The new LEGO River Steamboat set is a stunning piece of craftsmanship, offering an immersive and rewarding build experience. The quality of a LEGO set is often judged by both the construction process and the final product, and the River Steamboat exemplifies this perfectly. The build process has a natural progression, where each step seamlessly transitions to the next, enhancing the overall experience. The ship's design is layered, with each floor easily detachable from the one below, allowing for full access to the intricate interior details. This modularity is reminiscent of LEGO's popular adult-targeted modular buildings, and the River Steamboat brings the same level of meticulous detail to a nautical theme, creating a cohesive and impressive whole.
LEGO Ideas River Steamboat
$329.99 at LEGO Store
The River Steamboat belongs to the LEGO Ideas line, where fans can submit their original concepts along with a proof-of-concept model for community voting. Successful ideas become official LEGO sets, with the creator earning a share of the profits. Previous successes from the LEGO Ideas series include sets like The Nightmare Before Christmas, Jaws, and Dungeons & Dragons: Red Dragon's Tale.
We Build LEGO Ideas River Steamboat
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Inspired by the majestic paddle boats that once traversed the Mississippi River in the 1800s, the LEGO River Steamboat captures the essence of these historical vessels. Originally used for industrial transport, these steamboats were eventually overtaken by steam engine trains and screw propeller boats. As their practical use diminished, they evolved into pleasure boats, featuring amenities and gambling facilities—a tradition that continues today. My wife and I experienced this firsthand during our honeymoon in New Orleans, where we enjoyed a riverboat cruise complete with dining, dancing, and live jazz music.
This LEGO set is a must-have for enthusiasts. The River Steamboat includes a jazz lounge and a dining room, complemented by practical areas such as a boiler engine room connected to the paddle wheel. Pushing the boat causes the wheel to turn, adding a dynamic element to the build. The pilothouse features a functional steering wheel that, when turned, adjusts the rudder at the boat's base. Additional features include a kitchen, crew sleeping quarters, and an anchor on a chain that rolls up on a spool. Another spool manages the boarding stages at the ship's bow.
The set is meticulously organized into 32 separate bags, containing 4,090 pieces. The construction begins with the ship's base, which houses the boiler room and a miniature nautical museum showcasing various steam engines. Adjacent to the engine room, a compact kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, stove, and basin sink. The LEGO designers' skill in repurposing elements is evident; for instance, a hot dog bun from another set cleverly serves as an engine reinforcement here.
Moving up, the main deck hosts the dining room and jazz lounge. The lounge, positioned over the stern, is adorned with miniature LEGO accessories like drums, a saxophone, a microphone, and an upright bass. The dining room boasts elegant tablecloths and chairs, with light fixtures spanning both inside and outside the compartment. Wall posters promote the onboard entertainment, including a stylized depiction of the A-Frame Cabin from another LEGO Ideas set.
The dining room is built separately and then integrated into the larger structure, creating deck space for minifigures to enjoy the scenery. Notably, the set does not include any minifigures, which might limit its play value but emphasizes its display quality.
Above the main deck, the crew deck features sleeping quarters and a bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower stall. The pilothouse atop the ship houses the impressive steering mechanism, where a rod threaded through all four levels enables the wheel to turn the rudder—a testament to the set's thoughtful engineering.
The set is packed with delightful details, from the white billowy flags repurposed from croissants to the neatly aligned white railings and the patterned tiles that mimic rugs. Despite its substantial size, the build feels streamlined, making the 4,090 pieces feel well-justified upon completion.
William Strunk's principle from "The Elements of Style" that "Vigorous writing is concise... every word tell," can be likened to the River Steamboat's design philosophy. Each brick serves a purpose, every decorative element is meaningful, and each room contributes to the overall aesthetic and functionality. This set is a true delight for LEGO lovers.
LEGO River Steamboat, Set #21356, retails for $329.99 and comprises 4,090 pieces. It is available exclusively at the LEGO Store.
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