely to building the ferris wheel itself.