Fantastic
★★★★★
Cody K.· Review provided by
lightmybricks.com.au ·
May 19, 2024Obviously it looks fantastic, but assembly is also straightforward and does not make the model wobbly like some other kits. I was quite nervous about this because the ISS model itself is already wobbly and fragile, but in the end this did not pose a problem.
The instructions were great, though I'd also add, when you're adding the 8 white lights around the front panels, it's okay to have them stick out a little. This is because if you get the lights perfectly inside those areas, you won't even see the lights. When you insert the plug, it pushes the light out a little, and this is good because you want the final LED sticking out a little and facing forward so it can be seen easily from all angles.
The only downside is the few micro bit lights in the kit. One snapped on me immediately during install, and getting the tiny plugs from them into the micro circuit board was insanely difficult. And they don't provide any spares of those lights (or in fact any lights in the kit at all), which is a shame, because they must know how small, fiddly, and fragile they are, and that there's a good chance of this happening.
As usual I saved the instructions page locally and replaced all references of 300x225 to 1024x768 to get a high def version.
Highly recommended.
Assembly Issues
★★★★★
FarmerLivelyBean· Review provided by
LEGO ·
December 30, 2023Took about 6 hours to build. Have concerns over the attachment of the main assembly to the stand as main assembly very unstable and easily falls off leading to components comming off main body. Need better attachment eg long pins. Colour differntiation on instructions poor and need red lines around fixing locations like modern sets. Parts when assembly easily fall off when assembling and fixing other components to the main assembly, may be solved if better attachment to the stand. Disappointed when compared with other sets e.g.Saturn V and set 7421. The preprinted on the bricks superb and gives better quality finish, The Saturn V has the same printed system of bricks
Exquisite model of an international project...
★★★★★
LBaxter· Review provided by
LEGO ·
June 24, 2020An exquisite model by a truly international toymaker of a truly international subject! Just completed this having done the Aston Martin and the Saturn V after a 35-year abatement from Lego and thoroughly enjoyed this experience of what is a fascinating subject. Incredulous to read that this model suggestion was originally rejected! As often with Lego, I absolutely love the engineering standards of the construction. Some reviews speak of the delicacy and precariousness of the finished product, but I didn't have a problem, it is after all a model not a toy. I really like the intricate reproduction of the station's components. Having downloaded the NASA Reference Guide to the ISS (2015), I can see that most components have been captured somehow, are in the right place, and are often done as accurately as the limitations of Lego will allow. I'm particularly impressed by the Integrated Truss Assembly and the solar panels, but the various habitation modules are not too bad either. I only had two misgivings here: first the Kibo Module's Remote Manipulator System should be a little more substantial than the small grapple hook provided; and second, I don't like those flat domes on the underside of the Shuttle Orbiter. I have two other suggested improvements to this model. First, the longitudinal rods holding the Canadarm 2 in place should be longer without obstruction allowing the arm to slide as if on a rail like on the real ISS. Second, the instructions could have identified each major component and module, and maybe a bit about what it does and when it was launched. This would have enhanced the learning potential for the project, especially for younger builders, and also showed just how complex the undertaking was. This aside, I think this is an exquisite model. Hope to see more on the space theme, maybe a really good larger Space Shuttle Orbiter...?
A Wonderfully Accurate Model
★★★★★
SpaceDawg· Review provided by
LEGO ·
February 6, 2020I am a space enthusiast and a LEGO enthusiast so this was the perfect set for me (I already have the Saturn V rocket and I'll be building the Lunar Module tonight!) As soon as I found out there was going to be a LEGO model of the ISS I knew I'd have to buy it and I was pleasantly surprised by the price. For such an intricate model with nearly a thousand pieces, the price is pretty good.
First of all, this is quite a fiddly model. Most people are stating that the build is easy (which is how I found it as well) but I assume those people, like me, a huge LEGO fans and no stranger to building these models. From the point of view of a sixteen year old (the recommended minimum age of the set) and perhaps someone who doesn't build as much as I do, I'd say the difficulty is average. You have to build the stand first and then you start the station. Once you've made a start, you have to mount the station on the stand and finish it there (which can be slightly tricky).
As always, LEGO delivers on the detail and this model is a very accurate representation of the ISS. You have a space shuttle (now defunct, but it was essential in the station's construction), the Cupola window, the Canadarm, and what I'm guessing is a Dragon supply module. The set also comes with two astronauts in space suits and a third as a spare. I'm actually displaying mine with all three astronauts as there are typically three astronauts per crew (and two crews overlap for a total of six).
What I've never understood about LEGO sets is how sometimes they come with stickers and other times they have pieces with the detail printed directly on the bricks. Well good news, this is one of the models where the bricks are printed so no stickers to apply this time!
The build was fun throughout. I saw what was coming in the final bag of bricks, building eight separate solar arrays. It looked like one of those repetitive and boring jobs but I took the approach of building them all at the same time and it was actually surprisingly enjoyable. The model was finished quite quickly, though I wasn't rushing it.
I loved this model and with all my others, I'll display it for a while before taking it apart again so I can build it in another year or so.
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