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Striker
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VBBN
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    8957 Mine Mech (POWER MINERS)

    VBBN
    VBBN


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    Post  VBBN Wed Apr 07, 2010 12:05 am

    Well,seeing as I really enjoy doing lego reviews and teach in the Reviewer's Academy, I shall start posting my reviews here as well. Enjoy!


    Set Name: Mine Mech
    Pieces: 67
    Price: $7.99, 6.85GBP, 7.99 EUR
    Year Released: 2009
    Links: Lego S@H, Bricklink, PDF Instructions.
    Lego Description:
    Explore the underground with the Mine Mech!

    The one-of-a-kind Mine Mech is an experimental mining walker built to go where the other Power Miners vehicles can’t. Its enhanced movement and armor make it perfect for exploration and emergency rescues, and its spinning plasma cutter and crushing claw make it more than a match for any rock – or rock monster!


    -Features spinning saw blade, claw arm, moveable legs to walk or pose model and opening cockpit!
    -Includes miner and rock monster minifigures and accessories!
    -Combine with #8956 Stone Chopper to build the Cave Cutter!

    Now I was a fan of Exo-Force, and not so much a fan of Power Miners. So, can the mech feeling of EF and Underground feeling of the Mine Mech fit together? Read on with the review to find out!

    Part 1: Box

    Front View
    8957 Mine Mech (POWER MINERS) 3592936219_bb65b4e65d_o
    The box is interesting to say the least. Never would I have thought lego to put a combination of Lime green and gray as the main colors of a box like this. Well, spongebob maybe, but this was surprising. Actually, this box does a very nice job of catching a casual person walking down the lego aisle(with it's bright colors of course.) As for the box image, it's showing the Mech waddling towards a Rock Monster holding a crystal. And, as you will learn later, this is pretty much the best pose you are going to get with this set.

    Back View
    8957 Mine Mech (POWER MINERS) 3592936599_5fe35fb757_o
    The back of the box, if you think about it, is very resemblant of the Exo-Force sets boxes. Displayed are the set's function, whcih, well, aren't really functions. Just moving parts really. Also, the combination. I can't say I'm loving this, looks more like a 10-minute designed build.

    Part 2: Contents

    Instructions
    8957 Mine Mech (POWER MINERS) 3593745506_b088be54e9_o
    The instructions. Nothing new really, just the same old, same old.

    Random Page
    8957 Mine Mech (POWER MINERS) 3592937279_dc2541d07b_o

    Minifigs
    8957 Mine Mech (POWER MINERS) 3593746156_42e393c38d_o
    Two are included in this set, which is what we come to expect most times with a set this size. And, not to mention, that these figs are simply great. The miner, Brains, looks splended, with a recolored helmet from Rock Raiders, a new dual sided head, and new torso & leg print. The dual sided head is remeniscent of EF, being that it has a scared expression on the backside. The rock monster comes in dark green this time around, a much welcomed color. I love the rock monsters, they are just great. Let me say I was schocked at the size of him. He was much smaller than I expected. It's not a bad thing, but it was just surprising. I do feel that he needs some moving legs, but other than that, it is a pretty solid(no pun intended) new minifigure.

    Back of Figs
    8957 Mine Mech (POWER MINERS) 3593746464_bd778630c4_o

    Dual Head
    8957 Mine Mech (POWER MINERS) 3593746786_ac8f3ea62d_o

    New/Interesting Parts
    8957 Mine Mech (POWER MINERS) 3592938591_c9c0dfae2d_o
    I was quite happy with the amount of new and interesting parts I got with this set. Firstly, the new rollcage. This is a stunning new piece for many types of builders, from post-apoc to city, I love it. One thing I like about it is that it is symetrical, increasing it's uses all the more. Next, is the popular buzzsaw in orange, followed by a recolored Bionicle Mahritoran blade in orange. Both of these are good for the Bionicle mocists like myself, and I like them. Also, we have the tube in orange, and the new dynamite. Lastly, a green crystal piece and the Bionicle Barraki eyes in a trans-orange, which is a welcome addition.

    Part 3: Build

    Torso Start
    8957 Mine Mech (POWER MINERS) 3592938935_079dce5a6f_o
    Starts off with an interesting build. Much different than that of the Exo-Force torsos on the small sets.

    Adding On
    8957 Mine Mech (POWER MINERS) 3592939217_56040dbbdb_o
    Here we start to shape the cockpit and legs. I must say, the white control sticks have a new base on them to make them more moveable on the stud. This is due to the old ones being too tight. Well, these are far to loose. I mean, on my set, they fall off constantly, and I don't think I have ever seen a flaw in a set this small be such a big problem. Definatly going to hurt the ratings a bit. On another note, the gray splotched on the sticker in the middle are actually rough-neato!

    Continued
    8957 Mine Mech (POWER MINERS) 3593748208_f218c9cbcf_o
    I found it strange that you add Brains i this early in the build. Not a big deal anyhow.

    Legs Added
    8957 Mine Mech (POWER MINERS) 3593748586_6d3d76da04_o
    I must say, this is a really bad leg design. But it can be easily changed by moving them so they are straight, with the sockets being sideways. The feet are nice however, and use those wonderful grill-slopes. Funny hing is, the gray stubs are actually his arms. The other stuff that is added on is just weapons. Poor guy !

    Part 4: Finished Model

    Finished
    8957 Mine Mech (POWER MINERS) 3592940597_65ee0a36d5_o
    I didn't get a pic of just the arms, so let me jump to the finished product. As you can see, it has aconsistent color scheme, mind the dynamite, and look to have a solid build. My only quirks about this mode, is the odd claw, being 1 stud apart near the end, and the odd legs. Other than that, It's not bad.

    Back
    8957 Mine Mech (POWER MINERS) 3592940989_b105f5fd95_o
    Back view. Oh, forgot to mention it has the black gear. Those are always handy.

    Comparison
    8957 Mine Mech (POWER MINERS) 3592941701_fc175b7039_o
    Now that must be the most shocking thing I saw about this guy. When I was done looking over him, I pulled out River Dragon here to see how they compared. Now I had forgotten the size of an average EF set of the 8$ category, and that's when I realized something: This guy is SMALL. I mean, he is only about half the size of what he should be.

    Part 5: Conclusion

    Minifigs: 10/10- Perfect. Couldn't have had better(well, I could, but, well, you get my point.)
    Parts: 7/10- Good for this set. 67 is just a bit below what I would like, but that's me.
    Price: 8/10- As I said above, 67 is just a bit less than what I would like.
    Final Model: 7/10- The Control Sticks, size, and legs are what bring this down the 3 points.
    Total: 32/40- Average
    Overall, I think this is okay. It definatly doesn't compare to Exo-Force in my opinion, but it does have an interesting color scheme and selection of parts, plus the figs are just great. Somewhat recommended to casual fans.
    An Average on my poll for me.

    As always pic requests and questions are welcome.

    Until Next Time,
    VBBN


    Last edited by VBBN on Wed Apr 07, 2010 12:06 am; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : Quick spell check)
    Dutch
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    Post  Dutch Wed Apr 07, 2010 12:15 am

    Very nice review as always VBBN.
    Striker
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    Post  Striker Wed Apr 07, 2010 12:16 am

    Excellent review, VBBN!

    Have you shortened it from your EB version?
    VBBN
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    Post  VBBN Wed Apr 07, 2010 12:18 am

    Thanks both,

    @Striker- No, I removed one sentance that related to when I had first posted the topic, but that's it.
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    Post  Custom 333 Wed Apr 07, 2010 1:47 pm

    Good review! I never compared EF and PM sets, the size difference is staggering.
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    Post  Biotoakid Wed Apr 07, 2010 5:21 pm

    When I got him I disliked how chunky he was.
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    Post  Denal Wed Apr 07, 2010 10:02 pm

    This is a very good review. It has great detail and info on the set. Wink
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    Post  Troopa D Wed Apr 07, 2010 10:28 pm

    A very good review. I like how you showed step by step. Very Happy

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