LEGO River Steamboat: A Stunning Nod to Americana Classic

The new LEGO River Steamboat set is a stunning example of LEGO's craftsmanship and a delight for builders. The quality of a LEGO set is often judged by both the building process and the final model, and the River Steamboat excels in both areas. The construction of this set flows seamlessly from one step to the next, with a clear sense of progression. The modular design of the ship, where each level can be easily separated, allows for a detailed exploration of the intricate interiors. LEGO has long catered to adult fans with its modular building sets, and the River Steamboat extends this concept to a modular boat, showcasing meticulous attention to both unique and everyday details that contribute to a cohesive and impressive whole.

LEGO Ideas River Steamboat

Priced at $329.99 at the LEGO Store, the River Steamboat originates from the LEGO Ideas line. This innovative platform allows LEGO enthusiasts to submit their own designs and prototypes, which are then voted on by the community. Successful designs, like the River Steamboat, become official sets, with the original designer receiving a share of the profits. Past successes from LEGO Ideas include iconic sets such as The Nightmare Before Christmas, Jaws, and Dungeons & Dragons: Red Dragon's Tale.

We Build LEGO Ideas River Steamboat

202 Images

Drawing inspiration from the historic paddle boats that once traversed the Mississippi River in the 1800s, the LEGO River Steamboat captures the essence of these vessels. Initially used for industrial transport, these steamboats evolved into leisure vessels offering dining, gambling, and entertainment. This transformation is reflected in modern riverboat cruises, such as the one my wife and I enjoyed during our honeymoon in New Orleans, complete with dining, dancing, and live jazz.

Designed for true LEGO enthusiasts, the River Steamboat set includes a jazz lounge and dining room, alongside practical spaces like a boiler engine room connected to a functional paddle wheel. Pushing the boat activates the wheel's movement, adding a dynamic element to the build. The pilothouse features a steering wheel that, when turned, moves the rudder. Additionally, there's a kitchen, sleeping quarters for the crew, and an anchor mechanism with a chain that rolls up and down. The set's 4,090 pieces are thoughtfully organized into 32 bags, starting with the base that houses the boiler room and a miniature nautical museum showcasing various steam engines.

Moving up, the main deck hosts a dining room and jazz lounge, complete with LEGO accessories like drums, a saxophone, and an upright bass. The dining room boasts elegant tablecloths and stylish chairs, with light fixtures that enhance the ambiance. The deck also features posters advertising onboard entertainment, including a nod to another LEGO Ideas set, the A-Frame Cabin. The dining room is built separately and placed into the larger structure, creating a spacious deck area for minifigures to enjoy the view. However, the set does not include minifigures, which might limit its play value but emphasizes its display potential.

The crew deck above includes sleeping quarters and a bathroom with detailed fixtures. The pilothouse, the highest level, features an impressive steering mechanism that connects through all four levels of the ship, showcasing the ingenuity of the design. This set is full of thoughtful touches, from repurposed croissant pieces used as billowy flags to the neat rows of white railings and patterned tiles that mimic rugs.

Despite its size, the set's 4,090 pieces are utilized efficiently, creating a detailed and expansive model. This set embodies the principle of concise yet impactful design, as articulated by William Strunk in "The Elements of Style": every brick serves a purpose, enhancing the overall model without excess. Each room and space within the ship is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, contributing to the set's overall appeal.

The LEGO River Steamboat, set #21356, is available exclusively at the LEGO Store for $329.99. It's a must-have for LEGO aficionados who appreciate intricate builds and historical inspiration.

How much are you willing to spend on a LEGO set? ------------------------------------------------

$25$50$75$100+