Legos – Chunks of Fun

by Steve on March 20, 2009 · 0 comments

March 20 - On this day in 1999, Legoland California - the only Legoland outside Europe opened in Carlsbad, California USA. Legoland is to Lego fans what Disneyland is to fans of Mickey Mouse. Most structures are built of what appear to be oversized Lego blocks, the interlocking building blocks that hurt your feet when you step on them in the dark.

There are many interesting exhibits, such as Legowood (shown) and one of the most recent, the inauguration of President Barack Obama - all built from Legos.

Back in the 1940's when Ole Kirk and Godtfred Christiansen were first dabbling with interlocking bricks, flying in space was still just a dream. By the late 1950's when Legos as we know them were first produced, cars had fins, but still no real space travel. In 1969 man walked on the moon, and less than ten years later Star Wars was released. What do Ole Kirk and Godtfred have in common with a movie about a brother / sister love affair and a uber-hairy co-pilot? Just the most popular Lego licensing deal ever that's all.

Star Wars Lego Sets

The most popular and valuable Legos on eBay are Star Wars sets. Some are hard to find and most are incredibly detailed and complicated. They are nearly all collectible. One of the real prizes to watch for: The Millenium Falcon. Unopened sets go for hundreds of dollars. For eBay sellers, the sell-through rate is a great way to see how popular a particular item is. Star Wars Legos? 78% sell-through - Ole Kirk and Godtfred would be proud.