The LEGO Ghostbusters Ecto-1 Vehicle and Minifigures set 21108 Review

I was a bit stumped for my partner's birthday last month, but I knew what to get him for Father's Day - the LEGO Ghostbusters Ecto-1 set 21108. He's been following the story of this set since it very first appeared on LEGO Cuuso (now LEGO Ideas). We both voted for it - how could you not? It's genius.

Sadly the Fire House wasn't forthcoming - which we guessed as it would make a really huge set! However we do have the Ecto-1 and the 4 Ghostbusters themselves - Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz, Egon Spengler and Winston Zeddmore.

Inside the box are several bags without numbers, and one thick instruction book which also has the back story to the model, including how it came about and quotes from Brent Waller the man who created it as a 30th anniversary model. It also has loads of information about the movie and the characters - it's a great little book.

The box is brilliant - a blast from the past to the old style which actually close properly. 

The minifigures with their initials on their jacket badges are excellent. Never has Bill Murray looked so good and Winston has lost his strong jawline, but they're instantly recognisable. Egon is perfect!

The back of these minifigures is the most detailed I've noticed - with each having their own name badge, and the tiny little Ghostbusters logos. 

 It's also worth noting that the minifigures all have great double-sided heads......

 

Which is brilliant for play value....

  

The minifigures come with a flat podium-style stand, and you'll see why in a minute - when we get rid of the small ginger child who is photobombing every shot....

.........of course, it's the humungous Proton Packs! Totally synonymous with the Ghostbusters. If you strap on any large backpack and pick up a bit of hosepipe, you ARE a Ghostbuster. 

The Proton Packs attach with the standard 'around the neck' element, and because they are huge, they're heavy. This is true to the film, but means the minifigures have to really bend over to stay upright without an anchor to the ground - again, fairly true to the film. Let's face it, they were hardly elegant running with them on, they weren't light.

The accessories also include 2 standard radios (which aren't shown) and Ray even has a pretty good Ghost-Trap. 

 

Now, the vehicle. The fabulous ex-hearse/ambulance - Ecto-1

The vehicle itself and all the kit on the roof are spot on. We watched the movie yesterday and they've got everything as close as damnit, it's brilliant.

The back of the vehicle has the infamous number plate and the last of the Ghostbusters logo bricks. There are no stickers in this set, everything is pre-printed. 

Underneath this vehicle is really neat. It's a nice build with masses of detail. The vehicle build itself is quite quick (as you'd maybe expect), it's adding all the bits that make it the Ecto-1 that take time.

There is an inside, although unlike the Simpsons car, you can't sit side-by-side in this one. I doubt you'd fit 4 backpacks into the boot either - and sadly it doesn't slide out like a real hearse/ambulance. 

You can remove the roof as one piece - I was just lazy and didn't detach the pipework. Inside you see the stretcher bed and the computer (they were very modern), and seating room for 3. 

The side windows are attached differently to the original design, apparently Mr Waller was really pleased with what the LEGO designers came up with as it worked better than his original.

Really an excellent build. It's very rewarding and looks fantastic. It's my childhood and my wet Saturday afternoon TV with my kids all bundled up in one massively nostalgic model. There's magic in this set. Bustin' makes me feel good.

The LEGO Ghostbusters Ecto-1 set 21108 has 508 pieces, is recommended for ages 10+ and retails at £44.99. It isn't the easiest build, but it's more fiddly than tricky and the roof is quite intricate, so younger children may well find it frustrating. Available now from the LEGO shop online and in stores.

I bought my partner's Ecto-1 myself. Please remember and don't cross the streams. It would be bad.