Review: 76140 Iron Man Mech
Posted by CapnRex101,Three appealing mechs are available within the latest collection of Marvel sets. 76140 Iron Man Mech has provoked significant interest because Iron Man and mechs are intrinsically connected and this model looks brilliant. Some interesting elements are provided too.
Furthermore, the exclusive Iron Man minifigure includes outstanding detail and could definitely become extremely popular. For these reasons, I hope to be impressed with this fun addition to the successful Marvel theme, particularly given its relatively modest cost of £8.99 or $9.99.
Minifigure
Numerous impressive Iron Man minifigures have been produced since 2012, most frequently taking inspiration from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, this example is based upon the upcoming Avengers video game and closely resembles its source material, featuring an attractive metallic gold faceplate with metallic silver highlights. Matching colours appear across the torso and legs.
These components consist primarily of dark red but the contrasting details look marvellous and I like the red printing which creates an illusion of reflective metal. Once again, this design corresponds with the video game while the white arc reactor at the centre of Iron Man's chest looks splendid, accurately capturing the shape of its digital counterpart.
Removing the helmet reveals a familiar double-sided head, featuring a blue heads-up display on one side and Tony Stark's confident face on the other. This element was originally intended for integration with helmets that feature opening faceplates but it looks reasonable here too. A pair of trans-light blue Power Blasts are supplied with the minifigure.
The Completed Model
Iron Man frequently deploys heavily armoured suits when the situation requires them and this mech bears some resemblance to the famous Hulkbuster. The model measures 12cm in height and I think the proportions are excellent, featuring large shoulders, hands and feet which contrast with narrower sections of each limb. That design reflects the earlier NEXO Knights Battle Suits.
Corresponding with the aforementioned Battle Suits, this model includes twelve separate ball joints alongside several hinges and swivelling joints. That enables fantastic articulation and the broad feet provide ample support for almost any pose. The waist rotation is notably useful and I appreciate how each finger is articulated individually, although the exposed axle opposite the thumb looks odd.
The torso is constructed around an interesting chest armour component which also returns from the Battle Suits. However, the back of this torso is assembled using multiple pieces rather than the large element that was introduced during 2017. I like the printed arc reactor here but other details, such as those on each shoulder, are formed using stickers.
Pearl gold ingots are also situated across the arms and legs, complementing the designs on the Iron Man minifigure. Opening the chest armour reveals space for Iron Man to stand and I like the dark tan elements behind him, forming some cushioning. The tile launcher situated above the pilot looks rather out of place but shooting functions are brilliant for play and this weapon offers a broad range of motion.
The transition between the body and the legs sometimes disappoints on LEGO mechs but I think this design looks good. Moreover, the large lower legs look wonderful and incorporate numerous brackets, giving the impression of bulky armour. I like the feet too and their trans-light blue repulsors seem fairly similar to those on the Hulkbuster. Subtler details on both feet are formed using stickers but I think the result is effective.
Overall
LEGO has produced several models of the Hulkbuster armour and they have proven fantastic, hence my high expectations for the generic 76140 Iron Man Mech. Thankfully, the mech does not disappoint. Its colour scheme of red, dark red and pearl gold looks perfect and I think the proportions of the model are appropriate for Iron Man, conveying reasonable strength but avoiding excessive bulk.
The accompanying Iron Man minifigure is equally appealing, especially given its divergence from the standard Marvel Cinematic Universe designs. I think the price of £8.99 or $9.99 feels appropriate too, despite the inclusion of six stickers. This is definitely a worthy addition to the Marvel theme and could become an enjoyable source for useful pieces as well.
I hope you have found this review informative. Let us know by liking this article and share your opinion of the set in the comments below.
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41 comments on this article
Relative to the very impressive Hulkbuster mechs, I think this model looks ridiculous.
I purchased this set for my son; primarily for the Iron Man minifigure. Also got the Thanos mech for him as well. I agree this set is priced at a good point...especially compared to the $4.99 cost of a single DC CMFs that was just released.
Good set for the price, and more articulation compared to like a previous Nexo Knight Battle Suit.
Of course a €140 Hulkbuster looks better, so a bit silly to compare.
I don't understand why the big chest armor piece is necessary. What's the problem having it be brick built? Would've looked better too.
I don’t think you need to compare it to the Hulkbusters, as it looks odd enough on its own merits. It got two mehs from an eight year old and ten year old Nipper.
The look of the helmet is old school, reminiscent of Invincible Iron Man. The mech doesn't impress but it seems to have a good foundation to build on. Too, it has some good parts to utilize elsewhere.
This range is definitely a winner for a tenner a pop. Hopefully it shows up over here soon.
With the lack of CCBS sets last year and so far into this, I almost wonder if Lego intends to use all these Mixel joints as sort of a pure System replacement of Constraction. I don't know how I feel about that... certainly its more in line with traditional Lego to use bricks with studs... but if this is intended to replace CCBS I feel a certain sense of sadness if it means the 10.2 mm ball system is going to vanish completely after 20 years in use.
Good play toys for the kids. The price point makes for an easy purchase too.
Anyone else think the minifig helmet looks like he has chubby cheeks? Like he's got a bunch of marshmallows stuffed in his mouth.
Shame the chest piece isn't dark red, it really struck me in these photos of how much worse it makes it look when all the arms, legs and the minifigure itself are primarily dark red.
Enh, not really my thing.
dunno why they used the head with the display printed on it since his helmet can't open
Nice little mech, great price. I don't usually go for mechs but I might make an exception for this one.
Of all the superheroes, Iron Man is the one for whom a mech makes most sense. It’s just the kind of thing Tony Stark would build. And the price of this set is quite appealing.
But I cannot get past the peg protruding from the side of the hand. There must be a better way of articulating the thumb and fingers without extraneous axels. Pardon the pun, but it sticks out like a sore thumb.
@Zander - as a matter of fact, there is in the form of part 21445. Guessing it was not used for parts budget or something. Would've preferred using that and a 1x2 plate even if that meant losing out on the mandatory firing gimmick thing, but it's also very easy to swap out.
Oh wow Lego, Knees!
I personally love this one I think it may be because Iron Man is the only one out of him, Thanos and Spidey who a mech makes sense for
A decent effort for this price point. Not for me though
I get the Iron Man helmet used on this minifig is a better fit in terms of scale for this set, but I also hope that if we get anymore IM minifgs in the future they go back to using the 2 piece opening faceplate, it just looks better.
Kids will absolutely love this range. A nice affordable way to get their favourite superheroes and villains, and it doesn’t suffer from the over-characterisation of mighty micros.
@woosterlegos this is also one third of the price of the Hulkbuster sets, so it's not surprising it's less bulky and detailed.
@xboxtravis7992 it definitely seems that CCBS is somewhere between dying and dead. The Star Wars buildable figures on permanent half-off discount can't have done them any favours.
To be honest, I'm only gonna buy this set because of the Iron Man fig. As a collector of the different armor minifigs, it looks cool, and for $10, not bad.
For the price of it, I think this is something of a bargain. Yes, if you compare it to the previous Iron Man mechs we've gotten in recent years, it doesn't look great, but for the price point considering some of the rarish part and an exclusive fig, it should be on any Iron Man fans to buy list.
I wasn’t going to buy these mechs, but for ten bucks I think I’m in.
Lovely price at least but not convinced by the mech which looks too fragile.
Yeah, I'm in for the three singles, more likely than not. I'm in no rush though, they'll be good impulse purchases when I'm in the mood to buy something lego. And they're already decently priced, so if that mood takes me when they're at full price, that's fine.
Alternatively, good LEGO.com fillers if there's a promo set that really grabs me with a threshold that's annoyingly out of reach.
Cool set and minifigure!
Fantastic set, and a fertile field for some ideas using these mech suits. I hope kids love this as much as I do.
@Graysmith said:
"Shame the chest piece isn't dark red, it really struck me in these photos of how much worse it makes it look when all the arms, legs and the minifigure itself are primarily dark red."
I agree, it makes it feel like the 2 shades of red are used 50/50, and I think it looks jumbled. It could have worked if red was used as an accent colour...
I don’t know, I personally think it’s kind of dumb. The mini figure looks okay, but I’m disappointed because the helmet doesn’t open, mostly because this is the only affordable Iron Man set currently out there to my knowledge.
Just interested in the fig. Good amount of parts for the price to justify buying it.
Really cool printing on the face of Tony as seen inside the mask...BUT...the faceplate...stays...um...closed?
Alrighty then!
@Nick said:
"I don't understand why the big chest armor piece is necessary. What's the problem having it be brick built? Would've looked better too. "
I think if it was brick-built it would either be too fragile or not have sufficient room for a minifig. But that’s just a guess.
I bought it for the minifigure alone. It's a good value set imo.
@CapnRex101 said:
"this example is based upon the upcoming Avengers video game"
Do you mean that Lego Marvel Avengers 2 will be released soon? :)
When I was browsing this page and looked at the design, I was thinking... hmm... it looks a little simple, not bad but needs more detail. Then I looked at the price and brick count. And that changes the perception immediately. For 10 euro this is truly an amazingly good value and well design set (plus the inclusion of the minifigure).
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I hate the single piece helmet, no matter what you print on it.
@majeroque - No, I was referring to the new Avengers video game which will be released later this year.
I dont like this helmet!!
The rest is okay - most likely a cool set for kids at a nice price point.
I love this little set. Great detail on the minifig. What version of the armor is represented?