i just thought of something you can use the old aeroplane for MOCs

In fact, this set reminds me of this more than LEGO. I like Playmobil alot, but it isn't a construction toy.

I collected Playmobil for a number of years, and often believed that the themes and sets each company makes copy one another. I especially thought this when I first saw the Lego Viking sets. When you look at the similarities between Lego and Playmobil themes and sets, they are somewhat similar. I just never figured out which company had the initial idea (but it seems that it is usually Playmobil). You could argue that both Toy Companies make popular themes, and have done so for a long time, but take Vikings for instance... Are Viking really popular among children? And Playmobil had the 1st RC train. Now Lego is jumping on this. Now I see this airplane, and although I personally like it, it does resemble that of Playmobil and it's airport theme.

Going back to 1996 when Lego's Wild West theme came out, Playmobil already had a Gold Mine, Fort, and Sheriff's building (one of their longest running themes (Western and Castle)). Lego seemed to mirror these sets as well. Coincidence perhaps? I'm not sure. I'm not saying that Lego steals ideas from Playmobil, but watch for similarities and themes that each share. I believe they do share ideas.

i agree. they share themes, ideas, perhaps they "steal" or "borrow" them after the release of the original product. there clearly is a competition going on between both companies. i remember when i was young, there were two major toys: Lego and playmobil, they used to stand right next to each other in the shops and i know i sometimes decided on playmobil, sometimes lego, depending on the interest at that point. for instance, i got the playmobil pirate ship for my birthday after having seen a pirate film, days before, i was still convinced i'd go for a lego space ship... So it's no coincidence that lego tries to connect with the media (film, tv-series,...) and at the same time tries to "steal" away playmobil fans by producing sets that are almost lego versions of playmobil sets; many companies are doing that with the lego company also...

WOw...thats a lot of red chairs. Nice to see the old faucet piece return. the refreshment cart is pretty cool. And there are CIVILIAN MINIFIGS! :oD the pilot minifig is cool, and nice to see that theres now space in the plane for two pilot minifigs...

Bloddy Jay (or any one else who has this set), I've heard that the instructions for this set show the new Airport. Is it any different to the prototype? If so, is it possible you can scan pics?

Bloddy Jay (or any one else who has this set), I've heard that the instructions for this set show the new Airport. Is it any different to the prototype? If so, is it possible you can scan pics?

The hospital instructions also has a picture of the new airport, but it is quite small. Do you want it anyway?

Well, is it any clearer (or different) to the pic we have now? It would be quite nice to see if it shows us something we haven't seen.

Well, is it any clearer (or different) to the pic we have now? It would be quite nice to see if it shows us something we haven't seen.

Here is a picture of the back of the instructions, showing all of the upcoming CITY sets.

WARNING: The picture is maxed out into a 3 megapixel image so you can clearly view the picture, therefore the file is about 1 MB. Dial-up users may have long loading times.

Just so everyone knows, I got in Rescue Chopper and Ambulance, and just built them - fantastic sets, especially Rescue Chopper! Reviews tomorrow afternoon.

Here is a picture of the back of the instructions, showing all of the upcoming CITY sets.

WARNING: The picture is maxed out into a 3 megapixel image so you can clearly view the picture, therefore the file is about 1 MB. Dial-up users may have long loading times.

Thnaks for the pic. The set has changed slightly, such as the stickers annd the design of the vehicle.

Bloody Jay, I look forward to your reviews.

Just so everyone knows, I got in Rescue Chopper and Ambulance, and just built them - fantastic sets, especially Rescue Chopper! Reviews tomorrow afternoon.

You always have to keep us waiting, don't you? ;)

Looking forward to your reviews!!

P.S. You can give into your temptation anytime my friend! I'm waiting for your fantastic reviews!! :P ;)

:oD WOW :oD bloody jay thanks alot for that awsome reveiw. The only thing i dont like about that plane are the jackstone turbines under the wings. Other than that ill probably get when myself during the next by 2 get 1 free sale at toys r us. Also i dont believe those bricks are entirely useles, i think if somone bought 4 or 5 of those sets they would be able make a train like this.

http://www.dave-ford.co.uk/Photos/Railway_...seum_Bullet.jpg

It would be hard to capture the curvaciuosness of this train with any other lego brick and i know as you read this lego train entusiasts everywhere (especial in japan) are rejoicing.

O yeah thanks Mr lego bildur for givin us that awseome pic.

Man, I would have LOVED this set as a kid. I think the original airport and planes still rank as my favorite Lego set (mostly for nostalgia value), but it always bothered me that the plane just had a single column of seats. I love that this one has two columns and an aisle between between them. And with the carry-on compartment, the drink cart, and all the other little details this seems like a set with immense playability.

Sure, AFOLs may decry the juniorization, but if it really bothers someone they could always MOC up a less <insert that tiresome argument> version of the cockpit and the wings. After all, there are two kinds of imagination that take place in building lego... the one most AFOLs employ is the imagination that says "what new structures can I make with these pieces?" Kids do that too, but they also think "what stories can I act out using these sets?" That's where the playability comes in, and I think this set nailed that. So even with the unfortunate juniorization, I think this is a great set for TLC's core consumer group: kids. :)

Amen, Beagle!

OK, we got this set this weekend. We built it. WE = 41 year old man, 6 year old girl, 8 year old girl.

Opinion: It looks good built, superficially impressive, but overall, I am disappointed.

For an AFOL, this is totally uniorjized (you know what I mean - how come I can't use the J word??!)

I don't just mean big pieces, I mean very simple building, no thinking or skill required. Stick a few seats into place, stick a few floor sections into the floor of the plane, cover roof, attach wheels and engine, and you're done.

However, for little kids, this plane is too darn big. It is not "swooshable". The roof is not easy to take off so you can fiddle with the insides. The front landing gear is hideous. The doors do not really close well.

The roof should have been hinged I think, although I can foresee some of the difficulties that would produce.

Final word. Although I was disappointed, my kids like it. Alot. Now they want the whole airport set. So, WTF do I know. Go Lego Go.

Peace.

i saw the model yesterday on display... it looked very big, but i was also a bit disappointed by the model... i had this uneasy feel about it, as if the plane wasn't lego but like Fisher Price models, if that's how you spell it... the plastic looked... cheap...

still gonna buy it, tho

I bought two, Im keeping one standard but if going to 'fix' the other and turn it into a proper lego plane. First thing i will be doing is to saw the wing in two, removing the part that sticks up in the passanger cabin (no im not insane). After i will install a much more detailed interior and add british airways decals onto the side and tail of the planes fuselage. If this is sucessful i will take some pictures and show you all. Im planning to make several for different airlines my my backyard lego town project :oD .

sounds awesome, cant wait for pics

Jesus, this thing is big! :oo

I've seen some pics already but never someone actually holding it:

(click for huge pic!)

Whoa, too big for me, no buy *wacko*

First thing i will be doing is to saw the wing in two, removing the part that sticks up in the passanger cabin (no im not insane).

That's what disturbs me, too, but considering the size I wonder if they'll hold if the "contact area" shrinks. Somehow I have the feeling there's a reason for the wings being one part...

But I'll look forward to your pics ;)

The wing sould hold up as they are held in place quite firmly by the fuselage sides, ther is also space to add plates to hold the wings in place and fill in the gap created by removing the sawn off part.

I know what you mean about the Lack of Figures but, Lego do not aim at Adults liking lego do they?

They proberbly dont know many...They look for Children since they beg there mums and dads to buy big sets.

Thats my two pennys anyway.

I know what you mean about the Lack of Figures but, Lego do not aim at Adults liking lego do they?

They proberbly dont know many...They look for Children since they beg there mums and dads to buy big sets.

Thats my two pennys anyway.

Two pennys indeed... I guess I don't have to remind you that over two thirds of the people who have posted in this topic are either MIA or retired?

And if anyone cares to continue the conversation, YES, we got this set several years ago. It IS a good set, except, of course, for the big ol' wing brick.

Edited June 11, 200816 yr by trooperdavinfelth

I prefer this over 3181, and I count myself unlucky to miss this! I just think the interior of this one is amazing compared to 3181, although the main drawback would be the fact that the wings are all one piece....