The new LEGO River Steamboat set is a stunning addition to any LEGO collection, offering both a beautiful end product and an engaging building experience. The set exemplifies quality through its build process, with each step seamlessly leading into the next, and its modular design. The ship's floors are easily removable, allowing for complete visibility and access to all internal details. This set is a testament to LEGO's appeal to adult fans, much like their modular building series, but with the innovative twist of a modular boat that captures both unique and everyday details into a cohesive masterpiece.
LEGO Ideas River Steamboat
Priced at $329.99, the LEGO River Steamboat is part of the LEGO Ideas line, where fan-submitted designs are voted on by the community. If chosen, the fan's idea becomes an official LEGO set, with the designer receiving a portion of the profits. Past successes from LEGO Ideas include sets inspired by 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 the iconic paddle boats of the 1800s that navigated the Mississippi River, the LEGO River Steamboat captures the essence of these vessels which transitioned from industrial transport to pleasure cruises. My own experience on a riverboat cruise during my honeymoon in New Orleans, filled with dining, dancing, and jazz, mirrors the leisure activities these boats now offer.
This set is a dream for LEGO enthusiasts. It features a jazz lounge and dining room, complemented by practical areas such as a boiler engine room connected to the paddle wheel. Pushing the boat activates the wheel, and the pilothouse's steering wheel moves the rudder. Additionally, it includes a kitchen, sleeping quarters for the crew, an anchor on a chain, and adjustable boarding stages.
The set comprises 4,090 pieces, organized into 32 bags for a structured build. You begin with the ship's base, which houses the boiler room and a miniature nautical museum showcasing various steam engines. The kitchen on this level is detailed with a refrigerator, stove, and sink, showcasing LEGO's ingenious use of pieces to create different functionalities.
Moving up, the main deck hosts the dining room and jazz lounge. The lounge, located at the stern, is equipped with miniature LEGO instruments, while the dining room boasts elegant tablecloths and chairs. Lighting fixtures span both inside and outside the compartments, and the walls feature posters advertising onboard entertainment, including a nod to the A-Frame Cabin set.
The dining room module is built separately and then inserted into the larger structure, creating a deck space where minifigures can enjoy the view. Although the set does not include minifigures, adding some could enhance the play aspect. However, the absence might indicate LEGO's intent for this set to be more of a display piece.
Above the main deck is the crew deck with beds and a bathroom, and the pilothouse sits at the top. A notable feature is the steering mechanism that connects the wheel to the rudder through all four levels, showcasing intricate design and planning.
The set's attention to detail is evident in elements like the white billowy flags, repurposed from croissant pieces, the neat railings, and patterned tiles that mimic rugs. Despite its size and piece count, the set feels compact and purposeful, with every part contributing to the overall aesthetic and functionality.
As William Strunk advises in The Elements of Style, "Vigorous writing is concise." Similarly, the LEGO River Steamboat embodies this principle with every brick serving a purpose, every decorative element adding to the beauty, and every room contributing to the whole. This set is a must-see for LEGO enthusiasts.
LEGO River Steamboat, Set #21356, retails for $329.99 and is composed of 4,090 pieces. It is available exclusively at the LEGO Store.
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