When was the Town Bank released?

Town Bank was released in 1988.

🏛 Classic Town

Set #1490

Town Bank

The Town Bank is a charming slice of classic LEGO town life.

Before you buy

Who it's for: Beginner build Ideal for LEGO fans who enjoy nostalgic builds and collectors of vintage sets.
Build: 187 pieces · about 1.5 hours Build time is an estimate.
Price: $18.50 list price · 9.9¢ per piece
Availability: Likely retired

★★★☆☆ 3.9 community rating from 21 ratings

Fans appreciate the Town Bank for its nostalgic charm and classic LEGO design, making it a sought-after collectible. The high price on the secondary market is a common concern, but many find the set's vintage appeal and potential investment value worthwhile.

$18.50

Best Price

$16.65

You Save

10% OFF

📝 Our Take

AI-assisted editorial summary, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

The Town Bank is a charming slice of classic LEGO town life. Released in 1988, this set captures the essence of everyday city scenes with its simple yet effective design and classic minifigures.

This set is perfect for LEGO enthusiasts who appreciate vintage designs and those looking to expand their Classic Town layouts. It offers a nostalgic building experience and a great display piece for collectors.

Skip this if you prefer modern, highly-detailed sets or are put off by the high price on the secondary market. Consider newer City sets like the Police Station (60316) for a more contemporary experience at a lower cost.

✨ New

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What is the best way to preserve a vintage LEGO set like the Town Bank? How does the design of this set compare to modern LEGO City banks? What factors contribute to the high value of this set on the secondary market? Is it worth buying this set for display or for parting out?

🧱 Building Experience

AI-assisted build estimate, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

🧩

187

Pieces

⏱

1.5h

Estimated Build Time

📊

Beginner

Difficulty

Build Highlights:

Simple and straightforward building techniques typical of classic LEGO sets
Focus on creating a recognizable building facade with limited parts
Incorporation of basic play features like opening doors and a small vehicle
Classic color scheme and design elements evoke a sense of nostalgia

📈 Investment Analysis

AI-assisted investment analysis, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

↑ Trending up since release

B+

Investment Grade

⏳ Retired

The Town Bank set presents an intriguing investment opportunity due to its age, rarity, and appeal to collectors of Classic Town LEGO. As a retired set from 1988, its limited availability drives up prices on the secondary market. The set's complete condition and inclusion of original minifigures significantly impact its value. However, the high current price means potential investors need to carefully consider market trends and the set's condition to ensure a worthwhile return.

Not Financial Advice: Content is for educational purposes only. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Full disclaimer

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

Police Station

City • 660 pcs

$79.99

Police Chase at the Bank

City • 362 pcs

$49.99

Airport

Classic Town • 441 pcs

$65.00

The Town Bank offers a unique glimpse into LEGO's past, contrasting with modern City sets that emphasize intricate details and complex building techniques. While sets like the newer City banks offer more play features and realistic designs, the Town Bank appeals to collectors seeking nostalgia and a simpler building experience. Its value lies in its rarity and historical significance, making it a distinct choice for those interested in LEGO's evolution.

3 Minifigures Included

Policeman, Black Suit with Pocket and Badge, White Hat (3626a Head)

4 parts

Woman, White Top with Red Necklace, Blue Legs, Black Hair (3626a Head)

4 parts

Man, Black Vest over Blue Shirt, Black Legs, Brown Hair

4 parts

The set includes three classic minifigures: a policeman, a woman, and a man. These figures feature the iconic smiley face and simple torso designs characteristic of LEGO minifigures from the 1980s, adding to the set's nostalgic appeal.

📦 Parts Inventory

Official piece count: 187
Parts cataloged in this inventory: 68 unique parts, 184 pieces
Minifigures: 3

LEGO counts 187 pieces. This inventory comes from a separate parts catalog and lists 196, including the 12 parts inside the minifigures; the two do not always count the same elements, so their totals differ. Spare parts are counted in neither figure.

Missing a piece? Check this set piece by piece, with look-alike colors flagged and element IDs for replacements.

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 2341 1× Red

Wedge Plate 10 x ...

Part #: 2401 1× White

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2412a 1× Black

Plate 2 x 2 Corner

Part #: 2420 2× Light Gray

Part #: 2493a 6× White

Glass for Window ...

Part #: 2494 6× Trans-Clear

Brick 2 x 4

Part #: 3001 1× Yellow

Brick 1 x 1

Part #: 3005 4× White

Brick 1 x 1

Part #: 3005 2× Black

Brick 1 x 1

Part #: 3005 10× Red

Brick 1 x 4

Part #: 3010 2× Yellow

Brick 1 x 4

Part #: 3010 6× Red

Brick 1 x 4

Part #: 3010 5× White

Plate 2 x 4

Part #: 3020 3× Black

Plate 2 x 2

Part #: 3022 2× Light Gray

Plate 2 x 2

Part #: 3022 1× Black

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 1× Light Gray

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 2× Red

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 4× Black

Plate 1 x 1

Part #: 3024 2× Trans-Red

Plate 1 x 1

Part #: 3024 2× Trans-Yellow

Plate 1 x 1

Part #: 3024 4× Red

Plate 6 x 10

Part #: 3033 2× White

Plate 6 x 10

Part #: 3033 1× Red

Plate 2 x 8

Part #: 3034 1× Light Gray

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3037 1× Black

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3039pr0026 1× Light Gray

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3040b 4× Red

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3040bpr0011 1× Black

Tile 1 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3069b 1× Black

Tile 1 x 1 with G...

Part #: 3070b 4× Black

Tile 1 x 1 with G...

Part #: 3070b 8× Yellow

Brick 1 x 3

Part #: 3622 4× Red

Plate 1 x 3

Part #: 3623 2× Black

Tyre 15 x 6 Offse...

Part #: 3641 4× Black

Part #: 3666 1× White

Turntable 2 x 2 P...

Part #: 3679 1× Light Gray

Turntable 2 x 2 P...

Part #: 3680 1× Light Gray

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 4× Black

Plant, Flower Stem

Part #: 3741 1× Green

Plant, Flower - S...

Part #: 3742 3× Yellow

Wheel Arch, Mudgu...

Part #: 3788 1× Black

Part #: 3821 1× Black

Door 1 x 3 x 1 Left

Part #: 3822 1× Black

Steering Stand 1 ...

Part #: 3829c01 1× Light Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 3839b 1× Light Gray

Window 1 x 4 x 3

Part #: 3853 1× Black

Window 1 x 2 x 3 ...

Part #: 3856 2× Black

Baseplate 16 x 32

Part #: 3857 1× Light Gray

Hinge Brick 1 x 2...

Part #: 3937 1× Light Gray

Hinge Brick 1 x 2...

Part #: 3938 1× Light Gray

Brick Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 3941 1× White

Antenna 1 x 4 wit...

Part #: 3957a 1× Black

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 3963 1× Light Gray

Plate Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 4032a 2× Black

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 4070 2× Red

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 4070 2× Light Gray

Seat / Chair 2 x 2

Part #: 4079 2× Blue

Tile Round 2 x 2 ...

Part #: 4150 1× Black

Tile 1 x 8 with G...

Part #: 4162 1× Yellow

Hinge Vehicle Roo...

Part #: 4213 1× Black

Panel 1 x 4 x 3 [...

Part #: 4215a 3× Black

Hinge Vehicle Roo...

Part #: 4315 1× Black

Box 2 x 2 x 2 [So...

Part #: 4345a 1× Blue

Box 2 x 2 x 2 [So...

Part #: 4345a 1× Light Gray

Box 2 x 2 x 2 Doo...

Part #: 4346 1× Blue

Box 2 x 2 x 2 Doo...

Part #: 4346 1× Light Gray

Bag / Briefcase

Part #: 4449 2× Light Gray

Windscreen 2 x 4 ...

Part #: 4594 1× Trans-Clear

Plate Special 2 x...

Part #: 4600 2× Light Gray

Brick 1 x 2 x 5 w...

Part #: 46212 6× Red

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4623 1× Black

Wheel 8 x 6

Part #: 4624 4× Light Gray

Door 1 x 4 x 5 Le...

Part #: 47899c01 1× White

Door 1 x 4 x 5 Ri...

Part #: 73194c01 1× White

Hinge Plate 1 x 4...

Part #: 73983 1× Black

🧱 Sticker Sheet for...

Part #: 160205 1× [No Color/Any Color]

The parts inventory is primarily composed of basic red, white, and black bricks, offering a solid foundation for MOC building, especially for those interested in replicating the classic town style. The inclusion of window pieces and vehicle elements adds versatility to the set's parts selection.

🛒 Where to Buy

eBay

✓ In Stock

$16.65 →

Walmart

✓ In Stock

Compare on eBay →

$17.58

Target

✓ In Stock

Compare on eBay →

$18.50

💎 Notable Parts

White Window 1 x 4 x 5 with Solid Studs (6x) $1.50

Trans-Clear Glass for Window 1 x 4 x 5 (6x) $1.20

Yellow Tile 1 x 1 with Groove (8x) $0.40

Black Tyre 15 x 6 Offset Tread Small (4x) $0.80

Black Panel 1 x 4 x 3 [Solid Studs] (3x) $0.45

Est. BrickLink Part Value

$4.35

💡 MOC Potential

🏙 Expand the bank into a modular building layout with additional floors and interior details.

🚗 Create alternative vehicles for the police officer, such as a motorcycle or a larger police car.

🏛 Rebuild the set into a different type of building, like a post office or a small shop, maintaining the classic town aesthetic.

Community Insights

Real opinions from Reddit and YouTube

What Reddit Says

No Reddit discussions found for this set.

What YouTubers Say

Based on 8 videos

3.0 /5

Mixed

0% positive

BlockTalk AI

The vintage LEGO Town Bank (1490-1) is viewed as a highly detailed and exclusive set, driving its high price, according to BrickTsar. Other videos focus on newer bank-themed sets like the Creator Brick Bank (10251) and City Police Chase at the Bank (60317).

Brick Bank - LEGO Creator - 10251 - Designer Video

LEGO • 691.4K views Review

LEGO Winter Village Cottage 10229 Review

BricksNerd • 22.7K views Review

🔄 LEGO 2015 Creator Brick Bank review! modular set 10251 re upload

JANG's LEGO Reviews • 11.7K views Review

Community Sentiment

Based on 8 YouTube reviews

Not enough Reddit data

YouTube

3.0 /5

Mixed

0% positive

Positive

Mixed

Critical

BlockTalk AI Analysis

What the Community Says

6 YouTube reviews

BlockTalk AI Summary

JANG's LEGO Reviews provides independent, unscripted reviews of sets like the LEGO City Police Chase at the Bank, while TrikBrix offers a retrospective look at the vintage Gold City Junction (6765). BricksNerd presents an unboxing and time-lapse build of the Winter Village Cottage (10229).