This has been a bumper year for Creator 3in1: Over the past decade, we have seen between 13 and 17 sets (including polybags) released over the course of the year. Here we are at the beginning of March, and that count is already up to 12. We typically see a few sets released around midyear, so I wonder if we will be edging a little higher than average this year.

One thing that has characterised the sets that we have looked at so far this year (31162, 31163,61165) has been the emphasis on organic-looking creature builds, with a limited primary colour palette: we have seen quarter circle curved slope elements emphasised in medium stone grey, tan, and black.

The 31170 Wild Animals Pink Flamingo broadens this palette further with the addition of these curved elements in vibrant coral and a great collection of light purple elements.The box demonstrates 3 models: the titular Flamingo, an axolotl and a galah – a pink parrot renowned for wreaking havoc on both the local landscape and soundscapes here in Australia.

The Parts

Here are the elements laid out by the Knoller-in-chief. The set has 288 elements, according to the box. [This may come as a shock to the American readers, but part counts have not, historically, been included on the packages for sets on sale in the rest of the world, except for the occasional Icons set.. This year we have seen part counts routinely included in the box art presented in the rest of the world. But I digress.]

As you can see, there are plenty of light purple, and a multitude of vibrant coral elements – between them, making up over 110 elements in the total part count. Of note are the 6×4 wedge plates, left and right in light purple, along with the rocky design brick (2x3x2/3/) As I noted in my review of the Panda Family, this part has been doing a lot of heavy lifting this year, featuring as anything from rock, to a thatched roof to animal fur and feathers. In vibrant coral, we can at last get a matching pair of 1×2 wedge plates, as well as the macaroni tubes and 2x4x1 curved slope. Wee get enough of the 4x4x1 quarter circle curved slope to make a full circle/dome. Other notable recolours include the cool yellow tooth, and the 1x3x1 curved slope in aqua.

Finally, there are two moulds new for 2025: a 1x2x1 brick with bow(design ID5841), seen here in light purple, as well as the slightly larger 1x3x1 2/3 in white.

The Builds

We have three instruction books – one per model. The parts list is included in the instructions for the axolotl model. Unfortunately, vibrant coral does not translate so well to the printed page, where is can be easily confused with magenta (something that has happened to me in the past). Lets take a look at the models:

The Flamingo

The flamingo starts with a central core, followed by the angled wings. A flat hinge is used to have a plate running along the hypotenuse of the wedgeplate, extending the structure, and enhancing the form. 2×6 rounded plates are layered to build up the wings, with quarter circle 1×1 tiles making up some additional details.

The characteristic droop of the beak is achieved through using the new stacked bow/arch elements, with some black slopes towards the tip.

We add in the legs, using Technic connectors and axles, while the Aqua elements form a circular base. some other bright colours enter the fray. Now, there is limited mobity in the model- restricted to the positioning of the face. We can, however, position the macaroni elements in different orientations, to give our flamingo different alternative postures.

Now, it would not be a Rambling Brick article featuring excessive vibrant coral (or any other colour with a reputation for fluorescing) without turning out the lights and taking a picture under ultraviolet light.

The Axolotyl

Next, I moved onto the Axolotl—the Mexican walking fish. This little critter looks adorable, thanks to the frill around its neck, using transparent medium violet /satin leaves, and the eyes on stalks. The rear legs are fixed, and the front legs rotate on the horizontal plane. Again, there is a small piece of foliage to build—this time, it’s water weed using the macaroni elements.

What a Galah

Finally, the Galah. Is there a creature that inspires more terror in the hearts of the Australian gardener? preparing to strip the fruit from the trees and flowers from the stem, they descend in hordes, nibbling as they go. While the comb is typically the result of puffing up the lighter coloured feathers on top of their head, and the body a little less fluorescent, this model captures the spirit perfectly.

This is the second pesky bird to appear this year in the Creator 3in1 alternative builds. The other, of course, is the grey pigeon in the 31163 Playful Cat set. Who would you fear more?

I appreciate the colour blocking on this bird, with patches of coral over the light purple. The Aqua comb is particularly effective.

Conclusion

Overall, I enjoyed the builds in this set. Creator 3in1 inspires building and rebuilding, and provides an opportunity to put a few interesting building tips out there for you to learn along the way. The builds are all simple and fun, but also include some interesting techniques- just what you would expect from a Creator 3in1 at this price point. As a parts pack, it provides some rare colours in those organic shapes. If you are looking for vibrant coral and light purple elements in quantity, this might be the set for you.

I give this set 3.5 out of 5 arbitrary praise units. It’s a reasonable value, and fun models cannot compensate for the scarring on my retina- but I’m a grumpy middle-aged man currently building Adventurers and castle MOCs. Others might enjoy working with these colours more. I appreciate the fact that this set exists. and I suspect I shall rebuild the flamingo – it almost always means we are in a holiday state of mind if, as an Australian, you see one or more doing its thing. That, or it’s a lawn ornament!

Creator 3in1 set 31170 Pink Flamingo is on sale now. It has 288 pieces and a recommended retail price of $AUD39.99 / $USD24.99 / €24.99 / £19.99. This set was provided by the LEGO Group for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

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Until Next Time,

Play Well!