Review: 75573 Floating Mountains: Site 26 & RDA Samson
Posted by CapnRex101,
Unique within the Avatar range, 75573 Floating Mountains: Site 26 & RDA Samson concentrates on human technology, rather than the stunning Pandoran flora and fauna. While inherently less colourful than equivalent sets, these militaristic designs appear impressive.
The mobile link station exhibits extensive detail, while the RDA Samson seems surprisingly authentic too, given its relatively modest size. Five exclusive and exciting minifigures are also present, leaving only the price to create problems!
Summary
75573 Floating Mountains: Site 26 & RDA Samson, 887 pieces.
£89.99 / $99.99 / €99.99 | 10.1p/11.3c/11.3c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
This set is excellent for play and display, but feels frustratingly overpriced
- Exceptional play value
- Accurate, detailed models
- Several exclusive minifigures
- Quite expensive
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
Given its focus on human technology, this set also includes more human minifigures than other Avatar sets. Jake Sully is probably the most important and wears an interesting RDA Samson shirt, which evokes his attire from the movie, but avoids such direct military references. Despite differing from the source material, the Samson's silhouette looks great.
I like the reddish brown hair element and double-sided head too, displaying a smile on one side and an exopack rebreather on the other. Oddly, this smiling face is very similar to Sam Flynn's primary expression from 21314 TRON: Legacy.
However, the definite highlight of this minifigure is the new wheelchair! The proportions of this wheelchair are quite similar to the existing element, albeit with a lower backrest and narrower wheels, so the chair can pass through four-stud-wide doors. The bigger wheels are therefore new as well and can attach to Technic bushes, rather than the snaps present on the wheelchair introduced in 2016.
Jake Sully also appears in his Avatar form, sharing the elongated legs with other sets, while the head and torso are unique. The proportions of the Na'vi are effective across the theme and I like the printed stripes on each component, along with Jake's determined facial expression. Also, the texture on this hair element looks good, but I remain uncertain about the head shape.
The same distinctive head sculpt is used for Norm Spellman. The pronounced ears are perfect and extending the chin slightly does correspond with these aliens onscreen. However, I think a standard minifigure head would have been equally suitable, with the ears moulded into their hair pieces. Furthermore, the medium azure tail contrasts with Norm's clothes, even though similar parts have been decorated to avoid this problem before.
These issues are perhaps surprising, but I remain satisfied with the Na'vi minifigures throughout the Avatar range and I am pleased that the elongated arms and legs have finally returned. Jake and Norm carry a bow and a simple brick-built spear, respectively.
Despite lacking any exclusive moulded elements, Dr. Grace Augustine appears as detailed as either Na'vi! Her dual-moulded and printed legs are absolutely superb and the creasing on her jacket seems remarkably realistic, corresponding with Sigourney Weaver's character from the film. Moreover, this hair element has never appeared in dark orange and looks marvellous, while the double-sided head also works well.
Trudy Chacon pilots an RDA Samson throughout the movie, so is another welcome addition to the minifigure roster. I think the warm tan skin tone suits Michelle Rodriguez and her attire looks excellent in relation to the movie, even featuring Trudy's silver necklace. The double-sided head also presents exceptional detail, as her face paint from the climax of the film is included!
Of course, this minifigure may also appeal as a companion for Dominic Toretto from 76912 Fast & Furious 1970 Dodge Charger R/T. While her white vest and olive green trousers are accurate to Avatar, this seems like something that Letty would wear in the Fast & Furious series, which is a happy coincidence.
The Completed Model
Among the numerous animals domesticated by the Na'vi, direhorses are particularly prevalent in Avatar. This version of the creature resembles the traditional LEGO horse and features fantastic moulded detail, most visibly around its mane and tail. The muscular shaping of its six legs looks superb as well, while the combination of blue and light royal blue plastics is attractive.
Unfortunately, neither the head nor any of the legs are articulated. Choosing to omit articulated joints has improved the accuracy and detail of this figure, but some motion would have improved its display potential. Nevertheless, you can remove the 1x1 bricks with clips from its body, which creates space to place a minifigure in the gap. Additionally, the flexible queues can connect to a Na'vi minifigure's hair, recreating their bond from the film.
Different sections of the Pandoran environment are available throughout the LEGO range. This example is relatively small, measuring 16cm in height, but captures marvellous colour and the natural details are beautiful. Moreover, the designer has made perfect use of the trans-clear column introduced in Super Mario to support one of the titular floating mountains, albeit vastly scaled down.
Amazing plants are one of Pandora's many defining features and these brick-built flowers look brilliant. Their vibrant magenta colour is splendid, with trans-pink and dark blue parts positioning the flowers at realistic angles. I appreciate the integration of smaller flame yellowish orange and white flowers too, providing extra splashes of colour.
The crown elements forming the centre of each flower glow in the dark, which is another feature shared among the Avatar sets. The glow is effective and these pieces are also found in 75771 Neytiri & Thanator vs. AMP Suit Quaritch. They could prove equally useful for more conventional flowers in other sets.
While obviously tiny, the organic shape of this floating mountain corresponds with the onscreen location and I like the medium nougat flexible tube wrapped around the support. The addition of reddish brown roots and sand green accents also works well, but I dislike the Technic pin, which seems rather conspicuous.
However, that pin plays an important role, securing the RDA Samson atop the mountain. Clever display solutions like this one are another repeated feature across the Avatar theme, providing a range of interesting options for presenting the sets. While not necessary in every theme, I would be curious to see similar techniques applied in Star Wars and Super Heroes, where suitable.
The Samson can be displayed in either direction, but looks more impressive with the plants and column directly underneath, in my opinion. Despite its fragile appearance, this whole assembly feels very strong and the trans-clear support blends quite successfully into the background, with this substantial aircraft on top.
The versatile RDA Samson is deployed for transport and combat on Pandora, taking advantage of its exceptional manoeuvrability to navigate the alien environment. This rendition of the aircraft measures nearly 27cm long and 24cm across, which is large enough to interact with minifigures properly, but could perhaps have been enlarged for improved detail. Nevertheless, this design is immediately recognisable with its source material.
A blue stripe runs along the centre of this model and tiger symbols are formed using stickers on each side, identifying the vehicle as Samson 16. The sensor equipment on the front looks great and is reminiscent of real helicopters, while the decorated canopy captures excellent detail. This element returns from Speed Champions, featuring an accurate shape.
There is comfortable space for one minifigure inside the cockpit, with the blue control yoke. You can fit another minifigure behind the pilot too, although they must lean back into the passenger area, which looks awkward. Two stud shooters are mounted on the exterior, cleverly positioned to resemble the missile pods mounted on some Samson aircraft during the film.
Accessing the passenger compartment is quite difficult because the roof cannot be removed like the cockpit canopy. There is room to place a couple of minifigures inside though, either seated in the middle or standing on the edges, as though preparing to disembark. While it would be a tight squeeze, I think as many as five minifigures could fit inside, which is impressive for a vehicle of this size.
The twin rotors invite comparison with 8117 Storm Lasher, although these circular structures are constructed around the 11x11 circle beams released last year, rather than brick-built rings. Their proportions reflect the onscreen vessels and I like the continued blue and white pattern between them, comprising four more stickers. The tail boom also appears accurate, while I think even the yellow Technic bushes on the rotors are excusable.
After all, yellow highlights are common on human technology throughout the film, including the prefabricated Site 26 link station. This building has been simplified in relation to the onscreen location, but maintains the essential industrial aesthetic. I like the supports lifting this structure off the ground in particular, while the angular shape also corresponds with the movie.
The building measures 21cm across and the colour balance between shades of grey, sand blue and yellow, with reddish brown feet, looks brilliant. The dark bluish grey bands wrapped around the front and back are perfectly accurate to the source material, while the staircase from the film has been replaced with a steep ramp. I think these railings could have been improved, as there is an obvious gap and they seem very short beside minifigures.
Surprising detail decorates the back, including control systems for the interior with some printed hazard stripes. Black grille tiles are also used to good effect, while a yellow tank is placed at one end of the station, presumably providing oxygen for its occupants. The antenna on top provides another realistic detail, although the single orange 1x1 round plate looks odd.
This model is cleverly designed to maximise interior access for play, as the roof and much of the back wall can be removed in one section. Placing minifigures inside is therefore very easy and there is ample space for those minifigures, although certain features from Site 26 in the film are inevitably omitted.
Even so, the link station does contain Dr. Augustine's computer, displaying Jake's brain activity when he is linked with his Avatar. Naturally, the brain is inside a minifigure head, which is a nice detail. The swivelling sand blue chair looks good too, repeating this colour from the exterior.
Jake's link unit occupies the other end of this structure, with a stickered screen monitoring the minifigure inside on the wall. There is room to place a minifigure inside the chamber, with dark azure 1x2 tiles representing gel packs inside. While the design of this link unit is not completely accurate, the compromises are undoubtedly worthwhile.
Overall
75573 Floating Mountains: Site 26 & RDA Samson contains an appealing selection of minifigures and interesting models, which are distinctive among these Avatar sets. The link station and RDA Samson could both have been bigger and accommodated greater detail, but these renditions do capture the most important features of their respective inspirations. The capacity for minifigures and associated play value of both models is remarkable.
The supporting environment is smaller and less varied than equivalent models in other sets, but also provides an ideal display stand for the Samson. The five desirable minifigures are welcome too, although these various qualities cannot overcome the expensive price of £89.99, $99.99 or €99.99. However, I would definitely recommend this set following a reasonable discount.
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32 comments on this article
This can work for a wonderful Rebel Alliance base.
Honestly $100 doesn't seem too bad, given the piece count and specialized elements like the direhorse.
I like how the Samson can be attached to the stand to look like it's flying - considering play as well as DISplay is something I support!
Where is the Mountain...I don't see any LURP/MURP/BURPs
Looking at the numbers €100 doesn't seem that bad, but looking at the build I don't quite see it. That said, that's about the only major criticism I have about this set, about everything seems pretty good. There are a few minor nitpicks, like I think there's too much blue on the Samson, obviously the use of stickers, and I'm not entirely sure about the face and hair of Trudy, but that's all forgivable.
The one thing I just keep thinking: what would they have been able to do if they had spent the budget entirely on a bigger Samson (and maybe just that stand) without the side builds?
This set interests me very much and it really gets the flavor of the first film quite well. The value of any set really is up to the individual but this set is more enticing and better priced than sets like the 2021 76183 Batcave.
@Lordmoral said:
"This can work for a wonderful Rebel Alliance base."
I just wish it could be recolored more easily: It would make a great moon-base starter in blue and trans yellow for Classic Space!
The Samson is cool. Stick a front mounted Gatling gun and wings with missiles on it and it will be even cooler.
So Lego withdraw a technic helicopter due to its military link but put a military helicopter in a kids playset…… hmmm
For that price, the station should’ve been a little bigger. However, the set is still very nice. The station and helicopter are solid and the minifigs are pretty great.
(NB. I watched Avatar once, a double-digits number of years ago. It was not a film I would watch again.)
Apart from the set-name being the clunkiest I've seen in some time, it is, to a casual observer, wildly inaccurate: there is not even one floating mountain, nevermind a plurality of them.
@WizardOfOss said:
"There are a few minor nitpicks, like I think there's too much blue on the Samson, obviously the use of stickers "
The Samson is decorated with that blue pattern in the final battle of the film in sympathy to the Na’Vi (a quick job by Trudy) so it’s actually surprisingly accurate to the source material, just not the earlier undecorated version of the vehicle.
This set looks great to me actually - slightly expensive but seems like there is a fair amount there including new elements.
I definitely would have bought a few of these if the set would have been just the Samson with perhaps some foliage and a couple minifigs. It looks great and could have by itself been offered at a more reasonable price point. The Michelle Rodriguez minifig is also excellent and versatile.
I’m not really interested in the rest of this theme at all.
@WizardOfOss said:
"Looking at the numbers €100 doesn't seem that bad, but looking at the build I don't quite see it. That said, that's about the only major criticism I have about this set, about everything seems pretty good. There are a few minor nitpicks, like I think there's too much blue on the Samson, obviously the use of stickers,
and I'm not entirely sure about the face and hair of Trudy, but that's all forgivable.
The one thing I just keep thinking: what would they have been able to do if they had spent the budget entirely on a bigger Samson (and maybe just that stand) without the side builds? "
I absolutely love the samson, and considering there’s some in the new movie, I hope we do get an appearance as a set. I feel like this whole set is criminally overpriced for what you get, especially with how small the samson, but nonetheless it’s still my favourite set.
@jdm said:
"So Lego withdraw a technic helicopter due to its military link but put a military helicopter in a kids playset…… hmmm"
Oh no it’s alright it’s fictional military so it’s completely fine, no contradictions whatsoever.
@The_Rancor said:
"The Samson is decorated with that blue pattern in the final battle of the film in sympathy to the Na’Vi (a quick job by Trudy) so it’s actually surprisingly accurate to the source material, just not the earlier undecorated version of the vehicle."
It sure was, but A) it was just a rather narrow line pattern, and B) not nearly as bright. The way it is done now is much more prominent. I don't know if they did it to make it look less military (gotta love a bit of conspiracy...), or just because bright colors make better toys, but I could do with a bit less. Nevertheless still a pretty good model.
Based on the photo alone, I thought it should be a $74.99 set, but figured it was probably $79.99. I was really surprised to see it as $99.99.
Nope. I don't like Avatar that much.
I can't help feeling it would have made more sense to better depict the actual floating mountains rather than the portacabin affair. If you got a couple of BURPs upside down you could have knocked out something that looks sizable and really like how they appear in the film in about 10 seconds.
The only scene in Avatar that involves all these items together is the helicopter picking up and carrying the mobile base into the mountains, and you can't do that with this set without significantly modifying it. The heli is way too small and not equipped with a winch, and the roof of the mobile base isn't actually attached with any studs so it can't be picked up that way. Maybe the designer tried this and couldn't make it work but it seems like a missed opportunity to me
Wow Sigourney Weaver totally looks like Sigourney Weaver. It’s fantastic.
Wow just wow
But those weird long legs, i just can’t…
The only major flaw I have is the horse coulda used the same torso as the regular one, kind of a echo of the weird heads the Navi have
Never seen Avatar, but for what it is this set seems quite good, that lab is incredibly detailed and feels complete and polished which these types of things often don’t. City builds of similar structures are often a bit more messy and sprawling. The price doesn’t seem too bad for what you get here either, and I like the inclusion of lots of terrain in the range, even if it makes the sets a little disjointed.
What the heck is with the names of these sets though? They are all absurdly long, and I can’t imagine anyone will be able to remember them at all. Imagine if we got a set that was something like Hoth Echo Base: Snowspeeder pilot Luke Skywalker vs E-Web blaster cannon.
They’re soooooo long.
Unlike the one with the tree, I don't see anything special here. The horse is nice, but there's BL for that. I guess the price could be $10-$15 dollars less. Time will tell if these will sell well or not, we need to movie hype to start pumping first.
I’d love to see a UCS Blue Thunder and a UCS Airwolf.
@gunther_schnitzel said:
"I’d love to see a UCS Blue Thunder and a UCS Airwolf."
Oh yeah, count me in for those!
I’m enjoying every review that has another adverb to describe expensive in the cons
"Oddly, this smiling face is very similar to Sam Flynn's primary expression from 21314 TRON: Legacy. "
Interesting that Jake's reverse face is also identical to Sam's with the mask superimposed onto it; i guess he really was an everyman. Doesn't entirely fit Sam Worthington's face but it's not like most consumers remember Sam Worthington's face which is a shame.
It's a cool set. Just don't see £90.
Might grab it an inevitable discount.
I'm not interested in the set but I hope the new wheelchair mould becomes more widely available.
So far, I've only been able to sing the praises of the flora in the Avatar-sets.
So, things I like about this set:
I bought this the other day and I like it. Great set, fun build and neat parts selection.
It's a little too expensive for my tastes (and I only like--but don't love--the source material).
But still, the builds and the minifigures are really well executed! And I love the direhorse; I might have to see if I can get one for cheap on BrickLink.
Again, the color palette makes this set look cheap. This is also in no way a 100 Buck set, most of the pieces go into a glorified container, even Star Wars has better value stuff.