The Inspiration Behind LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express
The LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express set is a highly anticipated release for LEGO enthusiasts around the world. With its impressive 2540 pieces, this set is sure to captivate builders of all ages. But why did it undergo such significant changes from its original submission? Let’s delve into the fascinating journey of this iconic train and explore the reasons behind its transformation.
A Trip Down Memory Lane: The Orient Express
To fully appreciate the significance of this LEGO set, it’s essential to understand the history of the Orient Express. This legendary train ran from Paris to Istanbul for over 80 years, starting in the late 19th century. However, over time, the route was altered, and the service eventually came to a halt. In 2009, the vintage carriages were acquired and meticulously restored by Belmond, a renowned company that now operates the Orient Express in various destinations.
A Celebration of 140 Years
The release of the LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express honors the 140th anniversary of this iconic train. It pays homage to the rich heritage and timeless charm of the Orient Express. The set captures the essence of the classic train while also showcasing the varying configurations it had throughout the years.
The Evolution of the Set
One aspect that has sparked heated discussions among LEGO enthusiasts is the noticeable differences between the original submission and the final version of the Orient Express set. The changes have caused quite a stir within the LEGO train forums, leaving many fans perplexed.
An Intense Debate
The LEGO Ideas design team has always embraced community feedback and opinions. It allows them to refine and enhance sets before their release. However, this time, the changes to the Orient Express set generated an unprecedented buzz. Fans were divided, with some praising the alterations while others expressed disappointment.
The Significance of Authenticity
When it comes to iconic trains like the Orient Express, maintaining authenticity is crucial. The LEGO design team carefully considered various factors, including historical accuracy, playability, and overall aesthetics, while making the necessary modifications.
A Departure from Expectations
The LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express is not meant to replicate the train depicted in the books or films. Instead, it aims to pay tribute to the diverse configurations and iterations the Orient Express underwent throughout its storied history. By deviating from the traditional image, LEGO brings a fresh perspective to this beloved train.
The Ultimate LEGO Building Experience
While this article offers a detailed preview of the LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express set, it’s essential to note that building and experiencing the set firsthand will bring an entirely new level of satisfaction. The intricate details, charming design, and creative possibilities will undoubtedly delight LEGO enthusiasts, both young and old.
By embracing the rich history and distinctive features of the Orient Express, LEGO has created a set that encapsulates the essence and allure of this famous train. Despite the controversies surrounding the changes made to the original submission, the LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express promises an unforgettable building experience that will stand the test of time.
Box Design
Let’s start by examining the box design of LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express. One can immediately notice a refreshing change in the color scheme, as the box features a pleasing dark blue locomotive, tender, and two wagons, all evoking a sense of luxury. The choice of a black background further enhances the luxurious vibe that the set aims to convey.
Turning our attention to the back of the box, we are treated to a closer look at the cars, with additional pictures displayed at the bottom showcasing intricate interior details. The set includes two 8-stud wide carriages, namely a sleeper car and a dining car, both described in French, adding an air of authenticity to the overall experience. These carriages were specifically chosen by the designers as they are the most iconic among the 15-17 cars originally associated with the Orient Express.
A notable aspect of the box design is the abundance of printed elements. From the names of the cities where the train stops, to the Orient Express logo, to the serial number cleverly hidden as an Easter egg, everything is meticulously printed to ensure an impeccable finishing. The only stickers present on the exterior are the ones adorning the underside of the doors, which, by the way, can be opened to allow easy access to the interior.
Exterior Details and Changes
Upon removing the top of the cars and peering inside, one soon realizes that the majority of the exterior remains largely unchanged. Of course, there are subtle differences, but the true transformation lies within the interior.
Sleeper Car – A First Class Experience
The sleeper car of LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express boasts a breathtaking first-class bedroom, complete with a generously sized bed, a table featuring a quaint typewriter, and even a meticulously designed separate bathroom equipped with all the necessary appliances. Attention to detail is evident throughout, as evidenced by the tastefully decorated mirror sticker and the intricate tiling on the floor. An exquisite touch that catches the eye is the presence of a special spherical mirror positioned above the bed, a feature that can also be found on the official Orient Express website.
In conclusion, LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express has undergone noteworthy changes both in its box design and interior details. The dark blue locomotive, tender, and wagons, complemented by the black background, create a visually striking packaging that befits the luxurious essence of the train. The inclusion of printed elements, such as city names and the Orient Express logo, further adds to the overall sophistication of the set. As for the interior, the sleeper car steals the spotlight with its opulent first-class bedroom, complete with a variety of amenities and delightful decorative touches. LEGO enthusiasts and train aficionados alike are sure to appreciate the attention to detail and the remarkable transformation that this set embodies.
LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express: A Detailed Preview
LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express is an eagerly awaited set that has undergone some significant changes. As we delve into the details, it becomes clear why these changes were made, leaving enthusiasts curious and perplexed.
The Intriguing Easter Eggs
The Orient Express set surprises us with hidden elements, offering delightful Easter eggs for avid LEGO collectors. On one side of the train, there are additional beds, adding a touch of realism to the design. Furthermore, there is a backgammon set available for purchase on the official website, adding to the mystique of the experience.
Exquisite Details of the Dining Car
The dining car of the Orient Express captures the essence of luxury and elegance. Dark green accents adorn the bar station at one end of the carriage, while two tables stand adorned with an assortment of cups, saucers, and plates. The expertly crafted stickered decorations, such as the wood veneer panels and the large frosted glass behind the bar, add a touch of sophistication.
The Authenticity of Design
The LEGO version of the Orient Express beautifully incorporates the original train’s design elements. The cars feature stunning stickered wood veneer decorations at their ends, further enhancing their classic appeal. To add a touch of opulence, the construction of the cars includes a new element – 24 golden window frames, meticulously integrated into the design.
The Majestic Locomotive
The locomotive of LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express embraces a similar color scheme to the rest of the set, with dark blue and gold accents. A notable feature is the presence of the number 52, paying homage to this specific LEGO Ideas release. The Sapphire Star nameplates, also stickers, add an elegant touch to the train’s exterior.
The locomotive showcases interesting part usage, with dark blue Minion heads, gold elements, and minifigure pens creatively incorporated into its design. One particularly exciting addition is a brand new part – the functional coupling rod piece. In a striking silver color, this piece further elevates the authenticity and attention to detail in this LEGO set. With four pieces included, it is bound to please even the most discerning LEGO train enthusiasts.
A Minimalistic Tender
The tender, while simple in design, serves a practical purpose. Mostly hollow on the inside, it helps reduce the overall weight of the set, enhancing its playability and functionality.
What’s Next for LEGO Train Fans
With each unveiling of a new LEGO train set, enthusiasts eagerly seek to uncover its unique features. Prospective buyers are left with one burning question: what’s next? The LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express has successfully managed to pique curiosity and leave fans yearning for more.
The Challenge of Motorization
Unfortunately, the LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express set is not Powered Up ready. This means that there is no official motorization available for the train. The Ideas team put in a lot of effort to try and make it work. They experimented with different motor and battery box combinations, testing them for months. They even compared the train to the Crocodile locomotive. But no matter what they tried, the train was just too heavy and lacked the necessary power.
The weight of the train is about double that of regular powered City trains, which posed a real challenge for the designers. They wanted the train to be motorized, but they didn’t want to sacrifice a car just for the possibility of motorization. It was a difficult decision to make, but in the end, they decided to focus on maintaining the integrity of the set rather than compromising its design.
The Minifigures
Moving on to the minifigures included in the set, there are some exciting new prints. One of the minifigures is Thomas, the Fan Designer, who is portrayed with a camera. This inclusion is a nice touch and adds a personal element to the set. Another interesting addition is Pippin Reed, who is a little Easter Egg from the Adventures theme. In addition to these unique characters, there are also more passengers and train workers included in the set.
The Difference in Appearance
Now, let’s address the most perplexing aspect of this set – why does it look so different from the original submission? After reading numerous comments from LEGO fans, particularly train enthusiasts, it’s clear that there are mixed opinions about the set. Some individuals appreciate the level of detail and are happy to see a train that is not part of the City theme. However, there are also plenty of negative comments, especially regarding the locomotive.
The original submission featured a specific French locomotive that exuded impressive detail and looked incredibly realistic. Understandably, many fans were captivated by this design. However, the version we have in the set is, to put it mildly, less impressive.
This significant alteration in appearance may leave fans scratching their heads. While the exact reasons for this change are not explicitly stated, it’s possible that certain limitations, such as piece count and compatibility with the LEGO track system, played a role in the design adjustments. Despite any disappointment, it’s important to remember that designing official LEGO sets involves numerous considerations and compromises.
In conclusion, the LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express set presented several challenges during its development, most notably in the realm of motorization. Despite not being powered up, the set still offers a delightful building and play experience. With its unique minifigures and intricate detailing, it is a worthy addition to any LEGO train enthusiast’s collection.
The Influence of Licensing on LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express
The LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express set has undergone some noticeable changes since its original submission. The reason for these alterations lies in the complex world of licensing agreements and the desire to capture the essence of the travel experience.
Making the Most of Existing Pieces
Creating new LEGO pieces for a set is always an option, but it becomes more limited when licensing comes into play. The Orient Express set focuses primarily on the cars rather than the locomotive, as the real train never had a dedicated locomotive. Instead, the train utilized various locomotives depending on the country it was passing through. This limitation influenced the decision-making process of the LEGO designers.
The Appeal of the French Pacific Locomotive
The submission for the Orient Express set gained popularity among train fans due to the inclusion of a French Pacific locomotive. This impressive train engine caught the attention of many enthusiasts. However, the licensing partner and the LEGO designers chose to shift the focus towards the cars, rather than the locomotive itself. This decision may have disappointed some train fans who were eagerly anticipating a more prominent locomotive in the set.
Design Compromises and Proportional Accuracy
The chosen locomotive design for the Orient Express set follows a 4-6-0 layout, a configuration that has been widely used in LEGO steam train sets since the release of the Emerald Night in 2009. Some critics argue that this layout lacks proportional accuracy. Although I am not a train expert, I can understand both the appeal and disappointment of train fans regarding this design choice.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that the locomotive in the Orient Express set is a composite representation of different locomotives used throughout the early 1900s in the history of the Orient Express. It is not a specific model. Additionally, the name “Sapphire Star” was coined by the LEGO designers, adding a touch of creativity to the set.
The Influence of Licensing on Colors and Branding
The change in the color scheme of the Orient Express set can be attributed to the suggestions made by the licensing partner. The modern version of the Orient Express logo is prominently displayed on the side of the cars, adding to the overall branding of the set. These decisions were driven by the desire to align with the licensing partner’s vision and maintain the authenticity of the Orient Express brand.
Balancing Expectations and Compromises
While it would have been wonderful to see a visually striking locomotive as part of the official LEGO Orient Express set, it is important to acknowledge the compromises that come with licensing agreements. The end result, incorporating the licensing partner’s vision, still holds the potential to look impressive on the tracks. It is a delicate balance between meeting the expectations of LEGO train fans and staying true to the essence of the Orient Express experience.
The Design Process
The LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express set has undergone some significant changes during its design process. When comparing the early concept images to the final product, one might wonder why these alterations were made. In this detailed preview, we will explore the reasons behind these changes and discuss the impact they have on the overall set.
Early Concept Images
In the initial concept images, the Orient Express set appeared to be a faithful representation of the classic train. The sleek and elegant design, along with intricate details, captured the essence of the iconic locomotive. However, as the design process progressed, LEGO made some noticeable changes that altered the set’s appearance.
Streamlining the Design
One of the major changes made to the Orient Express set was the streamlining of its design. The earlier concept images showcased an abundance of details, from the intricate decals on the train cars to the elaborate interior furnishings. However, in the final product, some of these intricate details were simplified or removed altogether. This decision was likely made to ensure stability and ease of building, as well as to maintain a reasonable price point for the set.
Price Considerations
LEGO sets are known for their attention to detail and quality, but these factors often come at a cost. As LEGO enthusiasts eagerly awaited the release of the Orient Express set, it became apparent that the intricate details showcased in the concept images might have led to a high price tag. In order to make the set more accessible to a wider range of LEGO fans, some compromises had to be made. This could explain why certain elements were simplified or omitted in the final design.
Feedback from the LEGO Community
LEGO Ideas is a platform where fans can submit their own designs, and the Orient Express set was one of the projects that gained widespread support. Throughout the design process, LEGO actively sought feedback from the LEGO community. It is possible that some changes were made in response to this feedback, ensuring that the final product would meet the expectations of fans.
Conclusion
As we eagerly await the opportunity to build and evaluate the LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express set, it is important to acknowledge the changes that have occurred during its design process. While some may lament the loss of certain intricate details, it is crucial to remember the reasons behind these alterations. LEGO’s commitment to creating a stable, reasonably priced set that meets the expectations of the broader LEGO community is undoubtedly a primary factor.