Star Wars LEGO Review - Set 8087 Tie Defender

As part of Lego's first Star Wars wave for 2010 this model is featured briefly in Episode Six, Return Of the Jedi. The Tie Defender was an extension of the basic tie fighter used by the Empire in episodes four and five, the defender developed shortly before the battle of Endor as seen in Episode six. The Tie Defender had the added benefit of a hyperdrive as well as deflector shields so it could operate beyond the short range of regular tie fighters.

With 304 pieces and two minifigures this set is the second largest in this first 2010 wave. It comes with a regular stormtrooper and a Tie pilot and the vehicle is impressive size given the amount of pieces in the model. It measures over 8" (20cm) tall and over 9" (22cm) wide. The opening cockpit can spin and the ship has four flick fire missiles to rid the skies of any Rebel fighters.

The set retails for $49.99 which is commensurate with other sets in this wave, being slightly more expensive per piece than other sets from last year. It is a fun set - with the spinning function and the ability to hold the ship it has a high swooshability factor. Collectors will not be attracted to the set because of the figures this time because they are both fairly standard reissues of minifigs that have been released previously. Yet the fact that this is the first time this cool ship, barely seen in the movies, has been made into LEGO will be a big draw.

Overall a good set, despite the high price point and low awareness of its place in the Star Wars canon, but it may end up being a set that people choose to purchase at the end of the LEGO season at a significant discount.

Sylvanian Family Toys

Toys are real world for kids. Its only natural for kids to associate with groups and families. Sylvanian families are just a child's dream come true to play with groups and make friends with families inside the toy world.

Sylvanian families are made up of a range of animal characters. Your kids will not miss anybody that a child observes in a natural family - including twins and babies. The twins can be panda twins, or terrier baby twins, or else sheep baby twins. There is a set of grandparents too and office going characters can also be found amongst these toys. These toy characters sometimes go to offices and have a job.

These toys have a complete set of well -furnished homes. Their homes are complete with furniture and accessories. Once you purchase these family toys for your child, you are bound to share the magical world of the Sylvanians.

Sylvanian families also feature new upholstery designs inside a Sylvanian household. The cottage where this magical world comes alive for kids has Country Living rooms too. This is complete with sofa and matching armchair. The living room is also warmed up with a fireplace just like any living room in a real world cottage. It has battery operated red glow fireplace with extra logs.

Another set of interesting furniture is the telephone and cupboard unit. The furnishing set also includes fireplace accessories, magazine rack and other things of utility in a daily household.

What could be a dream holiday for a Sylvania family? A weekend in the Caravan, a drive down the coast in the Family Car, a Day at the Seaside - or even a stay at one of Sylvania's Grandest Hotels. Just as we have families having holiday trips, Sylvanians also go for holiday trips.