The latest LEGO® Icons set takes inspiration from two iconic crafts, the NASA Space Shuttle Enterprise and a Boeing 747 aircraft used to transport it. Beginning in the 1970s, NASA and Boeing joined forces to provide a transportation vessel for NASA’s space shuttles. This set combines a converted Boeing 747 and a NASA Space Shuttle to provide a unique and extremely large display piece. That’s partly why this review is a little delayed. The set is so large, it’s proven tricky to photograph, so apologies for the poor images of the set. So, a little later than expected, but here’s my review of the newly released LEGO Icons Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.
Product Details
Set Name: Shuttle Carrier Aircraft | Set Number: 10360 | Pieces: 2417 | Theme: Icons
Number of Bags: Bags x 16 | Instructions: Paper booklet + Builder App | Stickers: Sheet x 1 | Minifigures: N/A
RRP: £199.99/$229.99/229.99€/349.99AUD/299.99CAD
Availability: LEGO Stores & LEGO Online
Both Boeing planes and NASA crafts have inspired several past LEGO sets, but this is the first time both have been featured in a single set. Space Shuttle Carrier Aircraft were used to ferry space shuttles from landing sites back to the Kennedy Space Centre. They were also used to transport shuttles to locations too far for the shuttle to be delivered by ground transportation. The base for the plane is a Boeing 474, which has been converted to hold a Space Shuttle Orbiter. They would then ‘piggyback’ the shuttle over long distances.
There have been a couple of past LEGO sets inspired by the iconic NASA shuttles. The most recent was released in 2021. The version found in this set isn’t as detailed as the 2021 version, but it does offer something unique compared to that version. The shuttle can be prepped for transportation thanks to the ability to add and remove some of its exterior details. It can either hold a tail cone, which slots into the rear of the shuttle via a Technic pin. The same section of the shuttle is used for the shuttle is in its post-launch state. So, within the body of the shuttle is an area used to store various elements which can be added to the shuttle. So there’s a small block which slots into where the tail cone is removed. This holds a trio of engine cones. You can also add wheels and small thrusters.
The plane aspect of the set is inspired by a Boeing 748 jumbo jet. LEGO planes are often crafted from large, unique elements, but this one is completely built from standard elements. To core of the plane allows you to clip smaller sections to it, which helps to create the curved shell of the plane. You’ll be pleased to know the window detail found along the sides of the plane are all printed elements. Much of the other decals found on both the plane and the shuttle are stickered. You’ll notice three prongs sticking up through the top of the plane; this is where the shuttle can be mounted.
One of the set’s most fascinating features is found underneath the plane. Here you’ll find a clever gear system which is powered by a single gear found near the centre of the plane’s base. Rotating this causes the plane’s wheels to be deployed. Even after the front one has been lowered, the mechanism continues so that the larger cluster of wheels found further along the plane’s base can also be lowered. It’s a smooth transition and sees the wheels deploy as they would on the real plane. The wheels use a new element, which can hold four tyres, and I can see this new piece being used in other sets as it’s a useful new element.
To make the set appear more dynamic, it also includes a small display stand. This can hold both the plane and the shuttle. As with similar sets, it also holds display plaques detailing both vehicles. The stand certainly makes it easier to display, but you will still need a large amount of space to display the set. The wingspan alone takes up most of the space, but even the length of the plane is larger than most LEGO builds.
It was an interesting build, especially the gear system of the plane. Space continues to be a popular source of inspiration for 18+ sets, but this one may not hold the same appeal as other sets. It may also be just a little too large for the average LEGO fan to display. Its footprint is almost on the same scale as the UCS Millennium Falcon. Whilst these sort of large-scale sets provide a great spectacle, I’d rather of had something smaller and cheaper. Once again, apologies for the imagery in this review not being great. The LEGO Icons Shuttle Aircraft Carrier is available now.
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The LEGO Group provided this set to BricksFanz.com for review purposes. The thoughts expressed in this review are those of BricksFanz.com and do not reflect those of the LEGO Group. Providing the set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion.
