Building my train part 3

 I assumed that the train I have would be easier now that I'm able to pick out parts...the only problem is that there are so many pieces missing i can't even start blue unit b or the baggage cart.  I'm loving the train but the missing parts are hard to discern if they actually came vs I just lost it.  Here's today's progress 

Above: no roof pieces are present@

Above: not ready for these roof pieces because I dont have the plates

Above hard to get rear side and back pieces together without breaking the 3 sides

I sent an email and will wait for a response..they do move quickly to fix per reviews on internet!

Building my train Part 1

I have wanted the Lego santa fe set but cannot afford $500 for just one car.  I was thrilled to find letbricks had a version of it.

The only problem is that there were 3 bags but the majority of the parts were in bags withoug numbered bags, just mixed pieces. 

Above is the result of 2 hours of work which caused back pain and leg spasms (first day)

I learned from all this a few things 

1) I should have spent a few hours sorting the pieces in small bowls before trying to find pieces when I was building (2777 pieces)

2) keep pieces of blue yellow and gray/dark gray separated.

3) sort pieces that are transparent or pieces that are rarely used in a separate place

4) separate plates from beams

5) keep modified bricks separate 

After 4 hours over 2 days I came to this point

Trying the last 3 cars was a challenge as several pieces were missing...ive sent a note to let bricks so we'll see what happens..more to come!

I've got 5 more cars to go!

Impressed with gobricks factory direct so far

 Impressed with gobricks 

After ordering from webrick.com I thought I'd try gobricks factory direct.  So far I've been happy with it although there's a few things I'm confused about.  I got a notification that a refund occurred but my invoice doesn't reflect it.  However there were 2 minifigs that they added..I guess to compensate for 1 missing.  

Some pieces were carefully wrapped in bags but most bricks were just in a large bag

The real time delivery tracker was kept up to date

I really believe the pieces were handpicked vs computer driven ordering fulfillment 

I ordered quite a few minifigs accessories and brackets since these are newer pieces I don't have as many of.

Again although I had a positive experience, the availability and prompt customer service and timeliness was good, I think Lego will always be the best.

Reasons why I'm not on Lego masters!

 Reasons why I could never be on lego masters 

1) no clue how to do power functions and gears i.e. roller coaster moc

2) difficulty thinking in 3d

3) wouldn't begin to know how to make a full size lego race car or real life size car

4) wouldn't know how to make the blue wave model

5) would have trouble making structure stability for taller buildings 

6) difficulty planning/visualizing finished projects

7) lack of SNOT knowledge incorporated into models

8) difficulty making 1 part of a model move distant from where the motion would be i.e. a steering column or differential 

9) difficulty planning ahead to create attachments for i.e. decorative elements done on a Christmas sleigh

10) hiding structural bases under the visible model part

11 Difficulty making lego figures and faces

Makes me really appreciate the lego masters..I'll leave it to the pros!

Trying webrick

 I have just received my first order from webrick.com and am delighted.  They kept me informed literally to the minute.

I only have 2 issues with these bricks

1) The exact precise fit of Lego wasn't as present in the pieces, when I stacked two motor parts together, there was a gap and when fully pressed together, the top tube of the motor was bigger on the right side (below) and the 2 tops of the motors when stacked were slightly uneven until I gave firm pressure to connect the two.

2) the color was slightly uneven with streaks of darker area mixed in with the silver as seen in the radar dishes below

Below is the whole list of what I ordered-great for greebling on a spaceship! (sorry it's so small!)

The company (Webrick..which carries "Go Bricks") kept myself informed of where the delivery was and when it left China, when it cleared in customs and when it was shipped to each of the mail service areas in the U.S..  I would buy from them again.  I was so afraid my order wouldn't come because the bricks I initially wanted came to $144 approximately on Amazon vs. approx $35 in the Webrick site. Some of the pieces I wanted were less in cost than the shippping cost on Amazon. (Webrick acquired "Go Bricks" from what I understand which might be part of the reason for the savings?) but with Pick a Brick at Lego affected by the tariff issues, it seemed\reasonable alternative with even different pieces than Pick a Brick.  

I feel bad "cheating" on Lego and I definitely acknowledge quality of "Go Bricks" vs. Lego quality is not comparable with Lego winning hands down.  However, at the time when Lego is introducing $1000 sets, it's getting to where I can't afford Lego even when sets are on clearance or sale like I could in the past.  Unless I've found pieces I like at the store in the Pick a Brick Wall, the online version doesn't seem like a good value at all which puts people who don't live near a Lego store at a disadvantage.