Power Miners 8958 + 8960 combo model

[Yloquen]

I am one of those unlucky ones who saw (oh, no, I cannot unsee them) the leaked pictures of Power Miners and had deep prejudices about the line. Since then I have quite changed my opinion. A few of the things that caused that were:

• Seeing proper images of the models;
  
• Seeing the reviews;
  
• The general good design and marketing of the line - The models, the mini-site with the videos from the designers (I think that such videos should be made for any LEGO line) and also the combo-models that could be built with specific sets.
  

The last point - the combo models is what made me choose the models 8958 and 8960. 8958 is in my opinion the best model from the line (judging only from review about the sets that I don't own). 8960 is also nice, though I'm always a bit worried when I see such big pieces as the ones intended for use as wheels and the drill machine. However, having seen them in person, and also having witnessed the versatile uses to which LEGO designers have put them, I'm optimistic about their MOCing potential.

Without further ado, I want to present the point of this article - which is to show the combo models in a little bit more detail. There are reviews of the individual sets, but so far I haven't seen the assembled alternate models. The combo model of 8958 and 8960 is a flying transporter plus a miniature mining vehicle. That is a bit reminiscent of the harvester transporters from the game Dune.

There isn't much to say about the flier. It has a cockpit with some controls that accepts a single minifig. It doesn't have a windshield, but a roll cage like structure.

The engines show a potential use of those huge parts for the wheels.

Front view.

Back view.

Ready to take off.

The mining vehicle is nice and shows another use for the wheel parts.

The front drum spins, not due to a mechanism but by contacting the ground.

There is a catapult seen on the right (what a surprise) which uses the rubber band ...

... and a device for breaking the rock which can also be played with - it has some elasticity because there is an axle going through all its height, so if you pull it back and release it , it can punch a loose "rock" in front of it (it extends further than the drum). You can also see one of the problems of the model - the roll cage closes on top of the driving wheel

And finally, when you have them both assembled you can grab the digger with the flier and go on a glorious mission. I must say the balance and the attachment are very good.

Ratings:

Design - 7/10

It shows that the models are built with pieces intended for something else. While you build, you may occasionally feel that some details were designed just to cram in a piece from the original model. Nevertheless, there are a few very nice touches - the front of the mining machine shows an ingenious use of the large pieces used for wheels (undoubtedly, this use is not a chance discovery but has been an intended design goal for the part). The overall look of both vehicles hints at their purpose and is pleasing.

Value - 10/10

Well, since you get these models for free, it's quite good value for money. In reality, as any economist would tell you, the price for the work of the designers who came up with the alternate models is included in the price of the original sets. However, both sets being reasonably priced, the increase in price due to extra design or a piece that had to be included exclusively for the combo model is probably negligible.

Playability - 9/10

I am not much into playing with models, but I think a kid would have quite a bit of fun with those. There is a flier for swooshing, and there is a land machine for destroying things. What more could you desire ( a catapult? ).

[Tom Bricks]

With so many large elements the design is actually very unique. I don't know how useful it is to have a flying ship in caves though.

[AwesomeStar]

Great reveiw of this combo, but I agree with the above comment!

"Mind that wall!"

BOOM!

~A.S.

EDIT: 500th Post! Yay!

Edited May 23, 2009 by AwesomeStar

[Yloquen]

Well, maybe the flying vehicle is meant to transport the land craft between different mining spots without going underground :P

Edited May 23, 2009 by Yloquen

[TenorPenny]

I like your use of large elements, and I think both models have character of their own! Well done.

[VBBN]

I like your use of large elements, and I think both models have character of their own! Well done.

Thos aren't his, that was the official combiner. ;]

Anyways, thankee for the review. Looks okay, but mediocre like most combos.