(Written by William)
I wasn’t planning to pick up the #31170 LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Wild Animals: Pink Flamingo, however, it was offered to us for review, and I’ve had a really good experience with LEGO Creator animals as of late. The #31154 LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Red Fox, and the #31129 LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Majestic Tiger were highly detailed models with some amazing building experiences. This made me think, could LEGO designers continue that level of quality in a set that is half the price?
To give LEGO the best chance to impress, I’ve stuck with just building the main model, despite this being a 3-in-1 set. I usually prefer the model that uses most – if not all – of the parts in the 3-in-1 sets. I like to think of the additional optional builds as bonus play features. It’s the main build that is LEGO’s best foot forward. If they can’t deliver on their best, then the rest is probably not worth bothering with. So, the question is, is this set worth it or is it just another set you value based on parts?
LEGO PINK FLAMINGO – THE MODEL
Given how thin a real flamingo’s legs are compared to the rest of its body, I was curious how well the leg design holds up this model. To my surprise, LEGO designers only used a single brick-built LEGO Technic pillar to hold up the entire build. I always underestimate how much weight you can put on a fairly thin support.
Turns out the body of the flamingo isn’t terribly heavy. Rather, the complication is balancing the model on such a thin point. Therefore, LEGO designers ended up constructing it much like a wine glass. By flaring out the bottom there is plenty of surface area to keep the model upright.
As for the sculpting of the model, it is just as impressive as its more expensive counterparts. You start with the core of the flamingo. Think of this as the side profile. What shape would this bird be if it were a cookie cutter? This is built up along with plenty of side connections to fill out the rest of the body.
Once you have the shape just right, it is time to flesh out the details. Extend parts out that should be thicker. Add texture where you want to simulate features like feathers. And finally, match up the general shape you outlined in the core. Slap it on the sides and you get an instant art piece.
It’s almost maddening how simple LEGO designers make this process seem. The trouble is, I sometimes have issues trying to visualize that many dimensions, but the concept is pretty simple. Work on your outlines first, then refine, refine, refine.
LEGO PINK FLAMINGO – THE PARTS
Without a doubt, this set will be a great source for a variety of coral elements. There are a handful of other elements that could be useful, but it is the specific color that makes this model stand out. I’m not entirely sure why you may need so much coral, but it is here if you need it.
The round 1×1 eyeball tiles are the only printed pieces in the set. This is a fairly standard part and nothing too special. The only other part that really caught my interest was the transparent fern leaves. For a mad moment, I was expecting LEGO designers to find a way for them to be incorporated into the model of the flamingo. Sadly, they are only used as vegetation. However, they do still look amazing.
LEGO PINK FLAMINGO – FINAL THOUGHTS
At $25, this is not an expensive set, which is a big plus. Additionally, I found it on par with the $50 LEGO Creator animal sets, which was a pleasant surprise. I was also happy that the finished product didn’t come out looking like a cheap lawn ornament. With all that said, the set has rather low play potential. Thankfully you do get a lot of chances to build things with it being a 3-in-1 model. However, this feels more in line with the art pieces LEGO markets to adults.
Thus, I think this should be viewed more as an adult set. Specifically, those animal lovers out there who are enchanted by birds. There has been a growing list of bird models over the years and this one will fit right in with the rest of them. Beyond that, consider this model if you require coral elements. It is a decent source for some parts I don’t see being released in many other sets. If you want to check it out, it’s available at the LEGO Creator section of the Online LEGO Shop.
What do you think? How do you like the LEGO Creator 3-in-1 animal sets? And what do you think of the pink flamingo? Feel free to share your thoughts and own reviews in the comment section below!
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