Last week, we took a look at the minifigures included in 10354 The Shire. Today, we will take a look at the better part of the construction of set. Be sure to take a closer look at the figures from this set in my previous review here.

Quick Spoiler: On the whole, I really enjoyed building putting this set together: the details included in Bag End are just wonderful. But is it worth the price? Read on. This set was provided by the LEGO Group for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Whats in the Box?

The set comes in a similar box to the larger playsets that we have seen since the middle of last year. The lower part of the box is lipped, and contains 15 numbered bags, while there are a few additional plates in a transparent polythene bag. There are three instruction books enclosed in a paper envelope, and a small sticker sheet which is floating loose in the box, between the bags. I am concerned that this sheet could have been easily lost or damaged in transportation and unpacking.

The manuals outline the importance of the locations and elements included in the set, highlighting the work of the graphics and textile teams. A few pictures are included from the movie, as well as the set, reconstructing highlights from the source material. The Rivendell set from 2023 highlighted the 9 members of the design team, however, this year we have noticed a step away from this aspect of the manuals, and none of the team are identified here.

We are fortunate to have had the new and recoloured elements highlighted for us by the design team at Fan Media days in Billund last year:

The new prints include the 8 Hobbit torsos, as well as five of the head prints. There are also a couple of rugs, as well as r2 and r4 quarter circle tiles, which ultimately surround the door and windows.

There are only 2 new moulds included in the set, including Mys Proudfoot’s skirt and the 1x2xn window with the round cutout.

There are multiple new recolours including the boomerang element in medium nougat, light aqua pens, and 2×2 plates with a lip and 2 studs, 3×3 quarter circle tiles in dark green and reddish brown, as well as 4×4 sloped curved bricks. Rosies skirt, as well as the pale nougat/navy blue leg elements are new colours, as are the dark grey Ninjago and Mrs proudfoots wig in reddish brown.

Here are the elements from throughout the set laid out:

The Builds

When you look at the plans, the set is divided into several distinct parts:

• Gandalf Arrives: A horse and cart carrying Gandalf and his fireworks.
• Bag End Part 1: The central part of bag end, including the main entrance and front garden, while on the inside, we construct the entry hall
• Bag End Part 2 We build up the Right end of Bag End, including Bilbo’s study
• Bag End Part 3: The Shadow of the Past. We construct the left end of Bag end (from the street view), including the parlor and fire place.
• The Party Field: a collection of smaller builds, including a pavilion; banner (along with platform for Bilbo to deliver his speech, and vanish from), a table with the Birthday cake and a patch of grass from where fireworks might be launched. Finally, a firework dragon, as well as the Party Tree, with its chain of coloured lights.

Gandalf Arrives

Reimagining the original LOTR set, Gandalf Arrives of 9469, this part of the build brings us the Gandalf figure – much the same as that seen in Rivendell, but with the updated face print. Now with Added Beard.

Both Gandalf and Frodo come with elements to allow them to sit side by side on the bench seat of the cart, although Frodo is somewhat precariously perched.

The build starts with the new horse, introduced in the Lion Knight’s Castle that features both an articulated neck and rear legs.

The cart is attached to the horse using the rails element. Bar connections along the base of the cart connect to multiple 2×3 tiles with 2 clips. The corners of the cart have angled poles (connectors joined to candle elements, with a small dome element (bionicle eye) on the ends.

Details such as the poles, and the bow bricks used front and back help this updated version of the cart feel more detailed than 6469. The other main difference between this model and that original set is Frodo’s torso – previously sand green with braces.

Bag End I: The Entrance Hall

We build up the base, with a wedge plate on one side, and 2 different techniques used to attach modules to either side: ball joint over the wedge, and 1×2 rounded bricks with bar on the other. The base slopes down to the front, along a town of green sloped bricks, interrupted by curved tiles, forming stairs down to the garden and lane.

As we build up, we incorporate the floor of the entrance hall -predominantly tiled, with a few studs to attach rugs, furnishings and walls.

There is some ingenious SNOT work towards the front door, allowing the front doorstep to protrudes 1 1/2 plates above the ground level. Arched elements form the doorframe, while SNOT bricks allow us to attach the 4×4 quarter circle tiles that have a brick print on, surrounding the doorway.

We build up hills on either side of the doorway, and then put together the window frames. Again, studs facing forward provide a place to attach curved tiles and slopes around the window frame.

We move onto building up the front and side walls. The side wall has a couple of arches, that make up the passageway to the parlour.

As part of the process, we add in a couple of connectors to ensure connections to the adjacent modules are connected with a degree of stability.

We add a wall with a fireplace facing away from the entry hall. A small pile of logs sit by the hearth, while a picture of a great tree (but not THE white tree) hangs above it.

We complete the ring of tiles around the front door, and start to secure the row of plates across the top, as well as adding some of the grass hanging down the front of the hall. We add the details to the wall, obviously not actual eaves, but they give that effect.

Finally, we complete the door: a 6×6 round plate covered with quarter circle tiles , while a golden microphone head forms the doorknob. On the back of the door, a couple of black coiled whips form the wrought ironwork.

We build up grass work over the doorway, while internally we add a chest containing Bilbo’s mithril shirt and an ingot of gold. A hall cabinet goes into the entry, with bull horns forming hangers

A barrel containing a sword and umbrella complete the entry hall, while lighting is provided via a candlestick. Aqua coloured pen elements are used to represent melted candles.

We add details to the front of the block: flowers and pumpkins in the garden, and the boomerangs are positioned to form the wicker fence. A couple of sideways 1x1x2/3 rounded bricks form the letterbox, while a sticker on the gate warns that there is no admittance, except on party business.

We add a bench, allowing old friends to sit and pass the time. If only there were pipes included to allow Gandalf and Bilbo to blow smoke rings together.

Finally, we build up the tree that sits over the doorway, as well as filling part of the roof in. This is removable to allow easier access to the entry hall of Bag End. The base of the trunk is quite solid, while the larger branches are formed using large dragon horns.

Bag End II: Bilbo’s Study.

We start with a sturdy base, designed to clip onto the right hand end of the entrance (viewed from the front)

The tiled corner of the floor allows for a window/wall to be installed on an angle, using clips behind the wall to hold the 6 module long wall in place:

This is wrapped up on the outside with lots of green elements, tucking the window firmly into the hillside. I love the way the curved slope elements wrap around the corner of the Hobbit hole, making it feel quite homely.

Tucked into the corner, we build up a small angled writing desk, where Bilbo is working on his book, there and back again. We also have the title deed for Bag End- one of those things for him to tidy up before going away, ensuring Frodo can legally assume possession of the hole.

On completing the study, it securely clips onto the entry hall, incorporating the small fire place and we all installed in that first section of Bag End.

The curves and slopes engage nicely with those set up when building the entry hall /front door section, helping it to all fit into a single unified build.

Finally, we begin the final section:

Bag End III: The Shadow of the Past

In this section, we build up the parlour, with its fire place. While this is the scene of some activity the night that Bilbo leaves Hobbiton after his party, it is also the core location when Gandalf returns 17 years later to inform Frodo of what he has learned about the Ring.

Once again, we start building up the base: it is designed to click into the main entrance using ball joints.

An hinged triangle is attached into the base, allowing for a jaunty angle on the front of the plate.

The floor in the parlour has another detailed rug, as well as the fireplace.

The front of the base is built up with details of the garden path, with a small retaining wall added, fitting the angulation at the front.

The fireplace in the parlour features a spring loaded knob to the back of the building. We start with a tile decorated (sticker) as a burning envelope, which flips over to reveal the One Ring.

As we build up the parlour walls, we engage the same angled wall technique used in the opposite end of the building.

We fill the parlour with details: a tea setting; a decorative pine cone, yellow flowers and another melted candle. The coffee table has exquisite lines, while a map to Smaug’s horde sits on the table.

There is even a cheese platter on the mantle piece, below a couple of portraits. The printed cheese slope has the same print as that included with Speedy Gonzales in the Looney Tunes CMF series a couple of years ago.

Externally, we build up the walls, with some sideways slopes and tiles. We then add in a roof panel that is designed to firmly cover the parlour. This segment features a small blue bird, as well as a clothes line with a couple of white shirts blowing in the wind.

Our finished section slots in next to the original central entry hall, via the small ball joints.

I appreciate the detail that we have both inside and outside Bag End in this part of the build. Perhaps my only concern with the external appearance is that the split between the entrance and the parlour remains obvious after I assembled the 3 modules of Bag End.

The Party Field

The final part of the build brings us completely new elements of The Fellowship of the Ring to LEGO form: the party field, where Bilbo celebrates his 111th birthday (and Frodo his 33rd), before vanishing.

We have a few more plates, along with some gears, barrels and Technic axles and connectors. The highlights are two fabric elements: one feels like a partial pentagon which will, through some trickery of geometry, form the covering of a pavilion. Perhaps a couple of additional marquees could have been included, to fill out the party space?

We have a table, occupied by a cake of improbable size.

We build up a small stage, incorporating some gears in the base. With a quick flick of the large gear at the back, there is an even quicker flick around of a pile of barrels, whisking Bilbo away into nothingness. The speed at which this works is approximating a ‘blink and you’ll miss it.’

We also a small patch of grass from which Merry and Pippin might mischievously launch some fireworks… This Dragon firework is now a brick built model, rather than a Ninjago snake element.

Of course, shenanigans ensue.

The final part of the build incorporates the ‘party tree’ – perhaps a little bit of a disappointment, but one where compromises needed to be made. On screen, the tree is tall, round and full. In this model, we have only a couple of small branches – although they are loaded up with additional foliage elements to fill them up – the tree just feels a bit empty. We do have the string of party lights, however.

The Dragon firework is recreated using a combination of transparent and opaque elements. It is supported on a transparent bar, so that it may soar over the party tree. I supported it using some larger bricks, so that it might swoop the party…

My Thoughts

This set brings a modern reinterpretation of Bag End, using contemporary building techniques, and really captures the look of Bilbo’s hobbit-hole, particularly when compared with 2012’s 79003 An Unexpected Gathering, which is relatively shoebox-like in comparison.

The new circular slope elements in green, as well as a greater tendency to build models on a more creatively shaped base make Bag End feel as though is belongs in a hill.

The small details in the set – from the metal work behind the front door, the hall stand, Bilbo’s maps, the tea set, even the cheese – all give Bag End the feeling of being a home for the Hobbits.

The included details are gorgeous, especially the new printed rug elements, as well as the furniture. I think the design team have done a great job in achieving the shape of Bag End, tucked into the hillside, with its little garden. Just the place to catch up with friends.

Gandalf’s wagon and horse feel better executed in this set than they were in 9469 Gandalf Arrives: the wagon has greater detail, and the cloaked Gandalf can be made to sit down on the seat, with room for Frodo. I was surprised at the choice to have the horse Dark orange in colour. The onscreen horse would be better suited as reddish brown/brown – which has not been seen since 2013 – an age when reddish brown elements had the tendency to break with the slightest provocation.

The party field is well executed, but has more of a playset feel than display set. That said, the tree and pavilion are relatively undersized. There was certainly scope for including another tent or two. That said, the detail in the textile printing is magnificent.

We have previously discussed the minifigures included in the set – and they are all brilliant, with all of the familiar hobbits in their party clothes and finery, while Gandalf is much as he appeared last time, with the addition of a printed beard.

Should this be Two or Three sets?

But we do need to look at the price: $AUD400 is quite expensive for a set with a little over 2000 pieces. We may have been spoiled by Rivendell, sporting 6000 pieces for about twice the price. (The US conversion is even less charitable, based on exchange rates). It leaves me wondering: should this have been broken up into a couple of sets?

This could work in a couple of ways – Bag End and ‘Bilbo’s Party’ – where the party incorporates the arrival of Gandalf with his fireworks as well as the activity in the field. I’d probably include Gandalf, Bilbo, Pippin and Merry, along with Rosie. (Sam could be included, in party clothes). Frodo could be wearing his shirt and suspenders (Gandalf arrives) or party clothes, or be left out entirely – to appear in Bag End.

Bag End could include Gandalf, Bilbo and Frodo (probably in party clothes, OR shirt and vest, as when Gandalf returns), as well as Sam, dressed as a gardener. Bag End could be broken up into several parts – the Entry and Bilbo’s Study as one, with the Parlour, where Gandalf tells Frodo about the Ring, forming another set.

BUT this breakup would probably result in 3 identical Gandalfs, and 2 variations of each of Frodo, Sam and maybe Bilbo across the range.

I’m sure this possibility occurred to the designers – but the play theme treatment would probably result in less detailed exteriors for Bag End and, I suspect, a pricetag that was higher still.

While the model of Bag End is great, and beautifully detailed, Gandalf’s wagon and the Party field provide the set with an enhanced narrative. To say nothing about some great new minifigures, and I can understand why the decision was made to keep them all in one set.

As much as I want to really love this set, the price, and the feeling that the party field is still missing something (although all the core elements are there) temper my enthusiasm. I’ll give it 3.5 Arbitrary Praise units out of 5 – mainly because of the price. If you can get it at a good discount, I’d give it a solid 4. I’d recommend picking it up quickly, so you can pick it up in conjunction with the Gift with Purchase – Smeagol and Deagol: I’ll have my review of that set up shortly. Hopefully it won’t have sold out before the embargo is reached.

What do you think of this set? Is it (or Was it? ) A day 1 purchase,for you? Or will you wait and see?

I hope you have enjoyed this preview of the minifigures from 10354 the Shire. The set has 2017 pieces and has a recommended retail price of $AUD399.99; €269.99 £229.99 $USD269.99. It is now on sale to LEGO Insiders, and will be available to all on April the 5th. Early purchases qualify for the 40761 The Lord of the Rings: Sméagol & Déagol as a Gift With Purchase.

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Until Next Time,

Play Well!