In my ongoing series of custom Halo block built sets, I came across this one on AliExpress. It’s a small set at Micro scale. Pretty affordable too. So, I know I had to buy it and build it, to show you all.
First, let’s take a look at Cairo Station, one of, if not the most famous Orbital platform! As you can see, it has a Frigate docked with it. this is from Halo 2.
Alright, let’s start with the build!
This set is small, with 273 pieces that come in only one bag.
Here are all the pieces sorted out. Take note of that long tube piece at the top. I’ll go over that more during this review.
We first start with the center core of the station. It’s a fairly complex build with side builds, holes and pins. This makes the center structure pretty strong.
The lower spire is built up. This kind of looks like a gun at this point, don’t you think? The build is pretty easy at this point.
Normally during these builds, the stand comes last. However, in this case, the stand is needed. Can you build it later? Yes. However, I recommend following the instructions as given.
Once the stand is built, you attach the lower spire. Now, I will say, I’m not fond of the holes showing and would have preferred them being covered up. But that’s a minor thing.
The upper spire is built. NOTE, here is where that long tube is inserted into the build. It’s way too long. However, that’s fine as it will be cut to the right size later. In the immediate pic below, only a portion of that tube is shown.
As you can see by the next graphic, the top spire barely sits on the build. And yes, I’m going to glue it down, to stay in place. I use krazy glue to keep parts in place. Be EXTRA CAREFUL if you do this too, to not stick your fingers together OR use too much glue and it shows on the outside of the pieces. You do not need much, so use it sparingly. It will hold tight fast!
Next up is the middle docking sections. They are built in mirror of each other and connect around the middle core section. I think I’m going to see if the mini frigate from the Anchor 9 set fits in here. That would be pretty cool.
As per usual, there is always a step that is a real pain in the butt to add on. THIS is that step. The docking ring is fragile. And the way the directions call for attaching them can be frustrating. It took me no less than 10 minutes to get this right because the dock sections kept coming apart. Yes… I will be glueing those together too.
So here is the completed set, with the tube not yet cut. It’s pretty tall.
So, I cut the tube to size and as usual, show the model in orthogonal views.
And finally, the set in 3/4 view. I’m choosing to do these last shots as the “hero” shot. Good background and additional graphics. As I was thinking about how to show the set of the model, the idea came to me to emulate the build itself. I think it adds a nice touch.
Overall, I’m pretty happy with this set. It’s simple, yes. But it’s effective as a background piece.
that one step aside, the build comes together easily.
Again at 273 pieces, it comes together quickly. I can’t recall how long it took me. I do know, it was under an hour.
The set cost $25 on Aliexpress. Shipping was very quick.
So then, do I recommend the set? Heck yeah! Again, I really wish Mattel/Mega/Mattel Brick Shop, were making these sets. But, in their absence, I need to fill my desire to build Halo sets. Unfortunately, I do not see Mattel making sets for awhile, until the next main game.
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-Sal