Review Review: 70816 Benny's Spaceship, Spaceship, SPACESHIP!

[Dane]

I really don't understand the total negativity shown by 1974 for this set, there is always on almost any set room for improvement, but to find nothing to like about this set I find strange, especially considering how anticipated it is by both old and young Lego fans all around the world.

To make a new "replica" of the classic 928 would not be inventive by Lego and nor would it appeal to the young target customers. I think Lego have done a great try on this, making a ship that based on the review images I have seen gives it some nice angles and look. This is a modern ship for the 2014 target age group, while still giving a honorable nod to old space models like 928, 6929, 6980 and 6985 which many of us AFOL's can see and like and then it gives us the classic space logo on blue slopes, and a yellow version of the great SW X-wing canopy, old style bots, to just mention a few nice things about the set

Could it have had a even more classic look, Sure. Would it have been nice with more printed bricks instead of stickers, sure. But to rate it poor is the same as rate it as a set that never should have existed and that I find strange for some one who should be in to classic style Lego space.

But any one is entitled to their own opinion and I look very much forward to this even though I also have the age to remember the old sets

[Balthazar]

Thanks for that amazing review!

I like robot`s spaceship and small Wyldstyle`s and Emmet`s ships in this set.

[DPrime]

This has only showed up in US TRUs and Lego stores so far, correct?

Can someone confirm this for me? I thought I read somewhere about a June 1st street date... I don't want to waste my time looking in case it hasn't already shown up in Canadian TRUs...

I really don't understand the total negativity shown by 1974 for this set, there is always on almost any set room for improvement, but to find nothing to like about this set I find strange, especially considering how anticipated it is by both old and young Lego fans all around the world.

To make a new "replica" of the classic 928 would not be inventive by Lego and nor would it appeal to the young target customers. I think Lego have done a great try on this, making a ship that based on the review images I have seen gives it some nice angles and look. This is a modern ship for the 2014 target age group, while still giving a honorable nod to old space models like 928, 6929, 6980 and 6985 which many of us AFOL's can see and like and then it gives us the classic space logo on blue slopes, and a yellow version of the great SW X-wing canopy, old style bots, to just mention a few nice things about the set

Could it have had a even more classic look, Sure. Would it have been nice with more printed bricks instead of stickers, sure. But to rate it poor is the same as rate it as a set that never should have existed and that I find strange for some one who should be in to classic style Lego space.

But any one is entitled to their own opinion and I look very much forward to this even though I also have the age to remember the old sets

Yeah, I agree. I mean, I can see it not being everyone's cup of tea. It certainly isn't as elegant as the 928, 924 or 918... But CS didn't end there, after all. There is room for a LOT more different styles in Classic Space. Considering the diversity seen in models like the Galaxy Commander, Sonar Transmitting Cruiser, 1968 "Unknown" and others, not to mention some of the bases and land vehicles (Robot Command Center, anyone?), I'd say there is definitely a place for this in the fleet.

[LegoFjotten]

I'm a huge CS nut, but this is not CS. It's a sticker infested Technified butt ugly p.o.s with a broken minifig

Don't hold back now!

I would prefer more of a pure CS style (with the good old windscreens, printed slopes, transparent plates, a minifig that is not pre-broken etc), but I still think it is pretty cool to get new printed slopes with the space logo and a new trans-yellow cockpit.

I will get one as soon as I can, and probably one or two more on sale later on.

[Andi123]

It's out in Germany. Got it in the Lego Store today

[Iron Moose]

I was a little disappointed in this set, though I will readily concede that I had very high expectations.

I'm a huge fan of the radar dish, the companion robots, the concept of UniKitty's R2 mount and the computer tile and panel stickers. The computer patterns on Wyldstyle are lovely, and the Octan Pilot is exceptional.

I find some of the aesthetic choices perplexing - notably the fragility of the nosecone (thinking of using the grey side-wings for a flatter nose), the dark grey slopes flanking the leading logo, the repeated motif of slopes facing bluntly forward, in upside down engines on top (you'll note that Rufus agrees, and has them the more aerodynamic way forward in the review pictures) and the flags on the needless canard-wings; the clunky tubes and undercarriage... whoever mentioned that this thing needs to smooth out some transitions was bang-on.

Most problematic, though? The stickers used on the tailfins with the CS logo. I think they really needed two sets of two mirrored logos, possibly on tail-shaped clear backgrounds, rather than four identical logos which entail very low and cautious placement for symmetry. I've already bricklinked up the classic equivalent of those printed tailfins, and I hope they're shiny and new once they get here.

[DPrime]

Didn't Will Farrell's character call the ship a mess or something? It's supposed to look a bit crazy. I can see some CS fans feeling a bit put off by that aspect, bit I think it still works. Like I said before, quite a few CS sets were pretty crazy, too...

[AFOLguy1970]

Me. Don't like it all. I think it's poorly designed. Could buy hundreds of them if I needed (will probably buy a dozen of them but that's for parting out in my BL shop)

I've had quite some time to give it my thoughts as I have known about this set for a long time. I confirmed/broke the rumour here, remember?

I'm a huge CS nut, but this is not CS. It's a sticker infested Technified butt ugly p.o.s with a broken minifig

In my opinion that is, solitary as it may be

Cheers,

Ole

I will agree with you on two points:

(1) I am not excited about the stickers. Reports are also coming in that they are hard to place and even harder to fix if you have already placed them. Hopefully this will not be Mines of Moria all over again.

(2) You are not alone in regards to Benny. Yes, I realize his helmet is broken and his logo is faded in the movie, but it does not make him aesthetically pleasing to me in the set. It would have been nice if they had given us an alternate torso and helmet so that one may choose to "opt out" of the high mileage Benny.

With that said, I think the ship looks really nice. It combines Classic Space with the new creativity of today's world of Lego. A little bit of patience will be required on my part in order to wait for midnight May 31 to order it online and get the balloon thing as well. If Lego really wanted to make some money, they could get some trans yellow pieces and possibly something with the Classic Space logo in the online PAB section.

[DPrime]

^ balloon thing?

[AFOLguy1970]

^ balloon thing?

It's a polybag known as the Balloon Cart. It is available in the US in June for online purchases over $75. It looks interesting enough, thus the willing to wait just a little longer for the spaceship.

[Moebius118]

the Octan Pilot is exceptional.

Most problematic, though? The stickers used on the tailfins with the CS logo. I think they really needed two sets of two mirrored logos, possibly on tail-shaped clear backgrounds, rather than four identical logos which entail very low and cautious placement for symmetry. I've already bricklinked up the classic equivalent of those printed tailfins, and I hope they're shiny and new once they get here.

That Octan pilot yes. I am already scrounging around BL and Ebay for all these torsos. Octan armor over business suit? Perfect for my corporate "Ultra Agents" usage.

Those tailfin stickers baffled me when I finally noticed they weren't mirrored. Just sat there utterly completely perplexed. In disbelief. Like I had a erroneous sticker print. I do not understand that decision not to make them mirrored...

Those stickers have to be the biggest complaint for a piece that should have been printed to begin with.

[Herky]

the balloon thing was Lego 40108, it's a cool polybag...not to deviate from the thread but you can see it online as well, very nicely done poly set

I know what you mean about the mirrored stickers on the tailfin, hated them and put them on then the other side was off, then restuck them a couple times...the thing I hate about any stickers is you get a bit of your fingerprint on any of them when trying to put them on and you have to press very evenly but I can always see a bit of it on the clear part. I tried tweezers but I ripped the heck out of one sticker that way. I could never do a set with a lot.

[Rufus]

the repeated motif of slopes facing bluntly forward, in upside down engines on top (you'll note that Rufus agrees, and has them the more aerodynamic way forward in the review pictures)

You know, you're right - I built it wrongly. It didn't occur to me that they'd be put on the other way round. I prefer them the way I did them.

[Moebius118]

You know, you're right - I built it wrongly. It didn't occur to me that they'd be put on the other way round. I prefer them the way I did them.

Wow. I didn't even realize that even after Iron Moose brought it up that they were forward swept in the actual build. I think share Rufus's preference as well, my SSS is keeping the incorrect facing slopes. That's what Lego is all about right?

Also switched all those trans-red cones out for metallic silver ones.

[RoboKnight]

There' no set date for this to get on the LEGO website, or am I wrong?

[1974]

I really don't understand the total negativity shown by 1974 for this set, there is always on almost any set room for improvement, but to find nothing to like about this set I find strange, especially considering how anticipated it is by both old and young Lego fans all around the world.

To make a new "replica" of the classic 928 would not be inventive by Lego and nor would it appeal to the young target customers. I think Lego have done a great try on this, making a ship that based on the review images I have seen gives it some nice angles and look. This is a modern ship for the 2014 target age group, while still giving a honorable nod to old space models like 928, 6929, 6980 and 6985 which many of us AFOL's can see and like and then it gives us the classic space logo on blue slopes, and a yellow version of the great SW X-wing canopy, old style bots, to just mention a few nice things about the set

Could it have had a even more classic look, Sure. Would it have been nice with more printed bricks instead of stickers, sure. But to rate it poor is the same as rate it as a set that never should have existed and that I find strange for some one who should be in to classic style Lego space.

But any one is entitled to their own opinion and I look very much forward to this even though I also have the age to remember the old sets

But it's not an 'improvement', it's just flingin' random parts together. Sure, you got a lot of blue and trans-yellow, boosters and whatnot. But it takes more to excite an old spacenut. And there is quite a lot of them out there, you know. I recently sold a MISB 6980 for 300EUR. It was gone in a few minuttes after I put on my BL shop. I could probaly have gotten 500EUR if I've waited a few weeks .. or maybe even more. All the 928s I've sold at a decent price were gone fast as well

If TLG put out a re-issue 928 (in the true colours, I might add!), it will fly off so fast that TLG won't have time to say 'wtf'

But they won't. CS is not coming back. And BL prices of CS sets reflects that

I'm fine that it exists. This wil draw even more people to CS, i like that . But CS is limited and that is bad for buyers, good for sellers (and NO, I don't have anymore CS to sell - good thing I got my sets before this 'bubble', or whatever)

Anyway, I'm gonna pick up a bunch at a local sale tomorrow, might even build one so I can 'nanana, crappy shit, old fart is right'. But that will only be in my mind, I know

It's cool, it's LEGO. Nice that they did this set, wonderfull movie, but CS it's not. It's like that Ferrari from Miami Vice. Close, but no cigar

[Lyichir]

But it's not an 'improvement', it's just flingin' random parts together. Sure, you got a lot of blue and trans-yellow, boosters and whatnot. But it takes more to excite an old spacenut. And there is quite a lot of them out there, you know. I recently sold a MISB 6980 for 300EUR. It was gone in a few minuttes after I put on my BL shop. I could probaly have gotten 500EUR if I've waited a few weeks .. or maybe even more. All the 928s I've sold at a decent price were gone fast as well

If TLG put out a re-issue 928 (in the true colours, I might add!), it will fly off so fast that TLG won't have time to say 'wtf'

But they won't. CS is not coming back. And BL prices of CS sets reflects that

I'm fine that it exists. This wil draw even more people to CS, i like that . But CS is limited and that is bad for buyers, good for sellers (and NO, I don't have anymore CS to sell - good thing I got my sets before this 'bubble', or whatever)

Anyway, I'm gonna pick up a bunch at a local sale tomorrow, might even build one so I can 'nanana, crappy shit, old fart is right'. But that will only be in my mind, I know

It's cool, it's LEGO. Nice that they did this set, wonderfull movie, but CS it's not. It's like that Ferrari from Miami Vice. Close, but no cigar

I don't think it's realistic to expect a set that hews to every convention of the original Classic Space sets. Most notably because a set like that would probably struggle to sell to adult fans, let alone to today's kids. I do have an appreciation for older sets but with the caveat that they were working with what they had at the time, and in a modern set I would expect a lot more.

This set may not be "true Classic Space" by the definitions set by hardcore spacers and that's okay. It's essentially a remix of the CS theme in the same vein as the other zany sets in the Lego Movie theme. And it does a good job of paying tribute to the sets of old (with parts like the geometric yellow windscreens, multidirectional thrusters, ribbed engines, and brick-built robots as well as the many decorations that call to mind those in the original sets) while providing the kinds of action features and unique characters that kids and adult fans of modern themes expect.

I can't wait to own this set and in the same vein I'm eager to see what the Cuusoo/Ideas Exo-Suit looks like as a finalized set. But expecting either to be a set that looked like it would fit in perfectly with sets from more than 20 years ago would be setting myself up for disappointment.

[Dane]

But it's not an 'improvement', it's just flingin' random parts together. Sure, you got a lot of blue and trans-yellow, boosters and whatnot. But it takes more to excite an old spacenut. And there is quite a lot of them out there, you know. I recently sold a MISB 6980 for 300EUR. It was gone in a few minuttes after I put on my BL shop. I could probaly have gotten 500EUR if I've waited a few weeks .. or maybe even more. All the 928s I've sold at a decent price were gone fast as well

If TLG put out a re-issue 928 (in the true colours, I might add!), it will fly off so fast that TLG won't have time to say 'wtf'

But they won't. CS is not coming back. And BL prices of CS sets reflects that

I'm fine that it exists. This wil draw even more people to CS, i like that . But CS is limited and that is bad for buyers, good for sellers (and NO, I don't have anymore CS to sell - good thing I got my sets before this 'bubble', or whatever)

Anyway, I'm gonna pick up a bunch at a local sale tomorrow, might even build one so I can 'nanana, crappy shit, old fart is right'. But that will only be in my mind, I know

It's cool, it's LEGO. Nice that they did this set, wonderfull movie, but CS it's not. It's like that Ferrari from Miami Vice. Close, but no cigar

To start with the end, I see that you have gone from "butt ugly p.o.s" to "close" to CS now , but besides that I don't think any one in here has called this new ship for CS other than the colors and some of the design features including the CS logo, are a welcome nod to old CS, so I don't understand your need for that last line!

I'm a great fan of 928 and at the time with the parts available it was great design, but after today's standards it is to be fair a flying blue square box with much too small gray wings and no SNOT or soft/organic design... ( I hope you have not fainted on the floor by now )

I think anyone in here already have understood by now, that you very much is a seller/trader but I think it would be much more interesting to hear why there is nothing you like about this model. You also seem to criticize the internal technic structure in the ship earlier even though that is how LEGO build all larger models today and for years now, to make them stronger and more stable, unlike the old ones that broke in "almost" all pieces if they ever was dropped or fell of a table or shelf (I know that for a fact).

A re-issue 928 would be a TLG that looks backwards instead of moving forwards with new ideas and models in my opinion, and a re-issue 928 would never be like a real original 928, only an greedy attempt at making money of an old model and I would certainly not be interested in such a product...

Edited May 30, 2014 by Dane

[AncientDayz]

I'm a great fan of 928 and at the time with the parts available it was great design, but after today's standards it is to be fair a flying blue square box with much too small gray wings and no SNOT or soft/organic design... ( I hope you have not fainted on the floor by now )

*snip*

A re-issue 928 would be a TLG that looks backwards instead of moving forwards with new ideas and models in my opinion, and a re-issue 928 would never be like a real original 928, only an greedy attempt at making money of an old model and I would certainly not be interested in such a product...

I completely agree. Set 928 was great for the time, and I absolutely loved it back in the day - many fond memories. However, a re-issue or a very close to the original set would not fly with me. It's never going to be the original, and anything but the original has the potential to upset the hardcore fans. Also, I don't think many kids today would settle for 928; they would rather have a set like this IMO. It's not classic space, but I like it - in fact, enough to pick up a second one.

[TheLegoDr]

I didn't even realize the octan robot was over a suit. It would work for Agents, but I was hoping for a full robot style torso. It has less appeal to me now. Hmm...

[DPrime]

I disagree with those who think a reissued/updated 928 won't fly with today's audiences, but I will say that building Benny's 929 (why aren't we calling it that?) is a very pleasing experience. And it's got some darn nice lines, too - a real beaut. You have to see it in person, though, I think.

The ONLY things I can think of that would make this a perfect set would be an extra blue helmet and torso to make a "normal" blue spaceman fig, and/or one in a different colour (a new colour, like dark blue, green or orange would have been superb!). I could have done without Emmet in disguise, or Lucy. I don't even recall her wearing that outfit in the movie... I would have loved to see some alternate build pics, too. If Lego ever decides to reissue this in a Classic Space style box, I will be buying this set again! :)

When you get right down to it, I can see 1974's assessment of the 929 "not fitting in" with Classic Space, say, if you put the 928 and 929 side by side. But put the 929 next to the 928, the Star Fleet Voyager, the Galaxy Commander, the Cosmic Fleet Voyager and the Sonar Transmitting Cruiser, I think it'd fit in pretty well.

[Piranha]

I don't think it's realistic to expect a set that hews to every convention of the original Classic Space sets. Most notably because a set like that would probably struggle to sell to adult fans, let alone to today's kids. I do have an appreciation for older sets but with the caveat that they were working with what they had at the time, and in a modern set I would expect a lot more.

This set may not be "true Classic Space" by the definitions set by hardcore spacers and that's okay. It's essentially a remix of the CS theme in the same vein as the other zany sets in the Lego Movie theme. And it does a good job of paying tribute to the sets of old (with parts like the geometric yellow windscreens, multidirectional thrusters, ribbed engines, and brick-built robots as well as the many decorations that call to mind those in the original sets) while providing the kinds of action features and unique characters that kids and adult fans of modern themes expect.

I can't wait to own this set and in the same vein I'm eager to see what the Cuusoo/Ideas Exo-Suit looks like as a finalized set. But expecting either to be a set that looked like it would fit in perfectly with sets from more than 20 years ago would be setting myself up for disappointment.

That is a very good summary. Benny's Spaceship is in line with what a modernized Classic Space theme would be like if released in 2014.

Galaxy Explorer was also released over 35 years ago and quite a lot has changed at TLG since that time. To expect something that is done exactly as the originals is highly unrealistic and would be setting oneself for disappointment and unfair criticism.

[DPrime]

That is a very good summary. Benny's Spaceship is in line with what a modernized Classic Space theme would be like if released in 2014.

Galaxy Explorer was also released over 35 years ago and quite a lot has changed at TLG since that time. To expect something that is done exactly as the originals is highly unrealistic and would be setting oneself for disappointment and unfair criticism.

Well, they have reissued classic sets in the past (e.g. Black Seas Barracuda, Black Falcon Fortress). I think a Galaxy Explorer almost identical to the original release (the most significant change being the shade of grey, obviously) is certainly within the realm of possibility, given its status as one of Lego's "classic" sets. Other CS sets, not so much.

But overall, I would agree with you that the 929 is indicative of what we could expect with a "Neo Classic Space" line. And I would be just fine with that. If only... :)

[Herky]

I get what 1974 is saying though, even in the movie, all the sets are the cobbled imagination of a little boy, so to that little boy, this is classic space cause he is too young to have experienced CS the way we who were that little boys age back in the day got to experience it. I would also back it up a bit saying I do not think this is what neo classic space would be either. I can see the old CS items being updated, but really the SSS is kind of a mess to behold...not saying I don't like it cause I do and it is a lot of fun, but it really is like that pizza where they threw every topping on that they could find.

I would envision neo classic space to take the line in a bit more streamlined direction, we are in an age where we had the true representation of Mars Rover and all that, but Lego Classic would be to me the loveable aspects of the old sets. I would keep the spacemen the same though really, there was white, red, blue and yellow, I might throw in a green and maybe an orange to round it out. I still have my lego 928 and the box...maybe I would do some curves or something with it as a new set.

[Lyichir]

Well, they have reissued classic sets in the past (e.g. Black Seas Barracuda, Black Falcon Fortress). I think a Galaxy Explorer almost identical to the original release (the most significant change being the shade of grey, obviously) is certainly within the realm of possibility, given its status as one of Lego's "classic" sets. Other CS sets, not so much.

But overall, I would agree with you that the 929 is indicative of what we could expect with a "Neo Classic Space" line. And I would be just fine with that. If only... :)

There are a couple issues with that, though. Firstly, those reissued sets did not really resemble the originals perfectly. Many of the older colors and parts from those sets had been discontinued. This limited their appeal even to AFOLs, which was a problem because secondly, the sales of those reissues were generally awful. Kids didn't want them because they were not as good as modern sets, and adults didn't want them because they were inauthentic. Keep in mind the time those sets were released, too. Lego was struggling and desperate to find a hit. The Lego Legends sets (as they were called) were just one of the many failed experiments from that time period, which included other "winners" like Galidor, Jack Stone, and World City. Today, when Lego practically prints money with highly successful themes like The Lego Movie, City, Friends, and Ninjago, what would they have to gain by rereleasing sets from decades ago?

Edited June 1, 2014 by Lyichir