Review: 10363 Leonardo da Vinci's Flying Machine
Posted by CapnRex101,31213 Mona Lisa was released earlier this year, recreating Leonardo da Vinci's most celebrated artwork. Of course, Leonardo is similarly known for his wide-ranging scientific notes and varied proposals for inventions, including sketches of flying machines.
Several of these diagrams have inspired 10363 Leonardo da Vinci's Flying Machine, which is an unusual subject for a LEGO model. However, this vehicle looks superb on display and includes an ingenious function, as LEGO strings are used to recreate the mechanism Leonardo envisaged, controlled via a trigger.
Summary
10363 Leonardo da Vinci's Flying Machine, 493 pieces.
£54.99 / $49.99 / €59.99 | 11.2p/10.1c/12.2c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Leonardo da Vinci's Flying Machine is an unusual set and an excellent one!
- Attractive display model
- Realistic use of colour
- Satisfying function
- Leonardo da Vinci minifigure
- A little too expensive in Europe
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigure
Leonardo da Vinci joins the growing roster of historical figures represented in minifigure form, beside the likes of Galileo Galilei and Vincent van Gogh. The polymath's bushy beard and long hair inevitably resemble Albus Dumbledore minifigures, but these are probably the most suitable pieces to match Franceso Melzi's contemporary drawing of Leonardo.
Moreover, I like the dark blue robe and dark red undershirt, with a fur trim on Leonardo's jacket. An argument could be made for using a dress element instead of standard legs, but at least the legs are decorated, so they complement the torso.
Removing the beard reveals a unique head underneath, which makes a nice change from the Obi-Wan Kenobi head commonly used for historical figures of this age. Also, I love Leonardo's printed 2x2 tile. Not only does it illustrate how birds influenced his flying machine, you can even identify a few lines of his famous mirrored writing, present in many surviving notebooks!
Reference
Source - Luc Viatour, via wikipedia.com
The Completed Model
Leonardo da Vinci sketched designs for several flying machines, including a number classified today as ornithopters, influenced by the flight of birds. This model combines aspects of various sketches, which I find slightly strange because focusing on a single design would perhaps have been easier. Nevertheless, this vehicle is clearly identifiable with Leonardo's many proposals.
Though smaller than most Icons models, the ornithopter is still pretty substantial, with a 35cm wingspan. I think this is a good size for display and there is certainly no reason to make it any larger because doing so would likely complicate the flapping mechanism and needlessly inflate the price.
I like the display base as well. Black is an attractive colour choice and the angled structure is fairly dynamic, similar to the bases for various Ultimate Collector Series sets. Additionally, the shape of the base is interesting, somewhat resembling the shadow of the flying machine, while also providing absolute stability.
There are studs to place the Leonardo da Vinci minifigure beneath his flying machine and the printed 2x4 tile decorating the front of the base looks good. Even so, I would have preferred a more ornate font, perhaps with a metallic gold finish like the plaque adorning 10335 Endurance.
However, the vehicle arguably looks more appealing from the back, as this angle emphasises the surface of its wings. The graphic designer for the box evidently thought the same, which is highly unusual for a LEGO set. Fortunately, the stand is designed to support the flying machine in any orientation, including reversed, as shown below.
Alternatively, you can display the model without its base. I think it looks alright, tilted forward on the trigger for the flapping function, although it has much greater presence once attached to the display stand. Suspending the vehicle from the ceiling would probably be effective too.
No matter how it is displayed, the flying machine is wonderfully detailed. The designer, Antica Bracanov, has made sure to use only shades of tan, brown and grey to give the impression of wood and metal, exactly as it would have been constructed in the 15th century. Several pieces have been recoloured accordingly.
These include the dark orange perpendicular linkages under the wings, which debuted in light bluish grey with 42182 NASA Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle - LRV. The dark tan strings are new as well, appearing in two lengths. These elements are certain to be popular because they really look like traditional rope in this colour.
The shock absorber inside the wooden frame has also been produced in a new colour, with a reddish brown housing and a tan Technic element inside. According to Leonardo's design, the pilot would lie prone in this section of the flying machine and you can see there could be space for a person inside, even though this model is not to scale with any kind of LEGO figure.
In addition, I like how the frame narrows towards the rear, again showing the influence of birds. The wings are much the same, matching the ribbed structure of bird wings and clearly inspired by one of Leonardo da Vinci's more famous diagrams, as recreated on the included printed tile.
The wings are made from fabric, with a stitched pattern printed on the surface. Not only does their shape match the aforementioned sketch, but I could imagine them being useful for other models, such as junks, a type of Chinese sailing ship. The dark tan pins look superb too, while the ribs underneath make clever use of curved minifigure supports, which are new in reddish brown.
Pulling the trigger at the back of the wooden frame will cause the wings to flap and the tail to move up and down. These mechanisms are controlled by the dark tan strings, which reminds me of 10226 Sopwith Camel. That aircraft also used LEGO string pieces to connect its various control surfaces to the central yoke, so I am glad to see LEGO string used similarly again.
The shock absorber provides some resistance when you pull the trigger, returning the wings to their standard position. A rubber Technic beam does the same for the tail. The mechanism thus feels very comfortable to use and you can grip the model in one hand with ease, flying it around while flapping the wings.
Here is a short video showing the wing-flapping function:
Overall
While vague comparisons can be drawn with 10226 Sopwith Camel or 75979 Hedwig, 10363 Leonardo da Vinci's Flying Machine is really unlike anything LEGO has produced before! The model looks excellent, using elements in new colours to recreate the materials Leonardo could have used, had he ever attempted to construct one of his concepts for powered flight.
The wing-flapping functions are appealing as well, controlled from the trigger underneath. I am glad the Icons theme continues to offer smaller sets and the US price of $49.99 represents fair value, whereas £54.99 or €59.99 seems rather expensive. Fortunately, discounts are inevitable and I would definitely recommend this set, hopefully with a view to the likes of the Wright Flyer following in the future.
143 likes
40 comments on this article
It’s not something I have any desire to own, but I respect efforts to think outside the box here.
A definite buy if it is 20% off someday. Would look good next to my Galileo set.
DA VINKI?
It's a pretty neat display. If I didn't already have way too many display sets and not enough space, I would consider it. I feel like someone has quite a library with Ship in a Bottle, Endurance, this, and maybe Books are my Passion. And some sort of architecture model of course.
FYI, you mentioned his 1x2 tile but it's a 2x2.
All I see its amazing castle/pirate partpack.
The pricing is weird. Hopefully not a sign of things to come.
A model of da Vinci's submarine to go with this would be great.
Who’s Lemon Yellow Davintage?
(I’ll be shocked if anyone gets that reference, but it makes my inner child smile)
This set will look great next to my other aviation sets. Can’t wait to pick it up come January!
It will be available in retail, which is great.
I'd be happy to buy it when it will be for sale next year around Easter or Christmas for 35 euro.
@EtudeTheBadger said:
"A model of da Vinci's submarine to go with this would be great."
His Tank would be nice too, but we'll never get that for obvious reasons.
Nice to see Gandalf out and about again
Not very iconic for an icons set.
But I like the Gandalf/Dumbledore crossover minifigure
Love it. January is already looking like an expensive month with this, the Blacktron remake, series minifigs and Tom and Jerry Brickheadz
It just feels weird to me, basing a Lego set on something that never actually existed? What's the scale based on, if anything?
Excellent, unusual set with unusual features. Pretty cheap too. Will definitely be grabbed at some point, though maybe not January unless Leonardo's a Tudor who parks on the corner!
Love this! The video has confirmed that this is a Day One purchase for me. Plus it means I don't have to debate about getting Mona Lisa. I'd much rather have that tile with the outtake from his notebooks!
It’s the thing from Mr Peabody and Sherman!
Excellent photo comparison with TIE Interceptor. Kudos.
Barely jarring at all.
Now must think..........EWOK GLIDER UCS!
Not enough Ewoks
£55?
Seriously?
That is a £30 set at best.
And that's being generous.
@Reventon
@beatnik said:
"Excellent photo comparison with TIE Interceptor. Kudos.
Barely jarring at all.
Now must think..........EWOK GLIDER UCS!"
I was thinking this was nice, but not a priority. Now, I need to see it flying over my Ewok village!! Chumba-wamba. Took, took.
I wonder if those wings would work on a fell beast...
@Murdoch17 said:
" @EtudeTheBadger said:
"A model of da Vinci's submarine to go with this would be great."
His Tank would be nice too, but we'll never get that for obvious reasons."
Probably won't get his great-great-great-great-grandson, Nardo da Vinci's, hammerhead shark submarine either.
A little too expensive in Europe and Australia, the conversion rate is completely out of whack.
A fantastic little model though. I adore Da Vinci, have a few books of his art and sketches. Dude was an extraordinary polymath and I'm really enjoying seeing his work in Lego.
Albus Gandalf Dumblevinci
What a Mashup.
@Maxbricks14 said:
"Not very iconic for an icons set.
But I like the Gandalf/Dumbledore crossover minifigure"
Gandor, or Dumbledalf?
@Murdoch17 said:
" @EtudeTheBadger said:
"A model of da Vinci's submarine to go with this would be great."
His Tank would be nice too, but we'll never get that for obvious reasons."
I don't think they're as obvious as you think. Lego hasn't put a blanket ban on any and all military equipment, they just don't produce anything modern, so they don't make replicas of anything anyone living would have been traumatized by. The tank never went beyond the hypothetical, anyway. But while I'd love to see the tank, what I'd really love to see is the helicopter, although I have no idea how they'd pull the screw off.
Dunno...I'd have to fight myself to not stick a certain turtle into it...or build a not-Hudson Hawk:)
@brick_r said:
"Dunno...I'd have to fight myself to not stick a certain turtle into it...or build a not-Hudson Hawk:)
"
Glad I am not the only one whose first thought was Hudson Hawk...
I want this. It's unusual, interesting and it has a neat working mechanics. That printed tile is cool too. I just wish lego designers would find a simpler and less part intensive way of building a stand. Right now it has way too many pieces which inflates the price. Regarding EU pricing, it clearly includes a margin for first day discounts for retailers. It will be 20% off right after launch, and will go up to 35% off.
@TheMikeStrikesBack said:
"Who’s Lemon Yellow Davintage?
(I’ll be shocked if anyone gets that reference, but it makes my inner child smile)
"
Alright Tommy Tibble, calm down
I appreciate the originality with the trigger and pulley mechanism.
Not trying to be a heretic but also check below link for obvious comparisons
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nTgVShEL7w
@R0Sch said:
"I appreciate the originality with the trigger and pulley mechanism."
Yeah, I thought the trigger was going to slide back and forth on a rail or something.
@Jackthenipper said:
"Nice to see Gandalf out and about again"
So that's what Gandalf meant by 'Fly, you fools!'
@blackdeathgr said:
"Not trying to be a heretic but also check below link for obvious comparisons
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nTgVShEL7w
"
I have one that I got on clearance in my display collection being flown by a LEGO ninja minifigure armed with a crossbow :~P
Wow what an interesting set. And what an exceptional review. I loved the links to sources!!
Interesting build, great flapping function, and includes the Leonardo figure we really should have got with 31213 Mona Lisa. Speaking of which, this will be going on the shelf beneath mine!
Could we get Captain Janeway or maybe Hudson Hawk figure to go with this set as well?
I'm a little disappointed there are no stud shooters, but I guess we can't expect perfection. Still a really nice looking set.
@thor96 said:
"Regarding EU pricing, it clearly includes a margin for first day discounts for retailers. It will be 20% off right after launch, and will go up to 35% off."
Wouldn’t that be the case with every non-exclusive Lego set though?
And every region too, not just the EU and UK? Because that doesn’t line up with the exchange rate to USD…
Or is the way forward now gonna be that the people who wait for 30% off are actually just waiting for what the RRP would have been?