Back in March 2021, the LEGO® House announced their latest exclusive set, the Brick Moulding Machine (40502). As luck would have it, I was able to attend the virtual press conference revealing the set. You can read what the designers had to say by clicking here. Additionally, the LEGO® House sent me a copy of the set to review. Shipping delays resulted in a bit of gap between the set reveal and the arrival of the kit in Canada. However, I have now built the exclusive set and the time has come to take a closer look.
NOTE: The LEGO® Group provided this set for review. However, the provision of products does not guarantee a favorable review. I will use my usual rating system (click here for more information) and provide my honest opinion.
BRICK MOULDING MACHINE SUMMARY
- NAME: The Brick Moulding Machine
- SET #: 40502
- THEME: LEGO® House Exclusive Collection
- COST: 599 DKK (approximately $120 CAD)
- BRICK COUNT: 1205
- MINIFIGURES: None
- RELEASE DATE: March 4, 2021
BRICK MOULDING MACHINE QUICK REVIEW
- VALUE: 88% (Great cost-per-brick and good amount of build time.)
- BUILD: 100% (Amazing design and build experience.)
- MINIFIGURES: N/A
- ENTERTAINMENT: 90% (I love it, but it is a uniquely AFOL interest piece.)
- OVERALL SCORE: 93%
BRICK MOULDING MACHINE (40502) REVIEW
VALUE: 88%
The Brick Moulding Machine is not available in Canada. The only way to land a copy is to go to LEGO® House in Denmark. Obviously, with the COVID-19 pandemic raging, that is difficult. However, with the numbers of vaccinated people rising, perhaps a semblance of normal life will return at the year’s end. In any case, travel expenses aside, The Brick Moulding Machine costs 599 Danish Crowns. At the current exchange rate, that is about $120 in Canada. With 1205 pieces, the cost-per-brick is about $0.10. Comparatively, my average cost-per-brick across all themes is $0.14. Therefore, in general, the set is a great value. Consequently, I rate The Brick Moulding Machine at 93%. I do not have any other LEGO® House exclusives to make further comparisons.
This set took me two hours and 33 minutes to build (153 minutes total). Therefore, with a price of $120, each minute of build time costs $0.78. By comparison, my average cost-per-minute across all LEGO® themes is $0.83. As such, The Brick Moulding Machine offers a slightly better than average build time. I rate that at 83%. Averaging this with the cost-per-brick score gives an overall value rating of 88%. Again, I cannot make any theme specific comparisons since this is my first LEGO® House exclusive set.
BUILD: 100%
This is one of the most entertaining builds I have seen this year. In my interview with the set’s designers, they stressed wanting to create a set that kept builders on their toes. Since the machine is essentially a box, designers employed varied techniques to make the process entertaining. I think they succeeded. There is an order to build, but the process is not linear if you catch my meaning. You assemble small sections of the machine at times, subsequently inserting them into the overall structure. Additionally, the set features several fun build techniques and authentic details.
In terms of functionality, The Brick Moulding Machine has three sliding doors and five regular doors allowing interior access. Additionally, the mould itself is functional via a turning knob on the back side of the set. Strategically set jumper plates function as red bricks in the mould. Designers settled on this representation of 2×4 bricks because this machine showcases the Six Brick Experience at the LEGO® House. Incidentally, the machine produces six fresh, red bricks for each attraction visitor.
Want to see the model Brick Moulding Machine in action? Watch the video below!
The Brick Moulding Machine also features some new pieces. This is the first set to have a lime green door frame with matching door. Additionally, the kit includes two new printed tiles. Firstly, a 1×6 in black with the set name on it. Secondly, a 2×2 tile in nougat printed to represent the Six Brick Experience baggie visitors to the attraction receive before going home.
I greatly enjoyed the build process for this set. Additionally, I appreciate the authenticity and detail packed into the finished product. Finally, The Brick Moulding Machine presents a variety of new and interesting build techniques. I cannot think of anything that I did not like about this. Consequently, I give the set a build score of 100%.
ENTERTAINMENT: 90%
How many people want a replica of the machine that produces LEGO® bricks? I do not know. As big fan of LEGO® in general, I am thrilled to have this set. It represents a piece of LEGO® history. Additionally, it showcases a facet of my hobby that I did not previously have access to, namely brick production. If I could go to the LEGO® House, I would buy one. It is a unique souvenir that you cannot get anywhere else. It is also a nice display piece for fans. However, I do not think this set appeals to people outside the AFOL community. I could be wrong, but I think this is very much a hardcore AFOL interest set. Since I doubt it appeals to many outside the hobby, I rate the entertainment score at 90%. With that said, I intend to keep mine built and on display.
OVERALL SCORE: 93%
Sadly, the only way to acquire The Brick Moulding Machine (40502) is through a trip to Denmark. It is exclusively available in the LEGO® House gift shop. However, if you are in the neighborhood and want a unique LEGO®-themed souvenir, this is the one to get. As a hardcore AFOL, I am completely geeking out over The Brick Moulding Machine. I have never seen a machine like this in the flesh. However, this little model gives me a greater sense of connection to my favorite hobby. What are your thoughts on The Brick Moulding Machine? Feel free to comment below or reach out on social media.
Until next time,
-Tom
Watch my unboxing and speed build on YouTube!
Want to support True North Bricks?
If you like the content at True North Bricks, please follow on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or YouTube for regular updates. Additionally, you can support True North Bricks by making your LEGO® (and other) purchases using the links in the menu to the right. As an affiliate of those retailers, I earn from qualifying purchases. These earnings come at no extra cost to you but help to the keep the content at True North Bricks free. Thanks for your support!