The LEGO River Steamboat set is a stunning and immersive experience for LEGO enthusiasts. The quality of a LEGO set is often measured by both its final appearance and the journey of building it, and the River Steamboat exemplifies this perfectly. The build process flows logically from one step to the next, with a forward momentum that keeps you engaged. The ship's layered design, where each floor can be easily removed, allows for full visibility and access to the intricate inner details. LEGO's venture into adult-oriented sets began with their modular buildings, and the River Steamboat continues this tradition with its modular structure, showcasing a meticulous attention to both unique and everyday details that contribute to a cohesive masterpiece.

LEGO Ideas River Steamboat

$329.99 at LEGO Store

The LEGO River Steamboat is part of the LEGO Ideas line, where fans can submit their original concepts for community voting. Once approved, the fan's design becomes an official set, and they receive a share of the profits. Previous successful sets from this line include The Nightmare Before Christmas, Jaws, and Dungeons & Dragons: Red Dragon's Tale.

We Build LEGO Ideas River Steamboat

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Drawing inspiration from the historic paddle boats of the 1800s that navigated the Mississippi River, the LEGO River Steamboat captures the essence of these vessels. Initially used for industrial purposes, these boats evolved into pleasure crafts, offering amenities and entertainment like gambling and jazz music. My wife and I experienced this firsthand during our honeymoon in New Orleans, enjoying a riverboat cruise filled with dining, dancing, and live jazz.

This set is a must-have for LEGO aficionados. The River Steamboat features a detailed jazz lounge and dining room, complemented by practical areas such as the boiler engine room connected to the paddle wheel. Push the boat, and watch the wheel spin. The pilothouse includes a steering wheel that, when turned, moves the rudder at the boat's base. Other areas include a kitchen, sleeping quarters for the crew, an anchor on a chain, and rigging that adjusts the boarding stages at the bow.

The set, comprising 4,090 pieces, is thoughtfully divided into 32 bags, starting with the ship's base, which houses the boiler room and a miniature nautical museum. Here, you'll find a piston engine, an aeolipile (steam turbine), and a Watt steam engine, alongside a compact kitchen complete with a refrigerator, stove, and sink. The minimalist design and clever repurposing of elements, such as using a hot dog bun from a Fairgrounds set as an engine reinforcement, showcase LEGO's ingenuity.

On the main deck, you'll build the dining room and jazz lounge. The lounge, positioned at the stern, comes equipped with LEGO accessories for drums, saxophone, microphone, and an upright bass. The dining room exudes elegance with its tablecloths and stylish chairs, complemented by light fixtures that bridge the indoor and outdoor spaces. Wall posters advertise the onboard entertainment, including a stylized depiction of the A-Frame Cabin from another LEGO Ideas set.

The dining room is built separately and then inserted into the larger structure, creating a deck space for minifigures to enjoy the views. However, the set does not include any minifigures, which might have added a playful touch to the ship. This choice may indicate LEGO's intent to position the set more as a display piece rather than a play set.

Above the main deck lies the crew deck with beds and a bathroom, including a toilet, sink, and shower. The topmost level is the pilothouse, where the impressive steering mechanism connects the wheel to the rudder through a rod that spans all four levels. This engineering marvel is a testament to the meticulous planning and effort invested in the set.

Numerous details make this set special, from the white billowy flags repurposed from croissant accessories to the neat white railings and patterned tiles that mimic rugs. Despite its size, the set feels like it's made of 3,500 pieces rather than 4,000, but once you delve into its detailed rooms and spaces, you'll appreciate where those extra pieces went.

William Strunk's principle from The Elements of Style—that every word, sentence, and line should serve a purpose—aptly describes the LEGO River Steamboat. Every brick, rod, and stud has a function, and every decorative element enhances the set without being superfluous. Each room and space contributes to the overall beauty and functionality of the ship. This is truly a LEGO build for LEGO lovers.

LEGO River Steamboat, Set #21356, retails for $329.99 and is composed of 4,090 pieces. It is available exclusively at the LEGO Store.

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