You are an avid LEGO® fan and love to build detailed models? Then you've come to the right place! Here we take an in-depth look at the LEGO Icons Concorde (10318), a set that promises 5-6 hours of building fun with 2083 parts and an MSRP of just under $200.
The LEGO Icons Concorde at a glance
The LEGO® Icons Concorde is no ordinary LEGO creation. This set offers a breathtakingly detailed replica of the legendary supersonic aircraft and makes the hearts of airplane lovers beat faster. Measuring 41 inches in length, this 1:60 scale model is a real beauty. However, it's not just the size that impresses, but also the moving functions, which are powered by Technic components and extend along the entire length of the aircraft.
The history of Concorde
The supersonic passenger aircraft was developed in the 1960s by a collaboration between the British Aircraft Corporation and the French company Aérospatiale. The goal was to create an aircraft that could fly at supersonic speeds and would significantly reduce travel times across the Atlantic.
The Concorde made its first successful test flight on March 2, 1969, and entered service in 1976. With an impressive cruising speed of Mach 2.04 (about 2,180 km/h), Concorde was able to cover the distance between New York and London in only about 3 hours, compared to the usual 7-8 hours for conventional commercial aircraft. This revolutionized the way people traveled internationally.
Concorde became a symbol of luxury and elegance in aviation. On board, passengers enjoyed excellent service, fine cuisine, and breathtaking views from the windows as they broke the sound barrier. Despite its success and technical brilliance, Concorde nevertheless presented an enormous economic challenge, and in 2003 operations were discontinued.
The assembly of LEGO Icons Concorde
A look at the content
Before we dive into the build, let's take a look at the contents of the box. The 2083 parts are divided into 21 bags, with an additional part packed in a paper bag. From the moment you open the box, it's clear that this set is built to the highest quality. A particularly noteworthy component is the high-quality printed windshield. It should also be mentioned that there are no minifigures included in the set.
The construction manual and the first steps
The building instruction of the LEGO® Icons Concorde comes with some interesting information for airplane enthusiasts. Already on the cover you will find an illustration of the plane, which arouses anticipation. In the first few pages of the instructions, you'll learn all about the Concord, including its impressive features, which have been faithfully detailed in this LEGO version. You'll also meet the design team and see realistic images of the model, which is simply huge.
Construction begins: wings and technology
The actual building process begins with small bags, each containing a limited number of parts. This division makes it easier to find the parts and ensures a smooth building process. Even in the first stages of building, you'll discover the sophisticated technology integrated into the Concord. Open a panel to reveal the Technic components, including gears and a Worm Gear, which are responsible for the moving functions.
Assembly challenge
During the building process you will encounter some technical challenges, such as assembling the wings or constructing the nose section. Here, various LEGO building techniques such as SNOT bricks, brackets and many others are used to achieve the characteristic shape of the Concorde. Of particular note is the new 4x4 cockpit element with printed windows used for the top of Concorde. Also noticeable is a new slant stone used in dark blue for the ailerons. These elements add to the precision and realism of the set.
A look inside LEGO Icons Concorde
The passenger cabin
The LEGO® Icons Concorde surprises not only with its exterior elegance, but also with the attention to detail inside. The model features a miniature passenger cabin with three rows of seats and even two bathrooms. This is an impressive extra that underlines the realism of the set.
Fascinating facts
During the building process, you will repeatedly encounter interesting facts about Concorde in the building instructions. For example, you'll learn that the 100 passengers on board Concorde not only enjoyed luxury amenities, but also a breathtaking view from a height of 60,000 feet above the ground.
The stand and the final construction
After you have successfully joined the two halves of the Concorde, it's time for the finishing touches. The set includes a stylish stand that showcases the model in all its glory. The golden lettering and the specially printed tile with the Concord specifications give the stand a classy look. The Concorde can be shown on the stand in flight, during take-off or in the landing phase.
Conclusion: A masterpiece of LEGO building art?
LEGO® Icons Concorde (10318) is undoubtedly well done. The set perfectly captures the elegance and technical sophistication of this legendary aircraft. The attention to detail, the use of high-quality printed elements and the movable functions make this model a must-have for LEGO enthusiasts and airplane lovers alike.
Final thoughts
We hope you enjoyed our in-depth look at the LEGO® Icons Concorde. This set not only offers a relaxing building experience, but also the chance to experience a piece of aviation history in LEGO form. The Concord is an impressive model that certainly deserves a place in your LEGO collection.
