Like everybody, I've got tons of needs, lots of wants, and never enough money. I have to pay off the credit card from the car breaking down, save money for the next time the car breaks down, save for a down payment on a new car (have you noticed my car sucks), and that isn't including paying the bills and Christmas.
I really want the Lego Air Show set, but its 80 dollars, so I was thinking about how to do it for less. (Currently on Amazon its actually 36% off and only 57 dollars.)
As you can see, it has several planes, pilots, and even a little ground crew. Its a fun set but can be a bit pricey. I wouldn't be a ninja unless I knew some ways to get a plane and a pilot for less.
I have a coupon for Shopminig.com and they have a good selection so I went there. But you can also use whatever you have around the house. They actually sent me the wrong torso piece (which they promised to fix) so I found a nice torso that I already had around the house. I found a great girly head and leather helmet. These are both pieces that you have around the house. If you can't find a leather flight helmet (I like the retro look), you can use any racing or space helmet. Both the city and space themes offer plenty. Then I found nice legs that had some patches and a holster. Again, you should have plenty of legs around the house and you can mix and match until you find something that looks great to you.
Of course, after you do this, you should add an element that doesn't cost any money at all. You can come up with a good story that really makes this a beloved figure. I'm going for a local stunt pilot that makes a living dusting crops, but she has tons of talent and wants more out of life. (If that sounds like the beginning of the Rocketeer you'd be correct.) The gun and the heavy flying jacket is because she is up in the north and only has a few bullets to scare away wolves. I wanted a women because I still have way more guy Legos than girls, and I can sell my daughter that this is Amelia Earhart.
That covers the figures but now you need the plane and the airfield. The plane is pretty easy. There is a very good one on sale from Amazon for 15 dollars. The Creator series has many low cost sets and this one has many great reviews. I've built it and I can say that its a great value and a solid plane. Its very sturdy and allows you to fly it through the air (making engine sounds of course) and it even has some retractable landing gear and propellers that spin.
I'm still working out the rest of this, but its not too tough. A garage for the plane isn't too tough to build. You need some four by four bricks to make some pillars, then some long thin pieces to go across the roof. Though the plan is pretty big so maybe I'll get creative and put it between stacks of dvds. (Of course, the British pilot Alan Copham landed in a remote village in India. The villagers were mobbing the plane so the maharajah put his elephants around it!! Try that with your kids!!!) The runway can be any flat part of your floor or table. Or you can get some reusable tape.
So there you have it. For about 25 dollars you can have the basic version of an 80 dollars set! You don't have as many pilots or a landing crew, but you should have a great pilot and plan. The only debate is, will you show it to your child before Christmas or not?
(As usual, make sure to follow me on facebook! I post flash sales and notices regarding good deals several times a week.) Good luck Ninjas!
