The LEPIN "LEGO" for non sensitive types

[voiceofrevolt]

laters said:

I have a Lepin Advanced TIE Fighter and A-Wing set & the lepin instructions are the worst I have come across so far.
The colours on the pages are poor to the point its hard to tell light grey, dark grey and black apart.

As the kids will be helping/building I have ordered a set of Lego instructions for them to leaf through during the build.
Just finished a block count & apart from changing the spring firing bricks for Lego bricks all bricks are present.

I have this set as well. I could not believe the outrageously high price here in the stores last year for it - $110 (55 Pounds) at Walmart - $35 with shipping (E-Packet) on Aliexpress.

We found the helmet for Darth Vader is NOT the correct one to fit on the neck piece (at least in the set we got - does yours fit?).

There must have been a bag missing (or we misplaced a small container with the pieces of a bag in it) as there were more than a few parts of similar type for the TIE missing. (I ordered them from BrickOwl - they were less than 1.50 Pounds.)

I ordered 20 of the actual Lego shooters from BrickOwl previously to swap out in builds. The Lepin shooters just have a weak spring in them; the Lego springs are much stronger (you can pry them apart so if a person could get good, strong springs you could make the Lepin shooters even better than the Lego ones!!!).

You can get the instructions free online in pdf format. http://lego.brickinstructions.com/en/lego_instruct...

They are very nice kits when built - you will really enjoy them!

[sgrimshaw]

MissChief said:

Copyright laws are pretty strong on books and music, things created or written. Probably.

Didn't think the Chinese gave a monkeys about Copyright laws

[CoolHands]

I got hit by import bks!

A bill from DHL for 27 quid (for two modular buildings I bought in one package). 16 quid was vat and 11 quid is their handling fee. It's a total rip-off cos they just make up the value for the VAT charge it bears no resemblance to the reported value of the package. I've had this in the past with RC models from abroad too. You can't do anything about it except pay, and fortunately not that many packages get hit. It's obviously still worth it in the sense that there is no alternative (ie can't buy these models here).

[laters]

voiceofrevolt said:

I have this set as well. I could not believe the outrageously high price here in the stores last year for it - $110 (55 Pounds) at Walmart - $35 with shipping (E-Packet) on Aliexpress.

We found the helmet for Darth Vader is NOT the correct one to fit on the neck piece (at least in the set we got - does yours fit?).

There must have been a bag missing (or we misplaced a small container with the pieces of a bag in it) as there were more than a few parts of similar type for the TIE missing. (I ordered them from BrickOwl - they were less than 1.50 Pounds.)

I ordered 20 of the actual Lego shooters from BrickOwl previously to swap out in builds. The Lepin shooters just have a weak spring in them; the Lego springs are much stronger (you can pry them apart so if a person could get good, strong springs you could make the Lepin shooters even better than the Lego ones!!!).

You can get the instructions free online in pdf format. http://lego.brickinstructions.com/en/lego_instruct...

They are very nice kits when built - you will really enjoy them!

I found mine for sale on ebay at a lower price than Aliexpress so bought it. It was already in the UK too which was a bonus.
With the ebay/paypal protection I was either going to get it or my money back so no real risk at all.

Ive just got the darth pieces out and yes mine is the same as yours. With the neck piece fitted the helmet wont go on.
I guess that's another bit to add to list for the next order of bricks.

I tried the lepin shooters as I read on this thread they were poor & it didn't take much to decide I was ordering some Lego ones.

I use the downloaded instructions for myself but its easier when its a printed book with the kids. I did try to print the pdf but the colours on my old printer weren't much better than the lepin instructions

Glad to hear they are nice when they are finished as get the feeling they will be borrowed by my eldest daughter to sit with the rest of her/my star wars collection.

She is wanting one of the UCS sets but we cant agree on which. My favourite is the Tie Interceptor but she wants the Star Destroyer.

[voiceofrevolt]

laters said:

I found mine for sale on ebay at a lower price than Aliexpress so bought it. It was already in the UK too which was a bonus.
With the ebay/paypal protection I was either going to get it or my money back so no real risk at all.

Ive just got the darth pieces out and yes mine is the same as yours. With the neck piece fitted the helmet wont go on.
I guess that's another bit to add to list for the next order of bricks.

I tried the lepin shooters as I read on this thread they were poor & it didn't take much to decide I was ordering some Lego ones.

I use the downloaded instructions for myself but its easier when its a printed book with the kids. I did try to print the pdf but the colours on my old printer weren't much better than the lepin instructions

Glad to hear they are nice when they are finished as get the feeling they will be borrowed by my eldest daughter to sit with the rest of her/my star wars collection.

She is wanting one of the UCS sets but we cant agree on which. My favourite is the Tie Interceptor but she wants the Star Destroyer.

If you found it on ebay then maybe that seller would have more or get more for the future?

(Hmm, I wonder if there would be a market to be an importer of these sets and sell them here - would it be worth it if there were legalities included …)

If you find the proper Darth Vader helmet for a decent price, let me know! (perhaps one of the aftermarket SY, Decool or other makes of knock-off minifgs would have the proper helmet?)


You could always use the excuse of needing an iPad for instructions …


I guess you will just have to order both the TIE and the Star Destroyer.

[Jouster74]

Out of interest.

Can people let me know if hey have had any bad experiences with purchases on AliExpress

My most recent order was with Toys Factory and it was a mess from start to finish.

First they just didn't respond at all and when it did eventually ship it went to a totally different address 500 miles away with a different name.

AE refused to open a dispute until the dispute period had passed...Luckily it all got sorted and I've been refunded but I'd definitely steer clear of them going forward.


My previous order was with DreamHouse and it was faultless so I intend to order a few sets from them now as I want Tantive IV, R2D2, Tie Interceptor and Vader Tie Advanced too. IM going to contact them tonight to enquire as to when they will start shipping out again with the conclusion of CNY well and truly complete...Ill update with their response


Does anyone have any similar sellers they would steer clear of or praise?

[voiceofrevolt]

Jouster74 said:

Out of interest.

Can people let me know if hey have had any bad experiences with purchases on AliExpress

My most recent order was with Toys Factory and it was a mess from start to finish.

First they just didn't respond at all and when it did eventually ship it went to a totally different address 500 miles away with a different name.

AE refused to open a dispute until the dispute period had passed...Luckily it all got sorted and I've been refunded but I'd definitely steer clear of them going forward.


My previous order was with DreamHouse and it was faultless so I intend to order a few sets from them now as I want Tantive IV, R2D2, Tie Interceptor and Vader Tie Advanced too. IM going to contact them tonight to enquire as to when they will start shipping out again with the conclusion of CNY well and truly complete...Ill update with their response


Does anyone have any similar sellers they would steer clear of or praise?

Hi,

Sounds like you got a fake tracking number and it was for someone else's order in the first place, If you read through this thread you will find that is common from a few select sellers (possibly to appease a person until stock arrives).

I have had very good communication and experience with H&H and others have echoed this on here.

[Pachydermus]

voiceofrevolt said:

Jouster74 said:

Out of interest.

Can people let me know if hey have had any bad experiences with purchases on AliExpress

My most recent order was with Toys Factory and it was a mess from start to finish.

First they just didn't respond at all and when it did eventually ship it went to a totally different address 500 miles away with a different name.

AE refused to open a dispute until the dispute period had passed...Luckily it all got sorted and I've been refunded but I'd definitely steer clear of them going forward.

Sounds like you got a fake tracking number and it was for someone else's order in the first place, If you read through this thread you will find that is common from a few select sellers (possibly to appease a person until stock arrives).

This.
If you don't extend your processing time they'll issue a fake tracking number so that your order doesn't get cancelled. I've had it before with a couple of orders where I've been given tracking number that arrived at the other end of the country months before my order. Eventually the real number got pasted into the comments on the orders and the parcels arrived within a few days. I was never concerned as there's a money-back guarantee if it hasn't arrived by the the shipping deadline.
As for not replying to emails, why do people presume all small traders based in China can read or write English? Even the ones that do email you have gone through a dodgy translation.

seller said said:

it is presell itme ,pls help extend the shipping arrange time ,
once have stock , we will send out your parcel i first time ,thks

How about emailing in Chinese if you want a response?

[5678]

Found some incorrect parts in my Decool GT3. I ordered the white one yet have several parts in orange that should be in white. I've managed to work around most of it by putting them in places that don't really show. Slightly irritating, but I'll cope.

[Jouster74]

voiceofrevolt said:

Hi,

Sounds like you got a fake tracking number and it was for someone else's order in the first place, If you read through this thread you will find that is common from a few select sellers (possibly to appease a person until stock arrives).

I have had very good communication and experience with H&H and others have echoed this on here.

No this was noting to do with fake tracking numbers or delaying me because of stock. It was sent to the wrong address after a long processing time and was a genuine but tedious mistake by 'The Toy Factory'.

There communication was awful at best and they tried everything to wriggle out of it until I opened a dispute and even then they dragged their heels and tried to get me to change my mind but I ONLY wanted a refund.

I have had fake tracking numbers in the past which is/was used a lot of the time for Pre Sale items and I almost understand why that is done, but this was an item readily available and supposedly IN stock too...so this just happened to be with a seller that I didn't have much joy with and some Facebook groups have given the same feedback when I've asked too. So I've chalked it up to experience and wont be using them again

[Jouster74]

Pachydermus said:

How about emailing in Chinese if you want a response?

When they responded they did so in perfectly understandable and fine English....it just happens to be in this instance that this seller is a waste of time.

[Jouster74]

5678 said:

Found some incorrect parts in my Decool GT3. I ordered the white one yet have several parts in orange that should be in white. I've managed to work around most of it by putting them in places that don't really show. Slightly irritating, but I'll cope.

are you not going to email the seller to request the correct parts?

[norman156]

After quite a few more hours than expected and a lot of swearing, it's done!



Bit shocked by how big it is (fnar etc) - rather glad I didn't go for the SSD, and now contemplating where to put it.

It's a modular build made up of three sections: the hammerhead cockpit, the long middle segment, and the engines.



First two sections are enjoyable to put together, and didn't take particularly long to do. Quite pleased it's based on the earlier Tantive IV (2001 I think) set, since there's a bit more to the bridge - newer set just has two massive lumps of plastic that make up the hammerhead bit.



Unfortunately the final section is an utter, utter arse. It's quite repetitive as you can imagine, and attaching the individual boosters is like a sadistic, soul destroying version of Whack Attack: each time you put one piece on, something falls off. Please excuse the wretched image quality, but this is what I ended up with during the final stages, having had a fully completed engine section about 10 minutes prior...



In all I reckon it took two hours of destruction and reconstruction to finally finish it. I now know for the future that the little stabber block things slot in a little easier if you pinch the ends together before insertion (double fnar). I would have also starting using Kragle, if I actually owned any tubes which haven't been left open to solidify.

Happy with the set quality overall, though. Only missing piece was a thick 3 x 6 slab, which looks to have been deliberately substituted for three thinner 3 x 6 plates. Had a few deformed pieces, none of which I needed, and as per usual the Lepin four stud turntable things were frigging useless, and will be promptly substituted for Lego items next time I visit my parent's and can raid my old collection.

Had been eyeing up other sets, but after the rather traumatic final part of construction of Tantive IV, I might stick to building Duplo towers with my son for a while...

Edited by norman156 on Monday 6th February 23:46

[voiceofrevolt]

norman156 said:

After quite a few more hours than expected and a lot of swearing, it's done!



Bit shocked by how big it is (fnar etc) - rather glad I didn't go for the SSD, and now contemplating where to put it.

It's a modular build made up of three sections: the hammerhead cockpit, the long middle segment, and the engines.



First two sections are enjoyable to put together, and didn't take particularly long to do. Quite pleased it's based on the earlier Tantive IV (2001 I think) set, since there's a bit more to the bridge - newer set just has two massive lumps of plastic that make up the hammerhead bit.



Unfortunately the final section is an utter, utter arse. It's quite repetitive as you can imagine, and attaching the individual boosters is like a sadistic, soul destroying version of Whack Attack: each time you put one piece on, something falls off. Please excuse the wretched image quality, but this is what I ended up with during the final stages, having had a fully completed engine section about 10 minutes prior...



In all I reckon it took two hours of destruction and reconstruction to finally finish it. I now know for the future that the little stabber block things slot in a little easier if you pinch the ends together before insertion (double fnar). I would have also starting using Kragle, if I actually owned any tubes which haven't been left open to solidify.

Happy with the set quality overall, though. Only missing piece was a thick 3 x 6 slab, which looks to have been deliberately substituted for three thinner 3 x 6 plates. Had a few deformed pieces, none of which I needed, and as per usual the Lepin four stud turntable things were frigging useless, and will be promptly substituted for Lego items next time I visit my parent's and can raid my old collection.

Had been eyeing up other sets, but after the rather traumatic final part of construction of Tantive IV, I might stick to building Duplo towers with my son for a while...

Edited by norman156 on Monday 6th February 23:46

Thank you for the awesome detailed review!

Have you checked with the original Lego instructions online for the Tantive IV to see if the engine module section is the same construction as the original's?

http://lego.brickinstructions.com/lego_instruction...

Are the engines together sturdily now or will they … destruct, without much effort, or ? (I was thinking of getting this for my daughter but if it will not hold together as she "flies" it around it may not be one to get her.)

[Luca Brazzi]

Anyone planning on getting the Lepin Batman Movie sets from AliExpress?
The vehicles look great, and the price comparison to Lego is substantial.

[Grumpy old git]

voiceofrevolt said:

Thank you for the awesome detailed review!

Have you checked with the original Lego instructions online for the Tantive IV to see if the engine module section is the same construction as the original's?

http://lego.brickinstructions.com/lego_instruction...

Are the engines together sturdily now or will they … destruct, without much effort, or ? (I was thinking of getting this for my daughter but if it will not hold together as she "flies" it around it may not be one to get her.)

I have the original Lego version of this and seem to recall that it's also prone to have bits fall off when trying to assemble it. Many of the older Lego models are like this, the UCS B Wing is a similar model that looks great when made, just don't touch it or many pieces will explode off in random directions!

[KingNothing]

Got pretty close to finishing ucs falcon over the past week, in the end have dismantled it because I got pissed off with the arse end of it constantly falling off. It could be the Lepin bricks not gripping properly, but haven't noticed that for anything tbh, they've always been a good connection. I just think it's a bad design, a lot of the structure inside it held together by pins and struts but then when it comes to attach the panels, they just clip in, the back undercarriage is a large part which just hangs underneath from the top downwards, no pins or struts holding it in. I'll come back to it in a few months time after I've bought some superglue, the is getting glued into place.

[Jouster74]

I beoeuve the original lego was a bit of a pin to construct as well.

There is an awful lot mod weight on the rear frame to be supported.

I actually ended up strengthening mine even more before hanging it on the wall as shown on thread a good few pages back.

[laters]

voiceofrevolt said:

If you found it on ebay then maybe that seller would have more or get more for the future?

I've got the eBay seller on my watch list but nothing but minifigures at the moment.

voiceofrevolt said:

(Hmm, I wonder if there would be a market to be an importer of these sets and sell them here - would it be worth it if there were legalities included …)

A lot of the UK based ebay sellers of Lepin are drop shipping direct from China. Some sellers claim to have UK stock but the listing is for the direct from China at supposedly a cheaper price.
There does seem to be a load of UK sellers with the clone minifigures for sale. Some at not bad prices. I've just bought a Ghostbusters minifigure set for less than on Aliexpress.

voiceofrevolt said:

If you find the proper Darth Vader helmet for a decent price, let me know! (perhaps one of the aftermarket SY, Decool or other makes of knock-off minifgs would have the proper helmet?)

Will let you know how I get on with the minifigure helmet as I have a couple of mini figures on the way (both daughters collect them too so not going to waste).

voiceofrevolt said:

You could always use the excuse of needing an iPad for instructions …


I guess you will just have to order both the TIE and the Star Destroyer.

I tend to do a lot of the building at my desk so pc screen makes do for now.

I've ordered a Tie interceptor from dream house, hopefully it will go OK. So far I have only ordered from H&H.

I've been putting together a set of Big Hero 6 mini figures branded as J&K today. Not bad minifigures at all.

Edited by laters on Tuesday 7th February 19:40

[grant666uk]

laters said:

I tend to do a lot of the building at my desk so pc screen makes do for now.

I've ordered a Tie interceptor from dream house, hopefully it will go OK. So far I have only ordered from H&H.

I've been putting together a set of Big Hero 6 mini figures branded as J&K today. Not bad minifigures at all.

Edited by laters on Tuesday 7th February 19:40

I ordered the Death star from H&H and the Simpsons Kwik-E-Mart from Toyslepin block store at the same time last week.

The Simpsons set is coming tomorrow via dhl and the death star has yet to ship.