Subject:
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7315 Solar Explorer
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.reviews
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Date:
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Tue, 27 Aug 2002 05:33:29 GMT
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Viewed:
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4185 times
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7315
System/Life on Mars
Solar Explorer
Ages 7-12, 242 pcs. © 2001. 27 page manual: 1 model
MSRP $35 USD
RATINGS (Scale: Must-Have Excellent Very-Good Good Fair Poor)
Set (elements): Very Good / Model: Good / Playability: Good / Value: Fair
NO DECALS!!!! Good to very good printing.
SET DESCRIPTION
http://guide.lugnet.com/set/7315
A medium sized set. The model is a space ship which appears somewhat
Shuttle-ish—primarily white with black and light blue trim. The booklet
includes instructions for the main model and some ideas for combining its
modules with modules from other Life on Mars sets. The box shows no
alternate models, but does depict the model’s modularity.
Elements of personal interest include a Millennium Falcon style canopy, two
16 stud long Technic beams, several light blue slopes, white arches, and
hinge cylinders. There are 2 space guns and 1 space Laser-Gun with Side
Sight (I can’t get enough of either!) There are 3 minifigures, two have a
neat metallic-blue large space helmet, all have visors in the same
intriguing color. The most unique element is a 14 x 14 vinyl-like sheet
with a honeycomb printed pattern. This same element is single largest
detractor from the set (see below). A full set inventory can be found at
http://peeron.com/inv/sets/7315-1.
IMPRESSION
This set appealed to me since it was first released. I delayed my purchase
until a clearance sale, however, because the set (like most modern releases)
didn’t appear substantive enough to warrant full MSRP. To me it represents
the closest thing to a good old fashioned Space set since I left my dark ages.
The closest relative to this set in my personal collection is the 6984
Galactic Mediator {© 1992, http://guide.lugnet.com/set/6984}. Both sets are
modular, with the center section dropping out to form a temporary command
post or lab. Likewise, both sets have a small wheeled surface vehicle that
stows inside the assembled model. The Solar Explorer also has robot/probe
that attaches to the ship in modular fashion.
Many have grumbled that the modularity of 6984 made the model somewhat
unstable. I never personally experienced that with a properly assembled
Galactic Mediator. By contrast, I find the Solar Explorer fairly wobbly
when fully assembled. Each segment of the ‘Explorer attaches to the next
via a single 1x2 two-pin brick mating to a corresponding 1x2 two-hole
Technic brick. While the model isn’t at risk for falling apart, the amount
of play at the junction of each module adds up. When all four segments are
together the combined structure suffers from a significant amount of flex.
It’s not catastrophic, but it is a noticeable nuisance.
Surprisingly, both my son (age 5) and I have a difficult time separating
each module from the next without shattering some part of the assembly in
the process. I think this may be due to a lack of good grab-points for
firmly gripping each segment. This trait severely reduces the set’s
playability.
The nose of the ship is rather sleek—a Millennium Falcon canopy transitions
nicely to a 4x4 cone via two curved-top bricks. The cone is held in place
by a studded 3x Technic axle which traverses the interior of the cone and
mates to a one-hole 1x2 Technic brick. The canopy, like many of the modern
Lego generation, is not hinged. For me this detracts a little from realism
and playability.
As mentioned earlier, the center section of the ship detaches to form a
stationary surface structure. This module is made by a sheet of vinyl-like
material draped over a framework made from two 16 lug Technic beams and
attached with three Technic friction towball pegs per side. The small
surface vehicle snaps to the interior of the assembly via another 1x2
two-pin brick arrangement. Quite frankly, this whole module is junk. It
takes what potentially would have been a top notch space set right down to
the depths of mediocrity. The vehicle barely tucks inside and is almost
impossible to remove without pulverizing. The vinyl sheet is just pain
flimsy and cheep. It does not hold continuity to the theme of the model.
It precludes any firm grasping point, decreasing swoosh-ability. It’s not
even a true Lego element and it spans nearly half the length of the ship!
On the other hand, the tail section of the model is quite aesthetic. High
arches form the framework of two engine elements. There are twin vertical
stabilizers atop the assembly. The only thing keeping this module from
being near perfect is a lack of true rockets. A space ship ought to have
rockets, right?
A little robot/droid is also included. It’s four legs and feet are made
from clicking hinge cylinders and plates. The domed roof of the droid is
removable (maybe a little too easily) to reveal a small storage space. The
little fellow can attach to any module of the rest of the ship by the same
mechanism that holds all the rest of them together.
Lastly, the bottom of the ship is a little to pain. Said another way, it’s
just pain flat. All that’s down there are a few round 4x4 plates. It seems
unfinished and out of place on a ship that maintains such a congruent
transverse ark down its entire long axis.
SUMMARY
It a good set that could’ve been GREAT if only the center module were made
of Lego. The elements are certainly above average and while some factors
limit playability, my son and I still have a kick with it. It’s rare to
find a single medium-sized set with everything needed for an all out
adventure—something that flies, something that drives, a home base on the
ground, and enough minifigs to make it all work. That’s exactly what this
set ALMOST achieves. Worth MSRP--almost. Worthwhile at 20% or more
discount, definitely.
Likes:
Cool minifigs that fit nicely where they’re supposed to.
It flies, drives, and has a structure.
The front and rear elements are quite nicely done.
It’s the closest thing to real space since my dark ages (I consider
Star Wars a distinct but overlapping genre).
Dislikes:
That stupid, stupid, STUPID, extra super lame, vinyl shrouded
midsection.
Pain flat underside.
Tendency to disintegrate when separating modules.
REVIEWER INFORMATION
Review written August 26, 2002.
By Mike McKee (Lugnet member 1245)—this is my first review.
Age 35 (ouch!). Son age 5. Favorite lines/themes: Space, Model Team.
Train neophyte. Budding interests in Castle and Star Wars.
I’m a casual collector that plays with everything I own (which includes the
original sets I got as a kid), usually with my son. My nearly 20 year dark
age ended when my son turned 3 and I broke out my old collection. Lugnet,
BrickShelf instruction scans, clearance sales, Lego Direct/Customer Service,
Ebay (sorry to admit it), and Legoland all helped too! I place highest
emphasis on playability and I’m kind of a tightwad (I like to get a lot of
elements and a lot of playability for my buck!).
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