Steven LafortuneNot surprisingly, a lot of the geeks at Devolutions love LEGO. It is the perfect hobby for people who enjoy solving problems, understanding (and occasionally disregarding) instructions, and arguing about whether “this will only take about an hour” is ambitious or ridiculous.
Also, unlike board games LEGO has the rare trait of turning any flat surface into a worksite. Kitchen table. Coffee table. “Temporary” space on a desk. Suddenly it is a construction zone with strict part inventory controls, and zero tolerance for accidental vacuuming.
In a moment, we’ll highlight seven sets that our geeky team has built in the last while. First, let’s look a bit closer at the world of LEGO.
LEGO lore
LEGO began in Billund, Denmark, in 1932 when carpenter Ole Kirk Kristiansen started making toys. Over time, the company shifted from early toys to plastic building bricks, and in 1958 LEGO patented the modern stud-and-tube brick system that made today’s LEGO system possible.
You may be a LEGO fan. Perhaps even a LEGO fanatic. But are you familiar with all of these fun and amazing LEGO facts?
- LEGO is short for “leg godt,” which means “play well” in Danish.
- The modern LEGO brick design (with tubes underneath) was patented in 1958. The studs and tubes create “clutch power,” which is basically the grip that makes builds stable.
- Since 1963, most LEGO pieces have been made from ABS plastic.
- The first LEGOLAND park opened in Billund in 1968.
- The LEGO minifigure launched in 1978 and basically gives every set a tiny cast of characters.
- LEGO’s long-running quality motto is “Only the best is good enough.”
The 7 sets
Below are seven LEGO sets that we’ve built in the last little while.
1) Death Star (Star Wars, set 75419, 9023 pieces)
This is the kind of set that elevates an ordinary shelf to a piece of supremely important strategic infrastructure. Between the removable sections, the scene-specific details, and a loaded lineup of minifigures, it delivers the delight of owning the galaxy’s most over-engineered office building.
2. Eiffel Tower (LEGO Icons, set 10307, 10,001 pieces)
This is the build that quietly announces, “Yes, there is a LEGO tower in this space, and no, it is not moving.” It is also a strong test of whether a person owns a tape measure and has made peace with vertical ambition. LEGO hails it as their tallest set, and we believe them.
3. Millennium Falcon (Star Wars, set 75192, 7,541 pieces)
The Falcon set is basically a rite of passage. It is the kind of set where people say “I’ll just do one bag for now” and then it is suddenly very late and the cast of minifigures like Han Solo, Chewbacca, Princess Leia, and C-3PO are watching in judgment.
4. Jabba’s Sail Barge (Star Wars, set 75397, 3,943 pieces)
This one looks great on display, yet it also invites a constant temptation to open it up and poke around inside, because the interior details are the fun part.
5. LEGO Titanic (LEGO Icons, set 10294, 9090 pieces)
This is the set for someone who reads “9,090 pieces” and responds with, “Nice. What’s the next step?” It is enormous, detailed, and demands an absolute “do not bump the table” policy.
6. Imperial Star Destroyer (Star Wars, set 75252, 4,784 pieces)
If the Millennium Falcon is a rite of passage, this is a personal challenge issued by the Empire. It is massive, angular, and triggers the feeling that your table has been annexed by the Dark Side.
7. Tower Bridge (Creator Expert, set 10214, 4,295 pieces)
This is a classic landmark build with a satisfying mechanical flex, since the drawbridge actually opens. This is also the set that makes people say, “Wait, that is LEGO?” right before they lean close and spot the ultra-cool miniature vehicles.
Your turn
Now we shine the spotlight on you! Which set(s) is your favorite and why? Plus, if you have built any sets recently, share it with the community. Photos are welcome, bragging is encouraged, and stepping on a stray piece counts as proof that the project was real.
Finally, if there is a dream set on your wish list for the future, share that too. It is always nice to know what is coming next, and it gives everyone a reason to clear a little more shelf space…or better yet, buy more shelves!
