8031 Mini V19 Torrent review

[Matt Dawson]

Well, I got two today - just because I might need some of the other parts...

Range:Star Wars: TCW

Pieces: 66 (i think); 4 are spare

Cost:Free with paper: 45p if you buy the paper just for the set

There's quite a large pile of bricks in the set:

Looks even more when organised:

Instructions are quiter large (see the technic part near the logo for size comparison? thought not..._):

And you get a few spares:

It looked to me that there may have been moulding problems...

During Construction (shame about that finger coloured UFO ):

The Body is quite compact:

Here's the fold-down under wing assembly removed from the technic plate:

Last instruction seems odd...I didn't realise it should be like this:

BTW, there's no stand for this one so you'll have to excuse the fingers.

Here's a shot of the mechanism for turning that under wing under the body:

Here's a close up of the assembly:

Side view:

Front view from underneath:

Top view:

at least you can rest the ship on a flat surface when you've moved the wings:

Conclusion: It's a nice display model. Shame about the display stand, but you have to have a compromise somewhere for 45p.

Edited September 16, 2009 by KimT

[drdavewatford]

Thanks, Matt - nice and rapid review !

Given the relatively large piece count for a promo, and the nice selection of parts, I think people can be excused for wanting to get hold of at least one extra set.

This is a set that has previously appeared elsewhere - I picked one up off eBay a while back after a giveaway in the USA (should have saved my money !). I also assume that this is the same Torrent mini that recently appeared on the US shop@home site for $3.99 or similar.

Looking forward to General Grievous' Starfighter tomorrow - another set has was released previously, but I'd not managed to get hold of one.

Gotta say that this is really an excellent promotion; hope the folks overseas will get something similar at some point.

Dr. D.

[mikey]

I think this is a superb little set, and for me the most enjoyable build so far. An assortment of usefull pieces (at well under 1p a piece), including a printed round tile!

My only question is, Why is that piece only on 1 wing? The design seems very symmetrical, apart from this tile. Is this a representation of what the space ship is like in the films?

Only 1 more day to go now though,

Edited September 9, 2009 by mikey

[Matt Dawson]

My only question is, Why is that piece only on 1 wing? The design seems very symmetrical, apart from this tile. Is this a representation of what the space ship is like in the films?

TBH, I've had a quick search as the answer is yes, it does appear on only one wing. But where and which wing varies with films, ship modifications etc.

[Matt Dawson]

I've been building with my 'other' set before it gets broken up and sent to the 4 corners of the room (or rather, to be built into different models).