Introduction It’s rare for me to delve into reviewing retired LEGO sets, but some gems demand a closer look. The LEGO Police Station has been a quiet resident of my collection, awaiting its time to shine. Upon building it, I discovered that it not only exceeded my expectations but also marked a turning point in the evolution of LEGO’s modular lineup. Its innovative techniques and design set it apart, making it a milestone for collectors and builders alike.
Minifigures: Personality in Every Detail This set includes five minifigures: three police officers, a donut shop owner, and a donut thief, each with distinct character traits:
- Police Officers
- The first officer sports a classic all-dark-blue uniform and a vintage mustache for an “old-school cop” aesthetic. His accessories include handcuffs and a traditional police hat.
- The second officer, a younger female, adds variety with her playful double-sided face (wink and smirk) and a hairpiece instead of the standard hat.
- The rookie officer stands out with his stubble beard and walkie-talkie, exuding “new recruit” vibes.
- Donut Shop Owner
- Vibrant and retro, her outfit captures a 90s vibe. Accessories like a coffee pot and double-sided face make her versatile and lively.
- Donut Thief
- Perhaps the star of the lineup, he’s equipped with a satchel, a “newsboy” cap, and a whimsical newspaper titled Donut Thief Still Hungry. A donut on a stick adds a humorous touch.
Exterior Design: A Dynamic Streetscape True to modular tradition, this set boasts a cohesive streetscape featuring three distinct structures: a police station, a donut bakery, and a newsstand.
- The Police Station
- As the centerpiece, it balances scale and detail with ivy-clad walls and a charming bluebird clutching a donut. The architecture is elevated by intricate cornices crafted from LEGO elements.
- The Donut Bakery
- This quirky structure features a nod to Dunkin’ Donuts with its awning and clever logo design. Its upper floor offers charming decorative touches, while a fire escape and water tower enhance the realism.
- The Newsstand
- Though small, it’s packed with personality, including printed newspapers and a playful nod to the thief’s escapades. However, the decorative trees slightly hinder the walkway’s practicality.
Interior Highlights: Playful and Functional Spaces Each floor is removable for easy access, revealing a wealth of storytelling details:
- Ground Floor
- The police station features a complaint desk, water cooler, and a jail cell with a hidden tunnel for escapes. The bakery dazzles with a lavender-and-white tiled floor and detailed displays of donuts and cookies.
- Middle Floor
- The police station’s highlights include a mugshot area, rotary phone, and a detective’s board with a rubber band mimicking strings. Above the bakery, a cozy apartment with a hidden donut heist mechanism adds intrigue.
- Upper Floors
- The top floor of the station houses an interrogation room and bathroom, cleverly integrated into the facade. A small attic above the newsstand adds to the set’s storytelling charm.
Conclusion The LEGO Police Station set is a masterclass in design and storytelling. From the intricate escape tunnel to the humorous donut heist, it’s a must-have for any LEGO modular collector. Though retired, it remains available on secondary markets for around $350 USD/€350/£280 GBP.
If you’re planning to purchase the upcoming modular Tudor House or any other set, consider using my affiliate links to support my reviews. Your support helps fund future builds and content. Thanks for reading, and until next time—happy building!
Support my work by purchasing your LEGO sets using my affiliate links (Lego.com) or amazon.com.