Subject:
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7317 Aero Tube Hangar
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.reviews
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Date:
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Tue, 27 Mar 2001 23:17:07 GMT
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Viewed:
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2464 times
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I don't know if any of you have laid hands on these, but they are now
plentiful in sunny SoCal. So here's my review (1-10 grading scale) of a
just completed 7317 LoM set:
<Attractiveness (or reason I cared to get one)> -9-
This set reminded me of the Technic sets of yesteryear in that once done you
can exclaim, "Neat! So that's how they did that!" I love that it Does
Something without being electronic or RCX/Scout controlled. Also, I have an
IDEA for incorporating the working parts into my space fleet, more on that
later.
<Fun to Build Factor> -8-
I thoroughly enjoyed building this set, but of course with certain sections
being identical I had some (not much) impatience to get to the end. I
suppose that I feel that way when I don't so much want to play with a model
as to see how a new part works. Not LEGO's fault, just that I don't have
much time to build.
Some of the new parts in the LoM series I find highly enjoyable to build
with, this set certainly was fun.
<Good for Parts> -8-
I gave this set a high value for parts because there are few (none spring to
mind) Juniorized parts and a lot of good moving parts like click-hinges,
traditional wall hinges and such. Parts that some may find exciting are the
functional parts for the Tubes and the old school Tech pieces that allow you
to "dial" between 3 Tubes. Inclusion of new colors in this set were at
first distressing, but I find that I grow more fond of the new colors as I
build with them. New molded parts are good in this set because they allow a
new design, rather than skip-the-step Junior parts. If you like
mini-figures (as I do) then this set has a slight disadvantage, more on that
later.
<Quality of Functional Features> -7-
Though it is a good idea and execution, I gave a lower mark in this category
because I felt that the Tube travel was a little less then perfect.
Occasionally, the sleds stick at the exit point of the Tube, possibly due to
increased friction of ABS/ABS versus ABS/Tube. When they hit, they slow.
Also, Tubes have a limit of flexibility that can snag a sled in a corner.
This was expected, just watch how far you bend the tube if you want to place
it somewhere.
The last disadvantage is that to get a sled anywhere requires a gentle and
patient touch. You must pump the air bladder frequently to create travel,
the longer the Tube, the more work. I suspect (haven't tried yet) that
there is a limit to how many Tubes can be connected for it to remain effective.
One other thing to mention in function is that the bladder cannot be
anchored to a baseplate because of it's irregular shape. That is annoying
until you complete the model and find that it must have some table-travel
when "dialing" from Tube to Tube. Anchoring will require some thought.
Good fun, new technology for LEGO. So I can overlook the bad without fuss.
Overall grade of 7317= 32 of 40 (80%)
Not bad in an age when it seems like all we AFOLs do is critisize TLCs
latest offering. I believe that this set has multiple-copy value for me, so
I may get another. Heck, I'll end up with another 3-6 if I find 'em as
cheap as that Highway Construction set from my good ol' Big K! What I
REALLY want from LEGO S@H would be accessory packs including Connectors,
Tubes, Air Bladders and those nifty Slide Track thingys in that funky purple
color. But, as I said before, I like the parts included with those goodies.
They already did the Sleds.
Originally, I said I'd likely not get this set because of the discrimination
against tradintional Mini-Figures riding the Tubes, but after completing the
set I believe TLC chose to create the Martians because they are lighter and
more narrow at the shoulders, thus allowing a limited pressure air travel
system to be introduced. I have to say that the end product is good because
it causes me to edit my space mythology just a little to include the new
characters in my crew.
And creativity is what playing with LEGO is all about.
Best wishes all!
Tell me what you think, too, owners or those interested in the Tubes.
Aaron
#279
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Message has 3 Replies:
 | | Re: 7317 Aero Tube Hangar
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| I just built this set too and i must say i found it quite good to look at and use. I found the sleds stuck at the joints as well, but realised it was because the tube that moves on the slides, was slightly off centre. Straighten it up and they move (...) (23 years ago, 28-Mar-01, to lugnet.reviews)
| | | Re: 7317 Aero Tube Hangar
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| I just got this set as well. I agree with Aaron's review. This set is extremely large when you get it all put together and is very impressive. It certainly doesn't have many basic bricks, but it has plenty of plates and specialized space parts. (...) (23 years ago, 4-Apr-01, to lugnet.reviews)
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