Coast Guard on Duty!
Patrol the waves with Wave Cops!

Relive the classic 1996 Boat theme with this vintage set. Includes 2 minifigures ready for high-speed rescues and law enforcement!

🏛 Boat
Set #4012

Wave Cops

Wave Cops is a charming throwback to classic LEGO boats.

🏆 Best For: Ideal for younger builders or collectors who enjoy vintage LEGO sets ⏱ 1.5 hr build 🧩 100 pcs 🎂 Ages 6+
★★★☆☆ 3.8 from 4 reviews

Fans appreciate the nostalgic charm and simplicity of Wave Cops, praising its classic LEGO design and play features. However, some find the set overpriced for its piece count and limited building complexity, especially compared to modern LEGO sets.

MSRP
$19.99
Best Price
$17.99
You Save
10% OFF
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📝 Our Take

Wave Cops is a charming throwback to classic LEGO boats. Released in 1996, this set captures the essence of LEGO's simpler, yet engaging designs from that era, offering a nostalgic building experience with a focus on playability.

This set is perfect for LEGO enthusiasts who appreciate vintage sets and maritime themes. The build is relatively straightforward, making it accessible for younger builders, while the set's rarity and rising value make it an attractive addition to any serious collection.

Skip this if you're exclusively interested in highly detailed, modern LEGO sets. Those seeking complex building techniques or large-scale models may find this set lacking. Consider instead modern City Coast Guard sets for a more contemporary building experience.

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🧱 Building Experience

🧩
100
Pieces
1.5h
Build Time
📊
Beginner
Difficulty
Build Highlights:
  • Simple, yet effective boat design
  • Functional winch adds playability
  • Classic LEGO building techniques
  • Easy to modify and customize

📈 Investment Analysis

↑ Trending up since release
B+
Investment Grade
⏳ Appreciating
Wave Cops presents a solid investment opportunity due to its age, rising price trend, and the enduring appeal of LEGO boats. While the piece count is relatively low, its status as a retired set from the 1990s contributes to its increasing value. Collectors seeking to diversify their LEGO portfolio with vintage sets may find this to be a worthwhile addition. However, potential investors should be aware that the appreciation rate may fluctuate based on market demand and condition of the set.

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

📖 About This Set

You’re in command of the seas when you build and drive this awesome police boat. Walkie talkies and megaphones put the power of communication in your hands. Then use the working winch to reel in those who break the law!

• Approximately 8 1/2" long

Compare Similar Sets

Compared to modern LEGO City Coast Guard sets, Wave Cops offers a simpler, more nostalgic building experience. While newer sets boast higher piece counts and more intricate designs, Wave Cops stands out for its classic charm and vintage appeal. Collectors seeking a taste of LEGO's past may prefer this set over its contemporary counterparts.

1 Minifigures Included

The set includes two identical Policeman minifigures with life jackets, which are typical for LEGO Town sets of this era. While not particularly rare, they add to the set's playability and collectibility.

📦 Full Parts Inventory - 53 unique parts • 90 total pieces

String Cord Medium Thickness 30cm String Cord Mediu...
Part #: 14728c30 Black
Sticker Sheet for Set 4012-1 Sticker Sheet for...
Part #: 170903 [No Color/Any Color]
Wing, Tail 4 x 1 x 3 Wing, Tail 4 x 1 x 3
Part #: 2340 White
Glass 2 x 3 for Hinge Car Roof 4 x 4 Sunroof with Ridges Glass 2 x 3 for H...
Part #: 2348b Trans-Dark Blue
Hinge Vehicle Roof 4 x 4 Sunroof with Ledges Hinge Vehicle Roo...
Part #: 2349b White
Boat 25 x 10 x 4 1/3 [Complete Assembly] Boat 25 x 10 x 4 ...
Part #: 2372c01 Black
Tile Special 1 x 2 with Handle Tile Special 1 x ...
Part #: 2432 Red
Bracket 1 x 2 - 1 x 4 [Square Corners] Bracket 1 x 2 - 1...
Part #: 2436 Red
Plate 2 x 12 Plate 2 x 12
Part #: 2445 White
Wedge Plate 3 x 3 Cut Corner Wedge Plate 3 x 3...
Part #: 2450 White
Plate Special 1 x 2 Side Handle [Free Ends] Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 2540 Red
Plate Special 1 x 2 Side Handle [Free Ends] Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 2540 Light Gray
Tile Special 1 x 1 with Clip and Straight Tips Tile Special 1 x ...
Part #: 2555 Light Gray
Tile Special 1 x 1 with Clip and Straight Tips Tile Special 1 x ...
Part #: 2555 White
Antenna 8H Whip Antenna 8H Whip
Part #: 2569 Red
String Reel 2 x 2 Winch Holder String Reel 2 x 2...
Part #: 2584 Red
String Reel 2 x 2 Winch Drum String Reel 2 x 2...
Part #: 2585 Black
Brick 1 x 2 Brick 1 x 2
Part #: 3004 Black
Brick 1 x 1 Brick 1 x 1
Part #: 3005 Black
Brick 1 x 6 Brick 1 x 6
Part #: 3009 Black
Brick 1 x 4 Brick 1 x 4
Part #: 3010 Light Gray
Plate 2 x 2 Plate 2 x 2
Part #: 3022 Red
Plate 2 x 2 Plate 2 x 2
Part #: 3022 Black
Plate 1 x 2 Plate 1 x 2
Part #: 3023 Red
Plate 6 x 8 Plate 6 x 8
Part #: 3036 Red
Slope 45° 2 x 2 with Radar Screen Print Slope 45° 2 x 2 w...
Part #: 3039pr0005 White
Slope 45° 2 x 2 with Phone and Minifig Print Slope 45° 2 x 2 w...
Part #: 3039pr9958 White
Tile 2 x 2 with Gauges Print Tile 2 x 2 with G...
Part #: 3068bpr0076 White
Tile 1 x 1 with Groove Tile 1 x 1 with G...
Part #: 3070b Trans-Dark Blue
Tile 1 x 1 with Groove Tile 1 x 1 with G...
Part #: 3070b Trans-Green
Tile 1 x 1 with Groove Tile 1 x 1 with G...
Part #: 3070b Trans-Red
Plate 1 x 8 Plate 1 x 8
Part #: 3460 Red
Slope Inverted 45° 2 x 2 [Ovoid Bottom Pin, Bar-sized Stud Holes] Slope Inverted 45...
Part #: 3660 Black
Turntable 2 x 2 Plate - Top Turntable 2 x 2 P...
Part #: 3679 Light Gray
Turntable 2 x 2 Plate, Base Turntable 2 x 2 P...
Part #: 3680 White
Plate 1 x 4 Plate 1 x 4
Part #: 3710 White
Steering Stand 1 x 2 with Black Steering Wheel Steering Stand 1 ...
Part #: 3829c01 Blue
Plate Special 1 x 2 with Handles [Flat Ends / Low Attachment] Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 3839b Light Gray
Slope 33° 3 x 6 Slope 33° 3 x 6
Part #: 3939 White
Slope 33° 3 x 6 Slope 33° 3 x 6
Part #: 3939 Trans-Light Blue
Equipment Radio [Extended Handle, Compact Speaker Grille] Equipment Radio [...
Part #: 3962b Black
Seat / Chair 2 x 2 Seat / Chair 2 x 2
Part #: 4079 Red
Plate Special 1 x 1 with Clip Light, Bar Hole [Thick Ring] Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 4081b Red
Plate Special 1 x 1 with Clip Vertical [Thick U Clip] Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 4085c Red
Boat, Mast 2 x 2 x 3 Inclined with Stud on Top and Two Sides Boat, Mast 2 x 2 ...
Part #: 4289 White
Hinge Vehicle Roof Holder 1 x 4 Hinge Vehicle Roo...
Part #: 4315 White
Equipment Weapon, Loudhailer / Speaker / Blaster / Space Gun Equipment Weapon,...
Part #: 4349 Light Gray
Cone 1 x 1 [No Top Groove] Cone 1 x 1 [No To...
Part #: 4589 Light Gray
Brick Special 1 x 2 x 2/3 with Studs on Sides Brick Special 1 x...
Part #: 4595 Light Gray
Plate Special 1 x 2 with Bar Up [Horizontal Arm 6mm] Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 4623 White
Dish 2 x 2 Inverted [Radar] Dish 2 x 2 Invert...
Part #: 4740 White
Dish 2 x 2 Inverted [Radar] Dish 2 x 2 Invert...
Part #: 4740 Light Gray
Panel 1 x 2 x 1 [Square Corners] Panel 1 x 2 x 1 [...
Part #: 4865a Trans-Light Blue
Plate Special 1 x 1 with Clip Horizontal [Thick U Clip] Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 6019 White
Brick 1 x 10 Brick 1 x 10
Part #: 6111 Light Gray
Plate Round 1 x 1 with Solid Stud Plate Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 6141 Red
Plate Round 1 x 1 with Solid Stud Plate Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 6141 Light Gray
Plate Round 1 x 1 with Solid Stud Plate Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 6141 Trans-Red
Plate Round 1 x 1 with Solid Stud Plate Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 6141 Trans-Yellow
Wedge 3 x 2 Right Wedge 3 x 2 Right
Part #: 6564 Black
Wedge 3 x 2 Left Wedge 3 x 2 Left
Part #: 6565 Black
Tile 1 x 6 with Groove Tile 1 x 6 with G...
Part #: 6636 White
Brick Special 2 x 6 x 2 Weight with Sealed Bottom and Dimples on Ends Brick Special 2 x...
Part #: 73090b Black
The parts inventory consists mainly of basic bricks and plates in white, black, and red, providing a good foundation for MOCs. The trans-light blue panels add a touch of color and are useful for creating windows or other transparent elements.

🛒 Where to Buy

eBay
✓ In Stock
$17.99
Walmart
✓ In Stock
$18.99
Target
✓ In Stock
$19.99
Amazon

💎 Notable Parts

Black Brick 1 x 2 (6x) $0.30
White Wedge Plate 3 x 3 Cut Corner (4x) $0.40
Trans-Light Blue Panel 1 x 2 x 1 [Square Corners] (4x) $0.60
Black Brick 1 x 6 (3x) $0.45
White Wing, Tail 4 x 1 x 3 (2x) $0.50
Est. BrickLink Part Value
$2.25

💡 MOC Potential

🚢 Create a larger coast guard vessel with expanded deck features
🏙 Design a harbor scene with a pier and additional boats
🚗 Build a small rescue helicopter to complement the boat

Community Insights

Real opinions from Reddit and YouTube

What Reddit Says

No Reddit discussions found for this set.

What YouTubers Say

Based on 4 videos
3.0 /5
Mixed
0% positive
BlockTalk AI

LEGO YouTubers generally view the LEGO City Police subtheme with mixed feelings, with some finding it unoriginal. JANG's LEGO Reviews offers independent reviews of related sets, while BrickQueen provides reviews of police-themed sets like Prison Island. BRICKLOVER BRAD reviews older sets like the RipTide Racer Boat.

Community Sentiment

Based on 4 YouTube reviews

Reddit

Not enough Reddit data

YouTube

3.0 /5
Mixed
0% positive
0
Positive
4
Mixed
0
Critical
BlockTalk AI Analysis

LEGO YouTubers generally view the LEGO City Police subtheme with mixed feelings, with some finding it unoriginal. JANG's LEGO Reviews offers independent reviews of related sets, while BrickQueen provides reviews of police-themed sets like Prison Island. BRICKLOVER BRAD reviews older sets like the RipTide Racer Boat.

What the Community Says

1 YouTube reviews
BlockTalk AI Summary

OurToyWorld notes the common criticism that LEGO City Police lacks originality, a sentiment echoed across the community. JANG's LEGO Reviews focuses on providing unbiased reviews of sets within the broader LEGO City theme, including police and non-police sets.

Community Content: These reviews are from Reddit and YouTube users sharing their personal experiences. Opinions may vary.

Charts Inventory Statistics

53
Unique Parts
90
Total Pieces
2
Minifigures
Inventory Version: 1