(Written by William)
It has been 16 years since LEGO released a model of the Tower Bridge (#10214). So, when they announced a new version, I had to admit I was curious as to what it offered. In its time, the original #10214 LEGO Tower Bridge with 4,287 pieces and a $240 price tag was one of the larger and more expensive sets available. However, compared to today’s sets, it would be a modestly sized model. Thus, when LEGO offered a review copy of the new #21067 LEGO Tower Bridge, I jumped at the chance to check it out.
Given that this new version was being released as a LEGO Architecture set, I was uncertain how this designation would affect the model. Previously, the Tower Bridge was considered more of a World Monument set, a collection known for large, element-dense models. Turns out, the new model is quite similar in terms of detail and density, with 3,745 pieces (542 pieces less than the previous set), but the price is quite a bit higher at $350.
In terms of size, the original Tower Bridge measured 40 in. (102 cm) long, 17 in. (45 cm) high, and 10 in. (26 cm) wide, while the new Tower Bridge measures 35 in. (89 cm) long, 13.5 in. (35 cm) high, and 7 in. (19 cm) wide. So the newer set is a bit smaller, but still similar in size.
I have always loved LEGO Architecture sets, however, sometimes I felt they were a bit small. The Tower Bridge definitely pushes this concern aside, revealing the true potential of the collection. Your wallet most likely won’t like this side of LEGO Architecture, but your inner LEGO builder will be thrilled. With that said, let’s take a closer look at the new LEGO Architecture Tower Bridge.
LEGO TOWER BRIDGE – THE HISTORY
In the late 1800’s, London had a congestion problem. The city was divided down the middle, separating it into a north and south side. Crossing this channel was London Bridge, which is more centrally located in London. This was at the time the farthest bridge found on the east side of London.
By Bob Collowan – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27412805
Part of the reason for the lack of a bridge had to do with London’s port. If there was to be a bridge, it needed to allow ships in and out of the port. So, in 1876, a commission was formed to create a bridge to solve these issues. The design chosen came from Horace Jones, who also happened to be a judge for the commission. Jones died before the bridge was completed, so John Wolfe Sir Barry stepped in to complete the project. An apprentice architect who contributed to the design was George D. Stevenson. Stevenson changed an arched walkway to straight and is the primary reason why it looks the way it does. The original design called for a red brick façade.
Speaking of facades, this Victorian-era bridge is actually a steel bridge. It is only the outer cladding that gives it its stone appearance. This is more obvious at the upper walkway that makes up part of the bridge’s superstructure.
This upper walkway has a glass bottom, allowing people to look down on the bridge. However, between 1910 and 1982, this walkway was closed due to insufficient use. It took so long for people to go up one tower, over to the other tower, then down that tower, that it was shorter to just wait for the bridge to go back down and cross normally. The walkway was finally reopened for tourism purposes. Even still, the opening of the bridge can take place rather quickly. It roughly takes a minute for the motors operating the weights to raise the bridge, raising one degree every second.
As for the motors involved, the original motors were steam-powered. The modern-day motors are now electric and remain one of the few alterations made over the years. Most of the original hand construction remains. As it is, only steam cranes that lifted the higher place girders were involved in the construction of the bridge. Everything else was done by hand.
This means that the foundation was done by men in diving suits. Working nine-hour days, they spent the first four years out of the eight years it took to make the bridge just on the foundation alone. Part of the issue is that the River Thames is a clay-bottom waterway, making for a very low-visibility work environment. This makes the Tower Bridge a rather impressive feat of architecture.
LEGO TOWER BRIDGE – BASCULE ARCHITECTURE
Another interesting architectural feature is that the Tower Bridge is often referenced as a textbook example of bascule architecture. Bascule is a French term essentially meaning seesaw. This describes how the mechanism of the bridge works.
When it comes time to raise or lower the double-leaf expanses, a counterweight is lowered in the base of the two towers. These lower sections of the towers are called bascule chambers. This redistribution of weight works just like a seesaw, causing the bridge to open. This does not affect the upper walkway, which always remains open, and needs to stay in place because it plays a role in the support structure of the bridge.
Unfortunately, the model does not recreate the working mechanisms of the bridge. There are no counterweights hidden away inside the towers. However, the bridge does open and stay open thanks to pairs of locking hinges. These are newer joint elements that have been created to make many of LEGO’s more recent robots, animals, and statuary.
LEGO TOWER BRIDGE – THE BUILD
Given its size, I was surprised how quickly the set came together. A big reason for this is the symmetrical build with only minor differences. Those differences are vehicles on the bridge, the printed name tile, and how the waves are placed in the water. Otherwise, if you cut the bridge down the middle where it naturally opens, you get the same model.
The instructions lean heavily on this fact, which cuts down on printing an even bigger instruction booklet. To be honest, LEGO could have slimmed the instructions down even further, which I’ll explain.
The build starts with bags numbered 1 and 9. Both bags contain the same parts and are built identically. This continues with 2 & 10, 3 &11, and so on until you get to 8 & 16. Anyone who has built an overly large model knows that the tedious element of building the same thing multiple times can be mind-numbing, but you get the reward of seeing a model fly together in record time.
Next, the model has you open bags numbered 17 & 18 and combine them together. This is where you build the upper walkways and attach the two lower sections of the bridge together. The upside is that you finally see the immense scale of the model. However, the downside is you’re now navigating around a model that is just shy of 3 feet long.
After this, you get two sets of three bags. Each set of three bags, 19 through 21 and 22 through 24, will have you finish each tower. Of course, since these are exactly the same, you could go back to building just like you did before on the lower sections of the bridge. LEGO does provide full instructions for each tower top even though they could have just mentioned double what you build on each tower.
Finally, the last bag has you add in all the fine detail work. This is where the curved hose-like elements of the bridge are added as well as the vehicles. And before you know it, you’re done.
Despite all the detail work in the towers, this is a remarkably chill build. Thankfully, all the windows and crest designs are on printed tiles. You don’t need to bother with any annoying stickers. Another benefit is that unlike its 2010 counterpart, the LEGO elements used are not as small. The old version had something like 300 tan cheese-slopes, which must have been very hard on builders’ hands. The new model does have a few small slopes, but they are used sparingly. As I mentioned, expect a relaxing vibe throughout the building process. If you’re looking for a build challenge, this one might not be what you are looking for.
LEGO TOWER BRIDGE – ULTIMATE PARTS PACK
Given its symmetry, the Tower Bridge is ready to give you at minimum two of everything. If you are looking for bulk, this is an ideal candidate for some solid elements in a neutral color palette. In fact, there is only one set of parts that really stand out as being exceptionally rare.
Printed tiles are going to be the gems in this set. There are the crests on the pentagonal tiles on the upper walkway, and the many windows on the two towers. There are 1×1 printed tiles, a couple of styles of 1×2 printed tiles, and even 2×2 printed tiles. Having all these options can really elevate a micro build to look spectacular. Oh, and there is also the 1×8 nameplate printed tile.
LEGO TOWER BRIDGE – FINAL THOUGHTS
If you were to show me the two versions of the Tower Bridge, I’d probably think they were swapped. I’ve come to think of LEGO Architecture as a series that can deliver models of recognizable places in an affordable package. The older Tower Bridge came out when LEGO had a looser World Monument quasi-theme going on. Those sets were ridiculous in the number of parts they used to create large spectacles. However, times have changed, with that change comes a broader view of what types of sets we can find in the LEGO Architecture line.
Overall, the newer model dominates the space. It has more detail, a bit more historical accuracy, but sadly, a much higher price tag. This means that it will be really hard for those who have the original model to find justification for the price of the new one. I do really like the shield elements the original model had, but in all other aspects it pales in comparison. Another drawback is the size of the model. At nearly 3 feet long can make finding a spot fairly tricky. Thankfully, it is not the tallest model out there, and the depth is modest, so it can fit on most wide bookshelves. Though I’d be a bit afraid to place it where hands and elbows can knock into it. The wide expanses and struts make it an ideal candidate to catch an errant limb and fall to the floor. Provided you measure ahead of time and have the money for it, this is a great LEGO Architecture set. In the video below, I discuss the set in a bit more detail.
Here is the official description of the set: Recreate an iconic London landmark with the #21067 LEGO Architecture Tower Bridge. This collectable building set offers a challenging and rewarding activity for any travel-loving adult. Inspired by the real structure, the build includes microscale vehicles such as a double-decker bus and cars, while the River Thames forms part of the base, with waves helping to bring the set to life. Other details include raising central bascules, which can be displayed open or closed, a blue suspension ‘walkway’ and a coat of arms (an homage to the first LEGO Tower Bridge set). Once the final brick is in place, you can display this spectacular home or office decor piece as a travel souvenir or bucket-list reminder. This premium model building kit makes an inspiring architectural gift idea for artsy adults and European history buffs. Set contains 3,745 pieces. Price: 349.99 USD / 299.99 EUR / 269.99 GBP. Available starting August 1st at the LEGO Architecture section of the Online LEGO Shop.
What do you think? How do you like the new LEGO Tower Bridge? Do you have the original set? How do you think the newer version compares? Feel free to share your thoughts and discuss in the comment section below!
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The should have included the mechanical details. Otherwise it’s just a display set. I appreciate your review though. Especially the historical references.
Both the old and new version has plusses and minuses. I like the cables on the new one better, but I think the towers look better in the original. I believe Jamie Berard designed the first one?
Helpful review, thank you.
They should have added the counterweight function. It what makes the bridge so interesting. Bit I do like it.
I don’t have any emotional connection to this subject as I don’t live in England, but it looks like a great shelf display. I would love the to do a train bridge!
It is quite an iconic construction, internationally. I guess it will appeal to other than the British.