REVIEW: 7198 Fighter Plane Attack

[WhiteFang]

Hello to all Eurobricks members and Indiana Jones fans,

I am so happy. For the very few first times ever that I can remembered, Singapore LEGO fans can have the honour of being of the few early birds that have receive the latest Indiana Jones set way before the US and Europe counterparts. It has been a long time for me, ever since I got to review something new! I must be feeling excited, aren’t I? The fact is, I do. With the latest Indiana Jones sets plus our Indy Master Reviewer, svelte_corps presenting those earlier exciting reviews, this set is the final review to be added into our Indiana Jones collection.

Name: Fighter Plane Attack

Theme: LEGO System / Indiana Jones / Last Crusade

Year: 2009

Pieces: 384

Minifigs: 3

Price: USD $49.99, GBP 46.99, SGD$119.90

Resources: Brickset, Peeron

An image of a 7198, Fighter Plane Attack

A rear image of a 7198, Fighter Plane Attack

The 7198 Fighter Plane attack is the second largest set ever released so far in terms of pricing, for this year Indiana Jones collection. To my surprise, this set has a low piece count versus high price ratio, against 384 pieces versus SGD$119.90, which results in SGD$0.31 per piece. That is extremely costly. Well, looking at this nicely designed box art on its front and back, does it really justify the value? Now, let me bring you through step by step which we are able to tell its advantage and disadvantage.

LEGO Contents in sealed polybags

Packet 1 plus a peek at the Instruction manual (German white Bi-plane)

Packet 2 plus a peek at the Instruction manual (German WWII Fighter plane)

Sticker sheet

This is the sticker sheet which consists of the German Fighter Plane code, “MF 7198” and the German white Bi-plane code, “D-EKNY” and the iron cross symbol which is the symbol of the WWII Germany. There is a whole range of stickers featuring bullet holes when both aircrafts are in aerial combat.

The Cast of the Fighter Plane attack scene

In this set, we get nothing but the exact same replica of the 7621 Motorcycle Chase minifigs, which is one of the smallest set in this entire series. From left to right, there is this usual common Indiana Jones outfit, with the exception of his bag. Somehow or another, this accessories was not bundled together. The German pilot wore its brown helmet and goggle while Professor Henry Jones Sr is holding that brown suitcase.

Seriously, I am extremely disappointed with its minifig range. There is no reason for us to get an expensive set like this when the minifigs are so commonly available, and there are no variations of its torsos. I think TLG should try and priced this set much lower or offer another one or two new minifigs to be added into this set.

Some useful parts

These are the few useful parts, which include 3 pistols, a brown suitcase, printed control panel and Indiana Jones’ whip. It’s really too few, when you considered it for a medium sized set.

Spare parts

German white Bi-plane

The German white bi-plane is actually known as “De Havilland DH 82 Tiger Moth” manufactured by the British. This aircraft was part of the big airship, which Indiana Jones and his father is attempting to escape from the capture of the Nazi solders. This white bi-plane is measured at 21cm length and 23cm width. Between the both upper and lower wings, it has a height of 4.5cm. Personally, I find this design pretty elegant.

Front view with the rotors

Bottom view

Rear view

Landing gear

I like the landing gear very much. It is suitable for this design by using some technic parts to enable the gear to fit in nicely at the bottom. It also gives others a feeling that the wheels have suspension below, upon landing.

Cockpit

The cockpit seating capacity comprised of 2 personnel. The front seat is the ace pilot whom navigates and controls the direction of the aircraft. For your information, Indy is not really a qualified pilot. While the rear seat is the weapon specialist, which is supposed to manned the MG (Machine Gun) to defend its aircraft from hostile threat. The MG is able to swirl 360 degrees, but when the minifig is in place, there is some obstruction and the MG parts can be pretty loose. Look out for familiar movie scenes later on.

Storage area

The rear storage area is really another nice touch of this design. It enable the builder to store the whip, suitcase and of course the pistol, in one safe compartment, by using such a simple and effective design.

Dad, shoot those enemy plane down.

Err, Junior. We have a serious situation at this moment.

German WWII Fighter plane

The German Fighter plane is actually known as the “Pilatus P2” that was used by the Swiss Army. This fighter plane was deployed in an attempt to capture or shoot down Indiana Jones and Professor Henry Jones Sr. The aircraft is measured at 25cm length and 29cm width. This is a very beautiful design of how a WWII fighter plane should look like and I believed it’s the first official fighter plane design ever released by TLG. Furthermore, the amount of grey parts is just so wonderful.

Front view with the rotors

Bottom view

Rear view

Side views

Landing gear

The landing gear is matching with the current design of this aircraft along with its weapons capability. It looks real nice to feature it there.

Closer look at the smooth surface of its engine

The smooth sleek looking engine is simply outstanding. By covering up all of the studs and placing those 1x1 slopes at the side, make the engine piece, a much realistic looking fighter plane that was used in WWII.

Cockpit

The cockpit is kind of tight and cramped. I believed all fighter planes have a very tight and limited space to work with, considering the amount of sophisticated navigational controls and weapon systems. If only the rear could contain the second personnel, but it will compromise the fun factor of this aircraft which will be mentioned below. Perhaps, it can still be modify to fit in an additional person.

Aircraft offensive capabilities

The German Fighter plane consists of 2 quick rapid machine guns and 4 deadly missiles. On each side of the wings, these missiles are placed at the side of the wings. A simple flick, or commonly known as “Flick Fire missile”, will trigger the firing mechanism. Actually, that is not a mechanism to be exact, but more for enhancing playability.

Incredible playing mechanism

This mechanism is really amazing, and I didn't really expect its terrific effect on the German Fighter plane explode itself, by disengage both its wings, and causing it to explode midair. That is what the instruction manual is trying to illustrate. I thought to myself, how could that possible, and I found the answer at the end of the bulit.

Placing it together, step by step

By placing the very colorful component inside the fuselage, there is a small allowance underneath it and upon pressing it down by exerting pressure, the wings will split off from the main aircraft. Please take a look at the video demostration below. This is my first video presentation that ever used in this review, and I feel there is a need to place this video inside to demostrate the fun factor of this fighter plane.

Video demostration of the German Fighter plane

Special Eurobricks Staff coverage, from Hinckley

TheBrickster and ImperialShadows, caught by the Evil Whacker, Hinckley?

Splendid flying display

The 7198 Fighter Plane attack may not be the "wow" factor compared with the rest of the sets which have unique new minifigs such as Dr Elza, Marion, Mola Ram and etc. I supposed with Indiana Jones as a licensed theme, it warrant a much higher price, but for this set, I personally feel it’s too much for consumers to bear. It fared badly in terms of minifigs' selection but taking into consideration of the particular movie scene in the Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, it clearly shown the characters that are involved in this action sequence which will allow you to re-enact the scene once more.

The good point about this set, which I really love, is the design of both aircrafts. Design considerations for both, are very detailed plus lots of fun playing features. Among the 2 aircrafts, the German Fighter plane is a winner, and is definitely an excellent addition for military builders and Indiana Jones collector. This could be the only reason for builders to get multiple sets if they are intending to form Air Force.

Summary review

Playability: 9/10 (German fighter plane is very fun to play with. Both aircrafts got high swoosh factor.)

Design: 6/10 (Design of both aircrafts is excellent, but minifig variety is extremely poor.)

Price: 3.5/10 (Extremely costly, price ratio is SGD$0.31 per piece with a total of 384 piece count.)

Overall: 6.2/10 (Good design factor of both aircrafts, but poor minifig selection and expensive set.)

I gave it a "3" 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)

[prateek]

i kinda like this set. its good for kids because of the playability but not for adults because of the low price/piece ratio. i wont mind getting this because i dont have any indiana jones, but sadly, i have parents that think im too old for this stuff hence me not getting a lego set since 2006

Edited June 6, 2009 by prateek

[Derek]

Nice review. I think that this is the one IJ set that I am not excited about. Its just one of those sets that you look at and say "meh." I will be saving my money for all of the other fantastic sets, part of me is glad that this is a dud because 1) I won't have to compulsively buy it like the others and 2) There's a better chance of seeing it on sale/clearance, which I would consider buying it.

Thanks for the through review (and video )

-darthperson

[Oky]

Who knew Lego would ever make Nazi Fighter Planes!

I like the look of this set. The planes seem to be designed very well and don't look <insert that tiresome argument> at all. And the explosion feature is just the icing on the cake. Still, it's kind of an average set in that it doesn't include anything we haven't seen before and is a bit overpriced for that matter. I wont be picking it up unless it's maybe 50% off or something, but I still like it.

Thanks for the great review.

[Erdbeereis]

Fangy, the set number is 7198. See, I told you it isn't easy to review things while tired.

Great review, I especially like your video. This set is just OK for me. Better than I expected, but still not enough to warrant such a high price. The minifigs are nothing special; we could have at least gotten a few seagulls.

The planes do have a nice design though, and the play features are quite fun. I give it a 3 as well. Thanks a lot for the review!

[ILikePi]

Thanks for the review, WhiteFang!

Everyone before me already said all the things about this set that I was going to say.

I give this set an average.

• bad price to parts ratio
  
• no new minifigs
  
• cool explosion feature
  
• doesn't look that good
  

Edited June 6, 2009 by ILikePi

[salty tbone]

I'm not too enthused over this set, but I absolutely LOVE that sticker sheet (which I don't think I've ever said).

[Derek]

I just thought I would point out that the set number in the topic title is wrong. It should be 7198. Perhaps one of the Mods could change it...

[Navy Trooper Fenson]

This review didn´t change my opinion to the set. It is way too overpriced and has nothing really special, also I love the grey fighter plane. Maybe I will build one of these from my parts, when the instructions are up, or I will wait until Amazon.de has the sets on discount (Jungle cutter for only 25€ last August!).

Great review of this set Whitefang! I had the bad feeling that nobody would review this.

[Izzy]

Great Review WhiteFang!

I love the little demonstration movie. Did you get a manicure before the shoot?

[Zuntir]

Really good review, thanks.

I love the design of this set and both planes but it's overpriced, way overpriced.

Wing mechanism is wonderful!

[WhiteFang]

I share your sentiments with regards to the overwhelming pricing. I wasn't really very pleased about it as well, but I was attracted by its aircraft design, and since I am going to continue collecting this theme, I can't simply exclude this set. However, I will love to grab this set, mainly for its fighter plane if it ever go on sales.

Fangy, the set number is 7198. See, I told you it isn't easy to review things while tired.

What did I write earlier? Someone amended it for me, before I noticed the error.

Yes, I was seriously tired.

Great review of this set Whitefang! I had the bad feeling that nobody would review this.

No set can be that bad enough, not to be given a decent review. We can still give our fair opnion.

I love the little demonstration movie. Did you get a manicure before the shoot?

Errr... Guys, this is my first time ever, doing this video. I really hope it's not stupid, as I find it extremely hard to write it in text format, to describe the playing mechanism. I am playing with that fighter plane again and again, swooshing it around!

Izzy, I didn't get a manicure. Do I need one?

[alex12]

Think i'll skip this one maybe picking it up if it goes on sale.

The lack of new minifigs is disappointing given what we are used to with Indy lego.

Still my fave theme though.

[Navy Trooper Fenson]

No set can be that bad enough, not to be given a decent review. We can still give our fair opnion.

4483 AT-AT from 2003 still has no review and many people I know think that this is the best set of the Star Wars line.

I didn´t thought that anybody would buy this set at full price. Everywhere I looked it was bashed because of everything, even the design of the planes, though we now see how great the planes are.

[WhiteFang]

4483 AT-AT from 2003 still has no review and many people I know think that this is the best set of the Star Wars line.

I heard about this set, but I didn't really had a chance to see it in an actual review. It will be good to have both comparison of both, over in SW topic. Well, that set was released during my dark age.

I didn´t thought that anybody would buy this set at full price. Everywhere I looked it was bashed because of everything, even the design of the planes, though we now see how great the planes are.

For me, the main reason for getting this set, is merely for completion and its aircraft. I couldn't want to leave this set behind. I do agree that it's hard to get people to buy this set at its regular price. It's just too expensive.

[tiggerkiddo]

Thanks for the review!

I like the look of the German plane and sometimes wish Lego could produce more planes like it (Red Baron set anyone?) but don't care much for the second one. If it was just the German plane alone, I might buy but I dunno.

[Toa_Of_Justice]

Thanks for the review!

I like the look of the German plane and sometimes wish Lego could produce more planes like it (Red Baron set anyone?) but don't care much for the second one. If it was just the German plane alone, I might buy but I dunno.

Actually, LEGO did produce a Red Baron set. Unfortunately, it wasn't in minifig scale.

Back on topic: I gave 7198 an outstanding rating. The designs are awesome, and I really like the pop-off wings on the German airplane. Unfortunately, I don't like the price, but I'll be satisfied with just pictures of this amazing set.

-Toa Of Justice

[JimBee]

Thanks for the final Indy set review, WhiteFang. I am really ocnsidering getting this because of your review. While the minifig selection is very poor, the great designs and play factors in both planes makes it all worth it. This set is a little expensive, but I'm glad that it is not overly so. I especially like the little storage area that I did not previously know about.

I'll give this set and average because of the price and poor minifig selection.

[WesternOutlaw]

Excellent review WF. I envy the fact that Singapore got these Indy sets early. I've been checking my local TRU for this and the other new Indy sets periodically, but never any luck.

I think this and the Temple of Doom are among the best of the new wave. These planes offer so much fun, and with the added "exploding wings feature" that you've been kind enough to demonstrate, what a fantastic set. I love having a historic military airplane. The only down side, is that the wings do not have any smooth plates to allow some custom stickers (but I suppose that's minor).

When I was a kid, I watched a number of adventure movies that had bi-planes, and I use to make them in Lego. Interestingly, they weren't the size/scale of the little airplanes from Classic Town, but more along this size (based upon the length of the old blue Sea Plane). I've ALWAYS wanted a double-winged adventure airplane, and thanks to the Indiana Jones license, Lego has finally provided one in this set.

I like the overall design, and the colors selected (although tan would have been interesting too). I'll need to check out some movie images to compare the accuracy. The extra splash of red and the tail look great. I love the round gunner compartment and glad Lego designers took the time to add the extra detail. Can't wait to pretent fire the little machine gun!

From the playability aspect, I can't wait to set up a little German airstrip with this set and the many tan soldiers (from my collection) - perhaps create a large North Africa scene from Valkyrie. The nice thing is without placing the stickers on the plane and the other Indy vehicles, one can make any army that they wish, adding custom decals.

I love this set WF and thanks for the awesome review! The only thing that your video lacks is the swooshing and machine gun sounds so reminiscent of battle/war time play. But since you added your EB friends to the review (minifig-wise), I definately can not complain. . Thanks for bringing us a splendid review of a 5-star set!

EDIT: After looking at how some of the other EB members rated this set, I'm really surprised it didn't get higher marks (esp. considering it's the first mini-fig scale set with a military airplane).

[Commander_Rob]

Nice review, thanks WhiteFang.

I am not really sure about this set, the planes look OK, but the Pilatus/Figter plane is kinda ... dunno, the design is not that good, the cockpit is open on the sides, it sits so low above the ground, could have been done better.

[def]

This set looks great. I'd really like to pick it up, but it depends on the price. In Japan, it'll be about $80 U.S., which I just can't do. But if it hits $50, I'll definitely pick it up.

Thanks for the great review

[salty tbone]

I've ALWAYS wanted a double-winged adventure airplane, and thanks to the Indiana Jones license, Lego has finally provided one in this set.

The Adventurers line had quite a few biplanes, although this one is definitely the nicest IMO. Although for the price I think it should have an actual gold brick or two.

[SlyOwl]

Thanks for the review!

For the "explosion" mechanism, I'm assuming that when you press down on the canopy, it pushes down on the colourful insert. Then the 2x2 inverted slopes push the technic axles of the wings out, and the pressure builds up over the technic pins, until they just pop out, detaching the wings?

TLG is really doing some good stuff with mechanisms at the moment, and they actually work properly, not with a hand-of-God.

The Adventurers line had quite a few biplanes, although this one is definitely the nicest IMO. Although for the price I think it should have an actual gold brick or two.

Agreed. Though cute, the Adventurers ones were too small in general, and a fair few used that horrid large cockpit piece...

[The Penguin]

Great as always, WhiteFang! )

Thanks a lot for the review. )

Oh, after you reviews I always buy those sets.....

Good day, gentlemen! )

[WesternOutlaw]

Agreed. Though cute, the Adventurers ones were too small in general, and a fair few used that horrid large cockpit piece...

Exactly. I have TheBrickster's Baron's Bi-Wing (which is really small), the Pontoon Plane (which is similar in size), and the Island Hopper which is larger, but only seats one (plus no 2nd wing). Then there's the nicer bi-wing in 7417 Temple of Mt. Everest (which is my favorite). There's also 7420 Thunder Blazer, and 1 or 2 misc plane sets, but none that are large enough to serve as good adventure planes, like the kind used in classic adventure movies like The Land/People that Time Forgot.

I want to load of the bi-wing with gear and have it land on an island - perhaps even run into a few dinos.

Or perhaps have a good dog fight before being shot down and land in the Jungle for more adventure. The possibilities are endless...