LEGO Creator 3-in-1
As a theme, LEGO Creator 3-in-1 is really like no other. Beyond the ability to build three different models with the same collection of bricks that come in any particular set and the sheer variety of subject matters tackled, Creator 3-in-1 is a theme that continues to offer creations that skew quite far across the age ranges that interact with LEGO.
For every 31146 Flatbed Truck with Helicopter and 30641 Panda Bear for younger builders there are sets such as 31157 Exotic Peacock and
No other theme is as dynamic or indeed creatively demanding of itself as LEGO Creator 3-in-1. To stay true to the concept of offering three thematically-linked builds within the one box of bricks is no easy task and, in the pursuit of such creativity, perfection isn’t always possible. The occasional misstep with less-than-convincing ‘B’ or ‘C’ models (so to speak) in order to really nail the ‘A’ model is as understandable as it is forgivable, even if such compromises are also increasingly infrequent.
Whilst the overall standard of models offered within a typical Creator 3-in-1 set continues to grow ever more consistent, every now and again a set comes along that absolutely nails the concept across the board to offer up three perfectly formed and thematically-linked models. The latest such set is of course
This 667-piece set represents a true refinement in the theme’s multi-model design approach and begins with the simple but smart choice of subject matter. The models offers builds for three different woodland-based animals in the shape of a red fox, a red squirrel and a red owl. Colourways across the three models are consistent meaning that a good amount of the parts that come in the box are used across whichever of the three you build. At the same time, the effects created between the creatures – fur or feather – are similar enough that the types of pieces offered within the set can accommodate them very effectively.
Beyond picking the right animals to build and the easily-transferable parts to use between them, though, is some very clever design work by the team behind this set. There are the obvious details and colours that speak to each animal’s particular shaping and so on, but more importantly – and this reflects where Creator 3-in-1 is in 2024 compared with just a few years ago even – the scaling for the different parts to each animal is spot on. The squirrel’s head isn’t too big or too small on its body, nor is its tail too thin or short. Likewise, the owl’s head and wings are nicely matched and not overshadowed by anything silly like massive talons, while the fox is nicely balanced across head, body and tail just the same.
Alongside good scaling is fun, hands-on playability that for each animal is as you’d expect of an ‘A’ model. The fox can stand or sit and swoosh its tail and move its head in any direction. The squirrel can be positioned similarly on all fours or standing up, nervously turning its head towards you as it holds on to an acorn that it found. And the owl can perch on the included segment of a tree branch and turn its head and even slightly adjust its wings and tail.
Alongside these strengths across all three animals, perhaps most effective in each model you can build in
From the same selection of parts you can build three beautiful forest animals, and you'll probably struggle to choose which one to keep assembled (enough to buy three copies? Just maybe). Every LEGO Creator 3-in-1 set is an achievement in its own right, but it is those like
This product was provided by the LEGO Group for review purposes.
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