Unleashing Creativity: Alternative Builds for LEGO Set 71707-1 Kai’s Mech Jet

Imagine the rush of wind as Kai’s Mech Jet soars through the Ninjago skies—sleek, powerful, and roaring with elemental energy. Now, picture tearing that jet apart and reassembling its pieces into an arsenal of entirely new machines: agile helicopters, sprawling locomotives, epic transformers, and even mecha-inspired insects. That spark of transformation is at the heart of LEGO Set 71707-1 Kai’s Mech Jet. While the official build channels Kai’s fiery speed and aerial prowess, the set’s versatile parts invite builders to go far beyond the original design.

Over a dozen community-created MOCs (My Own Creations) take advantage of every Technic beam, panel, and minifigure accessory in this set to craft models that range from homage to innovation. Whether you’re drawn to the mechanical elegance of a Japanese warrior statue, the utilitarian charm of a Rebel bomber, or the heroic grandeur of a VF-1 Valkyrie, each alternative build challenges you to look at the same bricks with fresh eyes.

This blog post celebrates the top ten alternative builds submitted by talented designers like alanyuppie, LegoOri, wallacechow, and more. Each MOC retains a core element of Kai’s Mech Jet—its red-and-black color scheme, its nimble Technic joints, its signature wings—while reimagining the set’s personality entirely. Some creations rely exclusively on the parts in 71707-1; others introduce a handful of extra elements to push the boundaries into UCS-style grandeur or insectoid intricacy.

Whether you’re new to MOCs or a seasoned builder seeking your next challenge, these models inspire creative thinking, encourage parts-count mastery, and illustrate how a single set can unfold into a universe of possibilities. Ready to transform your Kai’s Mech Jet collection into a gallery of custom creations? Scroll down to explore each build, view high-resolution images, and grab the instructions to begin your next epic build adventure.

Ninjago Transformer from Kai’s Mech Jet

By alanyuppie
Get the instructions here

Japanese Warrior (Alternate Build 71707)

By wallacechow
Get the instructions here

71707 – Helicopter

By LegoOri
Get the instructions here

71707 – Kai’s Redbull

By LegoOri
Get the instructions here

Transformer Insecticon Shrapnel

By alanyuppie
Get the instructions here

71707 – U-Wing

By LegoOri
Get the instructions here

71707 – Kai’s LOCOMotive

By LegoOri
Get the instructions here

71707 – Grasshopper

By LegoOri
Get the instructions here

71707 – Rebel Bomber

By LegoOri
Get the instructions here

Transformer VF-1 Valkyrie

By alanyuppie
Get the instructions here

Click here for more alternative builds and Modifications for this Lego set