The LEGO Creator Expert 10234 Sydney Opera House Set, at the time at least, was one of the most difficult models that LEGO designers had worked on. Their biggest issue was creating the curves on the shells and building them in a way that is realistic and engaging. Not only did they achieve this, they worked on adding realism and detail to other aspects of the build. The stairs at the back are more pronounced, the Waterfront exterior is curved with light fixtures and there are interesting details on the walls.
The most notable thing about this model is that even though it is a reworking of an older model, it provides something completely new.
There are many elements of this set that will appeal to keen LEGO builders and collectors. The shape of the building is an initial selling point, especially when compared to the awkward, blocky shape of the previous option. The other interesting aspect is that this build is made with a series of modular parts. These pieces slot together, with blue bricks on the base plate to hold them down and keep it sturdy. This works on the base and the sails on the top of the opera house. This means that there are five building projects that come together on one piece.
This modular approach means that the build is less intimidating. In fact, some would argue that it makes this model a lot easier than they expected, with some questioning rather if it really is the challenging 16+ LEGO model described. This age range is appropriate because of the number of bricks uses and the complex way that they come together to create such an unusual shape. It is also apt because of the subject matter and purpose of this build.
This LEGO Creator Expert model is a collectors piece that focuses on realism over fun.
This kit was purely designed as a replica of one of Australia’s best known landmarks. The creators made it because of the challenge involved, not to give children something to play with. There are no mini-figures and no interactive elements – unlike some of the other creator sets. This means that it is potentially a little bland for younger builders due to the small amount of colors and the lack of details and printed parts. There are 2989 pieces all together here, with lots of tan bricks in different sizes and base plates. This create a uniform color over the base, but an impressive shape that takes time to perfect.
This realism and impressive shape comes down to that final important element – the scale.
As was mentioned before, this is not the first time that we have seen the Sydney Opera house in LEGO form. However, it is the first time we have seen it on such a scale. The finished build measures over 11″ (28cm) high, 25″ (63cm) wide and 15″ (38cm) deep. There is also a 48×48 blue base plat for the water, which is the first of its kind. This size may seem excessive to some, but it is crucial in ensuring that builders can really get up close to the detailed architecture and impressive curves of this unusual LEGO Sydney Opera House Set.
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