Hogwarts Castle Details 1

 

Lego Golden Mech 71702

Well, it is official, I have definitely got a problem with both Ninjago and the Mechs.  I'm not sure which is worse the actual theme lure or the need to build mech after mech.

This was a really fun build and I was seriously impressed with how it turned out.  The strange coolie hat/shield for a head piece works really well and really does draw the eye even when he is crammed on to a small shelf.

The build has some repetition in technique and overall brick placement.  This is to be suspected as you do need to mirror image appendages.  Fortunately with the mechs it doesn't become boring as you know what you are getting when you open the box.  Plus you knwo that the Lego Design Team switch up the techniques so no two mechs are ever constructed in the same way.  I really appreciate that level of detail and thought about the end user.

Number Of Pieces: 489

Approximate Price Per Piece: RETIRED PRODUCT

Build Time: 1.25 Hours

Lego Haunted Fairground 70432

 There is just something about the Hidden Side theme that really puts a smile on my face and this addition is no exception.  Admittedly, I am probably biased as I have been attracted to anything vaguely horror related since my teenage years and the combination of kitschy cute and horror just make this theme for me.

Some unusual build techniques in this little set as well.  Particularly the clown figure at the top of the "chute" ride.  Takes quite a bit of force to get the cart to the top and activate the mechanism to show the spooky clown face but it is do-able and once you have the knack it is easy enough to trigger each time.  The build is nice and sturdy once completed and stood up to quite a protracted play period.

For once, I did not use any of the posessed options for the minifigures.  Apart from Parker and his gang the main characters for the Fairground are clowns.  Yes, like you need a scary option when you already have CLOWNS!

Overall a great building experience and a lot of play value even if you do not have the app (and I don't).

Number Of Pieces: 466

Approximate Price Per Piece: RETIRED PRODUCT

Build Time: 1.5 Hours

 

Lego Skull Sorcerer's Dungeons 71722

 This is one of those kits that I did not go with an intention of purchasing, it was the a combination of the pack art and the fact it linked with 3 other sets to make one large game that did it for me.  I have still not figured out how to play the game BUT I do know that these sets look absolutely phenomenal on display together.

The detailing on this particular build is incredible.  Yes, it looks great from the front but the rear is chock full of little rooms including an actual jail cell and a spell room for the Skull Sorcerer himself.  I was surprised at the level of detail to the back of the build and am still trying to think of a way it can be seen on display but haven't figured that out yet.

Definitely designed to play with and comes with a good selection of minifigures.  I admit that I love all the Ninjago figures, especially the bad guys.  They just add so much to a display, let alone the play value.

Number Of Pieces: 1171

Approximate Price Per Piece: £0.08

Build Time: 4.25 Hours

 

Lego Lloyd's Titan Mech 70676

 I don't know what it is about the Mechs but I am seriously obsessed with them.  Doesn't matter what Lego Theme they belong to if it is a Mech figure I always want it.  Yes, I am busy avoiding the Monkie King theme as I am aware there are some mechs tucked away in there.

I managed to pick this up for a really good deal at the local supermarket - got to love those end of aisle deal shelves.  I readily admit that it was an impulse purchase but by the time I saw him I already had quite a substantial Ninjago collection uilding up so as soon as I saw it into my trolley he went.

Yes, there is a lot of repetition in a Mech build but you know that will be the case going in.  This one was still a lot of fun to build and watching him come thogether was an intersting experience.  The finished figure is also surprisingly large and only just fits on my shelving unit if I collapse the wings a little bit.

Definitely an impressive figure.

Number Of Pieces: 876

Approximate Price Per Piece: RETIRED PRODUCT

Build Time: 2.75 Hours

Lego Trouble On Tatooine 75299

 This is a detailed playset that really did surprise me.  Because it is a relatively low piece count I was not really expecting particularly detailed models from it but they are actually pretty good and certainly aesthetically pleasing enough to add to a display or diorama.

The fact you get a Tuskan Raider figure actually made this set for me.  I'm not much on mini figure collecting but this is such a fun figure and a good addition to the set.  Throw in the Grogu figure and it definitely adds to the appeal.

The builds are pretty diverse and The Boy said he really enjoyed the three small builds.  As they don't all slot together on a base plate it has made incorporating the final items in to our existing display a lot easier as, apart from the hut, they are all pretty small so can easily slot between existing pieces without having to move too much about.  The instructions are nice and clear and you could easily split it up in to several sessions to fit your available time.

Many thanks to the Amazon Vine Program for a review copy of this product.  The opinions expressed in this review are my own and do not reflect the opinions of Lego or Amazon.  This is also an honest and unbiased opinion based on my experience with the product and is not influenced by it being a review copy.

Number Of Pieces: 276

Approximate Price Per Piece: £0.10

Build Time: 45 Minutes

 

Lego Luke Skywalker's X-Wing Fighter 75301

 Ships from The Resistance aren't what we normally collect, The Boy much prefers The Dark Side ships but the X-Wing is such an iconic piece of IP that this was a must have for the Lego Star Wars collection.  So much so, I had to let him build this one when it arrived.

The detailing on this is actually pretty good, I half expected there to be some cop outs and design decisions made that weren't really true to the first trilogy ship.  The good news there aren't that many things that detract from this as a model in it's own right.  The only real down side is that the way the mechanism to open the wings for flight is tied to the landing gear so you can only display it in it's closed wing state.  this is easily rectified by the building of a stand to prevent the landing gear engaging.  Not something we built at the time but it is on the eternally growing "to MOC list".

Clear build instructions and some fun building techniques that The Boy reports he really enjoyed.  Looks great on display with his other ships, even if it sticks out like a sore thumb against all his Empire transport.

Many thanks to the Amazon Vine Program for a review copy of this product.  The opinions expressed in this review are my own and do not reflect the opinions of Lego or Amazon.  This is also an honest and unbiased opinion based on my experience with the product and is not influenced by it being a review copy.

Number Of Pieces: 474

Approximate Price Per Piece: £0.09

Build Time: 1.5 Hours