In my ongoing series of custom Halo block built sets, I came across this one on AliExpress. It’s a small set at “midi” scale. Affordablility was very good. the build had a couple of issues, that I’ll talk about later in the article.
First, let’s look at the in-game model.
Okay, now let’s get into the build. This set comes in just one bag. You must sort them all out. No smaller bags for sectional building. Alas, such is the way with custom builds. They are not Brand name blocks.
And here are the pieces sorted out. Yes, I blocked off that portion of my dining table that had other stuff on it that did not pertain to the build.
Now we get to building. In this first set of pieces, we start to build the spine of the SDV Corvette, See below is the mid, then, bottom front portion, then forward sections and middle spine.
The main body is built, as are the side sections, the are the attached to the body.
Oh, I should make note that I’m NOT a fan of those light purple parts. I will look to replace those with as close as I can to that dark blue, in parts. If I do, I’ll try to remember to post an update at the end of this post at a later date.
Next a small section of the underbelly Is built and added.
The thin bottom “ring” for lack of better wording, is built. There were issues with this, that I address next.
The instructions themselves call for a different way of building that what shows from the designer’s page of this section. It works fine as designed but, I think I’d rather have had it as is shown in the graphic above.
The real issue comes with those black pieces that are highlighted. Due to the shape of the angles pieces in the above picture, these black pieces are not able to stay in that position.
Instead, I had to point them 90 degrees inward and attach the ring to just the inner most studs, instead of both studs. This makes that portion of the build weak in connection. I used super glue here to make it a stronger connection.
Another issue that can come from getting custom parts is that they are not the same as big brand name parts. In the case of the pic below, the “T” part of the underside of the black piece had to be shaved away, in order to allow for a stud to be attached at the middle.
This was not a flaw of the designer but, rather the manufacturer, for not seeing how this part was going to be utilized.
So…once I got those issue sorted out, I was able to add the bottom “ring” section to the body of the model.
Thankfully, this model comes with two small buildable stands,
As per usual, here are my orthogonal views of the completed model, on it’s stand.
Here are ortho view of the in-game model to compare.
Note the Sabre at scale in the above pic.
And below, the comp letter model in 3/4 view. It’s very nice, but for those light purple parts that really stand out, in a bad way, IMHO.
Overall, I’m fairly happy with this set. The final look is great, though again, I will look to change out those light purple parts..
At 325 pieces, and a cost of $21.71, the cost per pieces was fantastic. So the set is affordable. This makes the light purple parts palatable. Hopefully those will be cheap to buy and replace.
So then, do I recommend the set? Yes. My only complaint is with the light purple piece and the slight reworking of the underbelly. 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.
If this review gives you an informed decision on whether to purchase the toy or not, please consider a small donation (50 cents) to the blog.You can donate via PayPal to jedisalpitt2002@yahoo.com. Or just click the paypal link at the right on the main page of the site. It’s much appreciated and helps ensure that HFFL stays registered/active on the internet. Thank You.
-Sal
