Dec 31, 2010

LEGO Star Wars Venator-class Republic Attack Cruiser (8039)

LEGO Star Wars Venator-class Republic Attack Cruiser (8039) Review


LEGO Star Wars Venator-class Republic Attack Cruiser (8039) Feature

  • Open the front hood to play inside Palpatine's detailed command center
  • Lift rear wings to reveal hidden gunnar and storage area for extra bombs and missiles
  • Includes 5 minifigures (Chancellor Palpatine, 2 elite Senate commando bodyguards, 1 clone trooper pilot and 1 clone trooper gunner)
  • Measures 20" x 12" x 7" and contains 1170 pieces

LEGO Star Wars Venator-class Republic Attack Cruiser (8039) Overview

Pieces: Rule the galaxy with the ultimate Republic starship. Built for ship-to-ship combat and bristling with turbolaser batteries, the Venator-class Republic Attack Cruiser is Grand Chancellor Palpatine's personal flagship during the Clone Wars. Open the front panel to access the Chancellor's quarters, reveal the hidden wing-cannons, and drop bombs on the Separatist forces below! Includes Chancellor Palpatine, 2 elite Senate commando bodyguards, 1 clone trooper pilot and 1 clone trooper gunner. Includes 5 minifigures: Chancellor Palpatine, 2 elite Senate commando bodyguards, 1 clone trooper pilot and 1 clone trooper gunner. Open the front hood to play inside Palpatine's detailed command center. Lift rear wings to reveal hidden gunnar and storage area for extra bombs and missiles. Dimensions: Length = 20 inches (50.8cm), Width = 12 inches (30.5cm), Height = 7 inches (17.8cm)

LEGO Star Wars Venator-class Republic Attack Cruiser (8039) Specifications

Engage in a galactic battle with the Star Wars Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser. This replica of Chancellor Palpatine's personal flagship during the Clone Wars is crafted from 1,170 LEGO pieces. Designed for ages 9 to 14, but with the potential to keep adults entertained, this detailed LEGO set is sure to set off a blast of creativity in anyone who plays with it.

Venator-class Republic Attack Cruiser
    Ages: 9 to 14

    Pieces: 1170

    Requires: Large, flat surface for assembly
What We Think

Fun factor:
Durability:
Ease of assembly:
Educational factor:
Novelty factor:

The Good: Clone Wars' themed set with plenty of details and hidden features.

The Challenging: The ship is heavy and delicate, so it may be difficult for smaller kids to maneuver.

In a Nutshell: Action-packed building set jump starts imaginative play.


The Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser is equipped with a hidden cannon under the wings. View larger.


Chancellor Palpatine and his elite Senate bodyguards are hidden behind a front panel. View larger.

Rule the Galaxy with the Ultimate Republic Starship
As seen in the film Star Wars: The Clone Wars -- in which the heroic Jedi Knights try to restore peace to the Galaxy as more and more members of the Republic fall under the influence of the Dark Side -- the Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser provides an action-packed narrative setting to inspire imaginative play.

Every detail of the Republic flagship is packed into this 20-inch-long model, which includes a front panel that opens to reveal Palpatine's quarters, a hidden cannon under the wings, a drop-bomb launcher, an escape pod, and more. The Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser comes complete with five mini figures: Chancellor Palpatine, two of his elite Senate bodyguards, one Clone Trooper pilot, and one Clone Trooper gunner.

Building the Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser
With 1,170 pieces and two colorful instruction booklets, the Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser took our two adult testers approximately three-and-a-half hours to construct. The majority of the pieces come in shades of gray, so approaching construction requires a bit or organization and discipline. But once building is started, detailed step-by-step illustrations make assembly straightforward.

Overall, this set scores an excellent rating for its clever design elements. Just when you think you've discovered all the hidden weapons and command posts, you stumble across another. Our favorite features are the Palpatine mini figure -- complete with cloth cape and wrinkled brow -- the sliding gunner, the hidden Clone Trooper cockpit, the escape pod, the bomb dropper, and the Chancellor's enormous command center.

Finally, most of all, our testers enjoyed the way the narrative of this set allowed them to reenact the ship-to-ship combat seen in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. They also appreciated that the storyline is simple enough to make the set entertaining, whether or not your child has seen the film.

What's in the Box
1,170 LEGO pieces and two instruction booklets.


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Dec 29, 2010

LEGO® Creator Emerald Night Train (10194)

LEGO® Creator Emerald Night Train (10194) Review


LEGO® Creator Emerald Night Train (10194) Feature

  • This classically-styled train features a steam locomotive with furnace
  • Lots of authentic touches including elements in rare colors and all-new large train wheels with piston motion
  • Includes 3 minifigures
  • Train measures 68cm (27.2 in) long
  • Contains 1,085 pieces
  • Features opening tender, dining car with removable roof, opening doors and detailed interior

LEGO® Creator Emerald Night Train (10194) Overview

With piston-powered wheels, this train is an all-new LEGO® classic!# Here comes the Emerald Night! Build this incredible classic-styled train with loads of amazing details, from the steam locomotive with furnace to the opening tender and dining car with removable roof, opening doors and detailed interior. Measures 27.2" (68cm) long! Includes three minifigures, elements in rare colors and all-new large train wheels with piston motion! Add LEGO® Power Functions to motorize. This classically-styled train features a steam locomotive with furnace, opening tender, dining car with removable roof, opening doors and detailed interior!# Train measures 27.2" (68cm) long# Lots of authentic touches including elements in rare colors and all-new large train wheels with piston motion!# Includes 3 minifigures!# Motorize your Emerald Night by adding LEGO Power Functions #8882 Power Functions XL Motor, #8867 Flexible Train Track, #8878 Power Functions Rechargeable Battery Box, #8887 Transformer 10v DC adapter, #8884 Power Functions IR Receiver,#8870 Power Functions LED Lights, #8879 Power Functions IR Speed Remote Control!# Ages: 14+# Pieces: 1085

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Dec 29, 2010 11:00:05

Dec 28, 2010

LEGO® World Racers Desert of Destruction 8864

LEGO® World Racers Desert of Destruction 8864 Review


LEGO® World Racers Desert of Destruction 8864 Feature

  • Includes 8 minifigures: 5 green team members, 2 red team members, 1 race official
  • Accessories include checkered flag, trophy, winner?s platform and more
  • Green team truck features shooting missiles and holds racer
  • Red team drives desert rally racer with cannon mounted on top
  • 961 LEGO pieces

LEGO® World Racers Desert of Destruction 8864 Overview

Pieces: 961

Which team will eat the dust in this desert Grand Prix?
The X-treme Daredevils and Backyard Blasters will stop at nothing to win the hottest leg of the the World Race! The Backyard Blasters desert rally racer takes the lead and plans to keep it with its? massive cannon. But close on its? heels are the X-treme Daredevils team truck. Watch out...when the back opens to unload the desert buggy racer, the X-treme Daredevils will start blasting away the flick-firing missiles!

  • Includes 8 minifigures: 5 X-treme Daredevils: REX-treme, DEX-treme, MAX-treme and 2 crewmembers; 2 Backyard Blasters: Bart Blaster and Bubba Blaster; 1 race official
  • Features checkered racing flag, trophy, winner?s platform and more
  • X-treme Daredevils team truck measures over 21 (53cm) long
  • Backyard Blasters rally racer measures over 6 (15cm) long

LEGO® World Racers Desert of Destruction 8864 Specifications

Sure to thrill LEGO enthusiasts of all ages, the LEGO World Racers Desert Destruction Set places builders on a high-octane grand prix across the desert. The set includes eight mini-figures, two racers, plus a massive truck with an opening cargo bay. And with over 961 pieces (many of which are unique to this set), Desert Destruction provides you plenty of creative options to build racers of your own. Recommended for ages 8-14, this LEGO set will provide a healthy challenge for kids and older collectors alike.

Lego Logo
World Racers Desert Destruction

Ages: 8 to 14 years
Pieces: 961
Build Time: 3.5 hours
Requires: Flat surface for assembly


What We Think

Fun factor:5 stars
Durability:4 stars
Ease of assembly:4 stars
Educational factor:4 stars
Novelty factor:4 stars

The Good: Vehicles feature plenty of moving and firing parts.

The Challenging: May prove too difficult for younger builders to assemble.

In a Nutshell: An intermediate-level LEGO set that provides high-speed thrills.
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X-Treme Daredevils Support Truck

The giant support truck houses a racing buggy and other accessories.
View larger.
Backyard Blasters Rally Racer

The red rally racer blasts the competition out of the way with its firing cannon.
View larger.
LEGO Vehicles Provide High-Speed, Creative Fun
As part of the World Racers series, Desert Destruction features some of the largest and most interactive LEGO vehicles ever designed. The X-Treme Daredevil truck, at over 20 inches in length, is the centerpiece of the set. It features dozens of moving parts, including a cargo bay that opens up. Inside, you'll find a new motor, nitro, oil, spare tires, a crane, and other parts and accessories.

The smaller racing vehicles are also highly-detailed and interactive. Our 11-year old tester especially appreciated the buggy's mounted guns, which shoot off four flick-fire missiles. It might seem like the Backyard Blasters are outgunned, but their vehicle also features a working cannon. Each of the vehicles comes with its own set of stickers, allowing you to decorate and customize them however you like.

In addition to the vehicles, the set also includes a winner's platform, a trophy, a checkered flag, and many other accessories.

Two Factions Racing for Glory
Desert Destruction isn't just an ordinary LEGO set: it has its own narrative, and encourages players to invent their own stories. The plot pits two warring factions against each other in a fierce race for the finish. It is up to you, the builder, to decide who wins the race!

The set comes with eight minifigures, making it ideal for imaginative roleplaying. Young builders can take control of the X-treme Daredevils, an elite squad of racers with their own team of mechanics. Or, they can roleplay as the vicious Backyard Blasters, who aren't afraid to play dirty. A referee minifigure has also been included to help oversee the race.

Fun Build Provides Challenge
With 961 pieces, the Desert Destruction set provides a healthy challenge even for experienced builders. It took our tester (an accomplished LEGO builder) about three and a half hours to fully assemble. The set comes with a colorful, step-by-step instruction manual to assist you in building. Or, if you're not interested in building the pre-designed vehicles, you can use the many hinges, blocks, and sticks to build your own, unique creation.

What's in the Box
961 LEGO pieces and an instruction booklet.

Desert of Destruction Mini-Figures

It's a race for glory between the elite X-Treme Daredevils and the rowdy Backyard Blasters!

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Dec 28, 2010 10:00:05

Dec 27, 2010

LEGO Creator House (4956)

LEGO Creator House (4956) Review


LEGO Creator House (4956) Feature

  • This spectacular set includes all the parts you'll need to design your own original creations
  • Add a garage, driveway and fence in the yard - the possibilities are endless!
  • Features plenty of pieces for roofs, walls, doors, windows, even trees and gardens!
  • Includes building instructions for 3 models and inspiration for more!
  • 731 Pieces - Build the house of your dreams with LEGO Creator!

LEGO Creator House (4956) Overview

Build the house of your dreams with LEGO Creator House. This spectacular set includes instructions for three different house models, plus all the parts you'll need to design your own original creations. Add a garage, driveway and fence in the yard -- the possibilities are endless. Set features plenty of pieces for roofs, walls, doors, windows and even trees and gardens. Includes building instructions for three models and inspiration for more. 731 pieces.

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Dec 26, 2010

LEGO Creator Fire Brigade 10197

LEGO Creator Fire Brigade 10197 Review


LEGO Creator Fire Brigade 10197 Feature

  • Includes a 1930's-style fire truck, 4 minifigures and a fire-dog;
  • Features lots of realistic details including fire-fighting tools, racks for firemen¿s helmets and even a fire-pole
  • The station house features an opening station garage door and 2 fully-furnished floors
  • Fire Brigade features rare LEGO elements including bricks and plates in dark tan, 1x1 dark red tiles
  • Contains 2,231 pieces
  • A red hot dog and the 3x6x5 Belleville® arch. It also features gold fireman¿s helmets, a tan hand bag and a red sliding garage door
  • Includes a kitchen with fully-stocked fridge and a ping-pong table
  • Remove the roof for interior access; the roof is equipped with a water tower and bell

LEGO Creator Fire Brigade 10197 Overview

bBuild an authentic vintage fire station!/bDing ding ding! Theres a fire in town! The fire brigade drives to the scene from this detailed and realistic 1930s fire station. Designed to fit with other modular buildings like 10182 Caf Corner and 10185 Green Grocer, the station features rare LEGO pieces and innovative construction techniques. It includes a 30sstyle fire truck, 4 minifigures, a firedog, an opening station garage door, and a removable building roof for interior access. It also includes 2 fullyfurnished floors with firefighting tools, racks for the firemens helmets, firepole, pingpong table, kitchen with fullystocked fridge, couch, bookshelf and a roof with a water tower and bell. Measures 14 (35cm) high and 10 (25cm) wide. * Includes a 1930sstyle fire truck, 4 minifigures and a firedog! * Features lots of realistic details including firefighting tools, racks for firemens helmets and even a firepole! * The station house features an opening station garage door and 2 fullyfurnished floors including a kitchen with fullystocked fridge and a pingpong table! * Remove the roof for interior access! * The roof is equipped with a water tower and bell! * Fire Brigade features rare LEGO elements including bricks and plates in dark tan, 1x1 dark red tiles, a red hot dog and the 3x6x5 Belleville arch. It also features gold firemans helmets, a tan hand bag and a red sliding garage door! * Measures 14 (35 cm) high and 10 (25 cm) wide! * Add Fire Brigade to your LEGO Town and combine it with other modular buildings like 10182 Caf Corner and 10185 Green Grocer! Warning Product Contains Small Parts. Not Intended For Children Under 4 Years of Age.

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Dec 25, 2010

LEGO City Fire Ship (7207)

LEGO City Fire Ship (7207) Review


LEGO City Fire Ship (7207) Feature

  • Set includes 4 firefighter minifigures wearing life jackets
  • Ship features 6 cannons, opening control room to reveal navigation centre below, and cabin with bed
  • Boom can rotate 360 degrees and move up and down 45 degrees
  • Also includes 1 dinghy with motor and 1 buoy
  • 306 pieces

LEGO City Fire Ship (7207) Overview

Calling all LEGO builders: this ship needs YOUR help! There's a fire emergency in LEGO CITY harbor! Build this awesome Fire Ship and go to the rescue. With six water cannons and a 360-degree rotating fire-fighting boom, blazes don't stand a chance! Set includes Fire Ship and dinghy! All 4 firefighter minifigures have life jackets! Shoot the 6 water cannons to put out the flames! Motorized dinghy really floats! Measures over 16" (40cm) long and over 11" (27cm) tall! Components made in Denmark, Hungary, Mexico, and the Czech Republic.

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Dec 23, 2010

LEGO® Kingdoms Prison Tower Rescue 7947

LEGO® Kingdoms Prison Tower Rescue 7947 Review


LEGO® Kingdoms Prison Tower Rescue 7947 Feature

  • Rescue the princess from the evil Dragon Knights
  • Set includes 5 minifigures: 2 Dragon Knight soldiers, 1 King's Knight on white horse, 1 King's soldier and 1 princess
  • Tower accessories include wind-up front gate, hidden stairs and ladders, tower prison and treasure chest
  • Weapons include catapult and cauldrons
  • 365 LEGO pieces

LEGO® Kingdoms Prison Tower Rescue 7947 Overview

The Dragon Knights have captured the fair princess! The King's brave Knight sets forth to rescue her, but the tower is heavily fortified and well defended with a catapult and bubbling cauldrons! Can he break through the iron gate and past the catapult to free her? Includes 5 minifigures: 2 Dragon Knight soldiers, 1 King's Knight on white horse, 1 King's soldier and 1 princess. Includes 5 minifigures: 2 Dragon Knight soldiers, 1 King's Knight on white horse, 1 King's soldier and 1 princess Use the awesome catapult and bubbling cauldrons to repel attackers! Measures over 11 inches high Components made in Denmark, Hungary, China, Mexico and the Czech Republic.

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Dec 22, 2010

LEGO Creator Winter Toy Shop 10199

LEGO Creator Winter Toy Shop 10199 Review


LEGO Creator Winter Toy Shop 10199 Feature

  • Features a toy shop filled with tools and toys and a light up tower window
  • Includes 7 minifigures, cat, snowman, jack-in-the-box, stuffed animal, toy train, robot and toy car
  • Includes Light Brick for light effects inside the toy shop
  • Winter Toy shop measures 7.5" long x 6.7" high x 3.1" wide
  • 815 pieces

LEGO Creator Winter Toy Shop 10199 Overview

Winter Lego Scene

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Dec 21, 2010

LEGO Star Wars The Battle of Endor (8038)

LEGO Star Wars The Battle of Endor (8038) Review


LEGO Star Wars The Battle of Endor (8038) Feature

  • AT-ST scout walker has more details and walking action
  • Firing catapult, Ewok glider and 2 speeder bikes also included
  • AT-ST measures 7.5 inches (19.1cm) tall
  • Packed with 12 minifigures (Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, R2-D2 (classic deco)
  • It contains 890 pieces
  • Also packes with 2 Rebel commandos, 2 scout troopers, Death Star Trooper, and 3 Ewoks)
  • Imperial bunker has sliding doors and explosion function
  • Imperial bunker measures 10 inches (25.4cm) long by 7.5 inches (19.1cm) wide

LEGO Star Wars The Battle of Endor (8038) Overview

Pieces: 890

Battle on the forest moon of EndorTM!
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of LEGO® Star Wars with the final battle for the fate of the Rebel Alliance - and the Empire! On the forest moon of Endor, a brave team of Rebels joins forces with a fierce tribe of Ewok warriors. Their mission: to destroy the secret Imperial bunker and take out the Death Star's shields! This complete battle scene features an opening bunker with sliding blast doors, AT-ST scout walker with walking action, firing catapult, Ewok glider, 2 speeder bikes and 12 figures, including Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, R2-D2, 3 Ewoks, 2 Scout Troopers, Death Star Trooper, and 2 Rebel Commandos!

  • Packed with 12 minifigures: Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, R2-D2 (classic deco), 2 Rebel commandos, 2 scout troopers, Death Star Trooper, and 3 Ewoks!
  • AT-ST scout walker has more details and walking action!
  • Imperial bunker has sliding doors and explosion function!
  • Firing catapult, Ewok glider and 2 speeder bikes also included!
  • AT-ST measures 7½ inches (19.1cm) tall!
  • Imperial bunker measures 10 inches (25.4cm) long by 7½ inches (19.1cm) wide!

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Dec 20, 2010

LEGO Pirates Imperial Flagship (10210)

LEGO Pirates Imperial Flagship (10210) Review


LEGO Pirates Imperial Flagship (10210) Feature

  • Includes 9 minifigures: The ship's captain, his daughter, a pirate captain prisoner with shackles, the ship's cook, a lieutenant, and 4 soldiers; amazingly detailed and realistic ship features 3 removable sections
  • Main hull contains 4 firing cannons, ammunition crates, muskets, torches, cannonballs, prison with a rat, saw shark minifigurehead, a moving rudder and a fully-equipped ship?s kitchen with fish, turkey legs and a carrot
  • Raise and lower the working anchor; open the front deck's working doors and play inside; Imperial Flagship is equipped with masts and rigging
  • Open the back house deck's doors to reveal the captain?s chambers complete with a map, poison bottle, organ and even a treasure chest filled with jewels and gold; features 6 opening windows, a telescope and sextant as well as 3 deck lanterns
  • 1,664 pieces

LEGO Pirates Imperial Flagship (10210) Overview

Build an incredible classic sailing ship! All hands on deck! This amazingly detailed and realistic historical ship has three removable sections. The main hull contains 4 firing cannons, ammunition crates, muskets, torches, cannonballs, a prison with a rat, a fully-equipped ship's kitchen, working anchor, moving rudder and a saw shark minifigurehead. The front deck has an opening door to the inside of the ship and sails with masts and rigging. The back house deck has opening doors to the captain's chambers containing a map, poison bottle, organ and a treasure chest full of jewels and gold. The Imperial Flagship has 6 opening windows, a telescope and sextant and 3 deck lanterns. Includes 9 minifigures: the ship's captain, his daughter, a pirate captain prisoner with shackles, the ship's cook, a lieutenant, and 4 soldiers. Measures 29.5" (75 cm) long and 23.6" (60 cm) tall.

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Dec 19, 2010

LEGO Star Wars Slave 1 (8097)

LEGO Star Wars Slave 1 (8097) Review


LEGO Star Wars Slave 1 (8097) Feature

  • Includes Han Solo, new Boba Fett and new Bossk minifigures
  • Carbonite element holds Han Solo for transport
  • Slave I features opening cockpit that rotates when starship is rotated
  • Slave I measures 13? (33 cm) long and 13? (33 cm) wide
  • Contains 573 LEGO pieces
  • Secret compartment with flick-firing missile repeater and side compartments with flick-firing missiles

LEGO Star Wars Slave 1 (8097) Overview

Frozen in carbonite in Cloud City on Dath Vader's order's, Han Solo in transported by the famed bounty hunter Boba Fett in the Slave 1 to the gangster, Jabba the Hutt, where he meets with the fearsome Trandoshan hunter, Bossk. Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back with this iconic starship equipped with the independently rotating cockpit, hidden flick-firing missiles and other hidden weapons. Includes cockpit that rotates independently of the starship, hidden repeater flick-f

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Dec 18, 2010

LEGO Toy Story Western Train Chase (7597)

LEGO Toy Story Western Train Chase (7597) Review


LEGO Toy Story Western Train Chase (7597) Feature

  • Includes Train, Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie, Bullseye, Rex and Hamm as “Evil Doctor Porkchops” figures
  • New Toy Story 3 scene
  • Rolling Western train features locomotive and three cars with opening doors, roofs and rooftop traps.
  • Fully compatible with LEGO train tracks and LEGO power functions; noted in building instructions
  • 584 LEGO pieces

LEGO Toy Story Western Train Chase (7597) Overview

It's a Wild West train adventure with the Toy Story heroes! Time's running out, partners! The evil Dr. Porkchops has trapped Rex in a boxcar packed with dynamite aboard a runaway train, and it's up to his friends to save him! As Woody bravely battles Pork chops on top of the train, Jessie rides Bullseye in hot pursuit and Buzz flies in for a last second rescue! Rolling Western train features locomotive and three cars with opening doors, roofs and rooftop traps. Includes Buzz Lightyear, Woody, J

LEGO Toy Story Western Train Chase (7597) Specifications

The LEGO Toy Story 3 Train Chase set lets you join Buzz, Woodie, Rex, and the entire gang on a Wild West train adventure. This 23-inch train features a delightful, cartoony aesthetic, making it an ideal first train for younger kids. It also comes with minifigures of Buzz, Woody, Bullseye, and other popular characters, allowing kids to reenact scenes from the movie. With 584 pieces and a unique modular design, this set will provide a healthy challenge for younger builders.

Lego Logo
Toy Story 3 Train Chase

Ages: 7 to 14 years
Pieces: 584
Build Time: 2.5 hours
Requires: Flat surface for assembly


What We Think

Fun factor:4 stars
Durability:4 stars
Ease of assembly:4 stars
Educational factor:4 stars
Novelty factor:5 stars

The Good: Toy Story-themed train with plenty of minifigures and moving parts.

The Challenging: May come apart if played with roughly.

In a Nutshell: A highly-detailed building set that jump-starts imaginative play.
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Rex Mini-Figure Captured

Woody and his friends must race across the train to rescue the captive Rex!
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Modular LEGO Design

The train features a modular design, making it easy for kids to assemble and disassemble.
View larger.
Buildable, Interactive Toy Train
Measuring 23 inches in length, the train features four different cars: a steam engine, a box car, a passenger car, and - of course - a caboose. Each car has been detailed with an impressive level of detail - from the red cowcatcher grille in front to the translucent windows on the caboose. Kids will enjoy playing with each individual car, linking them together, and rearranging their order. While the train doesn't feature a motor, it can easily be rolled around by hand.

There are plenty of additional features to keep the toy interesting. Our 11-year-old tester especially appreciated some of the more interactive parts of the set - like the opening side doors, trap door ceilings, and rolling wheels. These features make the train not only a fun building project, but also a fun toy in its own right.

Reenact Scenes from Toy Story 3
Featuring Toy Story-themed minifigures, this set gives kids everything they need to reenact the exhilarating train chase scene from Toy Story 3. The set includes minifigures of Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie, Bullseye the Horse, Rex, and Dr. Porkchop. Builders can take up the role of Woody, as he races to rescue the captive Rex from the Evil Dr. Porkchop. Kids can either choose to follow the movie's narrative, or invent their very own story. An Easy, Engaging Build
With 584 pieces, the Desert Destruction set will provide an intermediate challenge for younger kids. It took our tester (an accomplished LEGO builder) about two and a half hours to fully assemble. In addition to the more traditional blocks and sticks, the set includes various embellishing pieces that help make the train look more realistic.

The set comes with a colorful, step-by-step instruction manual to assist you in building. Or, if you're not interested in building the pre-designed train, you can use the many hinges, blocks, and embellishing pieces to build your own, unique creation.

What's in the Box
584 lego pieces and an instruction booklet.

LEGO Train Chase

Join Woody, Buzz, and the entire gang on a rollicking adventure across the Wild West.

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Dec 17, 2010

LEGO® Portal of Atlantis 8078

LEGO® Portal of Atlantis 8078 Review


LEGO® Portal of Atlantis 8078 Feature

  • Includes 7 minifigures: 3 divers, 1 Portal Emperor, 1 Squid Warrior, 1 Shark Warrior, and 1 skeleton
  • All 5 Atlantis treasure keys: green, blue, yellow, red and orange
  • Insert a treasure key into the keystone and twist it to open the portal to Atlantis
  • Shark mouth opens to reveal stairway to the portal; shark guardian sculptures come off and come alive to protect the treasures
  • Contains 1,007 LEGO pieces
  • Shark Castle measures 19? (48 cm) wide and 12.5? (32 cm) tall

LEGO® Portal of Atlantis 8078 Overview

Pieces: 1007

The portal to the lost city of Atlantis has been discovered!
Getting through it will be the diver?s greatest challenge yet! The divers must get past hidden traps, shark guardian statues that come alive, Squid and Shark Warriors, and the Portal Emperor before unlocking the portal with the five Atlantis treasure keys

  • Includes 7 minifigures: 3 divers, 1 Portal Emperor, 1 Squid Warrior, 1 Shark Warrior, 1 skeletonFeatures all 5 Atlantis treasure keys -- green, blue, yellow, red and orange
  • Divers must beware of the hidden traps!
  • Turn a treasure key into the keystone to open the portal to Atlantis!
  • Shark castle measures 18 (46cm) wide and over 12? (32cm) tall

LEGO® Portal of Atlantis 8078 Specifications

Embark on an exciting undersea journey with the LEGO Portal of Atlantis. This imaginative set lets builders join the Deep Sea Salvage Crew on a treasure-hunting quest, as they venture to discover the fabled city of Atlantis. The set contains a whopping 1,007 pieces, including seven minifigures, all five collectible Atlantis treasure keys, and many other unique pieces. Designed for ages 8 to 14, this LEGO set will provide a fun challenge for both younger and older builders.

Lego Logo
Portal of Atlantis

Ages: 7 to 14 years
Pieces: 1,007
Build Time: 3.5 hours
Requires: Flat surface for assembly


What We Think

Fun factor:5 stars
Durability:4 stars
Ease of assembly:4 stars
Educational factor:4 stars
Novelty factor:4 stars

The Good: Exciting, Atlantis-themed adventure with plenty of imaginative options.

The Challenging: May prove too difficult for younger builders to assemble.

In a Nutshell: A unique, colorful LEGO set that provides fun and challenge.
callout box bottom
Portal of Atlantis

Beyond the portal lies a treasure, but beware of the Emperor and his minions!
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Shark-mouth staircase

The castle is filled with traps, including a snapping shark-mouth doorway.
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A Thrilling Underwater Adventure
The latest in the much-acclaimed Atlantis LEGO series, the Portal of Atlantis gives builders a dynamic, action-packed setting that encourages imaginative play. The set comes with three diver minifigures: Captain Ace Speedman, Professor Sam Rhodes, and Engineer Axel Storm. Together, these brave explorers will attempt to retrieve the treasure beyond the portal.

But getting there won't be easy: they'll have to face hidden traps, squid and shark warriors, and the emperor of the portal himself. The shark statues, positioned at the top of the castle, can come alive to defend the treasure from their intruders. The divers will also encounter a skeleton wearing an Aqua Raiders helmet (a reference to the previous LEGO water series.) It is up to you to determine whether the Deep Sea Crew will succeed where the Raiders failed.

There are plenty of additional features to keep the toy interesting. Our 11-year-old tester especially appreciated some of the more interactive parts of the set - like the moving portal and the giant shark mouth. The set also comes with all five Atlantis keys - green, blue, yellow, red, and orange - to complete your collection.

Unique, Detailed Design
LEGO enthusiasts will be pleased with the set's clever design elements. The standout feature is the portal: it has a unique folding design, with transparent blue pieces that give it an otherworldly look. Elsewhere, a huge shark's mouth covers up the main entrance, and can be opened up to reveal a staircase. The rest of the castle features gates, spires, and many unique LEGO pieces that cannot be found in other sets.

The included minifigures are also a highlight of the set. Each of the divers is equipped with a unique accessory, including a propeller pack and a flashlight suit. Meanwhile, the underwater creatures have been exquisitely detailed: the Squid warrior, for instance, has suction-cup imprints on his tentacles. It's enjoyable to stage battles between the divers and the portal guardians, using the included guns, tridents, jetpacks, and more.

Fun Build Provides Challenge
With over 1,000 pieces, the Portal of Atlantis proves a healthy challenge even for experienced builders. When assembled, it measures 19 inches wide by 12.5 inches tall - the largest Atlantis play set yet. It took our tester (an accomplished LEGO builder) about three and a half hours to fully assemble. The set comes with a colorful, step-by-step instruction manual to assist you in building.

What's in the Box
1,007 LEGO pieces and instruction booklet.


Portal of Atlantis Mini-Figures

Will the Deep Sea Crew prevail against the guardians of the portal? You decide!

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Dec 17, 2010 07:00:06