Fasten your seat belts, it's the final instalment of our LEGO® Icons 10318 Concorde review where we'll be exploring the set's build techniques and nice part usage before concluding with a look at the impressive completed model.
Products in this article were gifted by LEGO®; the author's opinions are their own. 10318 Concorde US$199.99/ £169.99/ 199.99€/ AU$299.99 2083 parts 4 September 2023 Please consider using our affiliate links, we may get a small commission if you purchase: Set 10318 on LEGO.com
The build
Stacking the plates, bricks and brackets that form the aft end of the wings isn't the most technically thrilling way to start the build, however, the section's considerable width is an exciting indicator of just how big the completed model will be.
Things get more spicy once we begin constructing the fuselage.
Throughout the build there are a number of clever little locks that keep the wings firmly attached to the main body. My favourite is this nifty bracket, Mixels ball and panel combo situated towards the rear of the plane.
A handful of orange elements, including some large 4x3x12 wedge plates, are perplexing until it becomes clear that they form temporary supports. They're used intermittently during the first half of the build to stop the wings from toppling over. Smaller stands consisting of a few plates steady the fuselage later on. A quick image search suggests the real aircraft's construction used orange supports too, so the colour choice here is a nice attention to detail.
Newly recoloured 1x3 rounded plates, 1x1 round plates with bars and headlight bricks are all used effectively to keep the surface of the wings smooth above the rear landing gear. It's a partial success, as we'll see later on, but the techniques used are worth celebrating.
The construction of the forward landing gear housing is just as interesting. It alternates between 1x2x2 rounded bricks with bars and 1x1 vertical clips - a fantastic technique for sturdy stud reversal.
A pair of perpendicular LEGO Technic connectors (11455) are cleverly positioned vertically to become the forward landing gear's pivot point. It's an inventive way to secure this vital sub-assembly in a small space.
Although they're mostly stacked plates and bricks, the engines are still satisfying to assemble. A fun detail here is the French flag embedded in the structure. There are a few more scattered throughout the build, often hidden until you flip the assembly over then: ta-da! Or perhaps ooh là là is more appropriate?
Another nifty connection is used for the angled cockpit roof. A red 1x1 round plate sets the angle of a 1x2 rounded brick with vertical bars. Then, with a single clip, the assembly snaps into place.
Towards the end of the build the nose and tail sections are added. Here we see why the new cone was developed with a predominately hollow underside as it must accommodate this protruding LEGO Tchnic assembly.
Interlude
Having finished the build, I couldn't help but wonder what the parts from the temporary supports could be used for.
My dad must've thought the same because while I busied myself with photographing the Concorde itself, he set to work attempting to use every one of the leftover elements that isn't a standard spare.
The result of his efforts, after a couple of illegal connection suggestions from me, is this luminous bi-plane - complete with spinning propeller. He definitely wins the proud son award!
And now, the main event.
The completed model
At 105cm / 42 inches long, the completed Concorde is big - as in,
it-takes-up-an-entire-display-shelf big. But it's worth it because the
model is simply gorgeous. It's also surprisingly durable for something
so long and slender - three cheers for all those nifty structural
building techniques!
I have the model mounted on the stand incorrectly above to better show off the beautiful lines of its delta wing. The default (and more stable!) orientation is shown at the start of the article and below.
Just as striking is the rear of the model. There are several poseable control surfaces and all are achieved pretty seamlessly. The engine glow effect made from transparent orange dishes stacked on yellow 2x2 round tiles with centre studs is a nice touch as well. Note the 1x6 slope (4569) in dark blue we discussed in part 1 of the LEGO Concorde review at the base of the tail fin. It's puzzling that the same part wasn't used for the rear edge of the upper rudder, especially as it already exists in white.
While the model isn't devoid of studs, the 2x8 plates on the wings are a little unsightly. The decision to use them rather than tiles does make sense as they're marginally stronger and easier to assemble. For those seeking a cleaner look though, the 2x8s can be swapped out for tiles without a hitch.
I would've been content with a 'traditional' black stand with 8x16 info plaque. I am however, in love with the gorgeous Reddish Brown and light bluish grey one we got. It has such a classic feel about it with the printed dark blue and text in metallic gold. A perfect choice for this ahead-of-its-time aircraft.
The underside looks unusually good for a LEGO model with barely an anti-stud in sight. This is thanks to the sideways brick construction of the wings which are smooth on both sides. Tiles and curved slopes cover most of the remaining surfaces. Note the 1x2 'cheese grater' slopes that cut around the landing gear cavity, and the lovely details on the engines.
As if observing the model wasn't satisfying enough, the synchronised landing gear mechanism takes things to a new level of awesomeness. Of course it's missing landing gear doors, but their absence is entirely forgivable considering how complex the mechanism is already.
I'd recommend taking extra care with any step that involves LEGO Technic as I imagine it's tricky to rectify a potential mechanical error later in the build process. Assuming all goes well though, you're in for a real treat when you turn that tail.
Much of the plane's innards are devoted to that impressive mechanism but the slice of interior we do get is delightful. 'Comma panel' seats are an inspired choice but the highlight here are those D-SNOT toilets!
I doubt it's intentional, but it's neat the exposed red plates look like the traditional red outlining used on cutaway drawings.
Having been treated to some cabin space, the lack of a cockpit interior is a little disappointing. It's completely forgivable however, as much of this area is devoted to a well integrated hinge for the all important Droop Snoot!
Closing thoughts
10318 Concorde is an astonishing LEGO model. The livery is a bit off compared to source material, and some spots require a step back before they appear sleek rather than stepped. Considering what's actually possible in the medium however, the finished plane is pretty darn near perfect. Not to mention the stellar build experience, a well engineered mechanism and a parts-effective stand.
For something this large, the price feels reasonable too - a fact not often true of sets these days. Granted, the model is slender by nature so the size is more length and width than bulk. Nevertheless, the heft of the completed plane leaves no doubt the set is worth its weight in parts as well as looks.
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Building the engine modules and snapping them in to place was the most satisfying part of build for me. And excellent model who's only flaw might be it's so dang big I don't know where to put it!
Building the engine modules and snapping them in to place was the most satisfying part of build for me. And excellent model who's only flaw might be it's so dang big I don't know where to put it!
ReplyDeleteI've actually just ordered the product!
ReplyDeleteCan I ask how your father built the biplane as I’m struggling to see what parts were used where
ReplyDelete