Box/Instructions

The box is very nice. I actually wish they did more sets like this, I've actually modified Technics models to have this type of "opening" box, to better keep original model pieces all contained. Bought the model at a Lego store and the front and bottom were showing some wear from being on the shelf.

Parts EXCELLENT. Right from the start you are getting 155 light blue translucent 1 x 2's ( 13 1 x 2 tiles) . Additionally, you are going to be receiving "SNOT" building pieces such as 15 "ledge" 1 x 1-1 front knob white bricks. There are 22 dark bluish gray "flush" 1 x 1-1 front knob bricks! There are lots of white tiles with about 14 dark green 1 x 3 and 1 x 4 tiles. 43 tiles alone are white (5 2 x 2, 19 1 x 4, 111x2x8, 6 1 x 8).

Minifigures None included as is the norm for the Architecture series.

Interestingly, the only set with a mini-figure is the "unofficial" Lego House, currently under construction in Billund, Denmark, which is a neat model, however Lego seems to be trying to keep it unlinked "officially" with a strange 4000010 model number designation and I've not had luck finding the usual .pdf instructions online. These were created for the retailers surrounding the construction project to be appeased during construction of the building as a show of goodwill by Lego. There is a good youtube video showing its construction. (Reason I went in to that is because very interestingly, this model number, 4000010 is the ONLY Architectural model which DOES include a mini-figure). If you are a Lego collector/enthusiast and have a good selection of white bricks you can likely construct this model. Now back to the United Nations!

The build

This was really surprising! I immediately was attracted to this model because of all the shiny windows in the sleek looking tower. I was really exited about the tower. Before you get to the tower, which is the last part of the build, you create the base, then begin on the construction of the base buildings. This actually takes a pretty good amount of time, which is rather enjoyable because of the attention to small detail, and how carefully the architectural rendering in tiny Lego scale begin to amaze you. Constructing the U.N. "Hall" on the left is incredibly detailed and brilliant! The ground level supporting buildings/offices/hallways are also really cool, utilizing the "mini" build of Legos.

When the ground area is nearing an end, it was almost kind of sad because constructing it was really fun.

The last part of the build is the tower, which also utilizes a very clever build style. It can get monotonous for sure, but does not take too incredibly long. The final top off to the tower is again, very ingenious and clever.

Beautiful. Very detailed and cool. Getting the flags up in the end and getting them uniform is a bit of a challenge.

The completed model

Gorgeous. Beautiful. Level of detail is incredible.

Great display piece, excellent addition to the Architecture line.

Overall opinion

Really impressed with this model. Will more than likely pick up another one or two to add to my parts inventory and keep as an investment.

Just a last word on some "drawbacks" which can be lived with, but can't hurt to share observance. The front sign on the black tile, saying United Nations Headquarters" are actually two tiles. Unfortunately, the placing of the words on the left tile, at least in this set, sit lower than the "Headquarters" tile on the right which sits higher. The end result is the text line looks sloppy. Really kind of a lazy "mistake", which should not happen.

Other suggestion would just be about the booklet/instructions. It's rather nice and contains much historical discussion, architectural philosophies and history about the creation of this landmark. Using the instructions from the book looked to be a big pain and would show unnecessary wear and tear, for those reasons, try to just use the online Lego .pdf instructions instead!!

Small, but interesting and fun!

Box/Instructions

Elegant, streamlined, easy to follow.

Parts

Lots of white and blue.

The build

Some of the smaller landmark sets is a bit too easy to build. One feels a bit cheated after a few minutes. The UN is small, but interesting and fun to build - and it last longer than you would think, looking at the size of the box and finished building.

The completed model

Such a beautiful and interesting model!

Overall opinion

The UN is one of my favorite sets of the smaller architecture/landmark sets. It is fun and interesting to build, and it looks fantastic. It made me want to visit the building. Such a beautiful and interesting set - and such a beautiful and interesting "real" building.

This architecture-line set has all of the qualities to be considered a great set, it is very realistic, scaled correctly, contains nice small details and spot on colors, all for a nice price

Pros

• Loads of really small nice translucent blue 2x1 pieces
• Looks very nice
• Price is acceptable
• Very detailed
• Fun to build

Cons

• Not much playability

For any architecture building fan, this is honestly a must-have. The parts by themselves are worth the money, and the fact that you can put them together and make this creation is a mere bonus!