LEGO Star Wars Destroyer Droid (8002)

Basically, it's a ball structure that, when you roll it, will spring out and transform into a robot as it does in the movie `The Phantom Menace'. The set it very durable... even withstood a couple of tumbles off the kitchen table without a single piece falling out of place. It also sprang open each and every time without a problem, never sticking or opening half way. One thing I appreciate is all the extra rubber bands included in the set... I can't imagine breaking them ALL and having to run around looking for replacements.

It also includes instructions for building an alternative AAT (Armored Assault Tank) from `The Phantom Menace'. This model, however, pales in comparison.

One thing that certainly impressed me was the value... I was stunned to find out that it was only half the price that I figured it was. Regardless of whether you're a Star Wars fan or not, this set is certainly a great idea for any Technics fan.

I am not going to go over what others said already. I do want to stress following instructions exactly, and often reference illustrations. Although the chain-reaction mechanism is fun, it does seem kind of fragile (especially since there is no glue). I did try to bend hard and drop from higher ground, and things seem to work ok with no damanges. Good thing is there are lots of extra rubberbands so if you break some you have spares.

Do have the expectation that it won't work all the time, at least not in my case.I assume adjusting the rubberband tension will help, I would have to play around with it.

There are some inconsistencies in the manual, nothing show stopper though. p31 the leg rubberband is attached to a different joing; p38 step 10 and 11 are reversed; p47 showed a non-existant rubberband which should have been on the other end. The rubberband location may be a preference issue because they work either way.

The transform features a complex chain reaction. The rolling motion onto the protruding switch releases the forelegs. The extended forelegs absorb the same rolling impact, and this releases the hind leg, which in turn uncurls the body and releases the upper arms and head. The outflung upper arms then allow the lower arms to spring out.

This is only fun WHEN IT WORKS. There is a problem with the foreleg rubber bands needing to be in EXACTLY right configuration (each should dip UNDER the knob between the two connectors).

Also, making an "X" pattern out of the head's rubber bands seems to help.

P.S. One suggestion follow the directions very very very very closely!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lego makes great things. I have never been dissapointed with their engineering of even a single model until now.

To start with the model is held together with rubberbands. That's how it functions, You roll it and the parts snap out using rubber band spring action.

Given the complexity of the model this kind of engineering seemes unusually sloppy for Lego. Needless to say it is very flimsy. I doubt it would ever have much of a chance working the way it was intended. Besides that, Reseting it to its rolling attack position is a royal pain, half the time when springing into action its head and other parts come flying off, making it even more of a pain to repair. But like those American sports cars from the early 80's, who needs reliablitly when its looks alone could kill. Seriously, this beast just sitting on a shelf is a way cool conversation piece to amaze your freinds. Just don't let them touch it!

Okay forget the model, lets talk about the scrap heap. This model is a Technic parts dream come true! There are hundres of very useful parts with this model, like more axels, belts, angle pieces, than one would ever know what to do with. What it does not come with is a single traditional Lego Brick- okay 3 or 4 round 1x1s and a couple finishing plates are the only parts you would normally connect to a normal brick. With this model I felt more like I was dealing with a plastic Erector set than anything Lego would invent.

So if your a gear head looking for Technic parts alone, buy this set! if you want a model to sit on a shelf and look pretty buy this set. If you want something that actually works- buy a Toyota.