10360 Shuttle Carrying Aircraft: Rambling Review

A person holding a LEGO model of the Space Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, featuring the Shuttle on top, against a clear blue sky. The image includes text overlaying the model with the title '10360 LEGO ICONS Shuttle Carrier Aircraft: Rambling Review' and the word 'SWOOSH!'

After the conclusion of the Apollo Moon Landing, the public’s interest in Space exploration waned. Then we saw our first images of the next phase of NASA’s manned Space Program: the Prototype Space Shuttle Enterprise being transported on the back of a modified 747, before being released to glide independently for a landing. We knew something exciting was happening.

The 747 subsequently received a a new paint job and was involved in transporting the Space Shuttles from their landing site in California across the country to Florida, in time for the next launch, through to the end of the program in 2011.

While we have seen many sets depicting a space shuttle at this scale or larger, in varying detail ( at least 20 at the most recent count), this is the first time we have seen a LEGO set depicting any variant of the 747 jumbo jet.

So, will this new model inspire us like the Saturn V from LEGO Ideas in 2017 did? Let’s take a closer look. Along the way, we will include some insights from Andy Grubb, one of the design team members who worked on this set.

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10360 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft: Swoosh Test.

A hand holding the LEGO ICONS 10360 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, featuring a NASA Space Shuttle attached to a modified 747-100, demonstrating swoosh testing.

The latest LEGO ICONS set, 10360 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, brings us the modified 747-100 and the prototype Space Shuttle Enterprise. The defining point of all LEGO Spacecraft and Airplanes is their swooshability. While this set is intended as a display model, my inner eight-year-old felt it should be taken out for a fly.

While I am still writing up my full review, I felt it important to share this with you now. You can see the results after the break.

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10360 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft revealed. This hit me smack bang in the childhood.

Image of the LEGO 10360 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft set featuring a detailed replica of a Boeing 747 modified to carry the NASA Space Shuttle Enterprise, with promotional text overlay.

Growing up in the 1970s, the excitement of ongoing space exploration despite the end of the Apollo Program continued, particularly in the form of the Pioneer and Voyager probes exploring the outer solar system, as well as the Viking Lander on Mars. But things really go exciting for 8 year old me when I saw there were plans afoot for the Americans to return to a manned space program. My first glimpse of the Space Shuttle was likely a prototype model featured in The Encyclopaedia of Nature and Science (1974, R. Taylor Editor, Bay Books).

Today, the LEGO Group officially reveal their upcoming 10360 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft – depicting the modified 747 along with the prototype shuttle ‘Enterprise’. The set has 2419 pieces and will retail for $AUD349.99 / €229.99 / £199.99 / $USD229.99. It is due for release for LEGO Insiders on May 15th, 2025, and to all on May 18th.

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10347 Petite Sunny Bouquet

The first sets in the Botanical Collection arrived in 2020, starting life as a subtheme of the ICONS theme, aimed at adult builders. After proving its enduring popularity, the collection has spun off into its own theme and now includes elegant model sets aimed at younger builders. The latest of these sets is the 10347 Petite Sunny Bouquet. With 373 parts and a collection of elegant pastel flowers, it has just been released in time for Mother’s Day.

Let’s take a closer look…

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31216 Keith Haring’s Dancing Figures Revealed.

LEGO Art has been expanding its output this year, from the LOVE statue, and diverting via Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, we return to Pop Art, in the Form of 31216 Keith Haring’s Dancing Figures. This 1773 piece LEGO set will go on sale on May 15 2025, with a RRP of $AUD199.99 / $USD119.99 / €119,99 / £104.99.

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New LEGO® Star Wars Sets Revealed for May Release.

May is coming, and with that, International Star Wars Day: May the 4th (Be With You). There’s a lot going on, from nine new sets being revealed today, gifts with purchase revealed, Star Wars Celebration this weekend, and a New LEGO IDEAS Activity.

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What Can We Learn From the Creator 3in1 31172 Record Player with Flowers?

I have said it before, and I’ll say it again: I love the LEGO® Creator 3in1 sets: they provide builders with great opportunities to learn about about evolving construction techniques, new elements, or even serve as reminders about established techniques that might be outside our regular repertoire.

Recently, there has been a trend to bring out creator 3in1 sets showcasing specific colours, while building real world objects, decorated with flowers. One of the latest releases, 31172, brings us the options of a record player, a radio and a microphone with vintage styling while highlighting a white and light royal blue, with different bunches of flowers.

This set has 366 pieces, and priced at $AUD39.99/ $USD29.99 /€29.99 /£24.99. It is now available now

Today, after looking at the elements included and the 3 models, we will take a look at some of the handy tips I picked up as I put the record player together. Some were new to me, some were reminders, and all will be useful to someone, I am sure. I’d love to know what you think.

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Marvel Minibusts Revealed: 76327 Mk4 Iron Man &76326 Iron Spider

Today, the LEGO Group officially revealed a new scale of superhero sculpture. Measuring around 17 cm high and a similar width, the details incorporated in these sculptures extend beyond the helmet, to incorporate a complete mini-bust, along with a representative minifigure. The Mk4 Iron Man, along with the Iron Spider, will be the first to appear in June and August, respectively. They will be priced at $AUD99.99/$USD59.99/€59.99/£54.99 – in a similar price bracket to the previous helmet/mask series, and are available to preorder in some markets. Let’s take a closer look…

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40761 The Lord of the Rings: Sméagol and Déagol. [Hands On review]

As much as I like the Bag End build incorporated in 10354 The Shire (I keep wanting to call it ‘Bag End and a Long Awaited Party’), many people might want some kind of sweetener to go ahead and pick it up on opening week. I understand this. At $AUD399.99, it is an expensive set. So, will the LEGO Store Exclusive 40761 Sméagol and Déagol be enough to make you pull the trigger? The LEGO Group were kind enough to send a copy of the set over to look at, but it has probably been available for a few hours before we are able to publish our reviews.

Let’s dive in >ahem< and take a closer look.

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10354 The Shire: Part 2 – the Build

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.

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