Blue Power Jet

I've looked at Lego airplanes for many years and always passed them by (Sopwith Camel being the only exception). Either their color schemes were a little too colorful or as an AFOL I thought the realism was lacking. I almost bought 31011 Aviation Adventures but let that one go too. With the release of the Blue Power Jet, I decided to get this one, and here's why. THE GOOD: 1. It looks like a fighter plane, roughly based on the F-35A. The designer(s) did a good job capturing the overall shape of the aircraft and at least I don't look at it and say, “Well, it could be a _______ too." Yes, it shouldn't be a two-seater but anytime you can seat two minifigs in a Lego vehicle, whether it is a ship, car, or aircraft, that's a very good thing. 2. I just said this plane holds two minifigs and it will make you smile seeing them sitting there in that cockpit, and they will smile back at you (assuming they're the standard Lego yellow minifig heads). And they've got good reason to smile because the cockpit is nicely detailed. I especially like the HUD and control stick and how they placed the printed tiles so the copper colored ovals were partially covered in the front seat (not sure those 1x2 printed tiles are the best choice for plane consoles because of those ovals). The backseater has a nice setup too using a slope with a new? radar print. The headrests look good but built, removable ejection seats would've been better. I also wish the pilot had some sort of control panel directly under the HUD. Space is in short supply; I always want as much detail as I can get though. 3. The control surfaces are moveable with the exception of the rudders/vertical tails. 4. The landing gear fully retracts. 5. There's an access hatch on top the fuselage to see some engine detail, not really necessary but nice nonetheless. 6. NO STICKERS. THE BAD: 1. The color scheme. It's not really bad, but it's not dark bluish gray with light bluish gray accents either. It's mostly dark blue with red and white accents and it doesn't look too over the top. If I could change something, I think it would be the white pieces around the engine intakes to dark blue. Just tell yourself the jet has been painted for an airshow. 2. The underside of the aircraft is basically comprised of the bottoms of white plates. This really isn't bad either; most Lego builds look better from the top, that's just the way the building system is. Maybe the underside should be all dark blue too? 3. I mentioned the landing gear fully retracted, but you can still see the gear retracted up in the fuselage. Gear doors are needed to hide them from view. I think I would trade the enclosed engine detail for some gear doors; don't think this would be easy to do and probably require a major design change for it to look good. 4. I mentioned the overall shape was good, but those dark blue wedge plates on top used to shape the wing tips kind of mess with the nice lines of the jet. That's really, really nitpicking though. 5. The red technic pins/axles on the nose gear need to be a less noticeable color. 6. Treads on the tires could be more aircraft like and less dirt bike. 7. Looking at pictures of the jet sitting next to other sets from the same line, it looks a little too small. This is really nitpicking also. THE UGLY: 1. The jet is designed to interact with minifigs but none are included. What a missed opportunity for one exclusive jet pilot minifig (a no-print red and blue minifig with space helmet would have been better than nothing). If you were to give this set to a child who didn't own any other Lego with minifigs, boy, that would be torture . . . well, not really, but you get the idea. I would use one of the swamp/forest police pilots with their dark blue flight suits (just pretend the badges are squadron insignia) and pick any helmet you like. I have seen one old diver helmet that has headlights on the top, which kind of looks like (to me anyway) the DEMON helmets the F-35 pilots supposedly wear. CONCLUSION: If you don't own any Lego planes and have been looking to get one, don't pass this one up. Prices only go up (I think only $10 USD compared to similar previously released sets in the Creator line, which isn't too bad all things considered.), but unfortunately designs don't always get better. Even with the bad, it's a good looking plane. And bad in this case just means various compromises for various reasons (This is a toy being sold to make money after all). Lego could always improve a set, but that usually means higher cost. This is a Creator set, so don't forget there are instructions for a helicopter and boat, but buy it for the jet. No numbered bags for this set. The build is simple and starts with the fuselage. This is the longest part and may drag for some. Once the fuselage is complete though, the build goes too fast. You'll snap that first wing on and say to yourself, “Oh yeah, that looks good." You'll blink and be done, admire your build and the design, then you'll start looking for a minifig or two. Tower will give you clearance, and takeoff will be within your grasp. more less

This is the PERFECT Lego set for any kid or adult that loves all things aeronautical (planes, jets, etc.) The details on this ship are incredible! My favorite part has to be the cockpit because the controls and detailing are on point! And it can hold two fighter pilot figures (not included but can be found in other sets/individually or make your own from your Lego people!) My second favorite part of this set is the engine compartment that opens and closes seamlessly on the top of the aircraft. more less

This model is pretty much perfect. The build is hugely entertaining and the finished jet looks absolutely brilliant with a huge amount of detail and a gorgeous sleekness to the whole design. I would dare to suggest that this is the best plane LEGO have ever produced! more less

As nice as the finished jet is, I don't enjoy following instructions for anything and the main reason why I like this set and pretty much the whole point of any LEGO set is that I can use the parts to build my own models. This one is a wonderful parts pack. Just look at all that lovely dark blue. Preciousss! more less

The design is (as I keep saying) extremely effective. Great use of tiles for surfaces, great value, and a great build experience. I don't do ratings, I'll just class it as a “worth buying". more less