LEGO Creator German Shepherd 30578 Review for MFO

WoW, First Post of 2021 and First post in awhile; specially for MF0. Sorry about that; life and work got away from me. Well got away from a lot of people but glad to get one of these out again. Though this post not about that, it about LEGO and MF0 so let's get started!

The Bag

I found this polybag at Target but I haven't seen it there since but looks like you can find it on their website including at store pick up! Like many Creator sets there is technically 3 builds in this polybag BUT two of them (Spider and Snake) are PDF instructions on the LEGO site; should note these instructions are not part of the LEGO Instructions App at the time of writing this blog post. 

The Frame - Front

Can you build some sort of creation right away? 

The Frame - Back

I made a pretty simple and small quad walker that a bit different then some. I say the legs might be a bit simple BUT honestly the 3 builds meant for these parts could all serve as templates for potential animal shaped frame builds, more so the snake and the spider then the German Shepherd. Not quite enough to play with Systems right from the bag I believe if using it that way but this is very close to a 'frame in a bag'. +5 Points 

Parts 1

Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio? The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.

 

Parts 2

$4.99/76 pieces = $0.07 per part. While the bag is about a dollar more then most polys the increase part count makes it a deal of useful parts but maybe not the most popular colors. +5 points

Parts 3

If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away? 

Parts 4

Quite certainly a yes though most likely leaning chicken/hi-leg style walkers or multi leg frames. +5 points

Parts 5

Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts? 

Set - The Dog

I have clearly already answered this making +5 points. 

Set - The Spider

Total: This is an A+ pretty much; it not the most fun colors and sort of lacking pieces for general system building or making more 'traditionl' frames out of the bag but it a great part bag none the less. 

Set - The Snake

Thanks for coming back or welcome if first time here or coming from another project of mine. As I get more things settled I hope to get back to this more in some form along with starting new projects or restarting old ones.

LEGO Creator Blue Express 31054 Review and Scale for MF0

The Box

Sadly this is now a retired product from the time of writing this but you can sometimes find it around or pick up the instructions for it online. I bought this more for a table/cover piece then to build outi f it much like an earlier train set.

Parts 1

Can you build some sort of creation right away?

I didn't even try to build anything with this set outside of the set but looking over the pieces I could have probably gotten a blocky but not fancy frame with maybe some kind of ranged weapons so I will weakly give it +5 points.

Parts 2

Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio? The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.

This set should have been $4.99

$4.99 / 71 = $0.07 a piece this is under the Golden Ratio for another +5 points!

Parts 3

If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away? 

Certainly usable parts but also a lot of plates but that still gets it +5 points.

The Set - Form 1

Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?

This is where this falls about earning a - 5 points as the useful seems smaller then the not useful to my eyes.

Total: So an A- rating for a set but this was bought for the table and no matter I think the train could look could; specially if combined with a track and some other sets but how does the scale of this look at 6-7 plates? Look below to find out.

So first we need some measurements.

About 12 plates tall 

About 9 studs long

About 4 wide

So what does this all mean; well sticking to your established Scales our train is about 10 feet, about 22 1/2 feet long and approx 10 feet wide.

Well finding Classic Engine dimensions proving a little annoying but I think a standard 50' Standard Box car gets us some info. The box cars have a height from 11-13 feet with a width of 10-11 feet so given this is LEGO I think we are on the money their. Length wise these box cars are 50-80 feet but I think steam engine were much smaller so just using my gut I think we are fine. I personally think it be great to see a long train of flatbeds with frames on them being transported on tracks for a battlefield. If you decide to do it let me know!

LEGO Creator Jolly Santa 30478 Set Review for MF0

The Bag

I picked this one up at Target sitting randomly on the end cap; laying on the shelf. I have a feeling this might be a fee be back left out early or maybe it should be hanging in the Xmas section?

The Clause

Can you build some sort of creation right away?

I got this red and white frame which I am actually really proud of; +5 points to the review and a point for me!!

Parts 1

Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio? The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.

I believe this set was $3.99

$3.99 / 74 = $0.05 per piece! Amazingly under ratio for +5 points!

Parts 2

If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away? 

This is an easy yes for +5 points!

The Set - Abstract Santa Nightmare Fuel...

Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?

Lots of small plates here but they can surprisingly useful in the right builds, specially for IO...+5 points.

Total: This makes an A+ in some basic common colors but that can still be quite useful!

LEGO Creator Happy Turtle 30476 Set Review for MF0

The Bag

I picked this set up at Target and until the end of the weekend I believe is Free with a single set purchase of 24.99 or  more but you can buy it buy itself. I was originally told my store was sold out but than found it up by the Main Cashier section.

Can you build some sort of creation right away?

I gave it a shot and was close but couldn't get an actual build from it but I think there is some room for inspiration of a space ship in here. -5 points.

Parts 1

Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio? The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.

$2.99 / 33 = $0.09 for just under ratio for +5 points! Yes, that is $2.99!

Parts 2

If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away? 

Yes, look at all the mixel joints but be better if there was pieces of the 1x2 with the cup on the short end. +5 points.

The Set

Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?

Given the parts are Mixel Joints and I almost got a frame with maybe some spaceship design potential I will give this +5 as well.

Total: We have an A- set and a cute little turtle!

LEGO Creator Desert Racers Set 31040 Set Review for MF0

The Box

This set has been available everywhere but it run might be coming to a close soon.

Half Decent frame, could use some refinement.

Can you build some sort of creation right away?

Got myself a rough BattleTechish frame for +5 points.

Parts 1

Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio? The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.

$4.99 / 65 = $0.08 per part for under ratio for +5 points!

Parts 2

If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away?

Certainly a good box for parts for +5 points!

Parts 3

Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts? 

Yes for +5 points!

Total: +A set from a box, if you like what you saw inside than grab it while you can. 

LEGO Creator Super Soarer 31042 Set Review and 7p Jet Size Talk

The Box

Another widely available Creator Set which got me thinking about jets in MF0 or more specifically their size in MF0 sort of standard scale of 7p. So after the review we will explore that subject so don't go away!

Parts 1

Can you build some sort of creation right away?

I could not get a build but my focus was more on the plane build itself so might have effected me a bit. Maybe get a very abstract art station out of this if you push it. -5 points.

Parts 2

Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio?  The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.

$9.99 / 100 = $0.10 per part making it perfectly balanced on the ratio for +0 points!

Parts 3

If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away? 

It certainly does have useful parts for a frame or space ship build for +5 points!

Parts 4

Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?

Despite having several useful parts but not enough to make a frame and when compared to the rest of the set I think it will equal no for -5 points.

The Set

Total: So our jet set is as B- set which isn't TOO bad, specially if you can make use of the not frame/spaceship pieces for some cover? Alright, let's get to part 2!

How Big is a Jet in 7p?

But First how big is a jet in...real life? Well jets or more specific, combat jets come in different sizes so I took five 4th gen fighters (pretty much modern) from five different countries that were the most manufactured in each country to come up with an average so you know what to aim for.

Those averages were: Length for 616 inches or 51.34 feet, Wingspan of 400 inches or 33.34 feet and 204 inch or 17 feet for Height.

Now we can figure out what that would be in 7p for 30 studs for Length, 19 studs for the Wingspans and 20 plates for Height.

Wow, that is a lot to take it. It is just a bit taller than a Chub and certainly outside of The Box. How does the Super Soarer compare?

19-20 Studs Long

20 Studs

I forgot to measure the Height of the Soarer but I think it the least important measure so moving on.

First our Wingspan is a stud longer which is perfectly fine but the length of our plan is 10 studs shorter which is off from our 'average' but actually is still quite in the range you might find a plane, specially if it is a less combat role. 

So with that said if you want to use the Super Soarer or at least the instructions and swap out colors I think this could be good if you want to make an airfield inspired table or such.

LEGO Creator Reindeer 30474 Review for MF0

The Bag

So this is one of two polybag's in Target's stocking stuffer wall but as usual they are going fast.

The Frame: R-Games

Can you build some sort of creation right away?

I got a pretty nice frame out of this over all. Felt like giving it a briefcase to hold. Perhaps a mobile station to claim? I think these could be pretty decent regular Hips and Shoulder options. +5 points.

Parts 1

Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio? The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.

$3.49 / 77 = 0.05 per piece! I think that is one of the best ratios I have seen outside of sales or offbrands! +5 points!

Parts 2 - Really need to remember to put a white paper down or something.

If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away?

Yes! Absolutely! +5 points.

Parts 3

Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?

Just about this entire bag is useful one way or another! +5 points.

Haven't seen one of these in a bit.

Total: Well we have an A+ set here though the only drawback is there are some unpopular colors but I don't care!