Prior to 2005, almost every Lego set was juniorized in some way. In 2005, that started to change. Lego rolled out sets that not only were easy to build for younger fans, but looked well enough to have AFOLs satisfied. This set was one of them.

Box/Instructions

Since I purchased this set from Russia without the box, I was/am unable to see what the box looks like. The instructions were error-free, as with almost all Lego instructions.

Parts

This was one of the first times that, instead of using various pieces with studs on one side, Lego made a realistic grille. This drastically improves looks of the model. The set also marks the first inclusion of the fender pieces. Prior to this, wheels and, as a result, the whole car looked juniorized and unrealistic.

Minifigures

This set comes with two minifigures; a crook and a policeman. This was one of the first times the policeman has a police cap on; prior to this, policemen wore baseball caps. Basic, yet a huge leap in terms of realisticness. It also includes accessories for them like handcuffs, but the flashlight on the roof can be taken off and put into one of the minifigure's (hopefully the policeman's) hands.

The build

The build was pretty short for me. It was designed to be easy, like the World City sets, however it looks good as well.

The completed model

When compared to today's sets, this doesn't look as good as it did in 2005. When you compare it to the World City police sets, this set is a huge improvement. There are stickers, which can be annoying at times. Since I bought it used, the stickers were already applied.

Overall opinion

Overall, this is a great set. When it was originally released, the set cost $12.99, which was a great value. While it might be primitive by today's standards, it marked the end to the juniorized era of Lego sets, and marked the beginning of a new era, one where sets can be easy to build, sturdy enough to play with and look great all at once.

I bought this set, brand-new, un-opened, sealed, in 2013 to complete my police line-up, and to replace the 7286 van I had. It was around £16 ($25), which was great value since it wasn't being made anymore and the original price was £10 ($15), and I don't regret it one bit.

Pros

• Easy build
• Sleek/realistic design
• Nice use of stickers
• Great minifigures
• Still isn't outdated, fits in with all generations of police sets

Cons

• Large stickers
• The back doors are somewhat weird(?)

Conclusion

8/10

This set is a great addition to your police line up, whether its the 2008 one, 2011 one, 2005 one, 2014 one, it fits in great with all of them. It is definitely worth forking out some extra wonga to get one that is still sealed though, just because the great value.

    Okay, first of all, this set was an amazing build. Made in 2005 I bought it in 2008 still in stores! The building was very enjoyable as I was a slow builder back then (making each piece I put on more savor-able) The price should have been $10.00. The minifigures are normal, but cool. After I built it, my dad put it away in the basement for storage difficulties. Now In 2010 I have discovered it still intact, surviving 2 floods. Lego done a good job 5/5.

Finally, it came back into stock at Argos so I reserved one online and collected it from the local store the day after! I had been looking for this set for quite a while and I am pleased to finally have it as part of the collection.

The set is supplied with two minifigs; a police officer and a criminal with a mischievous grin! The only accessory provided is a small loudhailer. The build was nice and simple; the chassis is a one piece plate on which the rest of the van is built. The colour scheme is uniform white with grey wheel arches and trim. The small cab seats just one minifig (the police officer, unless something has gone horribly wrong and the criminal gets in there!). This area is very simple and features just one yellow seat, steering wheel but no doors! There is an observation window from the cab into the cell; there are also colour coordinated lockers on either side of the vehicle. The cell is quite large (for the one supplied minifig) and contains nothing! I guess if they’ve done wrong they are denied any comfort at all. Grey doors and barred windows complete the cell nicely. The roof of the cell is fully removable so that access can be gained and this area is decorated with blue lights, air-horns, GPS dish and a searchlight. The set also features graphics which need to be applied, I don’t mind these as my sets are placed on display, but the graphics do cover more than one brick, therefore limiting deconstruction and rebuilding.

In summary, the set looks great, a few issues could have been addressed but it looks excellent when displayed with the other sets from this line.

you might of noticed that the police officer is frowning even though he has caught a criminal :) anyway back to the set

figures
pros: both are nice to have in a lego city
cons: both can be found in other sets

prisoner transport
pros: doors open at the back, has compartments to strore items, light on top of the transport's roof can turn
cons: none

WARNING TO ALL STICKER HATERS: this set has stickers

pieces
pros: doors
cons: none

build
pros: easy, strong
cons: none

price
pros: worth it
cons: none

I recommend this set to any city fan
I hope you found my review helpful