Review: 75942 Velociraptor: Biplane Rescue Mission
Posted by CapnRex101,Velociraptors have appeared in more sets than any other dinosaur, featuring many interesting colours and great patterns. 75942 Velociraptor: Biplane Rescue Mission offers another unusual design that combines dark blue with sand blue and dark tan shades.
Furthermore, this biplane appears surprisingly impressive, despite employing comparatively basic construction techniques which reflect its age recommendation of 4+. This might therefore prove to be an enjoyable set, due primarily to the inclusion of an exclusive adult Velociraptor and an infant Delta that returns from 2019.
Minifigures
Several versions of Owen Grady appear throughout the Jurassic World theme and this minifigure is available in three new sets. He wears a dark orange jacket which looks superb and I like the lime green cannisters strapped across his chest. Tiny metallic silver bubbles are printed inside each cannister. The decorated legs are similarly attractive and this double-sided head displays cheerful and determined expressions alongside realistic facial hair.
Sinjin Prescott previously appeared in 75935 Baryonyx Face-Off: The Treasure Hunt and remains unchanged here, sporting a reddish brown fedora and dark tan shirt. The green ropes slung over his shoulder look splendid and the metallic silver highlights appear effective too. Moreover, I like the broad smile on Sinjin's face, concealing his sinister intentions on Isla Nublar.
This minifigure carries a printed 2x2 tile, featuring three quarters of a map showing the island. The same accessory accompanied Sinjin previously and this design looks excellent, although it should probably have been printed on a tan 2x2 tile rather than a white element to reflect its age and resultant worn appearance.
An exclusive Velociraptor accompanies the minifigures, comprising dark tan, dark blue and sand blue components. This colour scheme looks awkward in my opinion, especially across the head where the dark tan jaw particularly stands out. However, the printed patterns are marvellous and do soften the transitions between different colours which is welcome.
Despite being oversized, even when compared with the enormous Velociraptors from the Jurassic Park franchise, the sculpting is impressive. The head shape looks perfect in relation to the movies and I like the yellow eyes which contrast with the surrounding dark blue patches. Moreover, the figure includes extensive articulation as the head, jaw, arms and legs can move.
Unfortunately, the tail remains fixed in position and may have benefited from some sand blue decoration in my opinion. Otherwise, the printing across the body appears fairly realistic and matches the standard established by other LEGO dinosaurs, even though I dislike the chosen colours on this occasion.
LEGO introduced baby Velociraptors during 2018 and four new designs appeared in 75938 T. rex vs. Dino-Mech Battle last year. Delta returns here, featuring sand green and dark green colours which correspond with the onscreen dinosaur but also seem reasonably generic so could prove versatile. The yellow eyes appear striking as well.
The Completed Model
Quad bikes have appeared in many Jurassic World sets. This vehicle seems unremarkable, although its orange highlights are unusual and match colours on the biplane. The printed element towards the front looks excellent too, featuring metallic silver scratches beside the renowned Jurassic World logo. I like the yellow and orange headlights on each side as well.
There is room for one minifigure to sit behind the steering wheel and their accessories can be stored in a reddish brown satchel which is useful. These large wheels with deep treads appear appropriate for an off-road vehicle and the reddish brown brick between them avoids distracting from the colourful bodywork. Superior detail would have been ideal but I think this model works perfectly in a 4+ set.
However, the accompanying biplane has elicited more attention and appears worthy of such interest. This aircraft features a wingspan of almost 18cm and is constructed around the aircraft base element that has been available since 2018, although it has not appeared in light bluish grey before. The model feels accordingly sturdy so is fantastic for play and I think the large fuselage component has been integrated nicely.
The black propeller can rotate and I like the dark blue 2x3 pentagonal tile which is situated behind the propeller, creating an attractive shape. The sleek windscreen appears similarly effective and the colour scheme remains remarkably consistent across this whole vehicle, comprising bands of light bluish grey, blue and orange pieces along with several dark blue accents.
Angular floats are fixed underneath the lower wings, indicating that this aircraft can land on water and loosely resembling the famous 5935 Island Hopper. However, this model includes upper wings which are divided to accommodate the cockpit. This configuration is unusual but seems appropriate here, providing easy access to the tandem seats inside.
4+ sets invariably include printed parts and this vertical stabiliser conforms to that standard, displaying the Jurassic World emblem beside an orange stripe and the rudder. Of course, the rudder is not functional but I appreciate such detail. Moreover, the vehicle includes a chain that can be gripped by the Velociraptor, presumably rescuing the animal. This rescue method seems rather dangerous for everyone involved!
The set also contains a treetop lookout post where some treasure is hidden. This structure is assembled around a reddish brown tree trunk component which looks reasonable, despite lacking any foliage on its lower branches. Fortunately, two large fronds are placed towards the top, surrounding a platform which provides enough room for one minifigure.
Another plant is positioned in front of the tree and connected to a Technic pin. This leaf can therefore rotate, revealing two colourful jewels which are presumably being sought by Sinjin Prescott. The model is exceptionally simple but provides satisfying play value and I certainly appreciate the consistent use of appropriately earthy colours.
Viewing the tree from behind reveals an intriguing storage space. Nothing is displayed here in official images or the instruction manual but the set description makes reference to a dinosaur nest. This structure hardly resembles a nest but can accommodate some small accessories. A ladder permits access to the upper level where a turkey leg is available for the Velociraptors.
Overall
75942 Velociraptor: Biplane Rescue Mission represents an exemplary addition to the 4+ selection in my view. These models are not especially detailed but they offer substantial play value, surpassing my expectations for a set that costs £24.99 or $29.99. The biplane is notably enjoyable and looks reasonably attractive, despite its construction around the standardised fuselage element.
The exclusive Velociraptor does not necessarily appeal to me, based upon its colour scheme, but I appreciate its unique design. Delta looks great though and I am pleased to see this baby dinosaur outside 75938 T. rex vs. Dino-Mech Battle. This set may not elicit much interest from older collectors of LEGO dinosaurs but it would be an ideal introduction to the Jurassic World theme for younger fans.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review represents an expression of my own opinions.
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25 comments on this article
Looks pretty decent for a 4+ set. If I were a little kid, I'd love this.
As an adult, I hate that the Jurassic World branding has overtaken "Jurassic Park." I know this is Universal's decision, and I happen to flat-out hate the new movies, so that's a big part of it. Still...
I reckon that map is so old and fragile he has glued it to some nice white card to keep it together...
This is one of best 4+ sets in my eyes. The Biplane looks so cute!
@WemWem said:
"Looks pretty decent for a 4+ set. If I were a little kid, I'd love this.
As an adult, I hate that the Jurassic World branding has overtaken "Jurassic Park." I know this is Universal's decision, and I happen to flat-out hate the new movies, so that's a big part of it. Still..."
I don’t mind the JW branding except for when it appears on sets that are explicitly based on Jurassic Park.
This is one of those sets where you don't really notice it's a 4+ aside from the open roof on the plane, but some prop planes actually have open roofs in real life too :D
But I also think that plane piece is easier to integrate into the build like that compared to the chassis+fender big prefab part on the 4+ car/truck sets.
Also this airplane scales well next to the City 2020 Mail Plane.
Of course this set offers quite a bit more then just the plane however.
That reminder of the Island Hopper makes me yearn for a return to an original (or updated) adventurers theme. Many of those sets still stand up decently well today, it's enticing to think of what they could be with modern parts and colors.
I’m with @TeriXeri in thinking this is not bad for a 4+ set.
My main reservation though is the colouration of the velociraptor. The transitions are too stark and unnaturally straight especially at the neck. I much prefer this one: https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=Raptor09&name=Dinosaur,%20Raptor%20/%20Velociraptor%20with%20Sand%20Green%20Back%20(Jurassic%20World%20Blue)&category=%5BAnimal,%20Dinosaur%5DT=C
Kind of getting some 2002 vibes with the set (not necessarily a knock against it).
For years now the 4+ sets are usually better designed than regular sets (not even overjuniorized considering the target audience etc) - starting from parts usage and selection to being 100% sticker-free.
PS The map should've been designed for and printed on a 14719 corner tile. And the missing piece (1x1 tile) could've been placed in another smaller set...
@The_Brickster_ said:
"It's interesting how Lego spares little kids from the horrors of sticker sheets in these cheap sets, but are okay with putting adults who are buying large, high end, premium sets through that. "
It's because TLG figures an adult should be able to handle stickers without whining. Obviously, they're wrong.
I personally think that the whole chain-handle thing mounted near the back of the plane is so the raptor can water-ski behind the plane as it flies along. That's just the first thing I thought of when I saw it LOL
The biplane and quad bike remind me a lot of Classic Space sets. Simple to keep parts down.
Also, no stickers.
I actually really like this set.
Reminds me VERY strongly of the old Adventurers Dino Island theme.
I thought this set was absolutely gorgeous, and a must-have. This year, we've seen some fantastic 4+ sets, and I was really happy purchasing this one. I thought the plane was lovely, and I actually tracked down a Clare figure to join Owen in the cockpit (I love that two minifigs can fit inside the plane).
I bought, "The Legend of Isla Nublar" thinking that it was just a movie, or a one-off story. But I hadn't realised that it was a full series of twenty-minute episodes (that fit perfectly into continuity of Jurassic Park/Jurassic World. Not only that, but Malcolm and Grant return for guest appearances). I thoroughly enjoyed the series, a lot more than I thought I would. And buying this cool set -- that ties in to the movie -- was really cool.
This will probably be our "go to" birthday gift for any boys this year. If I were a kid, I would love this.
May be coincidental, but the colours of the bi-plane remind me a lot of the Milano from 76081 - a different Chris Pratt vehicle...
If you ram a 3.18 bar like that into the hollow stud of a chain it will most certainly brake it... at least that was the case with all my older chain parts.
Are they rescuing themselves from the Velociraptor or the Velociraptor from the jungle destroying humans (with only one tree still left standing)? Unsure why the plane boat base had to have the grey wings attached, as makes it difficult to reuse as a boat. Also the lower wings look odd for a bi-plane in that they don't match the span of the upper wings.
I was hoping that the open and long cockpit body was so that the Velociraptor could fly the plane, while Owen held onto the chain (as I don't thing the clutch power of a single stud would hold the Velociraptor).
To each their own, but the dark blue / sand blue / dark tan raptor color scheme is amazing to my eyes. Seriously one of my favorite color markings they've done for the velociraptors.
@ambr said:
"Are they rescuing themselves from the Velociraptor or the Velociraptor from the jungle destroying humans (with only one tree still left standing)? Unsure why the plane boat base had to have the grey wings attached, as makes it difficult to reuse as a boat. Also the lower wings look odd for a bi-plane in that they don't match the span of the upper wings.
I was hoping that the open and long cockpit body was so that the Velociraptor could fly the plane, while Owen held onto the chain (as I don't thing the clutch power of a single stud would hold the Velociraptor)."
It's not a boat base with wings attached, it's a "plane bottom." 4-year-olds can gave a very swooshable, sturdy plane.
Biplanes often (but not always) have wings of different lengths.
Velociraptor pilot? This is Jurassic World, not TLM2! ;)
@darthsutius said:
"May be coincidental, but the colours of the bi-plane remind me a lot of the Milano from 76081 - a different Chris Pratt vehicle..."
I was thinking the same thing! lol
@ritzcrackerman said:
"To each their own, but the dark blue / sand blue / dark tan raptor color scheme is amazing to my eyes. Seriously one of my favorite color markings they've done for the velociraptors."
I agree about the colors, they're stunning. But the plain tan jaw, and hard lines between colors are jarring. Would be perfect if there was a better transition between them.
@Zoniax said:
" @ritzcrackerman said:
"To each their own, but the dark blue / sand blue / dark tan raptor color scheme is amazing to my eyes. Seriously one of my favorite color markings they've done for the velociraptors."
I agree about the colors, they're stunning. But the plain tan jaw, and hard lines between colors are jarring. Would be perfect if there was a better transition between them."
Yeah, this is how I feel as well; I love the design they're attempting but the limits of the printing detract significantly from the final result. I had similar misgivings about the Fallen Kingdom edition of Blue, though it's much less obvious.
Hmm, the biplane reminds you of Island Hopper while the colour scheme of the raptor reminds me of those “transforming” dinosaur sets they had round about the same time. Specifically the mosasaur one, the tyrannosaur was a bit stripier
@captcrouton said:
"This will probably be our "go to" birthday gift for any boys this year. If I were a kid, I would love this."
Try it for the girls too! I reckon they'll have a lot of fun.