Review: 71512 Crocodile Submarine
Posted by benbacardi,
Surprising some, LEGO DREAMZzz is still going strong, with the fourth season set to come out at some point this year. There have been five sets released at the beginning of January to coincide with this new season, and as usual they include some impressive-looking animal-based mechs, with a choice of two builds for each.
I'm kicking off the reviews with 71512 Crocodile Submarine, the second largest in the wave, with 1107 pieces. LEGO have also added a "collectable" items to the sets, to presumably encourage people to buy them all, which I'll show later in the review.
Summary
71512 Crocodile Submarine, 1,107 pieces.
£59.99 / $69.99 / €69.99 | 5.4p / 6.3c / 6.3c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Two great animal-based builds, even if the submarine core is an odd choice. The usual colourful DREAMZzz fun!
- Excellent colour scheme
- Detailed minifigures, and a treasure creature!
- Two very imposing-looking creatures!
- Crocodile head too heavy for its joint
- Why are they submarines?
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
The two Dream Chasers included in the set are Logan and Zoey. This is Zoey's only appeance this year; you can find an identical Logan in 71514 Dino Jet. They both reuse dual-expression heads from last year, but their highly-detailed outfits are brand new. Logan is shown in his blue incarnation, wearing yellow trousers that contrast excellently with his skin and blue zip-up jacket. A variety of belts criss-cross his torso, along with some chest armour and a torn neck scarf.
Zoey's typical purple attire is covered in intricate grey and silver armour, with the Dream Chasers' hourglass logo featured prominently in the centre. Both torsos are finely printed on both the front and the rear. Logan also comes equipped with translucent blue shoulder armour that provides a stud on his back.
Their formidable opponent in this particular battle is Arika, accompanied by a faithful ground-based Grimspawn. A new character to the show, this wave of sets is Arika's debut, and they are available in no fewer than four of the five sets. In this incarnation, the minifigure's legs have been replaced by four spider-like limbs ending in vibrant pink spikes. The torso and head are also excellently detailed, in the usual black and pink colour scheme of the Nightmare creatures, with a large eye hanging on a necklace and fearsome rows of teeth beneath multiple arachnid-style eyes.
The 2026 wave of sets also introduces an adorable new mould of a Treasure Creature! These are small fox-like creatures, cast in transparent colours, with spikes on their head and down their tail, and large printed eyes. A small clear rock or crystal formation is built to house the creature, which can hinge closed to keep them safe.
The LEGO site lists them as collectable, and there are four different colours to collect, each with unique face prints. This set contains a blue one, which is also available in 71514 Dino Jet. The orange and green versions also come in two sets each, whereas you have to fork out for 71515 Tiger Shark Tank to get the white/clear.
All four figures are equipped with weapons with which to fight. Arika holds two curved claws on long spikes, Zoey has her typical bow and arrows, and the grimspawn holds a small axe. Logan, however, has an enormously oversized sword with a detailed grey hilt and a huge trans-blue blade! It's a single mould cast in two colours, and features a stud on one side (covered here with a 1x1 round tile), and an antistud on the other. Like the treasure creature above, LEGO considers this sword collectable, as the other sets contain varying colours—green, orange, and a special Nightmare one.
Submarine Core
Onto the models! As is usual with the DREAMZzz sets, a common core is built first, before the instruction manual branches and gives you a choice between the two models. This time the central core is a solid bright yellow submarine, with a bulbous trans-blue cockpit canopy in front of a small periscope. The curved shapes of the submarine are very satisfying, particularly around the cockpit and the transition between yellow and blue.
Affixed to the sides are a pair of large engines, propellors protruding out the rear, and twin stud shooters on top. They're attached at a jaunty angle just forward of the cockpit, with detailing provided by grilles and a sticker atop each.
Just below and to the rear of the cockpit, panels on either side hinge open to reveal a cargo bay inside the submarine's body. The smooth tiled floor allows the provided box to slide and out easily.
Inside the cockpit, there's room for a single minifigure, with two printed panels providing controls for the submarine, and a large red button directly in front.
The model core has multiple attachment points—Technic pin holes and rotation joints on either side for limbs, a large ball socket on the front for the neck, and another rotation joint receptacle on the rear to attach a tail.
Crocodile Submarine
Perhaps predictably, the Crocodile Submarine is built by adding four reptilian legs, a large articulated tail, and a vicious and imposing head! These are constructed primarily of various shades of blue, which contrast excellently with the yellow submarine core.
The four limbs look remarkably like a crocodile's real limbs, and all four are articulated at the ankle by a ball joint, providing a decent amount of movement—at least for the foot. The front limbs can rotate slightly, but the rear legs are fixed.
Side note: I hate ensuring talons are all aligned correctly on models like this!
The head design is very impressive. A large hinged jaw reveals rows of silver teeth and a fat yellow tongue. Stickers provide a menacing eye, and the varying shades of blue are used to great effect to highlight the lines of the snout. Unfortunately, the head is too heavy for the ball joint it's connected by, so although it doesn't rest on the ground due to the shape of the rear of the head, it won't stay in position if raised.
The articulated tail is made of five segments that slowly decrease in size. Most are connected to the previous segment by a pair of vertically-aligned ball joints; this allows the tail to curve from side to side, but not up or down relative to itself. The single large ball joint connecting the tail to the body does allow the whole tail to be angled in any direction, however. Once again, the varying shades of blue look great, particularly with the yellow highlights as the tail nears the body.
The completed crocodile model has a very squat pose, much like that of the real creature. This would indeed be a very intimidating opponent in battle!
With Logan inside the cockpit, there's a clip on either side of the submarine's body where he can store his large sword for safe keeping.
Eagle Submarine
Dismantling the crocodile's limbs, head, and tail allows us to rebuild them into the Eagle Submarine (honestly, how would that even work?!). The long, powerful tail is replaced by a short, bird-like one (still significantly smaller proportionally than that of a real eagle), the forelegs are gone, and a pair of wings attach to clips that protrude from the sides of the submarine's engines.
The head reuses the yellow for a vivid, hooked beak, and the layers of blue tiles that surround the eye piercing eyes do an excellent job of replicating small feathered details.
The wings continues the varying shades of blue we saw on the croc, with five darker feathers towards the body and two lighter ones at the wing tips. Each wing has some vertical movement, but cannot pivot or twist in any other direction. The tail and head have a little more freedom, by virtue of being attached with ball joints instead of clips, although the "feathers" at the base of the neck prevent the head from tilting any further down than is shown.
The eagle's legs attach via a pair of Technic pins that are slightly further forward than those used for the crocodile's rear limbs, which give it a better centre of gravity and allow it to stand. If connected too far back, the eagle will fall flat on its face immediately, and you will spend far too long wondering why LEGO would design it so poorly before you realise (ask me how I know). They have no articulation at all, but I think any other position and the bird would be too unstable.
Verdict
Overall, 71512 Crocodile Submarine is a decent set, delivering two bold builds full of character and an excellent colour scheme. Both creature forms look suitably imposing, with the crocodile being my favourite, even if the heavy head joint is a frustrating weak point.
The animal-themed builds are mostly what draw me to DREAMZzz, with the "mech" aspect a minor part. In this case, the submarine concept feels a little stretched, especially once wings and legs are involved—without seeing them in action in the TV series, I'm not sure how they function as a submarine at all. With minor changes, the submarine core (minus limbs) would make an excellent City set.
As always with DREAMZzz sets, the minifigure selection is excellent, with an excellent new villain, detailed heroes, and the genuinely charming Treasure Creatures adding some extra appeal. I do wonder how many people will purchase all five sets to get a complete collection of these and the swords—the white Treasure Creature is only available in the largest, unfortunately.
71512 Crocodile Submarine is available at LEGO.com for £59.99 / $69.99 / €69.99.
96 likes
45 comments on this article
Whose patronus is THAT??!!
Looks like something Ogel cooked up for the Alpha Team 2002 wave.
" I do wonder how many people will purchase all five sets to get a complete collection of these..."
Me. It's merely a matter of time and inevitable huge discounts.
While neither a croc nor an eagle would be ideal do explore the deep sea, I do love the design of this thing! Then again, the croc mode would be ideal for missions in swampy areas or on land (crocs can sprint remarkably fast), while the eagle mode could take off into the air, making this an excellent amphibious vehicle. But most of all it just looks incredibly cool.
This actually reminds me a bit of 6940. I'm also reminded a bit of the techno-sea creatures of the Darius series. I haven't paid much attention to Dreamzzz, but this one has me thinking more about it.
Even without the animal add-ons, that sub looks pretty good. There is zero chance of me not adding the croc-parts, though.
It actually surprises me more that its not a more popular theme. While its not my particular cup of tea, I love how colourful and creative the designs are and I think the team working on this theme is continually knocking it out of the park with what it comes up with. Just surprises me that the target audience for it aren't more interested in it.
Nice review!
This wave of Dreamzzz sets feels like a bit of a "last hurrah", and I love the callbacks to earlier sets in the theme—the crocodile mode of this set feels like a throwback to the crocodile car from the first wave, while the eagle mode slightly helps to make up for the fact that Zoey herself doesn't get any builds like some of her earlier owl-themed creatures (though I still wish Zoey and Izzie got more personalized builds in this wave).
As Monty Python would say: a duck (answer to a question how would a bird work for submarine)
To be fair the alt build could be a sea eagle, or even something like an osprey which can outright dive. Or just a fun way of making the vehicle all-terrain, flying, diving or walking as needed.
It’s why I love Dreamzzz sets so much, they’re just so fun and creative
Getting really big Chima vibes from this set
Very cool set. The more I look at this wave of Dreamzzz sets the more I want to get them all!
Dreamz continues to amaze me with how awesome the sets are.
I think the submarine looks better without animal add-ons.
Zoey's new outfit looks amazing! I also love Logan's sword - it might look nice on a Lego She-Ra, if that ever became a thing.
@BrickAnomie said:
"- it might look nice on a Lego She-Ra, if that ever became a thing."
If LEGO transformers has shown us anything, a failed LEGO knock-off line from the other big toy companies won’t prevent a future cross-over. Mattel is crossing over between Masters of the Universe and Thundercats so Masters and LEGO is not so far fetched.
Horizon Zero Dawn/Forbidden West would like their machine crocodile back.
I don’t follow Dreamzzz closely, however, these new sets all seem so aggressive - why did that change? I remember the funny turtle van, a balloon, bunnies etc. None of those in 2026, it’s all war machines, peaking not with this one, but the tiger (shark) tank. Especially with the latter I have very mixed feelings.
@StyleCounselor said:
"" I do wonder how many people will purchase all five sets to get a complete collection of these..."
Me. It's merely a matter of time and inevitable huge discounts. "
I see what you’re doing. You’re gonna collect all 5 to force you to get the BDP Antique Cabinet. (Boba Fett head nods)
@ohrmazd said:
" @BrickAnomie said:
"- it might look nice on a Lego She-Ra, if that ever became a thing."
If LEGO transformers has shown us anything, a failed LEGO knock-off line from the other big toy companies won’t prevent a future cross-over. Mattel is crossing over between Masters of the Universe and Thundercats so Masters and LEGO is not so far fetched. "
https://brickset.com/minifigs/name-Chainsaw-Dave said:
"By the Power of Greyskull, cowabunga!"
@GrizBe said:
"It actually surprises me more that its not a more popular theme. While its not my particular cup of tea, I love how colourful and creative the designs are and I think the team working on this theme is continually knocking it out of the park with what it comes up with. Just surprises me that the target audience for it aren't more interested in it. "
Is it widely accepted that this theme is struggling? I wish LEGO woukd give us more insight into sales numbers.
This wave is fantastic with great looking sets and amazing value.
@yellowcastle said:
" @GrizBe said:
"It actually surprises me more that its not a more popular theme. While its not my particular cup of tea, I love how colourful and creative the designs are and I think the team working on this theme is continually knocking it out of the park with what it comes up with. Just surprises me that the target audience for it aren't more interested in it. "
Is it widely accepted that this theme is struggling? I wish LEGO woukd give us more insight into sales numbers.
This wave is fantastic with great looking sets and amazing value."
I think the fact it’s been going as strong as it has for as long as it has is a good sign it’s doing just fine.
When are they going to come out with a Lego Movie submarine?
@yellowcastle said:
"Is it widely accepted that this theme is struggling?"
You can infer that from the massive discounts, I imagine. Also, the UK’s biggest toy chain didn’t even bother to stock the last wave, as far as I know.
Personally, I think the line is great. I’ll be getting the dino at some point. As a child of the 80s, that and the croc give me major Zoids vibes.
Wow - I think both models look amazing. The croc's head and mouth in particular is just really nice IMHO. And at 6.3c ppp it's a great value too.
"he orange and green versions also come in two sets each, whereas you have to fork out for 71515 Tiger Shark Tank to get the white/clear." Unless, of course, it comes to PaB, which is how I have four of the wanted posters from 2024's police sets, despite only buying 30664 from that wave. I also have https://brickset.com/parts/6465425/flat-tile-2x3-no-128, https://brickset.com/parts/6465471/flat-tile-2x3-no-129, and https://brickset.com/parts/6530109/flat-tile-2x3-no-165. Might put them somewhere on 60316.
@rainstorm26 said:
"When are they going to come out with a Lego Movie submarine?"
As long as it holds together better than the one in the movie did.
Can't wait for someone to use that crystal piece as Nayru's Love from Ocarina of Time.
@craiggrannell said:
" @yellowcastle said:
"Is it widely accepted that this theme is struggling?"
You can infer that from the massive discounts, I imagine. Also, the UK’s biggest toy chain didn’t even bother to stock the last wave, as far as I know.
Personally, I think the line is great. I’ll be getting the dino at some point. As a child of the 80s, that and the croc give me major Zoids vibes. "
Zoids!
@yellowcastle said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
"" I do wonder how many people will purchase all five sets to get a complete collection of these..."
Me. It's merely a matter of time and inevitable huge discounts. "
I see what you’re doing. You’re gonna collect all 5 to force you to get the BDP Antique Cabinet. (Boba Fett head nods)"
This is the way.
More than twice as many pieces as 71458 Crocodile Car, and only $10 more.
I was surprised the review didn't mention that predecessor, but outside of @Lyichir, it doesn't seem any of the other commenters know about.
The 2-in-1 feature of many Dreamzzz sets is such a strength. Hopefully such an asset will continue in other future character and story-based product lines. It was a standout of several of the medium-size sets from The Lego Movie sets, and Technic fans sure miss b-models.
I don't see the eagle variant as a submarine but rather a plane cockpit with propellers/jet engines attached. The back of the box implies it's a flying thing too, not some kind of underwater/diving bird.
Either way, lovely set, two great variants worth building and shockingly well priced.
@Crux said:
[[ @ohrmazd said:
[[ @BrickAnomie said:
[[- it might look nice on a Lego She-Ra, if that ever became a thing.]]
If LEGO transformers has shown us anything, a failed LEGO knock-off line from the other big toy companies won’t prevent a future cross-over. Mattel is crossing over between Masters of the Universe and Thundercats so Masters and LEGO is not so far fetched. ]]
https://brickset.com/minifigs/name-Chainsaw-Dave said:
[[By the Power of Greyskull, cowabunga!]]]]
What set was Chainsaw Dave in?
For 70,- euro tjis looks to be decent value for lego's standards. It looks so bulky and detailed. Personally I think it might have done just as well to scale it down to a lower pricepoint for what it is. But for this pricepoint it's quite good :)
Not this set's fault, but I'm still confused why the wave starts at 50,- though. Where are the small sets? Dreamzzz had been so good about that!
@Rimefang said:
[[ @Crux said:
[[ @ohrmazd said:
[[ @BrickAnomie said:
[[- it might look nice on a Lego She-Ra, if that ever became a thing.]]
If LEGO transformers has shown us anything, a failed LEGO knock-off line from the other big toy companies won’t prevent a future cross-over. Mattel is crossing over between Masters of the Universe and Thundercats so Masters and LEGO is not so far fetched. ]]
https://brickset.com/minifigs/name-Chainsaw-Dave said:
[[By the Power of Greyskull, cowabunga!]]]]
What set was Chainsaw Dave in?]]
70840
@StyleCounselor said:
"Whose patronus is THAT??!!"
Mundungus Fletcher’s.
Regarding the croc sub, a true crocodilian should have legs that stick out sideways, not ones that are vertical. They don't carry their bellies off the ground when walking. Regarding the eagle sub, there's an entire family of stingrays known as eagle rays, which look like a bird flapping its wings when swimming. There's also penguins, which are birds that spend significant amounts of time underwater, where they're quite agile. And even actual eagles are frequently skilled at catching fish. The feathery design of the wings is a bit impractical, but the overall concept isn't as ridiculous as it sounds.
@bogdanst:
And yes, there are also waterfowl, though they don't compare to penguins underwater.
@ohrmazd:
I've been seeing MotU/TMNT characters for a while now, and recently I've encountered a few MotU/Transformers characters. Haven't seen anything from Thundercats except a premium die-cast of the vehicle, and some ReAction figures.
@craiggrannell:
They seem to be doing well enough in the US, and while they've said the UK makes a great test market, the US is more capable of supporting a theme by itself. I've seen a few instances where Europeans claim a theme isn't selling well in their market, but it appears to do quite well in the US, and they keep making more sets.
@Rimefang:
Chainsaw Dave was in Castle Greenskull.
Dreamzzz still has a lot missing on the smaller side of things. Maybe an Advent Calendar would have room to cover some of the missing smaller stuff that haven't made sets yet, like the Birthday Cake Monster or the Meanie Screenies. Or a special mold for a taco bag (or part 25893 with a hole instead of a stud).
Dreamzzz is probably my favourite theme, and this kit is just as fun as I’ve come to expect. I don’t really understand the sub as a negative - why *not* a submarine? The theme is all about imagination, after all. I do hope they still have some lower price kits to announce, though, and specifically I would like an Izzie kit and a Zoey kit. But especially an Izzie kit.
WAY too big for what it is.
the worst part about these dreamzzz sets is that there is sooo much bulk, yet sooo little actual room or space to do something.
It is all facade and sculpt and that is a shame
Thanks for the review.
This is a nice set. I like that the head is not made of only 2 big specific parts, like many smaller dragons sets.
But I don’t understand the purpose of having a mouth but no stomach, intestines and distal part.
@Brickeric said:
"But I don’t understand the purpose of having a mouth but no stomach, intestines and distal part."
To be fair, the only set I can recall that actually has any visible intestinal tract, was an oversized banana. To be balanced, you're going to have to make this exact complaint in EVERY SET FROM HERE ON OUT.
You've made your bed.
@Crux said:
" @Brickeric said:
"But I don’t understand the purpose of having a mouth but no stomach, intestines and distal part."
To be fair, the only set I can recall that actually has any visible intestinal tract, was an oversized banana. To be balanced, you're going to have to make this exact complaint in EVERY SET FROM HERE ON OUT.
You've made your bed."
31031 has a functional, if not visible, digestive tract, in that it expels anything you feed it. And 31129 famously has a digestive tract that’s visible at both ends, if not in between. I believe there’s at least one other set that has some partially-digested meal built inside (possibly a JP T-Rex?).
‘ Why are they submarines?’
Why not.
It’s called imagination.
Oh, since I forgot to post this earlier, and no one's beaten me to it:
We all live in a yellow submarine...
@TheOtherMike said:
"Oh, since I forgot to post this earlier, and no one's beaten me to it:
We all live in a yellow submarine..."
Lego does like their yellow submarines, don't they?