So Where Do I Put This One?

So after previously bewailing the lack of display space in my "office" you have to wonder at the wisdom of one of my recent acquisitions - the 10212, Imperial Shuttle.

It is the second largest Lego model I have built, only being beaten both on size and brick content by 10188 Death Star. The Imperial Shuttle contains 2053 pieces and took me approximately 6 hours to build. This is pretty good going considering the Death Star took approximately 17 nights / 26 hours to construct!

As you can see from the photo above the model has been rendered at full minifigure scale resulting in a model that is nearly 1.5ft tall - not including the landing / display gantry.

The second photo above hopefully does the size of it more justice. My wife thinks it is not the most beautiful model that I own but I must confess to liking the clean and austere lines of it. Plus, as any Star Wars fan will tell you, this model is a pretty accurate portrayal of the ship that transports Luke Skywalker from Endor to the half constructed Death Star II in Return of the Jedi, there to experience his final encounter with Darth Vadar and the Emperor.

Despite the number of pieces the build was relatively easy though not for younger enthusiasts. The wing sections and, indeed, mounting the wings was very fiddly. It is also essential that you get the internal gears lined up and assembled correctly: you really don't want to have to dismantled the model to correct it all later. Take your time and get it right first time is my advice.

At over £200 this is a very expensive model - something of an executive toy - and though surprisingly sturdy is not really designed for play. It's a display model. Something for grown men to go "ooh" at and for children to covet.

And something for me to scratch my head about and wonder just where the hell am I going to put it?