Review : LEGO Creator Expert 10266 NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander

Without transition, we take a quick look at the LEGO Creator Expert set 10266 NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander (1087 pieces - 94.99 €), a beautiful box that offers a detailed model of the LEM, already present in a micro version in the LEGO Ideas set 21309 NASA Apollo Saturn V. marketed since 2017.

There is no real reason to prolong the suspense, this set is in my opinion rather successful and it will easily find its place among all enthusiasts of space conquest. The attention to detail, despite some approximations, is evident here with the end result an assembled product that could easily become a credible and usable educational tool in addition to being a pretty exhibition model.

The instruction booklet contains a few pages which quickly put the model in context, it is always a plus to discover the history of the Apollo 11 mission before proceeding to the assembly. A few facts are scattered throughout the pages of the booklet, it is a welcome educational distraction.

First, the descent stage is assembled onto which the ascent stage will then be clipped, which allows at the end of the mission to join the command module which remained in orbit. Each step of the assembly is an opportunity to learn a little more about the LEM, with for example the installation of the different oxidizer and fuel tanks in the form of two containers for the nitrogen peroxide and two other carboys containing Aérozine 50.

We also install the various compartments which contain the scientific equipment necessary for the mission and we stick in the passage some stickers which symbolize the thermal insulation material which covers the panels of the descent module.

Many golden elements dress the downstairs and the stickers are roughly the same color as these pieces. Visually, it's almost consistent even though the stickers are much more reflective than the gold pieces which have a matte appearance. I'm not a fan of the mix of colors between stickers and tinted parts, it's rarely convincing. In this specific case, the stickers win with their shiny rendering.

The landing gear with their jacks, their shock absorbers and the cups which come into contact with the lunar ground contribute to the high-end model effect of the model. The whole is sufficiently detailed to be convincing without giving in the overbidding of small parts which could possibly weaken the four "legs" of the machine.

Fundamentalists will inevitably find fault with many details that are not completely faithful to the original LEM, but I think the compromise proposed here is acceptable, at least with regard to the machine itself. After all, LEGO does not claim to market a 100% faithful model and we mainly buy here a construction toy simply based on an important event that took place 50 years ago.

When the descent stage is assembled, we then tackle the ascent module which is also designed to be both a detailed element of the overall model and a modular unit whose structure can be disassembled to discover the different spaces. and their function.

Here too, the attention to detail is impressive with several control panels in the form of stickers to stick and even the possibility of placing a minifigure in the main space of the module. Almost nothing has been forgotten: by turning over the descent stage, we find the central nozzle of the descent motor and the ascent stage is also equipped with a nozzle which simply slides into the center of the section. lower part of the model.

The LEM has here a real presentation base to assemble with the mention Apollo 11 Lunar Lander pad printed which gives the whole a little side "Lego space architecture"and which brilliantly stages the model. Once again, the attention to detail is evident with even a few footprints starting from the foot of the LEM ladder and leading to the flag planted on the lunar soil.

This 26x28 stud base is not based on a standard plate and is made up of many elements that add to the final inventory of the set. For once a large-scale LEGO set isn't doomed to be on display without a display stand, I'm not going to complain. The lunar ground in LEGO version with the four mini craters which accommodate the feet of the LEM is an accessory which beyond offering a nice scenario also makes it possible to easily move the machine.

The side compartments of the LEM contain the camera triggered by Armstrong when it came out and the laser reflector which then made it possible to measure the distance between the Earth and the Moon. These elements may seem anecdotal to some, but they also contribute to giving an educational value to the product and will serve above all as a starting point for some more detailed explanations of the unfolding of the Apollo 11 mission.

No one will play with this set and the camera will probably stay hidden in its storage space for a long time. As often with LEGO products, we know it's there and it's enough even if it can't be seen. The laser reflector, on the other hand, can easily find its place on the exhibition base, which is where it should be.

The two minifigs provided are presented as two astronauts, with no additional details on the identity of the characters. There can be no confusion here, it is obviously Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins having remained in orbit in the command module during the mission.

I personally find it unfortunate that a product celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the moon landing does not contain the third member of the Apollo 11 crew. He did not set foot on the moon but Collins did his part of the job and greatly contributed to the success of the mission. Even if it means offering a box that pays tribute to the event, an additional minifigure, even generic, would have been welcome.

From a technical point of view, the pad printing of the torso of the two characters is a bit lacking, there is an unpleasant blur effect on the NASA logo and on the various printed areas. The defect appears on both minifigs and even if their torso disappears under the helmet, it's a shame not to have a perfectly finished product.

Speaking of the helmet, it's a shame that LEGO has not made the effort to offer a fairly correct reproduction of the equipment of the two astronauts. The generic piece used here bears little resemblance to Armstrong and Aldrin's outfit. The shape of the golden canopy is also not consistent and I was hoping to get two less generic and flesh-colored heads for the two astronauts. The yellow heads provided are not up to the anniversary this product intends to celebrate. This box is not a simple LEGO CITY or Creator set, it deserved better than that in terms of minifigs.

In summary, I think this box is quite successful despite the few faults highlighted above. This is not a 100% faithful mockup of the LEM, but it is a product sufficiently advanced to make it convincing educationally and make it a perfect companion to the LEGO Ideas set 21309 NASA Apollo Saturn V. on your shelves. The minifigs are a bit too generic for my taste, but we'll make do with it.

Note: The set shown here, supplied by LEGO, is included as usual. To participate in the draw, all you have to do is post a comment (avoid "I participate, I try, etc ..." be a little more constructive) on this article before the June 9, 2019 at 23:59 p.m.. You have every right to disagree with me, this is not eliminatory.

Update : The winner was drawn and was notified by email, his nickname is indicated below. Without a response from him to my request for contact details within 5 days, a new winner will be drawn.

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