1969 / Universal Building Set / Basic Set

LEGO's Universal Building Sets theme was released as early as 1966 but it was not until 1973 that the Basic LEGO sets became known as Universal Building Sets. These sets were produced in two set version numbers, the first was for sets that were sold in the UK, Europe, Canada and Australia. The other version numbers, but for the same exact set with the same box artwork was released in the United States. Most, but not all sets between 1973 and 1981 were sold in both regions.

1969 LEGO Sets

With increased international expansion and sale increases, by 1969 the number of people employed by LEGO in Billund reached 843. In 1969 LEGO revisits the pre-school block and develops the fully compatible DUPLO System. It was the basis of a complete line of toys for a market previously untapped by the company: newborns through 6 years old, however in the US Samsonite entered this market with their Jumbo Bricks in previous years. LEGO also introduced a new series of red train wheels with spokes, increasing their new train systems. 1969 brought with it numerous new sets, to date, one of the largest set releases thus far, still, the primary driver of new sets was the Trains theme.