I’m so happy to read this review. I remember saving up for months and months to buy this set in 1996. I just dug it out and built it with my 5 year old son, having not been used since probably 1999. The focus is clearly on the functions and outline of the shape. The signature contours are combined with only hatched areas (wings, ribbed hatches), no panels in this time. One of the most noteworthy of the new parts is the Fiber Optics Element. According to multiple blogs, this element was so expensive to produce, LEGO lost money with every set the part came in. I can't find any proof of this, but knowing what the next years would bring (AKA the Dark Ages) makes me believe there can be some truth in it. Also, the system only appeared in a few sets in the span of 2 years.

NASA Space Shuttle Discovery - LEGO NASA Space Shuttle Discovery - LEGO

Good review! Now I want this set so desperately! I stepped into the dark ages around 1994, so I totally missed the release of this beautiful set!We're nearing the end, with some last cosmetic things. The tail gets added. I'm not a fan of using the technic plates on the sides, but the additional strength makes it possible to display the model standing up, leaning on the tail. The front and rear gears are connected to one another through a large sub-assembly that runs the entire length of the hull. Pushing into the rear of the Shuttle will cause the landing gear to retract with a beautifully smooth motion. It may have been one of the hardest things to get right, but the designers can be proud of the finished result.

new LEGO® NASA Discovery Space Shuttle is so relaxing Why the new LEGO® NASA Discovery Space Shuttle is so relaxing

Five shuttles flew into space during the program’s history: Atlantis, Challenger, Columbia, Discovery and Endeavour. Challenger and Columbia were destroyed in accidents. The set contains over 2,300 pieces and will take you the best part of six to seven hours (if not more) to finish, which already makes it a good return. If the LEGO Group had sold both models separately, they would have been fantastic sets in their own right, so to have both in one makes the deal seem otherworldly. (Okay, maybe not that good, but you get the point.) — Pictures — This set. This one. This is the single greatest set LEGO has ever released! What can I say. It just has everything. Especially great personal memories, what might play a role in naming this the best set ever. Most Lego sets are suited to play with from age 4 and up, because of the small parts they include. The special Duplo theme is suited for children aged 1,5 and up. The recommended age is always mentioned on the box. Made up of 2,354 individual pieces, the new LEGO® NASA Space Shuttle Discovery set is almost as impressive as the original it was inspired by (admittedly on a much smaller scale). But don’t let that intimidate you – as challenging as it is, it is also a rewardingly relaxing LEGO set to build.

In fact, it’s such a wonderful design that had the LEGO Group decided to release this separately, it would no doubt garner huge praise. As it is, this is just a small part of this set, and the fact there is a gigantic Space Shuttle to build next makes for a very exciting prospect. At first, I was afraid the set wouldn't hold up to today's standards. How much of the epic-ness of the set is just my nostalgia talking? Especially after reviewing the 8485-1 Control Centre II, which is a good set, but in functions a bit dated, I was preparing for some let-down. An exclusive extract from our new book – LEGO® Technic™ Ferrari Daytona SP3: The Sense of Perfection

LEGO Creator Expert 10283 NASA Space Shuttle Discovery review LEGO Creator Expert 10283 NASA Space Shuttle Discovery review

As a passionate technic fan I want to like newer stuff and their newer better designs but I can't help loving this set. It has more functions than some of the biggest new technic sets (42125 I'm looking at you) and it looks as food as you could get display wise at the time. This is undoubtedly a complex build, but it’s also a calming and gratifying challenge. Plus, imagine how you’ll feel when it’s finished! When designing the model, Milan Madge said,The building experience is a little hit and miss, though. The build for Hubble is simply joyous from start to finish, while the Space Shuttle starts off strong, but towards the end gets a little repetitive. It’s a minor negative as the finished model looks excellent, but it’s worth bearing in mind if you are on the fence about this set, or are deciding between this and another in a similar price range. The set contains 1366 parts and 10 spares, in 8 colors, and 28 part categories, with a total of 183 unique parts/color combinations. Home > Toys > Lego > Lego Technic > Lego set 8480 Technic Space shuttle Manual Lego set 8480 Technic Space shuttle