Review: 21356 River Steamboat
Posted by CapnRex101,
Paddle steamers were developed as a workable means of transport towards the end of the 18th century and remain in continued use, mostly for tourism. 21356 River Steamboat fully embraces the vessels' traditional design and undoubtedly looks impressive.
Furthermore, the designer has found space for various functions, including a working rudder and paddle wheel, plus a beautifully furnished interior. However, the lack of minifigures to populate the interior is a little surprising because the steamboat is about minifigure-scale, but I think the reasons become apparent inside.
Summary
21356 River Steamboat, 4,090 pieces.
£289.99 / $329.99 / €329.99 | 7.1p/8.1c/8.1c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
21356 River Steamboat is magnificent, worthy of the mighty Nile and Mississippi
- Unusual subject matter
- Incredibly detailed and realistic throughout
- Outstanding functions
- Very reasonable price
- Not minifigure-compatible without adjustments
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
The Completed Model
Many types of steamboat exist, though the most recognisable are those from the Victorian era, strongly associated with the Mississippi River and renowned for their ornate style. This model certainly captures that aesthetic and includes plenty of detail, while the muted colour scheme seems realistic, if not particularly eye-catching on display.
There has been criticism of the model's proportions, in the belief that it should be longer. I can understand why those comments have been made given the gigantic size of some Mississippi steamboats, although this size is pretty common as well. In addition, a vessel measuring 69cm in length feels relatively manageable for display, compared with the likes of 10294 Titanic.
Speaking of which, the steamboat is presented on a plinth similar to those in 10294 Titanic and 10335 The Endurance. I have no particular objection to this inclusion, but a base was not really needed because the model looks lovely and feels completely stable without it. Even so, I do like the rounded edges and black colour, contrasting with the hull.
River boats were traditionally designed with an open forward deck, providing plenty of room for passengers to board via articulated stages. The shape of the bow therefore looks quite realistic here, while the large jack staff is typical of historic paddle steamers as well. I particularly like the white Technic ball installed on top.
The hull shape and decking could perhaps be smoother at the bow, although the latter issue is hard to avoid because the entire deck is tiled. The curved railing looks splendid though and the anchor looks good, linked to the rotating capstan. The blue Technic pin on top is not ideal, but is only really visible on close examination.
The two boarding stages are linked to cranes and a pulley system, so they can be raised and lowered together using a crank on one of the upper decks. The mechanism works reasonably well and the stages look quite tidy in their stowed position, however you choose to angle them.
Moreover, both stages are mounted on 2x2 turntables, so they can swing out to the sides and reach the bank, no matter how the vessel is docked. I would have liked turntables with greater friction to avoid bumping the stages out of position, although the cranes stabilise them to some degree. Otherwise, there is ample room for minifigures to walk along these platforms and little steps down to the deck.
A larger staircase is placed between the stages, leading up to the main passenger deck. Once again, this is a common feature of real steamboats and an attractive one, covered with reddish brown 1x4 tiles. However, these tiles can make it awkward to pose minifigures, here and across the entire vessel.
The covered walkways along the sides look perfect, with more decorative railings on the main passenger deck and plainer ones underneath. I love how the railings along the boiler deck are constructed, linked between clips and resembling actual metal.
I have already mentioned that no minifigures are included, but I still think it's worth showing how natural they look standing on deck, so I borrowed Pippin Reed from 21344 The Orient Express Train. As you can see, minifigures are just the right size for the outdoor promenades.
The wooden door pictured above leads into the galley, where food is readied for the restaurant upstairs. This is probably the least detailed part of the model, lacking a tiled floor or particularly remarkable kitchen equipment. The cylindrical boiler pipes are notable though, passing through multiple decks.
These actually line up with the boiler itself, which is installed inside the hull and is not designed to be accessed once the bottom deck is completed. While it is a shame the boiler is only visible during construction, I am pleased one is included at all. The yellow Technic axle situated behind the boiler forms part of the rudder mechanism.
Inside the kitchen are a stove, a large sink and a fridge freezer, plus some accessories on the worktops. Kitchens have appeared in many sets and this one is rather bland for an 18+ model, although it does not look bad, by any means. The absence of floor tiles is surprising though, as tiled floors are standard everywhere else.
Similarly, the boiler deck walls are surprisingly plain. The walls on ships are often just painted metal, admittedly, but I think some light fixtures, ventilation or perhaps a couple of signs could have broken up the uniform tan bricks. The windows and trans-clear door both look reasonable though.
The set designer, Marina Stampoli, has stated that the model is based primarily on renovated vessels in use today, instead of remaining wholly faithful to steamboats' Victorian heyday. The once-industrial engine room has therefore been turned into a museum devoted to steam power, which is a clever idea.
To the left of the door we find a model of a Watt steam engine, developed by Scottish inventor James Watt. Pearl gold elements look excellent as polished brass and I like the tan wheel cap representing a flywheel, not to mention the hot dog bun supporting the beam in the middle!
Next we find a recreation of an aeolipile. This device was likely created by Vitruvius or Hero of Alexandria in the 1st century AD and is often considered the first steam engine, forcing hot air through nozzles facing in opposing directions, which causes a pressurised container between them to spin. This model captures the essential features, using ice skates for its nozzles.
A model of a piston is also included and makes ingenious use of a trans-clear piston cylinder piece, so museum visitors would be able to see the mechanism inside. The piston does work, connected to the gear on the front and with a stickered diagram displayed alongside.
Opposite that piston model is the steamboat's actual engine, enclosed with barriers for safety. This is linked via several gears to the paddle wheel at the stern, so the mechanism works and pushes the reciprocating bar up and down. I like the yellow sign cautioning visitors from getting too close.
Another sticker is used for the blueprint on the wall, based on this particular steamboat. I think the illustration looks marvellous, although the enclosed section of the rearmost arch is missing. Eight stickers are applied throughout the vessel, but all are inside.
The 2x6 tiles identifying this steamboat as the Amelia are accordingly printed and it is named after the fan designer's daughter. The wooden boards underneath look fantastic and combine various colours to superb effect. I was concerned the light bluish grey tiles could appear out of place because that colour is concentrated here, but it works for me.
On the other hand, I wish the red connecting rods, known as pitmans on paddle steamers, had been partly enclosed as they were on CTDpower's creation. That would cover the grey patches without tiles on either side and look more realistic too, as the pitmans on actual paddle steamers are often exposed for part of their length, before disappearing inside.
The red colour for the connecting rods is effective though, matching the paddle wheel. This is perhaps my favourite part of the model, as Technic pieces work wonderfully for a steel paddle wheel, with 2x3x1 panels forming the buckets. In addition, there are no unsightly colours to be and the wheel rotates pretty smoothly in its frame.
Apart from turning the paddle wheel manually, it is also linked to a rubber tyre beneath the hull. The paddle wheel therefore turns as you move the steamboat back and forth, which is a clever function and one completely hidden, so it does not affect the model's appearance at all.
The working rudder is also found here, albeit forward of the paddle wheel, rather than astern. Sternwheelers like the Amelia would normally be steered via one or more rudders behind the paddle wheel, although this configuration with a single rudder forward does exist. I imagine its steering would be dreadfully unresponsive, nonetheless.
Moving to the deck above, this area is certainly more ornate. Telescope elements work well as decorative balusters, topped with medium nougat tiles on both upper decks. Furthermore, I am happy with the white leaves and croissants adding some texture, although I wish the removable top deck were more securely fastened down at the front because it tends to bow up slightly.
The main passenger deck contains a restaurant. This whole section is removed to access the kitchen and steam engine museum, but the archways around the external promenade remain, which makes it tricky to reach inside the lower deck. Fortunately, the restaurant is more easily accessible from above.
Minifigures can enter through a side door or another towards the bow, walking between the two boiler pipes. I like how these are disguised behind wooden cabinets, but the gap between them is only two studs wide, which is not ideal for minifigures.
The same can be said for much of the restaurant. While the tables and chairs look impressive, minifigures cannot really interact with them unless adjustments are made. Even so, the use of reddish brown Technic cams for the seat backs is worthy of praise, inspired by Viennese chairs from the 19th century.
Additionally, I love the light fixtures inside, re-using the mace head created for the Dragonborn Paladin Collectable Minifigure. I hope to see the element in a few different colours in the future because it seems very useful as a decorative piece.
A narrow corridor leads to the music room at the stern, passing a couple more stickered tiles along the way. The first is a painting of a scene in the Rocky Mountains, with 21338 A-Frame Cabin stood on the edge of a lake.
On the other side is the restaurant menu and an advertisement for The Breckin Band, named after the fan designer's son. The musicians pictured here are inspired by those in 21344 Jazz Quartet, which is a nice touch, particularly since jazz is commonly associated with steamboats on the Mississippi.
The music room is a little more spacious than the restaurant, including a pair of bar tables and the stage. I like the 2x2 icing elements representing tablecloths and the accessories look good, particularly the brick-built decanter with a trans-orange plate for the liquid inside and a diamond for the stopper.
Again, there is actually no room for minifigures behind their instruments on the stage, which is disappointing. The instruments themselves are excellent though, including a saxophone and a double bass returning from 10312 Jazz Club, flanking a basic drum kit. The bass drum features a Northern Cardinal icon, in tribute to the fan designer's home state of Illinois.
Staircases on either side lead to the next deck and look fantastic. 1x4 rounded plates form the steps and their curved shape is attractive, matching the style of the whole steamboat. There is just enough space for minifigures to stand on the steps, although not on the studs, sadly.
The upper deck is variously known as the hurricane deck or the texas deck on river steamers. The former is simply because it tends to be windy up here, while the latter relates to the texas, which is a structure housing the crew quarters added to steamboats around the time that Texas became a US state.
I am impressed with the rigging on this deck, using one string threaded through multiple loops on the escape pipes and the deck itself. The string is a bit longer than necessary, so some will be left over under the smokestacks, but any excess is easily trimmed. Another flag is displayed on this deck, visually balancing the flag at the bow.
The texas is relatively simple, but typical of Victorian steamboats, given the curved wall at one end and rounded roof. Like those on the decks underneath, the walls are plain and some extra texture would have been brilliant, although these walls are often smooth in reality. The windows, doors and built-in ladders add some detail, at least.
Removing the roof reveals a bedroom and a bathroom inside. Access is again extremely tight, particularly to the bedroom, so it is fortunate the doors and the wall between them are easy to detach as well, although that is not necessarily by design.
This bedroom is tiny, containing two bunk beds and no other furniture. However, the colourfully tiled floor looks lovely and the bunk beds are fairly detailed, with a ladder to reach the top bunk and some nice bedding. The beds are not actually big enough for minifigures to lie down, which is a shame, but not a surprise given the limited space.
By contrast, the bathroom is arguably larger than needed, but I am certainly not complaining. I love the tiled pattern on the floor and all the essential features are present, including a shower with a towel rack, a toilet and a washbasin. A pen forming the basin tap is a great idea and the soap dispenser looks superb, represented by a trans-light blue bulb piece.
The black trim around the wheelhouse deck seems quite dangerous for any minifigures up here, but complements the white band on the deck. The actual wheelhouse is excellent too, featuring decorative tiles and whistles on the roof. Dark blue is an appealing accent colour, as it matches the flags.
The rudder can actually be controlled from the ship's wheel, or using the brown cylinder on the front of the wheelhouse. This is an exceptional function, although it comes at the cost of space inside because the wheel is just inside the door, so you cannot stand a figure in between. I can understand reserving room for the steering mechanism, but I am surprised the wheelhouse was not lengthened.
Like the aforementioned boiler pipes, the rudder mechanism passes through every deck, from the bathroom inside the texas to the museum and into the hull. This could be a problem where removing the decks is concerned, were it not for a new 5M Technic connector. While both ends feature axle holes, one end has lower friction for easy separation, but enough grip to transfer motion.
The windlass controlling the boarding stages, located at the front of the texas deck, is basic by comparison. You can release and retract the stages using the gears on either side and a black 1x1 round plate with bar serves as a stopper to keep them in position.
The smokestacks are another defining feature of Victorian paddle steamers, usually stood in a pair and located forward of the wheelhouse. Admittedly, there should probably be slightly more space between them, but the elaborate crowns look splendid and the pearl gold decoration is a welcome addition, taken from the original Ideas submission, but somewhat scaled down.
Overall
21356 River Steamboat is a delight! The model is stunningly detailed and packed with realistic features, inside and out. The various functions and their integration are particularly remarkable, hardly interfering with the internal design at all. Even purely cosmetic features are integrated as authentically as possible, like the continuous pipes from the boiler to the smokestacks.
Having said that, I do find the lack of minifigures puzzling. The model is obviously not designed with minifigures in mind, which is fine, but it could have been with relatively few changes. There are one or two relatively plain areas, although these are scarce and the occasionally blank walls are arguably realistic.
Also, I am in the rare position to say the price actually feels very reasonable! £289.99, $329.99 or €329.99 represents good value for a model of this size and perhaps that is one advantage of not including minifigures, so all 4090 pieces can be devoted to the steamboat itself.
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55 comments on this article
Why the heck this isn't minifig-scale is beyond me. This could've doubled as a display-piece as well as a playset.
A very cool—albeit somewhat peculiar—release. I almost wish It had been done on a similar scale to The Endurance rather than being almost-minifgure scaled.
This is sufficiently minifig-scale for my purposes. With sets like this one and the modulars, I almost never take them apart to pose figures inside. As long as they look good on display outside of the building/boat, it's good with me.
I don't know why, but the steam museum just screams "I have no idea what to do with this space."
Trust me, as a Minecraft builder, I know that feeling too well.
Kinda (pleasantly!) surprised that those "Amelia"-tiles are printed, as in one of the earlier released pictures it was clearly a sticker. But great! I have no big issue with some stickers for additional detailing on the inside, but essential details like this should alwasy be prints.
As for the proportions, I more have an issue with the width of the thing than the length. It looks like it could capsize any moment. Think mayeb even just 2 extra studs would already have made quite a difference, and would also have created just that bit more interior space.
The lack of minifigs is still weird to me, and I kinda guess the choice to make it a more modern, renovated one is mostly just an excuse to use it with contemporary minifigs out of your ow collection, as period appropriate minifigs would be pretty hard to get.
Other than that, I do still quite like it, though probably won't buy it.
Using pearlescent mace heads as frosted lamp shades was an absolutely genius move.
I still say it needs Boimler and Rutherford minifigs in Mark Twain garb. Maybe now that the Trek license is incoming...
This looks excellent. I would have preferred it to be a touch longer, maybe 1 or 2 extra arches in the the promenade, but that's only to make the dimensions more similar to the 'Southern Comfort' on the Norfolk Broads. Easily expanded!
I'm just waiting for a Fantasmic recreation with the decks covered in Disney minifigs!
Still dull.
Thank you for this review, which shows off this set much better than any prior photos I'd seen. It looks fun to play with and display and I quite enjoy this scale. I don't want it for myself but I can see good appeal for adults who aren't traditional LEGO fans.
@JavaBrix said:
"
Using pearlescent mace heads as frosted lamp shades was an absolutely genius move."
they look really fantastic there.
Such a well designed model. Hats off to the designer.
And why do those smokestacks remind me of the tower of Orthanc from LotR?
Gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. I have nothing else to say.
Left a good job in the city
Workin' for the man every night and day
And I never lost one minute of sleepin'
Worryin' 'bout the way things might have been
Big wheel keep on turnin'
Proud Mary keep on burnin'
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river
Cleaned a lot of plates in Memphis
Pumped a lot of 'tane down in New Orleans
But I never saw the good side of the city
Till I hitched a ride on a river boat queen
Big wheel keep on turnin'
Proud Mary keep on burnin'
Rollin', rollin' (Roll on), rollin' on the river
(This is your obligatory 'Proud Mary' lyric posting)
Much better final model than I had dared to hope! Detailed but not busy. I'd like to add one extra arch to the length and one or two studs to the width, depending on the details of the design, but that's just my inner tweaker demanding to come out and play. I try to collect Lego ships, so this has to be on my short list!
This is absolutely minifig scale, LEGO just made the boat too narrow to save costs. A pretty dumb idea(s) to leave them out, since those are the only reason people buy from LEGO rather than from any other construction toy brand, who make far better display sets with proper prints instead of cheap stickers.
I'm still so mad about this. This could've been a day one buy for me, if it was just a little different. And I don't see the point to buy such an expensive set just to completely modify it. I don't even know if it would be possible to modify it to accomodate minifigures. The interior is too narrow. You would need to add so much to it and make it wider...
Thanks for the extensive review!
This is a beautiful set to look at from the outside, but also the interiors.
Nice to see that there are a lot of Technic functions.
They could have only done the big wheel.
Not strictly a minifig guy, but with all the rising prices, this is the dealbreaker for the set; I desperately wanted some new Western torsos that would also lend themselves to the Bricklinker Designer Program.
If I suddenly found myself rich, 10294, 10335, and this would be some of the first things I bought, now that I could afford a house with space for them.
@Maxbricks14 said:
"And why do those smokestacks remind me of the tower of Orthanc from LotR?"
That's why they're not further apart! "The union of the Two Towers" and all that.
The lack of minifigs is probably what makes it cheaper.
@TheOtherMike said:
"If I suddenly found myself rich, 10294, 10335, and this would be some of the first things I bought, now that I could afford a house with space for them.
"
I'm planning to buy 10335, but i'm also not rich enough to buy the other two.
It is regrettable that minifigures aren't included, but I guess I could use it in December after TNG enterprise is released for the time travel episodes.
@Maxbricks14 said:
"And why do those smokestacks remind me of the tower of Orthanc from LotR?"
Yes, I saw it too!
Nice-looking kit. I like LEGO's historical models. Although it's a bit pricey, at CAD $430, it will go on my maybe someday list.
Great set. Nice review. I will join the chorus that wish the set had figs and compatibility.
Still not sure about Day 1 GWP. Wish it also had figs and compatibility.
@GirlWoman said:
"Why the heck this isn't minifig-scale is beyond me. This could've doubled as a display-piece as well as a playset."
Because (This is a quote from a interview): "ADULT LEGO FANS ARE THINKING MINIFIGS ARE CHILDISH" - Exactly same reason why new Cafe front is "almost" minifig sized.
TLC lost its mind.
I think the little steam museum is my favourite bit. It’s a cute, clever little idea that makes it feel very modern-touristy in the best way.
The basically-minifig-scale thing makes it feel oddly abandoned, though. It almost doubles as a ghost ship! I think if I got it I’d need to populate it lest it feel bereft. I suppose it keeps the price down but it’s a bit of a shame - the staff could’ve been in period costume, and that would’ve been fun.
@Hiratha said:
"I think the little steam museum is my favourite bit. It’s a cute, clever little idea that makes it feel very modern-touristy in the best way.
The basically-minifig-scale thing makes it feel oddly abandoned, though. It almost doubles as a ghost ship! I think if I got it I’d need to populate it lest it feel bereft. I suppose it keeps the price down but it’s a bit of a shame - the staff could’ve been in period costume, and that would’ve been fun."
Anything that gets us minifigs in period attire (from any period) is fine by me.
Personally I'm very glad to not have to waste money on minifigs for any set aimed at adults. I think the most they should have is an optional add-on pack of related minifigs for those who actually want them.
Looks nice enough, but Americana is definitely not something I am going to be spending money on in the foreseeable future!
@kyrodes said:
"The lack of minifigs is probably what makes it cheaper."
You are right, but it is a dangerous path... since minifig is the only IP they have left...
strange they used black pins to connect the red paddles when they are red in most of the sets
What a beautiful model, lovely! And to be honest it feels as much 'minifig scale' as all the vehicles from 80s to 90s town sets. If not better.
Now to start a whole new argument! :)
If minifigures were included with this set, should they be period figures from the era of steamboats, or modern figures since this is a modern updated paddlewheeler (I'm pretty sure period boats didn't have museums in them)
@lordofdragonss said:
" @GirlWoman said:
"Why the heck this isn't minifig-scale is beyond me. This could've doubled as a display-piece as well as a playset."
Because (This is a quote from a interview): "ADULT LEGO FANS ARE THINKING MINIFIGS ARE CHILDISH" - Exactly same reason why new Cafe front is "almost" minifig sized.
TLC lost its mind."
This is so insane
@Blockwork_Orange said:
"Now to start a whole new argument! :)
If minifigures were included with this set, should they be period figures from the era of steamboats, or modern figures since this is a modern updated paddlewheeler (I'm pretty sure period boats didn't have museums in them) "
8803-15.
Excellent review and the photos show off the features that are not so apparent from the box. Great ingenuity and a beautiful example of LEGO creativity and engineering. I think it would be a lot of fun to build this but it doesn't fit my budget nor my house! Thank you for the virtual tour!
@Blockwork_Orange said:
"Now to start a whole new argument! :)
If minifigures were included with this set, should they be period figures from the era of steamboats, or modern figures since this is a modern updated paddlewheeler (I'm pretty sure period boats didn't have museums in them) "
Both! :D Period for the crew, since it’s a fun museum outing, modern for the tourists, because fun museum outing.
@Ridgeheart said:
"If "not-quite Minifig-scale" becomes a new standard, we're going to have to fight."
Misma escala que las nuevas lineas de jardines y restaurantes del Mundo, 'casi minifigs'.
@sjr60 said:
"This looks excellent. I would have preferred it to be a touch longer, maybe 1 or 2 extra arches in the the promenade, but that's only to make the dimensions more similar to the 'Southern Comfort' on the Norfolk Broads. Easily expanded!"
Lo de siempre con lego. Compra dos juegos y...
@Gus_teXeda said:
" @sjr60 said:
"This looks excellent. I would have preferred it to be a touch longer, maybe 1 or 2 extra arches in the the promenade, but that's only to make the dimensions more similar to the 'Southern Comfort' on the Norfolk Broads. Easily expanded!"
Lo de siempre con lego. Compra dos juegos y..."
Thankfully I think it would take a lot less than 2 sets!
Remove the boat hull part and it would make great Aussie Outback Hotel/Pub with a bit of work
@Ridgeheart said:
" @Gus_teXeda said:
" @Ridgeheart said:
"If "not-quite Minifig-scale" becomes a new standard, we're going to have to fight."
Misma escala que las nuevas lineas de jardines y restaurantes del Mundo, 'casi minifigs'."
Ik heb geen flauw idee wat je daar zei, maar ik ga er voor het gemak maar vanuit dat je het roerend met me eens bent."
According to Mozilla Firefox's built-in translator (which is also how I was able to understand you), they said, "Same scale that the new lines of gardens and restaurants in the world, 'almost minifigs'."
I like the set, but not being minifig scale (or at least a little closer) it's a no from me. Obviously saving money for the company and hoping Rebrickable designers adapt it, making more money for TLG when you have to buy more bits! I suppose that makes good business sense!
@AndyPol said:
"I like the set, but not being minifig scale (or at least a little closer) it's a no from me. Obviously saving money for the company and hoping Rebrickable designers adapt it, making more money for TLG when you have to buy more bits! I suppose that makes good business sense!"
So when they make sets larger it’s a dirty underhanded tactic to fleece the customer, and when they make sets smaller it’s a dirty underhanded tactic to fleece the customer?
@PurpleDave said:
" @AndyPol said:
"I like the set, but not being minifig scale (or at least a little closer) it's a no from me. Obviously saving money for the company and hoping Rebrickable designers adapt it, making more money for TLG when you have to buy more bits! I suppose that makes good business sense!"
So when they make sets larger it’s a dirty underhanded tactic to fleece the customer, and when they make sets smaller it’s a dirty underhanded tactic to fleece the customer?"
Yes and no.
Like in this instance I believe they couldve made it minifigure scale without much changes, it certainly doesnt need to be any bigger.
Either way it was a weird decision on their part like I said having a museum yet its not designed to display minifigures exploring said museum or the entertainment area, minifig instruments but it cant fit a band?? Minifig doors, minifig stairs, the bathroom is probably much larger than it needs to be.
If the intention was a display model without people then why not focus more on showcasing the engine working and such?
Model railways, aircraft and boats usually do include people unless it's a 'working' model like steamboats that require less detail to access the real working steam engine.
A lot of fans were hoping for Western themed minifigures so that was a complete let down, but also referring to the point just made they went to the trouble to 'modernise' it with restaurant, entertainment area, museum so why wouldnt you have then modern minfigures to make the scene?
You may or may not be aware Lego's "research" said adults dont like minifigures (eg French cafe) which as Jangbricks has called out is complete and utter nonsense.
@Brickchap:
Point was that it’s usually “er mer gerd, they bloated the set with parts to make a base to fleece the customer”, or “er mer gerd, they used tiny pieces instead of big chunky parts to artificially inflate the piece count and fleece the customer”, or even “er mer gerd, they made it bigger than necessary to inflate the MSRP and fleece the customer”, and now we’ve got a comment saying “er mer gerd, they made the set _smaller_ to force us to buy more parts to make it bigger and fleece the customer”. There’s just no winning this one.
Given how cramped the interior is, I believe it would need to be quite a bit larger to be legitimately sized for minifigs, or it’d end up just being a double-decker, paddle-driven, pontoon boat. Overall doubling the size (_not_ doubling each dimension, which would be 8x the size) would probably be the minimum necessary. I just watched Maverick last night, and that’s riverboat was massive, with the main room big enough to fit a few hundred people. Yes, the restroom is ridiculously large, but shrinking it isn’t enough, by itself, to fix all the other reductions.
I hadn’t heard the minifig thing, but I would guess they’re referring to the sort of casual adult fan they attracted during the 2020 lockdowns, not dedicated AFOLs like you find on Brickset. For those customers, minifigs probably make them think it’s targeted at kids, and there’s even a class of AFOL who will frequently sell off any minifigs that are included, and just keep the model (or buy the model sans minifigs). If it had been built in a scale that would accommodate them, though, I’d agree with @Hiratha that period minifigs for the employees and modern for the tourists would make the most sense. That’s usually how it would work, though there are exceptions. In Henry Ford Museum’s Greenfield Village, they have several styles of Model T, ranging from 2-seater passenger vehicles to delivery trucks, and the production of the vehicle spans quite a long time, so there’s really no period costume that works for all occasions. Instead, the team of drivers all wear one common uniform, regardless of what assignment they have on a given day.
Bit of an Agatha Christie reference using that Orient Express figure here, I see you!
HOW ON EARTH is this reasonable priced???
This set is far too serious for me. If I wanted a display model that looked so adult, I wouldn't be buying plastic children's toys.
@ra226 said:
"I still say it needs Boimler and Rutherford minifigs in Mark Twain garb. Maybe now that the Trek license is incoming..."
OMG, I would LOVE a Lower Decks set!
Without any mini-figs looks a bit soulless, although everything needs to be a bit wider and longer to accommodate especially the jazz room (move the stairs forward). I would rather have had two cabins on the main deck instead of the engine museum and lose the tiny staff quarters.