Review: 75331 The Razor Crest (1)
Posted by CapnRex101,
The impressive Ultimate Collector Series seldom includes subjects appearing outside the Original Trilogy, while television series remain completely unexplored. However, The Mandalorian provides ideal material for this collection, introducing the celebrated Razor Crest!
75331 The Razor Crest emulates the example of 75192 Millennium Falcon and 75313 AT-AT, taking advantage of the Ultimate Collector Series size to recreate this utilitarian transport at minifigure-scale. Some appealing minifigures are therefore included and these, along with the construction, are the focus of our review today.
This set was provided for review by LEGO, All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Box and Contents
The packaging is the same shape and size as 75313 AT-AT and shares the 18+ branding, as normal. The dark backdrop looks reasonable, but I think presenting the Razor Crest against the barren landscape of Arvala-7 would potentially have been more appealing. There are 48 bags inside, numbered between one and 36 and divided between two smaller boxes.
Four instruction manuals are supplied, featuring unusual orange covers. These contain some information about the Razor Crest onscreen and commentary from the model designer, César Soares, alongside the graphic designer, Martin Fink. The stickers were his responsibility and this sheet is relatively large, so I think some external designs should have been printed, at least.
Minifigures
Before acquiring his hard-wearing beskar armour, The Mandalorian sports a rugged durasteel alloy and this minifigure takes inspiration from those early episodes of the series. The torso and legs accordingly remain completely identical to the minifigure introduced in 2019, although they feature accurate detail, so no alterations were necessary.
However, the helmet decoration has attracted criticism since 2019, lacking a central ridge and positioning the visor too low. Those issues are greatly improved here, particularly in relation to the proportions of the visor. Additionally, the head from 75325 The Mandalorian's N-1 Starfighter returns and looks superb, now combined with an appropriate hair element too.
Perhaps most impressive of all though, are the decorated arms. The existing beskar minifigure has consistently included printed arms, so I am delighted to see the durasteel version receiving the same treatment. The two-tone right shoulder pad provides some lovely colour, although this pauldron is replaced with a beskar component during the very first episode. As usual, Din Djarin includes his Amban phase-pulse rifle.
Grogu also accompanies the titular bounty hunter. This tiny figure was introduced in 75292 The Razor Crest and features the same rubbery head, faithfully capturing the infant's enormous ears and eyes. Given his continuing presence and popularity, maybe a specialised body piece should be developed to recreate Grogu's billowing robe, although the standard baby component works fairly well.
When discovered, Grogu travels inside a white hover pram. This rendition of the pram captures its shape nicely and comfortably accommodates the child, adapting a design originally found in 75307 Star Wars Advent Calendar. Whereas the existing pram was predominantly light bluish grey with festive red accents, this example includes accurate flame yellow orange highlights.
Introduced during the first episode of The Mandalorian, Kuiil has never appeared in minifigure form before. His availability here should therefore prove exciting, but I think the execution of this popular character is poor. The head looks elongated and exaggerates Kuiil's distinctive cheek flaps, for which are Ugnaughts are known. Past Ugnaught minifigures have captured the shape much more successfully.
The dual-moulded headgear and goggles look superb, but the head shape is baffling, especially because the digital minifigure from LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga looks fantastic. I like the intricate pattern on Kuiil's neckerchief though, while his golden belt buckle also shows great attention to detail. The olive green arms are arguably too bright, but adding some extra colour only enhances this minifigure.
Before being dispatched to recover a mysterious fifty-year-old target, Din Djarin captures The Mythrol on Pagodon. Despite lacking a unique head mould, this unnamed character is instantly recognisable, including printed fins and barbs on his medium azure head. The vibrant blue eyes appear odd though, since Mythrol eyes are similar to those of humans.
While dark brown and reddish brown are not the most attractive colours, the Mythrol's mundane attire matches his appearance onscreen. Flecks of reddish brown provide welcome detail across the torso and I like the metallic silver belt buckle, which again corresponds with the character from the television series.
The Mythrol includes a pair of handcuffs for transport aboard the Razor Crest, while Kuiil carries a wrench. This minifigure also wears a simple brick-built backpack, suiting the Ugnaught's short stature.
Construction
Assembling bigger Star Wars sets consistently begins similarly, with Technic bricks sandwiched between layers of plates. This common technique is reliable though, strengthening the base of the fuselage before angled sections are connected on either flank. The tapering shape of the Razor Crest therefore starts to emerge almost immediately.
Unlike many comparable Star Wars sets, which require an elaborate Technic frame, attention here moves quickly to the interior. Tiles cover the floor and provide nice texture, while the dense structure of the nose surrounds some mechanical detailing. I always enjoy blending styles of building like this, minimising repetition during construction.
The walls of the Razor Crest are constructed in two layers, beginning with several brick-built pillars. These are relatively simple, but attaching the Technic structure above them adequately solidifies each support. Additionally, the brackets on the exterior are covered with tiles, further reinforcing the frame.
Technic bricks also extend beyond the base of the fuselage, recalling the construction of 75309 Republic Gunship. The ramp and surrounding structure feel remarkably rigid, making good use of various Technic beams to achieve the desired angle. The rearmost panel is cleverly mounted using red flick-fire missiles, which slot through Technic pin holes where these holes do not line up perfectly.
Four panels comprise the outer layer of the fuselage, employing the same combination of tiled surfaces and stacked bricks as 75313 AT-AT. However, unlike the hooked panels on the Imperial walker, these panels are attached using clips. This structure appears fairly fragile, but the panels are secure and the heavier sections towards the rear are angled inwards using a pair of rubber Technic beams.
The landing gear is firmly connected to the base of the fuselage, again taking advantage of the rigid Technic structure. The housing fits neatly around the rear landing legs, comprising several panels fixed at different angles and creating an accurate shape. Additional wedge plates and tiles then cover the exposed studs, before each housing is fitted using two clips.
Comparisons with 75313 AT-AT continue across the top of the fuselage, as clever combinations of ball joints and wedge plates form accurate shapes. However, these panels are more complex than those on the walker, also incorporating angular panels connected using clips. The seams between these panels are incredibly subtle, demonstrating the potential of LEGO geometry.
Unsurprisingly, the central section is easily the biggest. The engines are directly integrated with this area of the fuselage, relying upon Technic bricks and overlapping plates for strength. Given the relative slenderness of this structure and the substantial weight of the engine nacelles, I am impressed by such rigidity.
These cylindrical engines are constructed similarly to 21309 NASA Apollo Saturn V. An effective combination of curved slopes and tiles forms a smooth shape, supported by numerous brackets and bricks with studs on the side within. Colourful pieces are found throughout the model to aid in construction, but these are always hidden as each section is completed.
Afterwards, the wheel hub created for 10269 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy and two series of chain links complete each engine, presenting authentic texture. A similar chain link building technique previously appeared in 10227 B-wing Starfighter. Fitting the finished fuselage panel and engines into position is very satisfying, as the whole surface appears essentially seamless!
The cockpit canopy is assembled around 1x2x1 2/3 bricks with studs on four sides, minimising the number of exposed studs and presenting the correct curvature. Finally, the laser cannons are mounted beside the cockpit. Even these are surprisingly complicated, as mechanical detail surrounds the Technic core of each weapon, which requires construction in multiple directions.
Overall
The minifigure selection is rarely the outstanding feature of Ultimate Collector Series sets, instead serving to complement the focal model. 75331 The Razor Crest certainly satisfies that need and I am particularly delighted with Din Djarin himself, as his durasteel alloy armour reaches the same standard as the exceptional beskar-armoured minifigure. Kuiil is disappointing though, thanks to an odd head sculpt. Of course, adding Migs Mayfeld, Q9-0 or even the Frog Lady would have been fantastic, but the current group of minifigures is satisfying.
I have already mentioned similarities between the construction of the Razor Crest and other recent Ultimate Collector Series sets of comparable size, which are hardly surprising given their previous success. The building experience does therefore feel familiar and there are inevitable instances of repetition, although they are infrequent and the combinations of angled panels, for instance, seem more advanced than ever.
The second part of this review, discussing the completed model, will follow later this week.
173 likes
82 comments on this article
Looks pretty good to be honest, even though I'm not into overpriced behemoth UCS sets. Kuiil looks ridiculous though.
By the way, is the new AT-TE ever gonna have an official review?
I'm just amazed at the overall build and structure of the model; upon the first view of the leaked and official images, I thought that it seemed like an overall bland large block. But now seeing the details and intriciate process to get the precise angles, I'm impressed!
For $600 that is too many stickers.
I didn't realize that Kuiil was an Ugnaught at first because that head mold was so unlike what I picture them to look like. It's like an Ugnaught had a botched cheek liposuction.
Bold decision to go with contrasting orange and yellow stripes..... oh, there not meant to be contrasting orange and yellow stripes you say!
Imo the best thing this set is bringing to the table, are the DkBGrey friction Halfpins. Let's hope, Lego moves their stance on colored pins and axles further in this direction.
I'd sacrifice all the (admittedly well-done) interior that I'd never play with for retractable landing-gear.
Remotely-operated, or even automatic upon lifting the starship.... Hmmmmm...
Really hoping that new helmet print also shows up in the 2023 Mandalorian sets. Wish Kuiil could show up elsewhere too, but that seems less likely.
Wow, I completely disagree regarding Kuiil. I personally think the the digital minifigure from LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga looks very cartoonish and almost childish which works for the game (eyes too big, mouth too wide), and not at all like the character in the show. The drooping jowl on this figure look spot on, with perhaps a little less hair. I wonder if we were watching the same show?
The overall model is beautiful, but if they can print pieces for a helmet series, surely, they can print pieces for a UCS model, or at least offer the choice of printed pieces and stickers and let us make the final decision on what to use when building the model. I don't think this would add too much cost to the set and would make many fans happy to have a choice.
Din Djarin looks superb.
(oh and as an aside, I can't seem to edit my comment only cancel, then delete and repost. I am on Firefox, not sure if that makes a difference or if anyone else is experiencing this?)
@johleth said:
"For $600 that is too many stickers."
And way too many colors inside. Looks like a test build before applying the final color scheme.
Not really into Star Wars enough to be fussed by the subject model itself but man, definitely gonna be studying the PDF instructions from back to front when they drop - some really really fascinating work with subtle angles that I'd love to learn and replicate for my own MOCs.
Props to the designer(s?) responsible, some really lovely work on that front!
@IgelCampus said:
" @johleth said:
"For $600 that is too many stickers."
And way too many colors inside. Looks like a test build before applying the final color scheme."
How is that even a complaint, you want more grey pieces in your grey starship?
I bet the Mando fig will be worth $100 at least.
By the way, @CapnRex101 I think we need a vote: which UCS sets scale is the best? Large, micro or minifig?
The review is great as always, thorough, the typical Rexian quality.
The model looks good from the top, front, back and sides…I’m damn curious about the undercarriage. “The landing gear is firmly connected to the base of the fuselage” makes me think it’s the more common ugly LEGO bottom. Which frankly stinks. If you’re gonna build a ship like this, with playable interior and functions, and it’s a ship, and it’s wieldy enough for swooshing and I can’t swoosh…I have a problem with that.
Looks great, but it's a pass for me cuz I don't consider the TV shows part of my own personal Star Wars canon. Will be the first UCS set I pass on.
@Koend1999 said:
"I loved both the Colosseum and the Titanic"
Yes, I love both of them but the Titanic won for being shelf shaped!
It looks pretty good from the outside, but I'm really interested in the interior. It's hard to see much from the official pictures.
@IgelCampus said:
"And way too many colors inside. Looks like a test build before applying the final color scheme."
Just build it through a monochrome camera so you don't need to suffer the indignity of a colourful world, while everyone else can enjoy the benefits.
@IgelCampus said:
" @johleth said:
"For $600 that is too many stickers."
And way too many colors inside. Looks like a test build before applying the final color scheme."
When will people realize that this is an intentional user experience choice? Especially as LEGO courts more users, multiple colors make for a smoother building experience that is less frustrating. As long as they are well hidden, I truly don't understand why this bothers so many people
Impressive rendition of the ship but I just can't at that price. I love Mando as much as anyone but I just can't see how this subject matter warrants a $600 set. I'll just buy the playset version and modify to clean it up.
Two UCS gunships in two years *slow clap*
@0neTrick said:
" @IgelCampus said:
" @johleth said:
"For $600 that is too many stickers."
And way too many colors inside. Looks like a test build before applying the final color scheme."
How is that even a complaint, you want more grey pieces in your grey starship?"
Yes! I want more grey and black pieces inside, because you can actually do something with them, after you disassemble the model.
I really like this model and I could probably afford it if I really wanted to, but...
Why does size doesn't seem to be as big of an issue? People complain about stickers (rightly so), the price (high, but defendable), minifigs and all sorts of things, but to me this most off-putting is its sheer size. Where do you put sets this big? I have lots of sets that I (re)build and display for a while. My kids play with them and when we get bored, I dismantle them and store it away until another slow evening presents itself.
A 6000 piece set doesn't lend itself for that. A nice one-time building experience and then what? It's not very enjoyable to rebuild I think and even storing set this big take up a lot of room.
I have 75192 on permanent display on the wall, but if I would want to display more of these huge USC sets I'd need to move house.
I thought about buying the UCS AT-AT, because at least that can double as a side-table...
@0neTrick said:
" @IgelCampus said:
" @johleth said:
"For $600 that is too many stickers."
And way too many colors inside. Looks like a test build before applying the final color scheme."
How is that even a complaint, you want more grey pieces in your grey starship?"
I want a set with a nice building experience and I have no problems with colors if they have a purpose, like distinguish similar build structures or left panel from right panel and so on. But just look at the photo of the engines. That's 10 different colors to build an extremely simple element. Why do they need red and blue for the top-most bricks? What's the benefit? It just looks extremely ugly imho. That's more different colors than City or Friends sets use for the 6+ target audience. Here we are talking about a 18+ sets for adults. Of course everyone is different but this just hurts my eyes.
@lippidp said:
"Looks great, but it's a pass for me cuz I don't consider the TV shows part of my own personal Star Wars canon. Will be the first UCS set I pass on."
Does that include the Clone Wars? Overall you’re missing out on some good Star Wars content and have a rather incomplete canon then.
The model looks great but the minifigs less so. I feel like Mando/Din just looks like a cheap version, the lighter colour used for his torso really stands out and not in a nice way, I feel like a dark brown would have suited him better, and the colour of his helmet (and the IMHO sub-par printing) don't really work for me.
Hmm, judging by the layout of plates along the sides of the Razor Crest, replacing all of the stickers with yellow or dark tan tiles may be more difficult than I thought.
Finally, a set that contains the Mythrol and Kuiil! Wait, it costs 600 credits? I have a baaad feeling about this!
I've been thinking about the common complaint of overpriced Lego sets lately, and I think I may have come up with part of why the bigger sets especially get targeted: there's no economy of scale, and no accounting for "sunk cost". The PPP of Lego sets doesn't decrease as piece count increases, which is uncommon. Also, each set of any size has a certain base cost for packaging, instructions, and the like. If that cost is assumed to be absorbed in even the cheapest sets, then it should be reflected in relative savings on larger sets. (In other words, the base costs on a 6,000-pc set are not 10x more than on a 600-pc set.)
Am I nuts?
@Montyh7 said:
"(oh and as an aside, I can't seem to edit my comment only cancel, then delete and repost. I am on Firefox, not sure if that makes a difference or if anyone else is experiencing this?)"
Not just you; I've been finding that lately too, and as far as I can tell it's unique to Firefox because I tested it on a couple of other browsers and didn't have the same problem. I did contact Brickset support about it, but it was working fine for Huw even on Firefox so he wasn't sure what to suggest. He wondered if I had some extension installed that might be interfering with it working properly; I haven't got around to testing that yet, though.
@Koend1999 said:
"
Also, this complaint is so old that it honestly starts to become annoying. Also, and I do not want to insult you, it is quite enlightening that most similar comments come from German speaking countries. Could this have something to do with some controversies sparked by certain German Youtubers promoting cheap, unlicensed Chinese knockoff crap?
"
I don't know anything about YouTube but I know that my boxes of bricks are getting more and more filled with stupid useless colors which I will never be able to use for any of my MOCs.
And it's not only that it's different colors, it's that every color is only used a few times. So what do you do with 2 pink bricks and 2 red ones and so on? If they would use like 3 colors one would get some decent number of bricks in these colors but not small amounts for 10 different colors.
@Koend1999 said:
" @blogzilly said:
"The review is great as always, thorough, the typical Rexian quality.
The model looks good from the top, front, back and sides…I’m damn curious about the undercarriage. “The landing gear is firmly connected to the base of the fuselage” makes me think it’s the more common ugly LEGO bottom. Which frankly stinks. If you’re gonna build a ship like this, with playable interior and functions, and it’s a ship, and it’s wieldy enough for swooshing and I can’t swoosh…I have a problem with that."
This model is as long as the UCS Falcon, and probably weighs close to it too. I doubt that this makes the model swooshable, so I do not really care as much about the bottom. However, from what I have seen it does not loo half bad."
Surely this isn’t as long as the Falcon?
@B_Space_Man said:
"Surely this isn’t as long as the Falcon?"
The MF is 80cm / 31.5" long, the Razor Crest is 72cm / 28" long.
£500. Stickers. Nope.
@IgelCampus said:
" @johleth said:
"For $600 that is too many stickers."
And way too many colors inside. Looks like a test build before applying the final color scheme."
Have you considered building it in a basement closet with no lights at night while wearing sunglasses? Give that a try and just know that if it doesn’t work you can always just send the set to me, I’ll dispose of those bright colors responsibly.
I am no longer responding to individual replies because I don't understand the hate some people show here if others have differing opinions. I was not attacking anyone but just commented that I dislike this new trend of colorful constructions without any reason. I even tried to explain my reasoning but instead of accepting this pov, some users get really angry and write offensive attacking comments. This is really sad for this community.
This model is a BEAST!!
I will enjoy this review for free, cos I sure can't afford it :o(
Lovely
Where does this thing with german youtubers come from? I've been here on Brickset for over a year now and it comes up surprisingly often. Are they mind-controlling psychics? When a german user comments something negative, there's almost always a response along the lines of "Ah, you're from Germany, so your opinion must've been shaped by those pesky youtubers". As if people can't form similar opinions independently.
In the case of this particular model, I have to agree with the dissatisfaction over the interior color vomit given the proper role-play here would be to at some point shatter the model into the ground. And when that happened in the source material you didn't see multicolored debris strewn across the scene.
@IgelCampus said:
"I am no longer responding to individual replies because I don't understand the hate some people show here if others have differing opinions. I was not attacking anyone but just commented that I dislike this new trend of colorful constructions without any reason. I even tried to explain my reasoning but instead of accepting this pov, some users get really angry and write offensive attacking comments. This is really sad for this community."
New trend? Where have you been?
For the price, there doesn't seem to be a comparable amount of building to go with that price. Stickers don't help to sell it.
I'm thrilled they've finally released a minifigure edition of Kuiil, that character has been long overdue. Clearly disappointing they didn't release it in a smaller set of course. Kuiil's ranch full of Blurrgs would've made a great small- or medium-sized set out of an interesting Star Wars locale. Can only hope they'll capitalize on that idea sooner or later, I guess.
Imagine how much of a nightmare it would be to put this 6000 piece set together if every piece was gray and the bags weren't numbered. Those people at LEGO, they know what they're doing when it comes to making incredibly complex models easy to put together by the end user
@Koend1999 said:
" @PjtorXmos said:
" @0neTrick said:
" @IgelCampus said:
" @johleth said:
"For $600 that is too many stickers."
And way too many colors inside. Looks like a test build before applying the final color scheme."
How is that even a complaint, you want more grey pieces in your grey starship?"
Yes! I want more grey and black pieces inside, because you can actually do something with them, after you disassemble the model."
That is just you wanting to build in black and white and grey only. Luckily there are a lot of people who prefer building with colours."
I'd argue black especially is way more versatile, because you can use it as filling material, without being afraid of anything shining through little gaps in a build.
@PjtorXmos said:
" @Koend1999 said:
" @PjtorXmos said:
" @0neTrick said:
" @IgelCampus said:
" @johleth said:
"For $600 that is too many stickers."
And way too many colors inside. Looks like a test build before applying the final color scheme."
How is that even a complaint, you want more grey pieces in your grey starship?"
Yes! I want more grey and black pieces inside, because you can actually do something with them, after you disassemble the model."
That is just you wanting to build in black and white and grey only. Luckily there are a lot of people who prefer building with colours."
I'd argue black especially is way more versatile, because you can use it as filling material, without being afraid of anything shining through little gaps in a build. "
Yeah but it can be difficult to identify pieces if the whole interior is a single colour - especially black.
UCS Razor Crest: a great model which also has desirable and well sought after minifigures.
UCS Republic Gunship: …
That Kuiil minifig looks much better in 3/4 view than straight-on. I have spoken.
This UCS ship is too big to swoosh, so retractable landing gear would only benefit the small number of people who might create a custom display stand or hanging technique for it.
@tfcrafter said:
" @PjtorXmos said:
" @Koend1999 said:
" @PjtorXmos said:
" @0neTrick said:
" @IgelCampus said:
" @johleth said:
"For $600 that is too many stickers."
And way too many colors inside. Looks like a test build before applying the final color scheme."
How is that even a complaint, you want more grey pieces in your grey starship?"
Yes! I want more grey and black pieces inside, because you can actually do something with them, after you disassemble the model."
That is just you wanting to build in black and white and grey only. Luckily there are a lot of people who prefer building with colours."
I'd argue black especially is way more versatile, because you can use it as filling material, without being afraid of anything shining through little gaps in a build. "
Yeah but it can be difficult to identify pieces if the whole interior is a single colour - especially black."
We have instructions with max 2 pieces per step, how is this an issue?
Throughout my whole lifetime, I haven't heard a single person complain about this. I have not even heard anecdotes of people complaining about this from before I was even active in the Lego community. You can very simply do white outlines around the pieces in the instructions, it's not like something like this isn't being done already.
I don't know why some people are trying to link the opinion against multiple coloring in interior structure towards any race. I myself is from Hong Kong and I'm not German at all. However, I still find that the multiple color schemes that are used since Taj Mahal to Merry-Go-Round very horrible.
Also, I really don't understand why the admin for this website can allow people to post groundless comments targeting any specific race. It's horrible as well.
@ThatBionicleGuy said:
" @Montyh7 said:
"(oh and as an aside, I can't seem to edit my comment only cancel, then delete and repost. I am on Firefox, not sure if that makes a difference or if anyone else is experiencing this?)"
Not just you; I've been finding that lately too, and as far as I can tell it's unique to Firefox because I tested it on a couple of other browsers and didn't have the same problem. I did contact Brickset support about it, but it was working fine for Huw even on Firefox so he wasn't sure what to suggest. He wondered if I had some extension installed that might be interfering with it working properly; I haven't got around to testing that yet, though."
That's interesting, I don't think I have any extensions that would interfere. Thanks for letting me know, I don't feel so alone !
Looks great and I really want it, but I can't justify the cost after last years $1500NZD AT-AT and not so long ago a $1500NZD Falcon. It also is a little big, to the extent it seems a bit more than minifig scale. Looking around puts the razor crest at around 25-26m (80ft ish) versus the millennium falcon at 34.5m or 114ft. Some scale calculator i used (which one i cant remember) put the razor crest at about 50-55cm long (here it is 70cm) Brickvault/ Jerac's one seems more accurate. That said looks great pity its too expensive for me now and takes up a lot of room
@Bagelwolf said:
"I've been thinking about the common complaint of overpriced Lego sets lately, and I think I may have come up with part of why the bigger sets especially get targeted: there's no economy of scale, and no accounting for "sunk cost". The PPP of Lego sets doesn't decrease as piece count increases, which is uncommon. Also, each set of any size has a certain base cost for packaging, instructions, and the like. If that cost is assumed to be absorbed in even the cheapest sets, then it should be reflected in relative savings on larger sets. (In other words, the base costs on a 6,000-pc set are not 10x more than on a 600-pc set.)
Am I nuts?"
LEGO likely sells fewer copies of each larger set, so the development costs (design, new molds, etc.) of a larger set are spread over a smaller number of units sold. Raw material and transportation costs might be proportional to the size (weight and/or volume) of the set.
But even if I'm correct, it still doesn't feel right that a 6,000 piece set should cost 10 times what a 600 piece set costs.
Din Djarin could have had a ‘tears in the eyes’ option?
@0neTrick said:
" @IgelCampus said:
" @johleth said:
"For $600 that is too many stickers."
And way too many colors inside. Looks like a test build before applying the final color scheme."
How is that even a complaint, you want more grey pieces in your grey starship?"
How is that even a question? Why should I want more pink and yellow and green and orange pieces in my gray starship? As you correctly say, the starship is gray. Why put colors there?
@Djhorn said:
" @IgelCampus said:
" @johleth said:
"For $600 that is too many stickers."
And way too many colors inside. Looks like a test build before applying the final color scheme."
When will people realize that this is an intentional user experience choice? Especially as LEGO courts more users, multiple colors make for a smoother building experience that is less frustrating. As long as they are well hidden, I truly don't understand why this bothers so many people"
When will people realize that some people disagree with this choice because for them it spoils the building experience? Some people simply do not want their gritty Star Wars ships to have bright green and orange and yellow and blue and red bricks in them, just like a lushy rainforest Avatar set should not be built using predominantly gray bricks. It just screams wrong. It is truly not so difficult to understand if you try.
@Koend1999 said:
" @IgelCampus said:
" @0neTrick said:
" @IgelCampus said:
" @johleth said:
"For $600 that is too many stickers."
And way too many colors inside. Looks like a test build before applying the final color scheme."
How is that even a complaint, you want more grey pieces in your grey starship?"
I want a set with a nice building experience and I have no problems with colors if they have a purpose, like distinguish similar build structures or left panel from right panel and so on. But just look at the photo of the engines. That's 10 different colors to build an extremely simple element. Why do they need red and blue for the top-most bricks? What's the benefit? It just looks extremely ugly imho. That's more different colors than City or Friends sets use for the 6+ target audience. Here we are talking about a 18+ sets for adults. Of course everyone is different but this just hurts my eyes."
There you go: it hurts your eyes. Most of us really do not care. So why should LEGO if the benefit of making the build easier to ensure customers are not frustrated while building outweighs your sensitivities.
Also, this complaint is so old that it honestly starts to become annoying. Also, and I do not want to insult you, it is quite enlightening that most similar comments come from German speaking countries. Could this have something to do with some controversies sparked by certain German Youtubers promoting cheap, unlicensed Chinese knockoff crap?"
Well, some of us do care. By your logic, if a customer is frustrated while building an 18+ set, he is welcome to buy a 3+ set. And regarding the quality issues of Lego bricks in the recent years (color inconsistency, scratched transparent bricks, inconsistent sticker colors), I would be really careful about pointing fingers with regard to quality. Of course, you might be satisfied with crap just because it is Lego branded, some of us expect more quality from the market leader, though.
@tfcrafter said:
" @PjtorXmos said:
" @Koend1999 said:
" @PjtorXmos said:
" @0neTrick said:
" @IgelCampus said:
" @johleth said:
"For $600 that is too many stickers."
And way too many colors inside. Looks like a test build before applying the final color scheme."
How is that even a complaint, you want more grey pieces in your grey starship?"
Yes! I want more grey and black pieces inside, because you can actually do something with them, after you disassemble the model."
That is just you wanting to build in black and white and grey only. Luckily there are a lot of people who prefer building with colours."
I'd argue black especially is way more versatile, because you can use it as filling material, without being afraid of anything shining through little gaps in a build. "
Yeah but it can be difficult to identify pieces if the whole interior is a single colour - especially black."
The set is 18+. Is it really too difficult for an adult to find a piece if it is not in some contrasting bright and shiny color? I understand if it were a set for kids, but this is marketed specially to adults. Even when I was a kid, a big part of the fun was looking for the correct piece, rummaging through a big pile of all the pieces until the elation of finding the correct one. Now we have numbered bags and special contrasty colors so that kills half of the joy of the building process for me. I understand if some kids get frustrated if they cannot find a piece within 5 seconds, but adults?
For every rare turquoise plate hidden away under 2 layers of bricks that will never ever see the light of day there is a ultra common red 1x1 visible by just angling the underside to put the model on a flight stand.
I quite like the idea of the contrasting colors as it makes some rare part molds and colors more accessible through random sets. For example Razor Crest and Guardians ship have a couple of common molds in turquoise that I can just switch out for yellowed and damaged garbage parts when I build the sets, that's a win for me. But the rarity of this feature is quite inconsistent.
It's about time that pieces of contrasting colors are actually hidden out of sight. Sand green 1x2 plates with clips are instantly visible when you remove the roof for access to the freight room. The 1x1 plate on the underside might not be visible when displayed as intended, but the part isn't even necessary for stability so not only its color but its inclusion at all makes me wonder if the statements of multiple people going over instructions are true as this is such an obvious area where they could save material without it being a detriment to the customer.
The simplicity of the issue makes it so grating: Just don't put them where they are visible. While I am grateful that it is not as bad anymore as in the 90s and 00s, it is an issue that people are aware of and mention constantly so what is preventing the designers from placing these parts so they end up not being visible through normal play and handling?
One argument was that it is cheaper to include all instances of one type of piece in one color than to include the same piece in two colors. I guess not anymore since basically every set I have looked at in the last 3 years uses multiple colors for their filler parts or misses instances where rainbow 1x1 plates could also be replaced by 1x1 round plates for example.
The argument of rebuilding a set, using it for MOCs is quite dated. Lego creations made by limiting yourself to one set or even a few sets look bad and childish. It has never been all that enjoyable because Lego always used contrasting parts, at least in Star Wars ships. Either go full child-style and build a Star Wars ship with the contents of a Creator tub or design something actually good in Digital Designer that necessitates 6 Bricklink orders of parts you don't have yet anyway, there is no middle ground. Someone with an interest in mocing should have a sizeable parts collection and not limit himself to one set.
Also nobody sane would take apart a 600$ UCS Star Wars set. Except for me to switch out the visible red and sand green bits.
@Koend1999
Those youtubers must be some obsession of yours. Two points though:
1) The whole passive-agressive "I'd say X but I won't" makes you a lot worse than just nasty. Get off your high horse.
2) If you step back and look at this comment section you'll notice that you're the grand contributor to its mess. It's not necessary to take out one person's comment and turn it into "please admit you're wrong" cannonade.
This is the best Space Winnebago ever!
When did Lone Star get a helmet, though? And the accuracy on that Mog is not very good.
@Koend1999 said:
" @TheHacker said:
"
Well, some of us do care. By your logic, if a customer is frustrated while building an 18+ set, he is welcome to buy a 3+ set. And regarding the quality issues of Lego bricks in the recent years (color inconsistency, scratched transparent bricks, inconsistent sticker colors), I would be really careful about pointing fingers with regard to quality. Of course, you might be satisfied with crap just because it is Lego branded, some of us expect more quality from the market leader, though."
If I would be a nasty person I would point out that you are another German-speaking older person that is influenced by some German Youtubers who find nothing better to do but complain about LEGO, because it brings them clicks, views, ad revenue,....
I am not a nasty person, so will not do that. Instead I suggest you buy a Mould King set or a Bluebrixx set, are confronted with missing pieces, inconsistent clutch power, unclear instructions and no customer service. If you prefer that to some colours in your set or supposed colour inconsistencies (which these Chinese knockoffs do not have apparently, except in the few sets I built... weird), then absolutely be my guest.
But please, stop the complaining."
Fortunately you are not a nasty person, because if you were, you'd also be a wrong person. Thank you for pointing me to some Lego alternatives, having been disappointed with Lego's QC in the recent years, I might try them out. I will keep complaining as I see fit, though. By your logic, if you dislike any of my comments, simply disregard them and do neither reply nor comment. Easy as that.
@Koend1999 said:
" @TheHacker said:
"
The set is 18+. Is it really too difficult for an adult to find a piece if it is not in some contrasting bright and shiny color? I understand if it were a set for kids, but this is marketed specially to adults. Even when I was a kid, a big part of the fun was looking for the correct piece, rummaging through a big pile of all the pieces until the elation of finding the correct one. Now we have numbered bags and special contrasty colors so that kills half of the joy of the building process for me. I understand if some kids get frustrated if they cannot find a piece within 5 seconds, but adults?"
You guys just don't know when to stop, do you? Can you at least understand that you are a very vocal minority, and for us who do not agree with you it is very tiresome to hear the same complaint over and over and over again. It's like a broken record. We get it. It is not that important, so, move on.
Also, instead of complaining about these little things like colours inside a LEGO build, you should try to accept it and see the good sides of a LEGO set. It really makes life a lot more fun and enjoyable."
Well, again, by your logic, simply ignore our comments if the issue is not important to you, or perhaps instead of complaining about them you should try and accept that there are benefits to having a consistent color scheme.
@Koend1999 said:
" @blogzilly said:
"The review is great as always, thorough, the typical Rexian quality.
The model looks good from the top, front, back and sides…I’m damn curious about the undercarriage. “The landing gear is firmly connected to the base of the fuselage” makes me think it’s the more common ugly LEGO bottom. Which frankly stinks. If you’re gonna build a ship like this, with playable interior and functions, and it’s a ship, and it’s wieldy enough for swooshing and I can’t swoosh…I have a problem with that."
This model is as long as the UCS Falcon, and probably weighs close to it too. I doubt that this makes the model swooshable, so I do not really care as much about the bottom. However, from what I have seen it does not loo half bad."
That’s a good point, the weight, I hadn’t considered that. I’ve always had the most difficult time judging the size of a set until it’s right in front of me. Then when it is, I look back at the image on the box and say “Why didn’t I realize this?”
This has been going on for YEARS and I still haven’t fully grasped it. :D
@TheHacker said:
" @tfcrafter said:
" @PjtorXmos said:
" @Koend1999 said:
" @PjtorXmos said:
" @0neTrick said:
" @IgelCampus said:
" @johleth said:
"For $600 that is too many stickers."
And way too many colors inside. Looks like a test build before applying the final color scheme."
How is that even a complaint, you want more grey pieces in your grey starship?"
Yes! I want more grey and black pieces inside, because you can actually do something with them, after you disassemble the model."
That is just you wanting to build in black and white and grey only. Luckily there are a lot of people who prefer building with colours."
I'd argue black especially is way more versatile, because you can use it as filling material, without being afraid of anything shining through little gaps in a build. "
Yeah but it can be difficult to identify pieces if the whole interior is a single colour - especially black."
The set is 18+. Is it really too difficult for an adult to find a piece if it is not in some contrasting bright and shiny color? I understand if it were a set for kids, but this is marketed specially to adults. Even when I was a kid, a big part of the fun was looking for the correct piece, rummaging through a big pile of all the pieces until the elation of finding the correct one. Now we have numbered bags and special contrasty colors so that kills half of the joy of the building process for me. I understand if some kids get frustrated if they cannot find a piece within 5 seconds, but adults?"
Because some people have visual disabilities and need high contrast to find pieces quickly...guess you didn't think about that, did you?
@peterlmorris said:
"This is the best Space Winnebago ever!
When did Lone Star get a helmet, though? And the accuracy on that Mog is not very good. "
Just so you know, you comment is appreciated.
@tfcrafter said:
" @TheHacker said:
" @tfcrafter said:
" @PjtorXmos said:
Yeah but it can be difficult to identify pieces if the whole interior is a single colour - especially black."
The set is 18+. Is it really too difficult for an adult to find a piece if it is not in some contrasting bright and shiny color? I understand if it were a set for kids, but this is marketed specially to adults. Even when I was a kid, a big part of the fun was looking for the correct piece, rummaging through a big pile of all the pieces until the elation of finding the correct one. Now we have numbered bags and special contrasty colors so that kills half of the joy of the building process for me. I understand if some kids get frustrated if they cannot find a piece within 5 seconds, but adults?"
Because some people have visual disabilities and need high contrast to find pieces quickly...guess you didn't think about that, did you?"
Why would we need to find the pieces quickly? Is there some kind of a race? Or a timed competition? We would find the pieces just like everyone else - at a normal pace, just like we find all the gray pieces on the outside.
@TheHacker said:
" @tfcrafter said:
" @TheHacker said:
" @tfcrafter said:
" @PjtorXmos said:
Yeah but it can be difficult to identify pieces if the whole interior is a single colour - especially black."
The set is 18+. Is it really too difficult for an adult to find a piece if it is not in some contrasting bright and shiny color? I understand if it were a set for kids, but this is marketed specially to adults. Even when I was a kid, a big part of the fun was looking for the correct piece, rummaging through a big pile of all the pieces until the elation of finding the correct one. Now we have numbered bags and special contrasty colors so that kills half of the joy of the building process for me. I understand if some kids get frustrated if they cannot find a piece within 5 seconds, but adults?"
Because some people have visual disabilities and need high contrast to find pieces quickly...guess you didn't think about that, did you?"
Why would we need to find the pieces quickly? Is there some kind of a race? Or a timed competition? We would find the pieces just like everyone else - at a normal pace, just like we find all the gray pieces on the outside."
"Normal" is completely subjective. It's much easier to have contrasting colours for people with visual disabilities to provide a building experience that isn't overly frustrating. If the entire interior is black, that would be extremely difficult to put together. Not everyone is able-bodied and it literally does not change the building experience for able-bodied people if the interior colours are covered up anyway.
I don't understand the complaints around Kuill. GO and look at what he actually looks like.. the mini is a fine Lego rendition.
@tfcrafter said:
"Not everyone is able-bodied and it literally does not change the building experience for able-bodied people if the interior colours are covered up anyway."
I try not to comment too often anymore, but this is an important point imho.
The relevant word is "if".
IF those interior colours are completely covered up in the end I don't mind having them. And perhaps they are well hidden on this particular set. But look at many current sets, where they are not well hidden (like on the UCS Star Destroyer) or in plain view like in many of the now Icons / formerly Creator Expert vehicles.
Also, the argument about helping visually impaired people (which of course is a commendable aim in itself) only goes so far, since after finishing the interior these people have to make do with the dissatisfying experience of building the exterior without any visual aids.
All in all, I appreciate the idea behind those (to me) ghastly colours on the interior, but I think when they are covered up as badly (or hardly at all) as is often the case, the end result is indeed not worthy of the price we are asked to pay for these sets. After all, they are display pieces, and as such should look perfect.
@AustinPowers said:
" @tfcrafter said:
"Not everyone is able-bodied and it literally does not change the building experience for able-bodied people if the interior colours are covered up anyway."
I try not to comment too often anymore, but this is an important point imho.
The relevant word is "if".
IF those interior colours are completely covered up in the end I don't mind having them. And perhaps they are well hidden on this particular set. But look at many current sets, where they are not well hidden (like on the UCS Star Destroyer) or in plain view like in many of the now Icons / formerly Creator Expert vehicles.
Also, the argument about helping visually impaired people (which of course is a commendable aim in itself) only goes so far, since after finishing the interior these people have to make do with the dissatisfying experience of building the exterior without any visual aids.
All in all, I appreciate the idea behind those (to me) ghastly colours on the interior, but I think when they are covered up as badly (or hardly at all) as is often the case, the end result is indeed not worthy of the price we are asked to pay for these sets. "
Right, but people here aren't complaining about some colours being visible from the outside. They're complaining that there's just "too many" colours on the interior, which is a completely stance. I agree with you, random colours shouldn't be visible from the outside, but that doesn't mean the interior should be completely monotonous. Designers just have to work a little harder making sure gaps in the model don't expose anything unsightly, or that exposed pieces are in colours that match the model.
I'm just here to say A THOUSAND THANK YOUS to who ever thought to make brackets & upsidedown brackets DIFFERENT COLOURS; some models would be rather less enjoyable to build if they were all the same colour.
It's also quite neat building a complicated multicoloured construction and then plating it in the final finish of the model. Honestly, does it really matter if you can glimpse the internals at a very specific angle in a very specific light?
Really...?
Anyways…
Great looking set, I'll pick one up eventually. I like that there's now precedence for a UCS set made from a streaming show - bring me Luthen Rael's ship!
For those that can relate…
You know how when at work someone inadvertently sends an e-mail to a large group of people and instead of “little r” reply, they “big r” reply? And then someone else does it. And then someone else does it? And then rinse and repeat until the mail server(s) move like damp oatmeal and some disgruntled mail admin has to unfunk the whole mess? Yeah… that.
I, for one, am amused.
@lippidp said:
"Looks great, but it's a pass for me cuz I don't consider the TV shows part of my own personal Star Wars canon. Will be the first UCS set I pass on."
Ha,ha! So many people have expressed similar disgust at so many different parts of SW (starting with the Ewoks). 'My own personal Star Wars cannon' is just the perfect phrase for our times.
@StyleCounselor said:
"'My own personal Star Wars cannon' is just the perfect phrase for our times."
That's "canon," with one N in the middle. "My own personal Star Wars cannon" would be, like, an E-Web or something. Which would be awesome, but ain't gonna happen any time soon. At least not a functional one.
@TheOtherMike said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
"'My own personal Star Wars cannon' is just the perfect phrase for our times."
That's "canon," with one N in the middle. "My own personal Star Wars cannon" would be, like, an E-Web or something. Which would be awesome, but ain't gonna happen any time soon. At least not a functional one.
"
I was writing quickly. No edit. Gooood catch. ;)
I think a personal SW cannon is as realistic and useful as a personal SW canon. All of these franchises have highs and lows. Everyone has differing tastes. Watching movies with children can immensely assist with some of the sillier parts.
Regarding this set, I love it. It would be nice to have landing gear that retracts or is removable. But, who's really going to swoosh that monster anyway? The only negatives for me are the Mythrol head, stickers, and price (in that order). Nevertheless- to quote Gambino Lando- "I don't like it, I don't agree with it, but... I accept it."
@StyleCounselor said:
"Watching movies with children can immensely assist with some of the sillier parts. "
Reminds me of when I watched A New Hope with my brother and nephews, which was the first time all of them had seen it. Quoth my oldest nephew, "Now I get a lot of references!"
@tfcrafter said:
" @TheHacker said:
" @tfcrafter said:
"Because some people have visual disabilities and need high contrast to find pieces quickly...guess you didn't think about that, did you?"
Why would we need to find the pieces quickly? Is there some kind of a race? Or a timed competition? We would find the pieces just like everyone else - at a normal pace, just like we find all the gray pieces on the outside."
"Normal" is completely subjective. It's much easier to have contrasting colours for people with visual disabilities to provide a building experience that isn't overly frustrating. If the entire interior is black, that would be extremely difficult to put together. Not everyone is able-bodied and it literally does not change the building experience for able-bodied people if the interior colours are covered up anyway."
Are you visually impaired? Because I am, so, please do not speak on my behalf, thank you. I have also explained how it literally changes the building experience for both able-bodied and impaired people.
@TheOtherMike said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
"Watching movies with children can immensely assist with some of the sillier parts. "
Reminds me of when I watched A New Hope with my brother and nephews, which was the first time all of them had seen it. Quoth my oldest nephew, "Now I get a lot of references!""
Bah! Those wet behind the ears whippersnappers. Spending too damn much wasted time hanging out at Tashi Station pickin' up converters when they should be watching quality programs with their good ol' Unca Mike!