Review: 71460 Mr. Oz's Spacebus
Posted by CapnRex101,71460 Mr. Oz's Spacebus has attracted particular attention among the new DREAMZzz sets, which is unsurprising given the enduring popularity of LEGO spacecraft. The vessel is even emblazoned with emblems resembling the Classic Space logo, naturally drawing AFOL eyes!
However, these superficial features are not the only reasons for interest. The peculiar mixture of subjects is appealing and I love the Spacebus' huge engines, while the interior is incredibly spacious. This space is essential, as the selection of characters provided is exceptional as well!
Summary
71460 Mr. Oz's Spacebus, 878 pieces.
£84.99 / $99.99 / €99.99 | 9.7p/11.4c/11.4c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Mr. Oz's Spacebus is certainly bizarre, but fantastic for play and display
- Wonderfully wacky design
- Spacious interior
- Excellent functions
- Superb character selection
- Interior detail could be improved
- Mediocre alternative model
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
Mateo appears across the DREAMZzz range and this version of the character wears his full Dream Chasers' garb, including a striking green cape. This complements the hero's bright green utility belt, which also matches the strap on his torso. The subtle spotted decoration on Mateo's dark azure shirt looks superb too, alongside a pair of detailed dual-moulded legs and a brilliant hair piece.
The Dream Chasers' hourglass sigil is displayed on Mateo's torso and Mr. Oz also wears the symbol on his chest armour, printed on a 1x1 round tile. This element was introduced with the Galaxy Patrol Collectable Minifigure in 2012, but suits Mr. Oswald perfectly, framing his new hair element. The texture on this piece looks marvellous and only a small area of the head is visible beneath.
When in the Dream World, Mr. Oz wears a pair of glasses with the Dream Chasers' symbol on one lens, but the emblem is omitted here. However, the hourglass does appear on the torso, which is accurate to the animated series, albeit therefore lacking the Classic Space logo from Mr. Oz's shirt in the Waking World. Both minifigures are suitably equipped, as Mateo wields his pencil staff and Mr. Oz carries a laser gun and hourglass.
Mateo never appears without his creation and companion, Z-Blob. This gelatinous creature is constructed around the new body element developed for DREAMZzz, which is more versatile than the similarly sized microfigures produced before. Perhaps most importantly, this piece is compatible with standard minifigure heads, so Z-Blob is topped with a trans-bright green slime element introduced for VIDIYO.
Furthermore, the arms are the right size to accommodate any accessories the width of a LEGO bar. On this occasion, the accessory is a 21L flexible hose with handgrips, akin to the 20L string with handgrips available in the past, which represents a tendril from Z-Blob's body. This part has already appeared in Friends, NINJAGO and City sets, but is only found here in bright green.
Z-Blob is the first of eight characters featuring the new body component in this set and Albert is probably the most eye-catching! This remarkably intelligent chimpanzee joins Mr. Oz as copilot aboard the Spacebus and wears a white spacesuit, also featuring the Dream Chasers' sigil on his torso. The spherical helmet and simian head underneath both look excellent.
Logan is unusual among the human Dream Chasers, sometimes becoming smaller in stature upon entering the Dream World. Nevertheless, his dramatic hairstyle and dark azure skin tone definitely stand out and I like the double-sided head, which includes a single protruding tooth. A hockey stick is supplied for Logan, while Albert carries a wrench to maintain the spaceship.
Grimspawn appear in almost every DREAMZzz set and five are included here. Again, they each incorporate the Dreamling body piece, although Susan is unusual because her chest is printed with metallic silver armour. Despite her unthreatening name, Susan is clearly the most visually intimidating of the Grimspawn, with several yellow eyes staring from beneath her dual-moulded headgear.
Susan also features a pair of trans-pink wings, while Propper Chopper can take to the skies with a tiny helicopter assembly on his back. The remaining four Grimspawn are influenced by past LEGO themes, although Propper Chopper seems more readily identifiable with steampunk than a particular theme. Nonetheless, his top hat, helicopter backpack and cleaver look great, while Susan wields a spear.
Denny, on the other hand, is immediately recognisable as originating from to Classic Space and even adheres to the naming pattern established by 70841 Benny's Space Squad. The updated Classic Space helmet has only appeared in black once before, with 43179 Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse, before now, so its return here is welcome.
Much like the Propper Chopper, the Flight Knight and Captain Bedbeard both include yellow propellers, allowing them to fly. Sadly, this propeller is the only feature distinguishing the Flight Knight from Grimspawn available in several DREAMZzz sets, as even their heads are identical. This is disappointing, but these themed characters are fun and I will also take this opportunity to compliment Captain Bedbeard's name!
The Completed Model
Despite some conspicuously unusual features, the titular Spacebus is similar in style to other LEGO spacecraft. The rear section is clearly influenced by the Space Shuttle, while the front appears more futuristic. The integration of the school bus body between them seems slightly clumsy, although I find the simple combination charming and this is consistent with vehicles in other DREAMZzz sets.
This model is also similar to other sets because it can be partially reassembled to fulfil different roles. The configuration shown here is the basic version, before pieces from the final two bags are added. Certain areas do appear unfinished, including a couple of vacant Technic pin holes on either side of the fuselage, but I think the Spacebus looks good on the whole.
However, the spacecraft becomes much more impressive once upgraded with bigger engines, extra stud shooters and a sensor suite on top. The wingspan reaches 33cm with those stud shooters attached and the vessel measures 35cm in length, excluding the flames from the engines. The vehicle's exaggerated proportions greatly enhance its character, in my opinion.
The cockpit features an appealing colour combination of white, dark azure and black, clearly separated by a diagonal line on either side. These angular shapes complement others on the model, while contrasting with the curved cockpit. A large sticker decorates the cockpit, which is never ideal, but the canopy frame looks fantastic.
A substantial number of stickers are applied on either side, including two that match pearl silver grille tiles and another pair behind the stud shooters. These patches of flame yellowish orange are repeated from the fuselage, but I wonder whether keeping this colour unique to the school bus section would have been more effective, as it does not appear towards the back.
The middle of the fuselage obviously stands out and does look as though it has come directly from a school bus, merely adapted with some hasty paintwork. This section is divided into two opening panels, each reinforced by black Technic beams, which are cleverly disguised. I like the stickered steps to board the Spacebus, but there are no doors and the windows look odd, with the undersides of dark azure plates inside.
Even though much of the Spacebus is only six studs wide, there is a surprising amount of room inside. The cockpit, for example, would comfortably accommodate two minifigures, surrounded by a variety of control panels and buttons. However, the back seat includes a 2x2 jumper plate for Albert to stand, rather than the standard 2x2 space for a minifigure.
Several more seats are found in the school bus section, unsurprisingly. I like the reddish brown colour, which is intended to evoke a traditional school bus interior, but the aforementioned dark azure plates are frustratingly empty. Two printed control panels are included and there are clips for a few accessories, but there is room for so much additional detail.
Even some more clips would have been welcome, as the whole Dream Chasers team can ride aboard the Spacebus and there is space for their equipment as well. The team comprises five minifigures and three smaller characters and I am impressed that all eight fit inside, even with Izzy's armour, Mateo's cape and Zoe's quiver attached. Logan stands in the archway between the cockpit and the passenger area, so is hidden from view.
The rearmost seat contains another 2x2 jumper plate, where Copper sits in the above image, but this could be removed to become a normal seat, if you prefer. A stickered screen occupies the space behind, showing the spacecraft from above and revealing a secondary vehicle stored in the cargo bay, on the other side of the trans-light blue screen.
Stickers are also applied on the vertical stabiliser, the engines and the wings, each featuring a nice spotted design. The stickers on the leading edges of the wings look strange because their white colour is nothing like the neighbouring white elements, but this colour difference is not too problematic because a transitional shade between grey and white seems appropriate here.
Advanced sensors are located in front of the stabiliser and these are seemingly activated from outside, given a 2x2 round jumper plate allows a small character to stand at the controls. Two more spotted stickers are applied on the solar panels and the same pattern reappears on the engines. Strangely, the upper 2x2x4 curved panels on the engines are fitted using hinge plates, so they can open.
The engines are relatively simple, consisting primarily of large pieces, but they look fantastic. The blue flames look great, particularly since they match thrusters on the wingtips and on the back of the fuselage. This arrangement deviates from the animated series, where these central engines are shown the other way up, but leaves space for a delightful 'monkey on board' sign. Of course, Albert would be quick to mention that he is a chimpanzee, rather than a monkey.
Opening this hatch releases a small buggy inside. Similar functions have appeared many times before, but I am reminded most of 5974 Galactic Enforcer. The hatch folds down and looks as though it should form a rudimentary ramp, although the trans-blue sliders actually prevent the door from tilting down, so the buggy's deployment is not particularly smooth.
The buggy is incredibly basic, but like the unsophisticated combination of spaceship and school bus, I think it works. There is enough space for two minifigures and I like how the manipulator arms fold out after removing the buggy from storage. Even the yellow Technic pins look fairly reasonable, as the Spacebus includes a splash of yellow too. However, the lack of controls is unfortunate.
When speed is not the priority, the engines, sensors and multi-stud shooters can be reformed into an enormous laser cannon and two separate vehicles. I appreciate this feature across the DREAMZzz theme, but its implementation on the Spacebus is underwhelming. I find the design presented above far more attractive than this version, which feels like the definite B-model.
The laser cannon is connected to the turntable on top and seems completely out of proportion with the Spacebus, which was clearly the idea. The integration leaves something to be desired though, since this weapon can only move sideways and there is nowhere for a gunner to sit, so the whole assembly feels somehow clumsy.
The accompanying vehicles are fun for play, but also unremarkable when compared with the prior spaceship configuration. While the bigger of the two seems as though the stud shooters from the wingtips have been plugged into an engine, complete reassembly is required and the weapons now include seats for a pair of minifigures on top.
Nevertheless, the stud shooting function remains intact. The second spacecraft also looks as though it has simply been detached from the Spacebus and that is broadly accurate, although some small alterations are required. I like how quickly the model can therefore be reconfigured, but these vehicles lack a character of their own, distinct from the primary design.
Overall
LEGO has produced an extraordinary selection of spacecraft and the subject provides almost boundless potential for creativity. 71460 Mr. Oz's Spacebus perfectly encapsulates this quality, striking a nice balance between the surreal nature of DREAMZzz vehicles and the conventions associated with LEGO spaceships. The sudden transition from spaceship to bus and back to spaceship is delightfully silly.
The interior is excellent as well, on the whole. While certain areas lack detail, ample space for minifigures and the buggy is paramount. I am more disappointed by the lacklustre alternative design with improved weaponry, which feels much less cohesive than the version with larger engines. The model is relatively small for the price of £84.99, $99.99 or €99.99, but this set remains among my favourite in the DREAMZzz range.
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36 comments on this article
Great set, although I still prefer my Galactic Enforcer. The interior is not that spaceous, as the sides will have to be able to fold back in. The back vehicle section being so cramped is also a slight letdown, but I'm more than happy it's there! It didn't need to be there, after all!
Overall, a great set! I love what lego can do when they're not bound by IP and source material accuracy for once!
This would be a great set for $80 or $90 but it's overpriced at $100. For that price the windscreen should be printed, the ship should have wheeled landing gear, and the rover should have rubber tires.
I've made it clear that I'm in full support of this theme, but I do feel that this is among the weaker sets.
Mrs. Ridgeheart really likes it though. This is a good thing - I didn't think I'd be buying her Lego, ever, but this gift-giving this year is going to be incredibly easy for me. Thanks, TLG!
Another Dreamzzz winner, although I do prefer the even nuttier animal amalgamations like the Turtle, Shark and Crocodile.
The School Bus actually reminds me a bit of a tube train in a tunnel!
Well, I heard rumors of an actual battle bus set...
I am a touch disappointed that the school bus segment can't detach. Having a squat little spaceship would be a cute alternate look.
spacebus Spacebus SPACEBUS!
I love this theme, I can't wait to get them.
I mean it’s cool but I don’t like Dr. Oz
@Sandinista said:
"I mean it’s cool but I don’t like Dr. Oz"
It's Mr. Oz, as he's not a doctor. I think your confusing him for someone else. ;-)
I think the hinged panels on the engine are included so you can imprison the included Grimspawn inside.
@Sandinista said:
"I mean it’s cool but I don’t like Dr. Oz"
I don't like Dr. Oz either. Mr. Oz, on the other hand ...
I mentioned it before and I will do it again: too many missed oppertunities.
Why doesnt the spaceship split up into multiple sections? Why cant the schoolbuspart act as a controle center? Why can the cockpit and tail-end by combined into another spaceship? Why the shielding of the windows, when this is totally not needed,...
This show just seems to me missing something. It seems like a lot of just two things smashed together. My kids have ignored it so far.
I.CAN'T.WAIT. SPACESHIP! I'll get me some white pieces to replace the yellow ones, though.
As a kid I would be all over this one
Mateo: Mr Oswald?
Mr Oz: Who were you expecting?
Mateo: Not my middle school science teacher!
@Zink said:
"Battle bus!"
Or better yet: space school bus.
It's Vector Command of Sky Commanders meets The Magic School Bus all roll up into one!
Is anyone getting a Wolverine reference from the character of Logan, here?
The mutant is famously Canadian, and this Logan comes armed with a hockey stick.
@Zordboy said:
"Is anyone getting a Wolverine reference from the character of Logan, here?
The mutant is famously Canadian, and this Logan comes armed with a hockey stick. "
On the other hand, unlike Canadians, this Logan is not very nice.
Overall, I like this- but in the photos, the black Technic parts at each end of the school bus section just look like gaps. If it actually separated into three parts, that would be acceptable, but as it is, it just seems unfinished.
Mrs. Frizzle pulling up armed with a death ray
@Zordboy said:
"Is anyone getting a Wolverine reference from the character of Logan, here?
The mutant is famously Canadian, and this Logan comes armed with a hockey stick. "
Similar hair, similar mutton-chops, similar size... yeah, I don't think you're wrong here. Although the blue colour-scheme does remind me more of Beast (but then, McCoy did use to have the same haircut, so...)
I've watched the first season now and I really hope the Dream Chasers get to continue their adventures.
I don't have the space for anything new, but if I could only buy one Dreamzzz set, this would be the one.
I like it all. The only strange thing to me is the sealed off windows of the bus part.
Thanks for the review.
I knew a guy at Uni called Proper Chopper.
Nice review (btw 'Copper' should be 'Cooper').
I like the ship, especially since it can fit all the protagonists. The mini-minifigs are the stars. I need those Grimspawn.
Yet, this does feel among the least inspired set of the theme. It doesn't have the 'wow' factor of many of the others.
@Zordboy said:
"Is anyone getting a Wolverine reference from the character of Logan, here?
The mutant is famously Canadian, and this Logan comes armed with a hockey stick. "
Uh don't you mean Jameson Thomas Logan Howlett bub?!
Or Mike Summit?!
IDK @StyleCounselor "DreamZzz" is LEGO's sequel to "Hidden Side", remember that set?!
Or even Sky Commander Bus?! ;) ;)
@VBaskin said:
"IDK @StyleCounselor "DreamZzz" is LEGO's sequel to "Hidden Side", remember that set?!"
Absolutely. I proudly own 70423: Paranormal Intercept Bus 3000. The monster portapotty is definitely a nightmare scenario worthy of Dreamzzz.
The Spacebus is definitely in line with its predecessor. I will get it at some point. But, the Sharkship is the priority.
Whenever I look at this set, it makes me want LEGO to create a passenger train with the shape and colour scheme like the front of the bus. :)
I love it. The ship, the weirdo figs. Very nice.
What is the idea of this theme?
@testudo80 said:
"What is the idea of this theme?"
Uh can you say "Potsworth And The Midnight Patrol: Adventures In The Dream Zone"?