From Eager Anticipation to Disappointment - LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 พ.ค. 2024
- LEGO Ideas 21344 Orient Express
Year of release 2023
Pieces: 2540 pcs
Age: 18+
Buy on lego.com:
bit.ly/LegoOrientExpress
Buy on amazon.com:
amzn.to/3uCYaxw
Instagram:
/ lukas_the_builder_
🚂 Explore the intricate details and unexpected disappointments of the LEGO Ideas set 21344 Orient Express! Join me as I navigate through the deviations from the original submission and uncovers both the highs and lows of this highly anticipated release.
🔍 Discover the historical nuances and building techniques that make this set unique, while I provide an honest review, pointing out quality control issues and the surprising shift in design choices.
👉 Are you a LEGO enthusiast or considering adding the Orient Express to your collection? This in-depth review will help you make an informed decision!
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*LEGO set in this video:*
*The Orient Express Train* ❯ bit.ly/LegoOrientExpress amzn.to/3uCYaxw
It's something to be said that even LEGO itself admitted that one of the sticker sheets was printed incorrectly. The flat yellow labels of the Sapphire Star and other various plaques meant to go on the train were supposed to be printed in gold foil. The LEGO group has decided to remedy the issue by allowing anyone that purchased it to contact them to be sent the correct sticker sheet.
Thank you for sharing that information! It's good to know that LEGO is addressing the issue and offering a solution for those who purchased the set. I'll make sure to reach out to them to get the correct sticker sheet. I appreciate your help!
A bit of an update: they now offer printed bricks with the correct spellings as well if you ask for the replacement stickers. *You must ask customer service directly and not go through the 'lost/missing brick' request.*
@@Lepper36 thank you for the update, it is very kind of you. I think I have seen the new brick with correct spelling with some spare parts on the Instagram.It is included in my agenda for today.
the reason the wheels dont spin is because there arent 'traction tires' present on the wheels. on the emerald night, they were red rubber bands, and if you notice on the front 2 wheels of this locomotive, you can see these traction tires as well. all of the motorized lego train components feature these rubber bands. this is a common feature of model trains as typically they dont have enough weight over the driving wheels to overcome the lack of friction, and it is especially so on lego where the plastic on plastic do not provide traction properly. one of those rubber bands on the wheels will do the trick no question.
I appreciate your suggestion.
@@lukasthebuilder of course, excellent review by the way, quite well polished. i wish you luck if you attempt to motorize the set
I think the tender derailment is due to the unhinged driving wheels, while the passenger coach has a swiveling bogie. Also, the larger drive wheels don't turn because it doesn't have traction. This can be fixed by adding rubber bands like on the Emerald Night.
Thank you for your suggestion
This is the worst case of Lego customers being sold out - by the Lego marketing division and the marketing of a new luxury train introduced by the Accor hotel group.
The design is pure fiction by some marketing guys, it has nothing to do with the other luxury Venice Simplon Orient Express introduced in 1982 and nothing to do with any original Orient Express around for more than a century.
6:45 the name and colourful design is a nod to the English-speaking market, named steam engine were not common in that era on continental European rails.
12:20 I only can say Mould King 12025 - it offers twice the value for half the price with excellent quality, including 30 perfectly aligned printed boiler ring parts - in contrast to 9 here. And 5cm drivers like in the Hogwarts Express with a set of blind drivers Lego does not offer.
I couldn't agree with you more. by the way the Mould King 12025 looks stunning
You used the word “sticker” way too much for a $300 set.
This set is a huge disappointment for me. It seems like nothing but lazy or short sighted compromises. And I’m still waiting for the “easy” motorization solution the apologists always seem to suggest. (Not all of us can drop a quorum of 9v underneath it).
I understand your frustration, and I appreciate your honest feedback.I, too, share the hope that a solution emerges for fans who prefer not to use 9v trains.
Your channel and videos are awesome! I hope your channel will keep on growing!
Thank you so much!
Why are the track pieces so bent!?!? Oh my, and the printed pieces are... unacceptable.
I share your concerns about the track pieces appearing bent; it's indeed an unusual observation. As for the printed pieces, I agree that quality issues like misaligned prints are disappointing and fall below LEGO's usual standards.
High quality stuff. You got a subscriber.
Thank you very much
This is an amazing review, quite professional.
Thank you very much
Fantastic review, like always. Absolute pleasure to listen to. Thank you!
Thank you very much
I always understood the criticisms, but thought they could get a bit overblown, but this review is both critical while also succintly and fairly describing the issues. I would like to add that the Orient Express company was VERY involved with the creation, and played a part in a lot of the changes (ironic given how they let the typos pass)
I personally find it to look phenomenal, especially the passage cars both in and out. The size difference doesn't really bother me, although I'm not a train buff and can't find any photos of the head in real life, so maybe that'd sway me. That plus genuinely loving the figure selection.
But I can't act like the typos and misprints aren't an issue, even if they don't bother me (the crooked lines usually don't seem that bad when on the engine itself tho).
I really think the killing blow is the price. It should have been $200-$250 MAX. I wouldn't even mind them not including motors, especially since it's not completely fit for them, if it wasn't priced like it included them.
I'll most likely pick it up, as it scratches that Lego train itch I've had, but I'll wait on a sale, and hopefully them fixing the quality control issues.
Keep up the good work Lukas.
I appreciate your comment. I'm aware of the significant involvement of the Orient Express company in the creation of this set, which likely contributes to the higher price. In my opinion, a maximum of 200 USD would be more reasonable but the passenger cars do look exceptional.
Just for clarification: the "Orient Express" licensed in this set is a completely new creation by the Accor hotel group. It has NOTHING to do with the "Venice Simplon Orient Express" luxury train established in 1982 currently run by Belmond and ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with original Orient Express variations run for more than a century by CIWL.
This train is pure fiction by marketing departments, nothing else.
I have found that removing the parts that make the connection between tender and engine wider and down to the single thinner part has solved most problems with the tender derailing. I will say considering the locomotive looks like an almost perfect replica of the Swiss A 3/5 Express Locomotive makes it being smaller then the coaches work as the A 3/5 tends to be smaller (in the images I have seen) then larger coaches.
As of now, I only have this set as a display piece, but I definitely plan to put it on the rails in the future. Thank you for the advice!
While I do think many of the criticisms directed at this set were quite harsh, I do also understand where people are coming from.
Considering the spectacle of the original submission and the high anticipation of another train set to rival the Emerald Night, it was no wonder so many were shocked and disappointed if not outraged by the major differences made.
It's no secret that this set is still quite underwhelming in comparison to the original submission and what Lego has done in the past.
I could honestly forgive the redesign if this set was actually powered but Lego couldn't even deliver on that, leaving us with another shelf queen akin to the UCS Hogwarts Express, which people didn't want from this set.
While I am greatful for those who've made motor modifications for this set, the fact lego charged such a high price for this set without even instructions for fitting a motor is just.. a massive let down.
While I understand Lego's hand was somewhat forced by the IP partner, it still sucks to see how stingy the IP partner was.
Their choice for wanting more if not all focus on the cars comes across as "pre launch promo" material, which is kind of icky to me.
That's not even mentioning the $470 price tag which is ludicrous for a set like this, especially in comparison to other sets lego has on offer.
While I will still get this set in the end, I do plan on waiting for a drop in price and the major QC issues with prints, spelling errors and bent rails to be rectified
.
I think in the end I fear this set may not sell well, leading to another Crocodile loco situation where Lego doesn't see a trains theme being profitable.
I understand your frustrations, and I agree with your perspective. Waiting for a price drop is a wise move. However, I must say that the passenger cars are truly well-crafted. Their beauty is quite evident, and I'm beginning to lean towards the opinion that they might even outshine the passenger car of the UCS Hogwarts train. They look more impressive than in the photos or videos.
Excellent video!
Thank you very much
With so many amazing sets this year. This feels like a miss. Far from the way they stepped up the rest of this years line. This would be the one of the only sets this year I don't want.
I understand your point of view, and I was also contemplating not getting one. If it were not an Ideas set, I would not buy it. On the other hand, the passenger cars look fantastic.
@@lukasthebuilder Indeed. You got me thinking about it more. If it were just the passenger cars alone, I would want this set just as much as the rest of this year.
I do wonder if there are any plans to fix the spelling mistakes.
I purchased and assembled the Light House! I highly recommend it!
Light house coming very soon so stay tuned :)
7:55 Have you tried adding the red rubber bands to the train wheels?
Not yet, but I will certainly consider and try your suggestion.
I’m not trying to be a jerk (at all), but if it needs the rubber bands & LEGO didn’t include them, it’s an example of another ‘miss’ with this set.
@@lukasthebuilderthe lego sets that have these wheels but aren’t motorized don’t come with those red rubber bands needed to have the train wheels gain traction. The wheels that are supposed to have the red rubber bands have grooves in them to fit the bands
@@lukasthebuilderon top of that, the reason why the train tender kept derailing with the train but not with the train car is probably because of the fact that the train and tender connection only has one swivel point (the couplers) while the train car and tender connection has 2 (the couplers and the train car swivel base)
Nice review.
Thank you very much
I with the locomotive was a different color, it's just to much blue
I wish the locomotive was green or black; I share the same perspective as you, as the excessive blue feels overwhelming.
Thank you for such a thorough and pleasant tour of this set. Definitely appreciate you pointing out the flaws.
Thank you very much
The set was changed because of rules by both Lego AND the Orient Express company. And the original designer also took part in the redesighn. Also, the Orient Express runs over many countries, locomotive swaps were and still are common. I know many are disappointed, and I was to for a while. But having built it with this knowledge, I can easily forgive them and feel I got my money's worth.
I just wish the locomotive had a different colour; there's just too much blue.
@@lukasthebuilder Yea, I can see where your coming from.
Are they going to address to issue and correct the name of cities like Bucuresti?
I don't think so. There were a few typos in the previous Lego sets, and Lego hasn't fixed them.
normally the wheels come with rubber bands. right now they have no grip since its plastic on plastic which is why they will stop at the smallest hindrance. and the piece that makes them lock up is the bar piece with a ball on the end. the way that piece is is connected to the axlehole is pretty stiff and requires force to be moved insted of sitting lose like they are on the technic pins.
It's disappointing that LEGO didn't include rubber bands; it gives the impression that they might not encourage motorisation. I believe it shouldn't just be a display piece.
@@lukasthebuilder There is a perfect amount of space to put a battery box inside the tender that even has a hatch to easily reach the power button, so to some extend they did encourage it. Maybe they didn't include them because "officially" its supposed to be a display piece and the only x37 rubber bands they have currently are red, and would be ugly.
as much as i wouldve loved to get the original ideas locomotive, im still absolutely in love with the design of the set we got, i love the standard stereotypical train design. i would still like to see more trains in future with the original design, like the emerald night, but im a huge fan of the set, although i do understand peoples frustrations
Even after a month of having it on my shelf, I still can't get over the beauty of the carriage cars. However, the locomotive is a bit of a letdown for me.
@lukasbuildslego I do agree, I would've loved to have had the green car from the ideas submission, although there's an argument to be made that that's the best part about lego, you can create your own if you really want to. The emerald night locomotive is gorgeous and I wish I could get my hands on one
I’m pretty sure emerald night wasn’t original and was HEAVILY inspired by the flying Scotsman. The orient express set was also based on something, being the clogged toilet at lego hq
My fave review.
Thank you very much
Look up the P8 it's tender, the locomotive type this set has, had a few engine on longer trips, given P8 tenders.
That would allow two train engine blocks to be used.
The locomotive needs another electrical engine, just to counter the drive rods locking up, by too much friction.
As for the tender derail, it needs more weight, like say two battery boxes, of weight.
Something else to note, the connection rod length between the tender & engine and the tender and the wagons.
Notice how the tender & engine connection rod is longer?
Then look add the connection turn position on the engine, it might be located wrongly, too far out or not far out enough.
As for giving us the correct sticker sheets & bricks, let them bring out a wagon box with three wagons, one for baggage & the like, two standaard passengier wagons.
That way they can just include them in this proposed extension set.
Otherwise we would need to buy it four times, just to get the minimum of eight wagons, so it actually looks like a train and then having three extra engines.
Thank you for your detailed insights and suggestions!
I've indeed examined the connection rod lengths and positions, and they are in the correct placement. However, it perplexes me why the LEGO designer didn't devise a more effective solution, especially considering that many people encounter similar issues. Despite the high anticipation for this set, it seems rushed, leaving room for improvement.
Everyone always praises the original ideas design, but I don't hear people bring up some of its questionable design decisions.
I mean, it uses Technic hubcaps as wheels, a mould which hasn't been used since 2011, and which I'm pretty sure doesn't actually work as wheels. It also uses smaller old train wheels that have long since been retired.
To me, using long retired moulds in Ideas sets is basically cheating. It may look good on the digital model, but it's not actually gonna look like that on the real product. It's wishful thinking at best and fasle advertising at worst.
Also, there's no way the original design would've been able to drive on regular tracks, much less go around curves. It was designed to be put on your shelf.
Which I'm pretty sure most Lego train fans don't like. I mean you saw the response to the giant Hogwarts Express. Everyone lamented that it was too big to fit on regular rails.
So the model would've had to go through heavy redesigns anyway, even if they had kept the rough shape and color of it.
So, you can say that you would've preferred the look of the original design, but you have to admit that said design was not exactly very realistic as a Lego product.
But hey, maybe if we're lucky, Lego might make a standalone locomotive that looks like the ideas design, but without the Orient Express license, so they can make it look how they want.
As mentioned in my video, I sense a rushed quality in this model, particularly in the locomotive and the tracks. It seems like Lego aimed to release it by the end of this year, possibly to commemorate the 140th anniversary of the Orient Express.
While the Hogwarts Express from last year received mixed reviews, I believe if the Orient Express were executed in a similar scale, it could have tapped into a potentially new market. Many enthusiasts seem to desire larger train sets, and I was personally hoping for the Orient Express to be the same size as the Hogwarts Express when I saw images on the Ideas set website. In my opinion, the Lego designers may have faltered with the locomotive, but they notably enhanced the passenger cars. As others have mentioned, the Orient Express is more about the passenger car experience than just the locomotive.
Finally, I express my desire for Lego to introduce more locomotives, with the Lego Crocodile standing out as one of my all-time favourite sets.
Lego made coupler parts for this set. Since they’re allowed to make specialized parts, they could have easily made a larger train wheel to replace the discontinued pieces of the original design.
Some redesign would have been necessary, I don’t think anyone thought otherwise. However, this product bears literary no resemblance to the original design that people fell in love with, and THAT’S the biggest issue.
personally, the smaller loco doesn't bother me (460 locos exist that are around that size) but the typos are a glaring issue. Also, this was a great review! just subbed!
Thank you very much
Quite unfortunate the stubby shape of the locomotive , giving a less accurate image of the impressive locomotive that should of been , the sleeper and restaurant car both were quite staggering and pretty unfortunately however the locomotive being the same colour and the tender gives a lack of differentiation between the two rather than the usually substantial difference between the two separate parts of the train
I completely agree with you.
I loved the book and movie but I’m not going to buy this set because of the price point and length. I enjoyed the review and being able to see the small details.
think the incorrect sticker set may be worth something many years down the line?
asking because i have it lmao
I can't say for certain; I'm not a financial advisor. :)
@@lukasthebuilder lol fair. i ended up deciding to build it with the incorrect sticker sheet. i personally think it's kinda neat, bc it shows i have a set from the very first batch.
i fully agree with every criticism in your video though. there are some frighteningly glaring issues with this set that i'm shocked passed all their checks. but for me personally, i don't see myself ever using this as anything other than a display piece, or perhaps sitting still in a diorama. plus i do think the set looks very pretty overall.
but the typos and relatively small locomotive are things i'll just have to live with.
Hi Lukas, from other TH-cam reviews (where Lego provided a set), the stickers you have may be wrong. You may want to inform Lego to mail you the correct ones. I like your review because you spoke your mind. I guess you bought it instead of receiving an early copy from Lego.
Thank you for the heads-up! I appreciate your understanding, and yes, I purchased the set myself. I'll definitely look into the sticker situation and see if Lego can provide the correct ones.
@@lukasthebuilder Most of the reviews I watched so far are early copies from Lego. None of them “slam” Lego as hard as you did. The disclaimer from all of them stating “Views are of my own” is just a big lie. Haha.
Stickers on those kind of sets, the price?
pass from me
Best set of 2024 hands down
Name ONE way this set is worth the price
Still waiting, it’s been a day. don’t have anything to list do you?
Welp, I don’t think he can list anything. It’s official, this thing sucks ass
Let's aim to be kind and respectful to each other, everyone.
Love this set. Bought 2 and with lights in it very cool
That's fantastic! Adding lights must make it even more captivating.
1st. Sorry and yet not sorry. Im weird and it's my birthday.
Great videos and great review
Happy birthday !
You! Yes, you Lukas! I'm from Ukraine and now I can't unsee the comparison to ukrainian railways! How the hell did you think of that/know it? Are you a rail nerd? Or are you ukrainian?
Hey there! It's great to connect with a viewer from Ukraine! While I'm not Ukrainian, Europe does have a limited number of rail companies, making it somewhat easier to familiarise myself with their distinctive looks.So maybe I might be a rail nerd :)
Why does the voice-over sound like it’s written by ChatGPT?
Perhaps, in the future, I'll incorporate expressions like "cool" and "I like" more frequently to give it less ChatGPT vibe. Does that sound good to you?
This is one of the most dissapointing, overpriced and soulless lego sets of all time
That's quite a bold statement. While I find the carriages impressive, I wouldn't go as far as calling this set soulless.
The Orient Express is the train, not the loco. LEGO made the right move.
Doesn’t mean they should half ass part of the set. Under your logic it’s like an idea of the Empire State building was approved and lego made a normal skyscraper based on nothing existing, because New York has a lot of skyscrapers
@@backonpro5679 no, on its journey across the continent, the Orient Express changes locos multiple times. The iconic part of the experience is the part where the passengers are accommodated, fed and entertained on their journey.
The same goes for any iconic train service with bespoke rollingstock.
@@coasterblocks3420 I know, that just makes it more embarrassing. They had 100s of choices, and made this POS
You know what's funny is? The actual designer and creator of this project agreed to all the changes. But you're the one that has the problems
What adds another layer of humour is that the Orient Express was also part of the decision-making process involving all the changes. Imagine being a designer and realising that disagreeing with certain changes might jeopardise the chances of your set going into production. It's quite amusing how sometimes you might feel compelled to agree to all the changes.
People need to stop bitching like children that they didn't get what they want . Lego if a Toy if the company focused n pandered to the small lego train community they would lose money it's a business so let's make the train appealing to all a wider sale n customer base ! . I prefer the Blue locomotive ngl it matches the rest of the train . Also It's the Orient express the foucus has always been on the luxury carriages not the steam engine it's self . Sorry you train guys don't have another train to go round n round in ya basement , oh wait you do cuz lego made this compatible with regular Lego train tracks . If ya that vexed ya didn't get what you want ummmmmm build it jhezzz .
Do you plan to purchase this set, or have you already made the purchase?
You’ve sure been brain washed huh. Does the goddamn titanic set look like a toy, or model? This set ain’t motorized, it ain’t moving anywhere, and no, it wont move anyways, the tender derails. This is a model without any detail, and no quality. All for the low low price of $400
So tell me, then, what is the intended market for this set?
Is it a display piece with an under detailed locomotive? Then why make it L-gauge compatible?
Is it a Train System set? Then why the binding wheels & no ready solution for motorization? I mean, Mold King can motorize their OE product, but LEGO can’t?
Ultimately they made an admittedly attractive set that’s so compromised on both ends, it doesn’t know what it’s trying to accomplish.
Unless it’s trying to be a very expensive Duplo push train.
@@jimm244 Lego seems to have introduced a challenge without a solution; it currently feels like a Duplo train designed for adults.
You can fix the driving wheel some rubber tyres like on the crocodile locomotive or rubber bands. Another note is that the cuppling rods are realistic a iron, silver color. And the reason the tender was derailing is becouse its facing the wrong way.
I appreciate your suggestions.