Set Review ➟ LEGO® 75374 - The Onyx Cinder
This set brings together a group of characters that, in my opinion, are close-knit, fun and also rather endearing—Neel especially. The series is a mix of Star Wars and… The Goonies? Set 75374, The Onyx Cinder, is the ship they use to leave their home planet, after which they need help to be able to return, as it is a planet whose location is unknown and therefore how to reach it. Without a doubt, a simple premise but one packed with adventure.
It comes with a good number of bags—plastic ones, yes—a building manual and, yes, also a small sticker sheet.
Here is the first of our characters, Wim. The hair and torso are very nice and without a doubt a great addition for our creations in this universe.
The ship starts with the central lower section, what we would call the belly. This part is built very solidly so that technic brick structures can later be attached. Some details are added, such as a kind of small kitchen or dining nook, a central table and what looks like a camp bed for resting.
Now we will create a couple of structures with technic bricks to extend the ship’s central spine. Here a simple friction mechanism is added which, I think, will move the side engines. Nothing trivial, but straightforward once you see it working.
This section focuses on closing one of the ends on its underside. The angle achieved is interesting and works perfectly between technic bricks. A long technic arm structure is also embedded, which is what will make the engines switch from horizontal to vertical mode. It works really well.
In this structure, a movable hatch is anchored to allow access from that side into the interior of the ship. It is very small; barely a droid fits, and playing in that space becomes genuinely difficult.
Ah! Here comes my favourite! Neel. Isn’t this character gorgeous? That jumpsuit reminds me a little of a certain Ugnaught…
In this part we add side panels to the other end of the ship. Some plates with slopes, and honestly, they cover things up and look very good.
Now it’s Fern’s turn. The torso is pretty cool with all those insignia of who-knows-what…
The cockpit is built as a single unit on a base made with parts from reference 6171066. A well-defined compartment, with a very good shape. The attachment is trivial and the result is perfect.
Now we add panels on the upper part. The sides are quite ingenious and I am surprised by how well they fit against their opposite counterparts.
Next we continue along the same lines, adding panels to the sides. This particular part is the one that satisfies me least in the whole set. Those triangular panels are held near the end of the right angle. For the rest of the panel pieces, there is nothing else. So how are they held in place? Thanks to the 4x4 round plate. When placed on the axle, the piece is trapped at that end, giving a sense of support. The reality is that both panels rattle like maracas when you fly the ship.
Now it’s time for the central roof. There is nothing particularly noteworthy. Simple but effective greebling.
The rear hatch. Despite being a space designed to be minimal, it is appreciated that the hatch can be opened in two stages, which makes it easier to get your hand in a bit. Still, it is very small…
This is starting to look like the Onyx Cinder now, isn’t it?
KB. I like everything about her: the name, the hair, the torso… the head!
On to the engines. Here are the unassembled parts. Special attention to that U-shaped piece which, with those two studs, will be anchored to the rear of the engine. They all follow that same idea.
And here is the engine already assembled, ready to be attached to the ship.
Here it is in its normal propulsion mode.
And here it is in landing and take-off mode. I like this profile more.
And now it’s time for the last character, Jod. What a rogue.
In the final section, several gun turrets are built—two smaller ones—and a small antenna. Details that enhance the final build.
The ship offers a good number of fun, playable spaces, in addition to the engine movement, which is an important and faithful reflection of the on-screen ship. The minifigures are very cool; Neel’s head is very tempting for our space MOCs, as is KB’s.
We thank the LEGO Group for providing the set for this review, although LEGO does not endorse or support the opinions expressed here, as they are solely our own.
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