This is my first experience with Oxford blocks and I am completely amazed at the quality of the bricks. I remember feeling the same excitement over a new box of Tyco Superblocks. The sheen on the elements is glossy like the leading brand and clutch power is identical (a crucial feature for a transforming model that's going to go through a lot of movement.)
The robot version of the model comes with a gun and shield. Working hands are wisely avoided (they're such a PAIN to design) but the robot still looks great. A shield attaches to the back of one hand or forearm and a rifle snaps into the other hand. Completed figure stands approximately 9 inches tall.
With a minimum of five or six adjustments/rotations (and inclusion of the shield for the next design), the robot transforms into an aircraft (a sturdy design that doesn't easily fall apart) that looks just as great as the robot. Completed aircraft measures approximately 11 inches long.
Here again I was reminded of the Superblock Robo Bloxx designs, although Oxford steps up those somewhat rudimentary transformations a notch or two (ball-and-socket elements are a true boon to transforming models).
There are a number of elements that I'm pretty sure I've seen in other brands. I'm not very good at describing these in details so I refer the reader to the following link of the elements that stood out to me:
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=3321920 I'm not usually tolerant of overly large specialized pieces (one-piece car, half a helicopter, etc.) but the large wing elements are completely acceptable in a model like this (maintaining a sturdy structure for playability). There are no figures included with this particular set.
I counted 341 pieces (plus a few extra pieces not used in the instructions).
A cursory review of the instructions for the other model (TK 0718 - yellow and black 'formula car') shows that to be an almost identical basic arm/leg/torso structure with minor modifications adapted for its alternate version.
This is the first time that I can recall dealing with a seller from South Korea, so I originally went into the transaction with hesitation but ebay seller a2zever is wonderful to work with (great communication, prompt shipment). As of July 30, 2008 he's selling these singly for about $40 a piece (that includes shipping) but his offer of two in one package brings the price closer to $30 a piece (worth the price in my opinion and about the same price one would pay for a leading brand model with 300+ piece count).
Yes, this guy is a motivated seller. If we show him a demand for Oxford, he'll make sure Oxford is available.
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Just finished a 3 foot long Znap/technic wrought Iron bridge and now own half of the world's supply of Znap components. Am known on Bricklink as the Zultan of Znap.
Another excellent and thorough review--thanks! I was likewise amazed by the quality of Oxford bricks when I first encountered them six or seven years ago. I posted a review on LUGNET of their Tank model 150000 and gave it very high marks. I predicted at the time that if Oxford ever came to North America, it would give LEGO and Mega Bloks a serious run for the money.
Incidentally, for those who don't know, Gonzilla has a long online history of supporting and reporting on a wide range of clone brands. In fact, I acquired more than a few Tyco sets from him on ebay, as well as a few other hard to find sets.
looks like my oxford images at brickshelf got ratted out (the directory got deleted). i've since moved the oxford images to here:
http://gonzilla.250free.com/oxford/
no new images, just an fyi that the images have moved.
@#$%^&*+ Lego Purists. Of course, I'm married to one, but they sure want to spoil our fun.
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Just finished a 3 foot long Znap/technic wrought Iron bridge and now own half of the world's supply of Znap components. Am known on Bricklink as the Zultan of Znap.
I've been on a bit of a building tear today and finally got around to putting my Wing together. I have the advantage(?) of having the first wave of Transformers Kre-O sets under my belt. And because of that, this set simply astonished me.
The Trans Kaion sets are obviously what prompted Hasbro to work with Oxford on the Kre-O line, and it seems as if everything that is great about Trans Kaion was dumped for Kre-O.
The robot mode is beautifully designed, the limbs are strong and satisfyingly robust, and the articulation and range of motion is excellent. There is no SOMP, and the bloody thing can transform to vehicle mode without tearing down and rebuilding the model.
Several of the building techniques present in this set are carried over into the Kre-O line, but again, the absence of actual transforming in those is absolutely baffling to me now. It can be done. It can be done easily. It can be done with the very same parts. It can be done while having both modes look good. The only explanation I can manifest at this point is to simply ascribe an attitude of laziness to Hasbro's Kre-O managers. But then again, considering the half-assed approach to the line that we've seen thus far, this shouldn't e a surprise to me.
Oxford Blocks TKW 0718 Trans Kaion Wing review - (Read 2,264 Times)
Posted: Jul 30th, 2008 at 09:41 am
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