"Pick-A-Model" sets now at LEGO Stores

AFOLs and others who walked into their local LEGO Store on April 1 were treated to a neat surprise on the Pick-A-Brick wall: new elements previously not available through PAB, including 1x1 round decorated "eye" tiles, 1x2 yellow "cheese" slopes, and much more. But don't grab a large cup and start to fill it just yet.

It's all part of the new "Pick-A-Model" line, in which you can create two models -- a plane or a couple of giraffes -- in the vein of their successful Build Your Own Minifigure offering.

 "Eye" see what you did there, LEGO.

One caveat for those tempted to stock up on these elements: they are really geared toward the Pick-A-Model sets, so you won't be able to fill your PAB cups to the brim with them: I'm told that LEGO Brand Retail employees will dutifully uphold this policy.  Pick-A-Model sets will also change on a quarterly basis, which could mean more different elements coming to the PAB walls.  That's always good news!

1x2 modified plates in light orange -- let's just call them duck's beaks.

Each Pick-A-Model set will cost you $4.99, which seems a bit steep (the plane, for example, only has 24 pieces) and comes with a handy case which happens to hold exactly the number of pieces you need to build the set.  But the availability of the new elements alone might make these worth it.