Review: 75940 Gallimimus and Pteranodon Breakout
Posted by CapnRex101,The selection of LEGO dinosaurs has improved rapidly within the Jurassic World theme. 75940 Gallimimus and Pteranodon Breakout provides another famed dinosaur which appears during Jurassic Park as Gallimimus flee the dangerous Tyrannosaurus rex.
Interesting vehicles have accompanied various Jurassic World sets. This example definitely appears powerful, although its short wheelbase seems somewhat awkward in my opinion. Nevertheless, the offset cockpit is distinctive and the laboratory has been integrated neatly towards the rear, housing some excellent details.
Minifigures
Owen Grady appears in almost every Jurassic World set and this rendition of the character looks marvellous, wearing a dark orange jacket which was introduced this year. The metallic silver cannisters fixed across his chest are beautifully detailed, containing a green liquid with reflective bubbles inside, while the double-sided head displays smiling and determined facial expressions. Owen's facial hair appears realistic too.
This version of Claire Dearing returns from the Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom range and appears somewhat bland beside Owen, lacking such intricate decoration or striking colours. Even so, the olive green jacket seems appropriate for the wilderness of Isla Nublar and this minifigures features two expressive faces, both of which convey suitable emotion.
Jurassic World experiences frequent security incidents and these are typically rectified by the Asset Containment Unit. One such ACU Trooper is accordingly included, sporting a dark blue hat and jacket which approximates the uniforms worn by the onscreen characters. The original Jurassic World selection released during 2015 contained more authentic ACU minifigures but I am satisfied with this design as well.
The dark bluish grey tactical vest looks brilliant in combination with the printed legs and the Jurassic World logo decorates the back of this ACU Trooper's torso. The same component is available elsewhere, albeit only within Juniors and 4+ sets so its appearance here is welcome. Additionally, the head features an appropriate communication headset and this figure carries a controller for two drones.
Gallimimus has appeared on multiple occasions throughout the Jurassic World franchise, although their initial emergence during Jurassic Park remains their most memorable moment. This depiction of the omnivorous dinosaur looks fantastic, accurately capturing its slender neck and lithe proportions which are indicative of the Gallimimus' remarkable speed.
Such accuracy seems particularly remarkable because the Gallimimus only incorporates one unique element, forming the neck and head. Otherwise, the body was created for Velociraptor while the legs and jaw originate from 75916 Dilophosaurus Ambush and 75934 Dilophosaurus on the Loose, respectively. This explains the teeth on the lower jaw that differ from real Gallimimus specimens.
Medium nougat and dark orange colours appear extremely attractive together and I love the dark brown streaks across the neck and body. In addition, the legs, arms, neck and jaw each include moveable joints which are helpful when posing the Gallimimus, matching other LEGO dinosaurs that comprise several of the same components.
The winged Pteranodon was among the first ancient creatures that LEGO produced for the Dino Island range during 2000. An updated version became available during 2012 and this example comprises the same components, albeit featuring new sand green and dark green hues. I like this colour scheme which appears realistic and the decoration across the head is remarkably effective.
I am especially impressed with the gradual colour mixing across the wings, matching previous LEGO Pteranodons. The articulation remains unchanged too, including flapping wings and an opening beak. Additionally, the legs incorporate clips so accessories may be connected to the animal's claws which is excellent for play.
The Completed Model
Patrolling the uneven terrain of Isla Nublar and recapturing dinosaurs evidently necessitates heavy equipment and this vehicle appears wholly appropriate. The angular external armour resembles that which enshrouds tanks and the enormous wheels are suitably rugged. This design reminds me of 70588 Titanium Ninja Tumbler and their sizes are comparable as the Jurassic World vehicle measures 16cm in length.
While fantasy vehicles feel cohesive with the world of NINJAGO, those from Jurassic World traditionally appear more realistic. Enlarged weaponry and tyres are typical but this design is excessively outlandish in my opinion, especially when viewed from the side where the wheels are revealed to be extremely close together. I do like the colour scheme of blue, dark blue and yellow though.
Furthermore, the short wheelbase and hefty armour capture the overwhelming power of this vehicle. Its forward appearance seems especially intimidating, with two rows of lights flanking the central bullbar. The tidy integration between angular panels is equally successful and I am pleased with the offset cockpit and net launcher, distinguishing this vehicle from others.
The cockpit provides ample space for two figures, a steering wheel and a printed dashboard. Exterior details, such as those on the wheels or beside the cockpit, are formed using stickers but these substantially improve the appearance of this model. Furthermore, deploying the net launcher reveals a yellow crate underneath, containing a chicken leg to entice a hungry animal.
Unfortunately, the lateral motion of the net launcher is restricted by the surrounding armour, although its pitch can be adjusted with ease and the launching function is relatively effective. The circular net inside almost invariably opens when fired, albeit rarely actually ensnaring its target! Two quadcopter drones are also positioned behind the net launcher and these can be detached for scouting missions.
Each drone is only connected using one stud so they can become dislodged accidentally, although their inclusion is appreciated. The docking ports above the wheels look good and curved plates form sleek bodywork towards the rear, flanking the laboratory. This distinctive feature definitely stands out against the surrounding dark blue elements but does not seem incongruous to me, due in particular to the hazard stripes on top.
Detaching the laboratory section reveals two clips where tranquilliser rifles are stored. I appreciate this arrangement but the vacant space between the rear wheels appears slightly awkward in my opinion. Nevertheless, the trans-orange and trans-red lights are attractive and the structure remains robust, despite lacking support through the centre.
The laboratory appears reasonably bland from the exterior, featuring two light bluish grey bars alongside textured bricks and trans-green windows. This shade for the window seems strange since the cockpit canopy is trans-light blue, although these windows are nearly entirely hidden when the laboratory is connected to the vehicle.
Hinges permit easy access to the interior, where various accessories are found. They include two eggs which are warmed on trans-orange 2x2 dishes, a syringe inside a cabinet and a red fire extinguisher. Moreover, the classic mosquito trapped in amber is represented by a printed trans-orange 1x1 brick and the Gallimimus appears on a stickered computer console. There is no room for a minifigure to stand inside when the laboratory is closed but it looks brilliant when open.
Overall
As expected, the exclusive Gallimimus is undoubtedly the highlight of 75940 Gallimimus and Pteranodon Breakout. This dinosaur exemplifies the combination of existing and new parts to create an accurate representation of the original creature and its head shape looks absolutely perfect, in particular. The accompanying Pteranodon is excellent too, although they are rather common across the Jurassic World theme.
On that basis, omitting the Pteranodon might have been beneficial because that would have reduced the price of £54.99 or $49.99. That feels relatively expensive to me, especially since neither the minifigures nor their vehicle are very appealing. I am delighted with the Gallimimus though and would perhaps recommend purchasing that separately on the secondary market.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review represents an expression of my own opinions.
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19 comments on this article
Is LEGO sure these weird vehicle sets aren’t going to sell better than actually making stuff based on the movies?
In any case, the lab is a great build, and the Gallimimus is definitely worth getting on Bricklink. Too bad I’d have to spend hundreds of dollars/euros/pounds to get enough to recreate the stampede scene, lol.
Most of the JW line has been pretty good, but this looks a bit weak. Vehicle looks like a leftover Ninjago design, there’s no terrain or capture gear for the dinosaurs, and the minifigs are rehashes.
Feels like they realized people would shell out for a Gallimimus fig since it’s one the dinos from the first film, and then just tossed the set together. Why come with a Pteranadon? Two (or even 3) Gallimimuses would make this a better sell.
The vehicle and colors remind me of the ADU from Alien Conquest a while back
I like the detachable lab, it reminds me of classic space 6927 All-Terrain Vehicle.
Thanks for review, as I didn't realize all those wheels were drones, I thought they were escape hatches? Usual problem of what to do with a Gallimimus if by some miracle you actually capture it with the net? Maybe a trailer with a cage would be more useful than a Pterandaon? I do feel sorry for whoever is left out as lunch with the current 2 seater, so I would put the net thrower on a turntable where the radar dish is and make a 4 seater cabin?
@Galaxy12_Import said:
"The vehicle and colors remind me of the ADU from Alien Conquest a while back"
Yes! You've nailed it there. My little Alien Conquest heart greatly desires this funky, funny vehicle.
If anybody wants to buy this set for the dinosaur & pterosaur, I'll take the car... thing off your hands :-D
The Jurassic World/Park theme jumped the shark. It gets worse (and expensive) every year, and it feels like the same ideas are made every year for the sets from the theme. Really wish this theme was cancelled, but instead we had to see nice themes like Hidden Side and Overwatch go.
It kinda looks like someone bought Batman's Tumbler for use in a dinosaur zoo.
@lynels said:
"The Jurassic World/Park theme jumped the shark. It gets worse (and expensive) every year, and it feels like the same ideas are made every year for the sets from the theme. Really wish this theme was cancelled, but instead we had to see nice themes like Hidden Side and Overwatch go."
I blame Hidden Side's app and box art for killing it. I don't think people could tell at a glance just what Hidden Side was supposed to be. As for Overwatch, I think they made a strange decision to focus on vehicles rather than the varied locations from around the world. That, and given all of Blizzard's recent controversies...
((I'm saying this as someone who loves Overwatch))
It seems overpriced at $49.99, but £54.99?! What kind of exchange rate is that?
Well, seeing as the 2 dinosaurs are roughly $40 USD standalone...I'll probably pull the trigger on this once it gets 25% to 30% off...
The Gallimimus is definitely the reason to get this. I actually think the vehicle is cool, though I don't remember seeing anything quite like it in the movies... I might be remembering wrong. I do appreciate the variety of dinosaurs they've released in the most recent wave of sets. Though I wish they'd make a Brachiosaurus! I'd even take a juvenile since that might be more feasible due to the size of the adult animal compared to the other dinos they've made LEGO versions of.
Reminds me a bit of 70322 : Axl's Tower Carrier , but with 1/3 of the back missing.
It even carries a seperate lab like the tower carrier had a Tower.
Very cool set but it REALLY should come with another Gali instead of Ptera
Love to turn this into a Bat-vehicle with a mobile crime lab.
That ACU trooper looks like the real highlight of the set...
I love the set but I only wanted the Galli so I bought it throught BrickLink and hey, anyone remembers that "Gallimimus Trap" that was a popular with the JW videogame.
They should make more terrain / labs / pens / nurseries / incubators / officies / gift shops / dinosaurs and less of monster trucks.
The vehicle looks like it's based on Sherp or its clone (BigBo, Taifun). It has enormous wheels, differential steering (like a skid loader or tracked vehicles) and the wheels are driven by chains so the empty rear of the model with no through axle between wheels is kinda not too out-of-place.