Review: 31117 Space Shuttle Adventure
Posted by Mr_Cross,
“Oh No! Not another LEGO Space Shuttle, what are they playing at?”
“Is this perennial now, does there have to be a new Space Shuttle every year?”
“It seems like they released a Space Shuttle just last month!”
These will probably be the criticisms of this new Creator 3-in-1 version, 31117 Space Shuttle Adventure, so before we go any further let's try to get some facts down on the mission log...
A brief (and deliberately incomplete) history of LEGO Space Shuttles
There have been just 13 previous minifigure piloted Space Shuttles since 1990.
Yes, that’s right, the first minifigure scale Space Shuttle was released in 1990 - 1682 and it was a North American and (I think) Australian exclusive.
The real world equivalent had been officially blasting around in low Earth orbit for most of the previous decade… so I’m actually thinking this set was a little bit late to the launch pad.
There have been a handful of other scale representations. Here is a link to all the sets tagged Space Shuttle in the Brickset database.
I won’t cover all of them, but here is an overview of the sets (perhaps) most relevant to 31117.
31 years - 13 sets, on average that’s one set every twenty eight months.
Following 1682, the first shuttle to be available worldwide was 6346 from 1992. I am of an age to remember the excitement surrounding the first proper Shuttle mission in the spring of 1981, so this LEGO version really did just come either a few years too late for me (or was it six/seven years too early?)
In 1995, I think the sets that probably represent the kind of sets I’d most like to see repeated were released, the classic launch site 6339 and the “piggy-back ride” 6544. I was in my first job after University, I remember seeing these on shelf in TRU, and I regret now, not “justifying” them as necessary purchases!
1996 saw the glorious fibre optics set from Technic. However, it was not until 1999 that the next minifigure scale low earth orbiter, 6456 was released. This was a break from the real world versions, it represented a futuristic vision of the shuttle and was accompanied with light and sound!
7470 launched with support from ‘The Discovery Channel’ branding in 2003 but despite there being an area to accommodate an astronaut, there wasn’t one provided. Nor was there an astronaut with 7468 which was also part of the Discovery Channel sets from 2003. I feel the latter set bears mentioning in relation to 31117 owing to the range of depicted space craft in it.
Seven years passed before 10213 found its place on shelves (and it was re-released a year later in 2011 as 10231 with a whole host of “fixes” or, more accurately, improvements). The same year also gave us 3367, the first shuttle to feature a prefabricated cockpit/nose.
2015, saw the weirdly stubby looking 60078 Utility Shuttle, and its much better looking larger brother was available in the 60080 Spaceport (another set I regret not justifying).
2017 was the last time we saw a 3in1 CREATOR set celebrating the space shuttle, 31066 and you can read CaptRex101’s full, in depth review here.
Batman had a neat looking stealthy black shuttle in 2018, 70923 was released as part of the third and final wave of TLBM sets.
There was a system (minifigure) scale shuttle released in 2019, 60226 and as part of the CITY Space subtheme, it was again, a modified re-imagining, an updated evolution or futuristic version.
There has indeed been a Space Shuttle released just over a month ago (at time of writing), but I think that particular set is truly a thing of beauty and deserves its place in the current product range (it definitely should be considered an exception). I furthermore hope it enjoys a long period of service before it is decommissioned! If you’re undecided on that particular set, please have a read of CaptRex101’s thoroughly excellent review.
It does feel like there is always a Space Shuttle (or a Helicopter, lighthouse or X-wing/Landspeeder) in the range, or if not, yet another one is being released.
Having looked into exactly how many Shuttles we have previously seen and the various shapes and sizes those have taken, I think there might just be room for one more. Let’s take this new one for a few exploratory orbits and see what we can discover.
Instructions
The instructions are provided as three separate books. I have to say I really would welcome a much more standardised format for all instructions. Perhaps limit it to two formats, preferably A5 and A4. Failing that, I’d just like all the instructions supplied with a set to share the same dimensions.
I like physical printed copies, and I’m not all that enthusiastic about digital instructions, despite knowing that many people actually prefer them. I need and want to reduce my screen time and honestly would much prefer instructions to always remain printed. I don’t keep my sets together, so storage of instructions is a pain - arrange by number (the best way) and they are not neat or economical with space, arrange by size (the tidiest) and it’s harder to find them. I have digressed.
Bags
There are three bags and these are once again numbered - this is definitely becoming a “thing” with some Creator sets, but not all. I haven’t yet worked out the formula for why or why not, perhaps there isn’t one and it’s decided on a set by set basis.
Minifigure
Just one figure is included in the set and there is nothing new here. Our astronaut is a slight variation with white legs instead of the flat silver previously provided with this torso.
I really like her but would have been happier to see a dual expression, perhaps this and a ‘G force’ grimace or a ‘concentration’ face?
She also comes with a standard issue helmet with integrated breathing apparatus and gold visor.
Mission One
The main model is the Space Shuttle. I think it’s a pretty good representation of it too.
Bag 1 contains the parts for the minifigure, base of the fuselage, wings and the landing gear construction. So far, all pretty straight forward.
Bag 2 contains the nose cone, bay doors & midsection of the fuselage and the tiling for the wings. I really, really like this approach to representing the smooth delta wings. It gives a very authentic feel to replicate the tiled surface of the real space crafts. Construction of the bay doors is a sub assembly that needs to be held carefully, it is a little delicate until ready to attach.
Bag 3 contains the windscreen, flight deck roof and the remaining portions of the fuselage, elevons, orbital manoeuvring pods (rear small engine housings), the engine cones and the satellite.
It very effectively represents the shapes of the Space Shuttles. All the defining characteristics are here, Delta wings, elevons, payload doors (which open and close very neatly) and a trio of main propulsion engines.
The cargo bay contains a cute little satellite to be deployed too. I especially like the pearlescent tiles provided for solar panels… they’re a nice change and I’m becoming a fan of the pearlescent finish.
The landing gear can be retracted. I like this feature, but have to say my inner nerd wants the second wheel on each strut. I can live with it though.
My unrealistic desires here are for a simple print on the nose cone… simply to better reflect the forward thrusters. Furthermore, I’d also very much welcome a print (or even, shock, horror, a sticker) on the windscreen to really add that idiosyncratic personality, the windscreen isn’t used again in the set so wouldn’t really limit the usage too much. It’s a fairly common piece too.
Mission Two
This is clearly the LEM or Lunar Lander. If you want to build this model first, it’s a case of opening all the bags at once.
There is some fairly complicated construction here to produce both the lander and module sections. It is impressive that the designers have managed to do this and make the two sections independent.
I’m furthermore pretty impressed that the majority of these parts (are not white and) were hidden away in the shuttle build.
The module has space inside for our astronaut.
Access is via the top by removing a top panel, even though there is a flip down front access hatch.
Mission Three
The last build of the three, is a rocket, not quite a Saturn V, but as it has been built from parts that have been almost entirely repurposed - I’m pretty impressed with it.
I would outline to you however, that this model has a flat back, and is unsurprisingly devoid of much detail on the rear side.
Lifting off a section of the panelling reveals a cockpit area piloted by our astronaut. It plays fast and loose with the actual inner structure of these kinds of rocket, but that is okay for me as a third build. I like that this makes it more of a play set too.
I find it all the more acceptable as the other two models really are so, so good.
I found that there were a lot of pieces left over and classic space fan that I am, it seemed to me that a hybrid looking thing might be possible, an unholy mix of a space shuttle and 885 or 6803 in a black & white colour scheme was born. It doesn’t borrow any parts from the official build either.
Something Extra?
When reviewing CREATOR sets in the past, I have tried to create something extra and in-keeping with the theme of the set. I think it’s a good test drive for a CREATOR set, it’s very much the appeal of 3in1 sets for my son who loves testing the versatility of them and can produce some pretty cool things, particularly with the wildlife/sea creature/dinosaur sets that LEGO have been treating us to in the last few years.
Both of us had a go at this, we managed a micro version of the shuttle, based mostly on my sketch model from the Mission Three build.
We also built another style of shuttle altogether, this microscale shuttle owes much to the newish brackets and angled slopes available in the set.
Finally, we managed to build an astromech droid. Perhaps we’ll call it STS-101.
Other thoughts
I was going to bang on about the continuation of the new “Classic Space” theme through the character and livery. However, I’m not wholly sure this set feels fully like a continuation of that unofficial sub-theme I have championed in previous reviews...
It’s become quite a collection now too, 31107 Rover, 31111 Cyber Drone and 31115 Mining mech, and whilst our astronaut is wearing the badge, I feel that the models in 31117 are depicting real things in/from our own world whilst the other sets are depicting mostly fictional things.
This isn’t a bad thing, actually that’s where I think the strength of this set is. We have cut down interpretations of the subject matter for three highly regarded sets.
- 10283: NASA Space Shuttle Discovery £169.99
- 10266: NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander £84.99
- 92176: NASA Apollo Saturn V the re-release of the exceptional 21309 £109.99
I’m not suggesting that this is a substitute for those much grander sets in any way. Just that perhaps it’s a more affordable way to scratch that particular spacesuit itch.
Conclusion
I have to say I think this is a brilliant set. I was intrigued by the pre-release images and I liked that the mix of models in the 3in1 were so very closely linked.
There is one downside however, and that’s the price. It is a lot more expensive than previous shuttles.
If we compare prices with the most recent predecessors it becomes clear that a piece count is probably responsible for this apparent hike in price.
- 2017, 31066 285 pieces, RRP £24.99 / $29.99 / 29.99€
- 2019, 60226 273 pieces, RRP £24.99 / $39.99 / 29.99€
- 2021, 31117 486 pieces, RRP £44.99 / $39.99 / 49.99€
In looks and quality of the other builds I think it is a significant improvement over 31066, however.
The shuttle is terrific, and the alternates are arguably quite incredible offerings, but I’m not sure if that’s enough to wholly justify the price if you’re just building the shuttle. We enjoyed building all the models, we had fun exploring the possibilities provided for building, and it was some great LEGO time spent with my son.
We swooshed the shuttle around, as is our penchant for these things. There was a moon mission with the lander, but sadly, although the play value is obvious, we weren’t inspired to launch our rocket!
For reasons I am struggling to explain, I don’t feel like I can recommend the set to you. If there had been a moon buggy in here too, perhaps built at the same time as the LEM?
(wheels are not included in 31117)
Just adding four wheels makes this rover possible, perhaps it is not the most accurate moonbuggy, but this is illustrative of the possibilities I think.
Would an additional set of wheels really have inflated the cost of the set? (I’d question that when there is such a disparity with worldwide prices).
Alternatively, if there was a unique canopy/windscreen option or something else that isn’t available in other sets, I might feel like this was something truly special… one small step for a Creator set, one giant leap for LEGO kind?
31117 is so close to being another exceptional CREATOR set, perhaps you can look past the small things that have bothered me. Mostly the price, it has to be said.
The US price of $40 seems reasonable but on this side of the pond I feel it's over-priced. If it were £10 / 12€ cheaper I would have no hesitation in buying it, or in recommending it, but as it is, I'd hold onto your money, because it will inevitably be discounted to something more palatable soon enough.
It was released on June 1st in UK, Europe and everywhere other than North America, where it'll be available on August 1st.
Thanks to LEGO for providing this set for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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45 comments on this article
Creator 3-in-1 is my favorite theme, and this Review is beyond expectations of the set.
I didn't even know the shuttle had landing gear, or the rocket had interior.
Great alternate/leftover MOCs as well.
I loved the 2017 3-in-1 shuttle but the alternate builds were weak imo, this, however is very strong (yes it's more expensive too but the overall parts look great).
I also like that this doesn't use very specialized cockpit pieces like City tends to do.
I agree the details come at a price, but luckily 3-in-1 tends to be widely sold here and will end up on discount at some point,
For me personally the 31120: Medieval Castle is still my favorite this year, but this one is definately in the top 3 , with the 31118: Surfer Beach House as well.
The shuttle is quite nice for the scale. The alternate builds are very good and good. But it was STS-101 that really wowed me as a delightful surprise. Thanks for the great review and for the cleverly charming alternate-alternate builds!
Excellent review! As an owner of 31066 and classic space fan, this looks like a "must buy". Your alternate builds are fantastic. I would love to see instructions for those, especially the micro shuttle.
Another top notch review. Temptation level is rising.
Great review and overview of previous Lego Space Shuttles. And those are indeed some very nice MOCs.
I see your point how this set is different from the other 3-1 Space sets that you listed. Nonetheless I really like all three builds. I remember playing with 6881 and wishing the rocket was actually big enough for minifigs, so Mission 3 is very appealing to me. I didn't expect that there would be room for a pilot.
I enjoyed your reviews of 31107 and 31115 very much and I love the term 'Nova Space'!
In fact that made me buy these sets and 31111 not too long ago (along with the Space coin).
I think this set also deserves the term 'Nova Space'.
Let's make this the origin set.
The three missions that got the 'Nova Space' team in unknown territories which led to alien encounters and the need for the more fantasy based sets.
Yes, I'll buy this one too, just not right away. ;-)
I'm liking the new printed tiles they're phasing in; my copy of the Corner Garage came with updated pieces for the clock and envelope. That said, I wonder what they'll do for steam train controls now; this new 1x4 piece seems a bit modern for that purpose.
This review actually persuaded me to put this set on the “buy when discounted” list. Didn’t plan to buy it before.
There cannot be too many LEGO Space Shuttles.
(Great review!)
Thanks for a really great review!
Rocket, moon lander, space shuttle! I'm really impressed by how many new build ideas and features the designers brought to this set that make it different from every other previous Lego space shuttle. The A, B, and C models are all great, and the US price is quite reasonable. This'll be a day one buy for me ... in two months' time, since I'm west of the Atlantic.
Great review! It's a set I would very much like but as you say at the end, the price is a bit much in GBP. If it was £35 I'd be much more likely to buy it, but at £45 it's far too small and simple a product.
These 2021 prices in the UK are rather bizarre, in my opinion.
For the numbered bags, it's also present in the $20 transporter set as well, so likely if the set is over 300 pieces, it will be done. The Rocket Truck, with just under 200 pieces, didn't have it.
Don't forget Duplo! 10944 released last month! Buy it along with 31117 and 10283 and you've got a lifetime of space shuttles from 2021 alone. It's a great year!
You forgot the Duplo 10944 Shuttle, with its obvious alien imposter crew member going outside without a helmet on!
(Now, what was the Sci-Fi short story where the crewman discovered his partner wasn't real when she had to fix something outside the ship, only to later discover that the whole act was staged by the ship's computer so he would find out he was alone on the mission?)
Thank you for a great review!
I like all those space sets in CREATOR 3in1 theme, but after having shuttle and rover from 2019 City Space theme i allow myself to have only the Cyber Drone :)
Thank you for another thorough review. I really enjoy reading reviews with the pictures you provide, even on sets I am not interested in buying. I like this set a lot but it's not likely that I'll get it due to prioritizing getting other sets with my allotted money. I had the 2003 set 7470 when it came out but ended up selling it because it wasn't sturdy enough for my boys to swoosh. (It looked good but that was a very boring build.) I can see this as more kid-friendly and accessible.
Great review--I'll be picking it up!
But I think you forgot another Shuttle released this year . . . 10944 . . . although not quite minifig scale! ;)
Oh No! Not another LEGO Space Shuttle, what are they playing at?
Thanks for a great review. I must admit I find the 2 official extra builds extremely ugly.
3-in-1 is the best Lego theme. It's very "bricky" and brick-focused, what with the low minifigure count. Because the sets must build multiple models the pieces are more generic and the sets have a very organic brick feel to them.
I appreciate building multiple additional sets and seeing just how much you can get out of a particular Creator set.
It's a good value at $40. I give the set an 'A'
Not wishing to buy it, but DANG what a great and thorough review! Well done Mr_Cross, it was a joy to read.
As a space buff, this was already on my wanted list and the review just confirms it.
What a great review! A perfect example how reviews should be made. A lot of pictures, models that goes beyond the scope of the set. What i appreciate the most is the comparison with previous sets. Love it! Keep up the good work.
Just recently, I was looking at the sets in my collection. Of all the sets I have listed on Brickset, there is only one set where the number of people "wanting it" is higher than the number of people already "owning it" and this set is a Space Shuttle, namely 10231. That must tell something about the 'need' for space!
Great review by the way. Always love the moc models you provide with your reviews. To me 1682 is extremely hard to beat - and it has (now discontinued) 2x2x5 lattice that I miss very much. In the last few years Lego has removed a lot of useful parts that were good for neat (non-bulky) design or for snot techniques - it's a shame. I guess now everything has moved to the 'bar' system but this creates unsightly holes in models.
Thank you for the photo with 31066, just wondering where all those extra 200 pieces went as about the same size. Seems that the payload doors are really over-engineered compared to previous versions. As you mentioned the pricing of $40 in the US compared to £44 in the UK and 50 Euros in Europe makes no sense.
The alternate builds are very, very good - might be the best I’ve seen in a 3-in-1 set.
Am I the only one who views the American flags here as wholly unnecessary and deeply nationalistic. Yes, it’s LEGO - they can be easily removed, but why are there US flags on a non-branded spacecraft in the first place?
@TheRightP_art said:
"Am I the only one who views the American flags here as wholly unnecessary and deeply nationalistic. Yes, it’s LEGO - they can be easily removed, but why are there US flags on a non-branded spacecraft in the first place?"
There are no flags on this: Creator 3-in-1 don't have stickers or specialist prints.
Good review, nice set. On my list to buy. Will you put your build instructions for your buggy up on a MOC site? I might just buy 2 of these, so I can have both the shuttle and lander. Not too jazzed about the rocket, though.
Unpopular opinion: There is too many shuttles and they are all the same. PS: I wish LEGO made as many proper castles as space sets.
@TheRightP_art said:
"Am I the only one who views the American flags here as wholly unnecessary and deeply nationalistic. Yes, it’s LEGO - they can be easily removed, but why are there US flags on a non-branded spacecraft in the first place?"
Twenty-nine countries have red, white, and blue flags. Yon generic Lego space shuttle could come from any of them. Maybe it's American. Maybe it's Russian. Maybe British, or French. Heck, maybe this space shuttle was launched from North Korea or Nepal! About the only place it can't launch from is the Drax Industries facility in California: the Moonraker shuttles have yellow trim.
@iwybs said:
" @TheRightP_art said:
"Am I the only one who views the American flags here as wholly unnecessary and deeply nationalistic. Yes, it’s LEGO - they can be easily removed, but why are there US flags on a non-branded spacecraft in the first place?"
Twenty-nine countries have red, white, and blue flags. Yon generic Lego space shuttle could come from any of them. Maybe it's American. Maybe it's Russian. Maybe British, or French. Heck, maybe this space shuttle was launched from North Korea, Fiji, or Nepal! About the only place it can't launch from is the Drax Industries facility in California: the Moonraker shuttles have yellow trim."
This right here is a great response. I don't know if the Netherlands has a space program but this could be from there as well.
I think the build is really interesting, it reminds me of 3367, the LEGO City Space theme, in general, got me interested in space and I kind of wanted to be an astronaut when I grew up when I first got that set. Even with my personal connection to LEGO and space, I probably won't buy this, but some might find it interesting, especially if you don't have a LEGO spaceship or at least one that looks like this.
@HOBBES Interesting to hear, the only set I own that I remember having more "wants" than "owns" is the Temple of Doom mine cart one (sorry, too lazy to look up the actual name or number). On that note, I still gotta rebuild it, I'm closer to finished than with most of my 2009-era sets, though.
@75975 Watchpoint Gibraltar counts as a shuttle right? it even has a launch pad
I love the unofficial moon buggy! I'm gonna have to try my hand at one of those too.
That was an enjoyable walk down memory lane. I have 1682 and had so much fun with that set. Am I the only one who finds 6346 amusing? Imagine trying to pull the real space shuttle with a tractor-trailer. Even as a kid, I was thinking, "Yeah, that's not gonna happen."
I didn't know I wanted a minifigure with a "G-force" face before, but now I want one so bad.
You mentioned 60078 and even 70923 in your shuttle history, but not 8480? Seriously?
@biffuz said:
"You mentioned 60078 and even 70923 in your shuttle history, but not 8480? Seriously?"
It's there... "glorious fibre optics".
@iwybs said:
" @TheRightP_art said:
"Am I the only one who views the American flags here as wholly unnecessary and deeply nationalistic. Yes, it’s LEGO - they can be easily removed, but why are there US flags on a non-branded spacecraft in the first place?"
Twenty-nine countries have red, white, and blue flags. Yon generic Lego space shuttle could come from any of them. Maybe it's American. Maybe it's Russian. Maybe British, or French. Heck, maybe this space shuttle was launched from North Korea or Nepal! About the only place it can't launch from is the Drax Industries facility in California: the Moonraker shuttles have yellow trim."
Oh come on! White plate, blue plate and the red one... surely i know the flag! <:)
And i think that Lego could use some other combination of colors...
As a possessor of the 31066 , at first I was not interested in this set. Good model (to say the truth at a first glance I have preferred the 31066), but nothing really new.
Then I saw ths review and a realized it was a very interesting model instead: great alternate models, very interesting details and interiors... I was thinking I could gen one, after all. Thirty euro could be well-spent for such a set, maybe with a little discount.
But... ouch! The price is raised to fifty euro! 66% more than its predecessor. Ok, it has more parts (even if the set is similar in size) I was not aware at firts, but this makes the set much less interesting. I agree with the reviewer, forty euro, considering the part's count could be acceptable, but for fifty euro or little more there many other more interesting choices.
I think I'll back to my first opinion, maybe I'll purchase this set only if I'll find it with a huge discount.
Now that is a wonderful review of a Creator 3-in-1 set!
Personally I think that the Saturn V looks more like the Saturn lB( used to test the Apollo spacecraft and to launch the Skylab and Apollo-Soyuz missions, for those who are interested)
‘There is some fairly complicated construction here to produce both the lander and module sections.‘
A minor nit: The whole thing is the lunar lander (or LEM— Lunar Excursion Module). The bottom half is the “descent stage” and the upper half is the “ascent stage”.
@iwybs said:
"About the only place it can't launch from is the Drax Industries facility in California: the Moonraker shuttles have yellow trim."
I thought that was bright light orange ;-)
Contrary to many people's tastes, Moonraker is actually one of my favorite James Bond movies, right behind The spy who loved me, Goldfinger and You only live twice.
As for the Shuttle, it looks like a nice set, but needs a hefty discount as that Euro RRP is just ridiculous, especially when compared to the US Dollar price.
Creator 3in1 sets usually have a PPP ratio of far below 10 cents, which normally makes them very good value for money. This one is almost twice that ratio, making for one of the worst value for money propositions of Creator 3in1 sets in years.
One of the best, most in-depth and detailed reviews I've read in quite some time. With added comparisons to previous sets and creative builds to boot. So, thank you so much for making me add this set, which wasn't even on my radar, onto my already much too long Wanted List (still looking for my heavy snark font ; )
I will be waiting for a sale, although the US price is fair. Prices for you all over the pond are bonkers (SNAFU).
Was not really interested in this set but after your review... I think I will bite. :]