Hadley
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Hadley's Stats
Hadley's Stats
- 4.6Average Rating
- 25Helpfulness Votes
- 0Featured Reviews
- 10Review Count
- June 16, 2013First Review
- September 11, 2015Last Review
Hadley's Reviews
Blue Power Jet
Blue Power Jet
Posted:September 11, 2015
Hadley
Age:
45-54
years old
Overall:
5
/
5
Blue Power Jet On Your Six. I Can't Shake'm!
" I’ve looked at Lego airplanes for many years and always passed them by (Sopwith Camel being the only exception). Either their color schemes were a little too colorful or as an AFOL I thought the realism was lacking. I almost bought 31011 Aviation Adventures but let that one go too. With the release of the Blue Power Jet, I decided to get this one, and here’s why.
THE GOOD:
1. It looks like a fighter plane, roughly based on the F-35A. The designer(s) did a good job capturing the overall shape of the aircraft and at least I don’t look at it and say, “Well, it could be a _______ too.” Yes, it shouldn’t be a two-seater but anytime you can seat two minifigs in a Lego vehicle, whether it is a ship, car, or aircraft, that’s a very good thing.
2. I just said this plane holds two minifigs and it will make you smile seeing them sitting there in that cockpit, and they will smile back at you (assuming they’re the standard Lego yellow minifig heads). And they’ve got good reason to smile because the cockpit is nicely detailed. I especially like the HUD and control stick and how they placed the printed tiles so the copper colored ovals were partially covered in the front seat (not sure those 1x2 printed tiles are the best choice for plane consoles because of those ovals). The backseater has a nice setup too using a slope with a new? radar print. The headrests look good but built, removable ejection seats would’ve been better. I also wish the pilot had some sort of control panel directly under the HUD. Space is in short supply; I always want as much detail as I can get though.
3. The control surfaces are moveable with the exception of the rudders/vertical tails.
4. The landing gear fully retracts.
5. There’s an access hatch on top the fuselage to see some engine detail, not really necessary but nice nonetheless.
6. NO STICKERS.
2. I just said this plane holds two minifigs and it will make you smile seeing them sitting there in that cockpit, and they will smile back at you (assuming they’re the standard Lego yellow minifig heads). And they’ve got good reason to smile because the cockpit is nicely detailed. I especially like the HUD and control stick and how they placed the printed tiles so the copper colored ovals were partially covered in the front seat (not sure those 1x2 printed tiles are the best choice for plane consoles because of those ovals). The backseater has a nice setup too using a slope with a new? radar print. The headrests look good but built, removable ejection seats would’ve been better. I also wish the pilot had some sort of control panel directly under the HUD. Space is in short supply; I always want as much detail as I can get though.
3. The control surfaces are moveable with the exception of the rudders/vertical tails.
4. The landing gear fully retracts.
5. There’s an access hatch on top the fuselage to see some engine detail, not really necessary but nice nonetheless.
6. NO STICKERS.
THE BAD:
1. The color scheme. It’s not really bad, but it’s not dark bluish gray with light bluish gray accents either. It’s mostly dark blue with red and white accents and it doesn’t look too over the top. If I could change something, I think it would be the white pieces around the engine intakes to dark blue. Just tell yourself the jet has been painted for an airshow.
2. The underside of the aircraft is basically comprised of the bottoms of white plates. This really isn’t bad either; most Lego builds look better from the top, that’s just the way the building system is. Maybe the underside should be all dark blue too?
3. I mentioned the landing gear fully retracted, but you can still see the gear retracted up in the fuselage. Gear doors are needed to hide them from view. I think I would trade the enclosed engine detail for some gear doors; don’t think this would be easy to do and probably require a major design change for it to look good.
4. I mentioned the overall shape was good, but those dark blue wedge plates on top used to shape the wing tips kind of mess with the nice lines of the jet. That’s really, really nitpicking though.
5. The red technic pins/axles on the nose gear need to be a less noticeable color.
6. Treads on the tires could be more aircraft like and less dirt bike.
7. Looking at pictures of the jet sitting next to other sets from the same line, it looks a little too small. This is really nitpicking also.
2. The underside of the aircraft is basically comprised of the bottoms of white plates. This really isn’t bad either; most Lego builds look better from the top, that’s just the way the building system is. Maybe the underside should be all dark blue too?
3. I mentioned the landing gear fully retracted, but you can still see the gear retracted up in the fuselage. Gear doors are needed to hide them from view. I think I would trade the enclosed engine detail for some gear doors; don’t think this would be easy to do and probably require a major design change for it to look good.
4. I mentioned the overall shape was good, but those dark blue wedge plates on top used to shape the wing tips kind of mess with the nice lines of the jet. That’s really, really nitpicking though.
5. The red technic pins/axles on the nose gear need to be a less noticeable color.
6. Treads on the tires could be more aircraft like and less dirt bike.
7. Looking at pictures of the jet sitting next to other sets from the same line, it looks a little too small. This is really nitpicking also.
THE UGLY:
1. The jet is designed to interact with minifigs but none are included. What a missed opportunity for one exclusive jet pilot minifig (a no-print red and blue minifig with space helmet would have been better than nothing). If you were to give this set to a child who didn’t own any other Lego with minifigs, boy, that would be torture . . . well, not really, but you get the idea. I would use one of the swamp/forest police pilots with their dark blue flight suits (just pretend the badges are squadron insignia) and pick any helmet you like. I have seen one old diver helmet that has headlights on the top, which kind of looks like (to me anyway) the DEMON helmets the F-35 pilots supposedly wear.
CONCLUSION:
If you don’t own any Lego planes and have been looking to get one, don’t pass this one up. Prices only go up (I think only $10 USD compared to similar previously released sets in the Creator line, which isn’t too bad all things considered.), but unfortunately designs don’t always get better. Even with the bad, it’s a good looking plane. And bad in this case just means various compromises for various reasons (This is a toy being sold to make money after all). Lego could always improve a set, but that usually means higher cost. This is a Creator set, so don’t forget there are instructions for a helicopter and boat, but buy it for the jet. No numbered bags for this set. The build is simple and starts with the fuselage. This is the longest part and may drag for some. Once the fuselage is complete though, the build goes too fast. You’ll snap that first wing on and say to yourself, “Oh yeah, that looks good.” You’ll blink and be done, admire your build and the design, then you’ll start looking for a minifig or two. Tower will give you clearance, and takeoff will be within your grasp.
"
I would recommend this to a friend!
From:
United States
Age:
45-54
years old
Play Experience (Optional):
4
/
5
Value for Money (Optional):
4
/
5
Level of Difficulty:
Easy
Very Easy
Very Challenging
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
+4points
4of 4found this review helpful.
Imperial Troop Transport
Imperial Troop Transport
Posted:April 18, 2015
Hadley
Age:
35-44
years old
Customer Type:
LEGO Fan
Overall:
4
/
5
Rebels TV Show Stormtroopers Not That SAD
" This battle pack is really more like a large microfighter; but instead of one pilot/driver minifig, you get four Rebels stormtroopers with stud shooter guns. The troop transport is a simple build but reminds me of the Kenner troop transport from the original trilogy that I had long ago in a galaxy far, far, away. The transport does just that, carries four troops, their weapons (can be placed in the holes on top the sliding rail bricks), and extra ammo in a small storage box which slides into the rail bricks. Some will want a driver, but there is no space for him anyway (you could probably make a recessed seat chibi style at the front easily enough with some spare parts and a little creativity). Two flick fire missiles are included in a rotating turret at the back (troopers heads will restrict firing in some directions) and two simulated laser cannons are at the front. The only things I don’t like about the transport are the gaps which allow you to see through the vehicle from the sides, storage box is only held in place by the trooper's legs, and I would of used clips to secure the weapons. The Rebels stormtroopers are very sharp, with great printing and they are without a doubt the main draw for most. One can only hope the newer original trilogy ones being released are just as good (the difference between them being the helmets). A battle pack with four new original trilogy stormtroopers would be nice to see also, with old guns of course. So, if you don’t mind adding some pre-original trilogy troops with stud shooters to your army, along with a vehicle that looks good with your microfighters, pick this pack up.
"
I would recommend this to a friend!
From:
United States
Age:
35-44
years old
Customer Type:
LEGO Fan
Play Experience (Optional):
4
/
5
Value for Money (Optional):
4
/
5
Level of Difficulty:
Very Easy
Very Easy
Very Challenging
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
+2points
2of 2found this review helpful.
ARC-170 Starfighter™
ARC-170 Starfighter™
Posted:January 10, 2015
Hadley
Age:
45-54
years old
Overall:
4
/
5
ARC-170 Microfighter Series 2
" This is a great mini of the ARC-170. Considering the tv/movie version holds three crew and an astromech droid, the designer(s) did a nice job scaling it down. The included clone pilot is what you would expect from this product line (detailed printing and helmet, but no leg printing). I enjoyed how the build came together. My only gripe are the upper white adjustable wings. The clips on them are too thick. When you lower them to the main wing the clips hit the top of the gray plate that the engines/wing clip into. This forces the wing/engine assembly up slightly angling the entire engine down. It doesn't pop out, but during play it might? If everyone has this on their build and it's not a defective piece or error on my part then I'm surprised the designer(s) would let this go. I wish you could lower the upper white wings to the main wing and have the engines remain parallel with the ground. That aside, there are no stickers and printed engine intakes are always welcome additions. Don't hesitate to pick this one up and take out a few vulture droids.
"
I would recommend this to a friend!
From:
United States
Age:
45-54
years old
Play Experience (Optional):
4
/
5
Value for Money (Optional):
5
/
5
Level of Difficulty:
Very Easy
Very Easy
Very Challenging
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
+4points
4of 4found this review helpful.
Sopwith Camel
Sopwith Camel
Posted:June 15, 2014
Hadley
Age:
35-44
years old
Overall:
5
/
5
You Gotta Love Snoopy's Ride
" Most people would agree the Sopwith Camel is an impressive Lego model, and I'm no different. In my opinion, capturing an airplane in Lego is probably one of the hardest design challenges (if not the hardest). Let's face it, bricks and airplanes just don't go together; and if you start using lots of specially molded pieces to recreate the intricate lines and curves of an airplane at some point the model loses its Lego heart and becomes more plastic than studs. This bird has a lot of heart though and when I first finger-turned the prop and heard that scraping noise I found myself hoping for a start. The designer(s) built an admirable representation of a WWI biplane. The color scheme is great. The flight controls work (sort of). The stickers are manageable and the model seems pretty solid. If you're considering this and a fan of early aviation, don't hesitate and get it before it's gone. Here are my nitpicks:
1. Every plane needs a pilot (forgetting the cramped cockpit, this would increase playability even though I know it's more a model for display and just imagine a bad guy/plane to dogfight or just hang from the ceiling).
2. On my build, there isn't much downward movement on the elevator. This has been noted by others also but is minor and there isn't a lot of room in the cockpit for forward stick movement. Assuming my build is correct, this is really a nitpick and I'm happy just to have a functioning stick. Some solutions have been offered but I have not tried yet.
3. There are 8? stickers which add to the model. I had a problem with the two on the top wing and that was more a part problem. Recommend examining the four large green plates. Right in the center there may be excess plastic (not much) where they came off the mold and this may give you a bump/air bubbles under the sticker. A sharp pen knife or razor blade may help if needed. If this isn't an option pick the best two out of the four or forget about it if you like air bubbles.
4. Not a nitpick, always pay attention while building, especially the aft tail section. At one point I also mixed up single stud light and dark gray pieces which resulted in a small rebuild. "
1. Every plane needs a pilot (forgetting the cramped cockpit, this would increase playability even though I know it's more a model for display and just imagine a bad guy/plane to dogfight or just hang from the ceiling).
2. On my build, there isn't much downward movement on the elevator. This has been noted by others also but is minor and there isn't a lot of room in the cockpit for forward stick movement. Assuming my build is correct, this is really a nitpick and I'm happy just to have a functioning stick. Some solutions have been offered but I have not tried yet.
3. There are 8? stickers which add to the model. I had a problem with the two on the top wing and that was more a part problem. Recommend examining the four large green plates. Right in the center there may be excess plastic (not much) where they came off the mold and this may give you a bump/air bubbles under the sticker. A sharp pen knife or razor blade may help if needed. If this isn't an option pick the best two out of the four or forget about it if you like air bubbles.
4. Not a nitpick, always pay attention while building, especially the aft tail section. At one point I also mixed up single stud light and dark gray pieces which resulted in a small rebuild. "
I would recommend this to a friend!
From:
United States
Age:
35-44
years old
Play Experience (Optional):
2
/
5
Value for Money (Optional):
4
/
5
Level of Difficulty:
Challenging
Very Easy
Very Challenging
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
0points
0of 0found this review helpful.
Batman ™: The Penguin Face off
Batman ™: The Penguin Face off
Posted:April 21, 2014
Hadley
Age:
35-44
years old
Customer Type:
LEGO Fan
Overall:
5
/
5
Penguin VS Scuba Batman
" Great set. Nice way to get two new minifigs, Scuba Batman and Penguin, and two small vehicles, the Duck and Scuba Sled, and don't forget the penguin minions. Nitpicks are few:
1. Wheels for the duck.
2. A printed console for the scuba sled(just a small one, two dots).
3. Scuba sled is a little square in the back (maybe a small intake in the rear to direct the water into the jet engine and make it less blocky(Bruce would have the technology).
1. Wheels for the duck.
2. A printed console for the scuba sled(just a small one, two dots).
3. Scuba sled is a little square in the back (maybe a small intake in the rear to direct the water into the jet engine and make it less blocky(Bruce would have the technology).
Great way to get a later Penguin; forget the nitpicks and pick this one up.
"
I would recommend this to a friend!
From:
United States
Age:
35-44
years old
Customer Type:
LEGO Fan
Play Experience (Optional):
5
/
5
Value for Money (Optional):
5
/
5
Level of Difficulty:
Very Easy
Very Easy
Very Challenging
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
0points
0of 0found this review helpful.
TIE Interceptor™
TIE Interceptor™
Posted:April 13, 2014
Hadley
Age:
35-44
years old
Overall:
4
/
5
Something for the MicroX-Wing to Blow Up
" Nice complement to the microX-Wing, hopefully we'll see a regular old Tie Fighter in the future. I wish Lego would've included the latest minifig head from the last version of the Tie Fighter (printed ninja hood vs. all flesh); looks a little strange to me with all that skin showing from the back. If you can't wait for a Tie, the Interceptor looks pretty good for a micro and makes a pretty good target.
"
I would recommend this to a friend!
From:
United States
Age:
35-44
years old
Play Experience (Optional):
5
/
5
Value for Money (Optional):
4
/
5
Level of Difficulty:
Very Easy
Very Easy
Very Challenging
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
0points
0of 0found this review helpful.
X-Wing Fighter™
X-Wing Fighter™
Posted:April 7, 2014
Hadley
Age:
35-44
years old
Overall:
5
/
5
Snub-Nosed Fighter
" Well, you either like the micro style or you don't, I do (at least for the x-wing). Easy build, good zooming for little or big hands, nicely printed minifig with small pistol, what more do you want for Lego's asking price. That being said, I wouldn't pay their price if I didn't think the minifig was worth it; for others it might be the ship alone or obviously a combo of the two. I think the Lego designers captured the fighter well though. My only nitpick would be the light gray engine fronts; they seem to break up the color scheme of the ship too much. I'll have to swap them out with white to see if it's better or worse(maybe Lego got it right). As another reviewer said, if you're a Star Wars/X-Wing fan, this little ship will more than likely put a smile on your face.
"
I would recommend this to a friend!
From:
United States
Age:
35-44
years old
Play Experience (Optional):
5
/
5
Value for Money (Optional):
5
/
5
Level of Difficulty:
Very Easy
Very Easy
Very Challenging
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
+2points
2of 2found this review helpful.
Doc Ock Truck Heist
Doc Ock Truck Heist
Posted:March 6, 2014
Hadley
Age:
35-44
years old
Overall:
5
/
5
Spidey and Doc Ock
" I was looking to add Spidey to my group of super heroes and stumbled on this set. You get Spidey, Doc Ock, an armored car, a driver, and a street corner lamp which functions as a catapult. Overall, this is a really nice set. I don't know if Lego has released an armored car of this design before, but it would work well in any Lego City. The car itself has four individual vaults which hold paper money, diamonds, and gold. There is a lever at the back which launches them up and out to simulate a dynamite attack from Doc. This works pretty well, but don't expect them all to clear the truck, maybe one because the build is tight. Also, the top of the vaults make up the roof of the truck and fill it, so there is no door at the back or room to put minifigs inside without changing the build. Here's the nitpicks:
1. Stickers, yeah they always stink, but this time I think they are poorly designed. The Secure Transport logo would have been better without the dollar signs and who needs a sticker that says locked hatch?
2. Would have liked some more cash money instead of just 2 pieces.
3. How about some new weapon molds, a nice revolver or shot gun for the ARMORED CAR driver.
4. I wanted to pose Spidey like he was on the box (can't do it with rope), how about a bendable plastic-encased wire with stud ends like the rope that would fit in his hand and support his weight. . . . now you're talking.
1. Stickers, yeah they always stink, but this time I think they are poorly designed. The Secure Transport logo would have been better without the dollar signs and who needs a sticker that says locked hatch?
2. Would have liked some more cash money instead of just 2 pieces.
3. How about some new weapon molds, a nice revolver or shot gun for the ARMORED CAR driver.
4. I wanted to pose Spidey like he was on the box (can't do it with rope), how about a bendable plastic-encased wire with stud ends like the rope that would fit in his hand and support his weight. . . . now you're talking.
Minifigs-GOOD
Armored Car-GOOD
Street Lamp-it's there
If you want Spidey and Doc, GET IT! "
Armored Car-GOOD
Street Lamp-it's there
If you want Spidey and Doc, GET IT! "
I would recommend this to a friend!
From:
United States
Age:
35-44
years old
Play Experience (Optional):
5
/
5
Value for Money (Optional):
4
/
5
Level of Difficulty:
Very Easy
Very Easy
Very Challenging
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
+7points
10of 13found this review helpful.
The Dynamic Duo Funhouse Escape
The Dynamic Duo Funhouse Escape
Posted:September 15, 2013
Hadley
Age:
35-44
years old
Overall:
4
/
5
Love that Joker!
" #6857 Dynamic Duo's Funhouse Escape is a nice set for any Batman fan. The cost for a ticket is not too steep considering you get five minifigs, two vehicles, and a nice backdrop which is great for play and display. That being said, there is always room for improvement and here are my nitpicks/gripes.
1. Stickers, of course. Unfortunately, the stickers in this set are necessary. Otherwise, the funhouse's appearance would be a little on the dull side. My sticker sheet was wrapped around one of the part bags and a couple were curling up the day after assembly. The sheet should've been plastic wrapped on cardboard. I hated placing the billboard stickers on those recessed square panels enough to write this. To future builders, maybe turning those three panels around and placing the stickers on the back is a good idea; I don't know if this will hurt or improve the overall look of the funhouse though. I would have eliminated the three stickers around the lower center entrance with red/yellow bricks and transparent pieces for light bulbs (probably a 10 second design change for the set creators). The Joker face stickers I get; but the two trap billboards should have used bricks.
2. I'm not an expert on the Batman universe, so if this violates the rules, sorry. I would've preferred an older style Robin.
3. I wanted more transparent green pieces, 3006848 and 3005748 to at least fill the barrel halfway with acid.
4. Batman's cycle isn't anything to write home about but for the price point it's not bad.
5. Add one henchman for the previously mentioned barrel acid.
6. Since I'm increasing cost anyway, what's a funhouse without crazy mirrors?
Did I say I hated those stickers? I guess I was just having a bad sticker day. Overall, I gave this set a 4/5 just because of the stickers. Buy this set and add Catwoman's cycle (along with her crates); you won't regret it . . . despite the stickers.
"
I would recommend this to a friend!
From:
United States
Age:
35-44
years old
Play Experience (Optional):
5
/
5
Value for Money (Optional):
4
/
5
Level of Difficulty:
Easy
Very Easy
Very Challenging
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
+1point
1of 1found this review helpful.
X-Wing Starfighter™
X-Wing Starfighter™
Posted:June 16, 2013
Hadley
Age:
35-44
years old
Customer Type:
LEGO Fan
Overall:
5
/
5
Watch for enemy fighters!!!
" If you could only get one Star Wars ship, this should be it. Whether you're a kid, a collector, a grown-up, or a combination of the three, you're gonna want to swoosh this third version? of the X-Wing around the room. That being said, I always wonder what else the Lego designers would do to a particular model if time and money were not issues. Here are a few of my nitpicks:
1. Orange disks for the engine glow should be replaced with a transparent red or even a dark transparent pink.
2. The white triangular piece at the front of the cockpit (underneath the canopy) should be a dark gray to make the cockpit more cohesive, like a car dash.
3. Not sure about those rubberbands holding the wings together, first time I tried to open the wings I thought the two gears would break, until you break them in you might want to open the wings a little with your fingers to lessen the stress before turning the wheel on back.
4. Did R2 ever have printing on his backside?
5. Not sure about R2 sitting sideways, but that's far from a deal breaker and changing that would increase size and cost.
6. On my build, it appears the back-half of the engines are supporting the X-Wing while on the ground. They're a little loose to start with and another brick or two on the engine bottoms would solve this.
7. Stickers- not bad with this build at all, but a custom piece for the engine fronts would be great(more money) and one dot bricks could be used for wing markings(too bad space won't allow for five or six. . . hence the stickers).
2. The white triangular piece at the front of the cockpit (underneath the canopy) should be a dark gray to make the cockpit more cohesive, like a car dash.
3. Not sure about those rubberbands holding the wings together, first time I tried to open the wings I thought the two gears would break, until you break them in you might want to open the wings a little with your fingers to lessen the stress before turning the wheel on back.
4. Did R2 ever have printing on his backside?
5. Not sure about R2 sitting sideways, but that's far from a deal breaker and changing that would increase size and cost.
6. On my build, it appears the back-half of the engines are supporting the X-Wing while on the ground. They're a little loose to start with and another brick or two on the engine bottoms would solve this.
7. Stickers- not bad with this build at all, but a custom piece for the engine fronts would be great(more money) and one dot bricks could be used for wing markings(too bad space won't allow for five or six. . . hence the stickers).
In my opinion, all these nitpicks are minor, with the exception of maybe 6. The mini-figs are exceptional and the helmets are just cool (printing on them just keeps getting better). If you're a Star Wars fan, this is a must have.
"
I would recommend this to a friend!
From:
United States
Age:
35-44
years old
Customer Type:
LEGO Fan
Play Experience (Optional):
5
/
5
Value for Money (Optional):
4
/
5
Level of Difficulty:
Average
Very Easy
Very Challenging
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
+1point
2of 3found this review helpful.