This Summer we will be treated to a number of new LEGO® Creator 3-in-1 sets. As the name suggests, the basis of the theme is to provide a selection of sets that offer the ability to build a set into three different models. The Summer sets have a pretty strong line-up with every set offering something interesting. Although not the case with every set, the Summer range features builds which have appeared in previous sets and themes in a slightly different form. So to kick off the reviews I’m being with a set I paid the least attention to when the sets were first revealed. So here’s my review of the smallest Creator 3-in-1 set – 31121: Crocodile, so let’s snap to it.
Product Description
Kids will love heading to the riverbank for fun animal adventures with this LEGO® Creator 3in1 Crocodile (31121) wild animal playset. It features a brick-built Crocodile with a posable body and opening jaw, plus accompanying bird and fish skeleton toys to really enhance kids’ stories.
Wild animal toys inspire imaginative play
The fun lasts longer with 3 awesome animal toys for kids to create in this LEGO Creator 3in1 set. They can build a posable Crocodile, rebuild it into a snake with a moving body, transform it into a frog with an extending tongue, or fire up their imaginations to make a different creature.
- Set Name: Crocodile
- Set Number: 31121
- Theme: Creator 3-in-1
- Pieces: 352
- RRP: £24.99/$29.99/29.99€
- Measurements: measures over 5 in. (13 cm) high, 8 in. (22 cm) long and 4 in. (11 cm) deep
- Availability: LEGO.com, LEGO Stores & LEGO Retailers
Although each of the 3-in-1 sets has the option to recreate one of three different models using the same selection of bricks, the focus of them all is the ‘hero’ model. Due to having 5 sets to build and review. I will only be focusing on the hero model. You’ll be able to check out the variant builds later on. As mentioned above when the images of new Creator sets first surfaced, the focus fell on a brand new LEGO Castle. The Ferris Wheel and Space Shuttle also garnered interest due to the similarity to other sets, even the Fish Tank was interesting as it offered something new. So the poor old Crocodile felt a little left out. That was until I built it. Creatures aren’t always the best subjects for a LEGO set. Their natural shapes and features can be a little tricky to capture with LEGO elements. However, the creation of the Crocodile offers both a satisfying build experience and a surprising end product.
The main thing that surprised me was the size of the build. I know the packaging images would easily convey this but I didn’t expect it to be as big as it is. The scale of the Crocodile is one of the reasons I like this build so much. To craft the long body of the croc, you build it in sections, starting with the tip of the tail. Each section slightly increases in size before reaching the head. This also allows for a great level of movement for the croc. The use of colours and elements perfectly combine to create a great looking model. I also like how the studs and cheese slope elements, which are dotted along the back, help to create the scaly skin of the reptile. Varying sizes of tooth plates help to create the powerful mouth and even the use of a yellow bar through a couple of hollow studs for the eyes is a great touch. I’m so glad cartoon eyes weren’t used here.
However, as you build you will notice a couple of oddly out-of-place elements within the body of croc. These are included to help create the other models. These include a snake and frog, both use the same selection of elements to create the alternative builds and cannot all be built at the same time. Being able to craft different builds with a single pool of elements is an impressive feat but in all honesty, from the images alone the Crocodile is by far the most impressive of the three models on offer.
Along with the crocodile, you’ll also build a small build that is very similar to the bird featured in the Blizzard exclusive Overwatch set. Plus there’s a neat little set of fish bones. Both these minibuilds add a little more detail to the overall build and in the case of the bird a splash of colour.
This set was provided by the LEGO Group for purposes of review. The thoughts within this review are that of BricksFanz and do not reflect those of the LEGO Group. Providing the set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion of the set.
