10360

What’s up with white?

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A close-up of LEGO pieces in different shades of white, with text overlay reading 'I Spent My Afternoon Comparing These Two Shades-Of White'.

In which we examine a few elements in the new shade 426 White, and explore the effect of some of these changes and more.

While I was reviewing at the 10360 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft recently, I noticed that the white tiles and plates appeared to be ‘more white’, and indeed less opaque than that which had been seen in recent years. New Elementary published an article on article acknowledging this change and a revised cool yellow recently.

I am curious about the specific rationale behind the change, so I thought I would take a look at some of the parts in 10360, compare them with other examples that I have, and see if there are obvious advantages to the new pigment. I’ll also set a test in process, to see if this new pigment is able to resist yellowing on sun exposure.

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10360 Shuttle Carrying Aircraft: Rambling Review

ramblingbrick 18+, ICONS, Lego, Review, space , , , , , , , , ,
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.

ramblingbrick 18+, ICONS, Review, space , , , , , , ,
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.

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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.

LEGO Icons 10360 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft set featuring a Boeing 747 with the NASA Space Shuttle Enterprise mounted on top.
Box design for the LEGO Icons Shuttle Carrier Aircraft set featuring a detailed model of the Boeing 747 and NASA Space Shuttle Enterprise.
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