Review: 31099 Propeller plane
Posted by Mr_Cross,
Please welcome new set reviewer, Mr_Cross...
31099 Propeller Plane is a small 3-in-1 creator set with just 128 pieces and represents 2020’s first entry in the Creator ‘Aircraft’ category.
2019 saw six sets tagged ‘aircraft’ in the Creator range alone, many of which tread similar ground, but I think this set most closely follows on from 31042 Super Soarer from 2016. I would have thought a minor hiatus from airborne vehicles was on the cards, but here we are nevertheless.
Box and instructions
The box follows the format and design that’s been in use for the last couple of years, and it’s a nice eye-catching image of the main model, flying through what I assume is the grand canyon. There’s nothing particularly special to say about it, I don't think there are any exclusive parts, but it’s a small Creator set and this is pretty standard fare I feel.
There are separate instructions books for each model, which seems to have been the case with most smaller 3-in-1 sets I’ve bought recently. This is something that I prefer to any sort of combination and hope they continue to do it.
Contents
All the parts are delivered in two un-numbered bags as is the norm for the theme. As this is such a small set there are no inner bags either and the large number of 1x1 parts are all loose in the smaller bag.
Here are all the parts, I’ve taken to knolling creator sets, not very precisely, neatly or as beautifully done as I’ve seen elsewhere. A simple Google search for ‘knolling LEGO’ will start your journey down that particularly wonderful rabbit hole.
The main build
As always, the main model uses all of the parts as listed in the back of the instructions. It’s a straightforward build, with fairly standard techniques being employed throughout.
It’s a nice looking thing, good shaping and contrasting colours. It was a pretty quick build and the urge to give it a quick “MYERROWWW!” round the room was strong. It’s a sturdy enough build to stand quite a lot of that too (not that I would know of course!)
The model is probably depicting an aerobatic low-wing monoplane (I’m reliably informed) of the sort used in the Red Bull air race. A taildragger, something akin to an Edge 540 but without (more aerodynamic) engine cowlings. LEGO’s version seems reasonably authentic although there is part of me that wonders if those engines really need to be that big!
The second build
Another one or two-man aircraft, but this one does not seem to be so closely trying to imitate a real world plane.
Although, my tame aviation enthusiast pal tells me it’s reminiscent of ‘jet trainers’. Probably akin to a Cessna Dragonfly or similar, but I’m not supposed to quote him on that.
Again, the build is fairly straightforward but I think is affected in a level of fiddliness that is due to the volume of small parts included in this set. 49 parts equal to or smaller than a standard 2x1 plate out of 128 which is very nearly 40%. Everything is eventually secured though.
The final build
This is a little chopper with landing pad. I don’t think this is supposed to be anything other than a generic representation of a helicopter. It’s the sort of model we more often see in the ‘Classic’ theme sets and it is definitely the least impressive of the three models. Although this is a fairly solid build again.
I can see the reasons for varying the type of aircraft. Better on shelf appeal for the Auntie in Tesco's looking for a last minute present.
Something more...
The strength of this set may just be in the limitations of the parts, in a very short time I managed to produce what I think is a reasonable fourth alternative.
I’m thinking of it as a glider and it might not be at all accurate but I think it shows what is possible with the set.
Often there has been fourth options for builds with Creator sets from LEGO themselves via their instructions download page, but as this is being written pre-release, I can’t check on that.
Conclusion
The suggested RRP of £8.99/$9.99 seems very reasonable, especially if you are buying this as a present. The 7p per part price average has to be considered good value.
However, there’s nothing really special in the collection of parts, and a large proportion of those parts are very small parts.
I’m torn, because it's a good entry level set, the dark azure and dark blue contrast nicely with the white and orange, it’s nice and presents many possibilities for your own builds… but very little here appeals to me. Furthermore, whilst there are some pieces in quantity, they are mostly readily available parts. It’s not really big enough to be viewed as a ‘parts pack’, so for the average AFOL I can’t really recommend it, but then, it’s not really for you or me (us).
So, I don’t think it’s fair to be wholly negative about this set, as an introduction to LEGO for your airplane mad nephew, it’s brilliant, and approval is high amongst the 6-8year old resident toy users in my household. My son built it too and zoomed it round the room, my daughter played with it too. That’s what it’s about and as high a recommendation as can be given for a set of this kind.
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16 comments on this article
A neat trio of aircraft.
I'd like to go outside the box and suggest...
SPACESHIP!
I mean, it's got all the right parts and colors.
Great review. I especially appreciated the 'sound effects' too. Will definitely pick this set up. Liked your fourth 'alternative' build very much.
Nice, well written review @Mr_Cross. A welcome addition to the Brickset team
Great review! I appreciated your perspective. The fourth model was well done. I'll definitely be getting this.
Nice review. Like the article style. Looking forward to more
Like your review style a LOT. I’m very intrigued by this “knolling”...
I’d say that second build is based off an A10 Warthog. A warplane. But the look is there
Wonderful review, and nice alternate! It appears to be a very accurate glider, so nice job! Also, I have noticed that TLG has a thing recently with making overly large aircraft engines (see 31094 for an especially vivid example.)
Welcome @Mr_Cross! Great start to your new career as a Brickset reviewer :-)
Congrats Mr_Cross for your first review. It's a great review!
Love the set as well as the review. Welcome to the team!
Always appreciate those images showing all the pieces nicely laid out.
Two things unique to this reviewer. Maybe I don't recall but I think it's great that an alternate build was attempted with this set. I am sure there are others that this could easily be done. Secondly having input from the target crowd children.
Excellent review! I really appreciate that you went into this much detail! Non-licensed themes and smaller sets deserve love too :)
Thank you all for such a warm welcome.
OMG yeah. An aircraft set! MUST buy for me!