LEGO Ideas has long been a favorite theme among adult LEGO collectors, bringing us iconic sets like the Back to the Future DeLorean, NASA rockets, and charming creations like the Treehouse and A-Frame Cabin. Recent years have expanded this impressive lineup with sets like the Polaroid Camera, Insect Collection, and Viking Village. However, the LEGO Ideas theme occasionally introduces sets that deviate from the expected norm, offering something unique and, at times, a little unconventional.
The LEGO Ideas Family Tree (21346) is one such set, presenting a distinct concept that might surprise LEGO enthusiasts. Let’s delve into the details to see if this set is a flourishing addition to the LEGO Ideas family or if it falls a bit short of expectations.
- LEGO Ideas Family Tree (21346)
- Recommended Retail Price: USD $79.99
- 1040 pieces
- Available for pre-order at LEGO.com and LEGO Stores, released on February 1st.
LEGO Ideas Family Tree 21346 – Brick Banter – New Release Review
Alt text: The LEGO Ideas Family Tree set 21346 is displayed on a white background, showcasing its black trunk, red leaves, and ornate base with colorful flowers and accessories, highlighting its unique design and photo display feature.
A Closer Look: Features and Design
The Lego Family Tree set centers around a prominent tree constructed with black trunk elements and vibrant red leaves. It’s perched upon a detailed base adorned with flowers, pumpkins, and various trinkets, creating a visually rich scene.
At the forefront of the model, you’ll find a charming “Our Family” sign, adding a personal touch. The base is also populated with delightful micro builds, including a book, a butterfly painting, glasses, a camera, a ladder, a kite, a small airplane, and birds and butterflies nestled within the tree itself. These elements contribute to the set’s whimsical and detailed nature.
The base’s raised terrain might initially seem unusual, but both the base and the tree are designed to be detached for separate display options. Lifting the tree section reveals a hidden trinket box, adding an element of surprise and storage to the set.
While the color palette, particularly the combination of red leaves and azure accents, might not appeal to everyone, it stays true to the original LEGO Ideas submission by Bulldoozer. Personal preferences aside, some might find the aesthetic leans more towards a LEGO Creator 3-in-1 set rather than the premium feel typically associated with the LEGO Ideas theme.
Branching Out: Photo Holders and Customization
The branches of the LEGO Family Tree employ diverse building techniques, creating a natural, sprawling effect for the foliage. Among the leaves, you’ll spot the previously mentioned doves, butterfly, plane, and kite, all easily repositionable or removable for customization.
The standout feature of this set is undoubtedly the 16 branches specifically designed to hold photos. This is the core concept of the set, allowing you to personalize your LEGO tree with family pictures or cherished memories.
Trinket Box Treasures: Accessories and Hidden Details
Beneath the removable tree section lies a concealed trinket box. This compartment comes with a variety of accessories to personalize the display further, including two paintings depicting the same bird on a tree. Notably, the set also includes an uncommon purple carrot element, a unique addition for LEGO collectors.
Furthermore, a selection of flower elements is provided, allowing you to refresh the floral arrangements around the tree’s base, adding seasonal or stylistic variations to your display.
Family Tree or Memory Keeper? Understanding the Set’s Intent
The photo-hanging feature utilizes new photo/modified plate elements, designed to securely hold your chosen images. These elements, while potentially new to some, are sturdy enough to support photos effectively. Interestingly, the set’s instructions guide you to attach photos from the top of these pieces, resulting in the bottom of the photo resting on the branch.
This design choice might shift the perception of the set. Instead of a traditional family tree showcasing genealogical lineage, it leans more towards a “memory tree” – a display for photos of family and loved ones, regardless of bloodlines or generational order.
The original LEGO Ideas submission description sheds further light on this concept:
“(This submission) will give you and your loved ones the perfect canvas to build, map, and grow your own tree. You can insert small photos of your kin and connect the dots across the branches. As your family grows, you can even pick up more sets to add height and branches. The set can also double as a ‘Memory Tree’ to store small photos of your favourite memories.”
This clarifies that the set is less about depicting a family’s ancestry and more about creating a “collage of family” – a collection of cherished faces and moments displayed on a LEGO tree. The set’s design doesn’t readily facilitate connecting photos to represent bloodlines or generational relationships. With only two primary levels of branches, representing multiple generations in a traditional family tree format becomes challenging.
Pros and Cons: Is the LEGO Family Tree Worth Building?
The LEGO Ideas Family Tree set presents a somewhat ambiguous proposition. While labeled a “Family Tree,” it might not immediately align with everyone’s preconceived notion of a genealogical family tree display.
Entering this review, one might expect a set designed to visually map family history and lineage. While family extends beyond bloodlines, the “Family Tree” name might lead some to believe it caters to this traditional concept, potentially causing a slight disconnect for those searching for a LEGO representation of their ancestry.
The original LEGO Ideas pitch envisioned the model as both a family memory collage and a family tree. LEGO seems to have emphasized the “memory” aspect while retaining the “Family Tree” name. The initial concept also suggested the possibility of expanding the tree with additional sets, a feature not easily achievable with the current design.
Who is the LEGO Family Tree For?
Despite the potential name confusion, the LEGO Family Tree set holds appeal for several groups. LEGO enthusiasts looking for unique display pieces will appreciate its distinctive design and customizable elements. It also serves as a thoughtful and creative gift for family members or friends, offering a personalized way to showcase cherished memories. Individuals seeking a decorative photo display that moves beyond traditional frames might find this LEGO set a charming and engaging alternative.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the LEGO Ideas Family Tree set (21346) is a unique and visually interesting set that leans more towards a “Family Memory Tree” concept. While the name might initially suggest a genealogical family tree, the set is better suited for displaying a collection of family photos and memories in a creative and customizable way. If you’re seeking a LEGO set to represent your ancestry in a structured, generational format, this might not be the ideal choice. However, if you appreciate its artistic design, enjoy personalizing displays with photos, and are looking for a distinctive LEGO set with a sentimental touch, the Family Tree could be a worthwhile addition to your collection. Just be aware of its true nature as a “memory tree” rather than a traditional family tree.
Thank you to the LEGO Group for providing this set for review.
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