Hi, thanks for your message-- we're working to finalize the new kit design this week.  The end of 2019 was VERY busy for us and we simply didn't have time to work on it until now.  Look for an update soon!

OK everyone, I've spent a lot of time this week reviewing the options for adding new lights and effects to the Firehouse HQ.  I've come up with version 1 of the wiring and light placement.  I needed to order some more parts to build everything up, so those will be here next week, but in the meantime I didn't want to leave you all hanging without any more details, so here are some screen captures of the GBHQ in LEGO Digital Designer that show what we're planning.

 Here's a cutaway version of the main side.  Every red circle represents a light that will be lit.  There will be some really nice extension capabilities, specially on this side the ability to connect the three ghosts on their trans-clear bars and make them flicker and flash.

In our previous kit, this side of the firehouse had a total of 17 lights.  For the 2020 version, I've penciled in 24 lights on this side.

Looking at the other side of the firehouse, our previous kit had zero lights.  As you can see, we've improved this quite a bit with the new version:

 12 total lights will be on this side, including seven additional ceiling lights (these were not in the original LEGO set, but we think they make a more balanced and authentic-looking firehouse).  We've also added lights in the ghost trap, the toilet in the bathroom, and the flame in the upper lab.  These will run synchronized effects along with the lights on the main side of the firehouse, creating a really amazing overall look.

In addition to all of these new lights and effects, the new kit will also have:

• Radio frequency remote control with 50+ foot range
• Working traffic light (our #1 customer request)
• SOUND.  We'll ship a collection of effects on the sound module, and you can connect the module to your computer to add any MP3 file of your own. Then you can play them back using the remote.  Of course, the factory-shipped sounds will be synchronized with the effects.

Even with all of these lights, the firehouse will maintain its playability as you will still be able to open up the firehouse.  You will also be able to remove the three floors on the main firehouse side with quick-connect cables.

We hope you agree that these improvements will make a great kit even better.  Once the extra parts arrive, we plan to install them in our own Firehouse HQ, write the effect driver code, and post photos and videos along with a formal pre-order launch.

To answer questions I'm sure many will have:

1. How much will it cost?  Price has not been set yet, but given the 250% increase in number of lights vs. the original model, addition of sound, addition of the traffic light, and addition of remote control, it's safe to say this kit will be more expensive than the original.  I hope to have pricing baselined by the end of next week, and will post details here when they're finalized.
2. When will it be available?  We're aiming to launch the official pre-orders on our main website in the next 2 weeks, with deliveries to begin in April.
3. What if I have the old version of the kit?  Will there be an upgrade available?  Yes, we plan to offer that as a separate SKU for those who already have our original kit.  More details will be published after launching new kit pre-orders.

I know this has been a long process, but I wanted to make sure that if we were going to update this kit, we made it as amazing as possible.  Thank you to everyone for your patience, and I look forward to hearing your feedback here on the Forum.

More to come soon!

Freakmaster But of course!  We wouldn't want to leave out our customers who have already purchased the original kit.  As I develop the new kit I'm also keeping in mind the various upgrade options, and the plan is to offer an upgrade kit SKU soon after announcing the new kit.

Freakmaster Oh I figured. :-)

Freakmaster Soon.... As you know the recent international issues have slowed our production.

Michael W Hi, yes with the virus our business has been disrupted.  We have been ordered to close our offices for the next two weeks by our state governor.  I brought the GBHQ kit home and plan to work on it during this time.  Hope to have more news to post soon.

Michael W You have not missed it!  I'll post here when ready.

Joe Kelly Hi Joe, disruption aplenty, thanks to Covid, but I am trying my best to have the kit finished in the next 7 days so I can post it for pre-order!  Finally have the new controllers in stock that took forever to be delivered-- these were needed to be able to add the functionality we'd dreamed of for this set.  More info soon!

Steven John Hi, yes absolutely!  Working on more this week.  I know it's been a long wait!

Brad Simons Hi Brad, thanks for your note. I know I keep saying we're close to announcing the pre-order, but....we're close to announcing the pre-order. :-) If you'd like to be on our list of people to notify, please send an e-mail to support(at)brickstuff.com Thank you!

Steven John Great work!  Where did you get the build for the demon on the roof?  Would be nice having the eyes light up!

As for the kit, we finally have the controller board needed to make everything work.  Need to make a few quick designs for halloween and winter village sets, then this one is next!  It's been far too long getting the upgrade ready, but we want it to be better than anything else out there.