The new LEGO River Steamboat set is a stunning example of LEGO craftsmanship, offering both a beautiful final model and an engaging building experience. The build process is thoughtfully designed, with each step seamlessly leading into the next, creating a sense of forward momentum. The modular design of the ship, with easily removable floors, allows for full access to the intricate interior details. Much like the popular LEGO modular buildings aimed at adult fans, this set showcases a meticulous attention to both unique and everyday elements, forming a cohesive and impressive whole.
LEGO Ideas River Steamboat
Priced at $329.99, the River Steamboat is part of the LEGO Ideas series, where fans submit and vote on original concepts. Successful ideas, such as this steamboat, become official sets, with the original designer receiving a share of the profits. Past hits from this line include "The Nightmare Before Christmas," "Jaws," and "Dungeons & Dragons: Red Dragon's Tale."
We Build LEGO Ideas River Steamboat
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Drawing inspiration from historic Mississippi River paddle boats of the 1800s, the LEGO River Steamboat captures the essence of these once-industrial vessels turned pleasure crafts. My wife and I experienced the charm of such a boat during our New Orleans honeymoon, where we enjoyed dining, dancing, and jazz music on a riverboat cruise.
This set is a delight for LEGO enthusiasts. It features a jazz lounge and dining room, alongside practical areas like a boiler engine room connected to the paddle wheel. The wheel turns as you push the boat, adding a dynamic element. The pilothouse includes a steering wheel that, when turned, moves the rudder. Other functional spaces include a kitchen, crew sleeping area, and an anchor on a chain that rolls up on a spool, with additional riggings to raise and lower the boarding stages.
The build, comprising 4,090 pieces, is organized into 32 bags, starting with the base that houses the boiler room and a miniature nautical museum. This section displays a piston engine, an aeolipile, and a Watt steam engine. Adjacent to this is a small kitchen with a refrigerator, stove, and basin sink. The LEGO designers' skill in repurposing pieces is evident here; for instance, a hot dog bun from another set becomes an engine reinforcement.
Moving up, the main deck houses the dining room and jazz lounge. The lounge, set above the stern, comes with tiny accessories for drums, saxophone, microphone, and an upright bass. The dining room is elegantly appointed with tablecloth elements, attractive chairs, and light fixtures that span both inside and outside. Wall posters advertise onboard entertainment, including a nod to another LEGO Ideas set, the A-Frame Cabin.
The dining room is built separately and then integrated into the larger structure, leaving space for a deck where minifigures can enjoy the view. However, this set does not include minifigures, possibly emphasizing its display rather than play aspect.
The crew deck features beds and a bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower stall. Above this, the pilothouse houses the impressive steering wheel mechanism. A rod threaded through all four levels connects the wheel to the rudder, showcasing the meticulous planning and engineering behind this feature.
Numerous details make this set special: the white billowy flags repurposed from croissant pieces, clean white railings, and patterned tiles resembling rugs. Despite its size, the set feels like it contains 3,500 pieces rather than 4,090, yet the detailed rooms and spaces justify the additional components.
In the spirit of William Strunk's "The Elements of Style," which advocates for concise and purposeful writing, the LEGO River Steamboat embodies this principle. Every brick, rod, and stud serves a purpose, and every decorative element enhances the overall design. Each room contributes to the ship's aesthetic and functionality, making it a must-see for LEGO enthusiasts.
LEGO River Steamboat, Set #21356, is available exclusively at the LEGO Store for $329.99, comprising 4,090 pieces.
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