At almost every stage there are fascinating tidbits focusing on different aspects of the Shuttle’s construction, history and flight details, and before the build even commences there’s a beautiful double spread filled with photography and facts.Īs you’d expect from a set containing over 2,000 pieces, the build for the Discovery is long, involved and offers some interesting techniques. One highlight of 10283 NASA Space Shuttle Discovery is the amount of information crammed into the manual. As it is, this is just a small part of this set, and the fact there is a gigantic Space Shuttle to build next makes for a very exciting prospect. In fact, it’s such a wonderful design that had the LEGO Group decided to release this separately, it would no doubt garner huge praise. It’s a lovely addition that really adds to the overall attractiveness of the finished model. The Hubble Space Telescope comes with its own brick-built stand, complete with a UCS-style plaque. The whole thing is incredibly enjoyable to put together and looks absolutely stunning, almost transcending the trappings of a normal LEGO model to more closely resemble a detailed Airfix kit. The solar panels themselves are two large vinyl sheets. Hubble’s solar panels connect to either side through a brick-built frame, making use of minifigure lances and candle holders – both of which appear in metallic silver for the first time. An exquisitely-printed 1×4 NASA logo adds to the aesthetics and authenticity.įurther detail is added through greebling on the base and sides, which are also hinged to allow for a little poseability. 2×2 sloped curves, 1×2 tiles, 2×4 tiles, and even 1×1 quarter tiles help to create an incredibly striking model. Hubble is a highly-sensitive, highly-reflective telescope, and to replicate this a large number of drum-lacquered silver pieces have been used across the entire body. From the offset Technic pins used for the telescope’s angled stand to the intricate design created by the yellow 1×1 tap pieces, every stage creates the feeling of building a scientific instrument. Perhaps it’s the building techniques utilised, or maybe it’s the subject matter itself, but everything about the model feels like it has a very precise and measured design. The build actually begins with the construction of the Hubble Telescope, arguably one of the most important scientific instruments ever created by man, and it is a stunning rendition. Several design features of the Shuttle proved to be a real headache, such as the retractable landing gear, and the interview does a great job in explaining how the design team overcame these hurdles, as well as building anticipation for the model to come. In excess of 1,500 additional pieces means the designers have been able to include even more accurate detailing and authenticity than ever before, but it wasn’t easy – as the interview with LEGO designer Milan Madge contained within the manual attests to. While it displayed a decent level of detail and accuracy, it cannot compare with this latest iteration. In 2003, 7470 Space Shuttle Discovery-STS-31 was launched in conjunction with the Discovery Channel, retailing for £49.99 and containing 828 pieces. This is not the first time the LEGO Group has released a set featuring both the Space Shuttle Discovery and Hubble together.
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