Review: 21358 Minifigure Vending Machine
Posted by CapnRex101,
21358 Minifigure Vending Machine provides an ideal opportunity for an outstanding minifigure selection, including two new Castle factions and unique Classic Space astronauts, plus homages to other celebrated LEGO themes like Fabuland, Pirates and Paradisa!
The sixteen minifigures provided look excellent and so does the actual vending machine, which offers impressive functionality. In addition, there are some notable new parts, including pods housing the all-important minifigures and massive trans-clear wall panels, bigger than nearly any other window piece.
Summary
21358 Minifigure Vending Machine, 1,343 pieces.
£149.99 / $179.99 / €169.99 | 11.2p / 13.4c / 12.7c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
21358 Minifigure Vending Machine is brilliantly designed, but its minifigures are the standout
- Fantastic function
- Innovative subject
- Highly desirable minifigures
- Capsule elements could be more versatile
- A little overpriced
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
LEGO invited fans to choose a new colour for the Classic Space astronaut and two ultimately made it to the set; teal and pearl gold. These were my favourites of the options given and teal looks particularly nice with the classic yellow head underneath the helmet. As normal, the only decoration is the Classic Space symbol on the torso.
Two of each astronaut colour are included, coming with a variety of accessories. One character carries a printed doughnut and a white mug, while the other is equipped with a wrench. I get the impression that the latter minifigure works harder, somehow.
I know many Classic Space fans like to imagine different roles for each uniform colour, so I am curious to know what everyone has assigned to the pearl gold astronauts. The duo is definitely eye-catching and the metallic gold planet on the logo works better than expected with the pearl gold plastic.
These astronauts are equipped with a radio and a typical Classic Space accessory, which could represent a laser gun, a scanner or basically whatever you like!
This set introduces two new Castle factions, also selected by fans via a LEGO Ideas poll. The armoured Griffin Knights appear inherently heroic, dressed in metallic silver mail with dark red robes underneath. However, I am not convinced by these helmets for the Griffin Knights, given these parts are most associated with villains from Knights Kingdom II and Fantasy Era.
Similarly, the gladius-style swords feel ill-suited to medieval minifigures, but I love their shields. The realistic shield accessory was designed for the Hylian Shield from 77092 Great Deku Tree 2-in-1 and it looks excellent with a silver and white griffin symbol, complementing the colours of the actual minifigures.
The pair of Kraken Warriors seem more sinister, borrowing the helmet developed for the Viking Collectable Minifigure, which likens these minifigures to ocean-going raiders. That reflects their Kraken-inspired insignia and I love the use of teal, dark green and reddish brown colours, again associating the Kraken Warriors with murky seas.
Both figures carry shields adorned with the Kraken, plus a cutlass and a whip. These weapons suit a seafaring faction and the use of bandana pieces with the helmets is clever, filling the gap originally left for a bushy beard on the Viking Collectable Minifigure.
Bo'sun Will and Camilla were characters featured in 6255 Pirates Comic, introduced with the original Pirates wave in 1989. These are perfect choices to represent LEGO Pirates in 21358 Minifigure Vending Machine, both including unique torsos and capturing some aspects of their comic appearances, although I think Will should look younger.
However, I like the blonde hair element selected for Camilla, the admiral's daughter, as well as her double-sided head. The minifigure is equipped for adventure with a map and flintlock pistol, while Will carries a cutlass and a parrot. Perhaps the original red and yellow parrot should have returned here, but the blue and yellow version looks lovely too.
Fabuland is another beloved LEGO theme, but one a bit trickier to celebrate in minifigure form. Animal costumes work well though, beginning with a figure dressed as Bernard Bear. The blue hoodie and red trousers match Bernard's original figure and I like the headgear too, re-using an element produced for 60363 Ice-Cream Shop, with new colours.
Elton Elephant is a fun choice for the second figure, reintroducing the head from the Elephant Girl Collectable Minifigure. However, the character wore a red shirt in 3601 Elton Elephant, so the hoodie should have been red to match. Repeating the blue version is a missed opportunity, in my opinion.
However, a yellow mug is an apt accessory to match 3601 Elton Elephant. Bernard's wrench is dull though. I can see why this was chosen, but as a delivery driver, maybe Bernard could have been delivering a printed tile depicting 329 Bernard Bear and his Delivery Lorry.
Paradisa was a Town subtheme launched in 1992, hence the '92' on the back of these relaxed minifigures. The classic Paradisa branding looks splendid on the front and both characters are seemingly inspired by specific designs from the original sets. The male figure's moustache and blue cap are particularly recognisable.
The colourful accessories are good as well, including a lime green camera, an ice cream cone and a cocktail glass. These minifigures would definitely look at home on a modern CITY beach, dressed to remember their holidays from the 1990s!
The final two minifigures pay homage to the LEGO Ideas platform and the fan designer, Rob Vangansewinkel. The latter looks delighted with his Minifigure Vending Machine creation and sports a nice flannel shirt, while the Ideas-branded shirt should prove popular, as LEGO store employee minifigures have been before.
It seems the LEGO Ideas minifigure is not based on a specific designer, so I cannot identify the car represented by a roller skate. The house is recognisable though, as 4000019 Brand Identity & Experience, which is displayed in lots of LEGO offices around Billund. Rob, meanwhile, comes with a minifigure-scale version of the vending machine and a printed coin.
The Completed Model
Capsule vending machines are a common sight around the world and a LEGO version is a fun proposal, hence the Minifigure Prize Machine Ideas submission's success. The updated model seems very similar to Rob's creation at first glance, but is actually much larger and incorporates more functions, such as inserting a coin to activate the dispenser.
The machine is pretty substantial, measuring 28cm tall, but still fits comfortably on a desk and looks nice from all sides. Red with light bluish grey accents is an attractive colour combination, with plenty of tiles and curved slopes forming a smooth exterior. Although there are quite a few exposed studs, I still think this could be mistaken for a real capsule machine.
I like the curved shape of the dispenser and the plate behind the handle, featuring a couple of 2x3 pentagonal tiles. Two printed coins are included and you must insert one into a slot on top before the handle can turn, like on a real vending machine. The coin drops inside and the pods tumble around as you rotate the handle, before one emerges.
As you continue to turn the handle, the coin is released from one side and ready to use again. Perhaps the 2x2 round tiles on the coins could have been decorated to match the smaller 1x1 round tile coin, although the '10' design looks fine.
The capsules comprise two hemispheres linked by Technic axles, so they are relatively easy to open, but will not open accidentally. There is just enough space for all the minifigure parts once they are disassembled, but it is a tight squeeze in certain cases. Furthermore, I wonder whether the hemispheres could have included an extra connection point, making them more versatile.
The internal Technic mechanism is surprisingly complex, considering all it really needed to do was turn the stirrer inside when the handle rotates. However, the designers did much more by adding a rubber damper that prevents the mechanism from working without a coin inserted, as well as a clicker underneath the blue gear, giving the handle a bit more friction and a pleasing clicking sound as it turns.
Eight trans-clear 8x8x6 curved wall panels form the capsule container, with a row of plates for strength around the middle. The panels are packaged separately in two bags, protecting them from damage quite well. The seams between elements are not ideal, although they are pretty much unavoidable without producing an absurdly specialised piece.
I like the rounded corners on the lid, which is easily removable to deposit the minifigure pods inside. Sixteen is enough to make the vending machine look good, but it could accommodate another ten capsules, at minimum.
The base of the container is cleverly designed to make sure pods never get stuck, as only one can drop through the rotating base and into the dispenser chute at a time and there are no flat edges. Elements typically used as road signs form a buffer along two sides, while the lip of the wall panels is not wide enough for anything to get stuck on the other two.
A few more rubber Technic beams are attached to the stirrer in the centre, moving the capsules around relatively gently. I still think there is a slight risk of scratches though, which is why I am glad of the misted texture on the trans-clear hemispheres, hopefully disguising any potential damage.
Overall
21358 Minifigure Vending Machine is executed pretty much perfectly. The dispensing function is brilliant and improves on the Ideas submission, excellent though that design is. The new parts also have considerable potential, but the many minifigures are the highlight, inevitably. Perhaps the repeated characters could have been skipped in favour of figures inspired by other themes, but the selection included is already satisfying.
The price is difficult, however. £149.99, $179.99 or €169.99 feels expensive to me, but unlike so many overpriced sets produced this year, I can understand how the price was reached. After all, there are sixteen minifigures included and no shortage of unique printed parts, plus a couple of costly new moulds. Even so, I think a discount is required, but this is still a worthy acquisition.
140 likes
50 comments on this article
I love this set and bought it almost day one. I have a problem though... I dont know how to properly display it. I feel that the minifigures should be displayed as well, but then what is supposed to be on the capsules?
@edmi said:
"I love this set and bought it almost day one. I have a problem though... I dont know how to properly display it. I feel that the minifigures should be displayed as well, but then what is supposed to be on the capsules?"
What about putting some candy in them?
@edmi said:
"I love this set and bought it almost day one. I have a problem though... I dont know how to properly display it. I feel that the minifigures should be displayed as well, but then what is supposed to be on the capsules?"
Display one of each pair, leave the other in its capsule?
If those minifigure parts aren't put on PAB Bestseller, the entire Western Hemisphere is going to burst into tears.
This set is such a fun idea, and I think the execution was pretty much perfect. The minifigures are really good too (the Spacemen and new Castle factions are my personal favorites). I do wish it was a little cheaper, though. It's just a little higher than I'm willing to spend.
"I get the impression that the latter minifigure works harder, somehow."
This made me chuckle. Great review, Capn!
@edmi said:
"I love this set and bought it almost day one. I have a problem though... I dont know how to properly display it. I feel that the minifigures should be displayed as well, but then what is supposed to be on the capsules?"
What if you had it so some of the minifigures looked like they were us working together to lift the coins to free their fellow figs?
I hope to get this, and would add minifigures from the collectible series or the 3xminifigures at the LEGO store. Also, great review!
I appreciate the review and plan to get the set when it gets a discount. I'm just a little surprised this review wasn't published earlier, around the time the set was released (back in June if I'm not mistaken).
Perhaps the teal astronauts could work in catering if they’re holding food and drink. An army marches on its stomach, after all.
Cool, but expensive. There are many machines running on the second-hand market that don't include the astronaut and knight minifigures. Space and Castle remain fan-favorite themes, no doubt.
It has bothered me all along that this is a great minifigures series being gatekept in a 100$ ball machine.
Overpriced.
I'm planning on using Insiders points to get this down to $135 which feels like a more reasonable price. Waiting for a nice GWP to sweeten the deal as well.
This is such a cool set, but yes it is over priced. Getting it on discount would be great.
@WolfpackBricks63 said:
"If those minifigure parts aren't put on PAB Bestseller, the entire Western Hemisphere is going to burst into tears."
With the last PAB update in Europe they weren't. But those new transparent corner panels were.
Amazing build, kudos for designer. It's also very cashgrabby and vile set and I am suprised so many people fell for this.
Sets like this show Lego is all about selling nostalgia for huge cash. Not a fan.
@edmi said:
"I love this set and bought it almost day one. I have a problem though... I dont know how to properly display it. I feel that the minifigures should be displayed as well, but then what is supposed to be on the capsules?"
Maybe you could take some figures from your collection that you don't care as much about and put them in the capsules.
@bricks4everyone said:
"I appreciate the review and plan to get the set when it gets a discount. I'm just a little surprised this review wasn't published earlier, around the time the set was released (back in June if I'm not mistaken)."
I would have published it earlier, but there were lots of other sets released in June and I prioritised those, partly because this set arrived a while after the review embargo, but also because I thought some other sets were more in need of a review.
For better or worse, I ended up buying the two figures I wanted elsewhere. I hate to be part of that ecosystem, especially given I didn't realize they came in pairs--somebody is happy having found a sucker that paid a significant portion of the total cost of this set...
For that reason, I have mixed feelings about the set itself--there's no denying it's a great set with a great design, but I can't shake that it's also a scalper's dream.
I received this for my birthday this summer and have been busy packing away my modulars to make a nice place for this one, which is a sensible next step for me. Delightful!
My 4 1/2 year old absolutely loves this set and will play with it for ages. It’s easy to rebuild after being dropped by accident and the figures are great
On my set, and I think in the pics in this article, the gold planet in the teal spacemen is mis-coloured.
All all other (recent) spacemen, the gold looks the same no matter the background colour. But Teal is an exception and I’m a bit disappointment.
Anyone else feel theirs looks off?
Tom Selleck :O
A "little"?
Very cleverly made set at a perfectly reasonable price. Got it in June, alongside 40766 'Tribute to Jane Austen's Books', which made a very nice bonus!
A clever idea that has been executed well. I cannot fathom though why LEGO persist in trying to tease space fans by scattering spacemen (and spacewomen) across multiple themes rather than taking a small punt on a Neo-Classic Space theme with a consistent range of sets in varying sizes, each built according to a small set of design principles. This has got to be a better investment than whatever becomes the next Vidiyo. The galaxy explorer reboot sold like hot cakes, and not only to AFOLs but to children in the age bracket for the original space theme. There must be logic behind this, but it’s beyond my understanding.
I do think it's a genuinely good set, a really interesting idea executed well ... but the price is just too much. Whether the price is justified or not, there's so many things above it on my Lego wishlist. This is one of those, "If I win the lottery tomorrow, maybe" things.
I don't know how I forgot about this. Maybe this will be what I order to get 40785, instead of 10358. I mean, besides all the other great minifigs, I haven't gotten all the colors of Classic Spacemen yet! "Classic Space superior, Soundwave inferior."
Edit: Order placed!
I'm kind of sick of the recoloured spacepeople. It was a fun gimmick at first, it was nice to complete the Every Spaceman Is Awesome-display, but now - ugh, enough already.
I do really like the vending-machine itself, though.
A very nice and interesting set, but as everyone else says, it's too expensive. I feel all the figures adds too much to the price, especially when at least five of them are essentially duplicates and could be omitted. I'd preferred less figures and rather having enough capsules to fill it properly with figures I already have.
@Crux said: "I'm kind of sick of the recoloured spacepeople. It was a fun gimmick at first, it was nice to complete the Every Spaceman Is Awesome-display, but now - ugh, enough already"
@jsutton said: "I cannot fathom though why LEGO persist in trying to tease space fans by scattering spacemen across multiple themes"
Why? Money, greed, FOMO-mongering - take your pick. Instead of spreading them across expensive sets, they really should make them available in affordable packs similar to 70841 Benny's Space Squad. But where's the profit in that?
@CapnRex101 said: "Although there are quite a few exposed studs, I still think this could be mistaken for a real capsule machine"
Are these studs (especially those on the sides) really necessary, or could they easily be replaced by a few more tiles? It seems like Lego really don't like the fully zero-studs look, they always prefer to leave a few visible ones to show that it's actual bricks.
I could've sworn Brickset reviewed this set back in June, but I am happy I was wrong because today is my birthday and I just happened to get this set as a gift! What were the chances? Thankfully, I was already aware it was a cool concept and set, so glad to see this review confirms that idea. Now to build it!
@Lego_Lord_Mayorca said:
"I could've sworn Brickset reviewed this set back in June, but I am happy I was wrong because today is my birthday and I just happened to get this set as a gift! What were the chances? Thankfully, I was already aware it was a cool concept and set, so glad to see this review confirms that idea. Now to build it!"
Happy Birthday!
@WolfpackBricks63 said:
"If those minifigure parts aren't put on PAB Bestseller, the entire Western Hemisphere is going to burst into tears."
They're well aware that not allowing one of their largest consumer demographic to purchase these separately is a win-win for them.
@Crux said:
"I'm kind of sick of the recoloured spacepeople. It was a fun gimmick at first, it was nice to complete the Every Spaceman Is Awesome-display, but now - ugh, enough already.
I do really like the vending-machine itself, though."
The different spacepeople can be fun... but when only ONE set includes them, it kinda makes them pointless. It's the same issue that every new Castle "Faction" has now: they're released in one set and never seen again.
What's especially odd is that none of the original spaceman colours are currently available in a set while neither blue nor black were ever released in the updated design at all!
@Crux said:
"I'm kind of sick of the recoloured spacepeople. It was a fun gimmick at first, it was nice to complete the Every Spaceman Is Awesome-display, but now - ugh, enough already.
I do really like the vending-machine itself, though."
Yeah, I liked the pink, orange, and green, brown and purple was fun, and do enjoy these teal and gold ones well enough..... but when we're getting to dark blue, bright light blue, bright green? Do we really need this?
And yeah, the distribution method of many of them as just parts strewn across expensive sets is getting more irritating as they keep doing it.
@HoodedOne said:
" @WolfpackBricks63 said:
"If those minifigure parts aren't put on PAB Bestseller, the entire Western Hemisphere is going to burst into tears."
With the last PAB update in Europe they weren't. But those new transparent corner panels were."
They will come in January at least the Space figs.. That was a compromise since some people handling money/profit at Lego did not want the minifigs parts on PAB, since they are the main seller of the set and that would damage sales. Thankfully the PAB team fought our case and we ended up with a 6 months delay instead of the normal 4. However with the ridiculous price on the Arctic fox I do not think the parts will be cheap:s
@Lego_Lord_Mayorca said:
"I could've sworn Brickset reviewed this set back in June, but I am happy I was wrong because today is my birthday and I just happened to get this set as a gift! What were the chances? Thankfully, I was already aware it was a cool concept and set, so glad to see this review confirms that idea. Now to build it!"
I also thought it was reviewed months ago, I'm sure I only bought it after reading the brickset review!
I was on the fence regarding this but bought it and split it with my daughter, I built it then kept almost all the minifigs but she has the set to play with - and enjoys putting together her own minifig combos to fill the balls, then sometimes when her friends are round they take all the balls out and make them. The mechanism is not only ingenious but extremely robust to handle being played with by half a dozen 5-year olds! It also looks quite nice on display - so all in all I don't feel the price was unreasonable for once.
"Fabuland is another beloved LEGO theme."
More blatant LAN lies!! JK ;)
Nice review.
Something just occurred to me. The halves of those minifig capsules would be great for a big Dalek MOC.
Bought this on day 1. As soon as it was done, I moved all the minifigs to a display case and replaced them with candy, sticking a cut-out packaging wrapper inside facing toward the turn mechanism. I had hoped it would be popular at my work, but for some reason people keep jamming the thing. I have turned the nob at least 100 times and only partially jammed it once, so I really have no idea what they're doing wrong. Once somebody jams it, it seems to scare them off from trying it again, so it's unfortunately sitting full of candy and no customers. :-( Still, it's a great build and looks fabulous, and the minifigures are great too!
@Crux said:
"I'm kind of sick of the recoloured spacepeople. It was a fun gimmick at first, it was nice to complete the Every Spaceman Is Awesome-display, but now - ugh, enough already.
I do really like the vending-machine itself, though."
Nope, I won't rest until we have every last color. Including old grey.
@ra226 said:
"For better or worse, I ended up buying the two figures I wanted elsewhere. I hate to be part of that ecosystem, especially given I didn't realize they came in pairs--somebody is happy having found a sucker that paid a significant portion of the total cost of this set...
For that reason, I have mixed feelings about the set itself--there's no denying it's a great set with a great design, but I can't shake that it's also a scalper's dream."
I don't think it is a scalpers' dream. A lot of the value is in the minifigures and accessories and these are likely to make it on to PAB soon. So a reseller can only really make money off it if they can sell the figures to a buyer that absolutely must have them early and refuses to wait otherwise their value will drop when they are more widely available. The set is very easily available so it definately has not been scalped. The alternative is to buy at end of shelf life and sell as a set, but that is not scalping.
I am happy to wait until the torsos and shields are on PAB, as I want probably 8-10 of the Krakens and I don't really see much value in the set as a gumball machine.
Yellow house, red roof and blue car reminds me of the Weetabix house 1484 . Or is it just a coincidence?
@CCC said:
" @ra226 said:
"For better or worse, I ended up buying the two figures I wanted elsewhere. I hate to be part of that ecosystem, especially given I didn't realize they came in pairs--somebody is happy having found a sucker that paid a significant portion of the total cost of this set...
For that reason, I have mixed feelings about the set itself--there's no denying it's a great set with a great design, but I can't shake that it's also a scalper's dream."
I don't think it is a scalpers' dream. A lot of the value is in the minifigures and accessories and these are likely to make it on to PAB soon. So a reseller can only really make money off it if they can sell the figures to a buyer that absolutely must have them early and refuses to wait otherwise their value will drop when they are more widely available. The set is very easily available so it definately has not been scalped. The alternative is to buy at end of shelf life and sell as a set, but that is not scalping.
I am happy to wait until the torsos and shields are on PAB, as I want probably 8-10 of the Krakens and I don't really see much value in the set as a gumball machine."
The scarcity of the minifigures was created by LEGO itself when it put them behind a £150 pay barrier, so selling parted out sets isn’t scalping. Scalping is when sellers intentionally create scarcity by buying up supply to increase the price on secondary markets. As far as I’m aware, there’s no reseller created shortage of this set anywhere in the world. Ergo, no scalping going on. And no, I’m not a LEGO reseller.
Great review. I bought this when it came out. I love the concept (I spent so much playing on these machines as a kid. And we often used fake toy money which worked perfectly!)
It does still surprise me that people still think Lego is overpriced. How many other toys are so durable and can be used in so many multiple ways? I have my childhood Lego. Its 50 years old. It was expensive then but its paid 100 times over for the fun and continued enjoyment its given. And im still finding new ways to build with it.. What else gives you that kind if value over 50 years? Its like people forget that each piece can be used multiple times for decades. To me, that's priceless.
@Zander said:
" @CCC said:
" @ra226 said:
"For better or worse, I ended up buying the two figures I wanted elsewhere. I hate to be part of that ecosystem, especially given I didn't realize they came in pairs--somebody is happy having found a sucker that paid a significant portion of the total cost of this set...
For that reason, I have mixed feelings about the set itself--there's no denying it's a great set with a great design, but I can't shake that it's also a scalper's dream."
I don't think it is a scalpers' dream. A lot of the value is in the minifigures and accessories and these are likely to make it on to PAB soon. So a reseller can only really make money off it if they can sell the figures to a buyer that absolutely must have them early and refuses to wait otherwise their value will drop when they are more widely available. The set is very easily available so it definately has not been scalped. The alternative is to buy at end of shelf life and sell as a set, but that is not scalping.
I am happy to wait until the torsos and shields are on PAB, as I want probably 8-10 of the Krakens and I don't really see much value in the set as a gumball machine."
The scarcity of the minifigures was created by LEGO itself when it put them behind a £150 pay barrier, so selling parted out sets isn’t scalping. Scalping is when sellers intentionally create scarcity by buying up supply to increase the price on secondary markets. As far as I’m aware, there’s no reseller created shortage of this set anywhere in the world. Ergo, no scalping going on. And no, I’m not a LEGO reseller."
Scalping doesn't necessarily mean artificially driving up demand. It can also mean buying every one of a thing you can find if you know that demand for that thing is going to be high and the supply low, such as event tickets (which is where the term originated), store exclusives of some kind, or that kind of thing.
I really like this set! But I seem to be the exception, because the minifigures are a little too generic for my tastes.
Eventually I want to pick this up on BrickLink from a reseller. I don't need the figures--I just want to build the vending machine and use my own figures in it!
@jjr_2009 said:
"I really like this set! But I seem to be the exception, because the minifigures are a little too generic for my tastes.
Eventually I want to pick this up on BrickLink from a reseller. I don't need the figures--I just want to build the vending machine and use my own figures in it!"
I agree the minifigures are not the most fulfilling, and I think having two of each weakens the selection. I've heard a few saying the set basically includes a CMF series, and I couldn't agree less. I like the Kraken knights and the teal astronauts, and the Fabuland suits are cute, but one of each would appeal to me more if it meant we got a greater breadth of designs in this set, and the figures overall are not a CMF series in their standard.
@ra226 said:
" @Crux said:
"I'm kind of sick of the recoloured spacepeople. It was a fun gimmick at first, it was nice to complete the Every Spaceman Is Awesome-display, but now - ugh, enough already.
I do really like the vending-machine itself, though."
Nope, I won't rest until we have every last color. Including old grey."
There's therapy... or heavy drinking. Both are expensive, but probably cheaper than Lego is these days.
I still love this, and fully intend to switch out the contents of the balls with assorted mini builds whenever I get around to getting it. I think it will be a great insta-boredom killer.
@Hiratha said:
"I still love this, and fully intend to switch out the contents of the balls with assorted mini builds whenever I get around to getting it. I think it will be a great insta-boredom killer."
The review said it should accommodate enough capsules to turn it into an Advent calendar, so there's a possible idea.