Showing posts with label hsanhe brand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hsanhe brand. Show all posts

Friday, December 31, 2021

Here's Every Not Lego Modular Building I Built in 2021


Hello alt Lego brick fans and welcome back!  This will be the  final blog post of 2021!   It's certainly been a busy year, with me building so many brick sets during the pandemic lockdown.   

This blog post only focuses on the modular buildings I built this year, but I probably built just as many non modular building sets, such as the iconic Blade Runner spinner moc, the Qunlong rapid transit trains, the Lego Ideas garbage truck by Mochimaster and so many more. 

So here are all the modular buildings that I built throughout the year, some of them are sets, some of them are sets that I subsequently modded or rebuilt and some are my own custom builds, all using not Lego bricks.   The alt Lego brands were quite varied this past year with many new names I'd not heard of before.  They include Zhegao, Happy Build, Panda Burning Incense, Juhang and Jiestar.  I do seem to be buying a lot of Sembo branded sets lately.

Other than the Jiestar Jazz Cafe which I purchased from now defunct www.brickkk.com, all of the other modular buildings were acquired from Aliexpress.   


The Zhegao Hill Tavern set was a dollhouse style building, meaning that it didn't have a back wall.  Also it sat on a much smaller 24 stud wide baseplate.  I ended up rebuilding and expanding the entire set and converted it into a full size (32 stud wide) modular building.  The main floor is tavern with washroom, booths for seating and the second floor is a VIP lounge.  The tavern owner lives in an apartment on the third floor.  Every floor is fully furnished.

March 2021:  My Hsanhe 7-11/KFC Moc (picture review pending)

The Hsanhe branded sets started my addiction into modular buildings.  I bought all 6 of the original series, which were copies of a Lego Ideas submission.  There was a 7-11, a KFC shop, a McDonalds restaurant, a Starbucks cafe, an Apple store and a Dunkin Donuts shop.  Over the years, I kept rebuilding the sets and making them larger and more and more detailed.  For this MOC, I consolidated two of those buildings and merged them into the modular building you see above.  The space over the 7-11 hosts an after school centre for kids and there is a bike share stand in front of the KFC.


I'd never heard of this brand called Happy Build/Xinyu before, but was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the set.  The front and rear facades are completely different but both sides could be displayed as the front.  It is unique in that it features swing out walls, so you can easily access the interior, which is fully furnished.  The main floor is the office and the second floor is the photography studio.  The third floor houses the photo editing room and washroom.


Sembo branded sets are some of the best quality alternative Lego sets out there, so I had no qualms buying this set for the front facade.  However, it turned out to be a lot smaller than I expected.  Plus the fact that the storefronts were only about 6 studs deep x 24 studs wide.  So I had quite the challenge to convert this into a full size building.  
The new modular consists of two separate buildings sharing a common stairwell.  The building includes a new baseplate, all new walls, windows, doors, floors, new roof, stairs to each floor.  The old storefronts were completely replaced. On one side is the Qman bun shop, while the other store is currently vacant, as are the apartments above them. 


May 2021: Panda Burning Incense 10201 Book Shop (picture review pending)

I bought this replica of the Lego Bookshop (set 10270) off Aliexpress, but didn't know what brand it was until I received it.  It turned out to be this obscure brand called Panda Burning Incense.  The quality of the set is decent and I've already started to mod it by increasing the townhouse height and relocating the birch tree to another one of modular buildings.  Not much more to say about this set as it is identical to the Lego version.

June 2021: Happy Build YC20008 Music Studio (picture review pending)

This music studio modular building is by Happy Build, the same company that made the Photo Studio and the quality remains consistently good.  This building has a unique appearance and includes a lot of details inside and out.  Like the Photo Studio, the rear walls swing away to reveal the interior which has a record store on the main floor, a music studio with instruments on the second floor and an apartment on the third floor.  As a future project, I'd like to expand the second and third floors of this building.

July 2021:  MOC 3906 Flower Shop by Mestari (picture review pending)

I made a flower shop modular building MOC a long time ago, but this one looks way nicer than mine.  There's a flower shop on the ground floor and furnished with an apartment on the second floor.  Because this is a MOC set, there's a slight deviance on the colours of the various bricks.  This building is only two storeys tall, so another future project will be adding a third floor to the building.




I think that this building is called the Nordic Coffee shop on Aliexpress, if I remember correctly.  I must have been bored back in June 2021 to buy this modular building as it's not photogenic at all.  While the quality is top notch because it's Sembo, the exterior design leaves a lot to be desired.  In some respects the colour pallete used on this modular almost resembles the Happy Build Photo Studio.   Chinese building block manufacturers must have an excess of dark yellow/burnt orange bricks, lol. The interior is fully furnished with cafe on the main floor and seating for patrons on the second floor, with a small bedroom on the third floor.

It didn't take too long for me to redo the front facade.  It's kind of ok for now, but I have plans to convert this building from 16 studs wide to 32 studs wide.   Yet another future project.


September 2021: MOC 11224 Blooming Blossoms by Kristel (picture review pending)

I've been a big fan of the modular buildings designed by Kristel and was surprised that one of her buildings was reproduced as a MOC on Aliexpress.  The Blooming Blossoms is a small 16 stud wide sand green coloured modular building that is supposed to be a flower shop, however I had just recently bought the Flower Shop MOC by Mescari, which was also sand green.  

I re-clad the Kristel MOC building using tan and brown bricks and converted the exterior signage to a coffee shop, although I didn't put any interior finishings inside other than to tile the floors of each level.

As I was building the this MOC, I realized that I already had a lot of the same brick pieces in my spare parts stash, so I created a duplicate building but using different coloured bricks and windows. I made the second building slightly different from the first for originality.  It's also empty except the floor tiles.  That's another two buildings I need to furnish at a future date.

September 2021:  My Motorcycle Shop/Apartments MOC 

Here is another of my custom buildings.  It started life as Lepin 02047 Service Station (clone of Lego set 60132) which  I bought in 2017.  Two years later in 2019, I bought a second Lepin 02047 cause it was cheap.  The intent was to create a modular gas station out of the two sets, but nothing ever happened.

It wasn't until this year that I dusted off the sets with the idea of creating a motorcycle sales and service shop on a 32x32 stud baseplate.  But just creating a single storey building was too boring for me, so I wanted to create a colourful apartment block above the shop.

The motorcycle shop has a display floor and a shop area with garage where repairs are made to customers bikes.  I have quite a few Lego style motorcycles in my collection, but there's still not enough room to house all of them in this modular. 

The second and third floors contain completely separate apartments accessed by a stairwell from the back of the building.  Each apartment has its own living space including kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.

I would say that this modular is only about 80% complete with the goal of creating more parking for my bike collection.  I'm already thinking of increasing the size of the base footprint from 32 studs to 48 studs wide.   Look for an update to this modular building in the new year.

This year, I've learned of so many alternate brick brands and Juhang is another new brand for me to try.  The Garden Street modular is one of three buildings in a series, all mostly white and black exteriors with purple flowers.  The building gives off a mediterranean vibe and I liked the side turret on this model.   This set uses more panel pieces than typical bricks and the brick clutch is extremely tight.   The impression that I get is that this modular is supposed to be a hotel, but the sparse interior says otherwise.  I've already completely deconstructed this model and at some point in the future I may rebuild it as something else.




The Jiestar European Jazz Cafe is the only modular building that I didn't buy off Aliexpress.  Instead, I got a really good deal for it from now defunct www.brickkk.com.  Shipping was super quick, so I've no hesitation from ordering from them again.  

This modular building is someone's MOC who created an alternate build by using only the bricks found in the Lego Assembly Square modular, set 10255.  The Jazz Cafe modular is certainly appealing with it's Sand Green exterior contrasted with white and light gray accents.  The first floor cafe looks great too.  The second floor of the cafe is a stage with seating off to the side, where patrons could listen to performers while having a drink.  The third floor houses the light fixtures used by the stage and provides extra seating for audience members.

While the exterior design is unique, I found it a bit schizophrenic given that there are two different facades for the corner building.  I completely deconstructed the Jazz Cafe, and using parts from this set and my own, I created two distinct modular buildings.  

The first modular building I built sits on a 16 stud wide baseplate and this is where I relocated the cafe to.  It retains the sand green colour scheme, while retaining the original design elements of one of the facades.  The second and third floor are presently empty for the time being.

The second modular building retains the size, shape and central shaft of the jazz cafe MOC, whereas the facade is reminiscent of the Corner Cafe modular building.  I used a lot of my own bricks and blocks to fashion the exterior, but I haven't decided what the interior will look like yet.


December 2021: Lepin 07107 Sanctum Santorum Mod (picture review pending)

So I bought the Lepin 07107 (copy of Lego set 76108) Sanctum Santorum way back in early 2019.  But it wasn't until this month that I finally got around to making a modular building out of it.  I took the original design and made extensions on either side to expand the width to a full 32 studs.  I built all new floors, walls and rooftop, but right now, the interior is totally empty.  Furnishing all three floors will be a project for next year. 

Well, that's a wrap folks!  As you can see I built a lot of modular buildings over the course of the year, but I still have a lot more work to do, to finish off many of the interiors.   And I really should update my blog with all the reviews I've gotten too lazy to write.

Hopefully in 2022, I'll try to cut back on buying new modular buildings and just focus on updating the ones I already have.  As it is, I've pretty much run out of space on my Ikea tables and book shelves.

Thanks so much for hanging out with me on my blogs this year. Hope you all have a great 2022!   Keep on building and see you next year, bye!

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Lepin 15002 Cafe Corner with full interior on every level (not Lego)



Hey what's up brick fans?  Hope you are all staying safe and healthy during this pandemic season.   Right now, the government strongly advises all of us to stay home and self-isolate. If there's a silver lining in all this, it's that I have lots of time to spend working on my modular buildings.


Thanks to COVID-19, I have now finally completed all of the modifications to my Lepin 15002 Cafe Corner modular.  If you're not familiar with this building, Lego designed this building to house a Cafe on the main floor, with the upper floors being occupied by a hotel, as evidenced by the large signage attached to the side of the building.  Well, that's what it was supposed to be, because this building was completely devoid of any interior finishings, so you had to just use your imagination about what it could be on the inside.  You can find my build and review posts,  part one and part two on my other blog Its-Not-Lego.blogspot.com.

Around the time I was building the Lepin Cafe Corner, I was also building the Hsanhe mini shops.  I had the idea to move one of the Hsanhe mini shops - the Sweet Shop, into the main floor.  Here's my build post of the Hsanhe Sweet Shop.  Since then, I've been gradually working towards furnishing the interior of the Cafe Corner, my version now renamed to the Sweet Shop and Hostel.

Change Log



  • July 2016 - ordered the Lepin Cafe Corner and Hsanhe mini shops
  • Sept 2016 - build Cafe Corner and Sweet shop
  • Apr 2017 - disassemble Sweet shop and integrate into Cafe Corner main floor, redesign main floor exterior
  • Jun 2017 - furnish second floor with hostel reception and lounge area, rebuild Hotel sign to read Hostel
  • May 2019 - replace the 32x32 baseplate of the modular, furnish third floor
  • Sept 2019 - third floor gets new bunk beds
  • Oct 2019 - add floor tiles to all three floors
  • Dec 2019 - revise main floor to include seating area
  • Jan 2020 - revise third floor to include 3 piece bathroom
  • Feb 2020 - replace all second and third floor windows


Exterior views

The most significant exterior enhancements include re-working the sidewalk area and changing the first floor facade.  The front door was relocated to the side and a circular glass display and signage added in it's place.  All the windows have been updated as well.  

One of the Sweet shop staff is giving out free samples to entice customers to come in and shop.  

Front Left Side View
Changed the Hotel sign to read Hostel.   Normally, there's a hotdog cart parked out front next to the Hostel entrance, but they took the day off apparently.

The famous Hostel sign.

Front Right Side View







The original green baseplate that came with the set was replaced with a brown one.  A covered service entrance provides an alternate access to the Sweet shop.

Rear Left Side view


Rear Right Side View
The second floor footprint is extended to provide an outdoor smoking area that leads back into the hostel lounge.  Trash cans on both first and second floor.

Service Entrance to Sweet Shop,  Second Floor Smoking Patio

Main Floor 

The main floor is now fully furnished with what used to be the Hsanhe Sweet shop.  The interior colour scheme is a nod to the original set, but everything else is pretty much new. That includes the workspace with oven, mixer, sink and drawers.  The circular display in the corner can be rotated to display different sweets.  A custom counter with cash register also houses more sweets.  The floor is fully tiled as well.
Prep Area, Rotating Display, Counter with Cash Register

There are even more baked goods next to the entrance.  The Sweet shop normally employs three to four staff who all take turns in cleaning, making, selling and marketing the wares.
Closer look at Prep Area and Rotating display

Even more baked goods are available next to the comfy seating area.  Each table gets overhead lighting.  Business is good.
Additional Shelves and in-Store Seating for 4 patrons

Second Floor

The hostel occupies the second and third floor of the modular building.  The second floor is fully furnished and tiled with the hostel reception area and lounge.  As you come up the stairs from the street, the reception area is on your left.  There is a water cooler and coffee machine for the customers enjoyment.  A brightly covered rug defines the relaxing lounge area.  Magazines, newspapers and a TV are free to use.  Fresh flowers also help to liven up the lounge.


Today, the hostel manager is using his computer to update the Hostel's website.  At the reception area, a satisfied guest is checking out.  Access to the outside smoking balcony is via the lounge, however Hostel staff kindly reminds their guests that smoking is bad for your health.

The third floor

Stairs lead to the third floor which is furnished with two bunk beds, a dresser and a computer desk.  Access to the communal bathroom is provided with each stay.
The bathroom has a sink with mirror, toilet and toilet paper, and a shower with hot and cold water.


Though it's hard to see, the shower stall has a glass partition wall. Please clean up after yourself when you are done using the bathroom. Thanks.

Maximum occupancy is 4 people.  I would love to be able to add another floor to the hostel so that men and women could have their own floors, but I can't really justify getting another Cafe Corner modular just to add an extra storey.  For now, it's mixed accomodations at the hostel.

How convenient that fresh coffee is just down the stairs.

As I was writing up this post, I wanted to say that I've completed all the changes I wanted to the Cafe Corner, except, now I'm thinking I might add a skylight to the roof to let more light into the sleeping floor.  Oh well!



If you still can't get enough, here's the links to my other posts about the evolution of Cafe Corner/Sweet Shop/Hostel.

Sweet shop moves into Cafe Corner.

Hostel moves into Cafe Corner

Further revisions to the Cafe Corner


Anyways, thanks so much for staying until the end of this post!  I hope you've enjoyed looking at the pictures as much as I've enjoyed sharing them with you.
Stay safe and wash your hands!   Bye!

Saturday, March 7, 2020

Hsanhe 6411-2 McDonalds restaurant MOC modular building gets a drive thru lane!


Hey, what's up, brick fans?  Today I'd like to give you a look at the latest updates to my McDonalds modular building. 

Here's a bit of background about this modular if you are new here.  The Hsanhe brick brand made a set of six small store fronts, each having about 200 pieces and included 2 minifigures.  I bought all six of the sets back in July 2016 and have since incorporated those shops into larger modulars or have made them into their own small modular buildings.

The McDonalds modular started life as one of those sets.  If you'd like to see how it has evolved in my not Lego brick collection, feel free to check out my other posts.

https://its-not-lego.blogspot.com/2016/09/hsanhe-6411-2-fast-food-restaurant.html

https://its-not-lego.blogspot.com/2018/02/hsanhe-6411-2-fast-food-restaurant-mod.html

https://its-not-lego.blogspot.com/2019/01/hsanhe-6411-2-mcdonalds-restaurant.html

Anyways, let's take a look at the latest enhancements!


In case, you haven't guessed, it's the addition of an actual drive thru lane. The lane widens the former baseplate by about 8 studs.  Although it seems trivial, the modification required me to rip out the previous baseplates and interior.  I used the 8x16 stud smooth surface baseplates from a couple of old Kazi brand fire station sets.

I added an extension and post over the drive thru lane to provide some continuity to the Mcdonalds restaurant.  I also made some minor changes to the takeout window, but I might have to adjust the height again.  I dunno, what do you think?  Is it too high or is it ok as is?


At the rear of the building, I added a new extension and repositioned the back door to open off to the side.  I made the awning 5 studs wide to cover the entire back door.  The rear extension is supposed to provide a secure room for supplies and deliveries  instead of just leaving them out in the open like that gray container.


The final modifications I made to the McDonalds restaurant was to add bigger picture windows to both sides of the building.  Initially I had planned for this building to be sandwiched in between other buildings, but with the added glazing, this modular could be placed as a stand-alone unit in a city layout.


I used smooth tiles over the picture windows so that I could just pop them out for easier access to parts of the restaurant.


Here's an overhead shot of the building with roof removed.  Tiling the extended are off the back is low priority and I'll probably get to it soon, unless I decide to re-do the back area.


 Other than that the interior remains the same as before with a seating area and stand up counter with trash bin.  And yes, I still need to make/print some stickers for the menu signage over the counter.

No changes to the roof either. It comes off in two pieces.


I'm pleased to report that there has been no turn over of the staff at the McDonalds since the last time we looked in and everyone continues to be fairly happy in their job.


Patrons come and go, so we get some regular guests and some new guests.

We got a small party of seniors visiting today plus the airline pilot who is picking up some takeout from the drive thru in his sporty convertible.


Here's a few more shots.







Thanks for popping by and see you next time!