LEGO Review – S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier

I know that I’m supposed to have nothing but great things to say about this set because it’s so cool, right? Well guess again. For as much money as I spent on this set, can I just say: LEGO, print the runway tiles instead of using stickers.

I know that’s a common complaint among adults that build, but let’s face it. The stickers cause an unnatural gap in the runway. The shine on the stickers are also different than the dull texture on the large runway tiles. It would be nicer (visually) if they matched more. Also, the sticker doesn’t go to the edge of the tile on both sides.

This second complaint I feel is a bit more serious. In the instruction manual, there are pages where the colours change, which is hard to cope with because of the 2 shades of gray and black. Then after several pages, it reverts, then changes again. There are also several instances where the model should be rotated in the picture to make the instructions easier to understand on a set this large. I know there’s an “expert” label on this set, but I had to use my ninja moves on some of the pages.

Related post: S.H.I.E.L.D. Carnage Attack Review

After buying the set, I knew I should get the Power Functions because hey, it can light up! And spin!! The Power Functions turned out to be awesome once they are installed, however, you don’t have access to the button that turns it on which is sad. In fact, we’ve had to leave the panel covering the button only partially attached to gain access to the button. I made the mistake of fully attaching it, and almost wasn’t able to release it.

Interestingly, when I got the first power function connected, the spin speed was amazing. However, once all four were connected, as one can expect, it was much slower. I would have much rather had two Power Functions installed so they could all rotate faster.

Overall, truth be told, I almost regret the set. I know I shouldn’t, but I do. I like the modular sets a lot better in general and now I see why. In terms of play-ability, I don’t know if there’s much since I put it on a high shelf because I thought the kids would break the model. In fact, one of the back thrusters fell off when they were “looking” at it.

If you’re a huge Marvel fan, then this is a good set to get. I feel like my fingers hurt after all the building, but it sure does look nice when put together.

The foundation is just about complete.

Still building…

The gears going in.

Another view of the insides

Outside view… had to do it twice to make sure the word LEGO was going in the same direction.

A picture of the wing in the making

You probably can’t see it well, but this is one of my chief complaints. The colours keep changing…

Believe it or not, it’s starting to get heavy.

Power Functions!!!

Closeup of gears and Power Functions.

Overview of things in place. A bit sad because the wires are all over the place.

It’s too big to take decent photos…

These thrusters are soooo cool!

Things are getting difficult…

Plates going in.

A good view of the runway.

The dreaded stickers… makes me sad.

Confession: messed up on this part, had to take it apart and do it all over.

Microfigures

I’d throw in a banana for comparison, but Nick Fury made more sense.

Please ignore the mess on my desk. This thing is a beast.

I had to have a professional sticker applier help me with this.

The micro vehicles are cute.

An overview of the completed set.

New minifigures for the collection.