LEGO has teamed up with NASA to launch a surprise toy set for the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing.
The "NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander," a new LEGO Creator Expert set that recreates in detail the "Eagle" lunar module that brought Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to the lunar surface on July 20, 1969, was officially revealed on Thursday (May 30), two days before going on sale. The 1,087-brick model was developed by LEGO, in cooperation with NASA, to celebrate the 50 years that have passed since the historic achievement.
thisismills Member
Posts: 263 From: Michigan Registered: Mar 2012
posted 05-30-2019 08:57 AM
There are photos of a commemorative patch to accompany the set, which include the lunar lander model design from the Saturn V set.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42982 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-30-2019 09:44 AM
For what it is worth, LEGO made no mention of a patch in the information it provided to the press. I guess we will see come Saturday.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42982 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-30-2019 10:49 AM
LEGO video
LEGO Lunar Lander Designer Video Review by LEGO Designer Lars Joe.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42982 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-31-2019 02:01 PM
quote:Originally posted by Robert Pearlman: I guess we will see come Saturday.
Join the space elite with this exclusive VIP-only NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander patch. The patch has an adhesive backing and includes a LEGO logo and a picture of the Lunar Lander. Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing with this cool piece of space history. It's free for LEGO VIPs with purchase of the Lunar Lander.
Free LEGO VIP Space Patch (5005907) offer is valid for VIP purchases at shop.LEGO.com, in LEGO Stores and LEGO Catalogue telephone orders from 1st to 9th of June 2019, while stocks last. Purchase of the 10266 NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander must be made to qualify. Bricks & Pieces orders are not valid for this promotion. One set per household. Cannot be applied to previous purchases or combined with any other discount, offer or free gift. If the qualifying LEGO purchase(s) is returned to us for a refund, the gift must also be returned to us together with the qualifying LEGO purchase(s).
Larry McGlynn Member
Posts: 1255 From: Boston, MA Registered: Jul 2003
posted 06-01-2019 09:06 PM
The LM kits are in the stores today. I was told that they had more kits than they could court in the backroom.
I got one of the Apollo Lunar Lander patches. I have built a few Lego kits and have earned VIP status. They always throw in extras for repeat customers. The company is smart that way.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42982 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-02-2019 02:58 PM
This was a good, fun build.
Lars Joe Hylding, the design manager at LEGO who led the creation of this set, did an impressive job finding ways to insert details from the real Eagle lunar module into a model constrained by a toy brick construction. For example, I was surprised to see the propellant tanks included as I assembled the descent stage.
The MESA and Early Apollo Scientific Experiment Package are great additions and for those motivated, it would probably not be too difficult to further outfit both with more equipment from the Apollo 11 mission.
The ascent stage is designed such that you can easily remove either its front or back (or both) to see inside and place the two minifigure astronauts.
The inclusion of a lunar surface adds a lot from the previous 2003 Apollo lunar module set and the square boot prints "left" by the minifigures' square feet are a particularly charming touch.
The set does rely on decals, which I would have preferred as printed parts, but they do they a nice job of representing the circuit breakers, switches and panels in the ascent stage cabin.
I have seen some comments about the cost — it is just $20 less than the larger Saturn V — but I think that is on account of the gold and silver parts and the decals, which are printed on a foil backing. The promo patch makes for a nice bonus, but even without it, I think the set is well worth its price.
GoesTo11 Member
Posts: 1309 From: Denver, CO Registered: Jun 2004
posted 06-02-2019 04:48 PM
Ordered mine Friday night, as soon as they were released. The patch was automatically added to my order; as a previous "VIP" buyer, I didn't have to add it.
Looking forward to receiving this set, but my only issue is that they chose to use the same helmet/backpack molds for the astronaut figures as the new Mars mission sets. You'd think that as many new minifigs as Lego puts out every year, they'd have done something more accurate there.
Docdrew Member
Posts: 25 From: Scottsdale, AZ Registered: Aug 2013
posted 06-02-2019 10:50 PM
The RCS thruster clusters look somewhat lame. Maybe someone can produce more accurate replacements. Perhaps Michael Key?
Jonnyed Member
Posts: 396 From: Dumfries, VA, USA Registered: Aug 2014
posted 06-03-2019 07:54 PM
Ordered mine today. A little disappointed in the stickers instead of the printed pieces but still very cool model.
Liembo Member
Posts: 583 From: Bothell, WA Registered: Jan 2013
posted 06-03-2019 11:19 PM
If you are interested in updates, corrections and improvements to the Lunar Lander kit, some have already been posted over at the Lego Saturn V, Lunar Lander and Other Space Builds group on Facebook. Quite a number of space flight enthusiasts have been chomping at the bit to get their hands on it and make it as accurate as possible. I figure in a matter of weeks we will see a J Mission configuration.
(photo Andrew Harkins)
(photo Andrew Harkins)
(photo Grant Passmore)
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42982 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-20-2019 12:45 PM
MiniFigs.me release
Pair of Apollo Astronauts - Custom Lego Minifigures $35.99USD – $37.99USD
Following LEGO's release of the Lunar Lander, and a number of customer requests, we are now offering this custom minfigure set based on Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin in their Apollo 11 space suits.
The set includes two complete astronaut minifigures, with custom printed arms, 2 x custom printed backpacks and 2 x helmets with gold visors. You can choose whether you would like heads with a yellow or light flesh skin tone (although bear in mind that these are barely visible once the visor is down!)
These custom printed minifigures can be used as more detailed and realistic astronauts to accompany the Lunar Lander set.
As standard, the names Armstrong and Aldrin are printed onto the minifigure torsos, but you can choose to alter these names at an additional cost.
Re-create your own moon landing with these adorable figures!
posted 05-30-2019 08:00 AM
advertisement