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A LEGO Tribute to the Concorde: Soaring Through Time

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LEGO has launched a new set that pays homage to the legendary Concorde, a marvel of aeronautical engineering. This set not only pushes the boundaries of what can be achieved with LEGO bricks but also brings a wave of nostalgia and intriguing facts about supersonic travel.

Imagine needing to traverse the Atlantic from London to New York in just three hours. The only way to achieve this was by boarding the Concorde, as conventional flights took around 7 to 8 hours. However, what many may not realize is that for a significant period, this remarkable supersonic aircraft was prohibited from landing at U.S. airports due to noise concerns and a touch of American rivalry. The Concorde represented not just speed but also a competitive achievement in the aerospace race among Europe, Russia, and the United States during the 1960s.

Before diving into the specifics of the LEGO set, it’s essential to appreciate its historical significance. The challenge of replicating this aeronautical icon in LEGO form is comparable to the original challenge of engineering the Concorde itself during its heyday.

Achieving supersonic flight was a goal many pursued, yet skepticism prevailed. While the technology was familiar to military aviation, adapting it for a commercial aircraft accommodating nearly 100 passengers in comfort posed immense challenges. The assumption that powerful engines were the main requirement quickly proved naive; numerous complexities awaited engineers and designers.

A notable example of this naive approach to supersonic travel is the Tupolev Tu-144, which aimed to simply scale up a fighter jet. Unfortunately, this design faltered, struggling to exceed Mach 2 speeds without relying heavily on afterburners, making it both inefficient and costly, with a limited passenger capacity of 55. Nonetheless, the Tu-144 did achieve its first flight four months before the Concorde in June 1969.

The competition between the Tu-144 and Concorde illustrates a common tech adage: being first does not guarantee success. The Tu-144 faced severe reliability issues, culminating in a crash at the 1973 Paris Air Show. Its operational lifespan was a mere seven months, with the remaining aircraft relegated to cargo transport by 1983.

Conversely, the Concorde, despite its high operational costs, proved to be a more viable endeavor. Out of 20 units built, 14 were used commercially, comfortably seating 92 to 128 passengers—almost triple the Tu-144's capacity. The Rolls-Royce/Snecma Olympus 593 turbojets, which operated without afterburners, contributed significantly to this achievement by reducing fuel consumption.

Whereas the Tu-144's tenure lasted only seven months, the Concorde graced the skies for an impressive 27 years. Many mistakenly believe its operational period was brief, yet its legacy, marred by only one fatal incident, tells a different story.

The tragic accident on July 25, 2000, led to the Concorde's retirement, but it should not overshadow its historical safety record. The crash was indirectly caused by debris from another aircraft, which punctured a tire and ignited a catastrophic fire. In terms of safety, the Concorde's record was commendable when compared to other aircraft models, which experienced multiple accidents over the years.

By 2003, however, the economic landscape of air travel had shifted. As low-cost carriers became dominant, the Concorde's high operating costs rendered it impractical, despite its storied past.

Before examining the LEGO set, here are some lesser-known facts about the Concorde, some of which you’ll find in the detailed 548-step instruction manual: - It was the last commercial aircraft to require a flight engineer. - The airframe had a slight curve, akin to a banana. - Nearly 200,000 individuals contributed to its design and development. - It was the first airliner to utilize analogue fly-by-wire controls. - The U.S. entry, the Boeing 2707, was never built. - The Concorde contained 30.6 km (19 miles) of wiring. - Custom white paint was needed to manage heat from supersonic flight. - Its unique silhouette was a solution to aerodynamic challenges. - Although the experience was luxurious, the windows were relatively small. - The landing gear was designed to accommodate the aircraft's unique shape. - The airframe would expand up to 25 cm (10 in.) due to heat during cruising. - Passengers could witness the same sunset twice while in flight. - A total of 134 pilots and 57 flight engineers were trained for its operation. - The rear trim tank was essential for maintaining balance during flight. - The name "Concorde" reflects a partnership between Britain and France, symbolizing harmony.

The LEGO Concorde Set

Released in September 2023, this unexpected LEGO set quickly became a favorite among fans of both LEGO and aviation. The set, numbered 10318, includes 2083 pieces, making it reasonably priced for its size. Notably, this is the second Airbus-licensed LEGO set, following the Technic Rescue Helicopter from 2022.

When comparing it to other licensed sets, such as the Hogwarts Castle, it may not seem as cost-effective based on piece count alone. However, the Concorde's many larger pieces justify the price, especially given its iconic status.

The set comes in a large box, reflecting its considerable size. Inside, you’ll find a cardboard envelope with the extensive instruction manual (make sure to scan the QR code for extra Insider Points), a white box with half the bags, and an additional 22 bags, including a special paper bag for the unique Concorde windshield piece.

The bags contain fewer pieces than usual, which enhances the building experience, especially for newcomers to LEGO.

Building the Concorde is a space-consuming endeavor. The wings alone are an impressive size, and the fuselage stretches a full meter (42 inches). While it may feel delicate at first, the structure becomes more robust as you progress, aided by cleverly designed locking mechanisms and technic pins.

Though primarily a System set, it incorporates many Technic elements. The tailcone rotates and is linked to the landing gear via gears. The rudders and elevons are manually operated, adding to the interactive experience.

An exciting feature of the LEGO Concorde is its adjustable droop nose. Additionally, the fuselage can be removed to showcase the passenger cabin, which features 12 seats and two lavatories—quite spacious for just a dozen passengers.

The engines attach easily to the wings, allowing for some playful maintenance after assembly.

Despite the challenges of replicating the Concorde's sleek design in LEGO form, the set successfully captures its aerodynamic essence. The livery combines elements from early prototypes and British Airways, using printed bricks rather than stickers.

The final bag of pieces is designated for an elegant, sturdy stand and commemorative plaque, which can be assembled in about 15 minutes. This stand allows the Concorde to be displayed at an appealing angle, enhancing its visual impact.

The plaque, adorned with gold lettering and detailed edges, complements the model beautifully, making it a remarkable display piece.

Conclusion

While I've never had the opportunity to fly on the Concorde, this LEGO set has deepened my understanding of its design, history, and engineering marvels. In today's climate, the prospect of supersonic travel seems distant, as we grapple with environmental concerns.

This LEGO Concorde set offers a unique chance to explore its legacy through construction and play. However, due to its large size, potential buyers should consider their display space carefully. For aviation enthusiasts, this set is a must-have.

In one word, the LEGO Concorde is fascinating. It encapsulates the triumphs and hurdles of the iconic supersonic jet, serving as a tribute crafted in bricks.

Attila Vago — Software Engineer improving the world one line of code at a time. A lifelong nerd, passionate about coding and blogging. Advocate for web accessibility, LEGO enthusiast, and vinyl record collector. Enjoys craft beer! Read my Hello story here! Subscribe for more stories on LEGO, tech, coding, and accessibility! For my less frequent readers, I also write about random bits and writing.

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