21003 Seattle Space Needle -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Set Details:
(Architecture) Released 2009
57 Pieces with 0 Minifigs
Retail Price: $19.99 USD
Price Per Piece: $0.35 :o
Brickset Description: The Seattle Space Needle can be yours!
Build Seattle, Washington's famous Space Needle! Created for the 1962 World's Fair, this sweeping futuristic tower is the fourth in the LEGO Architecture Landmark series of real-world construction models. Built out of gray bricks, the assembled Space Needle stands 8.7" (222 mm) tall on a 3.1-inch (80 mm) base with a printed label and includes a booklet with facts about the building, its construction and its history. A striking and imaginative display for your desk, bookshelf or mantelpiece! Replica of real-world architectural landmark Seattle Space Needle! Booklet included with details on design and history! (English language only) Measures 8.7" (222 mm) tall and 3.1" (80 mm) wide
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Background
So after building The White House and a few other Architecture sets, I had been excited to finish off the set because it's not very large, and are great display models. Thanks once again to this wonderful website's forums, I went and got this set for 30% off, so to me it justified making the purchase. After going up to the store and realizing there were so few pieces in this set, i was appalled
$20 for 57 pieces? Really? Shouldn't this be like $6? I decided since it was one of two left (the other having a beat up box), and how this theme never goes on sale, i decided to bite my tongue and buy it anyway.The box is very neat looking. Sharp and crisp, no alternate builds, only alternate views of the model.
On every box it has this after opening the front facing panel... I love it =)
Minifigs
None. This is a mini version of a real life building, so it is not really meant for minis.
Instruction Nice light binding, some information about the building and facts. At the back is a nice part list, very short.
Shots of what the instructions look like. First time I've needed to cut a piece from a new set...
Parts/Stickers
There are very few pieces in this set, but the 3 tubes, and a cog at the top are somewhat special. There is a nice pre-printed flat glossy plate that forms a nice border at the base. No stickers! Yay!
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Construction The base is small, but very nice. I love the way this theme creates a border and nameplate at the bottom. The base is now complete. It almost looks like a technic set at this point. You have to be somewhat careful putting this part together as the stalk is very flexible still.
Craziness... I didn't feel right taking scissors/shears to my new box of Legos. The instructions told me to, I swear! Surprisingly, these help give the main structure stability.There is the top of the needle where it has the observation tower.
And we have the finished product. Very good and similar to the real-deal (I think). Here are some closeups. I decided I'd give anyone an opportunity to check it out vs the real thing if they've ever looked up at it =)
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Summary
Building: 4/ 5
Appearance: 5 / 5
Pieces: 4 / 5
Value: 1 / 5
Playability: 1 / 5
Overall: 3 / 5
Building:
The building of this is pretty interestingly done. The tricks they use are nice, and kept me entertained well.
Appearance:
I think the set is great to look at. I like that they didn't go crazy with the size (so it will fit on a shelf). It is a display model, and with the nice base with nameplate, you can keep this at home or at work. I haven't ever seen the real Space Needle, but I would venture to say this would probably portray it accurately.
Pieces:
I gave this a high score because for 4 of the 57 pieces being uncommon, and the unique nameplate, the ratio of its uncommon pieces is high. You're wont want to buy this set to pillage it for other builds.
Value:
This set's PPP is ridiculous. I think even if I got 50% off, I'd still be a little upset. I guess this is where they make up the extra needed to pay licensing for the higher sets with low PPP. The set doesn't have any pieces you would want to purchase this set for, or for it's playability with your other sets, killing the over-all value of this set.
Playability:
Since the set is not in proper ratio to minifigs, it's doubtful you will want to 'play' with this set. It's more of a display set, but I gave it a 1, because I could see it being a 'building' within my Lego City to add depth and variety.
Overall:
The building and look of the set kept this set's overall average relatively high. I think skewed. The only reason I purchased this set was because I'm a collector and I like to complete sets, and was able to get this
discounted . There is really no other reason to purchase this set, unless you are in love with the look or have some special connection to Sleepless in Seattle. Unless your a crazy collector like me, I wouldn't bother with this set, your Lego budget is wisely spent on a higher (but better value) set.
