The LEGO sets for adults digital catalog recently revealed an upcoming LEGO train set, the #21344 LEGO Ideas The Orient Express.
The model is based on a LEGO Ideas submission by French LEGO fan Thomas Lajon, a.k.a. LEt.sGO. You can read an interview with Thomas about his project in this LEGO Ideas interview.
The finalized set hasn’t been officially announced yet, but as you can see, the train has a beautiful dark-blue and black color-scheme with gold highlights and features a steam engine, a coal cart, and two passenger cars with fully detailed interiors.
Although the train looks really good there is some controversy about this set. Mainly, that the train significantly differs from Thomas’ original submission. In the video below, there is a good analysis of the pros and cons of the new train set.
I personally really like the new train. I love the cute engine and the color-scheme, and I appreciate that the train comes with two passenger cars (unlike the #10194 LEGO Emerald Night, which was an other beautiful train, but it was highly criticized for having only one car for passengers). It’s also worth noting that the new train is 8-studs wide, allowing more interior space. I assume the train will be ready for Powered Up components and will be able to run on regular LEGO train tracks (and not just a display piece).
What do you think? How do you like the new Orient Express train set? Feel free to share your thoughts and discuss in the comment section below!
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I’ve always wanted a train to put around the Christmas tree, and it looks like this one might be it. Is there a good primer somewhere on Lego trains, PowerUp, etc.?
If it is like the previous train, there will be instructions at the back of the instruction book on how to motorize it. It’s fairly straightforward. By the way, I love this train! The color is amazing! I missed out on the emerald night, so I’m really looking forward to this.
I love the 1974 Murder on the Orient Express film, but I don’t have the funds or space for this set. Oh well, still a pretty cool set, and it seems as if the color scheme has become more unified than the original proposal…
I haven’t been this excited about a train for a while. I love the style, the color, the two cars, everything. I hope it isn’t going to be too pricey… Eh, who am I kidding?
There’ll be an official retail price of 299,99 US$, as far as I can see.
Sigh. I was expecting around $200-$250. The Emerald Night was only like $100, but that was 14 years ago. On the other hand, this one has two cars and probably more pieces. I’m trying to justify spending $300 on a Lego train. Without power functions. Again, sigh….