Part four of a four part series comparing the Lego and the Lepin versions of the UCS Millennium Falcon. Placards will only be displayed for a few seconds. Please pause to read if necessary. Thank you for watching
I can't thank you enough for this video series. I've been wanting the Lego set for months but it's at a price that I just couldn't justify. At the same time, I was worried that the Lepin kit, priced so drastically less, would be terrible. Your videos and the critique were fantastic. Thank you thank you thank you!
I do not know if the videos are fantastic, but I am happy you got something out of them. Also sorry for the delayed response. Lastly, if you have not purchased one yet, I've heard rumors that Amazon may be offering the Lego one at a discount on Black Friday (I am not a fan of said site, and have seen no confirmation).
Its the only Lepin set I thought worth the purchase. Though for me knowing that one day I was going to use the parts to do an Outrider, it was a no brainer. That would cost a fortune to part out on bricklink. I am glad you found them helpful despite quality. Sorry for delay in response. Be well.
Hey man, I just want to say thank you for this video series. You must have put in a lot of money just to do this comparison, and I appreciate that investment. :)
Hi and Soz for delay. Didn't think anyone would watch these. You are Welcome. TBH, I did it to give back to the community. It pisses me off that Google added adverts considering I never monetized the channel or videos.
Agreed for the most part. I think this is the only Lepin set where that might apply. I have not found any other set in production where giving up the quality of the Lego set makes up for the small savings of the equivalent Lepin set. The savings in this case is unusually large (>60% in my case). Full disclosure, the Lego set will remain built for a year or so, where the Lepin has been disassembled for building the MOC Outrider (if I ever have the time for that)
hmm, I've long thought Lepin = at least 1/2 cost of Lego, even when you factor in bricklinking those missing/dodgy pieces. Though this does not take into account the whole experience of unboxing a lego set, which Lepin's plain box just can't match. :)
Having recently (ish) bought two Lepin sets - Unfinished Death Star and Super Star Destroyer I must say that even without them being "boxed" the opening experience wasn't a disappointment. Imagine bashing a pinata, opening one of Lepin's tightly packed packages is like that, bag after bag exploding out, going everywhere. Then you see those teenie tiny numbers on the bags so you line them up in order, disappointed how some bags don't have numbers, but that's cool, until you find they DO have numbers, you just didn't see them. So 1-50+ bags, all lined up on the carpet. Most of them containing one type of piece, making sorting pre-build super easy - barely an inconvenience ;) - just pour each bag into it's own bowl and ya done. Not build nuttin so far but it's coming :D
Your piñata comment made me laugh. It is kind of like that. You can almost hear the box sigh in relief. I am insane enough to long for the unnumbered bag days as I like the hunt (not sorting was a happy medium). But I did appreciate #'d bags in this case as I doubt I would have done the videos if I had to hunt for the parts in all those bags and not too mention finding the space for the sorted parts. The original UCS Falcon took me about a 3 weeks worth 3-5 hours a day mostly hunting for parts, but very Zen. Then again it gets cold here so not too bad. Enjoy the build
Hunting for pieces can be fine if you were certain they're there somewhere, but when I build Lego I'm continually: (1) looking for a piece, not finding piece (2) look under table, under chair, stand up and brush my clothes in case it is there (3) concluding Lego screwed me, why is it always me, can't continue the build cos this is an important piece (4) life sucks, and this was meant to be my treat for the week, damn everything and everyone (5) oh there is, right in front of me all along, now what's the next piece I need ... -> goto 1 and repeat. So I am feel most warmly towards Lepin with their 1 type of piece per bag. Definite benefit as it can be a pain to distinguish a 2x10 from a 2x12 without counting the studs. Labeling the bowl/beaker into which I've poured them will make things MUCH simpler. :)
Hello, I have come across your video for the Lepin Falcon. I recently purchased one myself and expect its arrival soon. I hope the quality on the lepin side has improved with less loose bits and better colour blend to the original, over the two years. Once I build it, I will come back here and give an update for anyone interested.
Thank you. Happy to do it. I was always curious about the comparison myself and could not find one other than general comments. If you choose to go with a clone, make sure you select a seller that is reputable. Happy building.
Great video. In step 14, you say that the subassembly is a touch more solid on the Lego version. Do you mean that the quality of the pieces is a bit more solid, or is the procedure different? Can the Lepin model be built following Lego instructions for example, or are there some modifications to the actual parts and steps?
I’m currently building a Lepin Falcon, so this video was very interesting for me. I agree about the tolerances of the pins as over 90% of my technic builds are genuine Lego and they just fit perfectly. I do have sore finger tips from the lepin as they generally do not. My kids purchased the lepin falcon for me, there was no way I would have allowed them to spend the retail price on the genuine one. So it isn’t as if lego lost a buyer on this model. My first technics (Bugatti) was a lepin and that started a hobby that resulted lego getting plenty of sales over a few years.
I have all the LEGO supercars. Bugatti was my third Favorite build of all time. That set is just beautiful. Most difficult Lego set to date IMHO. Challenging and fun
1st LEGO MF, 2nd LEGO 1989 Batmobile (close call between this and Bugatti. Huge batman fan), 3rd LEGO Bugatti, 4th LEGO Barracuda Bay, 5th justice Magician Expansion (just because of overcoming all the challenges to make it better, stronger, and it filled up a lot of pandemic time. I am currently debating doing a vid of LEGO AT-AT but there are so many out there already. Anyway, you have some good kids. Be well.
Henlo, been searching for some cool lego thingy to do during my vacation, and saw the lepin UCS falcon. Considering the price of the real one, would you say it's worth it to buy the lepin version ?
This is the first and only LEGO copy I purchased. I was told by Lego that I would have to wait 2 months when I bought the Lepin. Sure enough LEGO filled the order shortly after hence the comparison build. I understand Money is an issue especial with the inflationary period we are in. Go for the Chinese one if you like, It doesn't build as well and probably won't go up in value like LEGO. But you do get to build a nice ship. I apologize for my delayed response. I suck... If you have not purchased one yet. There is another MF that has a full interior I saw a few weeks back. I can't vouch for it but that might be an option also and isn't a LEGO design.
Hi and Soz for delay. Didn't think anyone would watch these. Hi aliexpress. Pick one that has good reviews and sold many Units. I am hearing you can not buy Lepin anymore do to LEGO lawsuit win.
Hi and Soz for delay. Didn't think anyone would watch these. I did not. I didn't like the light setups. I was going to a custom but i got distr.... SQUIRREL!
Hi and Soz for delay. Didn't think anyone would watch these. The new one that was just released? Next one I may do is UCS Nebulon-B by Mould King. I am still bitter UCS Gunship won voter's choice over NEB-B
Not stupid at all! That would be an awesome feature, but unfortunately the landing gear don’t retract. But, they can be removed if you want to mount the Falcon on a different stand.
as to doing a re-edit, I do not have the desire for that. BUt you could just scrub through to the time stamps and read the placards where I note most build differences. Also, a while ago someone asked which way to go and that response about the experience might help and I will reiterate here. I do not hide the fact that I am biased toward Lego and that they should be rewarded for their efforts, I also feel the Lego MF will hold its value and appreciate if you are an investor type. That said, $640.00 price difference (with tax incl) is steep and not everyone can afford it. If the set were retired and Lego no longer sold it, I can see buying the Lepin. It is definitely no frills. But I feel if you take the incentive away for a company or person to create, then why would they? This is how I look at it... Lego is like flying first class, Lepin like coach. Both will get you where you want to go, but the experience getting there could be quite different. UCS MF is a unique case. For almost all other Lego knockoffs Lepin does, the price savings does not incentivize me to buy the Lepin one. It seems marginal and if a part or three are missing you are on your own, with Lego you are a phone call away for replacements and other services. Going forward, I think if I were to buy from Lepin in the future, it will be a set they came up with or possibly a Lego set no longer in production. I am in it for the build and joy, not the investment. Hope that helps
Perhaps glue the pieces that are loose or even all of them? It would solve one of the downsides of the Lepin. That would actually be enough for me to buy one.
Hi and Soz for delay. Didn't think anyone would watch these. I purchase via aliexpress. I just chose a store that had sold many units and had high ratings (IDR store name though). The Lepin one has been repurposed to build a custom UCS Outrider if i ever get around to finishing that
Yes, though its flaws may be noticeable upon close inspection. Also, loose parts may be an issue if mounting on a stand. Then again, another subscriber said that he felt the parts and minifigs in his Lepin set were improved over mine. Not lego quality, but should show fine.
Acquired and built, my only criticism is the little rod devices (1:10) which are awful. Oh, and the smell: WTF???? Thanks for your advice: I am delighted with the finished article.
You noticed that also ( I thought it was just me). I should have mentioned that there was an unusual smell when you open the Lepin box. It airs out quickly though. Lets just hope it wasn't too toxic.
Yes, the smell is like a chemical floral smell. Maybe the pieces are washed in a cheap detergent? Or it could be the wax coating? In other news, it seems the authorities have visited the factory and closed them down. 😢
I usually don't condone if, but for a display piece like this I'd be tempted to glue it *shock horror* together because it's not like you are going to pull it apart to build it again.
Yes, thank you. Everyone acts like you're evil if you mention superglue for problem areas. My 11 year old came uncorked when I glued some hair in a minifig when it kept coming of and getting lost.
Sometimes its fun to take apart sets of around 1000 peices but this is nearly 10,000 who is going to try and take this apart its already frustrating with a 1000 set
Hi and Soz for delay. Didn't think anyone would watch these. UM... actually I did. The Lepin build will be repurposed to build an Outrider MOC. LEGO version will be rebuilt with my niece when old enough.
Hi LEGO version on LEGO.COM. The Lepin version I bought from a seller on AliExpress. I do not know if still available given LEGO justly winning their lawsuits. If going Lepin, make sure the seller is reputable (several sells and good reputation). IIRC I paid about $234 US
This is the video i am looking for. Now i can start to make decission where i must to buy, Fortunately in Indonesia i can choose LEGO version or LEPIN version.
Well, after seeing all four parts, I'm glad to have the Lego version. Also because Lego won't loose the value, but who would buy the Lepin in 20 years?
@@Vassilika1 I'm going for the lepin version. If i would ever consider on selling it i would have chosen the lego one but it will have a good place in my coffee table so i dont need to sell it in the future
It is as I said before, both will get you to where you want to go, Lego version is like flying first class, Lepin is like flying coach. The clutch power and color matching of the Lego is much better and makes for a build that is stronger, but if you wont be zipping around the house making whooshing sounds, Lepin will be fine 8)
I finally started it. I am recording for posterity but do not know if I'll do anything with the vid and pics because it is more of snapshot-like notes. I'll see how it goes. Substructure and landing gear done at this point. Those complex curves and angles were a nightmare. Plus side, I only have used Lepin falcon parts so far (though restricts build options), downside could not figure out how to build with an interior and keep it at scale.
Its been so long, I do not know what you are referring to. I think the Lepin set only had a few extra pieces IIRC, The Venator had a ton of extra pieces. Very sorry for the very late response and I know it is probably moot at this time
I bought two lepin sets one is the Millenium falcon and there where no troubles at all with both sets. No parts missing and no parts that where to lose. And for the price of a Lego set, you can buy 2 or 3 Lepins.
Since LEGO rightly won their lawsuit, I do not think you can buy it from the store I did. But if you go to AliExpress, I've seen it for sale there. Sorry for extremely late response. I thought people stopped posting here years ago. I am the worst.
You forgot to put the top of minocks (sp?) head on @10:31. For that transgression, I have to dock you a bit. You only will receive only 4.999 stars out of possible 5. Sorry, but just trying to be objective.
OMG, I did! Oh wait, that one is a generation older and starting to lose her/his hair. Yeah... that's it. Anyway, thank you for pointing it out. I'll give you the full 5 stars. I just went down to fix it, but alas in the video s/he will be forever balding.
So.... I went back and it looks like the Mynock from the Lego side is wrong. There is not suppose to be a top 1x1 tile but rather the exposed stud from the 1x1 brick. I think I had an extra piece that I used to top the Lego side. Can I now have my .001 star back? 8)
Welcome to the largest, most detailed LEPIN® 05132 Star Wars Millennium Falcon model we've ever created-in fact, with 7,500 pieces it's one of our biggest LEPIN® models, period! www.lepintoy.com/Lepin-8445Pcs-Star-Wars-Series-05132-Ultimate-Collector-s-Millennium-Falcon-Model-Building-Kits-Blocks-Bricks-Children-Toys-p179057.html
Great review series and comparison! For me, nothing will beat the quality of Lego. I don't care how much cheaper Lepin is, you get what you pay for; lower quality plastic, ill fitting pieces, mismolded parts, parts in the wrong color or missing pieces all together. No thanks.
Thank you. Yes, Lego deserves to be compensated for their risk to bring to market (though in this case, probably not much of an issue), quality and design. As I've indicated before, this is the only case where I could rationalize choosing one over the other if cost is an issue. Also, Lego I believe will hold its value much better than Lepin in that I would be very surprised if the Lego price will ever drop below what you paid for it. Be well
If one day you build the LEGO, you will notice some. But without looking closely, I doubt anyone could tell if on a shelf. And we all know LEGO fans are not detail oriented and would never look closely 8)
Sorry for delayed response. Depends. if you want better quality, better build experience, hold value, and support original design and manufacturer LEGO is better. If you want a okay build experience with some issues but save money, I guess Lepin.
Lepin c'est de la gros merde ''Made in China'', que les sets Lepin ne vaut absolument rien, juste aller à la poubelle. Lego c'est de la qualité ''Made in Denmark'', que les sets Lego vaut un petite fortune à long terme.
In a reply 5 months ago I recognized that mistake. I also called out the mistake in the placard during the video (which the other responder missed). Sorry for the distress it may have caused you.
They definitely have issues, but when they produce a MOC I like that LEGO has not, its a decent enough alternative. Also a cheap source of parts for my Outrider MOC. Stay well
Good choice. Lego experience and quality was better and it will most likely appreciate in value. Aside from this set (I discuss why in video), I've only purchased non-Lego designed sets from Chinese companies seen here (Venator, JM Castle). The UCS Nebulon-B will be this year's build.
