The LEGO Icons series has consistently captivated fans with its unique designs and attention to detail, and the 2024 lineup is no exception.
One of the newest additions to the series is the LEGO 10335 The Endurance. Inspired by Sir Ernest Shackleton's iconic ship Endurance, this set offers a captivating building challenge for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages.
As an important addition to the LEGO Icons lineup, the Endurance model boasts intricate details and clever design, perfectly recreating the historical glory of this legendary vessel.
For history buffs, LEGO fans, and adventure enthusiasts, this set is a chance to experience Shackleton's spirit of exploration while owning a highly collectible masterpiece.
However, you might have to wait a bit longer, as this classic model The Endurance will be officially available starting at 12:00 AM EST on November 29, 2024. But before the release, let’s take a closer look at the design concepts and construction details of this remarkable LEGO set to get a taste of the excitement and surprises it holds.
Historical Background
In 1914, the Endurance embarked on Sir Ernest Shackleton's Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, aiming to be the first to traverse Antarctica from coast to coast. However, in early 1915, the Endurance became trapped in the ice of the Weddell Sea and was eventually crushed by the ice, sinking later that year. The crew was forced to endure extreme conditions stranded on the ice.
In this dire situation, Shackleton demonstrated exceptional leadership. He led his crew to Elephant Island using lifeboats and, along with a small team, sailed 800 miles in a small boat to South Georgia Island to seek rescue. After several attempts, the entire crew of 28 men was rescued in August 1916, a survival story that has become a legend of endurance and teamwork.
The Endurance’s story symbolizes leadership, teamwork, and the resilience of the human spirit. Shackleton’s decision-making and unwavering belief remain a benchmark for crisis management. In 2022, the wreck of the Endurance was discovered beneath Antarctic ice, perfectly preserved, reigniting admiration for this legendary expedition.
Set Overview
Unboxing the LEGO 10335 The Endurance, you’ll find a well-organized set designed to provide hours of enjoyable building. The set contains 3,011 pieces, neatly packed and numbered to ensure a smooth building experience.
It comes with exquisite accessories that add to its play and display value. Additionally, the set includes a detailed instruction manual that provides step-by-step guidance, making it accessible even for builders aged 10 and above.
The box itself features a striking image of the Endurance on its Antarctic adventure, capturing your imagination even before you start building. Notably, the top-left corner showcases the iconic name “Endurance” set against an image of Antarctic icebergs, highlighting the ship’s historic journey.
Interestingly, this set does not include minifigures, but as a promotional bonus, you can receive a charming Endurance crew minifigure set. From November 29 to December 2, purchasing LEGO Icons The Endurance will come with an exclusive GWP (Gift with Purchase): LEGO Icons 40729 Shackleton's Lifeboat.
This accompanying set, available to LEGO Insiders, captures another crucial aspect of the expedition—the lifeboat that played a key role in the crew’s survival. While it contains only 232 pieces, it offers an additional layer of historical appreciation.
Building The Endurance
Constructing the LEGO Endurance is an enjoyable activity that tests your patience and skills. The build process is divided into sections, each offering unique challenges and rewards, with a comprehensive instruction manual to guide you through every step.
Organize the Parts: Start by sorting the parts by number and color. This step helps you locate pieces quickly, saving time and reducing errors.
Build the Framework: Begin by constructing the core framework of the Endurance, carefully following the step-by-step instructions to ensure proper placement of every piece.
Tackle Complex Sections: Some parts, such as the port and starboard cabins, may require extra effort. Patience and attention to detail are essential.
Stay Organized: Group smaller pieces into trays to prevent losing any parts, making the process smoother and more efficient.
Check Your Progress: Double-check each step to ensure no pieces are missing or misplaced, guaranteeing a flawless final result.
Features and Details
1. Overall Design
The Endurance is a polar exploration vessel designed for extreme conditions, and its robust structure reflects that. Measuring 31.5 inches long and nearly 18.5 inches high, the model creates a powerful visual impact.
The most striking features include its three towering masts, ten canvas sails, and rigging, all meticulously recreated to capture the Endurance’s original appearance.
The masts, constructed from dark brown bricks, authentically replicate the ship’s features. They stand tall, symbolizing the resilience and determination to overcome challenges.
The ten sails, in shades of deep brown and tan, are complemented by intricate rope structures, successfully restoring the ship’s authentic look. A British flag is mounted on the side, elegantly paying tribute to the ship’s historical significance.
2. Detailed Deck Features
The deck of the Endurance is one of the set’s highlights, featuring intricate textures and thoughtfully designed decorative elements. Its brick-textured pattern enhances its depth and realism, resembling the craftsmanship of historical maritime vessels.
Accessories such as railings, ladders, and ropes are intricately sculpted and crafted, showcasing the ship's nautical charm. These details add to the model's visual appeal and elevate its value as a collectible and display piece.
3. Display Stand and Nameplate
A sturdy display stand has been specially designed for the model, ensuring its stability during display. The stand is accompanied by an elegant nameplate featuring the ship's name, dimensions, and designer, along with a small star emblem.
4. Innovative Lifeboat Design
The set also includes four intricately designed lifeboats, each showcasing clear shapes and details that highlight their functional significance in extreme conditions.
The lifeboats incorporate innovative building techniques, with redesigned white "mechanical arm" elements securing their structure. These boats also come with delightful minifigures representing Captain Ernest Shackleton and photographer Frank Hurley, inviting you to imagine their perilous voyage to rescue the crew.
Interactive Features
The Endurance is more than just a static display model—it features interactive functions that enhance its playability and engagement.
One standout feature is its functional rudder system. Controlled via a miniature gearbox, the rudder can be freely rotated, adding a dynamic element to the model. This interactive design not only improves the model’s mobility but also provides a hands-on sailing experience, increasing its fun and collectible value.
The internal details are equally impressive, especially in the engine room, where steam pipes and decorative printed elements capture the industrial essence of the era. These details make the model more immersive, allowing fans to explore the maritime world of the early 20th century.
Playability and Display Value
The Endurance’s hull is divided into three modular sections—front, middle, and rear—making it easy to disassemble and view the intricate internal details. The set also includes smaller accessories, such as rowboats, crew models, and equipment, which allow fans to recreate iconic scenes from Shackleton’s expedition.
As a display piece, LEGO Icons The Endurance is a large model that commands attention wherever it’s placed. Its intricate details—from the rigging to the deck’s decorations—offer high visual appeal both up close and from a distance.
Pricing and Availability
LEGO Icons The Endurance will be officially released on November 29, priced at $269.99. It will be available on the LEGO website, Amazon, and physical LEGO stores.
Purchasers of The Endurance will also receive the Shackleton’s Lifeboat GWP 40729 as a bonus. This exclusive 232-piece set depicts the heroic 17-day voyage from Elephant Island to South Georgia, an essential part of the Endurance’s story.
About the Endurance
We’ve been discussing the expected release date for 10335 The Endurance and mentioned Black Friday. Based on LEGO’s past history, we see a lot of deals in the week leading up to LEGO Insiders Weekend. If you’ve got your eye on The Endurance, Black Friday would be the perfect time to buy it.
This year’s LEGO Live ended at 7pm on November 1, but the good news is that you can watch it again and enter the draw to win a signed set or a $100 e-gift card.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
(1) Highly Accurate Recreation: Captures the details of the Endurance, perfect for history enthusiasts.
(2) Impressive Display: Beautiful design with appropriate size for display.
(3) Rich Building Experience: Challenging and immersive, ideal for dedicated LEGO fans.
(4) Educational Value: Provides insight into Shackleton’s expedition and Antarctic exploration.
(5) Unique Theme: Rare topic in LEGO sets, adding to its collectible value.
Cons:
(1) High Price: As part of the premium series, it may not be budget-friendly.
Challenging Build: Might be too complex for beginners.
(2) Limited Color Palette: Due to the theme, the colors lean towards whites, grays, and browns.
(3) Niche Theme: Ship and exploration themes may appeal to a specific audience.
Conclusion
LEGO ICON The Endurance is an excellent set that provides a unique experience for history lovers and LEGO fans. With its interactive and exquisite design, it recreates the difficult years of Antarctic exploration and brings the past stories to our eyes. The fine construction makes it an excellent choice for those who like challenging but rewarding.
Is LEGO ICON The Endurance worth buying? In my opinion, although it is a bit expensive, it is definitely worth buying. For history lovers, its existence is not only to commemorate a miracle in human history, but also to learn about the resilience and courage of human beings in the face of extreme difficulties, just as Shackleton's family motto: "Perseverance can overcome all difficulties", I think the original intention of designing the Endurance is this. For LEGO enthusiasts, it is an option that cannot be missed. The theme of Antarctic exploration is extremely rare and brings a brand new experience.
In short, the LEGO Endurance is a LEGO model with both historical value and artistry, which perfectly combines complex construction experience with high-level display effects. Whether as a display or as a building experience, this set will not disappoint.
Lighting Kit for ICON The Endurance
Coming soon, we will be releasing a BrickBling Lighting Kit for LEGO Icons The Endurance. This kit will add even more sparkle and detail to your builds. If you’re interested, be sure to bookmark our website to keep up with updates and product details!
Or you can start by checking out our other lighting kits, including a selection of lighting kits for LEGO Technic, Creator Expert, Icons, and Star Wars. Each kit is carefully designed to bring a more realistic display and a fascinating visual experience to your building blocks. Visit our website to explore more possibilities!
