Passenger Plane is without a doubt a very, very odd set.
On one hand, some pieces are immensely juniorized. On the other hand, it offers a selection of new and old pieces that look extremely promising.
7893 weights in at 401 pieces and $40, barely breaking the price-per-piece standard.
Now on to the review.
PASSENGER PLANE
The Figs
The Pilot
I really like this new fig. It keeps in the stylized feel of the new CITY workers.
Passenger One
I love the Jonah torso, and I'm glad to see them reuse it.
The Flagger
Under the orange vest is the torso from Airplane Mechanic. I also think that's a new head. Another great figure.
Passenger Two
The only medicore figure of the lot; I think I have a bias against that head though, so don't mind me. Great fig.
The Stairs
This thing is so NIFTY it deserves its own category. Maniacally simple!
The Plane
Let's get right to the meat - the door.
I have quite a few thoughts on the door. As you can see from the photo, the mechanism used to hold it in place is very, very clever. However, the door - from what I've seen so far - has some issues closing. Not that it won't, it's just a bit of a hassle. It detracts just a little from my opinion of the set. However, it DOES offer amazing potential; let me be the first to say this will be used as armor plating on a mecha very fast. Not to mention, this plane could add another dimension to moonbase (can you say 'airlocks?').
The Engines
Now, I have something very, very sad to tell all of you, and it's best to get it over with now. The wings are one piece. No, I do not mean that each one is a single piece. I mean that the main sections of BOTH wings are formed by ONE piece that crosses over the middle as well. I can see it being used in large space MOCs - but don't expect to be getting a million little wing pieces with this set.
The Cockpit
As you can see, it's made up of two pieces... not entirely unusable, but coming fairly close to it.
The Controls
I'm fairly certain that's a new computer slope, and I love it.
First Class
With deluxe swivelly chairs (one side only).
Doorway
First class gets a nice TV! I also like the doorway between first class and the cockpit; sure, a fig can't fit through it, but honestly, who was going to try anyway? It's like the trains.
Second Class
Pretty standard. Red chair stockpile!
The Rear
My favorite part. Note the two suitcases, as well as the refreshment cart, which pulls out (it has, rather than wheels, the upper parts of two 1x2 hinges underneath). Also note the clear glasses, and most importantly; the RETURN OF THE OLD FAUCET. Hooray for LEGO! Oh, and if you haven't noticed, there's a second exit door in the back.
The Tailfin
I know someone'll find a creative use for this. Since I somehow didn't manage to get a good photo of the back of the plane, I'll fill you in - it's all one piece. Pretty boring. There are two large white wings on the sides. That's about it for that.
Aerial View
Underbelly
FINAL VERDICT: n/a
Figs: 9/10 (could have used another)
Pieces: 7/10 (for juniorization)
Set: 8/10 (fun build! Impressive model)
Playability: 9/10
While it scores fairly well in all the categories, I refuse to give this set a final rating. It's a hit-or-miss set; I don't regret buying it, I think it's a lot of fun, and perfectly usable and inventive. However, I know that a lot of people out there will dislike this set, and they'd probably have valid reasons, whether or not I agree with them. So I'll leave this one up to you all; but if you see it lying around and feel like a breath of fresh air, I'd say, what the heck - go for it.
Until next time,
Bloody Jay
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