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Set 557 Basic Building Set
Universal Building Set Basic

LEGO® Basic Building Set

Basic Building Set 557 is a 1987 release with 721 pieces and 2 minifigures. It belongs to the Universal Building Set line and works as a free-building brick box rather than a single model.

Set number
557
Year
1987
Pieces
721
Minifigures
2
Theme
Basic
Different parts
131
What can I build with it?

Parts list 131

As BrickLink list (XML)

Import on BrickLink: Wanted → Upload, upload the file (or paste its content), pick a Wanted List and add the parts.

Spare parts (4)

These extra parts come with the set in case one gets lost.

Minifigures 2

Description

Why a box like this still works

A general-purpose set like this one rewards curiosity. With 721 pieces it sits well above a small starter tub, giving you room for houses, vehicles and whatever else comes to mind. The suggestions in the instructions are there for inspiration, not as strict targets. If you like to improvise, you can begin a project of your own within minutes and let it grow in whatever direction you prefer, without ever worrying about missing a specific step or running out of the bricks the plan demands.

The colour palette

Red, yellow, blue and white make up the main colours, which is the classic primary palette of the period. There are 73 different part types in the box, a healthy spread of standard bricks, plates, windows and a few special shapes for a set of this size. The colours are bold enough to separate walls, roofs and vehicles at a glance. Scroll through the parts list on this page and you will quickly see which elements appear in large numbers and which only turn up once or twice, so you can spend the rare ones wisely.

Two minifigures to live in it

Two minifigures come with the set and turn whatever you build into a small play scene. They fit any house or vehicle and are easy to move from one build to the next. With free building that matters, because the figures give you a scale to design around instead of guessing proportions. For collectors, the box is also a small piece of late-eighties brick history that is still perfectly usable for rebuilding today and does not look out of place beside newer sets on the shelf.

Mixing it with your collection

The stud system has stayed compatible for decades, so these bricks mix easily with newer sets. If you already own other models, try the "What can I build?" tool on Bricoria to see which builds your collection allows once this box is added. The parts list also helps if a second-hand copy is missing a few elements and you want to track down replacements, because every part is listed with its colour and quantity for easy checking.

FAQ

How many pieces does it include?
The set has 721 pieces in 73 different part types, plus 2 minifigures.
Is there one main model to build?
Not really. It is a Universal Building Set, so the box is aimed at free building, with the instructions offering ideas.
Will the bricks fit modern sets?
Yes, the stud system is backward compatible. Use "What can I build?" to check what your combined collection can make.

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