I’ve always assumed Heartlake City was a hip and happening place, where its residents were a happy bunch of folk. Presumably, they were so joyful thanks to the complete lack of crime and random arson attacks which are prevalent over in LEGO® City. However, after building the first half of this new LEGO Friends set those assumptions were shattered. But why is it so disheartening? Let’s find out in another LEGO Friends set review and a look at the Dog Rescue Van.
Product Details
Set Name: Dog Rescue Van | Set Number: 41741 | Pieces: 261 | Theme: LEGO City
RRP: £24.99/$29.99/29.99€ | Number of Bags: Bags x 3 (plastic) | Instructions: Paper + Builder App | Mini-dolls: 2 | Stickers: Sheets x 1
Availability: LEGO Stores, LEGO Online & General Retail
As I make my way through reviewing all the new LEGO Friends sets, I decided on building the Dog Rescue Van. It’s a fun-looking set I thought so happily emptied out the 3 bags and 2 instruction booklets and got building. As I begin to build the little piece of land featuring a bus stop, it dawned on me just what was going down in Heartlake City. This set acts as an origin story for Nova’s little dog, Pickles – a disabled dog which uses a wheeled harness to get around. Also, a dog who was abandoned in the cold, next to a bus stop, in a cardboard box. I know this happens in real life but it still doesn’t make the story of the set any less depressing. But this review isn’t questioning the morals of Heartlake City’s residents. Regardless of the set’s dire circumstances, it does have a happy ending.
So the little piece of land features a small bus shelter which has a tiny seat in it. On that beach appears to be an advert for an animal rescue centre. Next to it is another sign which appears to dissuade the presence of dogs in the area. These two signs bring up even more questions, suggesting the site is often used to abandon dogs. The little cardboard box is an interesting build and uses parts well to create an upended box. There’s a plunger at the back of the box, which can be used to eject the dog, as if it hasn’t suffered enough.
The rest of the set is focused on a colourful little truck. This is a rescue van used to help make sure the abandoned dog Pickles is well and ready for its new home with Nova. It’s built in two sections – the cab and base of the truck and a removable veterinary field ops unit. The removable section features most of the details with it being a fold-out area. One side features a small washing station and on the other side is an area to store accessories and dog food. The central wall acts as a workstation, where Pickle’s harness wheelchair can be tweaked. The central bit also acts as the connection point for the two fold-out doors.
This year has seen the introduction of a new set of main characters for the LEGO Friends sets. Only one of the new faces is featured in this set and that’s Nova. She is only featured in three sets and the outfit she’s wearing is only found in this set. As mini-doll heads don’t have the ability to feature 2 different expressions, Nova includes 2 separate heads. I’ve never seen this in a Friends set before but it’s certainly needed, considering the set’s mixed emotions. Nova is joined by rescuer Dr Marlon. Another new character but not part of the main line-up. His face seems a little odd looking to me. I’m not sure if this is due to the characters being an adult and therefore, an effort has been made to give them a different appearance from the kids. It could just be the slightly bigger nose.
Overall
Despite the sadness of a disabled dog being abandoned in a cardboard box, next to a bus stop, it’s a fun little set. It has some interesting details, that includes the cardboard box, bus stop and the removable trailer of the rescue van. Despite being a new era for LEGO Friends, the sets retain their unique style through their builds, use of colours and even the style of the stickers and printed pieces. The fact the set includes 2 heads for Nova is interesting and not something I’ve seen in a Friend’s set before. There is certainly something odd about the additional character joining Nova. Dr Marlon just looks a little odd, it’s his facial features but I can’t quite put my finger on it.
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This set was provided BricksFanz and provided by the LEGO Group for review purposes. The thoughts within this review are that of BricksFanz and do not reflect those of the LEGO Group. Providing a set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion of the set.
