This  year, we celebrate 50 years since Apollo 11 took Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin to the surface of the moon.  Given the popularity of space themed sets, it is hardly a surprise that there have been a LEGO set released for the occasion.

LEGO have today announced the arrival of a new Creator Expert set, a take on the Lunar Lander. It will become generally available on June 1.

10266 NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander
Ages 16+. 1087 pieces
US $99.99 – CA $139.99 – DE €89.99 – UK £84.99 – FR €94.99 – DK 799DKK—$159.99 AUD
*Euro pricing varies by country.  Please visit shop.LEGO.com for regional pricing

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We have seen a few lunar landers modelled previously in LEGO sets – one with the 2017 LEGO Ideas set Saturn V 21309, 7468 Saturn V Moon Mission, co-branded with the Discovery Channel in 2003 and then it is way back to 1076, before minifigures. But none of these sets have ever looked at the subject matter with this level of detail. And indeed, it is only over the last few years that we have had the range of elements available that would allow us to capture the shape of the lunar lander in an authentic manner.

As a child, I was fascinated by the space programs, both American and Russian,  I was excited to see news of this set arrive on my desk. I was even more excited when I saw the set in real life at the RLFM days in Billund last week. I was particularly taken with the use of the gold elements on the descent stage of the lander, as well as the brick built baseplate.  The moulds for those old classic space baseplates might be retired, but there are still plenty of great ways to recreate the landscape!

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I am especially intrigued by the amount of interesting SNOT work featured in this model, with much of the ascent stage being appearing to be assembled upside down. I do appreciate the balance here between studs on display, and hidden studs, as it reminds us that, at the end of the day, this is a LEGO Model. 

There is room inside the model for our two astronauts, getting ready to embark on that one small step.

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Here’s the press release:

Celebrate space exploration with the NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander!

Celebrate man’s first moon landing with this LEGO® Creator Expert 10266 NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander building set—developed in cooperation with NASA to mark the 50th anniversary of a historical event that captivated the world. This collectible model features a highly detailed replica of Apollo 11’s Eagle lunar module, plus a depiction of the lunar surface, complete with crater, footprints and a U.S. flag. The descent stage comes with gold-colored landing pads and panels, opening camera and laser hatches, and a ladder, while the ascent stage has a detailed interior with room for 2 astronauts. Finished with an Apollo 11 Lunar Lander nameplate, this display model makes a great centerpiece for the home or office and provides a challenging and rewarding building experience full of nostalgia. Includes 2 astronaut minifigures with NASA decoration and golden helmets.

-Includes 2 astronaut minifigures with NASA decoration and golden helmets.

-This advanced LEGO® set features a detailed replica of the Eagle lunar lander with separate ascent and descent stages, plus a depiction of the lunar surface with crater, footprints and a U.S. flag.

-Descent stage features new-for-June-2019 gold-colored landing pads and panels, opening camera and laser hatches and a ladder.

-Ascent stage features a detailed interior with room for 2 astronaut minifigures.

-Celebrate space exploration with this highly detailed display model.

-Accessory elements include a brick-built video camera and laser reflector.

-New-for-June-2019 decorated elements include an Apollo 11 Lunar lander nameplate and golden elements.

-Measures over 7” (20 cm) high, 8” (22cm) wide and 7” (20cm) deep.

Available directly from LEGO Stores & shop.LEGO.com from 1 June, 2019 

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I can hardly wait to get home, where I have a copy waiting to be reviewed  – The more I look at the images here, the more I am looking forward to the experience. What do you think? An appropriate celebration for the 50th Anniversary of the moon landing? Ready to sit next to your Sautrn V Ideas set? Why lot comment below, and follow the Rambling Brick for more new, reviews and a hefty dose of nostalgia. Until Next time,

Play Well.