Review: 41677 Forest Waterfall
Posted by MeganL,
The smallest of the second half Friends sets is 41677 Forest Waterfall. It's also the set that caused the most excitement, especially among non-Friends aficionados, likely because it's a great smaller set that's ideal for the start (or really entire) forest scene. There are some interesting parts included so read on as we check out this rather appealing set.
One surprising thing about this set, especially for a Friends offering - there are no stickers! While that might disappoint some of the target audience, most AFOLs looking for a straightforward scene will be quite pleased.
Minidolls and animals
Another nice surprise is that there are two minidolls in a small set. I've mentioned this before, but this continues the trend of more minidolls (than previously) in sets and I'm quite happy to see this trend. Both minidolls we've seen before, but only a few times previously. Olivia is wearing the same top first seen in 41392 Nature Glamping, and it's paired with a fuchsia miniskirt with blue flip flops. Andrea's top is first seen in 41344 Andrea's Accessory Store but has only been seen once a year since. She has a navy blue skirt paired with teal boots with metallic plates on the front.
Both minidolls have some printing on the back, which is always welcome. Olivia comes with some binoculars (not pictured). The obligatory Friends animal in this set is a squirrel, which has been in several Friends and Disney Princess sets.
The completed model
The Friends are getting around the forest in a scooter. It's here in teal, and it's only the third time it's been included in a set.
The model comes together quickly, and depicts a tranquil forest scene with a small waterfall. I love the transparent pearlescent blue piece for the waterfall - it's terrific that this piece comes in a small set.
There is a log bridge that crosses the stream. On one side of the bridge is a small campfire, complete with two stools, a marshmallow ready for roasting, and a mug.
The other end of bridge includes the squirrel's perch, and two very attractive trees. I really like the technique that's been used for them.
As is not unusual with Friends sets, there's something extra to be found. Looking at the back of the model, there's a jewel hidden behind the waterfall. There's also a little treasure for the squirrel, with an acorn that's been tucked away behind one of the trees.
It's such an idyllic scene, Andrea and Olivia aren't the only ones who want some marshmallows by the campfire.
(Note: sloths are not included in this set.)
Overall thoughts
This is pretty much an ideal small Friends set (93 pieces, $9.99, £8.99, 9.99€). It's perfect for an impulse spend or pocket money purchase. It's a lovely little scene, the parts selection is quite nice, the tree builds are great. Plus it's the first Friends sets in a while that doesn't have stickers!
Thanks to LEGO for providing a copy of this set for review. All opinions expressed are mine.
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27 comments on this article
Glad too see the sloths back in action!
as small Friends sets go, this is actually not half bad. Love the inclusion of the scooter in such a small and inexpensive set and the overall build is charming and easily could fit into a forest, mountain build.
Thanks for the review, think you've made my mind up on this little set, defo gonna get it at some point.
This is a great set for the price although the playability is a bit less than other friends sets at this price point
I question the usefulness of a scooter in a forest, but I guess the friends will have to learn from experience the dangers of small wheels!
And those trees have no business being so cleverly designed. Once again Friends sets a high example for other themes!
Ok set but THOSE TREES!!!
Yeah I dont think the friends made a very smart move buying a tireless scooter. Unless they got flat tires and were to lazy to repair them and decided to take it to a forest anyway which is a bad idea to start with even if your scooter had tires. Thats what dirtbikes are for! Before you know it, one of them is going to have flang off the scooter as a result of its combined tireless wheels and collapsing handlebars. Also, that little kickstand thingy is WAY too low! There is zero ground clearance! Honestly, I dont get the impression that these two friends are pros at all. There should be such a thing as a scooter license, to prevent the inevitable, horrible, scooter accident involving a helpless squirrel. (But the set actually looks alright and the scooter is fine lol)
Those are some funny looking goats.
I quite like the Friends line and think they are better City sets than the City theme. However, this set doesn't have enough to show off what makes Friends better. I do like the simple, clean design and the lack of stickers, though.
Overall grade? Maybe a C+. It doesn't scream "buy me" but there's also nothing clearly wrong or off about Forest Waterfall.
I am really excited for this set as a landscaping set. I can see many uses and many parts that I would be happy to by multiples of.
Man that scene can fit almost anywhere, the Friends line went quickly to something for girls to a broad target range.
The landscape is great and the trees are nicely done. I like that arched waterfall piece. That scooter is nice ... however it is incongruous to the look and setting here.
Cute set. Reminds me of Elves a bit. RIP. Think its the trees.
Normally don't buy Friends sets, but might get this one.
I guess you also call it scooter in English, but since I first saw this set I assumed that vehicle to be what we call "trotinete" in Portuguese. Just google it.
For us, scooter is a Vespa-like motorbike.
Quite nice what you get for the RRP.
Don't know what use a scooter is in the forest, but perhaps forests near Heartlake City are different from the ones I know...
Those trees are fantastic, and for a €10 set this is good value, 2 dolls, some printed pieces and some trees.
As for the bike thing, I see it as a "step" or kick scooter (could be electric, or unmotorized, or manual pedal)
I'm really enjoying the look of the Forest line, and this set is such a great parts pack. Thanks for the review!
@BovineBrick said:
"I question the usefulness of a scooter in a forest, but I guess the friends will have to learn from experience the dangers of small wheels!
And those trees have no business being so cleverly designed. Once again Friends sets a high example for other themes!"
It's an accident waiting to happen. Not even wearing helmets, naive as they are.
It almost looks like a bit of forced perspective, with the waterfalls and trees off in the distance.
I've found the Friends line very hit and miss, the last few years, but I really liked this set. It surprised me how expansive the set is, for being the cheapest and smallest in the line. Like, that's a pretty substantial scene. As much as I like the inclusion of the squirrel, I wish there'd been a bird or two in the tree tops as well.
I question the wisdom of bringing a scooter on a hike through the forest, but that aside, it's a really great set.
I'm not sure I'd get this, not in to Friends, but there's a fair few ideas that might find their way into a BnP order.
Olivia is not dressed very sensible for a walk in the forest. Silly girl.
Yeah, sure, it's a nice set, but it seriously needs sloths. I don't care if they're used to tropical environment!
I 100% thought you were gonna say the hidden feature was a toilet behind the waterfall.
Going to be getting a few for myself and for my youngest son...there are some TERRIFIC pieces here for easy incorporation into other sets/scenes. And it's nice to see two mindolls in a small set.
@jnscoelho said:
"I guess you also call it scooter in English, but since I first saw this set I assumed that vehicle to be what we call "trotinete" in Portuguese. Just google it.
For us, scooter is a Vespa-like motorbike."
That would be a moped.
Scooters are powered by foot and you stand on one leg while riding them.
Mopeds are motor vehicles that you sit on while riding.
Confusingly, there are now motorised scooters powered either by fossil fuel engines or electricity. Some have seats. They are currently illegal in the UK in public places except in a few approved trials; on private land, they are legal.
@bookmum said:
"Olivia is not dressed very sensible for a walk in the forest. Silly girl. "
What do you expect, she's clearly an indoor girl, what with the inventing and all.
Am I the only one who wants to see a Christmas tree with that design, usingaprinted 2x2x2 cone? Maybe in an Advent Calendar?