Review: LEGO NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander
As a LEGO fan—whether of classic LEGO, Chinese alternatives, or special models from other manufacturers—I regularly follow the new models coming to market. LEGO has been releasing more and more special models recently. About a month ago, the NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander was released, and I bought it immediately.
NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander
The NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander is a new collectible LEGO Creator model released to mark the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing. Its official price in the LEGO shop is €89.99.
The model was created in cooperation with NASA and can be grouped with earlier NASA models such as Saturn V and Women of NASA.
Instructions and building
The instructions for this model are quite unusual. The first 15 or so pages cover the history of the Apollo programme using text and period photographs. It is also interesting to compare the drawing of the real lunar module with this LEGO version.
As you build the model’s more than 1,000 pieces, the instructions occasionally provide information about the part you are working on. For example, they explain why parts of the lander are gold-coloured: thermal insulation and protection against micrometeorites. Building this model really immerses you in the world of spaceflight.
The model contains many very specific pieces that you will not find elsewhere. LEGO paid close attention to the details. Examples include the fold-out camera on the lander’s body, which filmed Neil Armstrong stepping onto the Moon, and the miniature reflector used to measure the exact distance between the Moon and Earth.
Model description
The complete model consists of a lunar module with a descent stage and an ascent stage, two astronaut figures and a lunar surface. It is approximately 20 × 20 × 20 cm.
The lunar surface represents the area known as the Sea of Tranquility. It consists of a surprisingly large number of pieces rather than one large part. It includes supports for the lunar module’s legs, a place for the flag and a large crater.
The descent stage contains details such as fuel tanks (white) and oxidiser tanks (red) in the body, as well as gold pieces representing insulation. Naturally, there is also a ladder that the astronauts used to reach the lunar surface.
The ascent stage consists of three parts that can be separated. Inside are stickers representing technical equipment, and both astronauts fit inside. A nice detail is the hatch connecting the module with the outside.
Rating
For me, this is probably the best LEGO model currently on the market, mainly thanks to its detailed design.
If you are a fan of NASA and spaceflight, you definitely need to have it.