Gallimimus and Pteranodon Breakout (75940) came out in summer 2020. The LEGO® Group sent me this set to review last fall, but I only got around to building it recently. A large part of that was snow. Winter does not make for good dinosaur pictures outside. However, the snows have melted. Therefore, I figured it is high time I opened up my latest dinosaur acquisition. After all, I get Jurassic World sets primarily for the dinosaur figurines. How is the rest of the set? Let us find out.
NOTE: The LEGO® Group provided this set for review. However, the provision of products does not guarantee a favorable review. I will use my usual rating system (click here for more information) and provide my honest opinion.
GALLIMIMUS & PTERANODON SUMMARY
- NAME: Gallimimus and Pteranodon Breakout
- SET #: 75940
- THEME: Jurassic World
- COST: $69.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 391
- MINIFIGURES: 3
- OF INTEREST: 1 Gallimimus and 1 Pteranodon
- RELEASE DATE: July 7, 2020
GALLIMIMUS & PTERANODON QUICK REVIEW
- VALUE: 68% (Satisfactory cost-per-brick, but build time is on the low side.)
- BUILD: 70% (Some neat parts, but it is not a fully believable design.)
- MINIFIGURES: 100% (Excellent number of well-designed characters.)
- ENTERTAINMENT: 75% (The Gallimimus is the real highlight for AFOL collectors.)
- OVERALL SCORE: 78%
GALLIMIMUS & PTERANODON REVIEW
VALUE: 68%
At full price, the Gallimimus set costs $69.99 in Canada. With 391 pieces, the cost-per-brick works out to $0.18. While that is not far off the average for the Jurassic World theme, it is expensive compared to LEGO® sets in general. My average for the theme is currently $0.17/brick, while overall it is $0.14/brick. However, this is also a licensed theme and that usually increases the cost. Ultimately, the set is not a horrible value, but it is not a great one either. I rate the cost-per-brick at 70%.
I assembled this set in one hour flat. Consequently, at full price, the cost-per-minute of build time was $1.17. No matter how you look at that, it is not a lot of build time for the price. On average, a minute of build time costs me $0.84 for LEGO® in general. For the Jurassic World theme, it is $0.89/minute. I rate the build time value at 66% in this case. Averaging this with the cost-per-brick score yields an overall value rating of 68%.
BUILD: 70%
As with many LEGO® themes, Jurassic World has no shortage of vehicles. Did I need another dinosaur trapping truck? Quite simply, no. However, of the vehicles I have built in this theme, this is the cutest. It is a squat little thing with a wide base and low center of gravity. Were it real, it would be hard for rampaging dinosaurs to flip over. It is a fun looking buggy.
With the first instruction manual, you assemble a portable lab unit. It slides into the rear of the truck and locks in place. Opening it up reveals a couple of egg incubation trays, a small computer console, a mini fridge for tranquilizer darts, and a small lab bench area. I like the inclusion of an amber mosquito brick, even if they do not actually mine amber on the island in the movies. The rear section also contains tranquilizer guns. Consequently, this whole machine seems like an egg-collection unit. It is a sedate the dinosaurs and collect the eggs type of deal. Interestingly, the removable lab unit comes equipped with green windows, which are a new piece for my collection.
Gallimimus & Pteranodon Breakout comes with a fun amber brick.
The set has a couple of aspects that I am not crazy about though. Firstly, I do not like the net cannon. This piece features in other kits, and I have never been a fan. It does not look realistic. Additionally, the net does not deploy properly when fired. The canon shoots the net far, but the net never really opens. The canon raises and lowers on an arm, but that ultimately leaves the interior exposed a bit.
My other issues arise from realism from a Minifigure’s perspective. I realize that might sound silly. However, there is no realistic way for a Minifigure to enter this machine. Also, the cabin has no walls. The interior is completely open to the front wheels. If this as a real tank, image all the dirt and mud that would be spewing into your face. Yes, I admit I am really overthinking something meant to be a child’s toy. All the same, I rate this build at 7/10 (70%).
MINIFIGURES: 100%
I like sets that contain two dinosaurs. However, I wish this one focused only on the Gallimimus. In the original movie, these are herd animals. Rather than include a random Pteranodon, the set should come with two Gallimimuses. With that said, you still get a new dinosaur species in this set. Additionally, the kit comes with three Minifigures: Owen Grady, Claire Dearing, and an ACU (Asset Containment Unit) trooper.
Each of the Minifigures comes with front and back torso printing and all the standard parts. Both Claire and Owen feature double-sided faces, while Owen and the ACU trooper have some leg printing. The ACU trooper is a design unique to this set. Meanwhile Owen’s design is new to the July 2020 wave of sets. As far as accessories go, the set comes with a two-way radio, a net, two eggs, a crate, a turkey leg, an amber brick, five syringes, and two tranquilizer guns. These are nice looking characters with a lot of accessories. Consequently, I rate the Minifigure design at 100%.
For the brick-to-fig ratio, I will include the dinosaurs. Each one has multiple points of articulation. Additionally, I am thrilled with the inclusion of a new species. Ultimately, the only new piece is the neck and head mold. The rest of the body features parts we have seen before. However, I am not complaining. Unlike the baryonyx, these parts fit together seamlessly. Five figurines in a kit containing 391 pieces yields a brick-to-fig ratio of 78:1. Incidentally, that is way better than my average for the Jurassic World theme and for LEGO® sets in general. The Gallimimus set earns a ratio score of 100%.
ENTERTAINMENT: 75%
I will not be keeping this set built. The kit comes with some interesting pieces, but the build did not inspire me to produce MOCs or keep the set on display. As with most Jurassic World sets, I acquired this one because I want the dinosaurs for my collection. However, kids might enjoy the set. The vehicle is cute, and the price is not exorbitantly high. Many of the issues I have with the set design will not register for most kids, I think. In the end, AFOL dinosaur collectors will get some bricks and figurines. Kids who are into the theme will get a little more. I rate the entertainment at 75%.
OVERALL SCORE: 78%
If you are a Jurassic World fan, Gallimimus and Pteranodon Breakout is worth the buy for Gallimimus alone. Sure, you can buy the dinosaur alone on eBay or Bricklink. However, right now the cost for one is at least $25 plus shipping. Depending on how much shipping you will pay, the one dinosaur could cost half the price the of actual set. In my mind, buying the set is the way to go. You get a better value. Additionally, the Gallimimus will only get more expensive once the set retires. Therefore, despite the not-so-great value of the kit, this is one set dinosaur lovers will likely enjoy. As for everyone else… this set is probably a pass. What do you think? Feel free to comment below or reach out on social media.
Until next time,
-Tom
Want to support True North Bricks?
If you like the content at True North Bricks, please follow on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or YouTube for regular updates. Additionally, you can support True North Bricks by making your LEGO® (and other) purchases using the links in the menu to the right. As an affiliate of those retailers, I earn from qualifying purchases. These earnings come at no extra cost to you but help to the keep the content at True North Bricks free. Thanks for your support!