TGping Posted April 11, 2010 Hey all, This is my first review for Eurobricks, or any forum for that matter. So I thought I'd review one of the older sets that doesnt have a review yet :) Year released- 1996 Pieces-153 Figs-2 Original MSRP- $16.50(US) The instructions, Sorry no box pic, my original is lost, and only the instructions came with this set I got off ebay Random instruction page, look at the part callout, by this time I think it was more commonplace I really like the diversity of pieces, lots of useful bricks and plates, not to mention wings and the awesome windscreen+canopy. Sorry I also dont kow what the extra pieces are :( Check out all of those printed pieces! Just a ton of spyrius plates, very awesome, especially for where they are used. Wha...! I do remember stickers became more prevalent around 95-96, just two and they do add to the set. The MiniFigs! The mechanic looks like every other mechanic. I really like the pilot's jumpsuit+star spangle helmet :) No printing on the back... The first thing we build is the mechanic's cart/toolbox. He also doubles as a traffic controller?! It does add to overall play value +1 The main build, you can already see the fusalage expanding from 4 studs wide to 6, making for a very compact design. Cockpit view and engine interior, look at all the printed Spyrius plates! I feel the yellow adds more depth/dimension. The pilot fits snugly into an efficiently designed space. Tada! Such a compact aggressive design, the overall shape is remniscent of an F-15. Here you can see the effort put into making the shape of the 'bubble' cockpit, which I really appreciate. You can also make out the engines on the underside of the wing, I haven't seen anything like it since. It looks like the TLG wanted a more streamlined jet this outing and include a bevy of smooth plates and L bricks. Very useful for MOCing 4 stud wide cockpit! Here you can see the engine intakes... ...which lead to the exhuast :) A closeup of the engine compartment, which smartly utilizes some space pieces. Pilot waiting on a last minute tune up, haha :) Mechanic playing at directing traffic, I think. This set came out at a time that I thought that all lego jets would look the same, then TLG threw me for a loop by putting this out on the shelves. Here's some scoring- Design- 9/10 The Jet itself gets a 10/10, but I would have preferred a gas pump to the cart :/ Build- 8/10 sure the build goes by quickly, but I think its meant to. There ARE some clever aspects though(the engines/cockpit/tapering fuselage) Parts/figs- 9/10 the parts selection is outstanding, the mechanic MFig is OK. The Pilot is a keeper! Playability- 8/10 one of the most swooshable jets out there. But like before I'd rather fuel the plane rather than do maintenance. Price- at MSRP 10/10 I got mine off ebay for a similar price without a box still 10/10, a minty one could cost you. At first the parts to price ratio may seem off, but its not, it comes with some fairly large pieces like full sized wings (at the time) For the sake of whole numbers 9/10! I highly recommend this set to anyone who is a fan of airplanes and spaceships alike. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ProducePrincess Posted April 11, 2010 I've never seen this set before but i really wish i had . I like the small details and classic look of it too. The cockpit is one of the nicest i've seen in a lego set and from the exterior it also looks good. Thanks for the reveiw Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
prateek Posted April 11, 2010 IMO, this set is one of the coolest sets of all time. Great review Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lightningtiger Posted April 11, 2010 Thanks 'TGping' for this review - yeah this is a COOL set. Maybe it's time for a new one using new nose/wing parts (thanks to SP3 and SW/CW) eh ? Nice idea that you gain access to the engine, but that poor mechanic has no ladder to get to the engine bay ! Great colours and I guess either the F-14, F-15, F-18 or even one of the twin rear tail fin Migs could be the inspiration for this set. I'm a conformist! ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TGping Posted April 11, 2010 Black Rabbit- I'm glad I could shed some new light on it for you :) It looks even better in hand, if it can be believed :D Prateek- The only airplane set I can see this taking a backseat to is the jet from the MachII Red Bird Rig, which I havent seen in person. Still, I totally agree with you! Lightningtiger- I've been hoping TLG group would do another 14.99-19.99 priced jet, but no dice so far. For the mechanic I can see a ladder adding a point or two for playability :) if only... maybe we'll get lucky with the next medium size jet TLG makes :) Til then I may MOC a truck and trailer to transport this bad boy, and I'll be sure to add in a ladder HaHa. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ralph_S Posted April 11, 2010 Thanks for the review. I don't remember this set, but that's probably because it came out at a time when I wasn't buying LEGO. Lego had and still has a policy against contemporary military sets, and I think it shows from this set. Obviously the colour scheme makes it look like something flown at air shows, which is fine, but to me the jet looks awkward. It doesn't look like any real jet I can think of. It's clear they can do something that looks more like a proper jet if they want to (as shown by the newer set 4953 fast flyers ), so I'm guessing that this was probably somewhat deliberate. Nice parts pack though. Cheers, Ralph Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TGping Posted April 11, 2010 Thanks for the review.I don't remember this set, but that's probably because it came out at a time when I wasn't buying LEGO. Lego had and still has a policy against contemporary military sets, and I think it shows from this set. Obviously the colour scheme makes it look like something flown at air shows, which is fine, but to me the jet looks awkward. It doesn't look like any real jet I can think of. It's clear they can do something that looks more like a proper jet if they want to (as shown by the newer set 4953 fast flyers ), so I'm guessing that this was probably somewhat deliberate. Nice parts pack though. Cheers, Ralph Yeah, and I get why lego is against military themed things. I also see where some people might be put off by the overall shape, But I dunno, the shape just strikes a chord with me, and after all these years its still one of my fave sets. I also have the Fast Flyers set, but dont forget about this Red Bird Rig I just want something a little more affordable :D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dr_spock Posted April 12, 2010 (edited) Thanks for the review. It is little bit like an F15 Eagle minus an engine nozzle. Edited April 12, 2010 by dr_spock Share this post Link to post Share on other sites