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LEGO Orient Express Review: Is It Worth It?
LEGO has a long and storied history of creating iconic sets based on real-world vehicles and structures. Their latest offering, the LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express, is a testament to their commitment to bringing beloved historical pieces to life in brick form. This review delves into the details of this impressive set, exploring its features, design, and overall quality to help you decide if it's worth adding to your LEGO collection.
A Brief History of the Orient Express
The Orient Express, a luxurious passenger train service that traversed Europe from Paris to Istanbul, was renowned for its opulence and history. It served as a vital transportation link for the wealthy and famous, and its glamorous reputation has been immortalized in literature, film, and popular culture. The train's journey through diverse landscapes and its role in historical events have made it a symbol of adventure and intrigue.
The LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express: A Closer Look
The LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express set is a faithful recreation of the iconic train, capturing its elegance and grandeur in a compact and detailed form. The set includes:
- Two locomotives: The engines are beautifully designed, featuring intricate details like the steam pipes, wheels, and the iconic Orient Express logo.
- Four passenger coaches: Each coach features unique interiors, including a dining car, a sleeping car, and a baggage car. The interiors are remarkably detailed, with furniture, luggage, and even passengers.
- A platform: The platform is designed to accommodate the train, and it includes a ticket booth, a luggage trolley, and a station sign.
- A variety of minifigures: The set includes a diverse range of minifigures, including passengers, train staff, and even a thief.
Changes from the Original LEGO Ideas Submission
The LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express set is based on a fan-designed submission. However, LEGO made a few changes to the original design, including:
- Updated locomotive design: The locomotives in the final set feature a more streamlined design compared to the original submission, and they are now powered by a single motor.
- Simplified interior details: While the interiors of the coaches are still impressive, they are slightly less detailed than the original design.
- Additional minifigures: The final set includes more minifigures than the original submission, adding to the overall playability.
Building Experience
The LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express set is a large and intricate build, with over 4,000 pieces. The building experience is enjoyable and rewarding, with a variety of unique techniques and interesting details to discover. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, even for experienced LEGO builders.
Playability
The LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express set is a great piece for both display and play. The train is motorized and can run on a track, allowing for hours of fun and imaginative play. The minifigures and detailed interiors provide a wide range of possibilities for storytelling and role-playing.
Overall Impression
The LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express set is a stunning recreation of a legendary train. It's a must-have for LEGO train enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates intricate and detailed LEGO builds. While the set is not without its flaws, such as the simplified interior details, it's still a fantastic piece that captures the essence of the Orient Express.
Is It Worth It?
The LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express set is a relatively expensive LEGO set, but its quality, detail, and playability make it a worthwhile investment for collectors and fans of the Orient Express. If you're looking for a unique and impressive LEGO build that will stand out in your collection, then this set is definitely worth considering.