Review: 76168 Captain America Mech Armour
Posted by CapnRex101,
76168 Captain America Mech Armour appears quite impressive. The model certainly captures the enhanced strength of Captain America and cleverly incorporates his renowned shield. This versatile accessory features superb decoration and connects with the mech.
The associated minifigure includes an updated torso as well, combining the greatest features from earlier Captain America minifigures with improvements elsewhere. In addition, the consistent colour scheme between this minifigure and the armoured suit ensures that they both complement one another, as we might expect.
Minifigure
76143 Avengers Truck Take-down introduced a superb Captain America minifigure, wearing a separate helmet component with printed wing icons on either side. That piece returns here and looks nice, in combination with the flesh head underneath which features an appropriate helmet strap on one side and a smile on the other. Unfortunately, no hair piece is provided.
The torso distinguishes this minifigure from its immediate predecessor, although the alterations appear relatively subtle. I like the colour combination of dark blue and dark red, especially with attractive brighter blue accents across either side of the torso. Decorated legs would definitely be welcome but are not absolutely necessary here in my opinion.
Captain America wields his distinctive shield, as always. The same accessory has been used twice before and looks reasonable, although the white printing could have been improved and choosing dark bluish grey for the element underneath seems odd. I think the variants released during 2012 and 2014 remain the most effective.
The Completed Model
Marvel character mechs feature similar proportions and 76168 Captain America Mech Armour therefore measures 18cm in height, matching other models. However, the broad shoulders and large hands appear most reminiscent of 76141 Thanos Mech which seems appropriate because their respective drivers are renowned primarily for their strength and extreme determination.
Constructing the mechs at this scale enables extensive articulation, hence this model can achieve various poses. The separate shield is remarkably useful in this regard because Captain America's interaction with his shield is evidently important and reflecting that in the mech is equally vital. You could even give the impression that the shield is being held in both hands because the shoulders can move inwards!
The decorative emblem fixed on the chest is printed, featuring five metallic silver rivets which look excellent. Furthermore, this 2x2 round tile does not obstruct the opening cockpit, allowing easy access to place Captain America inside. The pearl silver 1x2 ingot which forms a belt buckle appears attractive too, matching the minifigure which features a similar belt buckle. These ingots are also found on the arms and legs.
As usual, no controls are included which is somewhat disappointing and I think the minifigure should have been secured more firmly. Its integration with the mech looks perfect though, as Captain America's head protrudes from the torso. Additionally, I should also mention that no stickers are provided and the mech achieves ample detail without them in my view.
The arm assemblies match 76141 Thanos Mech almost exactly, featuring extremely similar shoulders and forearms. That design looks superb here and I appreciate the white highlights which appear on both the arms and legs. The hands are also cleverly designed, featuring fully articulated fingers and presenting a secure attachment point for the shield.
Matching the minifigure accessory and chest decoration, Captain America's shield proudly displays his associated red, white and blue colours around a five-pointed star. The rivets are delightful and I like how the 2x2 plate with an inverted Technic pin has been integrated for the arm connection. Once again, the white printing does seem slightly washed out but that is less pronounced here because the 8x8 dish underneath is lighter in colour.
This shield may also be attached to the back of the mech, as demonstrated below. This configuration is certainly less versatile than connecting it to the hand, although I appreciate either option. The minifigure's shield is also stored on the reverse of this vehicle, albeit on the left leg. Ideally, this storage solution would have been properly concealed.
Nevertheless, accessory storage is welcome. The lower legs are assembled backwards which seems interesting and I like the colour combination of red and white. However, the rectangular feet include limited detail when compared with other Marvel character mechs. They do provide complete stability though which is important for posing the model.
Overall
I think 76168 Captain America Mech Armour is my favourite of the three new Marvel character mechs, although the Miles Morales minifigure from 76171 Miles Morales' Mech Armour is more appealing than Captain America here. The integration of the shield is successful and this colour combination of dark blue, red and white looks fantastic for the character.
Furthermore, the modest scale of this mech permits various interesting poses for display. I like the proportions of this model as well, conveying the desired sense of strength which one would associate with Captain America. I think the price of £8.99 or $9.99 represents reasonable value for each mech and I appreciate the unique design of the Captain America minifigure, especially after skipping 76143 Avengers Truck Take-down during 2020.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review represents an expression of my own opinions.
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39 comments on this article
Honestly, I’m mostly interested in it for the Cap figure. I didn’t like the previous one based off the Avengers videogame (it just looked... dull), and I didn’t want to pickup that Endgame set just for their new helmet piece.
The big shield could be useful for something.
I wasn't interested in the first wave of mechs but this wave looks great. I plan on getting this and the Miles Morales mech when I find them in stores.
I honestly think these sets are a creatively bereft cash grab. They are underdesigned and do not even feature the Marvel characters that frequently use bipedal robots like Iron Man and War Machine.
Looks like a Rob Liefeld illustration to me
@CopperTablet said:
"I honestly think these sets are a creatively bereft cash grab. They are underdesigned and do not even feature the Marvel characters that frequently use bipedal robots like Iron Man and War Machine."
76140 came in the first wave
^ Indeed and covered in my Christmas gift guide: https://brickset.com/article/54526/holiday-gift-guide-marvel-mechs
i think the reason it is a dark bluish-gray shied is that it is made of vibranium, which is a gray metal.
SW fans: this is not the cap we were looking for
if only captain rex came it a $10 set...
Awful. I wish they would stop making these terrible mechs and instead release sets based on things that actually appeared in the movies and television shows.
I buy these for two reasons, pretty decent minifgs and good parts pack. They all have some nice detailing pieces in the smaller range that are harder to come across in bulk lots, which are my main supply of parts. Iron Man was assembled for all of two days while I made a video review and tried to appreciate it for what it was but the concept didn't stick with me. Miles and Thor are on the way from LEGO HQ and once I have the figs assembled the remaining parts are going directly into my MOC supply.
@aztecwarrior said:
"Don't care. Don't care. Don't care. Lego make something different besides machines and mechs!!! Educate with more Historical sets! This is just all explosions, bombs, guns, blasters, etc. nothing educational or worthwhile at all."
I get your point but I'm a little confused. this set has no guns, explosions, bombs, or blasters!
@CopperTablet said:
"I honestly think these sets are a creatively bereft cash grab. They are underdesigned and do not even feature the Marvel characters that frequently use bipedal robots like Iron Man and War Machine."
They already made an iron man one
@aztecwarrior said:
" @legoninjago69 said:
" @aztecwarrior said:
"Don't care. Don't care. Don't care. Lego make something different besides machines and mechs!!! Educate with more Historical sets! This is just all explosions, bombs, guns, blasters, etc. nothing educational or worthwhile at all."
I get your point but I'm a little confused. this set has no guns, explosions, bombs, or blasters!"
Yes, this sets doesn't but practically every other marvel/Dc superheroes/Star Wars/ set does include all that stuff. Lego used to me more educational and had a lot more variety in the past. It has been getting worse since 5 years ago.
"
honestly, I might be biased, but I agree. for me, the best era of lego was 2010-2015. sets nowadays, for the most part, just aren't as interesting to me.
Mine arrived on Sunday along with The Miles Morales one out the two the captain America one is better in colour scheme and the massive Shield element and the new minifig is the best one since the Age of Ultron & civil war variants;
I've been talkin to fellow marvel fanatics on Instagram and we all think its time lego Released some villain mechs I,e Mysterio, Doctor Doom, kang, Magneto, carnage and Doc Oc!!
@aztecwarrior
sadly, no. I'm kinda in your situation. I'm in high school and kind of broke, so I don't get huge things like that almost ever. But have to agree it is such a great set, and I really like how it looks and transforms into a massive pirate ship.
@CopperTablet said:
"I honestly think these sets are a creatively bereft cash grab. They are underdesigned and do not even feature the Marvel characters that frequently use bipedal robots like Iron Man and War Machine."
I think of these as a nice, cheap way to get some major characters. Makes it good for kids to save up for, and adults don’t have to worry too much about breaking the bank for the included mini figures.
@aztecwarrior said:
"Don't care. Don't care. Don't care. Lego make something different besides machines and mechs!!! Educate with more Historical sets! This is just all explosions, bombs, guns, blasters, etc. nothing educational or worthwhile at all."
History doesn't sell toys. Explosions do.
@Mr__Thrawn said:
"History doesn't sell toys. Explosions do."
I wonder then why LEGO keeps releasing sets like the Modulars, or Ideas, Architecture or Friends, or why the biggest set ever is the model of a ruin in Rome and not a Nimitz class aircraft carrier ;-)
Incidentally, just that (Nimitz class carrier) will be available later this year by that other company I keep mentioning all the time :-)
Does anyone have any ideas when we could see the gardens of ninjago city set? It’s releasing next Thursday and we still haven’t had a word from Lego? I’m pretty sure we’re not meant to see that catalog image either, but I’m not complaining.
@thatsaltyninja said:
"Does anyone have any ideas when we could see the gardens of ninjago city set? It’s releasing next Thursday and we still haven’t had a word from Lego? I’m pretty sure we’re not meant to see that catalog image either, but I’m not complaining."
I was thinking the same thing: when is the press relese? I need to see it from more angles. day 1 buy, if i can get enough money by then.
@CliveyB said:
"Awful. I wish they would stop making these terrible mechs and instead release sets based on things that actually appeared in the movies and television shows."
Preposterous! They'd be caught dead before they do that.
@AustinPowers said:
" @Mr__Thrawn said:
"History doesn't sell toys. Explosions do."
I wonder then why LEGO keeps releasing sets like the Modulars, or Ideas, Architecture or Friends, or why the biggest set ever is the model of a ruin in Rome and not a Nimitz class aircraft carrier ;-)
Incidentally, just that (Nimitz class carrier) will be available later this year by that other company I keep mentioning all the time :-) "
I am convinced you are a LEPIN employee in disguise
@PixelTheDragon said:
" @AustinPowers said:
" @Mr__Thrawn said:
"History doesn't sell toys. Explosions do."
I wonder then why LEGO keeps releasing sets like the Modulars, or Ideas, Architecture or Friends, or why the biggest set ever is the model of a ruin in Rome and not a Nimitz class aircraft carrier ;-)
Incidentally, just that (Nimitz class carrier) will be available later this year by that other company I keep mentioning all the time :-) "
I am convinced you are a LEPIN employee in disguise "
Saaammee
@CliveyB said:
"Awful. I wish they would stop making these terrible mechs and instead release sets based on things that actually appeared in the movies and television shows."
I used to feel the same until a friend of mine showed me his MOCs of mechs that he had made; truly impressive and creative use of parts. I have since purchased Iron man and Thanos from last year and really enjoyed the building experience. Also, from Lego's point of view, mechs are very popular and sales worthy. At the same time, I completely agree with your second statement, it would be great to get more location based sets like the fun 76108 Sanctum Sanctorum Showdown.
Still on the fence if the minifig is supposed to be MCU Cap in his Endgame suit or if it is just a generic comics-based Cap. No review so far hasn't mentioned it. What do you guys think?
@legoavenger14 said:
"Mine arrived on Sunday along with The Miles Morales one out the two the captain America one is better in colour scheme and the massive Shield element and the new minifig is the best one since the Age of Ultron & civil war variants;
I've been talkin to fellow marvel fanatics on Instagram and we all think its time lego Released some villain mechs I,e Mysterio, Doctor Doom, kang, Magneto, carnage and Doc Oc!!"
I would prefer if LEGO confined mechs to characters for whom it made sense. Magneto? Yes, he moves metal psionically so a mech would be his armour of choice. Doc Oc? Yes, he is a robotics expert so a mech controlled that way would work (a tentacular mech would be cool!). Mysterio? Perhaps if it were an illusion. The others? I'm not so sure.
All that said, LEGO is catering to kids (mostly boys I suspect). Kids like superheroes. They like mechs. So combining the two regardless of character conformity is a sound business decision. Can't really blame LEGO for capitalising on both.
@Ojík said:
"Still on the fence if the minifig is supposed to be MCU Cap in his Endgame suit or if it is just a generic comics-based Cap. No review so far hasn't mentioned it. What do you guys think? "
It’s close enough to MCU Cap to count as one for me!
A Captain America mech being reviewed on a day that America could really use him--not for his enhanced strength, speed, stamina, etc., but for his leadership and integrity (something sorely missing from our world today).
@AustinPowers said:
" @Mr__Thrawn said:
"History doesn't sell toys. Explosions do."
I wonder then why LEGO keeps releasing sets like the Modulars, or Ideas, Architecture or Friends, or why the biggest set ever is the model of a ruin in Rome and not a Nimitz class aircraft carrier ;-)
Incidentally, just that (Nimitz class carrier) will be available later this year by that other company I keep mentioning all the time :-) "
Fair point. I will point out that LEGO’s best-selling themes are still action-based- Ninjago, Star Wars, and the now heavily conflict-based City. Friends is an outlier, I’ll give you that.
@Mr__Thrawn said:
" @AustinPowers said:
" @Mr__Thrawn said:
"History doesn't sell toys. Explosions do."
I wonder then why LEGO keeps releasing sets like the Modulars, or Ideas, Architecture or Friends, or why the biggest set ever is the model of a ruin in Rome and not a Nimitz class aircraft carrier ;-)
Incidentally, just that (Nimitz class carrier) will be available later this year by that other company I keep mentioning all the time :-) "
Fair point. I will point out that LEGO’s best-selling themes are still action-based- Ninjago, Star Wars, and the now heavily conflict-based City. Friends is an outlier, I’ll give you that.
"
The most conflict City has is Cops and Robbers, and even then the sets center more about high speed chases than actually fighting each other. You’ve still got a lot of city sets about, well, living in a city.
@Mr__Thrawn said:
"Looks like a Rob Liefeld illustration to me"
Nah, its feet aren't small enough for that.
The only reason I'd want this is for that giant Captain America shield to make a Kopaka America recolor.
@legoavenger14 said:
"Mine arrived on Sunday along with The Miles Morales one out the two the captain America one is better in colour scheme and the massive Shield element and the new minifig is the best one since the Age of Ultron & civil war variants;
I've been talkin to fellow marvel fanatics on Instagram and we all think its time lego Released some villain mechs I,e Mysterio, Doctor Doom, kang, Magneto, carnage and Doc Oc!!"
Well I have the Venom and Thanos mechs but get your point. Still hoping there is a villian mech in this set too. I think an Electro Mech would be cool and colorful.
@PixelTheDragon said:
" @AustinPowers said:
" @Mr__Thrawn said:
"History doesn't sell toys. Explosions do."
I wonder then why LEGO keeps releasing sets like the Modulars, or Ideas, Architecture or Friends, or why the biggest set ever is the model of a ruin in Rome and not a Nimitz class aircraft carrier ;-)
Incidentally, just that (Nimitz class carrier) will be available later this year by that other company I keep mentioning all the time :-) "
I am convinced you are a LEPIN employee in disguise "
Why Lepin?
By "that other company" I mean a certain German one. And no, I neither work for them nor have I got any other personal affiliation with them. I just love building their sets, just like ever more people I know. Heck, we even combine the sets from that company with the LEGO ones in our layouts and display cabinets. How's that for a novel and revolutionary idea.
@aztecwarrior said:
"Don't care. Don't care. Don't care. Lego make something different besides machines and mechs!!! Educate with more Historical sets! This is just all explosions, bombs, guns, blasters, etc. nothing educational or worthwhile at all."
Tanks are historical. Take a lesson from Sabaton and tell history *with* explosions.
@OldschoolFan74 said:
" @legoavenger14 said:
"Mine arrived on Sunday along with The Miles Morales one out the two the captain America one is better in colour scheme and the massive Shield element and the new minifig is the best one since the Age of Ultron & civil war variants;
I've been talkin to fellow marvel fanatics on Instagram and we all think its time lego Released some villain mechs I,e Mysterio, Doctor Doom, kang, Magneto, carnage and Doc Oc!!"
Well I have the Venom and Thanos mechs but get your point. Still hoping there is a villian mech in this set too. I think an Electro Mech would be cool and colorful."
I also have the Thanos Mech mainly for the minifig forgot there was a venom one but hopefully lego will make more and Some Dc comics ones would be welcomed too!
@AustinPowers said:
" @Mr__Thrawn said:
"History doesn't sell toys. Explosions do."
I wonder then why LEGO keeps releasing sets like the Modulars, or Ideas, Architecture or Friends, or why the biggest set ever is the model of a ruin in Rome and not a Nimitz class aircraft carrier ;-)
Incidentally, just that (Nimitz class carrier) will be available later this year by that other company I keep mentioning all the time :-) "
We did get 76042 The SHIELD Helicarrier, which is flat-out awesome; we also got 76153 Avengers Helicarrier, which is for swooshing where the other is for display.
Had LEGO not produced the Super Heroes line - basically the only way to get compatible Marvel and DC figures - then I’d never have spent the several thousand dollars I’ve spent on LEGO at this point. I plan to keep spending money on the Super Heroes line as long as LEGO keeps the Marvel and DC licenses, because there’s nothing close to the inspired melding of cool and cute that is LEGO.
@Ojík said:
"Still on the fence if the minifig is supposed to be MCU Cap in his Endgame suit or if it is just a generic comics-based Cap. No review so far hasn't mentioned it. What do you guys think? "
I'm pretty sure it's mostly based off his Marvel NOW costume, from the comics in 2014 that were written by Rick Remender. It has the same hexagon armor plates, the same piping, the same panels with rivets on the sides of the chest armor, and the same blue beltloop things.
If I had to guess, this is the picture they based it off of: https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/marveldatabase/images/6/66/Avengers_%28Earth-616%29_from_Avengers_Vol_5_1.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20121205162049
There are a few differences (red stitching on the abdomen, I think that costume had a star on the back), but there are too many similarities for me to think it's *not* based on that specific costume.