Review: 76023 The Tumbler, part 3: The completed model
Posted by Huw,
This article, the conclusion of our review of 76023 The Tumbler, contains photos of the completed model and my verdict.
Is it a must-have set worth $200, or would you be better off spending that money on something else? Read on to find out if this is the model for you.
The completed model
Here are shots of the completed model from various angles.
When you see it from angles like this, you start to wonder how on earth it all fits together: it's a miracle of LEGO engineering! :)
The glossy tiles that cover much of the surface are susceptible to showing fingerprints, particularly under bright lights: you can probably spot a few in these images.
Someone asked for a picture of it with a minifig beside it to give an idea of scale. So here it is. The model is about 45cm long x 23cm wide x 13cm high.
Compared to the prototype
So, how does it compare with the 'real' Tumbler? This video on YouTube pointed out to me by JusJeff in the comments to part two of the review, contains some useful reference material. This still from the video is one of the better shots of it from the side, which can be compared with a similar shot of the LEGO version below.
It's a pretty good approximation, isn't it, given the limitations of the medium. The majority of the panels and odd angles have been replicated pretty well. The photo answers my question about what the grey light-sabre blades on the side are: they appear to be hydraulic pistons.
It's worth watching the video to gain an appreciation of how well other details of the vehicle have been captured.
Compared to 7784 UCS Batmobile
My photography studio setup isn't really big enough to be able to take photos of the two models together, other than top-down. It's sufficient to be able to see how they compare in size though.
Verdict
I'll deliver my verdict as a series of pros and cons:
Pros
- It's a very satisfying model to build: It's a mixture of traditional Technic, studless Technic and of course normal LEGO and so features a lot of different building techniques. There are some repetitive steps, to build left- and right-hand sections but none are long and laborious.
When you see the photo of the model on the box, you probably start questioning how on earth it's been constructed at such odd and un-LEGO-like angles, so perhaps the best part of the build is finding out how it's been done. As I said in part two, every trick in the book has been used: clip hinges, click hinges, ball joints, plate hinges, '318' bars poked into holes: if it's LEGO legal, it's probably been used in this model. Building it is an education.
- It looks fantastic: There's no denying that the designer has done an excellent job of capturing the look of the real Tumbler within the constraints of the LEGO system. The constraints have been well and truly pushed to be able to do so though. It makes a truly superb display model that every Batman fan will appreciate. The interior looks great too, although it's mostly hidden from view until the roof is removed.
- Excellent minifigs: Although superfluous, they are the icing on the cake and for many may be reason enough to buy the set.
Cons
- It's a display model: There is nothing to play with and no moving parts. No steering, no moving engine, no opening doors, no suspension. All you can do is roll it back and forth and remove the roof to admire the interior. Whether this matters to you or not, only you will know.
- There's a lot of Technic in it: This didn't bother me in the slightest but some people don't like Technic parts for some reason. Perhaps if you plan on assimilating the parts into your building stock at some point in the future and have no use for them, I can understand it. The use of Technic is necessary to be able to give it the required rigidity.
- It's fragile: To be able to achieve the weird and wonderful angles, some of the panels are held on by little more than a Holder Ø3.2 W/Tube Ø3.2 Hole pushed onto a Plate 1X2 W. Vertical Schaft or similar and thus are prone to moving about or detaching when handling the model. Given that it's primarily for display, it's probably not going to be a major issue for most people.
- It's not cheap: $200/£159 is a lot of money by anyone's standards. You are buying a building experience and a display model. It will be worth $200 to some but not to others.
- Stickers: If you spend megabucks on a set, I think it's reasonable to expect to have printed parts, particularly given that the new Juniors sets costing a fraction of the price have them. Having said that, with the exception of the large data panel sticker, they are easy enough to apply and are only attached to tiles or Four-Sided Sign With Snaps.
On balance, for me, the pros outweigh the cons. The building experience was excellent and it will take pride of place in my display cabinet. I don't tend to play with my models once built so the fact there's nothing to actually play with doesn't worry me. If however you do, and expect to have fun with it once it's built, it may not be the set for you.
It will be available to VIPs from shop.LEGO.com and in brand stores next Monday. We'll remind you on the day.
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52 comments on this article
Thanks for the great review Huw, particularly the pic of the Tumbler with the minifigure to see the scale. Whilst it does look a really great and interesting build I think for me that price just puts it out of reach. If it was £100 I'd be very tempted but there are too many other sets out there that I'd like to get and mean more to me personally (SW and LOTR related).
I can see why Lego and Batman fans will want this though, it really is a very impressive model and I love that Joker minifigure, I'll definitely be trying to pick one of those up.
Great review of a great set. But the price is really terrible. If it would cost as much as in US (200$=150€) I would probably buy it, but for 200€ definetly not.
Thanks for the fantabulous review, Huw.
You have answered all of my niggling questions. Like you, I only intend to have it on display. Well done Lego ... sold !!
International for Monday? Still 'need' to grab an Exo-suit and some others. Lots of recycling I suppose.
How many parts are rare/unique or black only so far, with this kit?
Great job with that review!
As a side note, I dont see as a "con" the fact that its a display model. I would love to see more "display models" in any other series.
Looks like a fun build. However, considering the result and the size of the set, it fails to really impress me. No 'play' features in a set this size seems like a waste to me. Especially missing the ejectable pod / Batbike is almost unforgivable, in my opinion. Same goes for the lack of a steering mechanism.
I'll be honest, I never liked the first UCS Batmobile, but even so, I prefer that older version to this Tumbler.
I am hoping to purchase this on Monday. It looks absolutely incredible, but I reckon they could have included steering and the Batpod, even if the price would have had to be increased a little.
Thanks for the review Huw!
It'll be a Monday purchase for me for sure! Loving the details like the exhaust pipes by the canopy and the windshield wipers. Absolutely can't wait!!! Only real con for me is that it has stickers at all... For the price, TLG should really get to the point of printed only bricks.... otherwise, I'm geekin' out over here.
Thanks for the review Huw! Also The Sly Fox, fantabulous is my word... -_-
Even if it's a display model skipping steering is unacceptable. No die-cast model ever comes without steerable wheels: you just need to be able to hold a pose.
Begging your pardon, Sir
Wow, it looks great!
Huw, could you take a picture of it compared with the UCS batmobile rebuilt into the alternate tumbler model.
Huw, great review. For me this IS a Must Have!!!
^^ What, spend a couple of hours disassembling and reassembling it just for one picture? Not today :)
Depending on how the Star Wars UCS set is I may or may not get it. I like Batman but is not a definite purchase as of now
Well I don't have a lot to add I think Huw covered the Pros and Cons really well. I wont be buying it on day one but will look out for it on black Friday or any other great lego shop deal. I will wait to find out if we are really not getting any more Hobbit or LOTR D2C sets and if not might just have to pick it up but the minifigs will play a really big part.
I'm not a huge fan (read 'really didn't like them') of the new batman movies so this just doesn't excite me. Saying that, it's a nice model. If I had the money spare, would I buy it? Na. I'd rather buy something more interactive or a nice huge technic set. Just me really.
Good review Huw btw.
Huw,can you make a post comparing the size and the overall shape of this UCS tumbler with the first tumbler (set 7888)just to see the difference(s) between the 2 versions?
Sorry, like most people, I don't have 7888.
Thank you Huw for such a comprehensive review.
The cons you noticed are really pitty : mainly the lack of steering.
Nevertheless, the price is a blocker to me.
I won't buy this set but I may grab the minifigs on bricklink...
Firstly, your photography was very good and are you ever planning to make a youtube channel?
What you said is what I expected a lot of Technic and hardly any play features.
Overall I am not going to buy this set as it is a little pricey and it is only a pile of black bricks which at the end of the day will collect dust. But, it is an impressive set with very cool building features and it actually looks like the set it's self.
I put all you images together in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCXU84FvsSk
Thanks for this awesome in depth written review! It was very good. :)
My first comment didn't show up - so posting again, so hope it doesn't come up twice! I was super excited about this model, but I have to say I'm a bit less so now. I built a MOC tumbler a few months back and while the detail is not as good as this one (those angles they've got are amazing) I managed to include front and rear suspension and steering. I'm really disappointed - and surprised - this model has neither. Hard to achieve - but its a UCS, so surprised its missing. Part of the appeal of the tumbler is its bouncy movement, and this won't have that at all. I'm also surprised by the choice of the rear tyres. I can't understand why they didn't use the buggy-type tyres of the technic crawler, which seem a lot more like the actual shape than these. Was sure I was going to get this, no not so sure... Will wait to see what it looks like in the flesh (or plastic)!
^ The back tyres have a tread much like those in the video but as you say, they are much squarer.
@Lego 360 official, thanks, nice video. I don't have the time or inclination to mess about with video and personally I much prefer a good set of stills to a video review.
If it didn't come with Mini-Figures I'd probably skip it, as it is, the set still intrigues me. Not the best representation of a UCS set apparently, however I'd like to own at least one and the Tumbler takes up less space than a Super Star Destroyer or one of the larger Starfighters from that Galaxy Far, Far Away.
I also don't mind Technic pieces in builds, adds a bit more fun during the build to incorporate everything LEGO in one model. (Not counting Duplo and stuff.)
The more pictures I see of this the more I wish I had more money. :(
I specifically skipped on part 2 so as not to spoil the build for myself. It was sort of obvious that this model was going to be all about building techniques. So thank you for presenting this verdict in a separate post, I read it with much interest indeed. (Still avoiding looking at the pictures as much as possible.)
I hate stickers with a passion, but all the other cons don't matter to me, so here's 200 bucks saying this dust magnet is a definite purchase now.
I've been waiting for a long time for this set, hoping to see a good review that would help me weigh the pros and cons about it.
First of all, big thanks to the reviewer, I couldn't have hoped for a more extensive and more documented review.
As a huge fan of Batman, I was on the fence about this, obviously because of the price. One doesn't drop 200€ like that (at least, not me, if some do, they're lucky! :D ), and I must say this review confirmed my biggest fears after seeing the first pics of this set. For me, a UCS is, as the name says, an "Ultimate" build of a vehicle representative of a license you love. Without sacrificing to details, UCS sets such as the Falcon or the Star Destroyers allowed also for playability with the minifigures. Here, some important details are missing, such as steering or, the biggest offender, the Batpod, which is really a shame, but some of the finishing touches seem a little "rushed". But what really stops me is that the minifigures in this set are exclusive to it.
I'm disappointed in Lego on this one, if they had made a Tumbler in which you could include minifigs, one made better than in set 7888 (and obviously a little bigger), with more finished details (c'mon, the grey and yellow pistons attached only by one end!?), I would have bought it without any hesitation.
Here, the feeling I get is that instead of doing a good job with playability as well as exposition value, they went for a huge model because it's easier to make an accurate likeness of a real vehicle on a big scale than on a smaller scale.
I forgot! The worst about this tumbler: the way you open the cockpit. These removable panels are really, really cheap... they couldn't even be bothered to work on a cockpit that opens normally, or, better, like in the films...
Lego doesn't regard this as a ucs set. I had confirmation from them on this aspect. Doesn't change much! But thought I would let you know. They regard this as a standard set so perhaps expectations should be lower?
^Name one $200 "standard" set. Everyone has high expectations for a model of this caliber and price, no matter what LEGO reps consider it to actually be.
Good review, although all the pros and cons are fairly obvious. I can't and won't get this set, because of personal preference and no cash for it.
To Dimrost: If the Batpod AND the way you ask the Tumbler to be and do in terms of features, it would end up being 300-400$ if not 500$. You're asking for a new Death Star. And the playability you ask isn't what most UCS collectors are looking for. And, this is my opinion, the Batpod is not as iconic as the Tumbler. If the steering would work, it would take even more work in the design. Maybe Adam (the designer) never was able to make it right and as close as the original. It would take so much work on the suspension. And I don't blame him: the Tumbler is a weird vehicle.
At this point, I like the way it's presented. I know you all want the Tumbler to be the closest ever... but when you have so many expectations, you just end up being disappointed all the time. I don't care about the features, I want the building experience and be proud to present it in my deskroom. Asking for more features is like asking the Lego X-Wing to fire proton missiles. Anyway, I'm sold on this one since its confirmation but it'll be on my desk this next month. I can't wait.
Thanks Huw.
Thanks for the review! Hopefully I'll be able to pick it up on Monday, or at the very latest next weekend. BTW, does anyone know if the September VIP Gift will be available when this is released early for VIPs on 8/18 or do we have to wait until 9/1?
Lots of custom tumblers achieved both better looks and functions while staying under 2000 pieces. Artifex obviously comes to mind...
The biggest con for me is the price, for what it is. Those minifigures are not sufficient justification for a £160 pricetag. Thanks for making this an easy pass for me.
I still can't understand the obsession with minifigures among AFOL. Each to his/her own, but I see these as cereal-box-gift add-ons for a set and nothing more. I find it weird that people are griping over minifigs and playability, when surely a set like this (which let's face it is aimed fairly squarely at the adult market) is all about looks, design and functionality? Are there really people out there who will be swayed in their decision to shell out £160 on a set by the inclusion of two minifigs?!?!
^ Surprisingly, yes there are!
@MarcusHalberstram wait and see what cost more on ebay the 2 minifigs or the Tumbler
The Joker will be serious money, maybe £50+.
This'll look great next to my 7888. Might post some pics over on the forums when I get the UCS.
@marcushalbertram: Minifigures are like candy to most collectors. They can make or break a set in a lot of AFOLs minds. Honestly I'm not surprised that certain collectors would be swayed to buy this due to the inclusion of Minifigures, as I count myself among them, and the only reason they sway me so much is partly my completest nature and partly because I just really love the idea of owning Heath Ledger in LEGO form.
I do admit the set is pricy, however it's a price well worth the asking because DC Super Heroes sets with few exceptions have all been pretty impressive builds and designed sets. Even the Catwoman set was a nice little build for what it was. This Tumbler is going to be a blast to build and add to the collection. Ordinarily I skip UCS sets because I'm poor and they don't have much to offer if they don't include figures. This is one set I find I can't ignore or put off for later. And really the figures are the reason why, by itself a UCS Tumbler just isn't a priority for me.
LEGO knows what they're doing when they put exclusive figures in large/expensive sets.
I noticed today that The Tumbler is now missing from LEGO shop. When I search 76023 in the search box the link to the set page comes up, but when I click on it, I am redirected to the shop's home page. Is anyone else having this problem?
Your photography is second to none, Huw. May I ask which camera you use?
The photos aren't coming up for me :( but, good review anyway, I still can't decide earthier this or ewok village help me!
^^ A Nikon D610 with 60mm micro lens. But the camera is not as important as the lighting. I'm using two Nikon SB910s in Lastolite soft-boxes one placed either side, something like this: https://www.flickr.com/photos/brickset/8490281640/in/set-72157632489712886
Now The Tumbler is gone even when I search for it in the search box. Hopefully it comes back Monday.
Thanks, Huw.
That looks like a tasty set up. I'm going to try my hand at brick filming. I have some great ideas floating around in my head.
It's Monday here in Australia. Still can't order it yet, I take that we have to wait for the " America Monday ". Anyone got any news.
Same problem here. It's Monday in America now and it is still not available.
Available here in Belgium. And one Tumbler ordered :-) . Estimated delivery date is "as from September 1st"...
It's Monday in Europe and I could pre-order it on the Swiss LEGO.com if I actually wanted to buy it. They claim it would be delivered from September 1 onwards.
I can't wait when LEGO release new UCS Star Wars Snowspeeder. Taking into consideration theese building techniques I'm assuming it finally will have a properly done front section of the fuselage. In my opinion it's the hardest one to reproduce in the entire LEGO Star Wars theme.