Right off the bat I want to thank the team over at Funwhole for sending me this set, I really appreciate it and genuinely couldn’t wait to build this set and pop it in my City. We’ve signed up to their affiliate program so if you want to grab this set or any others please use our link (https://www.funwhole.com/?ref=THEBRICKPOST) and 10% off code THEBRICKPOST.

Having seen this modular doing the rounds on the internet, I couldn’t wait to get it myself, having more choice when it comes to buildings is great and having built Funwhole sets in the past I knew I’d be in for a treat. So without further a-do, here’s my review.

The Box:

As boxes go this one is up there with the best, it not only looks good, it feels good too. Having a full-blown image covering the front it shows off the set incredibly well including the lights, more on them later in the reveiw. On the front you’ll find details of the set including the number F9033, the age rating 16+ and the pieces, which is an impressive 2,847. The back shows a few of the play features and closeups of the printed elements. 

Inside are a ton of numbered bags, one of which are printed pieces, that’s right, no stickers at all in this set. Funwhole have also bagged the printed pieces separately to refrain them from being scratched. There is also a separate bag for the specialist bricks which accompany the light kit, again more of them later. Two premium instruction manuals are also included and do an excellent job in making the whole build experience simple and straightforward.

The Build:

Implementing a modular design, where each floor can be removed, the build is split up into sections. The first handful of bags construct the base and ground floor, the next set of bags are the first floor and so on.

I made the executive decision of building directly onto a LEGO 32×32 baseplates as I plan on placing this building into my City, ignoring the steps where is said to build onto the plates supplied. Obviously this is entirely up to you, I recommend keeping it the same as the instructions unless you too have specific plans for it.

Having only built modulars from the leading brand, I had high expectations and standards, I’m pleased to say that this particular Funwhole set didn’t disappoint. When constructing each floor and the many details inside & out, I didn’t feel the build was slow or difficult, I throughly enjoyed every step, even fitting the light kit.

Each floor has its own style and building techniques, from the reddish brown walls and architecture of the ground floor to the light tan walls and white accent on the windows of the fordt and second floors. It gives the overall build a varied but complimentary design.

On the outside you’ll see some typical items such as a brick-built sign, awning, flowers, lamppost, plant display, bench and a postbox. They are all rather simple but that’s the beauty of them, each contains a small number of parts but the outcome is great and brings the outside area to life. The side-build that really does it for me is the expensive picture being transported to the Antique Store, the 4×4 fully printed tile of a town encased in protective packaging, it’s a really good little build. The old style camera is great too, with the tripod legs and flash, I’m sure it’ll sell quickly once in the store.

Heading inside you’ll notice a giant ornate bookcase, it stands so tall that the uppers floors need to make room for it by having a balcony. It’s filled with all sorts of tickets and treasures, from crystals and books to other yesteryear memorabilia.

Other goodies inside include an old family portrait, ornaments a stain glass window, fireplace, an old piano and a ton of clocks. In the window are some Knight relics which make for a great display and should entice customers in, there is a helmet and a shield. The way each build is put together is a testament to the designer, again using minimal parts to create something that people recognise takes a special talent, the team at Funwhole have that. It’s one of the reasons why I like this set so much, the small builds and pieces I can use for photos and scenes, there’s so much going on and to see that you spot something new everytime, and I built it!

The Lights:

On to the lights now and the Star of the show. Having installed many lights kits over the years from different companies, I know my stuff! So when receiving the set I knew I was in for a treat when it came to the lights, you install as you go which is actually new to me, usually other brands require you to remove chunks of the building, pop the cables in place and squish them between the bricks. Not with Funwhole, they have specialist bricks and plates that have small grooves in them that not only hide the cables but protect them too.

Threading the cables through 1×1 and 1×4 bricks in specially cut bricks, laying cables under 1×1 and 1×2 plates to help guide them to the right place, the whole process is painless and quite an enjoyable one. Seeing the finished set light up makes you smile with the widest grin ever, I still smile now when I switch them on, we are all kids at heart.

There are two power options available, battery pack or via USB mains. I’ve opted for batteries as it allows the set to stand independently without being attached to the wall. When this set eventually goes into my City, I will most likely use the USB mains option and combine it with the other buildings. Speaking of connectivity, the small switch hub tucks aways secretly inside the set itself, via a small hole on one side.

The Figures:

The set comes with four characters, each having their own style of clothing. They are fully printed and need to be built, including the arms, hands and legs. The figures from Funwhole have changed over the past year and for the better, although I still feel they aren’t perfect. It’s hard to create something different enough from the leading brand, but I don’t think these are it. The arms are very curved, the hands are just plain odd and having to construct them fully I found myself putting limbs on backwards and on opposite sides.

The only good redeemable feature are the crisp and bright designs and prints in the torsos, that is one thing Funwhole has locked down, their ability to do a great finish on bricks and figures. As said before they are fine, just nothing special, which is a real shame as the Antique Store build is so well done.

Overall the Funwhole F9033 Antique Store set is top notch and highly recommended to pickup of you’re in the market for something different from the leading brand. The bricks are on par and the clutch power too, there honestly isn’t anything I can fault about the set at all. Avid readers of this site will know that I don’t mess around with reviews, if a set or product doesn’t live upto my expectations or it’s something I wouldn’t buy myself I would tell you, this set truly is Soemthing special and I hope Funwhole continue to produce sets of this calibre.

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