BANBAO #8473 - EIFFEL TOWER

Overall an impressive model, there are however issues with the bricks. Opening the box we were optimistic at the feel and of the blocks and the quality there of, unfortunately a couple of 'misformed' blocks were discovered. Only closer inspection compatibility issues with other brands were noted.

Studs are slightly higher and results in plates not fitting flush. Blocks are slightly taller than other brands.

PIECES:  1800

                               VALUE:   ZAR 450 (ZAR 0.250 per brick)
ACCURACY OF PACKAGING:  8/10
               FUN/PLAYABILITY:  2/10
                             QUALITY:  4/10
                  INSTRUCTIONS:  6/10
             MINI CHARACTERS:  5/10
                           OVERALL:  4/10

Playability of the model is increased with the inclusion of 5 mini figures, a couple of dogs, a cat and what seems to be a 'radio controlled helicopter'.

There is also the possibility of building the Arc de Triomphe from the set, there are however no instructions included for this and nothing available on-line.

MOC: SUB STATION

Progress on Luboville has been slow of late much as a result of not having the right bricks. The sub-station has been a nagging challenge and was finally completed yesterday...

Now that it is completed, the next obstacle to overcome is to find enough bricks to complete the supporting buildings for the Luboville power station.

BELA #9734 - NINJA THUNDER SWORDSMAN

PIECES:  377

                               VALUE:   ZAR 159.00 (ZAR 0.422 per brick)
ACCURACY OF PACKAGING:  9/10
               FUN/PLAYABILITY:  8/10
                             QUALITY:  7/10
                  INSTRUCTIONS:  7/10
             MINI CHARACTERS:  8/10
                           OVERALL:  7/10

Some interesting pieces with the set offering a lot of playability with the moving parts and hidden traps and includes playing cards.

LEGO CITY # 60000 FIRE MOTORBIKE

PIECES:  39

                               VALUE:   ZAR 29.00 (ZAR 0.744 per brick)
ACCURACY OF PACKAGING:  9/10
               FUN/PLAYABILITY:  8/10
                             QUALITY:  9/10
                  INSTRUCTIONS:  9/10
             MINI CHARACTERS:  9/10
                           OVERALL:  9/10

DECOO #3332 EXPLOITER

Huge fans of the Lego® Technique range and bought this with hesitation. Quality is fair, the model does though miss the level of detail found in the technique range.

PIECES:  678

                               VALUE:   ZAR 330.00 (ZAR 0.487 per brick)
ACCURACY OF PACKAGING:  8/10
               FUN/PLAYABILITY:  8/10
                             QUALITY:  7/10
                  INSTRUCTIONS:  8/10
             MINI CHARACTERS:  -
                           OVERALL:  7/10

XSZ HERO FACTORY 4 - BREEZ

Not something we would normally purchase, curiosity did however the get the better of us...

                               VALUE:   ZAR 35.00
ACCURACY OF PACKAGING:  9/10
               FUN/PLAYABILITY:  7/10
                             QUALITY:  8/10
                  INSTRUCTIONS:  8/10
             MINI CHARACTERS:  -
                           OVERALL:  7/10

A blatant copy and not sure how the quality compares to the Lego® range. Simple single page instruction sheet and a quick build with the final model study affording good playability.