Review: 10247 Ferris Wheel
Posted by Huw,Usually when I write reviews of exclusive sets I start by saying that it's a 'highly anticipated set', however this time I'm not sure that that's the case because it's only been about 2 weeks since we first saw an image of it, so there hasn't been a lot of time for the anticipation to build.
Nevertheless the first images and subsequent press release and the designer video generated a lot of interest and comments with many proclaiming it to be a 'day one purchase'.
Read on to find out if it's going to be a compulsory buy for you...
Box and contents
As usual, the box shows the model in all its glory, set against a skyline of other typical theme park rides. The right hand side highlights small details and minifigs. The dimensions, shown at the bottom, are 60cm x 38cm.
Another view of the ride and more close-ups grace the back of the box.
I particularly like this picture on the end panel showing the minifigs 'in action'.
The 2464 parts are packed in bags numbered 1-4, plus one with large plates and beams. Here are photos of the bags: One, two, three, four.
The 138-page instruction manual is perfect bound and printed on what appears to be a higher than usual quality of paper.
There is no sticker sheet! Hooray!
Parts-wise, there are a lot of old parts in new colours as you will see in the pictures below. The only new design of part I found is this 1x3x2 inverted curve, part number 6110019. There are plenty of the new 6-stemmed flower pieces that first appeared in Elves sets, and a few printed pieces, including this 2x2 tile which has probably appeared elsewhere although I can't find it by searching for its element number (6117629)
Minifigs
As I have said before in previous reviews, you don't buy Creator sets for the minifigs but they are an important part of them because they bring them to life. Designer Jamie Berard has a knack of imbuing a lot of personality into the figures he includes in his sets and this one is no exception.
There are ten figures in total, 6 grown-ups and 4 children. The three adult males are, I believe, grandad, the ride operator and a dad.
Grandad appears a bit over-dressed for an outing to a theme park but his torso is nevertheless very nice, having been used in Monster Fighters and other Creator sets.
The ride operator's jacket has been around since 2011 and has cropped up in a number of City and Creator sets.
There are also three adult females: an ice-cream vendor and presumably the mother and grandmother.
The vendor's torso is particularly nice and is new this year. It's appeared just once before, in a Juniors set. Her legs, in medium azure are particularly rare, having only turned up in Minecraft The Ender Dragon prior to this. Her ice-cream scoop is very effective.
The mother's torso has also been used just once before, in the same Juniors set. That's a mole on her face, not a speck of dust :-)
The minifig lineup is completed with four children, all with freckled faces. The black-haired boy's blue jacket torso is particularly nice, as are the right-hand girl's legs, uncommon in medium lavender.
So, a lot of effort has been put into the minifig selection to make them interesting and full of character.
Construction
Construction begins with a Technic framework mounted on five 16x16 and two 8x16 bright green plates.
The Technic parts are then largely covered by green slopes and plates.
A Technic mechanism that will facilitate the raising and lowering of the loading platforms is constructed in the centre.
Here, the platforms have been put in place along with mechanisms to operate them and drive the wheel.
With the yellow lever in a forward position the platforms are lowered.
In the backward position, they are raised.
Bags numbered two provide parts for details around the base including the ice cream vendor's stand, and walkways and platforms around the base.
The ride operator has a covered booth with what looks to be a computerised system for controlling the ride. The two new inverted curves are used on the roof. Note the 1x1 bricks around the bottom, colour co-ordinated with the gondolas.
Next, the A-frames are constructed predominantly from medium blue parts, along with the drive wheels, which are show in more detail in a photo below.
The two blossom trees created a lot of interest when they were first seen in the pictures. As I and others predicted, they are constructed using a 1x1 'dalek' brick and five of the new 6-stem flower stalks. The result is a very nice circular tree giving the impression of densely packed flowers and leaves.
Bags numbered three contain parts for the Ferris wheel. The hubs use some clever Technic geometry to create the 12 spokes.
I am not going to lie: this is an incredibly tedious build. Not only are the two sides identical but so are the spokes and rim sections, which is not unsurprising of course but it does mean that you end up building a lot of subassemblies over and over, 12 or 24 times. Thankfully they comprise of just a handful of pieces so it's not too arduous.
The end result is sturdy and unlikely to fall apart with normal handling.
It was interesting to see that the geometry of the construction doesn't quite work. Two of the spokes on each side have a small spacer at the end (the grey minifig neck bracket) to provide a little more length to them which seems to be just enough to ensure it all fits together properly without slack in the spokes.
Once fitted to the A-frame the full size of the model becomes apparent.
Finally, the 12 gondolas are built. This is also slightly tedious: the three-part door assembly and identical pair at the back has to be constructed a total of 48 times!
Here's a view of the drive wheel. It's driven via universal joints and held tight against the rim by means of a elastic band which prevents slippage.
The action of the raising and lowering platforms under the gondolas was difficult to photograph but if you compare the image above showing it in its lowered position with that below, where it is raised to hold the two side gondolas in place to enable the minfigs to alight, you can just about see it.
A battery box and medium PF motor are not provided but are very easy to fit and make the model much more fun!
Care must be taken to ensure the platforms are lowered before turning the motor on otherwise you end up with a horrible grating noise as the gondolas scrape on them!
The completed model
Here it is, then, in all its glory.
Yum!
I think he's regretting going on!
Verdict
It's a fantastic model that has so much going for it:
- The minifigs are excellent and really bring it to life
- At 60cm tall it's huge -- larger than you first expect.
- A lot of thought has gone into the design and mechanism, particularly the raising and lowering platforms. It's been a while since I've been on a Ferris wheel but I have vague recollections of them working like this in real life.
- It's fun to play with, particularly when motorised.
- It's an eye-catching model that is likely to mesmerise all who see it, AFOLs and non-AFOLs alike.
However it's not quite perfect.
- 12 minifigs is a lot, and as many as we can reasonably expect in a set of this size, but it's not enough. 24 would have been better, enough to populate most of the gondolas with one or two.
- The colour scheme came in for some criticism when images were first seen and, now that I have it in front of me, I think I agree that it appears a bit subdued. If I had a free reign on choosing what colours to use for the gondolas, I would have chosen differently. The green ones do not stand out from the base and the purple seems too dark. I would have gone for red and blue instead. I can only guess that those colours were not chosen because they were extensively used in last year's 10244 Fairground Mixer.
- Parts of the build are very repetitive and slightly tedious although throughout it I was driven on by seeing it grow rapidly in size and the thought of how cool it'll be when finished.
That said, I like it, a lot. I didn't think I would but now I've seen it 'in the ABS' I'd rate it as one of the best, of not the best, set of 2015. Price-wise, at £150/$200 for almost 2500 parts, it would seem to be good value, particularly compared to licensed sets. Highly recommended!
It's available to VIPs now from shop.LEGO.com: UK (£149.99) | USA ($199.99 | Canada ($229.99)
10 likes
42 comments on this article
Thanks for the great review and excellent pictures.
I have to say that this is a not-buy for me. I was already concerned about the fun of the build, but I feel that the end result ends up looking a lot less Lego Creator and a lot more Technic/Meccano - it's mostly spindles and mechanisms rather than what I personally consider an entertaining build.
Nevertheless, I can certainly see the appeal of it especially when paired next to the Mixer as well (a pic of the two side by side would be nice?)
It would if I had it!
I'm very excited for this one. Ordered first thing this morning along with the motor and battery box. Now I just need to find some space for it...
I like this set but the grey spindles that attach to the gondolas look a bit naff. Maybe some of those hollow white tube pieces can be used to cover them up. Again as mentioned i think they should have dropped the green gondolas and gone for red, although i quite like the purple. I just don't see me wanting it at £150 though.
The set looks rather decent, I'm debating whether to get this set as being a fan of themeparks and rides (owning the mixer already), but also owning the 2007 wheel which whilst it's a nice model is rather flimsy as the spokes come off easily.
I'm glad I skipped the Fairground Mixer. This is a buy for me. Time to pull the Grand Caroosel back out.
I really love the look of this thing. I wasn't really interested by the fair ground mixer last year, but this certainly grabbed my attention. Apart from the colour scheme this thing looks perfect. I really hope my budget allows for this fantastic set.
This one is definitely going to be a hugh hit with the kids, though it seems to have less play features compared to the Mixer. High on my wanna-have list!
@ Huw - how big is the box?
Need dis ting!
I assume that there will be a "companion" freebie set in June, so I'm going to hold out for that.
I think I'd prefer it on a 48x48 baseplate, as opposed to plates, but otherwise, it's a must buy!
I know a lot of people don't like the color-scheme, but I do. I think it's lovely. Looks like a big flower! :D
Thanks for the review, any spare parts from this build?
^ Only the usual small parts.
The box is 57x48x9 cm.
The grandmother minifig look rather younger than the mother minifig. In my opinion, I would switch their heads around.
LOVE LOVE LOVE the amusement series and hope they keep coming. Still not a fan of the arms extending the gondolas out beyond the wheel (I have never seen a real Ferris Wheel do that) but otherwise what a great set! This will be competing with the Grand Carousel for "centerpiece" status in my city, and at 60cm (!) high I think this one is going to win.
I'm not sure about the build itself, but the blonde Anakin hair actually looks quite stylish as a woman's hair piece.
Got Mine this afternoon of the lego Store Frankfurt.
Tonischer, Ehen Kids Art sleeping i am startimg the Build.
Whohoo
Thank you for the amazing, thorough and very quick review. I will have to start saving up for this set! Got the Mixer and Winter Village Fair this year and these three will look great together.
Though I really hope it doesnt cost an arm and a leg here in India :)
Am really looking forward to delivery of this one. Have picked up a dozen appropriate minifigs in after market sites that will fill it up nicely. Had no interest in the mixer initially but this has helped add it to my wanted list
I would love to see it with the gondola colors mixed up, i.e. yellow cars with purple canopies, or even use all three colors in each!
It looks like a nice set. There was definitely a lot of thought put into the whole thing, but I'm not going to get this one just because I would rather put $200 dollars toward a modular building.
RE: the colour scheme, I feel a subdued palette actually compliments the nature of the ride.
Let's not forget that the Mixer is an entirely different kind of attraction, where garish colours and lights are an important part of carnival atmosphere (particularly at night time). Therefore, one would expect to see the primary colours used in every way. In many ways, the Mixer's packaging doesn't really reflect how we expect to see such a ride.
But a ferris wheel like that which this model is based upon, is less of a touring attraction. These rides 'can' be designed for transport, but 10247 is clearly based on a static structure and therefore has more of a timeless, idyllic appeal. The toned-down colours reflect a sunburst in the sky and create a calming but fun atmosphere.
That's my take on it, anyway; it just shouldn't be compared too much to the Mixer.
Good review.
People can buy this set at 199.99 USD as a day one purchase. I'll wait until at least the Winter soldier is out so I can at least get somewhat of a 'deal' buying one of these.
Though I would rather see LEGO release a poly offer with this set like they did with the Mixer and balloon cart.
This is the sort of set that I have no personal interest in but am really glad LEGO is making because it's clearly "the kind of set LEGO should make" (they do other sets that while awesome, seem a little off the beaten path compared to something like this that's like an ultimate City set). I'm happy for everyone that this is a must-buy for.
I just got back from picking one up. It looks nice in the review, I have yet to open the box. While I was at my closest Lego store, the clerks were all telling me and others that they recommend buying or using a 48x48 base plate under the whole thing, to keep it from falling apart if trying to pick it up and move around. I have one, so will see how fragile it turns out to be.
I am probably going to have to dismantle it a lot because of the space it needs, can't keep it on display for long periods.
Thanks for the nice review!
Is anyone else impressed that a single rubber tire rotates the whole thing? I was expecting some kind of gearing given the weight of the spokes and gondolas, but as the video showed, that little tire really does the trick. That's pretty clever.
Wait... this set is reasonable priced?
Everyone... we should celebrate this now rare occasion!
^^ It's very sturdy on the plates its supplied with. The Technic frame keeps it all together.
Just ordered mine this morning can't wait for it to show up.
@Nesquik, I don't know which ferris wheels you've seen, but most I know of, especially stationary ones, look a lot like this
http://a.scpr.org/i/d5b19b1571adb65b7566787394be2380/68098-full.jpg
or this
http://www.japanesesearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/photones_works_2546.jpg
In fact, the stationary ones tend to be MORE garish because they don't move and are less likely to break something. Definitely not a "subdued" attraction. I think you may be thinking more of ferris wheels from the early 20th century, because as soon as the technology was available to deck these things out, they sure went for it.
To me, the colors are just weird. Yellow and purple are complimentary, but then green is thrown in for some reason, which reflects the bases in a clashing way like how the yellow gondolas clash with the spokes. Aside from breaking from creating a thematically linked amusement park (which would have been nice), they still should have gone with a more harmonious color scheme, like red yellow blue primary.
I have gotten half way, and it does seem to hold together with the baseplates. I think my store was trying to sell more baseplates along with the sets..LOL. I am glad I didn't buy it.
I am all flower stemmed out, will finish it tomorrow..! :-)
Does anyone know how much is it on BL using the right red & blue parts for gondolas ? Is it really worth over USD 200 ?
@Modok - Doesn't surprise me at all. As long as the wheel is reasonably well balanced, it doesn't require much at all to turn it ;) https://www.flickr.com/photos/roscohead/8151934653/in/album-72157631912992499/
The color debate is a bit silly. Ferris wheels come in all varieties and colours, modern and old styles, lit with fancy lights or none at all.
This one particularly uses a similar color-scheme to that used.
http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/ferris-wheel-images-by-topa.jpg
I think they should have made printed rooves for the gondolas, the colors striped from the centers with white, to give them a slightly more attractive fairground feel.
I am done now. Think it Tool me 5 Hours Overall. I have to say, that this One is One of my favorite lego Sets at the Moment. Perfect Build and no Problems with the platea.
Thanks lego for this Great Set.
I got to build our LEGO Store's Ferris Wheel for the store display, and I really enjoy this set. The build of the spokes and wheel is tedious, and I might have gone crazy without help from my wife on the repetitive bits.
Personally, I really like the colors of the gondolas, especially the purple.
I'm still a bit confused why this set doesn't have any glow-in-the-dark pieces like the Fairground Mixer, though. That would have been nice.
Wow. Not only is the wheel massive, but it also doesn't look "unfinished" somehow as it did in the first pictures LEGO released. Still unsure about those green slopes on the base though...
The minifigs don't clear the canopies of the gondolas, unless they are sitting, or the child size. Can you really put more than 2 in each one?
Got mine today, very pleased!
I think this will be my Father's Day ask, giving me enough VIP points to then get the Kwik-E Mart for free! Nice!
Dat oil money.