Review: 21309 NASA Apollo Saturn V
Posted by CapnRex101,
I was delighted to learn that the Apollo 11 Saturn V had been approved when it was announced last summer and the recent unveiling of the finalised design proved incredibly popular, not only with me but with a considerable number of Brickset members. 21309 NASA Apollo Saturn V contains 1969 pieces in a delightful reference to the year of the Apollo 11 Moon landing and is priced at £109.99 or $119.99 which seems very reasonable to me.
Furthermore, the model measures a tremendous 100 centimetres or 39 inches in height and appears to offer an excellent level of detail and accuracy in relation to the real Saturn V rocket. These factors have generated a great deal of excitement and I am hopeful that the set will surpass all previous LEGO Ideas models in quality. In fact, as someone with a great interest in the history of space exploration it might even count among my favourite sets if it meets my high expectations!
Box and Contents
LEGO Ideas sets are typically packaged in a box with a flap made from a particularly thick cardboard stock. However, this set has evidently been deemed too big for such treatment so the packaging is like that of a standard product, with tape seals at both ends. Nevertheless, the artwork looks splendid and shows the Saturn V having just left Earth's atmosphere with the Moon in the distance. The logo for the NASA Apollo missions also appears alongside a blueprint demonstrating the height of the rocket and an inset image shows the lunar excursion module on the surface of the Moon.
The back of the box explores each stage of the Saturn V and documents the process involved in reaching the Moon. There are also a few photos of the lunar surface and the command module following splashdown in the ocean. This layout looks great and I appreciate the educational value which the set might offer so hope it will be of as much interest to children as it seems to have received from adults.
The instruction manual is 184 pages in length and includes some interesting features which describe the fundamental principles of the Apollo program and the successful flight of Apollo 11. This is complemented by some photos of the mission, although one has been introduced showing the Lunar Roving Vehicle which accompanied later Apollo launches.
Furthermore, the fan designers Felix Stiessen and Valérie Roche provide some insight into the creation of the Saturn V and comment on the qualities of the LEGO IDEAS platform. There is also a brief word from LEGO designers Carl Merriam, Mike Psiaki and Austin Carlson, all of whom were involved in the development of the final model. They particularly stress the challenge of ensuring that the rocket remained sturdy while also being able to divide into separate stages and I am pleased to say that their efforts were certainly successful.
Microfigures
The set comes with three tiny astronauts wearing identical white space suits. The printing is very detailed and shows the Primary Life Support System in the centre of the chest alongside four oxygen distribution hoses and circular nozzle mounts. Similarly authentic designs continue onto the legs, with the biomedical access flap adorning the right thigh and a large pocket on the left.
These details are highlighted in black so the metallic gold of the visor really stands out. I appreciate that all three crew members have been included, although there are no features to define which is Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins so you can use them interchangeably or they could represent an entirely different team if you prefer. A fourth astronaut microfigure is also included as a spare.
The Completed Model
The Saturn V rocket stands exactly 100 centimetres in height, surpassing all but 10181 Eiffel Tower in this regard, so is constructed to an approximate scale of 1:110. It looks absolutely incredible on display, not only because of its extraordinary size but due to the exceptional level of detail which is present from the textured F-1 rocket engines at the base to the 'Q-ball' at the tip of the launch escape tower. I love the balanced black and white colour scheme and the accuracy of these designs is very impressive when compared with the real Apollo 11 launch vehicle.
Five Rocketdyne F-1 engines propel the rocket beyond the Earth's atmosphere and these are constructed around a central Technic axle so are sturdily fixed in place. The conical shape looks marvellous and I particularly like the pearl dark grey half barrels which have not appeared in this colour before. Trans-orange 3x3 dishes are fitted inside each nacelle, giving the impression of an attractive glow.
The engines are fully furnished with authentic mechanical details. These include heat exchangers represented by dark bluish grey megaphones as well as fuel and oxidiser pumps which are formed using pearl dark grey pantographs. The latter is a particularly effective use of an unusual element as the pumps are arranged in horizontal bands, just as the contact strips are situated on a pantograph. I am delighted to confirm that this attention to detail is typical of the entire set.
Four rocket fins are situated around the base of the model. Their shape is not perfect but could not have been improved upon without the creation of a new element. However, it would have been nice to see a black surface on one side in replication of the real Saturn V. The black and white stripes are perfect though and I like the printed 'USA' lettering which runs down four sides. All of the decorated components are printed, as we have come to expect of the LEGO Ideas range in recent years.
This model lacks fuel tanks inside but the texture of the intertank structure is present on the exterior and is represented by a band of 1x2 grille tiles running around the entire circumference of the rocket. These present an effective contrast with the texture of the smooth curved slopes and are arranged in a radial pattern using clips which produces a near-perfect circle. Rows of 1x3 and 2x3 curved slopes are similarly successful in forming an even shape, broken only by the cable tunnel which stretches from the engines at the base to near the top of the first stage.
It seems inevitable that a set of this size and shape would feel fragile, particularly given the divisions between each rocket stage. In fact, it is incredibly sturdy and can easily be held in one hand, although I would recommend holding it in two during flight as the hull panels are very smooth. Removing these panels reveals the secret to its stability as an entire second cylinder is hidden inside the model. The outer panels are then attached using columns of brackets and these link the cylinder sections which would otherwise only be connected by a few studs. This construction method works brilliantly and fitting each segment in place is a very satisfying process.
The details continue as four American flags are printed on curved slopes towards the top of the first stage and the black stripes which appear on the Apollo 11 rocket are also present. Similar designs are painted on each Saturn V and they are intended to demonstrate the roll of the vehicle within the atmosphere, although they also serve to distinguish each rocket as the markings were unique on every Apollo mission.
The dividing line between the first and second stages is almost invisible, as demonstrated in the image below. These two sections are connected by eight clips but they can be pulled apart with ease and the upper linkages are sufficiently strong that they will not be dislodged even by a sudden jolt of separation. In reality the division occurs in two movements as the fuel tank falls away before the forward skirt is ejected to reveal the second stage engine nacelles. Such a subtle feature could probably have been included but would certainly have compromised the structural integrity of the Saturn V so I am glad that it has been left out.
As the first stage begins to burn up in the atmosphere, the remainder of the rocket continues its journey towards the Moon. This is powered by five J-2 engines which include some attractive pearl silver wheel elements and trans-orange 1x1 round plates representing flames glowing inside the nacelles. I like the light bluish grey slopes surrounding the engines which form a similar shape to that seen on the real vehicle and slot neatly into the first stage.
Bars are clipped to the sides of the rocket and these represent the liquid hydrogen feed and recirculation lines which connect the fuel tank with the engines. Printed tiles line the cylinder and these are faithful to the real rocket, as is the additional textured ring which runs around the top of the second stage and forms the second intertank structure.
The model begins to taper towards the top and the first angled area of the hull is cleverly created using 4x4 wedges and curved slopes mounted on hinges. These alternating black and white stripes look brilliant but this configuration is more reminiscent of Apollo 10 than Apollo 11, with the black stripes on the latter being shorter. You could easily resolve this by swapping the black 2x2 curved slopes for white ones, although I actually think the present design looks excellent and intend to leave it as it is. Customisation options such as this are possible throughout the entire model, although replicating some of the Apollo mission markings may require careful planning during the construction phase.
The second stage is jettisoned to expose the single J-2 engine which fires soon after, launching the rocket beyond its orbit trajectory and towards the Moon. This engine is identical to those below but for its mounting on the light bluish grey thrust structure and the use of a 1x1 round tile rather than a plate to represent the glowing flames. The third stage is only connected to the second by four clips but it still remains absolutely rigid during flight.
I love the shaping of this section as the construction techniques alter slightly to reflect the smaller diameter of the cylinder. Ball joints are used to connect four hull panels while the other four consist of curved slopes. The resultant model looks brilliant, with some grey mechanical details on the sides and an authentic black band around the top which includes some white areas, just as on the real Saturn V.
The rocket tapers further as we reach the command and service modules. These large conical elements are perfect to represent the lunar module adapter and they can be removed to expose their cargo as the Apollo spacecraft pulls away from the final stage of the Saturn V rocket. I should acknowledge that in reality the adapter broke into four equal sections whereas this splits into only two, although this is unimportant in my opinion.
The launch escape system at the top of the rocket is ejected early in the flight, shortly after the first stage. This includes a latticed design consisting of white taps with a black Technic axle in the centre and it looks splendid, ensuring stability as well as accuracy. You can even remove the 1x1 cone at the tip of the jettison motor tower, recreating the breakaway 'Q-ball' cover which is withdrawn as the Saturn V leaves the launch pad, exposing and activating the sensitive nose cone instruments!
The firing of the launch escape system removes a white cover from the command module during real rocket launches but on this model you must instead swap them out. An alternative dark bluish grey command module is included for this purpose, featuring a printed hatch and some grips alongside an exposed Technic axle. This is used for the precise lunar module docking procedure and slots into a hole on top of the lunar module, as shown in the image below.
This set yields lots of pieces in new colours but my favourite is the light bluish grey flower, four of which are used to form the reaction control thruster quads for manoeuvring the spacecraft. The engine nozzle is the primary source of propulsion though and this is attached using a tan Technic pin which looks slightly awkward surrounded by muted shades of grey and black. It is testament to the high quality of the set that this very minor issue is probably the only thing that I would change.
An octagonal section of the Moon's surface is also included and this provides a perfect base to display the lunar module upon arrival at its destination. The exposed studs are reminiscent of the cratered surface of the Moon and a tiny American flag is printed on a trans-clear 1x2 tile. This is placed between two studs so makes use of a technique which has only recently come back into favour with LEGO designers, having also appeared in 75827 Firehouse Headquarters last year.
The lunar module itself is highly detailed to match the standard of the Saturn V, including four landing pads, the rendezvous radar antenna and the egress hatch which is printed on a 2x2 slider. This looks great and lines up perfectly with where the ladder would be so you can recreate the moment of Neil Armstrong's first steps on the lunar surface. The black descent thruster underneath is represented by a cone and fits onto the centre of the octagonal plate for display of the lunar module and the astronauts outside.
I like the combination of pearl gold and metallic gold elements which replicate the Kapton foil blankets seen on the real craft and the octagonal shape of the descent stage has been rendered quite nicely. This is left behind on the lunar surface when the astronauts return to the command module and the LEGO model includes a matching feature which allows you to launch the ascent stage. They are connected by a Technic axle so are easily separated and you can still reconnect the ascent stage with the service module without the legs attached.
The command module detaches from the service module in readiness for its descent through Earth's atmosphere. Finally, the command module splashes down in the ocean, with a series of floats inflating to ensure that it does not sink. An 8x8 round plate is included for displaying the splashdown and the grey Technic axle is used once again to attach the flotation balloons which right the command module in the event of inversion. A flotation collar is also fitted in place and this is represented by a ring of click hinges which rests around the 4x4 cone.
I had imagined that displaying the model vertically would be a nerve wracking experience given the extraordinary height of the Saturn V. In fact it is remarkably stable, with the engines evenly distributing the weight over an area of about twenty studs. However, you might also wish to display the model horizontally or with the stages separated and three blue stands are included accordingly.
The rocket rests securely on each support stand and it looks marvellous in any configuration. I appreciate the versatility of these support structures and love that the designers chose to include blue 1x6x5 girder panels in reference to the Saturn V rockets on display at Kennedy Space Centre and at the U.S. Space and Rocket Centre in Alabama. This detail is representative of the care and attention which has been applied to the entire model and I applaud both the fan and set designers for their extraordinary efforts in this regard.
Overall
21309 NASA Apollo Saturn V could well be my favourite set! The model is of exceptional quality, with an authentic design for its entire height and some tremendous functions which offer considerable play value as well as numerous options for display. The construction is thoroughly enjoyable despite instances of repetition and I love the tiny astronaut microfigures included to show the sheer scale of this technological wonder.
I see no feasible improvements which could be made to the Saturn V and on that basis it receives my highest recommendation. Furthermore, the price of £109.99 or $119.99 seems like a great deal, not only in relation to the piece count but also given the size of the completed rocket. Whatever your age or interests I think this is an essential addition to any LEGO collection and anticipate that it will sell out very quickly on the 1st of June. Thanks once again to Felix Stiessen, Valérie Roche, Carl Merriam, Mike Psiaki and Austin Carlson for creating such an incredible product!
I hope you have found this review informative. Let us know by liking this article and share your thoughts on the set in the comments below.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review is an expression of my own opinions.
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91 comments on this article
Isn't the US price $120 not $200?
Edit: Corrected, I see.
Thanks for the great review. Certainly a must-buy set.
Great review! This set is absolutely beautiful! Definitely getting this one.
Wow. I vote the use of the light bluish grey flower to represent the CSM's RCS quads to be the most creative use of a flower part ever. I've got tons of flower parts in my LEGO storage drawers yet rarely find a use for them. I guess I'm just not being creative enough. ;-)
Looks like a cool set.
Great kit! Excellent review. Love the pics especially interior build details.
WOW! this is a set that cant be missed and I will make sure I pick it up before it is discontinued, also enough about the set your review was spectacular CapnRex101 :)
What an amazing set, not only in looks but technical design. With the Australian price being revealed today as AU$169.99, it is an absolute bargain and a true must-have.
So amazing!! This honestly looks more like a MOC to me, which is a compliment. All the segments look amazing, and the price is fantastic for 1969 pieces. It would've been nice to get a couple minifigs on a stand, but you can easily add some using the series 15 spaceman. A must buy.
"This is placed between two studs so makes use of a technique which has only recently come back into favour with LEGO designers, having also appeared in 75827 Firehouse Headquarters last year."
This is new for me. I own 75827 but haven't assembled it yet. Where is that technique used in that set?
@TitanArch - Thanks, corrected.
@Gustavo2809 - It is used in the construction of a desk on the ground floor in 75827 Firehouse Headquarters. The same technique may have appeared in other recent sets but I cannot immediately recall any examples.
@Jeff2Space
No, it's not your fault... The bright colors of the flowers just don't match very well with most cool MOCs! :)
About the set itself - it's a good model, but I wouldn't still call it one of the greatest sets of all time. See, the monotony of the colors and the lack of real full-sized minifigs really decreases the appeal of the model in my book, not to mention the difficult shape of the whole thing. You can't blame it for being too little accurate, though...
Is this going to be a Lego exclusive set or will normal retailers like Tesco also sell it ?
Stunning!!
Nice work, Captain! Excellent review as always.
Might have to put some pennies aside for this. I remember building an Airfix Saturn V when I was younger. This is about twice the size though.
I love this set. It's a dream come true. This set wakes up memories of me as a kid watching space books, launching paper rockets and watching real shuttles launching on tv. Can't wait to have it. Thanks everyone involved on this project and congrats on the review.
Thanks for the review.
How much is it in CAD
My only fear is that it will sell out too quickly. I want this so bad.
The ultimate in excellent reviews for the ulitimate of all excellent sets! I love the crisp detailed pics, the set design is flawless, awe inspiring, and the price is a bargain. I cannot say enough good things about both the set and review. Look out Mr. Wallet, June is going to be a rough month!
Brilliant review for an outstanding set. Definitely getting one.
*Also Sprach Zarathustra playing in the background*
This might be the best set released yet. I love how many extras they included - the lunar surface, the different versions of the command module, the ocean + floats - hopefully this doesn't sell out too soon.
Amaizing review for an amaizing set.
I agree, possibly the best set ever!
Goodness gracious. I need to go make a puchase now.
This is easily a must buy for me. I grew up with things like an Apollo command module on my birthday cake when I turned 5 and was a huge space enthusiast. My sister will love it, too. She's a few years older, so she'll enjoy the nostalgia.
June 1st can't get here soon enough. Great review and makes me anxious do build it; only thing missing is similar pictures of the real Saturn V next to the Lego version.
@LandenMacd cost is $149.99 CAD
https://shop.lego.com/en-CA/LEGO-NASA-Apollo-Saturn-V-21309
OMG can't wait to order this set. I will be on a festival on june 1 but thanks to the internet and mobile data service it won't be a problem. In fact, it can be delivered upon my return and i have something recreational to do then :-))
Fantastic set! Got to be in the running for best ever i reckon! Will be a day one purchase for me - if i can log in fast enough!
When this set was revealed along with the price, I thought to myself it may very well be the best Lego set ever released. Glad to hear it doesn't disappoint!
Wow only £109.99 in England it a great set Gona buy this one
I agree that this may well be my favourite of all time. I had a square section Saturn V and Skylab MOC made from classic space blue and white when I was a kid. This is a coming home moment. If they ever do Airwolf my childhood will be complete.
Thanks CapnRex101, another excellent review. I will have to sit down later and read it in greater depth when I have a bit more time.
I can't think why LEGO didn't release the set on 20/21 July though, since it so close to the actual release date. It would have been one more link to the Apollo project.
At NZD $199, this is one of the best valued sets this year. I'm definitely getting one of these sets.
I have an unhealthy obsession with Star Wars, but sorry UCS Snowspeeder you are not my number 1 most wanted. (UCS looked at all those printed pieces, not a sticker to be seen)
My birthday purchase this year, for someone who still wants to be a astronaut when I "grow up" will be this amazing set.
Besides being such an amazing set, am also impressed with the pricing in Australia. Whilst I am based in the UK currently I will send this to Australia to build in the future.
The UCS Snowspeeder is priced in UK at £169, in Australia at $330 which is £189 based on today's FX rate
This beautiful set is priced in the UK at £110, in Australia at $170 which is £97 based on today's FX rate
Excellent review Cap. I'm probably alone in this, but I have very little interest in the full set, I just want that lunar lander module set up, love it. Difficult to justify buying the whole set just for that ;-)
Great review, worthy of a great set. Knowing that Ideas sets tend to lean on the more expensive side, I was fully expecting this to be a minimum $200 set, and wouldn't have been shocked if it had rung in at $250 or even $300. $120 was unbelievable before the full details of the set were known, and after reading this review it's even more insane. Every part of the set looks amazing, and the fact that the only negative you can find is a mis-coloration of a very minor part speaks to the amazing job done by both the original submitters and the Lego designers. I know I'll have to buy at least two, and this is one set that I have absolutely NO qualms about paying full price for.
As an aside, I am teaching celestial navigation today and I have just looked over at my signed copy of Dava Sobel's book 'Longitude', only to see that it has an introduction written by Neil Armstrong.
Day 1. No need to say any more than that
A superbly knowledgeable review - thank you. I'm going to enjoy building this incredible model so much!
Not many sets go from "mild interest" to "must have" for me, but this is there. I thought I could pass, but this will be a day 1 purchase for me.
Do we have any idea the production numbers? Normally for a set of this size, I wait for double points, but I think back to the Mars Rover and don't want to relive it.
i am so jealous that i can't see straight. But that being said thanks for the great review. And due to the review i will be buying 2 sets on day one. one to open and build and for the first time ever one to never leave the box. sorry LEGO but sometimes rules just have to be broken.
Fantastic review of a fantastic model. Great pics, great research, and excellently written!
That looks incredible. What an amazing set.
Excellent review of an excellent set. Needless to say this will be a day 1 purchase for me.
Does the lunar module fit inside the rocket or do you have to put it there yourself after having removed the 2 conical pieces and the bricks below?
A must have day one purchase. I just hope Lego makes enough to meet the demand which I'm sure will be very high.
@hardwax This is an exclusive set only available from LEGO.com and Lego retail stores AFAIK.
There is only one word to describe this set: stunning!
I really wish I had $120 USD to throw out on this. But sadly I don't. Also, I have no place to put the thing, also a have a little brother who, on the spur of the moment, may decide to bring 'er crashing down. Even though it is an awesome set! And AWESOME REVIEW, CAPN!
Great review, Rex. I was on the fence about this set, but after reading this it's become a must-have. My kids and I thank you, my wife... not so much. : )
Did you see the cover of the instruction manual? It's a nod to the real Saturn V flight manual, which looks like this: http://cdn.silodrome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Saturn-V-Flight-Manual-.jpg
Cool touch.
The original submission was pretty cool, but the final model is ten times better. Those construction techniques are incredibly ingenious.
GREAT review and Great set! I think I will pull the trigger on this one, and maybe get two as I see this set as something selling out pretty quick. I have some VIP points laying around so I can also drop the price.
I'm not a huge NASA set fan, at least of those sets not minifigure scale, but I am going to buy this one. I must say LEGO hit a home run with this one. The fact that all the decorated parts are printed and not stickers at all earn this set a lot of love!
CapnRex101, I have just sat down and read through your brilliant review. Isn't this a great set! There are some serious SNOT techniques inside those fuel tanks!
This has to be the best LEGO Ideas set so far and one of the best sets for 2017. I am sure this will feature in several categories of Dr Dave Watford's Gimme LEGO Awards.
Pre-order your sets - if you can. This set will sell out quickly!
^^^ Thanks for the link to the original Saturn V Flight Manual.
Images of the LEGO instruction manual can be seen at The Brothers Brick review of this set:
http://www.brothers-brick.com/2017/05/10/go-launch-lego-ideas-21309-nasa-apollo-saturn-v-review/
Absolutely wonderful set and an equally remarkable review--day 1 for me as well!
Oh my god, it's beautiful...
My UCS snowspeeder purchase just got gazumped!!!! Seriously cool.
Nice and complete review Capt'n thank you. Just hope indeed Lego anticipated its success and will prepare enough boxes for all of us. Frustration would be too hard to endure - talking about lego sets of course. It will be a long time to wait until 1st June. One of the best set I have ever seen.
I don't remember any set ever getting such universal praise. Not a negative comment in sight, and rightly so for a set of this size, detail and price. It also comes out on my birthday, Lego have thought of everything.
Hoping Lego are smart and limit this down to 1 per order.
An absolutely great review for a fantastic set. Can't wait to get one by myself. I am a great fan of the Apollo Program and the Saturn V rockets and I really appreciate that you looked at the technical details and their implementation in this set. Both thumbs up!
As someone else asked above, is this going to be a shop.lego exclusive or will other retailers stock it? Anybody know?
It's going to be available in regular stores in NZ in a few weeks and we have no LEGO brand stores.
I'd like to know if the production of this set is going to be limited or if Lego will produce it again if it sells out. What's the expected shelf time of this set?
Awesome set, awesome review... Everything is awesome!!!
This better have a long shelf life! Insuspect this set will draw a large demand. I hope it will be the success it deserves to be with many spin-offs.
Lego at it's best, educational fun!
Great review of a great looking set! Between this and the Old Fishing Store, this is as excited as I've been about new sets since leaving my own dark age.
Thanks for the review. This looks like an amazing set. Although I don't think I'll pick it up. I have too many other sets and things that require money/attention first. But if I see it on sale, it might be a worthy pick up.
A lot of great building techniques for sure!
Great review @CapnRex101 ! I always appreciate the precise terminology you use when describing components of a model. Do you do much research for your articles?
Has anyone else looked at the number of pieces on this set? Not only did they keep it under 2000, which is pretty surprising for a set this big and detailed, they also managed to turn the piece count into an Easter egg: 1969, the year of the rocket's launch.
soo cool!! amazing set!!
I think it's needless to say that when we posted our project on Lego Ideas it was only a distant dream that it might get approved some day.
However, now that LEGO released the images it is slowly sinking in that this is indeed not a dream and on this occasion we would once more like to thank all our fans and supporters.
Also thanks a lot to Michael Psiaki, Carl Merriam and Austin who really did a great job at turning our proposal into a fantastic and without doubt iconic set.
So far the response from the fans has been great and we are looking forward to see the first models on the shelves the 1 June!
Currently, we have two online projects at Lego Ideas about Space and NASA:
- NASA Space Habitat HERA: https://ideas.lego.com/projects/163453
- NASA SLS & Orion Spacecraft: https://ideas.lego.com/projects/141291
In September 2017, Felix and I will present at Lego Ideas the essential complement to this rocket, a project at scale 1/110: The Mobile Launcher & Crawler redesigned and adapted to receive this Saturn V rocket, and they will be optionally motorized radio controlled.
You can get an overview of prototypes here: http://whatsuptoday.free.fr/Saturn-V-Apollo-11/samples/magazine/index.htmlpage/18
Felix Stiessen & Valerie Roche
Felix and Valerie, you've done an awesome job on this, you and the LEGO designers. I will be purchasing this set next month shortly after it has launched (pun intended). Hopefully there will be enough stock because i can see this flying off the shelves (also intended) in no time at all.
@whatsuptoday I didn't think that this could be any cooler... but the idea of having the launcher/crawler along with this set did it. I hope it happens!
I know what I'm getting for Fathers Day!!!
Got mine today from lego shop in australia, sold out straight away, i,m a happy fellow.
to Henry_D: You are just jealous because you never made it to the Moon. ;-)
Dreamer, how did you acquire this from the Lego shop? It's supposed to be released on the 1st.
Holy scrap, that's one heck of a set. I want it!
Its in the Swiss LEGO.com ready for purchases on June 1 (hope VIPs get an early chance) limit of 5 per person so i hope they have been churning out those white slopes!
To Wilcou35 Hello, about 2 weeks ago i contacted my local lego store and asked them if i could pre purchase this set, they took my phone number and on Saturday morning i got a call that the set was available, i went down within the hour of the call and bought it, they had already sold out the stock they had received.
As a footnote, it is still unopened as my wife bought me this for christmas so i still have to wait just like everybody else. Cheers.
Purchased a copy yesterday at LEGOLAND Billund. Very excited to getting started with the build.The size of the box is huge.
Great news on the early pick up, can't wait to get my hands on this
Probably the best value for money set in years. Very well designed and no other lego rocket looks as good. A must have. Thank you for designing an awesome set!
Is this going to be an exclusive set - only available at Lego stores and their online shop when it comes out on 1st June ? Or will it be available from other retailers both on the high street and online in the UK?
Please can someone let me know thanks.
Hopefully I speak for multiple people when I say this is the best ideas set we have ever gotten!
Great review and can't wait to see it on the UK site. do you know if they are also going to produce the launch tower as well?
Excellent review Cap'n Rex! Set 21309 was introduced to us at The 2017 LEGO Inside Tour. It looked absolutely awesome but, your review shined the light in all the corners and illuminated the wonderful details inside. I can attest to the model's sturdiness as they dropped it crossing the room. It came apart yes but, only at the stages. Sure, some of the smaller pieces came off but, were easily put back on. Thanks for the review.
I saw it and I was like, "I have to have it!" Can't wait to build, play, and display this model!
Now available on early release from John Lewis - ordered one this morning.
Also ordered from John Lewis for collection Saturday morning. Quite surprised, but good news.
Just ordered one from John Lewis, collecting it from my local Waitrose on Tuesday, I can't wait!!! Looks like I managed to grab the last one as it said one in stock and now it's changed to out of stock.
Saturn V set and new Star wars sets available on lego shop, a few before the 1st June as announced on net site... I've just purchased Saturn I'm soooo glad... What a surprise is it the first time some sets are available before announced? Little strange isn't it? But very good news for us here in France.
Just started building this set over the weekend. To my surprise (I own over 250 Lego sets) the part quality on this set is the worst I have ever seen. Several of the longer plates are very bent, I mean like 1,5-2 mm bends on a 2x12 plate. The 1x2x2 have non-parallel sides: the base is noticeably larger than the top. The plastic seems cheaper and does not "sound" as usual. Very dissapointing. No wonder it's so "cheap".