I’ve assembled many of the 4D models including Iron Man head, Thanos gauntlet, Hulkbuster Iron Man, 1989 Batmobile and Batwing, Avengers Quinjet, and Thor’s hammer, so I think I have a wealth of practical experience and insights. As such, here’s my summary Pros and Cons related to the Helicarrier: PRO: • As with most 4D models, an incredibly great price for the experience and final model • Great instructions to aid the build • Even with limited assembly issues, continues to turn out to be a great visual display CON: • The biggest one: this model was the first model that is almost impossible to assemble “clean” as it becomes so complex with so many pieces that you’re supposed to attach to other large pieces, via many tabs. The Iron Man Hulkbuster kit was many more pieces than this model, including internal LEDs, and yet it was much easier to assemble. I’m thinking this is a design and engineering issue and the Hulkbuster is much newer (I think) than the Helicarrier, so 4D has figured it out on how to engineer a complex build for easier assembly. • Every 4D model I’ve made to date came as a set of sheets with pieces – however, the sheets were alphabetically labeled, ex: sheets A through Q and then the pieces were numbered on that sheet. This made it so much easier to locate pieces quickly as opposed to how the Helicarrier came: just as a bunch of unnamed sheets with parts numbered from 1 to 250 or whatever size the kit was. Was much more onerous to locate pieces. • Lastly, this kit had so many pieces that it would have been so frustrating to use the foam punch-out tool (actually was given 2 to use with this kit). Luckily, the actual hard plastic punch-out tool that came with the Hulkbuster kit has always been my best keepsake to use on other kits. • Many of the fits of the pieces, while not only complex (per prior CON) just didn’t quite “line up” as clean as pieces on other kits, again, especially with the more complex HulkBuster. So in summary, here’s my final practical tips and be sure to go find the Amazon review from me on the Hulkbuster for more as well: • Use the punch tool to consistently not only punch out the piece tab holes, but gently “open them up” with a slight expansion…will make it much easier for other pieces to fit in. Obviously, this is even easier to do if you have the hard plastic 4D tool. • Always dry fit your pieces as best you can. I’ve had cases where I’ve had to use glue and painters tape to hold the piece-to-piece together. In rare instances, I’ve even cut off a tab or two to help towards a better fit. • Be very careful to note the direction of the base model in the manual as you continue the build. Unlike Lego, 4D does not indicate base model movements (turn-arounds, flips, etc) so you always want to ensure you’re working on the piece in the right fashion.
