A Voyage of Creativity: LEGO® Ideas Set 21213 Ship in Bottle Review
Intro:
Ahoy, LEGO® enthusiasts! Today, I'm setting sail into the captivating world of LEGO® with a review of the LEGO® Ideas Set 21213 Ship in Bottle. As an avid builder of multiple themes, I've eagerly anticipated the opportunity to construct this masterpiece for two reasons. One, I think it looks great out on display, and two, I can say I built a Ship in a Bottle. Does this count for that? Probably not. Either way, let me tell you, the build did not disappoint.
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*This set was bought by me and NOT supplied by LEGO® or any other company to review.
*All photos and opinions below are owned by RVB Brick Builds
What do you get in this set?
Let's dive straight into the details. With a whopping 962 pieces, this set promises an intricate and rewarding building experience. The set is divided into 678 pieces for the Ship and bottle and 284 for the meticulously crafted water—just kidding. It's only 1x1 transparent round plates. Upon opening the box, I was immediately struck by the sheer volume and unique shape of clear pieces used for the bottle, setting the stage for an immersive build. Surprisingly, there weren't any scratches or at least that I could see on these larger clear pieces.
At the heart of this set lies the mini-scale Viking ship called the Leviathan. This was also one of my favorite Triple IPAs that Harpoon put out; give it a try. Its numerous sails and intricate details make it a sight to behold. There are about 5 sails with serpent dragon images ( all printed parts), and the colors seem authentic. While the design may not be as grand as some larger ship sets, its compact size allows for easy display without compromising aesthetics. This can be used in the bottle, or you can create your own mini-scale cross-sea adventure, which I am sure people have. Overall, this Ship looks cool in or out of the bottle and is just fun to look at.
One of the standout features and a great addition to this set is the display holder. Complete with globe pieces, the name of the Ship, and a compass underneath the bottle, it adds an extra layer of charm or class to the overall presentation. It's the perfect finishing touch for showcasing this Viking Ship in all its glory and making it look less like a children's toy and more like an adult item to display.
Once assembled, the bottle is sturdy and could be displayed as a standalone item. It comes into two parts, with the top having many details and a cork on top, as shown below. It makes me want to create a full size MOC LEGO bar at my house made up of all different liquor bottles and add neon lights for added effect. Has this been done before, like everything else? If so, let me know! I have also never used or really seen these larger transparent pieces in other sets before, which I have built anyway, and I am wondering what else I can use them for. How have you used them? Now, let's weigh anchor and explore the pros and cons of this set.
Pros:
On the positive side, the visual appeal is undeniable. As someone who has never owned or built a Ship in a Bottle before, I was thoroughly impressed by the clever use of clear pieces to create the illusion of glass. Additionally, the absence of minifigures and accessories is a deliberate design choice, allowing the focus to remain squarely on the Ship itself. I did, however, create a little photoshopped scene of a pirate trapped in the bottle with a Kraken, shown below. It came out pretty cool. Moreover, I must applaud LEGO® for their decision to include only printed pieces in this set, sparing us the hassle of applying stickers. It's a small detail, but one that significantly enhances the overall building experience. Especially since I HATE putting on stickers despite knowing why they are on set.
Cons:
However, no ship is without its rough waters, and this set is no exception. One of the main challenges I encountered was the difficulty of placing the Ship in the bottle. The fit is incredibly tight, which, while adding a sense of realism, can also be frustrating during assembly. Furthermore, attempting to remove the Ship for LEGO® scenes or photography often resulted in it falling apart, requiring careful reconstruction. I had to do this a couple of times! Another minor gripe is the allocation of pieces for the water. While it certainly adds depth to the display, a significant portion of the set's pieces are dedicated to this element, which may not appeal to all builders.
Final Thoughts: It is a 100% BUY for me (it's on my shelf as we speak)
In conclusion, the LEGO® Ideas Set# 21213 Ship in Bottle is a triumph of creativity and craftsmanship. Well done to the original designer and the LEGO team for mass-producing this set for us to have. Despite its challenges, the end result is undeniably impressive, making it a worthy addition to any LEGO® collection. Whether you're a seasoned builder or a novice enthusiast, embarking on this nautical adventure will inspire awe and wonder. So set sail and let your imagination run wild with this captivating set!
Being myself one brick at a time. How about you, what are you building next?
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