LEGO Classic Space Mission Set - 1700 Pieces

First, I agree with other reviews that there should be instructions for all of the pictured builds AND the bags should numbered in order for use with the builds.Besides that, THIS IS AN AWESOME SET!!!!There is a wonderful diversity of pieces, many of the colors are rarely featured (or minimally featured) in other Creator sets, and there are sooooooooo many ways to utilize these pieces besides creating space related builds.If you are looking to round out your Lego collection with fun colors or if you’d just like a great set of pieces to free-build with, then this set is for you!

This set has plenty of colourful bricks. For most sets in the range, half the pieces are used for the models in the instructions, leaving half for the first of your own models. In this set there are just 2 instruction booklets but another 3 bags with no more instructions. They tease about there being something online but there is no more there either. Had it been online, that would not have been enough for me; as a set for younger children it should all be in the paper instructions as screen-time is rationed.What there should be is just one more booklet with enough views of the models suggested for bags 3, 4 and 5 for builders of all ages to be able to work out how to build them using the techniques they learned with bags 1&2. It doesn't necessarily need the same ... MoreThis set has plenty of colourful bricks. For most sets in the range, half the pieces are used for the models in the instructions, leaving half for the first of your own models. In this set there are just 2 instruction booklets but another 3 bags with no more instructions. They tease about there being something online but there is no more there either. Had it been online, that would not have been enough for me; as a set for younger children it should all be in the paper instructions as screen-time is rationed.What there should be is just one more booklet with enough views of the models suggested for bags 3, 4 and 5 for builders of all ages to be able to work out how to build them using the techniques they learned with bags 1&2. It doesn't necessarily need the same level of detailed instructions but just enough encouragement to apply the learning and succeed in making them. As it is, the challenge may test an adult as one cannot see the supporting bricks behind the scenes. The extra-view pictures would be more in line with the old ideas books (222, 7777) that got us to work out how it was done, embedding the learning and the elation of success.A second point is the colours. This set is Space-themed but has no bricks in "Bright Blue", which is the LEGO Classic Space colour. For that I will have to look to the Galaxy Explorer 10497. Apart from that, I did like the colours of the Earth model, especially the "Bright Green", and the light azur was appropriate for the sea. The bright bluish green, medium lilac, gold, bright reddish violet, vibrant coral and vibrant yellow brick colours are also appreciated, with more of those here than in other sets. I was also pleased with the 8 turntables.The overall question for the LEGO hobby is the balance between many differently coloured bricks in the Classic theme and how to make the transition towards having enough bricks in the same colour to build more-realistic representations of real-world items as My Own Creations. Another reason to buy Classic sets is that the average brick price is a lot less than buying from Bricks and Pieces, especially for the standard 2x4 brick. As an experienced LEGO builder and Adult Fan Of LEGO, I deliberately bought a range of classic sets to explore a wide range of colours in a variety of pieces that were not in the other sets I usually buy. This set is great for casual fun building as a break from the more-serious scale modelling and technical modelling.The box is able to store extra bricks but is not as useful in shape as the trays of 11019 or 11020, or especially the sorting tray of 11021. It tends to favour vertical orientation once opened. Classic LEGO has always been the foundation supporting other themes and this set is one of a range of sets that does it very well, though some other sets are a bit better. For the instructions reason above I would rather recommend other Classic sets.

The packaging emphasizes vehicles, but don't be fooled- a fair part of the generous piece count is given to small decorative pieces that would be great for building whimsical alien characters (expect a generous helping of frogs, teeth, magnifying glasses, arms, etc). The remainder is a series of large blocks in a wide palette of bright colors. It might be best combined with other sets if you need more pieces in the middle size range, but overall, lots of fun building options. Examples (including the purple robot in secret "extra bag" instructions from LEGO.build/BI-BV) showcase the nice effects possible from simple basic shapes.