The new LEGO River Steamboat set is not just a stunning model but also a deeply engaging building experience. The quality of a LEGO set is defined as much by its construction process as by its final appearance, and the River Steamboat is a prime example of this. Its build process is intuitively designed, with each step seamlessly leading to the next, creating a sense of forward momentum. The ship's layered design, with easily removable floors, allows for a full appreciation of its intricate internal details. LEGO has long captivated adult audiences with its modular buildings, and the River Steamboat extends this concept to a modular boat, showcasing meticulous attention to both unique and everyday elements, which come together to form a cohesive masterpiece.
LEGO Ideas River Steamboat
Priced at $329.99 at the LEGO Store, the River Steamboat hails from the LEGO Ideas line. This innovative platform allows LEGO fans to submit original ideas, complete with a proof-of-concept, for community voting. Successful ideas, like the River Steamboat, become official LEGO sets, with the original designer receiving a share of the profits. Past triumphs from the LEGO Ideas line 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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The LEGO River Steamboat draws inspiration from the historic paddle boats that once plied the Mississippi River in the 19th century. Initially used for industrial transport, these steamboats transitioned into pleasure crafts after being outpaced by steam engine trains and screw propeller boats. Today, they offer amenities and entertainment, much like the riverboat cruise my wife and I enjoyed during our honeymoon in New Orleans, filled with dining, dancing, and jazz.
This set is a true delight for LEGO enthusiasts. The River Steamboat features a jazz lounge and dining room, alongside practical areas like a boiler engine room that connects to the paddle wheel. When you push the boat, the wheel turns, adding to the interactive experience. The pilothouse includes a steering wheel that, when turned, moves the rudder at the boat's base. Additional features include a kitchen, crew sleeping quarters, and an anchor that rolls up on a spool. Another spool manages the boarding stages on the ship's bow.
The construction is divided into 32 bags, beginning with the ship's base, which houses the boiler room and a miniature nautical museum. This section showcases a piston engine, an aeolipile (steam turbine), and a Watt steam engine. Opposite the engine room, you'll find a compact kitchen complete with a refrigerator, stove, and sink. The ingenuity of LEGO design shines through in the clever repurposing of pieces; for instance, a hot dog bun from a Fairgrounds set becomes an engine reinforcement here.
Moving up to the main deck, you'll encounter the dining room and jazz lounge. The lounge, situated above the stern, is equipped with LEGO accessories for drums, saxophone, microphone, and an upright bass. The dining room boasts elegant tablecloth elements and stylish chairs, with light fixtures that span both inside and outside the compartment. Wall posters advertise the onboard entertainment, including a stylized depiction of the A-Frame Cabin, another LEGO Ideas set.
The dining room is built separately and inserted into the larger structure, creating a deck space where minifigures can enjoy the view from the railing. However, this set does not include minifigures, which might have added more life and playfulness. Perhaps LEGO intended this set more for display than for play.
The crew deck, one level up, features sleeping quarters and a bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower stall. Above this, the pilothouse houses the impressive steering mechanism. A rod threaded through all four levels of the steamboat connects the steering wheel to the rudder, demonstrating meticulous planning and engineering. This small mechanical detail is a testament to the skill and dedication of LEGO designers.
Numerous details elevate this set. From the billowy white flags repurposed from croissant accessories to the neat white railings and patterned tiles resembling rugs, every element is thoughtfully placed. Despite its large size, the set feels like it contains 3,500 pieces rather than 4,090. However, once built, the intricate details and well-appointed rooms justify the additional pieces.
In The Elements of Style, William Strunk emphasizes that "Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts." The River Steamboat embodies this principle; every brick serves a purpose, and every decorative element is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Each space contributes to the overall beauty of the ship. This is truly a LEGO build for LEGO lovers.
LEGO River Steamboat, Set #21356, retails for $329.99 and consists of 4,090 pieces. It is available exclusively at the LEGO Store.
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