It's been a hell of a while since we last dipped our toes into the world of LEGO. Fortunately it seems those clever Danes haven't lost their touch in the past 12 months, and have produced a fun set that both appeals to our sense of toy nostalgia AND our excitement for the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing. We build the LEGO City Deep Space Rocket & Launch Control (#60228).
The set, which comprises 837 pieces, depicts the most exciting part of any space mission - the launch. This is very much a 'play set', featuring multiple vehicles and backdrops, and healthy number of minifigures. Speaking of which:
There's a good selection of characters involved here, from scientists who might man mission control, to technicians to prep the rocket. And, of course, there are two astronauts, with the cool new helmet pieces, to blast off into space.
As a whole the set is not a small thing, so prepare to leave a chunk of space available for it. Obviously it is dominated by the rocket itself, standing 42cm tall. It features its own launch pad, and when you lift the rocket up to simulate taking off...
... the support towers actually fall apart, just like the real thing. Note also that central pin which slides into the rocket to keep it stable when on the launch pad.
Both astronauts can be accommodated in the forward section of the rocket, which pops off quite like the Kessel Run Millennium Falcon's cockpit. The rocket is also segmented, allowing it to separate into different sections until only the cockpit remains. Again, very realistic.
In fact the two main sections of the rocket have storage compartments which can be used for cargo and payloads. The set actually comes with just that...
... a satellite that can be deployed with fold out solar panels and a magnifying glass part to give the illusion of a space telescope. It's a sweet little build but adds a great depth to play.
Back on terra firma, the mission control section of the set is genius. As well as being well detailed, with control panels and a large display, there's a bit of clever movement. See that highlighted '3'? Push a switch on the back of the sub-build and you can count down to '0'. The designers have used a large transparent brick and some Technic parts to simulate the actual count down.
We love it. As well as that, the half-moon display on the right can also rotate, simulating the launched rocket now being in orbit around a planet. These are awesome interactive touches, but there's more. Download the LEGO Life app, slide your phone into the Mission Control section (there's a gap for it) and you can view actual NASA footage of launches and space data.
Moving outside the control box, the tram is a fun way of delivering your astronauts to their launch pad. The short roller-coaster track bends around from the top to take them both to the rocket, and we were very happy that these parts were included for future modifications and other builds.
Also there is a very cool rover-like vehicle. This can't be fitted inside the rocket, so seems like it's just for earth-based training. But the robotic arm is good, and the small robot is very cute. There is a small section of terrain complete with the new geode part (a pink crystal inside - very cool) and the robot comes with a selection of tools.
There are so many things you can do with this set and lots of scope for play. For example, you could simply conduct a space mission with the rocket, or have the astronauts drive the rover around on Mars. The mission control provides plenty of opportunities for imaginative scenarios, while the minifigure choice is great for this set, and any other from LEGO.
So although you'll probably buy it for that rocket, LEGO City Deep Space Rocket & Launch Control is a versatile set with lots going for it. Check it out.
£89.99
Available from www.amazon.co.uk