DaPhilster39
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DaPhilster39's Stats
DaPhilster39's Stats
 
  • 3.6
    Average Rating
  • 1,963
    Helpfulness Votes
  • 0
    Featured Reviews
  • 15
    Review Count
  • October 19, 2010
    First Review
  • June 22, 2011
    Last Review
 
 
DaPhilster39's Reviews
1 of 2
 
 Maersk Train
Maersk Train
Maersk Train
 
Posted:June 22, 2011
Customer Avatar
Age: 14-18 years old
Customer Type:  LEGO Fan
Building Experience:  Advanced LEGO builder
Overall: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Lives Up to the Emerald Night!
" This is a great set that lives up to the Emerald Night set. It just oozes with detail. If you have the money, get this set and the Emerald Night because they are both great detailed train sets.
I didn't have very many problems building it, except that the engine isn't really connected to the train. Its connected in only one place, and it looks lopsided. (I reread the instructions over and over, and I couldn't find anything that I did wrong) But it's ok, because I ended up taking it out for the power functions. I am glad that the power functions didn't take out the driver's cab like in the Emerald Night. Plus, my set was missing 3 pieces, but I'm getting some new ones through customer service.
I didn't want to spend extra money, so I just transplanted the 7938 Passenger Train Power Functions stuff into the Maersk Train. The motor systems are exactly the same. I had also purchased the rechargeable battery box, because I know I'm going to be running my trains a lot.
The train motor works better on the Maersk Train than on the passenger train because the Maersk Train has more weight, so there is more adhesion to the track, so it has more torque. So if you are building your own train, make sure to make it have an optimum weight, because lighter isn't necessarily better.
I am surprised that LEGO hasn't released additional train cars (wagons) for the Emerald Night or Maersk Train. I know I would be willing to pay $20 to $35 for additional train cars, and I know that there are others who are willing to pay the same. After all, the most impressive trains are the ones that are like 15 cars long with 2 or 3 locomotives pulling. Like in real life.
Now all that I need is a giant shipyard crane to lift the cargo onto the flatbeds. Again, this is really a great set. The detail is astounding. This set gets 5 thumbs up, 11 out of 10, and 150%!! Great job LEGO!!! Now we need another steam locomotive!!! "
I would recommend this to a friend!
From: Lindon
State:  Utah
From:  United States
Age: 14-18 years old
Customer Type:  LEGO Fan
Building Experience:  Advanced LEGO builder
Play Experience (Optional)
5 / 5
5 / 5
Value for Money (Optional)
5 / 5
5 / 5
Level of Difficulty:
Challenging
Challenging
Very Easy
Very Challenging
I would recommend this to a friend!
+6points
6of 6found this review helpful.
 
 Flexible and Straight Tracks
Flexible and Straight Tracks
Flexible and Straight Tracks
 
Posted:June 9, 2011
Customer Avatar
Age: 14-18 years old
Customer Type:  LEGO Fan
Building Experience:  Advanced LEGO builder
Overall: 
1 / 5
1 / 5
A Terrible Selection
" I agree with many other reviews when I say that the available track is just rediculous. The flexible track stinks (see my review for flexible track) and the switch tracks are terrible. We need more track options, and just please SELL THE STRAIGHTS AND CURVES SEPERATELY!!! None of this flexible track nonsense! It's not that hard of a concept!!!
We have these great trains like the Emerald Night and the Maersk Train, but what's the point if the track that they run on is terrible? We need switch tracks that can make 90 degree turns, 90 degree crossover tracks, and 1/4 length straight and turn peices (NOT flexible track) and maybe some larger radius turn peices. You'll thank me later when you make triple profit on new track options. "
From: Lindon
State:  Utah
From:  United States
Age: 14-18 years old
Customer Type:  LEGO Fan
Building Experience:  Advanced LEGO builder
Play Experience (Optional)
1 / 5
1 / 5
Value for Money (Optional)
1 / 5
1 / 5
Level of Difficulty:
Average
Average
Very Easy
Very Challenging
+5points
6of 7found this review helpful.
 
 LEGO® Power Functions XL-Motor
LEGO® Power Functions XL-Motor
LEGO® Power Functions XL-Motor
 
Posted:May 17, 2011
Customer Avatar
Age: 14-18 years old
Customer Type:  LEGO Fan
Building Experience:  Advanced LEGO builder
Overall: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Great Quality
" This motor is great for those bigger builds that require more torque or overall power than the medium motor. However, the motor is sort of awkward to fit into custom brick builds, because it is five studs wide, and it doesn't have any stud connectors. It only has pin connectors for technic sets. But, that shouldn't be a problem if you are building with technic pieces.
According to the customer service help, you should only use three XL motors for every battery box. (I don't know what happens if you use more than that.) I also know that one rechargeable battery box lasts about 2-3 hours on one charge. I would think that the AAA battery box would be more than that. Overall, it's great for bigger builds, or especially if you get the Emerald Night (which is the best LEGO train set EVER) and overall, it is a really good quality motor. "
I would recommend this to a friend!
From: Lindon
State:  Utah
From:  United States
Age: 14-18 years old
Customer Type:  LEGO Fan
Building Experience:  Advanced LEGO builder
Play Experience (Optional)
5 / 5
5 / 5
Value for Money (Optional)
3 / 5
3 / 5
Level of Difficulty:
Average
Average
Very Easy
Very Challenging
I would recommend this to a friend!
+3points
3of 3found this review helpful.
 
 Police Dog Unit
Police Dog Unit
Police Dog Unit
 
Posted:May 4, 2011
Customer Avatar
Age: 14-18 years old
Customer Type:  LEGO Fan
Building Experience:  Advanced LEGO builder
Overall: 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Good n' Simple
" It's a nice under $15 birthday gift if you know someone that has a LEGO City. The cab is 4 studs wide, whereas the cargo unit thing in the back is actually 5 studs wide, which I thought was pretty cool. Another great police set. "
I would recommend this to a friend!
From: Lindon
State:  Utah
From:  United States
Age: 14-18 years old
Customer Type:  LEGO Fan
Building Experience:  Advanced LEGO builder
Play Experience (Optional)
4 / 5
4 / 5
Value for Money (Optional)
3 / 5
3 / 5
Level of Difficulty:
Easy
Easy
Very Easy
Very Challenging
I would recommend this to a friend!
-39points
1789of 3617found this review helpful.
 
 Prisoner Transport
Prisoner Transport
Prisoner Transport
 
Posted:May 4, 2011
Customer Avatar
Age: 14-18 years old
Customer Type:  LEGO Fan
Building Experience:  Advanced LEGO builder
Overall: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Great Addition
" It's pretty straight forward. I haven't found anything wrong with it, and there aren't any hidden problems with it. It's a great set for someone who has a LEGO city layout, just don't lose any of the small pieces. It's also great if you are trying to add a police force to your city. Overall, I am really impressed with the new police sets. Another great set for $20! "
I would recommend this to a friend!
From: Lindon
State:  Utah
From:  United States
Age: 14-18 years old
Customer Type:  LEGO Fan
Building Experience:  Advanced LEGO builder
Play Experience (Optional)
4 / 5
4 / 5
Value for Money (Optional)
3 / 5
3 / 5
Level of Difficulty:
Easy
Easy
Very Easy
Very Challenging
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0found this review helpful.
 
 Switching Tracks
Switching Tracks
Switching Tracks
 
Posted:February 13, 2011
Customer Avatar
Age: 14-18 years old
Customer Type:  LEGO Fan
Building Experience:  Advanced LEGO builder
Overall: 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Good, But Not Perfect
" Well, if you ever need to expand your LEGO Train layout this is a must, whether to create a parallel track to your main line or make an entirely different route. It opens up so many possibilities. However, it could be better.
With this switch track, you can only make a track that curves back to the main line. (See the first picture. Sorry they're a little sloppy.) This is pretty limiting. I would like to see switches that you can make to form a 90 degree turn away from the main line (see second picture). One easy way to accomplish this is to make the last half-section of the curved part of the switch track able to come off. That way, you could make it a larger curve, or a curve like it already is. (see third picture)
If you are planning to expand your LEGO Train layout, this set is a must. You can make parallel tracks with ease. If LEGO could consider my last suggestion, that would be great. (Oh, and for some reason, this review box I'm typing in keeps scrolling up and down really fast every time I type. I don't know why, but it's pretty annoying. "
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User submitted photo
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I would recommend this to a friend!
From: Lindon
State:  Utah
From:  United States
Age: 14-18 years old
Customer Type:  LEGO Fan
Building Experience:  Advanced LEGO builder
Play Experience (Optional)
4 / 5
4 / 5
Value for Money (Optional)
3 / 5
3 / 5
Level of Difficulty:
Easy
Easy
Very Easy
Very Challenging
I would recommend this to a friend!
+54points
69of 84found this review helpful.
 
 LEGO Hard to Find Items: Public Transport Station(8404)
LEGO Hard to Find Items: Public Transport Station(8404)
Catch the tram or hop the bus at the LEGOA City transport station!
 
Posted:December 28, 2010
Customer Avatar
Age: 14-18 years old
Customer Type:  LEGO Fan
Building Experience:  Advanced LEGO builder
Overall: 
4 / 5
4 / 5
7 out of 10!
" This is simply a transportation must-have. The four unique vehicles are a great addition to any LEGO city. Like others, I didn't care much for the platforms; I just wanted the vehicles.
Sports Car
I guess the sportscar is okay. It's not my favorite vehicle, anyway. One small design flaw is that the windshield covers up part of the door, so that takes away some playability. (see Door Problem picture)
Street Sweeper
I like it a little more than the sports car. One design flaw is that when pushed on carpet, the spiny brushes can sometimes roll under the back wheels, therefore inhibiting furthur movement. But it works fine on hard surfaces.
Bus
I LOVE the bus. It has a great lime green color scheme like the 7639 Camper. It has comparments below the passenger section for luggage, and room for 7 minifigures including the driver. I don't like the doors, though. I live in the United States, and I have never seen a bus that has giant single-pivot doors. If LEGO could have come up with retractable doors that fold in, that would have been great. The driver's seat is really low. Also, the wheels are WAY too small, and there is a larger than normal front overhang. Nice, try, LEGO.
Tram thingy
It would have been lovely if the tram was motorized, but I guess I can keep on dreaming. It has space for 8 minifigures, and uses 4 ball-and-socket joints instead of the traditional train magnets. These joints also probibit up and down movement, which can be good or bad depbending on the situation. (See Double Joints picture) It also has extra-small train wheels, and the middle car only has one wheel to allow the tram to negotiate curves. (see Wheel Problem picture) The small train wheels make it REALLY hard to push on track, though. I think it's because the wheels are too small, have high friction axles, and are spaced out too far. I think I will try to motorize it, but it's not going to be easy. I'll need a motor with a lot of torque to do the job.
Bike
What can I say? It's just a green bike :)
Overall, I am very happy with this set. The four unique vehicles are great for any Lego fan, young or old. Other than a few design flaws, which are merely constructive advice, this set is excellent! 7 out of 10, LEGO! "
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
I would recommend this to a friend!
From: Lindon
State:  Utah
From:  United States
Age: 14-18 years old
Customer Type:  LEGO Fan
Building Experience:  Advanced LEGO builder
Play Experience (Optional)
4 / 5
4 / 5
Value for Money (Optional)
3 / 5
3 / 5
Level of Difficulty:
Easy
Easy
Very Easy
Very Challenging
I would recommend this to a friend!
+12points
16of 20found this review helpful.
 
 Train Station
Train Station
Train Station
 
Posted:December 28, 2010
Customer Avatar
Age: 14-18 years old
Customer Type:  LEGO Fan
Building Experience:  Advanced LEGO builder
Overall: 
3 / 5
3 / 5
OK set
" This set is a good addition to the 7938 Passenger Train. I love the over-the-track walkway, which adds a lot of playability. However, it isn't perfect.
I would personally like a modular station, not the kind in this set where there isn't a back wall. It doesn't have nearly enough room to be a functional station. But, I guess that's why it's intended for kids 6-12. The taxi cab is pretty cool, but I don't think it belongs in a train station set. Maybe a small train car or something else would be better.
There are also some issues with trains going near the station. There aren't any issues with the 7938 Passenger Train, but there are some problems with the 10194 Emerald Night. The designers of this set (thankfully) made the track space 10 studs wide, so even the Emerald Night makes it through the station if placed correctly.
However, you have to be careful where you put the station, because if you put the station near a turn, the Emerald Night won't be able to clear the white support beams for the walkway, because the smoke deflectors bump into the supports. (See Emerald Night vs. Walkway picture below)
Another issue is the platforms. This set works fine with a single-track layout, but if you have a double track or triple track layout it can get messy, especiallly if you have limited space. This is because the right platform (with the taxi cab near it) seven studs wide, so putting a track next to it could get hairy. I have fixed this by curving the other track away from the station. (see Platform Solution picture below)
But overall, this set is okay. I don't know why this set was aimed towards kids 6-12, though, because I think it could have been a lot better if it had more detail. But, I guess you can't please everyone. "
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
From: Lindon
State:  Utah
From:  United States
Age: 14-18 years old
Customer Type:  LEGO Fan
Building Experience:  Advanced LEGO builder
Play Experience (Optional)
4 / 5
4 / 5
Value for Money (Optional)
2 / 5
2 / 5
Level of Difficulty:
Easy
Easy
Very Easy
Very Challenging
+14points
18of 22found this review helpful.
 
 LEGO City: Camper(7639)
LEGO City: Camper(7639)
Hit the road with the LEGOA City camper!
 
Posted:December 11, 2010
Customer Avatar
Age: 14-18 years old
Customer Type:  LEGO Fan
Building Experience:  Advanced LEGO builder
Overall: 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Great Addition To LEGO City
" This set is a great addition to any custom town. It has a great color scheme, tons of accesories, and 2 unique minifigures. However, there are a couple of features that are not mentioned.
First off, it seems like the steering wheel in the cab is WAY too low. (However, this can easily be fixed with placing a 1x2 brick below it.) Also, you can put a minifigure in the thing above the cab section (I don't know what it is called). But that's it.
Overall, this set is awesome. Its color scheme, accesories, and minifigures make it a great set for anyone with a Lego City setup. "
I would recommend this to a friend!
From: Lindon
State:  Utah
From:  United States
Age: 14-18 years old
Customer Type:  LEGO Fan
Building Experience:  Advanced LEGO builder
Play Experience (Optional)
4 / 5
4 / 5
Value for Money (Optional)
4 / 5
4 / 5
Level of Difficulty:
Easy
Easy
Very Easy
Very Challenging
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1found this review helpful.
 
 Empire State Building
Empire State Building
Empire State Building
 
Posted:November 24, 2010
Customer Avatar
Age: 14-18 years old
Customer Type:  LEGO Fan
Building Experience:  Advanced LEGO builder
Overall: 
2 / 5
2 / 5
Nothing More Than a Souvenir
" My parents got me this set when they were in New York. I didn't really complain (hey, it's a free LEGO set!!) but it isn't exactly my favorite. It's more of a souvenir than a set. You can't really play with it, but I guess it looks pretty cool sitting on a shelf (collecting dust).
Peronally, I think LEGO should have made the Architecture sets bigger, because there isn't really much detail. You can sort of see the resemblance with the actual Empire State Building, but the scale is way too small to get good detail.
If you are thinking about getting this set, I would pass if I were you. Get a LEGO city set or something else that has playability, because chances are that the peron will build it in ten minutes, look at it for twenty minutes, then set it on a shelf and look at it every couple of weeks (like me). Unless you are REALLY into Architecture, or are in New York City and acually go to the real Empire State Building, I wouldn't buy it. "
From: Lindon
State:  Utah
From:  United States
Age: 14-18 years old
Customer Type:  LEGO Fan
Building Experience:  Advanced LEGO builder
Play Experience (Optional)
1 / 5
1 / 5
Value for Money (Optional)
1 / 5
1 / 5
Level of Difficulty:
Very Easy
Very Easy
Very Easy
Very Challenging
0points
1of 2found this review helpful.