New LEGO Architecture Landmarks?

[yankeeken]

I'm not sure if anyone has seen these yet or not, but I was searching through the LEGO Exclusive section on S@H and found these two beauties.
Seattle Space Needle
Empire State Building

I don't remember seeing them in any of the recent LEGO magazines. I don't even remember reading about them anywhere on the internet. Are they new or have I just been living in a cave?

If they're not new, does anyone have them? And if so what do you think about them?

[GIR3691]

I haven't seen these before. I saw the Sears Tower and last round of the "series" (I guess that's what it is,) but $20 for 57 and 77 pieces is a joke. The Empire State looks like mostly 1x2 bricks. I guess they are supposed to be collectors items, but honestly, they look like MOCs, and can probably be reproduced without instructions or too many bricklink orders, if you really want one.

[MrCRskater]

I came across these on the S@H website several weeks ago and was also perplexed. . . Apparently they're part of a line of "architecture" models (apparently 3rd and 4th in the lineup, so it must be pretty new).

The $20 price point does seem extreme given that they are 57 and 77 pieces, but they are fairly tall and the descriptions explain that they come with a sort of commemorative booklet with fun facts and probably an abbreviated history of each building. These are being served up more as a collector's item, the sort of thing that would look attractive on your desk at work or something. I dunno, I thought they were kinda cool and contemplated getting one myself. . .

[Draykov]

These latest ones have been up for a little while now on Shop@Home. There were two other sets released late last year (Sears Tower and the John Hancock Center) as well. The only places I remember seeing these architecture sets publicized was in the most recent Brick Journal and on Brothers-Brick.

[plums_deify]

Keep in mind that these aren't aimed at us. These are sold primarily in the gift shops of the buildings they model, for the Architecture types.

[ellerb]

Licensing fees for models of these buildings must be paid to the owners of the buildings and/or the designers of the buildings. This is the likely reason for higher than average costs. The sets are collectors items with unique printed plates. If you want to own the sets, consider purchasing a second copy for later resale. You will likely be able to pay off your first set for free.

Ben

[yankeeken]

I don't know if I should get the Empire State Building or not. My mind says no, but my New Yorkerness is screaming yes.

Anyway thanks for the info guys.

[plums_deify]

I caved and bought the Space Needle.

So dooooooooo iiiiiiiiiiiiit.

For presentation purposes, the box is really sharp. The black with the model on there is really slick looking.