WhiteFang Posted October 27, 2009 Hello everyone, Finally, I am glad to find the time to build and review this small little aircraft which I have bought in earlier August at the STGCC 2009 (Singapore Toys, Games Comic Convention 2009). For most LEGO City collectors that adore smaller built aircrafts, then getting this set is definitely a must. Personally, I felt very surprised to see this appearing in this year's convention as this aircraft is launched for promotional purposes that tied up with airlines such as Lufthansa back in 2007, which can only be bought via in-flight sales. Other than that, there were no other official retail channels except the usual haunts such as BrickLink and eBay. Name: Air Ambulance Theme: LEGO / SYSTEM / Town / City Year: 2007 Pieces: 116 Minifigs: 2 Price: USD N.A, GBP N.A, SGD$21.90 Resources: Brickset, Peeron, BrickLink An image of a 2064, Air Ambulance Rear box's image Did you ever notice that the dimension of this box is rather small? I believe the limitation of aircraft storage space could be the likely reason for the box size to be much smaller compared to other regular LEGO sets. The manual, sticker sheet and the polybags were packed tightly within the sealed box when the box was taken apart. 24/7 Operational aircraft for emergency purposes It appears that our medical crew is ready for lift off along with our special guest. Well, you can refer him to Grandpa whom is waving at us. I am pleased to share this promotional set review with our fellow EB Community. This is the kind of aircraft that is not jumbo compared to their 7893 Passenger Plane counterpart. In fact, this plane is well suited for any Classic Town airports set up and it’s a must be readily available to transport causalities or serious injuries citizen to the nearest hospital. Let’s move on and find out more. LEGO Content Inside this small looking LEGO box, there are a total of three polybags and an additional of three aircraft parts which was not part of the polybags packaging. Instruction manuals I was very surprised to see this set containing two instruction manuals. You won’t see more than one instruction manual unless the set is as big as the Grand Carousel. Scroll a little bit down to find out the answer. Instruction manual No. 2??? We have solved the mystery. The so called instruction manual no. 2 actually contains the parts list of the 2064 Air Ambulance. On both sides, there are 2007 City sets miniature poster which showcase the sets that are available for purchase back then. Sticker sheet This is the sticker sheet that is required to apply onto the aircraft. I am not a big fan of stickers, and choose not to apply them in this set or review. One glance at the logo, will give you the awareness that this aircraft is meant for emergency evacuation. Parts that can be easily used for aerospace manufacturing Filtering out the parts, majority of the aircraft building parts are generally white and these parts are pretty useful to construct any other small sized commercial aircrafts with those frames acting as fuselage, propellers, wings and etc. Interesting parts These are some of the interesting building parts which are available to this set. One particular thing that I like most is the aircraft navigation control panel. The printed slope brick include the state of the art radar control with many colorful buttons and a small little floppy disk slot. Don’t ask me why this aircraft required having floppy disk, perhaps the disk contains the flight path to upload into the navigation control. The stretcher is useful for moving patients from point to point, ensuring that their movements will not be restricted due to their sickness. In particular, I enjoy collecting those windscreen and window panels for aircrafts. These parts are extremely useful to aid in the design of aircraft construction. The windscreen can also be used for most City vehicles’ windscreen. Minifigures There are a total of 2 minifigs available in this small building set. The medical specialist or commonly known as paramedic are trained to take care of emergency cases, ensuring the patients are in good hands before handing over to the hospital. During the course, the paramedic is to ensure that the patient is well taken care of. In this case, it appears that the paramedic is dual specialist, trained in piloting the aircraft as well. I am sure in reality, this is a rare sight. We will have a dedicated pilot to control the aircraft. The old looking man appeared to be wearing formal attire suited up with blue and black strip tie appears to be distress or suffered from heart attack, that required the emergency airlift to be conducted. I am quite fond of this grandpa’s torso to provide more civilians outfit. Moving the strencher around The trolley bed is used to transport patient whom is immobile or could due to their sickness that imposed restrictions onto their movement. Patient will be lying down on the stretcher and the paramedic is ready to send them to the necessary treatment area. I must admit that I am quite fond of this little trolley bed as it’s relatively simple to build, and yet so useful to move those stretcher around especially in hospital premises. Building the fuselage It appears that most LEGO small sized commercial aircraft used these following parts above, to build up the aircraft fuselage by arranging them together. Placing the aircraft frames Adding the frames by the side allows the aircraft to appear secured and tight with proper materials in place such as the aircraft window panels. Aircraft wings The aircraft wings are powered by propellers instead the use of engine turbines. Look at the red valves at the top of the wings to highlight its key engine areas. All small sized aircrafts including the recent 7732 Air Mail made use of similar wings. Landing gear I find this landing gear’s design a little unique, primarily because the signal lights are placed at the rear landing gear. I am not very sure of the rational as in why are the lights placed there, but when the wheels are retracted, only the lights are left there. Front view of the Air Ambulance The air ambulance is measured at 19cm width and 22cm height. The propellers are fixed onto the upper frame of the structure. The colors palette used for this aircraft is suitable as it depict the emergency rescue theme very well by using both red and white color. There are few other pictures that illustrate the side and bottom view of the aircraft. When was the last time you seen a medical aircraft like the one above? I supposed it has been 19 years since the last introduction of Air Ambulance concept. Looking back at Classic Town days, the 6356 Med-Star Rescue Plane was the only emergency medical evacuation aircraft available. I was thinking back why there wasn't any such aircrafts. If you have noted any other similar designs like these, please point out in this review. I am sure I could have missed it. Side view Bottom view Quick comparison with both aircrafts Placing the bi-plane from the 7198 Fighter Plane Attack, both aircraft structures are relatively similar in terms of its width. However, the heights of both aircrafts differ from each other. One glance, you might notice that the bi-plane propeller is much larger than the smaller aircraft, which is likely due to its bigger airframe. Nevertheless, both aircrafts are suited for taking off at this runway. Storage compartment By lifting up the white compartment piece, it will reveal a storage compartment for the paramedic to stow the patient in there safely for air transportation. This is the only notable playing feature in this entire set. Do note that the tail wing is much longer by using a white 2x10 flat piece. By using only 4 studs to hold the compartment, there is an extended 6 studs long for its tail. Most small aircraft designs like this, doesn’t really have long tail wing, but this set appears somehow to be much longer than the usual ones. Loading the patient into the air ambulance The paramedic will place the patient safely along with the stretcher at the rear compartment before locking it down. The allocated space is fitted nicely just enough for one patient with its stretcher. Excess baggage is not allowed in this aircraft. Spare parts These are the remaining spare parts available in this set. Not many useful parts except for the 1x1 color round studs. Flight MA998, Medivac Airways is preparing to take off the runway Have a safe journey with Medivac Airways! For a promotional exclusive set like this, that is only available via in-flight sales on selected airlines and, now able to obtain it for a reasonable price, I must admit that this set will eventually gives a high rating. Furthermore, this medical evacuation aircraft is the latest model in City Themes, ever since the last release of similar Air Ambulance back in Classic Town era, 1988. The overall built of the aircraft is not bulky and include a good assortment of minifigures and equipment to further entice collectors to own this set. Of course, get this set only if it’s affordable. I like this set, but I don’t fond of paying a premium price to own one. Summary review Playability: 8/10 (Placing the stretcher in the rear cabin is one of the nice playing feature.) Design: 8/10 (Simple and effective Classic aircraft designs, but the long tail wing makes it appear to be disproportional.) Price: 9/10 (For the price that I have bought and its not part of the in-flight sales, I must admit that its pretty affordable.) Overall: 8.3/10 (A good to have set, if you are able to get one for a reasonable pricing to include this in your airport runway.) I gave it a "4" based on my Review Score Card. What about yours? Hope everyone of you enjoyed reading this simple review of mine. Comments and Critics are strongly welcomed. Pictures can be found in My Brickshelf (When moderated) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Piranha Posted October 27, 2009 Great review WhiteFang! This is a nice little twin turbo prop plane Reminds me of Airmail (7732) and 2010's SeaPlane I love LEGO airline Promotional sets! Every time I fly on an airplane I wish they had LEGO airline promos for purchase Sadly most of the promos are offered on European or Asian airline companies. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Cobra Posted October 27, 2009 The first time I looked at this set, I asked myself: is the doctor a pilot too, or is it the tie guy piloting and collapsing after the landing? Seems like I found an answer. I rated it "above average"; if it wasn't a buried treasure (limited edition promo set) it could have been outstanding. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Milan Posted October 27, 2009 This plane is very nice for me. It is simple, but very nice looking. I do not have problem with long tail wing. it looks good to me. Minifigs are nice, too. I like the set, and would like to get one! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Big Cam Posted October 27, 2009 Great review, this reminds me of the plain set I had as a kid Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WesternOutlaw Posted October 27, 2009 Excellent review WF! Love the last image of take off (very clever in fact). I never picked up this set a few years ago, so it's nice to see some close-up images. It reminds me of one of the older airplane sets (but non-medical). I like these little aircrafts, as they're fun to "swoosh" and to attempt minifig rescues. Very nice review from our resident Reviewers's Academy Principal. Blog to come later. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Holodoc Posted October 27, 2009 Nice set. I got it at our last event. I actually like the shape and the colours of the plane as well as the minifigs, but the "loading mechanism" of the stretcher is rather stupid. It opens to the top? How in all the world is the stretcher going to be placed inside without a crane?? I know this is not an honest comparison, but the helicopter 7044 (one of the best heli's ever released) has got a real working gear. Sorry, nothing more than "average". Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WhiteFang Posted October 27, 2009 Guys, thanks for all of your kind comments. Most importantly, glad all of you have enjoyed reading this. This promotional exclusive set is not easy to come by, and I am glad I own one of this airline sets, without having to fly, just to buy them via official channels. Sadly most of the promos are offered on European or Asian airline companies. I am not sure what are the exact airlines offerring this promotion, except Lufthansa. Perhaps, United Airlines, All Nippon Airways, offered this. If anyone have any info on this, please share it with us. The first time I looked at this set, I asked myself: is the doctor a pilot too, or is it the tie guy piloting and collapsing after the landing? Seems like I found an answer. That's a very funny and logical assumption. Someone also told me something similar like yours. Excellent review WF! Love the last image of take off (very clever in fact). I never picked up this set a few years ago, so it's nice to see some close-up images. It reminds me of one of the older airplane sets (but non-medical). I like these little aircrafts, as they're fun to "swoosh" and to attempt minifig rescues. Very nice review from our resident Reviewers's Academy Principal.Blog to come later. Thanks Brickster! Glad you like the last image very much. I was trying to hide my hand, while taking this shot as complete as possible, to illustrate the takeoff. I must admit that these small aircrafts are nice to collect and swoosh! Nice set. I got it at our last event. I actually like the shape and the colours of the plane as well as the minifigs, but the "loading mechanism" of the stretcher is rather stupid. It opens to the top? How in all the world is the stretcher going to be placed inside without a crane?? Just saw Holodoc's comment. Wow! You got this at the EB event. That's very nice. I think the mechanism was done intentional with regards to simple playability offered to children. Some other smaller aircrafts such as the 7732 Mail Plane, opens its hatch by the side, to place its parcel, while this required a bigger opening space, which results in this opening. I am not sure how the designers could derive it, but maybe this is one of a kind aircraft that load the patient conveniently. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LEGO AFOL Posted May 3, 2011 Whitefang I found this in toy outpost near my house. 29.90SGD. This is a rare Item did u put it at toy outpost to sell? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FabuFabu Posted May 3, 2011 Fantastic piece!!! But i cannot find it on ebay :( Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LEGO Guy Bri Posted May 3, 2011 Great review 'WhiteFang'. After reading this, I am now sure that missing this set is not a big deal. Its a neat but, interesting plane. The feature that killed it for me was the way the stretcher is to be loaded... and correct me if I'm wrong but, isn't it a bit redundant to attach the stretcher (that should already have "wheels") to a wheeled base? That all seemed a bit strange, never would have known. Thanks for the insight 'WF' Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WhiteFang Posted May 4, 2011 It is a surprise to see this review being revived. Whitefang I found this in toy outpost near my house. 29.90SGD. This is a rare Item did u put it at toy outpost to sell? Nope. I am not the one. The feature that killed it for me was the way the stretcher is to be loaded... and correct me if I'm wrong but, isn't it a bit redundant to attach the stretcher (that should already have "wheels") to a wheeled base? That all seemed a bit strange, never would have known. I could think that the stretcher is being used on the basis where those paramedics assist those "in-needs" to be transported fast on this large trolley bed for them to be transport from one point to another. I am not sure what is the term for it, but it can be seen in accidents and emergency area. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LEGO AFOL Posted May 4, 2011 Yeah I was shopping in toy outpost when I saw this. Then I searched eurobricks forum and found whitefang got this set. The sketcher is nice in this set. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
