We continue our look at 2024’s Creator 3-in-1 sets with the largest one announced so far, LEGO Creator 3-in-1 31150 Wild Safari Animals. Realistic animal models are a Creator tradition, even going back to the precursor Designer Sets – that’s 20 years! Let’s tour this 780-piece set, which will be available January 1st and retail for US $64.99 | CAN $84.99 | UK £59.99. Don’t worry, we’ll get to the flamingo.
Unboxing the parts, instructions, and sticker sheet
As usual, the thumb-punch box shows small pictures of the alternate models alongside a large picture of the namesake build on the front. On the back, larger pictures show different angles of all three builds.
In the box are six bags numbered 1-3. As previously mentioned, there are also three instruction booklets, one for each model. Fortunately, the stickers are not numerous. There are just six, and they are versatile for a variety of build scenarios.
The main build
Starting with the giraffe, the main model which has a sequenced build based on numbered bags, the first thing built is the core, or torso, of the giraffe. Early on, it’s apparent what kind of planning has gone into the 3-in-1 set, as 1×1 round eye tiles and 3×3 heart-shaped plates are all hidden underneath “spots” on both sides of the giraffe.
The neck and head are built next, followed by the four drumsticks of the apocalypse, sorry, rather, the four legs, two rear and two fore, all rather well spotted on the outside and slightly less finished on the inside.
Add some feet, and the giraffe is done. It’s impressively tall, well detailed on most sides, and by the way, the minifigure head at the end of the tail is no joke; that tail can whip around and totally distract you while that long neck winds up and clobbers you. Using the 1×1 round reddish brown plates on the neck to represent the mane, while detailing what would be an “underside” at the same time, is an inspired choice. Our animal kingdom for non-color-locked mixel joints for the neck – you might see the grays jumping out in this photo – but the main leg/torso joints (those can’t all be hips, can they? I … guess they are?) are all very well covered.
It’s time to address the elephant in the room – no, not that one, the color palette is all wrong. Are flamingos a safari animal? Well apparently even lemurs can learn something about their Americas bias, because yes, yes they are. And this one is gorgeous! The legs are gangly and spindly and fragile, just like the real thing, and the plumage is luxurious in pink. You definitely need at least the 4×4 circle plate to balance it upright, but it’s a great little build.
The main build is finished with a tree, seemingly located on the edge of some water. It’s a pretty nice bit of foliage for an official set, and also – though yes, unfairly – nowhere near most custom tree builds. There are a number of technic pieces employed to get a bent, somewhat twisted trunk and branches while maintaining stability.
All together, you’d be lucky to come across this scene on most safaris.
The alternate models
The lion starts off with a core that isn’t too different from the giraffe, but then when building the head we get to this interesting bit of construction. Several technic axles are used with bricks arranged upright and upside down in this interesting configuration using axles for the stud reversal:
The lion and greenery is close to the giraffe in model quality, but the mixel joints are a bit more obvious in the secondary build.
And those eyes. I will never be the same again.
The third model is a parent and child gazelle, also with a small set of greenery.
Looking back over the three builds, the level of disguise on joints is pretty clear.
Conclusions and recommendations
Most Creator 3-in-1 sets are pretty good value, and this one is no exception. The main model is different, unique, and well done, and the other two options extend what you might do with these colors and pieces. And considering price per piece alone, it’s a swimming deal! The color-locked nature of the joint parts remains a small distraction in the finished build, but can be understandable given the volume and variety of LEGO sets hitting the market nowadays. And the designer’s efforts to cover them up are a more valiant effort than those made in other sets, especially with the main giraffe model.
LEGO Creator 3-in-1 31150 Wild Safari Animals contains 780 pieces and will be available January 1st and will retail for US $64.99 | CAN $84.99 | UK £59.99
The LEGO Group provided The Brothers Brick with an early copy of this set for review. Providing TBB with products for review guarantees neither coverage nor positive reviews.
Check out our gallery for even more images:
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