Today we are quickly interested in three small sets planned for August 1, 2023 in the LEGO Star Wars range: the references 75368 Darth Vader Mech (139 pieces), 75369 Boba Fett Mech (155 pieces) and 75370 Stormtrooper Mech (138 pieces). These three boxes will be sold at the public price of €15.99 each, they all allow you to obtain a minifig and a few parts to assemble a mech in the colors of the character concerned.

These products are intended for children, so there is no need to look here for a link between their content and the Star Wars license. LEGO has developed a certain fondness for mechs in recent years and the commercial success of those sold in the Marvel range will undoubtedly have motivated the manufacturer to decline the concept in the Star Wars universe. And we have to admit that it's very well executed given the initial idea and the limited inventory, each of the three characters here is entitled to armor that takes up the main attributes of their outfit.

Difficult on this scale to really go into detail, we are therefore satisfied with three fingers, somewhat rigid limbs and basic feet. Each of these mechs is based on the same architecture as the others with a never-before-seen meta-part that forms the backbone of the armor and a fixed skeleton for all four limbs. There are therefore only a few points of articulation at the level of the shoulders and hips and it is then a question of adding a few elements which will give a little volume and texture to the whole. Finally, the pretty Tile pad-printed visually associates the armor with its pilot.

The back of the Stormtrooper is a little bare and it's a shame, this mech does not benefit from the same level of finish as the other two. We could have hoped for a backpack with a few details, but it's probably the result of a compromise to stay within the budget imposed by the brand's marketing department.

Each of these armors can still strike a pose quite easily using the limited but sufficient amplitude offered to the four limbs. it will therefore be possible to display the three constructions in a somewhat dynamic way on the corner of a shelf between two play sessions. Boba Fett and the Stormtrooper are equipped with a Stud Shooter integrated with a handgun fixed in the right hand. Well done, the Stud Shooter visually blends in with the rest of the assembly to give the impression of an oversized weapon. Darth Vader is equipped with a big saber with a red blade but he ignores the usual cape and the missile from Boba Fett's jetpack can be ejected by pushing on the bottom of the part slid into place.

Once the batched minifig is installed at the controls, only the top of the torso and the helmet remain visible. Some may regret that the "head" of the resulting robot is a bit small compared to the rest of the armor, but these are mechs and not robots per se. This difference in scale is therefore logical.

On the side of the three figurines provided in these boxes: The Stromtrooper wears the armor seen on Luke Skywalker and Han Solo in the set 75339 Death Star Trash Compactor, the helmet available in many sets since 2019 is plugged on the head with a female face also available in several boxes in the range since 2021.

The Darth Vader figurine is not new, the torso and the legs are available in many sets since 2020, the two-part helmet is the one seen in several boxes since 2015 and the head is the one seen in the sets 75347 Tie Bomber et 75352 Emperor's Throne Room Diorama.

The minifig of Boba Fett is on its new side, it has a torso, a head, a helmet and a pair of legs with new references. it obviously looks like other versions already on the market, it's all in the details. There is no guarantee that this variant with subtle modifications will remain definitively exclusive to this box, it may be available in other sets in the future.

These three boxes sold for €16 are therefore simple toys for children who only take advantage of the Star Wars license. If the LEGO mech concept was not the supposed commercial success, the manufacturer would probably have already given up, but it seems that these unpretentious little constructions appeal to the youngest and they will once again be served.

Leave them the pleasure of having fun with these small models accessible with their pocket money, LEGO markets enough very expensive products and intended for adults. We will not forget to discreetly steal Boba Fett's new minifig and replace it with a more common version. No mercy among collectors.

Note: The product shown here, provided by LEGO, is as usual involved. Deadline fixed at July 25, 2023 next at 23:59 p.m. Just post a comment under the article to participate. Your participation is taken into account regardless of your opinion. 

Update : The winner was drawn and notified by email, his nickname is indicated below.

Today we are very quickly interested in the content of the LEGO DREAMZzz set 71459 Stable of the Dream Creatures, a box of 681 pieces currently in pre-order on the official online store at the public price of 84.99 € and which will be available from August 1st. The statement leaves no room for doubt, this product derived from the animated series, the first 10 episodes of which are online at Youtube, Netflix or even Prime Video is very expensive.

The main construction of the set is very quickly assembled, there is no complex technique or functionality but the small house whose interior spaces are easily accessible seems to me rather correct. It's colorful, there is enough furniture and accessories so that the whole thing doesn't seem too empty and the presence of stickers is relatively limited.

The title of the product evokes "The stable of dream creatures", we are still looking for the stable and the reason for the plural used for the word creature. On the other hand, there is a mill whose propeller is rotated manually by manipulating the wheel placed at the top of the house.

We also build a guardian deer of the forest and this is where we measure the gap between what appears on the screen in the animated series and the adaptation of this content in LEGO bricks. The plastic creature is immediately much less majestic and you have to be content with a deer with very stiff legs but with nicely stamped eyes.

The animal's head is articulated, the Ball joint clearly visible gray confirms this in case you didn't understand. For those who have not watched the episodes of the series already available, I remind you that the content seen on the screen is not based on bricks and there are only the minifigs which remind us that we are in the LEGO universe. The transition to physical content is therefore necessarily a little disappointing, both in terms of the volume of the constructions and their finish.

Like many sets in the range, this box offers a construction variant with a bifurcation during assembly in the pages of the instruction booklet. The variant present here is not of the level of that of the set 71456 Mrs. Castillo's Turtle Van with his food truck which becomes a turtle, it is simply a question of giving a pair of wings to the deer by recovering the blue branches of the tree planted in the garden. Not much to shout about the 2-in-1 concept this time around, but it's still a bit more building fun for younger kids.

The endowment of figurines here is rather substantial with Izzie, Zoey, Cooper, Mrs. Castillo, Z-Blob and two Champirêves. These are the stars of the set with a rather interesting look and potential use in other contexts. The pad prints are generally very successful with once again all the technical know-how of LEGO at the service of the handful of characters.

This box will probably not mark the history of the range, it lacks content for the price requested and the LEGO DREAMZzz universe only based on the confrontation between the heroes and the king of nightmares accompanied by his minions, so it lacks also here something to have fun by reproducing the events seen on the screen.

In the end, this set is only half of what it should have been and the marketing obviously went through this: it will be necessary to go back to the checkout so that the youngest can do something other than brush the stiff-legged deer, to grind grain, take tea or rake the garden.

This derivative product will inevitably end up being sold with a big reduction in its public price, the two blue mushrooms and the few interesting pieces delivered in this box will then become more accessible. In the meantime, no need to spend 85 € on this box, it's far too expensive for the content offered, as cute as it is.

Note: The product shown here, provided by LEGO, is as usual involved. Deadline fixed at July 24, 2023 next at 23:59 p.m. Just post a comment under the article to participate. Your participation is taken into account regardless of your opinion. 

Update : The winner was drawn and notified by email, his nickname is indicated below.

Today we go very quickly around the content of the LEGO Technic set 42159 Yamaha MT-10SP, a box of 1478 pieces which will be available at the retail price of €229.99 from August 1, 2023.

Even if the LEGO Technic range gives pride of place to four-wheeled vehicles, LEGO strives to regularly offer some motorcycles such as the set 42130 BMW M1000RR in 2022, the set 42107 Ducati Panigale V4 R in 2020 or even the set 42063 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure in 2017 for the newest officially licensed models.

It is therefore a Yamaha model which this year is entitled to its plastic version with a few refinements which should please fans of this range: central suspension on the rear wheel with its yellow decorative spring, front telescopic fork with gold-coloured sheaths or even 4-cylinder engine and three-speed gearbox with new barrels and selection forks. LEGO has not skimped on the finish for this reproduction of the MT-10 SP at 1:5 scale, everything is there, even the support which allows the model to be displayed on a shelf without leaving the motorcycle on its stand .

The assembly is broken down into distinct steps that allow you to build sub-assemblies and possibly move on to something else before coming back to it later. This is handy for those who would like to spread the process over several days and really enjoy all that the set has to offer with obviously the main point of interest being the engine/transmission block.

We build the display very early in the process so that we can then install the motorcycle during assembly and "work" more comfortably on the product which displays substantial measurements on arrival: 44cm long by 25cm high and 15cm wide.

Have fun with the compact transmission as long as it is not installed on the vehicle, it will then logically disappear under the body parts, just like the 4-cylinder engine, and it will then be difficult to visually take advantage of the properties mechanics of this assembly thereafter and there will remain only a few rotating axes visible from the outside. The transmission is made up of a handful of new parts, barrels, gears and forks, which will undoubtedly pave the way for other equally successful creations in the future. Regulars of the range should appreciate the work done here.

Three speeds are available, they are activated via the selector placed on the left just above the crutch which sends the control to the barrels and the new selection forks: first down, second and third up. I didn't notice any particular operating problem in the transmission, no strange creaks or blockages, it seems to me that the thing was well designed, but I will let the specialists give us their opinion on this point.

The selector barrels, which will undoubtedly definitively replace in the future those of orange color delivered for the first time in the set 42083 Bugatti Chiron, are incidentally stamped with a letter-based marking which facilitates their alignment during the construction of this subset, it is a good point for all those like me who only assemble a set of this range of times time and who are not necessarily accustomed to the subtleties of these elements. The instruction booklet is very didactic, sometimes to the extreme, but it is appreciable. It's hard to make a mistake about the alignment of gearbox parts, the booklet provides several visuals that make sure everything is in order before moving on and a side indicator installed on the chassis allows you to check the correct transmission operation based on its position before proceeding.

Here we find the fork shock absorbers, the rear central shock absorber with its false spring, the rims and the tires already used on the bike on the same scale of the set 42130 BMW M1000RR, the color of the shock absorbers and rims being adapted to this new model. As this is a product from the LEGO Technic universe, it's a bit of a mess with the colored pins that remain visible on the model, in particular under the two transparent panels at the front of the handlebars which are crossed by a red pin.

Fans will say that it is the "signature" of the range and that it is normal and acceptable as it is, others will consider that this visual pollution is frankly detrimental to the overall rendering of this model for adults, to each his report with this mix of colors. The bike is however not completely lined with stickers, it's good news for all those who had suffered a lot with that of the set 42130 BMW M1000RR.

What is certain is that visually, we are well within the concept "HyperNaked" developed by Yamaha with sports models that do without a complete fairing and which leave a large part of the mechanics visible. The LEGO version necessarily adapts this concept and a large surface of the model is therefore not faired and leaves parts and various and varied apparent pines.

It's sometimes a bit messy but the designer gets away with it honourably, in my opinion. We find, for example, in a more or less symbolic way, the Öhlins Gen-2 cylinder just above the central rear suspension, the engine shoe in two textures to symbolize the decomposition of the element intended to better channel the flow of air, the titanium exhaust line or the 4.2" TFT dashboard embodied by a sticker with a very faithful design. I am a little less convinced by the seat of the vehicle which, in my opinion, lacks a little volume and by the fairing of the tank with its central protrusion a little off topic.

The set will take advantage of the augmented reality (AR) capabilities offered by the official dedicated app, a feature that should appeal to anyone who would like to see the bike's internals in action after assembly or enjoy detailed views of the engine and transmission. It is therefore not a simple overlay of interactivity without much interest, these functionalities will allow you to really enjoy the product and to learn a little more about the operation of the different mechanical parts.

We could discuss the public price of this product, set at 229.99 € by LEGO but we all know that it will quickly be possible to find this box for much less elsewhere than at LEGO, it will be enough to be patient and opportunistic. I admit finally that I am impressed by this pretty model which will have allowed me to discover a little more the LEGO Technic ecosystem, the experience is worth the detour and the result obtained seems to me very successful.

Note: The product shown here, provided by LEGO, is as usual involved. Deadline fixed at July 21, 2023 next at 23:59 p.m. Just post a comment under the article to participate. Your participation is taken into account regardless of your opinion. 

Update : The winner was drawn and notified by email, his nickname is indicated below.

Today we are quickly interested in the content of the LEGO ICONS set 10321 Corvette, a box of 1210 pieces which will be available via the official online store and in LEGO Stores from August 1, 2023 at the public price of €149.99. You already know since the official announcement of the product, this involves assembling a reproduction of the 1 C1961 version of the Chevrolet Corvette, with its four rear lights which then replaced the two optics installed on the wings, its overhead valve V8 engine and hardtop.

Might as well mention it right away: all this frankly lacks chrome or, failing that, metallic parts. The reference Chevrolet Corvette gives pride of place to chrome equipment and this LEGO version does not pay homage to it on this point, while the retouched official visuals highlight reflections which are non-existent on the "real" product at the level of the different elements. very light gray.

Once again, this model aimed at an adult collector audience takes some aesthetic shortcuts with much less curvy curves and not-so-curvy curvaceous lines. The wheel arches are also a little strange, it lacks roundness especially when the vehicle is observed in profile. We're starting to get used to LEGO, even if the designer does much better here than when it came to reproducing James Bond's car with the set, for example. 10262 James Bond Aston Martin DB5.

The solid floor of the vehicle is as often made up of a few plates and other Technic beams, we then attach the various bodywork elements and the interior equipment. It's quickly put together and immediately realizes that the retouched official visuals promised us a shade a little darker than in reality. This Corvette C1 is bright red, yet I would have tried the Dark Red (dark red) just to give it a little more cachet at the risk of having to deal with the usual color differences.

The grille based on sausages, handlebars and gray bananas seems to me much too simplified and here we have to be content with a very symbolic representation of this yet emblematic detail of the vehicle. Same observation for the four front headlights, simply composed of a Tile pad-printed round and a transparent piece, it lacks a bit of volume and it's a bit too flat to really look like the real ones.

The doors are on the other hand well designed, they use two new elements which make it possible to reproduce rather faithfully the white zone, set back by half a tenon on the LEGO model, present on the sides of the reference vehicle. The upholstery is relatively simple but sufficient and well executed, as is the driving position with its counter, pedals and gear lever.

There is obviously a small sheet of stickers in the box, I scanned the thing for you, and everything that is not there is therefore stamped, such as the "chrome strips" which circulate on the bodywork, the contours of the seats or the Corvette logo on the front of the hood. It should be noted that LEGO has progressed when it comes to aligning a pattern printed on different elements, it is not yet perfect but it is for example much better than on the lower body of the Mustang of the set 10265 Ford Mustang. It suffices here to interchange the four plates struck in a straight line until an acceptable alignment is achieved.

The rims are a little dull, here too it lacks shine to perfectly reproduce the contrast between the bodywork and the wheels. The white rims used nevertheless make it possible to obtain the desired vintage effect, but the very light gray of the rims is disappointing.

In terms of functionality, it is necessary to be satisfied here with the openings, doors, front bonnet and trunk, and a direction brought back to the steering wheel. No complex mechanism for the steering but the function has the merit of existing and the engine is also reduced to its simplest expression. The supplied hardtop can be easily installed or removed, it will be up to you to see how you wish to expose the vehicle and the opening of the trunk whose bonnet is flush with the rest of the bodywork is managed by a part placed under the vehicle which serves as push button allowing it to be half-opened so that it can then be grasped with the fingers. It's ingenious.

The two identical windshields are packaged separately in paper bags and that's great news. LEGO is thus freed from the plastic protection applied directly to the parts attempted in the past in a few boxes and these two bags finally make it possible to obtain elements in perfect condition upon unpacking. Well done for that.

This Corvette C1 is probably not the best vehicle in the range at LEGO but it still looks great in my opinion. It will undoubtedly help to highlight the other models displayed on a shelf: a little red will ultimately not hurt in the middle of the black Camaro of the set 10304 Chevy Camaro Z28, the blue of the Mustang from the set 10265 Ford Mustang or even the white of the Porsche of the set 10295 Porsche 911. It will probably quickly be possible to find this Corvette C1 a little cheaper than the price charged by LEGO, so there will be no reason to skip this box.

Note: The product shown here, provided by LEGO, is as usual involved. Deadline fixed at July 21, 2023 next at 23:59 p.m. Just post a comment under the article to participate. Your participation is taken into account regardless of your opinion. 

Update : The winner was drawn and notified by email, his nickname is indicated below.

Today we take a quick tour of the content of the LEGO Star Wars set 75360 Yoda's Jedi Starfighter, a small box of 253 pieces which will be available from August 1, 2023 on the official online store and in LEGO Stores at the retail price of €34.99. This derivative product will finally take over from the set 75168 Yoda's Jedi Starfighter (262 pieces - €29.99) marketed at the start of 2017 and withdrawn from the LEGO offer at the end of 2018. The subject covered in this 2023 novelty is the same, it is simply a question of refreshing the product and putting it back in the catalog for two years.

In principle, it wouldn't be necessary to make a big deal about this type of product, which is in the price soft underbelly of the range, but this new version sees its retail price increase by €5 compared to the previous version. This price difference will seem negligible for some fans, but others on a tighter budget will probably hesitate a little more before adding this box to their basket or to their shopping cart.

No miracle on this scale, the 13 cm long by 16 cm wide and 7 cm high vessel remains relatively basic even if the designer has really made the effort to give it a certain look and the functionalities are there. -YOU.

The pretty canopy with its unique pad printing opens onto a cockpit, access to which is facilitated by a mobile element placed on the top of the cockpit and which in principle embodies the extension of the canopy, Yoda can therefore easily be installed at the controls. even if he has to stand because the figure is equipped with short legs. the character's saber can be hung on the back, so children will avoid losing it. LEGO provides a second handle in the bags but no second blade.

Two Spring-Shooters are integrated into the bottom of the ship, it's always taken to shoot the neighbour's cat. R2-D2 is comfortable in its location and everything is easy to handle without breaking everything.

On the construction side, we will especially remember the use of a Technic pin to manage the opening angle of the wings, the small element knows how to be forgotten and the technique is ingenious. Both wings gain in finesse compared to the 2017 version, it is visually more coherent.

For the rest, it is relatively well executed even if the red pines which are used to attach the wings to the body of the ship are a little too visible for my taste, that the central ball of the ship is not really a ball.

There are obviously some stickers to stick on the cabin and as usual, the background of these stickers does not match the gray of the parts on which they are placed. You end up getting used to it, but that's not a reason not to mention it anymore.

LEGO does not provide a support with this little ship, it's a shame knowing that it would have been enough for one or two transparent pieces to allow the object to be displayed correctly on a shelf. The maker should imagine that the youngest toss their toys in the bottom of a bin and never display them on their bedroom shelves like adult fans do.

On the side of the two figurines provided, Yoda benefits from a pretty new torso with a hood stamped in the back on which we plug the usual head in Olive Green available since 2013 and the R2-D2 figurine is the one with pad printing on both sides of the cylinder delivered in the sets 75339 Death Star Trash Compactor, 75355 Ultimate Collector Series X-wing Starfighter and which will also be provided in the set 75365 Yavin 4 Rebel Base from August 1st.

This little set will probably not make an impression, but it has a few arguments to make to seduce the youngest fans of The Clone Wars series thanks to several interesting features as well as the most assiduous figurine collectors with a Yoda at the unique torso. 35 € for that, it is in my opinion still expensive paid even if the vessel benefits from some welcome aesthetic improvements compared to the previous version.

Note: The product shown here, provided by LEGO, is as usual involved. Deadline fixed at July 18, 2023 next at 23:59 p.m. Just post a comment under the article to participate. Your participation is taken into account regardless of your opinion. 

Update : The winner was drawn and notified by email, his nickname is indicated below.