Construction Toys Sets Reviews » Lego

LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Collector’s Millennium Falcon

admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 03:04:10 +0000

Get ready to battle the dark side with the Ultimate Collector's Millennium Falcon, Lego Star Wars Set 10179. One of Lucas Licensing's favorite Star Wars models in 2007, this replica of Han Solo's famous starship is crafted from over 5,000 Lego pieces. With so many little pieces and such unbelievable detailing, the Millennium Falcon is recommended for advanced Lego builders ages 16 and up. .caption { font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; } ul.indent { list-style: inside disc; text-indent: -15px; } table.callout { font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.3em; } td.think { height: 125px; background: #9DC4D8 url(http://images.amazon.com/images/G/01/electronics/detail-page/callout-bg.png) repeat-x; border-left: 1px solid #999999; border-right: 1px solid #999999; border-bottom: 1px dotted #000000; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-bottom: 10px; width: 250px; } td.glance { height: 100%; background: #9DC4D8; border-left: 1px solid #999999; border-right: 1px solid #999999; padding-top: 10px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-bottom: 10px; width: 250px; } img.withlink {border:1px black solid;} What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: Huge, movie-accurate smuggling starship The Bad: Construction requires extreme diligence and patience In a Nutshell: This iconic Star Wars model is sure to wow collectors and Lego enthusiasts At a Glance Ages: 16 and older The Millennium Falcon is the ultimate center piece of any Star Wars or Lego collection. View larger. You'll probably find Han Solo and Chewbacca in the cockpit. View Larger. Detailed, Movie-Accurate Design The most iconic vessel in the Star Wars universe, the smuggler Han Solo won the Millennium Falcon from fellow rogue Lando Calrissian in a game of sabacc. Every detail of this famous, modified Corellian Engineering Corporation YT-1300 freighter is packed into this model, which is constructed to scale. LEGO mini-figures of Han Solo, Chewbacca, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke Skywalker, and Princess Leia Organa are included, so you can really replay your favorite scenes. Start off by testing your skills as a pilot and see if you can navigate the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs, the way Han Solo claims to. Later, you'll want to stage an attack on the dangerous Death Star. Huge, spectacular, and movie-accurate, the Millennium Falcon is the ultimate center piece of any Star Wars or Lego collection. When completed, this model is over 33-inches long, 22-inches wide, and eight-inches tall. Rotating top- and bottom-mounted quad-laser turrets, a radar dish that rotates and can be elevated, and a boarding ramp that can be extended are just some of the cool features included in this model. You can seat a crew of four mini-figures at the controls in the removable cockpit. And landing gear provides a stable base for model to stand on. Building Your Own Millennium Falcon With 5,196 Lego pieces, the Millennium Falcon took more than 50 hours to construct. Split between two adult builders and several days, these hours provided a fun time to chat and reminisce about favorite Star Wars moments. We imagine that having the original trilogy playing in the background might have motivated us to construct this starship even faster. A huge percentage of the pieces come in shades of gray, and approaching construction requires a bit of organization and discipline. This means that building the Millennium Falcon is not a project for the faint of heart, but detailed, step-by-step instructions help ensure that construction is a relatively straightforward process, despite the complexity of the finished model. Once it's built, the Millennium Falcon is sure to inspire awe all around. Collector's will appreciate the display card that allows them to show off ship specs with the model. What's in the Box 5,195 Lego pieces, instruction booklets, and a collector's display card.

LEGO Mindstorms NXT

admin — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:09:00 +0000

Sure, Mindstorms NXT is a toy, but it is an important toy, like a piano or a chemistry set. It's one of those items that engages an imagination and possibly opens doors to new interests. Since our future is surely to be shared with robots--it's already started happening, just look at Roomba--those robots will need, at least initially, humans to program and maintain them. Those people, years from now, will likely remember their experiences with Lego Mindstorms. Out of the Box The main part of the kit is the NXT itself. It's about the size of an iPod (though a bit thicker) with a a loudspeaker, a monochrome LCD, and navigation keys on the front. This is the controller for the robot--it's brain, if you will. It has three ports on top for connecting to the servo motors and four ports on the bottom for connecting to four different sensors: Touch, Light, Sound, and Ultrasonic (see detail below). The NXT: the computer-controlled brain of the Mindstorms robot Touch Sensor: enables the robot to feel and react to its environment Sound Sensor: enables the robot to react to sound Light Sensor: can detect light and color Ultrasonic Sensor: allows the robot to measure distance and react to movement Servo Motors: ensures the robot moves with precision The set includes Ethernet-like wires for connecting all of these to the NXT, as well as software and a basic USB cable for downloading programs from your computer. Then there are all the Lego parts, hundreds of them, and most are very small. It would be a good idea to get a plastic organizer for the different parts--it would not only make construction and storage easier but also part loss less likely. Hitting the Bricks The instructions for MNXT are simple, illustrated, and they gently take the new user on an introductory path through the system. The quick start guide promises a 30-minute robot building and programing intro, though for me it was closer to 50 (I'm a little old and slow). It starts with a simple diagnostic routine which shows you how to test the function of all sensors, then proceeds to step-by-step picture instructions for building a basic first robot. It's about as complex as building a piece of Ikea furniture. Programming is the real gem in this system. It has a drag-and-drop interface using pre-programmed objects that you pull from a palette and snap to other objects. Next, I installed the software. Be sure to check the system requirements (below). The software is well-designed and very intuitive. It comes with built-in video instructions on how to create your first simple program and download it to your NXT. Bringing It To Life Programming is the real gem in this system. It has a drag-and-drop interface using pre-programmed objects that you pull from a palette and snap to other objects. Each object is configurable. For example, the Sound object brings up a sub-window that allows you to choose between a tone and a list of sound files, set the volume, set duration, and so on. Little Lego bricks between the objects reinforce the idea that building a NXT program is like building a Lego model. Programming this way is much easier than, say, creating a web page from scratch. Lego even offers a software development kit for getting deeper into the programming. Mindstorms NXT "challenges" from top: Tribot, RoboArm, and Spike. There comes a genuine thrill from seeing something you've created--even something simple and silly as my first program--come to life in a robot. It's akin to seeing yourself on TV for the first time. I played that program a dozen times. The software contains "challenges," which are similar step-by-step instructions for creating and programming more complex models, such as a robotic arm that can "perform simple tasks and react to different colors." Each challenge is divided into smaller tasks with step-by-step building, programming, and testing guides for each task. Accessing your latest program once it's downloaded to the NXT is pretty easy. Lego has set it up so that you can execute it by pressing the big orange center button four times in a row after start-up. I was surprised to find out that you don't need a computer to program the NXT. You can program directly into the NXT Program submenu. Bluetooth Ready The NXT also has built-in Bluetooth wireless technology. If your computer has Bluetooth, you can test and download programs to the NXT without connecting the USB cable--a really handy feature if you're programming a complicated dance routine and you don't want your robot getting tripped up in cables. If your phone or PDA has Bluetooth, you might be able to use your device to control the robot. Best of all, Bluetooth allows you to create a network of up to three NXT devices. Think of the possibilities: three NXTs plus three sets of blocks and sensors equals bigger, more complex robots. My one and only complaint is that I wish the sensors had more "studs," those little round parts that allows Lego bricks to interlock. --Porter B. Hall

LEGO Make & Create Boeing 787 Dreamliner

admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:24:25 +0000

.caption { font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; } ul.indent { list-style: inside disc; text-indent: -15px; } Now the newest, most revolutionary aircraft in the renowned Boeing fleet can be a part of your Lego collection! With 1,197 Lego pieces, the Lego Make & Create Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a fun building project for kids and adults. Build and Brag Building the Dreamliner is only half the fun. The other half is showing off to friends. Perfect for Lego fans and collectors, this airplane model features a display stand and display card listing the real aircraft's specifications and details. The Dreamliner airplane is scaled to the perfect dimensions with authentic colors and details. View larger. Just like the real thing! View larger. Just Like the Real Thing The Dreamliner was developed in co-operation between consumer requests, fans, and Lego designers. Based on exact specifications from Boeing Commercial Airplanes -- a Lego exclusive -- the airplane is scaled to the perfect dimensions with authentic colors and details to make it look just like the real thing. The overall length is 26 inches; the wingspan is 27 inches. This Lego kit is recommended for ages 10 and up. About LEGO The world-famous building block set encourages a unique type of play that is fun, creative, engaging, and challenging. Taking its name from an abbreviation of two Danish words, "leg godt," meaning "play well," LEGO has been inspiring children and adults to do just that since 1932. Seventy-five years later, LEGO is one of the world's largest toy manufacturers, with products sold in 130 countries. What's in the Box Lego airplane set with 1,197 pieces, display stand, and display card.

LEGO Make & Create Eiffel Tower 1:300

admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:49:51 +0000

.caption { font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; } ul.indent { list-style: inside disc; text-indent: -15px; } Build one of the most spectacular landmarks in the world! Standing taller than 3-1/2 feet, the Lego Make & Create Eiffel Tower kit lets builders re-create an impressive replica of this famous Parisian structure. Assemble and Display Recommended for ages 16 years and up, this Lego model is more than just child's play. Like a good puzzle, it's challenging and fun to assemble the 3,428 pieces. Lego-maniacs and collectors will love proudly displaying the Tower after it's complete. Durable plastic Lego construction makes this micro-scale Eiffel Tower sturdy and reliable. Built in sections, it can even be taken apart in three sections for easy storage and transport. True to Form Developed in co-operation between consumer requests, fans, and Lego designers, the Make & Create Eiffel Tower is based on the original blueprints of the building. Built to 1:300 scale, it measures 20.1 inches wide and 42.5 inches tall. About LEGO The world-famous building block set encourages a unique type of play that is fun, creative, engaging, and challenging. Taking its name from an abbreviation of two Danish words, "leg godt," meaning "play well," LEGO has been inspiring children and adults to do just that since 1932. Seventy-five years later, LEGO is one of the world's largest toy manufacturers, with products sold in 130 countries. What's in the Box Eiffel Tower model set with 3,428 elements. This LEGO Eiffel Tower lets builders re-create a 3.5-foot replica of this famous structure.

LEGO Town Plan

admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:01:04 +0000

Build a whole community with the Lego Town Plan 10184. Designed to commemorate the 50th-anniversary of the original Lego brick patent, this set featuring a 1950's style gas station, town hall, movie theatre, and two automobiles crafted from modern, detailed bricks. With lots of little parts and detailed instructions to follow, this set is recommended for ages 12 and up. Adults who remember the original 1958 bricks are sure to have a special appreciation for the layout of this Town Plan. .caption { font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; } ul.indent { list-style: inside disc; text-indent: -15px; } table.callout { font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.3em; } td.think { height: 125px; background: #9DC4D8 url(http://images.amazon.com/images/G/01/electronics/detail-page/callout-bg.png) repeat-x; border-left: 1px solid #999999; border-right: 1px solid #999999; border-bottom: 1px dotted #000000; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-bottom: 10px; width: 250px; } td.glance { height: 100%; background: #9DC4D8; border-left: 1px solid #999999; border-right: 1px solid #999999; padding-top: 10px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-bottom: 10px; width: 250px; } img.withlink {border:1px black solid;} What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: A whole town with mini-figures and vintage vehicles The Bad: Small rooms inside the Town Hall In a Nutshell: This 50th-anniversary set inspires tons of imaginative play At a Glance Ages: 12 and up The theatre has tons of cool details. View larger. There's a town map at city hall. View Larger. The car wash has spinning brushes. View Larger. Explore Lego Town History This special anniversary set comes complete with a letter from Lego owner Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, the grandson of Lego's founder. The company's "belief in the unlimited possibilities of play" and dedication to producing the best possible toys is highlighted by this huge, intricate set. Redesigned to include modern bricks and details, this 1950's town center includes a gas station with a car wash, a movie theatre, and the town hall building. There are eight Lego mini-figures, classic cars, corner light fixtures, and a fountain to place in the town square. Collectors are sure to notice the inclusion of unique Lego elements and bricks in rare colors. Bringing the Town to Life With 35 bags containing 1,981 pieces and two large instruction booklets, the Town Plan set took our eight-year-old Lego tester about 12 hours to build. Like with all Lego sets, the instructions include here provide colorful step-by-step images that make it fairly easy for any diligent builder to create the detailed town buildings and vehicles. We did have about 20 left-over pieces at the end of construction, which puzzled our tester. While it may seem like this mature set is designed to appeal to adults, our young tester immediately found lots of different ways to have fun with it. The cinema got a big thumbs up for having cool, realistic details like popcorn at the concession stand and a movie on the screen. The moving garage door and the scrubbers in the car wash were big hits, too. The rooms inside Town Hall are a little small, which limits Lego figures who want to move around. This pushed lots of play out into the open area around the fountain. The three gold bricks in the fountain add a unique touch to this particular set. The one minor complaint that surfaced in our testing was that the flowers and vegetation "planted" around the Town Hall failed to stay securely attached when moving pieces around. Overall, this is an expansive town set that promises lots of creative construction projects. With so many people and buildings, and more than one vehicle, this Town is a great pick for a single creative builder or cooperative play with friends and siblings. Additionally, with its unique 1950's vibe, this town is set to inspire fun, interactive play between parents or grandparents and kids. Odds are, you'll even find yourself driving the vintage car through the wash after your children have gone to bed--it's that cool. What's in the Box 1,981 Lego pieces and two instruction booklets.

LEGO Star Wars Imperial Dropship

admin — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 03:40:56 +0000


Send in the Imperial Dropship with its stormtrooper squad! Equipped with laser cannons and a detachable troop platform, this speedy space transport is ready to battle the Rebellion on any planet in the Empire. Includes three stormtroopers and a shadow stormtrooper pilot. Lift back up to drop the clone troop platform into battle. Imperial Dropship is 4" long. 81 pieces.

LEGO Indiana Jones and the Lost Tomb

admin — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:32:28 +0000

Indiana Jones and Marion are trapped in a tomb filled with poisonous snakes! It looks like there's no way out - or is there? Help Indy bring the statue crashing down so he and Marion can escape. Includes Indiana Jones with hat, whip and bag, and Marion minifigures. Send the statue crashing through the wall to escape the tomb and to reveal a hidden hanging skeleton. Includes snakes that drop from the ceiling. Tomb measures 5" tall. 277 pieces.

LEGO® City Fire Station

admin — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:09:21 +0000

When the fire alarm sounds, it's time for action! This fire station has everything you'll need to save the day, from a central station with control and alarm rooms, to two garages with working doors, to a team of brave firefighters and a pair of realistic firefighting vehicles. Race to the rescue in the big fire truck and fire chief's car!Truck's ladder extends to 15 inches. Includes four firefighter mini-figures with equipment. Raise and lower the garage doors. Climb the ladder to the highest window. Set is divided into sub-models for easy building and instant play. 600 pieces.

LEGO Star Wars Rebel Scout Speeder

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:45:32 +0000


When the Empire is on the march, the Rebels fight back. The Rebel Scout Speeder is ready for action with a detachable rotating heavy blaster cannon and a crew of four Rebel troopers straight from the Star Wars movies. Blaster cannon detaches from vehicle and rotates in all directions! Rebel Scout Speeder measures 6" long. 82 pieces.

LEGO Duplo Basic Bricks

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 04:26:02 +0000


The fun never stops with these colorful LEGO Duplo bricks! Duplo bricks are sturdy and safe for a toddler's hands and imagination. Includes 80 basic bricks in different sizes and bright colors.