Tuesday 21 October 2014

LEGO City Arctic Outpost set 60035 Review

The LEGO City Arctic range is one that we are really keen on. It has lots of interesting vehicles and really fires the imagination. The whole range is really good value and designed for younger builders, so it has masses of playability.

The LEGO City Arctic Outpost set 60035 is designed for builders aged 5-12 and has 374 pieces. It's a bit trickier than other sets for age 5+, such as the LEGO City Arctic Ice Crawler 60033 we reviewed a while ago,  but still perfectly possible for our 4 1/2 year old.

The build is rewarding throughout, with instant gratification as you see the shape of your truck and trailer almost as soon as you start to build. It uses easy techniques and very few tiny elements, which makes it much less frustrating for a young LEGO fan.

LEGO City Arctic Outpost set 60035 Review
 
Included is a quad bike which is a great little vehicle and my 4 year old's favourite bit of the set!

 LEGO City Arctic Outpost set 60035 Review LEGO ARCTIC Quad Bike

There's a chunky truck with crane and the Arctic Outpost trailer with the high-tech mobile laboratory - or portacabin as they're commonly known.

LEGO City Arctic Outpost set 60035 Review Full view of truck and trailer


There are some really nice details - the ski's on the trailer, the opening storage on the trailer, the opening storage on the truck which contains tools in a crate, and attachment points below for more tools. The drivers cab is big and the crane rotates to either side to pick up cargo, including the precious treasure inside the ice block.

 LEGO City Arctic Outpost 60035 review the opening storage on the truck cab with a toolbox

The laboratory roof hinges up and the entire side is a large door that can be completely opened up for easy access to play.

LEGO City Arctic Outpost set 60035 trailer mobile laboratory


Inside there is some exciting-looking equipment and the ever-present coffee mug. 

LEGO  Arctic set 60035 mobile laboratory

This is very much a play set. The way it opens right out gives a good large area for play that can fit two children nicely.

LEGO  Arctic set 60035 glowing gemstone metal element

The Arctic Outpost really fires the children's imagination and actually expands their knowledge. We had lots of questions about what the gem or metal was inside the ice block, and how long it might have been frozen. Our 6 year old is fascinated by whether wheels or skis are best on the trailer and working out when skis wouldn't work.

LEGO City Arctic set 60035 crane in action

Thinking about how the vehicles would work if it was real has also meant the children have instantly added to the set with parts from other sets and used their problem-solving skills. We really like this set, it's one of the favourites, and I know I'll be lucky to get it into my Christmas village because they won't want to do without it.

LEGO City Arctic set 60035 full vehicle set up quad skis

It's very easy to see where extra elements could be added in order to make the Arctic Outpost a more complicated and detailed model, but because this set is designed for play, and for younger builders, they are fine left off. It's a rewarding and fun build and gives a really nice play set that's sturdy and full of adventure. It's a great range, and a great set, and I feel it's good value for money.

The Arctic Outpost set 60035 has an RRP of £34.99 and is available at the LEGO Shop in store or online.



We bought this set ourselves.

8 comments:

  1. This looks like another great set. E has been moving away from the LEGO City sets as he gets more into the Superheroes and things, however, I really think he would enjoy this one.

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    1. I agree. I find LEGO City can be a little bit 'just cars', although my partner adores them and the boys do play with them a lot :)

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  2. These look fab! I am always so envious of your Lego creations, Hubby would be in his element at your house! x

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    1. You would be more than welcome - if ever you're up this way :D

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  3. Ben is utterly obsessed with Lego atm. I'm sending him round to play! X

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    1. Oooh, I could charge handsomely for a LEGO creche - I can think of worse jobs!

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  4. I would be fighting big man to make it! He has the little artic buggy thing - I love the ice block.

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    1. I like the ice block, we're easily pleased aren't we - 'ooh treasure! Shiny hidden treasure!' :)

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