Set Review ? LEGO® 76354 - SHIELD Helicarrier
This set, number 75354, is a new version of the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier, featuring 3,057 pieces, 6 minifigures and an official retail price of €369.99. I was lucky enough to build the previous version, and now I'll be able to see which one I prefer. Let's get started!
The contents consist of a huge stack of bags, the instruction manual, a sticker sheet, and a handful of Technic bricks.
The first minifigure is our "Cap" himself, Captain America. He also comes with an alternate hairpiece, allowing you to remove his helmet. Since the head has a dual-sided print, he looks rather smart without it too.
We begin the build. Without a doubt, the most interesting aspect is the triangulated structure. At first it looks rather fragile, but you soon see how the model gradually becomes more solid, not only in terms of size but also in strength. This is an important point—very important. The last thing we want is for the model to fall apart while we're flying it all around the house! :)
A little later I came across an essential piece that I hadn't seen before, so I assume it's a new mould—yet another addition to LEGO's already enormous catalogue of elements. I'm referring to the 2x2 quarter-round brick. It's definitely a piece that opens up plenty of possibilities for incorporating these kinds of angles into our builds.
Next we build the side sections of the ship's underside. It's a straightforward hinge-based technique, yet the result looks spectacular and everything is held firmly in place.
We now move on to some of the finer details, where our characters are represented using simple 1x1 round plates. Can you guess who's who? :)
Next up is Maria Hill. She has a stern expression, a few scars, and an earpiece.
We now turn our attention to the rear engines and a few nice little details. I imagine you already know what that 1x1 round plate on the tiny aircraft represents, don't you? That's right—Hulk.
I absolutely love the ship's bridge. It fits together beautifully, and I'm sure the view from up there during flight would be fantastic. :)
The build now focuses on shaping the inner edges of the central spine. Why? Because the runway is literally recessed into the centre of it.
Here we have Hawkeye. I really like the simple touch of the short sleeves and black gloves.
The lower bow of the ship includes some lovely bits of greebling that I really like.
The curve of the underside continues upwards using a classic plate connection back to the ship's central spine. It looks excellent.
The runway is built using SNOT techniques, which makes perfect sense as it allows the markings to be created with plates in a different colour. It would have been brilliant if those pieces had been printed instead.
We now begin building the main engine assemblies that support the ship. To be honest, I wasn't particularly keen on the way the rotor is finished using 1x3 tiles. That approach to representing the blades doesn't quite work for me.
That said, once these upper support arms are fitted, everything looks much better. Thankfully!
Once the second engine is attached, you really begin to appreciate just how large and wide this version of the Helicarrier is.
The remaining two engines differ very little from the first pair.
Once the upper mounting plates are in place, the engines are securely attached to the central body. That's a relief, because without them the structure feels a little fragile.
This little fire effect is absolutely brilliant. I love it.
Next up is Phil Coulson. Simple, but very well done.
At this stage we start adding details to the flight deck, including a small aircraft, support vehicles and more.
The next section sees us building another runway for the upper part of the ship. It uses the same technique but with a different attachment method, as it's mounted onto a 4x4 turntable to achieve the required angle.
Now it's the Winter Soldier's turn. I'm not entirely sure why this character has always stood out to me so much, but I have no doubt that his mask is my favourite feature.
Here we begin covering the previously exposed side sections. It's a straightforward ball-joint connection with a very satisfying fit.
Finally, we build the control tower from which the entire flight deck can be monitored.
Here comes Nick Fury. I really like him with the black trench coat—top marks.
The bridge is now complete. That angle is spot on, isn't it?
And with that, the Helicarrier is complete. What I enjoyed most is that the build never becomes overly complex. It's straightforward, engaging, and free from repetitive or tedious sections. As I mentioned earlier, it's also remarkably sturdy. Given its size, I was genuinely surprised that it doesn't fall apart when played with. Believe me when I say I have the best possible LEGO product tester at home: my son. He picked it up, carried it around, flew it through the house... in short, exactly what any child would do with a fantastic model like this—just as we would have done at that age if something like this had existed. It also includes a handful of new elements, which is always a welcome bonus. My biggest criticisms are the sheer number of stickers and the price, which feels rather high considering the piece count. Even so, it's a beautiful set that will delight any fan of this franchise, whether they're a LEGO enthusiast or not.
We would like to thank the LEGO Group for providing this set for review. However, LEGO neither endorses nor supports the opinions expressed here, which are entirely our own.
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