Review: 21344 The Orient Express Train
Posted by CapnRex101,
LEGO conventions around the world invariably feature trains in abundance, although very few adult-oriented trains have been produced lately. 21344 The Orient Express Train is therefore an exciting prospect, particularly given this train's remarkable renown.
The train has appeared in countless books, films and television series, often emphasising its unparalleled opulence. This version of the Orient Express should thus be highly detailed and includes larger carriages than other LEGO trains, which definitely bodes well for the interiors. There are some interesting minifigures to populate the train too.
Summary
21344 The Orient Express Train, 2,540 pieces.
£259.99 / $299.99 / €299.99 | 10.2p/11.8c/11.8c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
I love the Orient Express' carriages, but wish the engine was more distinctive to match
- Beautiful carriages
- Amazing interior detail
- Attractive colour scheme
- Great minifigure selection
- Underwhelming locomotive
- Overpriced
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Box and Contents
I think the majesty of the Orient Express suits the 18+ branding very well, especially with the golden highlights on the box matching those on the train. Inside are 23 numbered bags, with a single instruction manual and two sticker sheets. I neglected to photograph these stickers before applying them, but a total of 26 are included.
However, an error has occurred with some of the stickers, as those featuring a reflective gold finish have instead been printed in yellow. LEGO has prepared replacements though and any recipients of the wrong stickers can request the corrected version from customer service. This review shows the corrected stickers, with a shiny golden finish.
Minifigures
Eight minifigures are provided, divided evenly between passengers and train crew. The first is the train driver, whose simple blue and white attire reminds me of the driver from 7898 Cargo Train Deluxe, released in 2006, which I consider to be something of an archetypal and iconic minifigure.
The dark blue cap looks nice too, especially since the station manager is similarly dressed, but his more formal garb features a metallic gold band on the hat. A pocket watch is chained to his jacket, while the head chosen for this character is perfect. The bushy facial hair and smile look superb and the element, introduced this year, has only been used in three previous sets.
Furthermore, the station manager's lantern comprises two parts developed for the 2023 range, between a 1x1x2/3 plate with side stud and a 1x1 round plate with hollow stud and angled bar. Oddly, there is no trans-clear element to indicate the light, but the manager's dispatch baton is instantly recognisable, while the driver is equipped with a shovel.
I like the consistency between the station manager's uniform and the conductor, whose new torso includes metallic gold trim alongside the LEGO train symbol. Moreover, the conductor's nervous expression and the beads of sweat on his face are appropriate for a very stressful role, which seems fitting given the high expectations of passengers aboard the Orient Express.
The bar steward completes the train crew, sporting a formal jacket and bow tie. This torso was created for Alfred Pennyworth in 76252 Batcave - Shadow Box, although it suits this character equally well. The bun hairstyle also seems realistic and the element has appeared quite rarely since its first appearance, with 75021 Republic Gunship ten years ago.
A white door ingeniously forms a service cloth hanging over the minifigure's arm and a tray is also provided, using the saucer element found in several sets this year, which was previously limited to Collectable Minifigures. Similarly, the trans-clear cocktail glass returns from a Ginny Weasley minifigure, as well as the new 76269 Avengers Tower.
While the train crew are satisfying, the passengers are perhaps more eye-catching because of their traditional costumes, intended to evoke the Orient Express' 1930s heyday. In addition, the passengers include a classic character from the Adventurers range, Pippin Reed! Pippin joined Johnny Thunder on his Orient Expedition, so is a natural presence aboard the Orient Express.
I love the combined cloche hat and hair component, which was developed for Tina Goldstein from the Fantastic Beasts movies, as well as Pippin's teal jacket. The second passenger also looks excellent and is inspired by the Orient Express' fan designer, Thomas Lajon. Once again, this minifigure's clothing is readily identifiable with the golden age of steam train travel.
For example, these dual-moulded legs resemble jodhpurs, while a reddish brown flat cap and satchel complete the passenger's ensemble. Both characters feature suitable accessories too, as Pippin Reed comes with a golden pen and an envelope, while the second minifigure carries a bulky camera because Thomas is a film director.
The variety of characters included is impressive, continuing with a pair of wealthier passengers, based on their formal attire. The first wears a black hair wrap, which was created for the Potter Collectable Minifigure, but has not appeared in this colour before. This complements her black dress, returning from the singer in 10312 Jazz Club.
Intricate metallic gold designs decorate both sides of the dress and the fur collar is attractive too. The final minifigure lacks such complexity, although his torso looks splendid and the alternating grey stripes bear a resemblance to Dr. Rodney Rathbone's waistcoat from Monster Fighters. Perhaps this is another member of the Rathbone family, or even an aged Rodney!
Regardless of my invented lore for this minifigure, he carries a walking stick, while the female passenger is equipped with an umbrella and a brick-built handbag. This item consists of a 1x1 bow and a black accessory holder, which is a clever combination.
The Completed Model
In addition to their handheld accessories, a couple of boxes and a luggage trolley are provided. Two jewels and a printed piece of amber are stored inside the trunk, with an envelope labelled 'Top Secret' on top. This tile returns from 76417 Gringotts Wizarding Bank - Collectors' Edition. The smaller box, meanwhile, features various luggage labels, which are inspired by designs in the company's archive.
The original Orient Express service began in 1883 and came to an end in 2009, so many types of locomotive and carriage were across 126 years. However, the dark blue CIWL carriages are certainly the most recognisable, frequently appearing in films, as well as Thomas' LEGO Ideas submission. These have seemingly influenced the appearance of the locomotive, which is dark blue to match its carriages.
76405 Hogwarts Express - Collectors' Edition serves as an ideal point of comparison for this model, given their equivalent sizes, but differing scales. The whole Orient Express measures 114cm in length, which is slightly longer than the Hogwarts Express, but its individual sections are smaller and closer to minifigure-scale. The base underneath the train extends to 116cm.
Unlike the Hogwarts Express, this train fits on standard LEGO track, although its carriages are wider than most LEGO trains. Even so, the Orient Express can follow extremely wiggly layouts, as shown below. As usual, the leading wheels on the locomotive and those on the carriages are fully articulated, but the tender includes an unexpected feature, discussed later.
The locomotive takes inspiration from multiple sources, which is unexpected given the focus on accuracy elsewhere. I understand this decision to some degree because the Orient Express is not associated with any specific engine, but I think this was an opportunity to choose the most distinctive of the service's myriad locomotives, such as the Pacific 231 presented in the original Ideas submission.
After all, this locomotive is quite similar to others LEGO has produced, including the Hogwarts Express. On the other hand, I do find the design appealing and the dark blue colour scheme is wonderful, in combination with golden accents. The proportions of this engine are fairly realistic too, although scope for improvement remains.
However, I have no concerns with the level of detail. The red buffer plate looks brilliant and the buffers themselves are the perfect size, again using saucer elements. 2x3 brackets with curves provide an attractive transition towards the smokebox, which is nicely rounded. In addition, I like how a black bucket has been used for the funnel, gradually widening towards the top.
This is overshadowed by the dark blue domes behind the funnel, each represented by Minion heads! 2x2 domes would probably have sufficed, but these pieces introduce additional texture and are much more fun. Similarly, the whistles are formed using pearl gold pens and decorated 1x4 curved slopes comprise metallic gold stripes around the boiler.
A few of the aforementioned gold stickers are applied here as well, including the number 52, in reference to the Orient Express being the 52nd Ideas set. Additionally, the locomotive is named Sapphire Star, evoking the esteemed 10194 Emerald Night from 2009. On that subject, this train improves upon its green predecessor with the addition of new connecting rod pieces, which are functional.
There is space for a minifigure inside the cab, as well as plenty more detail. A golden crowbar forms the regulator and a printed clock is included, just above the firebox door. The shaping of the backhead is realistic and there are even a couple of basic seats in the cab, with dark brown wand boxes creating some texture underneath the seats.
Like the locomotive, the attached tender looks similar to those in previous sets. There is a little more mechanical detail than usual though, such as a circular water hatch towards the back. A ladder and a lantern are also connected to the rear of the tender, while 2x3 rock plates on top denote the coal inside.
Furthermore, a reddish brown door is located on the front of the tender, where the driver can access the coal. The angled tiles on either side look excellent and the sides of the tender are pleasingly smooth, integrating the 4x8 inverted tiles introduced last year, which have not been available in dark blue before.
A hatch on top of the tender opens, revealing the empty interior. There would be enough space for a battery box in here, although this train is not designed to be motorised because its weight exceeds the tolerances of the LEGO Powered Up train motor. I have no doubt fans will be able to add motorisation, but LEGO would have needed to exclude one of the carriages to bring this model down to the required weight, similar to City trains.
The six wheels beneath the coal tender are unexpectedly ingenious, as the central pair slides back and forth to follow curves in the track. These only need to move a short distance and the mechanism is very simple, using 1x2 plates with slide rails, but it works perfectly. Moreover, the tender's exterior is unaffected, so this vehicle looks completely realistic.
In contrast with the tender and locomotive, the carriages are intended to be as authentic as possible and the focus on these is clear. Each carriage measures almost 37cm in length, so they are substantially longer than comparable designs from the likes of 10194 Emerald Night. Also, these carriages are relatively wide, reaching eight studs across in the middle.
Proportionally, the original CIWL carriages are even longer than depicted here. However, these are probably as long as LEGO train carriages can become and still fit on traditional track. Their shape is therefore very impressive and the colour scheme is accurate, featuring a combination of dark blue and pearl gold on either side, with light bluish grey roofs.
The bands of gold incorporate 1x6 plates, appearing in pearl gold for the first time. The 1x3x3 window frames are new in this colour as well and their proportions are appropriate for the train, as each window is slightly wider than it is tall. In addition, the angled doors look nice. These are decorated with stickers, although lack the characteristic oval windows of the original carriages, sadly.
Despite the presence of quite a few stickers, numerous printed pieces are provided, including the Orient Express branding and the destinations displayed above the windows. Unfortunately, there are errors in the names of these cities because 'Munchen' lacks an umlaut and 'Bucaresti' should be spelt Bucuresti. Such basic mistakes are irritating and sadly common in LEGO sets.
No steps are included, so minifigures may struggle to reach the doors. Nevertheless, the doors open, revealing ornate wood panels inside. This peacock-inspired design is found at both ends of the sleeping carriage and looks wonderful. The roofs over the vestibules are not designed to be removed, but they can be for easier access.
The central sections of each roof, by contrast, are intended for easy removal. These panels are only connected with studs in the corners and they fit beautifully against the windows, which are attached sideways. This feature gives a good view of the carriage interior and this is where the Orient Express becomes truly exceptional, in my opinion.
Much like the original train, this model is richly detailed inside. Thankfully, the windows can be removed with ease too, yielding an even better view. These assemblies are surprisingly strong and use a new 2x1 plate with 2x1 bracket between the gold windows, akin to the 1x2 plate with 2x2 bracket developed for the Minecraft theme.
There is not enough room for a corridor alongside the cabins, but the cabins themselves look fantastic, beginning with a twin bunk compartment. The washbasin cabinet in the corner looks lovely and a table occupies the space between this cabinet and the bunks, featuring a lamp and a stickered backgammon board on top.
Minifigures can lie down on each bunk, although only just because the beds are two studs wide. A newspaper tile is placed on the bottom bunk, returning from the Newspaper Kid Collectable Minifigure, but the more important find is underneath, where a sapphire is hidden. It appears intrigue and the Orient Express go hand in hand!
The spacious first-class cabin includes even more detail, between its large bed, settee and a wooden desk. I love the transparent opal gem elements depicting lights beside the bed, while even the dark red bed runner matches the source material. Additionally, I like how the designer has included as much wood panelling as possible, although the dark blue interiors look nice.
My favourite feature of this compartment and perhaps the entire train is the mirror above the bed. Rather than using a typical reflective sticker, the graphic designer has created a convex mirror by distorting the reflection of furnishings in the room! This graphical trick is very effective and demonstrates tremendous attention to detail.
I am also impressed with the desk, which includes a pair of dark orange 1x2 bows for the legs, maintaining the rounded shapes found throughout the cabin. Another lamp, a cup, a typewriter and a decanter are arranged on top, with the latter items preserving the early twentieth century atmosphere captured in this rendition of the Orient Express.
The private bathroom is separated from the living area by wooden panels and beautiful detail continues inside. A toilet and a washbasin are included beside a towel, a pearl gold soap dish and even a toilet roll, represented by a 2x1x1 Technic panel. This part has only appeared once before in white, performing exactly the same role in 71799 NINJAGO City Markets.
Orient Express carriages were connected using flexible bellows. Such a feature would be too complex for a LEGO recreation at this scale, but the gap between the carriages is small. They are joined via ball joints and a 1x2 handle piece is attached underneath, representing the brake hose.
While the doors between the vestibules and the cabins in the sleeping carriage are offset, this entrance is central. The decorative panel is accordingly split in two and presents a lovely floral design. The designs on these panels are clearly inspired by real LEGO elements, including the common 1x1 flower, three-leaf foliage pieces and palm fronds.
Unlike the first carriage, the dining car is not divided by internal walls. This leaves much more space for minifigures and its interior is easily accessible, again by detaching the roof panel, as well as the windows on either side, if need be. The roofs on both carriages are simple, but I am pleased with the texture across the top, even so.
Two more wood panels are attached to the wall, although these stickers cover 2x6 tiles, rather than the 2x4 tiles in the vestibule. I like the subtlety of the colours on the wood panels, which is shared by the dark green seats in the dining car and corresponds with the source material, once again.
Only two dining tables are present, although they are brilliantly detailed. The white tablecloths look perfect and various accessories are supplied, including two more lamps. These are nicely constructed using red cupcake cases, which were created for the Friends range and have been exclusively available in aqua before now, surprisingly.
The bar nestled in the corner looks wonderful as well, thanks in particular to the striking frosted glass design on the wall. This sticker takes direct inspiration from the original train, albeit with a LEGO twist, as these birds are based upon the LEGO piece. Another mirrored sticker is applied behind the row of bottles and decanters and both stickers help to brighten this bar area.
In addition to the bottles and another cocktail glass, a tray is placed on the bar and includes a printed slice of lime. This 1x1 tile has now appeared in four sets, all from different themes! The bar is relatively narrow, hence there is no functioning hatch, although a minifigure can still stand behind the bar while another sits atop the barstool, as displayed in the image below.
A final sticker is applied in the rear vestibule, this time featuring a basket of flowers. This part of the train also differs from the others because the back is enclosed and features a white lantern. Unusually, this rear carriage is the first section of the train to be assembled and the locomotive is the last, which I suspect reflects the focus of the designers on the carriages.
Overall
LEGO fans have been awaiting a true successor to 10194 Emerald Night for over a decade. In many respects, I think 21344 The Orient Express Train finally satisfies this demand, particularly given its extraordinarily detailed carriages. These are more impressive than any previous LEGO train, taking full advantage of their substantial size to maximise the level of detail inside.
The locomotive is attractive as well, although not nearly as appealing as the carriages. After all, similar steam engines have been produced before and the LEGO Ideas submission included a more interesting locomotive, so this one feels underwhelming. In addition, the price of £259.99, $299.99 or €299.99 is more expensive than I expected, presumably because of licencing costs. Despite its flaws, however, I am sure fans of LEGO trains will enjoy this set.
223 likes
82 comments on this article
Like most people, I can't unsee the minion heads
I like this one. I will wait for a good discount before I pick it up though.
You see Dr. Rathbone, I see Albert Einstein
@awesomeness04: Same. Hopefully Bricklink will discount it to a more reasonable $250 instead of $300
A very pretty set! Makes you want to get into trains even more.
It's certainly an interesting set, I can't see any particular flaws with it beyond the ones mentioned. The only 'negative' that stood out to me in the photos was the bar stool - it looks nice but the way the minifigure on it is positioned makes it look half a step from him sitting on the bar itself. I feel another way should have been looked at to build the stool (perhaps a 1x1 round tile with stud between four studs of the floor, the frame of the seat on that then topped off with a 2x2 round tile with studs in green?). It might not look as nice but it'd certainly be more in scale plus the figure would be able to sit on the seat more securely.
Not a set I can justify getting, but certainly one to coo over.
@AverageChimaEnjoyer said:
"You see Dr. Rathbone, I see Albert Einstein
@awesomeness04: Same. Hopefully Bricklink will discount it to a more reasonable $250 instead of $300"
You see Einstein, I see Poirot. (Although the minifigure resembles Einstein more though).
This has warmed up with me since the leaks, I felt disappointed in the engine but since the official photos dropped I noticed more subtle detail that was lacking in the leaks. I will get it, eventually to join the Emerald Night, Maersk Train, Horizon Express and Crocodile in the line-up of trains I guess.
I am still a bit flustered though that LEGO trains tend to end up in European prototypes, since I know that several Big Boy's have been pushed onto Ideas and never made it past the review stage. We've had plenty of late 1800's American trains, small 4-4-0's and 4-6-0's over the years, and quite a few American diesels but there is a noticeable gap in the middle of the evolution there. Big North American steam needs some love, but I wonder if those weight limits mentioned in this review, the sharp curves of LEGO track, and the weird mold choices dating back to Emerald Night that produce train wheels in sets of six are what have prevented any of those big late stage American locomotives from being produced.
Even outside the US market, I am surprised some Asian steam or African steam hasn't made it into LEGO either. I'm picturing what a big beefy African Garratt would look like in LEGO, and it would scratch the same articulated itch I have with the after-mentioned Big Boy but would have all the unique features of those strange designs. If they want to go smaller with a Garratt there's plenty of narrow gauge options available as well with a few operating in Wales LEGO can go visit for research anytime they want.
"The tender includes an unexpected feature."
"Yay, it can be motorized!"
"The middle wheels slide."
"Oh."
@bealegopro said:
" @AverageChimaEnjoyer said:
"You see Dr. Rathbone, I see Albert Einstein
@awesomeness04: Same. Hopefully Bricklink will discount it to a more reasonable $250 instead of $300"
You see Einstein, I see Poirot. (Although the minifigure resembles Einstein more though)."
he's Doctor Who!
The cars are great, and this review shows this even better than previous pictures. One small but very important detail are those slightly angled doors. It's a shame about those misprints though, you'd think these should be simple things to double check before production starts. But other than that, just great, and I can even forgive them the stickers.
But still, the locomotive is where this set falls flat. In itself it is perfectly fine and has some nice details, and this could have been a pretty good set on its own. It just doesn't look right for a luxury pasenger train though, and certainly is no match for the Emerald Night. And that's just baffling for such an expensive, adult oriented licensed set, the kind of set you'd expect at least a certain level of accuracy from.
If someone proves the locomotive/tender can be motorised and work properly then I may buy this set but sell both passenger cars, and build my own in classic British Rail blue and white on the scale of the Emerald Night cars (of which I have already built two myself, pulled by a modified Constitution engine from 79111).
By the way TLG, when is the rechargeable battery box for Powered Up coming?
What identifies the Pippin Reed minifig as Pippin? Is she called that on the box or in the instructions somewhere?
@xboxtravis7992 said:
"This has warmed up with me since the leaks, I felt disappointed in the engine but since the official photos dropped I noticed more subtle detail that was lacking in the leaks. I will get it, eventually to join the Emerald Night, Maersk Train, Horizon Express and Crocodile in the line-up of trains I guess.
I am still a bit flustered though that LEGO trains tend to end up in European prototypes, since I know that several Big Boy's have been pushed onto Ideas and never made it past the review stage. We've had plenty of late 1800's American trains, small 4-4-0's and 4-6-0's over the years, and quite a few American diesels but there is a noticeable gap in the middle of the evolution there. Big North American steam needs some love, but I wonder if those weight limits mentioned in this review, the sharp curves of LEGO track, and the weird mold choices dating back to Emerald Night that produce train wheels in sets of six are what have prevented any of those big late stage American locomotives from being produced.
Even outside the US market, I am surprised some Asian steam or African steam hasn't made it into LEGO either. I'm picturing what a big beefy African Garratt would look like in LEGO, and it would scratch the same articulated itch I have with the after-mentioned Big Boy but would have all the unique features of those strange designs. If they want to go smaller with a Garratt there's plenty of narrow gauge options available as well with a few operating in Wales LEGO can go visit for research anytime they want. "
Huh. I wonder if that's the reason we haven't got a Polar Express set yet. I really hope we do sometime though. Nevertheless I like still kinda like this train design!
Many thanks for another great review of another great set, possibly a candidate for the best Lego train set ever?! So many nice details inside and out!
Some questions:
You didn't mention the tracks, and what's up with them, it looks like just about every track piece is bent upwards by the ends? I guess it's because of the infamous Lego plate bending/warping issue, which may be prevented by using shorter plates iirc, but then the track pieces are of a rather long fixed length of course...
Is there some luggage compartment? Should be some room in the vestibules? Anywhere to put the trunk and box?
@CapnRex101 said:
"This part of the train also differs from the others because the back is enclosed and features a white lantern."
So... how does the other carriage ends look? Can a minifigure walk through?
@CapnRex101 said:
"The six wheels beneath the coal tender are unexpectedly ingenious, as the central pair slides back and forth to follow curves in the track."
I'm sure I've seen this in another set, or was it a moc? Maybe someone can enlighten me.
@CapnRex101 said:
"Minifigures can lie down on each bunk"
If you remove one of their arms then maybe...
@CapnRex101 said:
"the saucer element found in several sets this year, five years after its last appearance"
It also appeared in 71033-9: Waldorf last year (shame the image shows just the figure).
" @AverageChimaEnjoyer said:
Huh. I wonder if that's the reason we haven't got a Polar Express set yet. I really hope we do sometime though. Nevertheless I like still kinda like this train design!"
The Polar Express we saw in the movie was modeled after Pere Marquette 1225 (which is humorously numbered following the American date convention since it can be read as having December 25th, Christmas Day; as its engine number). PM 1225 is a Berkshire, which is a 2-8-4; and with the rumors that the big driver wheels are molded in sets of three pairing up as six wheels, it means to accurately capture the Berkshire you'd need four mold castings to just get the four blind drivers you need to go around LEGO curves, which produces eight flanged drivers, which you'd only need to use four in the set itself and would just get the other four as spares. It's not an impossible thing, but you can already see why LEGO would hesitate to use a mold that required putting four extra wheels into every set.
PM 1225 is also a huge locomotive, and while it's small compared to a heavy articulated engine; it is still much bigger than the European stuff LEGO tends to do. Just look at the scale of the people next to it while they were lifting the frame onto the wheels during its restoration earlier this year, and it gives away how bulky of a machine the real "Polar Express" is. https://www.trains.com/ctr/community/mileposts/a-smooth-ride-for-pere-marquette-1225/
I love LEGO trains, but it's clear that a lot of the system needs to be worked from the ground up. Bigger curves (not just third party track but actual LEGO parts), better motor options, etc. I don't know if the return on investment works for LEGO though so instead we sort of always get these obvious compromises in train sets, while fan MOC's and third party suppliers push ahead with the innovations official LEGO train products lack.
Idea Book 240 has a large blue-era articulated steam locomotive (powered by two blue 4.5v motors). That may be the closest Lego have got to something like a Big Boy.
(I had a go at building one once, but never finished it so I don't know how it would handle curves or points).
I do like the colour of this set, level of detail and nod to original interiors. Price seems reasonable to me compared to the HP model, especially as it seems possible to motorise it.
Looking forward to getting this.
Looks beautiful. The carriages that is.
The locomotive is a real let-down for me. A childish fantasy model the only redeeming feature of which is the nice colour scheme.
Needs a serious discount before it becomes interesting.
I love this set, and although I'll probably have to wait for the price to come down before I make a purchase, it's so good that it's ahead of both the Avengers Tower and the new (museum) modular for me, as must haves (which is high praise, because I'm generally a modular/building type of Lego collector).
But I have one question: can minifigs access the dining room carriage via the bar side of the carriage? There is some space between the bar and the other side of the carriage, to position minifigs, but I'm not sure whether the wall adjacent to the bar is sealed, from these particular pics.
@Brickalili said:
"What identifies the Pippin Reed minifig as Pippin? Is she called that on the box or in the instructions somewhere? "
I was wondering the same thing. Pippin Reed/Gail Storm usually has a green shirt, red legs, a red scarf, a belt, and a hat, but the resemblance here is less clear to me than eg 60267.
On "Pippen", why is hat belt so high? It looks like it is sitting on her liwer rib cage compared to the legs. Not a bad set, on discount, might buy it.
@Brickalili said:
"What identifies the Pippin Reed minifig as Pippin? Is she called that on the box or in the instructions somewhere? "
Yes, Pippin is named in the instruction manual and the designers identified her when presenting the set at Fan Media Days.
@MrClassic said:
"Many thanks for another great review of another great set, possibly a candidate for the best Lego train set ever?! So many nice details inside and out!
Some questions:
You didn't mention the tracks, and what's up with them, it looks like just about every track piece is bent upwards by the ends? I guess it's because of the infamous Lego plate bending/warping issue, which may be prevented by using shorter plates iirc, but then the track pieces are of a rather long fixed length of course...
Is there some luggage compartment? Should be some room in the vestibules? Anywhere to put the trunk and box?
@CapnRex101 said:
"This part of the train also differs from the others because the back is enclosed and features a white lantern."
So... how does the other carriage ends look? Can a minifigure walk through?
@CapnRex101 said:
"The six wheels beneath the coal tender are unexpectedly ingenious, as the central pair slides back and forth to follow curves in the track."
I'm sure I've seen this in another set, or was it a moc? Maybe someone can enlighten me.
@CapnRex101 said:
"Minifigures can lie down on each bunk"
If you remove one of their arms then maybe...
@CapnRex101 said:
"the saucer element found in several sets this year, five years after its last appearance"
It also appeared in 71033-9: Waldorf last year (shame the image shows just the figure)."
The tracks are relatively flimsy, but the apparent warping is exaggerated by the slightly larger cutouts at the end of each length of track, compared with the cutouts for the teeth along their whole length.
There is no dedicated luggage area, but you could indeed keep items in the vestibules, especially because the vestibules in the sleeping carriage are only connected to their respective bedrooms, so obstructing them is not really a concern. Minifigures can theoretically walk between carriages because the ends are open, although it is difficult to pose them as such.
Minifigures can lie down on the beds even with their arms intact, although it is a tight squeeze and they do hang over the side, of course.
Thank you regarding the saucer element; I have updated the review. I had a feeling the saucer had appeared without decoration before, but could not think where.
Very nice - the carriages. See, the corridors have been omitted and people (even AFOLs!) can imagine they are there anyway and doesn't seem to be a problem - no negative comments about that yet. (the bar stool has to be lowered)
The engine is truly a sacrilege though. It's not like they had to figure something out of nothing, the original submission was giving them all they needed - all they had to do is redo it into the Lego standard of stableness (is that a word?) and durability.
A Polar Express would be fantastic because only one carriage would be necessary (they are all the same) and then the 'focus' could be placed on the engine (Lego would have no excuses here and we would potentially get a proper engine). Did you hear that? And, I am not even a train head - not by a long shot. But I'm a stickler for accuracy when possible/necessary.
I will get this eventually. I am also very happy with the new bracket part which will prove to be extremely useful - have to wait for more colours now.
@unclghost said:
" @Brickalili said:
"What identifies the Pippin Reed minifig as Pippin? Is she called that on the box or in the instructions somewhere? "
I was wondering the same thing. Pippin Reed/Gail Storm usually has a green shirt, red legs, a red scarf, a belt, and a hat, but the resemblance here is less clear to me than eg 60267 ."
I think it's really interesting how insistent people seem to be that this doesn't look like Pippin Reed, when her design in the original Adventurers theme (like many recurring minifigure characters at the time) was pretty darn inconsistent. She looked so different between Adventurers and Orient Expedition that, combined with the shift in naming from the localized American Gail Storm to the British Pippin Reed, I didn't initially recognize them as the same character.
I feel like this new version works as a reinterpretation of the character, even if it doesn't share the same outfit as any of her previous incarnations.
@CapnRex101 said:
" @Brickalili said:
"What identifies the Pippin Reed minifig as Pippin? Is she called that on the box or in the instructions somewhere? "
Yes, Pippin is named in the instruction manual and the designers identified her when presenting the set at Fan Media Days."
Ah very nice! Always good to see the nostalgia get a bit of recognition
I’ll be grabbing 2 of these day 1, the second one virtually free by spending all my VIP “cash”.
Such a beautiful set. Yes it has some quirks, but nothing that can’t be fixed, it IS LEGO after all!
Although the cars a very detailed, I plan on widening mine to 10 wide, to make them a bit more realistic (in terms of my city size, and passageways in the cars…)
Too heavy for motorized operation? Aren't all the trains heavy then, using the same motors? Is the problem the motor, the battery box, or something else?
As always i'm impressed at LEGO's ability to push a set through production without doing the most basic of typo checking, on a printed tile nonetheless.
I was interested but having the romanian city mispelled like that is just shoddy, it's something i'd not be surprised to see on a cheaply made tourist trinket, but this is a 300$ toy.
Wow wow wow. This is just amazing. I actually might get this at some point with a discount.
@xboxtravis7992 said:
[[[[ @AverageChimaEnjoyer said:
Huh. I wonder if that's the reason we haven't got a Polar Express set yet. I really hope we do sometime though. Nevertheless I like still kinda like this train design!]]
The Polar Express we saw in the movie was modeled after Pere Marquette 1225 (which is humorously numbered following the American date convention since it can be read as having December 25th, Christmas Day; as its engine number). PM 1225 is a Berkshire, which is a 2-8-4; and with the rumors that the big driver wheels are molded in sets of three pairing up as six wheels, it means to accurately capture the Berkshire you'd need four mold castings to just get the four blind drivers you need to go around LEGO curves, which produces eight flanged drivers, which you'd only need to use four in the set itself and would just get the other four as spares. It's not an impossible thing, but you can already see why LEGO would hesitate to use a mold that required putting four extra wheels into every set.
PM 1225 is also a huge locomotive, and while it's small compared to a heavy articulated engine; it is still much bigger than the European stuff LEGO tends to do. Just look at the scale of the people next to it while they were lifting the frame onto the wheels during its restoration earlier this year, and it gives away how bulky of a machine the real "Polar Express" is. https://www.trains.com/ctr/community/mileposts/a-smooth-ride-for-pere-marquette-1225/
I love LEGO trains, but it's clear that a lot of the system needs to be worked from the ground up. Bigger curves (not just third party track but actual LEGO parts), better motor options, etc. I don't know if the return on investment works for LEGO though so instead we sort of always get these obvious compromises in train sets, while fan MOC's and third party suppliers push ahead with the innovations official LEGO train products lack. ]]
I've built a 2-8-4 Berkshire and apart from the mold concerns which you clearly explain above the wheel arrangement itself is not especially unfriendly to LEGO curves and switches but probably would never meet their internal requirements for performance and such if this train can't be motorized due to weight. That being said, perhaps one option would be to do a 2-6-4 "Adriatic" wheel arrangement instead as it would fit the Polar Express better than the passenger arrangement 4-6-2 that we saw with 10194 but still be compatible with the wheel mold setup. Based on evidence to date, the Emerald Night is probably about as big a steamer as LEGO would be willing to make and an Adriatic would be roughly in line with that. I wonder how many AFOLs would be upset about the wrong wheel arrangement though....
Love all the Adventurers references lately! CMF series, Haunted House, Museum and now Orient Express.
I was thinking it was a bit expensive until I saw it as $100 per locomotive/car, now it sounds super expensive.
@chrisaw said:
"Love all the Adventurers references lately! CMF series, Haunted House, Museum and now Orient Express."
I wonder if they're building up to a revival of Adventurers. If they did that, they would have all my money, plus one of my kidneys, liver, and other, nonvital organs would go up for sale to pay for whatever my meager funds couldn't buy outright. Heck, if they redid Adventurers fully, my immortal soul just might hit the auction block. ;-P
We saw the play of this a week ago at my brother’s college. It’s so cool that they were doing this set, that play, and a video game adaptation of the story at the same time for no apparent reason.
It’s a magic carpet on a wheel
Never takes a rest
Come take a laxative
On the Orient Express!
@AverageChimaEnjoyer said:
"You see Dr. Rathbone, I see Albert Einstein
@awesomeness04 : Same. Hopefully Bricklink will discount it to a more reasonable $250 instead of $300"
Funny you say that, because I was thinking the same thing lol, I showed my partner and she said the same thing, however, the lady looks like Maree Curie
The technique of using the 1x2 plate with slide rails to provide the flexibility to get around the standard Lego track curves was documented (not necessarily the first time, but it's where I learnt it) in Holger Matthes "The Lego Trains Book", published in 2017, page 83.
As Bill and Ted would say, "a most excellent book"........
@CapnRex101
Remember the outcry when they mistakenly put the Imperial logo on the box and instructions of the UCS Republic Gunship? LEGO was forced to change the mess-up because of the negative reviews and Star Wars having a huge vocal fanbase.
I don't see much of that happening here for actual real world city names where people feel national pride for.
Will brickset ask for an official statement from TLG regarding this sloppy mistake? Was anything said on the LAN about this? Or are they trying to ignore it because unlike a sticker sheet it would actually cost them money to scrap and reprint 8 tiles per set?
Also, "too heavy to motorize"?! How dumb does TLG think we are? Ever saw a video of how many wagons the City passenger train can pull with just one weak train motor? Putting even an M-motor in the locomotive will have no issues whatsoever.
@R0Sch said:
" @CapnRex101
Remember the outcry when they mistakenly put the Imperial logo on the box and instructions of the UCS Republic Gunship? LEGO was forced to change the mess-up because of the negative reviews and Star Wars having a huge vocal fanbase.
I don't see much of that happening here for actual real world city names where people feel national pride for.
Will brickset ask for an official statement from TLG regarding this sloppy mistake? Was anything said on the LAN about this? Or are they trying to ignore it because unlike a sticker sheet it would actually cost them money to scrap and reprint 8 tiles per set?"
I think there's a pretty reasonable chance that Lego will reprint these parts in future production runs and offer replacements for them for those who request them, much like the misspelling in the first run of the Ideas Back to the Future set. Realistically, that sort of thing takes time, so there's not much that can be done about it in the immediate future other than making Lego aware of the issue (which, at this point, has probably already been brought to their attention).
As a consumer, your main choice would be whether to buy the set now and stomach the typo until a fix is available, or wait for what will likely be several months before buying a version of the set with the fix. For me personally, I'd like to get the set for my dad for Christmas so I'm probably going to opt for the former.
The cupcake cups were originally produced for the Trolls theme, in a pre-bagged parts pack, and came in medium-azure, yellow, and flat silver. This parts pack was retired, and the cupcake cups came back as a stand-alone mold, with significant enough design changes that Bricklink doesn't recognize them as being the same part.
@AverageChimaEnjoyer:
Einstein wasn't ever photographed with a bushy beard like that, to my knowledge. Certainly the famous photo where he's sticking his tongue out shows him with just a mustache.
@bealegopro:
And Poirot is known for having one of those twirly mustaches.
@xboxtravis7992:
Depending on how you calculate minifig scale, the extra large drivers from the big Hogwarts would work for an Allegheny, which was smaller, but more powerful than the Big Boy. Our annual layout at the Henry Ford Museum sits near a real one.
Regarding the pre-packed wheels, they've used them in sets where the blind drivers weren't even needed (7597, 9467, 10254, and 71044), as well as one instance where a flanged wheel wasn't used (76139). 76405 even comes with nine packs, and only uses the flanged drivers, since they're used as regular train wheels in that set.
Fun fact: For years, our club had Pere Marquette 1225 soot all over a bunch of our track plates, because we did a show where it sat about 50' away from our layout, and they'd just run the engine all day without moving. Somewhere, I've still got a copy of the Last Crusade Venice boats that I need to tear down and scrub clean (assuming none of the parts break).
@pazza_inter:
The War Doctor is the only version with any facial hair, and his hair is more of a military cut.
@MisterBones:
A woman's waist can be several inches higher than her hips. Back in the 1900's, women's fashion tended to cinch their waists, so their pants and skirts would sit at the waist. In more recent times, the belt line has shifted down, often even below the hips, because younger women don't like the look of "mom jeans". So, if that's all you're used to seeing, of course something from as far back as the heyday of the Orient Express would look weird in comparison.
@Ridgeheart:
Mark Twain's mustache may have been bushy, but never so much that it covered his chin. Fine. I'm calling post-retirement Dave Letterman. With his hair all shaggy during the pandemic lockdown.
@Rimefang:
It's the weight of the battery box. You know it's true...
@R0Sch said:
"Also, "too heavy to motorize"?! How dumb does TLG think we are? Ever saw a video of how many wagons the City passenger train can pull with just one weak train motor? Putting even an M-motor in the locomotive will have no issues whatsoever."
I tried putting a 9v motor in the train that came with 910002 and that had a lot of trouble overcoming friction, particularly on the curves. Maybe the same applies here.
It'd be amusing to see how 112-2 coped with hauling this, though.
@R0Sch said:
" @CapnRex101
Remember the outcry when they mistakenly put the Imperial logo on the box and instructions of the UCS Republic Gunship? LEGO was forced to change the mess-up because of the negative reviews and Star Wars having a huge vocal fanbase.
I don't see much of that happening here for actual real world city names where people feel national pride for.
Will brickset ask for an official statement from TLG regarding this sloppy mistake? Was anything said on the LAN about this? Or are they trying to ignore it because unlike a sticker sheet it would actually cost them money to scrap and reprint 8 tiles per set?
Also, "too heavy to motorize"?! How dumb does TLG think we are? Ever saw a video of how many wagons the City passenger train can pull with just one weak train motor? Putting even an M-motor in the locomotive will have no issues whatsoever."
The issue has been brought up on the LAN, but no statement has been provided. Assuming the set remains in production for an extended length of time, I expect @Lyichir is correct and that the city names will be fixed in the future, with replacements available from LEGO customer service on request.
I realise this sounds trite, but whenever I speak to LEGO employees about errors or quality issues and how best to ensure that they are corrected, they recommend people contact customer service because those messages have the greatest effect within the company. Hopefully that will not be necessary in this case, but it is always an option.
With regard to the weight of the train, I have no doubt the full Orient Express can be pulled with a standard LEGO train motor. However, the requirements for official sets are doubtless very stringent to avoid possible issues. I am only speculating here, but I would not be at all surprised if the restriction is as low as perhaps a third of the actual motor strength.
This set will almost certainly end up at home on LEGO and FX tracks, at some point, when the price is right and I've recovered from Black Friday (not the Shop Online this time). I hope that at least a few names on the stickers are spelt correctly. Does anyone know whether Milwauke ever received it's deserved "e" on the Harley?
The carriages are magnificent. I'm sure the train could be powered with Power Up and some gearing down. Doesn't need to go that fast for me. Or double motors and battery packs.
@HOBBES said:
"... redo it into the Lego standard of stableness (is that a word?) ...
"
I'd say stability. To me, stableness brings to mind an entity representing horse shelter ;-)
@PurpleDave
I mean, of all the minifigs here, that one represented Poirot the most. I didn't realize the minifig had no mustache, though. Luckily, someone could fix that if they wanted to...
No one mentioned about " Two jewels and a printed piece of amber are stored inside the trunk, with an envelope labelled 'Top Secret' on top. "
Mosquito in Amber. Trunk should be delivered to Museum modular building.- Dinosaur Exhibition.
I read in another review that the locomotive change was requested by the Orient Express (license holder). It wasn't a Lego or designer decision.
@AverageChimaEnjoyer said: "You see Dr. Rathbone, I see Albert Einstein"
I see Hercule Poirot. But, reading the comments, it seems I'm not the only one.
@SDlgo9 said:
"It'd be amusing to see how 112-2 coped with hauling this, though."
The first Lego train I had! At least it's blue.... will certainly give it a try!
@CapnRex101:
The designers might be restricted to what can be pulled by a single motor on a basic circle loop, since that's all that some sets come with. The longer a train gets, the harder it has to work to go around curves, so when that's all you have...
@bealegopro:
All of the male minifigs have mustaches except the sweaty Conductor. But Poirot is usually depicted with a mustache that's pulled into pointy curls at the tips (except Branagh's version, where the mustache just keeps going until it just about meets itself around the back of his head). The minifig that everyone is talking about is the one with white hair, which has a full beard and bushy, comb-style mustache.
Hercule Poirot, the character, should have entered public domain on January 1st, 2016, so there shouldn't be any issues with depicting the character. However, likenesses taken from film or TV adaptations could be protected under copyright for years, potentially even decades, depending on which specific film it's derived from.
Imho this a fail for Lego.
For a start it doesn't make any effort to even resemble the original Ideas submission. It's clearly a case of Lego liking the brand but not the model. If I was the designer i'd be pretty upset, but I guess they have little, to no, final say. Just take the royalties and keep schtumm.. (haha auto correct thinks this should be "scrotum", but I digress.)
It looks like a model the designers fell between two stools on. They obviously started out with a priority for the OE to be a motorized set. All the interior builds on the Engine, and more noticeably the Coal Tender, scream this to be the case. Then they realized the, tbh, awful Powered Up motor just couldn't handle the weight. Rather than scrap the design and include a better combination, the "meh good enough" approach was employed. ""Let them figure it out" seems to be the over-riding vibe i get from Lego on this. Which is a shame as the model now is not a great static piece (the front end looks toy'ish and out of scale), nor is it a functional train, which would have been a better fit for the "revised" aesthetic. So what we have is a toy train and tender and some beautiful display carriages. This one should have gone back to the drawing board. Oh and the miss spelt Bucuresti tile is a bit of a bad joke and somewhat indicative of the half arsed effort here.
I like the two passenger cars, but the locomotive says "My Own Orient Express" to me.
@Stebai said:
"Imho this a fail for Lego.
For a start it doesn't make any effort to even resemble the original Ideas submission. It's clearly a case of Lego liking the brand but not the model. If I was the designer i'd be pretty upset, but I guess they have little, to no, final say. Just take the royalties and keep schtumm.. (haha auto correct thinks this should be "scrotum", but I digress.)
It looks like a model the designers fell between two stools on. They obviously started out with a priority for the OE to be a motorized set. All the interior builds on the Engine, and more noticeably the Coal Tender, scream this to be the case. Then they realized the, tbh, awful Powered Up motor just couldn't handle the weight. Rather than scrap the design and include a better combination, the "meh good enough" approach was employed. ""Let them figure it out" seems to be the over-riding vibe i get from Lego on this. Which is a shame as the model now is not a great static piece (the front end looks toy'ish and out of scale), nor is it a functional train, which would have been a better fit for the "revised" aesthetic. So what we have is a toy train and tender and some beautiful display carriages. This one should have gone back to the drawing board. Oh and the miss spelt Bucuresti tile is a bit of a bad joke and somewhat indicative of the half arsed effort here.
"
I’m assuming that you haven’t been following the development process on this particular Ideas set too closely…
A nice set. Great to see historic trains again. Can't wait to get this installed within my 910002: Studgate Train Station. It will look fantastic!
Oh, but I can- and will- wait for a discount.
@CapnRex101 Thanks for the clarification. I know the best way to be heard by TLG is through CS and not here in the comments, that's why I did complain to CS as soon as the images were released, stating that I will not buy this set until it's fixed. And I don't just expect them to send me replacement parts, but the mistake to be corrected on box and instructions too. I have time till the set goes EOL after all. I vote with my wallet.
Btw. here you can see one simple 9V train motor under the carriage is strong enough to propel the whole train at a decent speed. https://youtu.be/_U43N4zTQ4I?feature=shared&t=950
And it would run even faster with metal axles due to lower friction. So I don't know what trials LEGO Designers did, but they failed miserably. What's the point to acknowledge L-Gauge compatibility and make it only a static version?
I like trains but I think orient express is an overrated one. However the passengers are awesome, I am going the buy them one day, separately.
I love the look of this set. I'm not that familiar with the source material so maybe that helps. But the atmosphere works for me.
Typical that the updated Dr. Kilroy and Pippin Reed are both in 300 euro sets though. Not that I care about those renditions that much, but it does seem quite extreme. At least JT was a CMF XD
@MrClassic said:
"Many thanks for another great review of another great set, possibly a candidate for the best Lego train set ever?! So many nice details inside and out!
Some questions:
You didn't mention the tracks, and what's up with them, it looks like just about every track piece is bent upwards by the ends? I guess it's because of the infamous Lego plate bending/warping issue, which may be prevented by using shorter plates iirc, but then the track pieces are of a rather long fixed length of course...
Is there some luggage compartment? Should be some room in the vestibules? Anywhere to put the trunk and box?
@CapnRex101 said:
"This part of the train also differs from the others because the back is enclosed and features a white lantern."
So... how does the other carriage ends look? Can a minifigure walk through?
@CapnRex101 said:
"The six wheels beneath the coal tender are unexpectedly ingenious, as the central pair slides back and forth to follow curves in the track."
I'm sure I've seen this in another set, or was it a moc? Maybe someone can enlighten me.
@CapnRex101 said:
"Minifigures can lie down on each bunk"
If you remove one of their arms then maybe...
@CapnRex101 said:
"the saucer element found in several sets this year, five years after its last appearance"
It also appeared in 71033-9: Waldorf last year (shame the image shows just the figure)."
Sliding wheels appeared in 8404: Public Transport Station
@PurpleDave said:
"The cupcake cups were originally produced for the Trolls theme, in a pre-bagged parts pack, and came in medium-azure, yellow, and flat silver. This parts pack was retired, and the cupcake cups came back as a stand-alone mold, with significant enough design changes that Bricklink doesn't recognize them as being the same part.
@AverageChimaEnjoyer:
Einstein wasn't ever photographed with a bushy beard like that, to my knowledge. Certainly the famous photo where he's sticking his tongue out shows him with just a mustache.
@bealegopro:
And Poirot is known for having one of those twirly mustaches.
@xboxtravis7992:
Depending on how you calculate minifig scale, the extra large drivers from the big Hogwarts would work for an Allegheny, which was smaller, but more powerful than the Big Boy. Our annual layout at the Henry Ford Museum sits near a real one.
Regarding the pre-packed wheels, they've used them in sets where the blind drivers weren't even needed (7597, 9467, 10254, and 71044), as well as one instance where a flanged wheel wasn't used (76139). 76405 even comes with nine packs, and only uses the flanged drivers, since they're used as regular train wheels in that set.
Fun fact: For years, our club had Pere Marquette 1225 soot all over a bunch of our track plates, because we did a show where it sat about 50' away from our layout, and they'd just run the engine all day without moving. Somewhere, I've still got a copy of the Last Crusade Venice boats that I need to tear down and scrub clean (assuming none of the parts break).
@pazza_inter:
The War Doctor is the only version with any facial hair, and his hair is more of a military cut.
@MisterBones:
A woman's waist can be several inches higher than her hips. Back in the 1900's, women's fashion tended to cinch their waists, so their pants and skirts would sit at the waist. In more recent times, the belt line has shifted down, often even below the hips, because younger women don't like the look of "mom jeans". So, if that's all you're used to seeing, of course something from as far back as the heyday of the Orient Express would look weird in comparison.
@Ridgeheart:
Mark Twain's mustache may have been bushy, but never so much that it covered his chin. Fine. I'm calling post-retirement Dave Letterman. With his hair all shaggy during the pandemic lockdown.
@Rimefang:
It's the weight of the battery box. You know it's true..."
valid point, I didn't think that through. Thank you.
So many design fails in this set. The Train looks great, but the minifig builds are all over the place with quality.
Studs on beds dont allow minifigs to lie propperly, the bar stools are too high, and it seems figures cant sit on the tables in the dining room(even Lego original box picture is modified to sit figures) and one stud of space in the cabin???????
Why is the point of making something "minifig scaled", if it's not????
@R0Sch:
Someone did a test, and determined that the independent wheels create less friction on the curves, where the metal axles result in wheel slippage that creates friction.
@MisterBones:
I get why someone might want to make female fashion more accurate to real life. On the other hand, it creates a lot of issues where torsos only work with one set of legs. We already get that with legs that only work with one torso due to print being used to extend trench coats and such.
@PurpleDave said:
" @R0Sch:
Someone did a test, and determined that the independent wheels create less friction on the curves, where the metal axles result in wheel slippage that creates friction.
You mean that simple loop test that Lego showed to fool AFOLs that the new plastic wheels just as good? :)) Every video I saw showed the exact opposite:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQNBLsTpQo4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLgDnpTdhyw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dORr5MnoKAM
Also train wheels don't need to be independent because they have conical treads and flanges."
I like this set and look forward to buying it. Thanks for the review!
@Binnekamp said:
"I love the look of this set. I'm not that familiar with the source material so maybe that helps. But the atmosphere works for me.
Typical that the updated Dr. Kilroy and Pippin Reed are both in 300 euro sets though. Not that I care about those renditions that much, but it does seem quite extreme. At least JT was a CMF XD"
You should be able to get Kilroy and Reed from pick a brick online. Of course, that doesn't change their set exclusivity, but it's worth a look if you only want the figures. I'm not a train guy so that's about all that interests me in the set, even if the details are nice.
doubt matters I'd get earlier runs more stickers
@Wrecknbuild said:
"This set will almost certainly end up at home on LEGO and FX tracks, at some point, when the price is right and I've recovered from Black Friday (not the Shop Online this time). I hope that at least a few names on the stickers are spelt correctly. Does anyone know whether Milwauke ever received it's deserved "e" on the Harley?
The carriages are magnificent. I'm sure the train could be powered with Power Up and some gearing down. Doesn't need to go that fast for me. Or double motors and battery packs.
@HOBBES said:
"... redo it into the Lego standard of stableness (is that a word?) ...
"
I'd say stability. To me, stableness brings to mind an entity representing horse shelter ;-)
"
Ah yes, indeed, stability was the word I was looking for. Thanks.
@R0Sch:
Most serious trainheads that I know have incorporated ball bearings, or they lubricate the axles. Newer wheel sets also need to have cuts made because a part change causes massively increased friction. So, I’d need to know how purist those tests were before I’d trust them to be 100% objective. The flip side of that is I know there were mold changes to the wheel sets that impeded their operation, so anyone running older versions will absolutely draw a different conclusion, and rightfully so. But it doesn’t help a young kid who doesn’t have an old collection at hand.
@missedoutagain said:
"LEGO has already caught the error and has already provided the new stickers in future production runs. If you do get the wrong sticker sheet, LEGO suggests contacting Customer Service to get the replacement stickers. Below is the official statement that LEGO has provided about the issue.
We identified a color error in the sticker sheet for LEGO set 21344 and we have already implemented the change for future production runs. In the meantime, the parts warehouse has stock of the correct sticker sheets and we will provide replacement stickers upon request."
The GWPs with these big sets are getting worse and worse. Now, it's just an extra sticker sheet??!! ;)
@AverageChimaEnjoyer said:
"You see Dr. Rathbone, I see Albert Einstein
@awesomeness04: Same. Hopefully Bricklink will discount it to a more reasonable $250 instead of $300"
Can you elaborate? I sincerely do not get it.
In my mind, purchasing from LEGO.com gives you ~5% discount due to VIP points ($25) and free shipping. Plus a potential GWP. How can BrickLink beat that?
@StyleCounselor said:
"A nice set. Great to see historic trains again. Can't wait to get this installed within my 910002: Studgate Train Station. It will look fantastic!
Oh, but I can- and will- wait for a discount."
Will it fit into Studgate. I thought 8-wide would be too much? Even with the fold down platforms that's only to fit the piston rods on the Emerald Night? I have Studgate too, but not built it yet, I would be interested to know.
By the way, the elderly gentleman is Dr Kilroy, he got contacts......and lost his razor
@purpledave....true
All these comments, and I can't find one that's pointed out that the elderly gentleman's torso is not, in fact, new, but rather that of Arthur Weasley from the Ministry of Magic set.
It's hard to keep track of fairly generic suit jacket and tie prints!
@StyleCounselor said:
" @missedoutagain said:
"LEGO has already caught the error and has already provided the new stickers in future production runs. If you do get the wrong sticker sheet, LEGO suggests contacting Customer Service to get the replacement stickers. Below is the official statement that LEGO has provided about the issue.
We identified a color error in the sticker sheet for LEGO set 21344 and we have already implemented the change for future production runs. In the meantime, the parts warehouse has stock of the correct sticker sheets and we will provide replacement stickers upon request."
The GWPs with these big sets are getting worse and worse. Now, it's just an extra sticker sheet??!! ;)"
error is with train set, not GWP.
was from another site news
but there is a sticker issue with the set in case you are building it right after release date. There are two sticker sheets in the set and one of them has incorrect coloring it. As shown below on the left, stickers 9, 10, and 14 are supposed to have a metallic silver finish to them but there will be some sets that have stickers with a flat flame-orange coloring.
This is one of those sets that make me miss the standard Lego faces of old.
@missedoutagain said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
" @missedoutagain said:
"LEGO has already caught the error and has already provided the new stickers in future production runs. If you do get the wrong sticker sheet, LEGO suggests contacting Customer Service to get the replacement stickers. Below is the official statement that LEGO has provided about the issue.
We identified a color error in the sticker sheet for LEGO set 21344 and we have already implemented the change for future production runs. In the meantime, the parts warehouse has stock of the correct sticker sheets and we will provide replacement stickers upon request."
The GWPs with these big sets are getting worse and worse. Now, it's just an extra sticker sheet??!! ;)"
error is with train set, not GWP.
was from another site news
but there is a sticker issue with the set in case you are building it right after release date. There are two sticker sheets in the set and one of them has incorrect coloring it. As shown below on the left, stickers 9, 10, and 14 are supposed to have a metallic silver finish to them but there will be some sets that have stickers with a flat flame-orange coloring."
Cmon! Jokes and jokes and jokes.
oww lol
I wonder if the misspelled city names would have a corrected counterpart available through customer service? I remember the 21103 DeLorean Time Machine having a misspelling on the flux capacitor and Lego issuing a corrected part later. And that was one small piece with tiny text. These city names are big visible prints right on the side of the train
I was able to motorize this set using just the LEGO City hub and standard LEGO Powered UP Train Motor. I do not know if it would pass The LEGO Group's standards of reliability in this configuration, but it definitely works!
Complete instructions to motorize this set at: https://brickarchitect.com/2023/motorizing-21344-lego-ideas-the-orient-express-train/
Happy Building!
—Tom Alphin / brickarchitect.com
@tomalphin said:
"I was able to motorize this set using just the LEGO City hub and standard LEGO Powered UP Train Motor. I do not know if it would pass The LEGO Group's standards of reliability in this configuration, but it definitely works!
Complete instructions to motorize this set at: https://brickarchitect.com/2023/motorizing-21344-lego-ideas-the-orient-express-train/
Happy Building!
—Tom Alphin / brickarchitect.com
"
Your solution is also what I would have tried first, since it is the easiest. It is also what I assume LEGO would have advised, if they thought it to be feasible. I think the original tender with 3 wheels on each side looks better, but this is an ok compromise.
The big question is however, is it able to pull the two wagons in this configuration consistently? Just asking since I only see a picture with one wagon in your article.
All other reviews I've seen mention the issue of the track pieces bendning upwards by their ends, which look really bad, even more so in an expensive display set like this. I suppose it's caused by the build of the tracks, which you really think they should have noticed and fixed as it's so glaringly obvious, or could it have anything to do with the track pieces, which are new in this colour?
@MrClassic said:
"All other reviews I've seen mention the issue of the track pieces bendning upwards by their ends, which look really bad, even more so in an expensive display set like this. I suppose it's caused by the build of the tracks, which you really think they should have noticed and fixed as it's so glaringly obvious, or could it have anything to do with the track pieces, which are new in this colour?"
It's caused by bad quality injection molding and insufficient cooling time before ejecting. The parts are already bent in new condition before placement so it's not caused by part tolerances. Maybe they even changed the ABS mix in this new pearl gray color.
TBH I do not care what is the cause, but this is completely unacceptable in a Lego set like this, hell it is even completely unacceptably in ANY Lego set at all.
Not only those tracks are bent, so are the prints on the boiler. Hadn't noticed it before, but Tiago Catarino clearly showed it in his video, and with a better look it is quite noticeable in the pictures of this review too. And once you've seen it, try to unsee it...
While I can't say it ruins the look of the locomotive (it has other, much bigger issues), it is still baffling that Lego can't get simple stuff like this right. I mean, how hard could it be to print a straight line right down the middle of a piece? And why are their tolerances with prints seemingly so huge? Other companies manage to make prints that match seamlessly, I guess we should be glad that prints at least end up on the correct side of a piece....
@MrBedhead said:
"Your solution is also what I would have tried first, since it is the easiest. ... The big question is however, is it able to pull the two wagons in this configuration consistently? Just asking since I only see a picture with one wagon in your article."
Yes, it is able to pull both of the carriages, but it is pretty slow - especially going around curves. Some of the more involved modifications that hide a larger motor in the engine are probably more effective long-term solutions, but the hack that I suggested is absolutely sufficient to entertain your kids for a few minutes.
---tom