Ferris Wheel (10247) - Final Thoughts, Pictures and Video

So some summarizing thoughts on this set.

Overall, it was a really fun set to put together. Definitely a set that requires a lot of attention to detail and some more advanced building techniques. There are a lot of moving pieces that need to be aligned properly to make sure everything moves and turns as it should.

It's a bright set with a lot of vibrant colors, which makes it an excellent display set. The sheer height of it also really draws attention. And of course, if you choose to get the motor for it, it's really a joy to just sit and watch it run.

In things that Lego could have done better, these are not points that apply solely to this set. In fact, most of the annoyances that we had with this build are things we have seen in many other sets and are general possible improvements for Lego overall.

1 - the instruction manual would be so much easier to use if it were spiral bound so it wasn't constantly flopping back on itself

2 - the color matching in some parts of the manual are off and this could easily lead to confusion

3 - more mini-figures would have been nice and would have allowed for more "play function". The set only comes with 7, 1 of which is the ride operator and another is the ice cream vendor, leaving only 5 riders. Once we added a few more figures from other sets, the wheel became a lot busier and we could pose the riders in some interesting scenarios.

Here is a video of the ferris wheel in all its glory .... and a few still shots further down.

Ferris Wheel (10247) Complete!!

This weekend saw the completion of the ferris wheel!!

It looks great - super colorful, very lively. And all the mechanisms work very well - the wheel spins smoothly with no "hiccuping", the individual buckets all rotate smoothly on their axles.

The only thing that I would suggest for improvement is to include more minifigures. The set only comes with 7. Once you take out the ride operator and the ice-cream lady, that only leaves 5 "customers". That means there are a LOT of empty buckets (11 to be exact).

Mom and I couldn't help adding a few more people from other sets to make the ride a little more fun .....

First off, in the name of safety and efficiency, we added a maintenance droid. The wheeled chassis allows it to move quickly from one trouble spot to another. The dual antennas on its head provide excellent WiFi capabilities so that it can be operated manually for delicate procedures. Currently, the ride is in full operation with no outstanding issues, so the droid is quietly charging in its docking station.

 

Now for the ride itself. With the addition of more people, the ferris wheel is in pretty high demand. There are only a couple of free buckets and there is a line-up of excited riders waiting to get on. Not sure how that girl with the huge lollipop is going to get on, but I am sure she will figure something out!

Now what is this chap staring at? He seems to be looking up at the top of the wheel and pointing excitedly ...

There seems to be some daredevil scaling the ferris wheel supports!!

Despite his precarious perch, he seems to having a grand time. judging from the huge grin on his face. I guess there is more than 1 way to ride a ferris wheel! At least he has his crash helmet on, though a safety harness would probably serve him better.

Looks like this rider has spotted the climber as well - he's busy staring at him instead of the scenery!

And over on this side of the wheel, it looks like the head-sized pretzel is getting some attention. This rider clearly wants one for himself as he can't take his eyes off it, leaning dangerously over the side of his bucket just to keep the pretzel in sight.

Our ride is very inclusive and does not discriminate among riders. Amputees are fully welcome!

Ferris Wheel (10247) - Baskets And The Head Sized Pretzel

We started building the baskets for the ferris wheel last night - got the 4 green ones done before we got carried away playing with the set haha.

Green baskets in place!

It runs so smoothly - it was mesmerizing to watch the baskets rotate as the wheel spun. The attention to detail continues to amaze me on this set.

There is even a mechanism to raise and lower the floor platforms so that as passengers are boarding, the basket and the wheel is physically prevented from turning. Clearly a good Health & Safety practice!!

Platform in lowered position - buckets just clear

Platform in raised position - buckets physically cannot pass

And of course, what better way to enjoy a ferris wheel ride than to gnaw on a pretzel that is bigger than your head? This ferris wheel must be in Texas!!

Passenger enjoying his Texas-sized pretzel

I think this is the passenger!!!

Ferris Wheel (10247) - The Wheel is Up!! Chapter 3 Done!

We had a momentous night yesterday, completing and mounting the structure of the ferris wheel. It DEFINITELY is starting to take shape. Each "side" of the structure was built separately and then the two sides were aligned and joined together. This took a little finesse to get everything lined up and snapped together.

I am confident that we assembled everything correctly as the wheel spins freely without any hitches or wobbling. The operation is very smooth - the small hand crank works well in propelling it along at a leisurely pace.

Chapter 4 may be the most fun (certainly the most fulfilling) part of the build as the trolleys are mounted and the finishing touches are put on. That will be coming up soon!!

Super Star Destroyer (10221) - First Parts Order!

I went to pick up my first order of parts last night. Over 1300 pieces!!

I started counting them to make sure everything was there but only got a fraction of the way through last night. On the bright side, the parts I did manage to go through were all present and accounted for.

The seller had everything neatly separated and bagged into like components, which definitely made it easier to locate the pieces.

Ferris Wheel progress may slow down a little as I use the table for piece counting. Sorry mom!

Super Star Destroyer (10221) - The End Is In Sight!

... at least as far as ordering the parts goes ...

With my 3rd round of buying, I have cut my "missing pieces" list down to 301. That's less than 10% to go. Unfortunately, none of my local buyers have any of these pieces so I may have to shell out yet more in shipping costs. That being said, people are always adding to their stock so I am sure that if I am patient enough, some of these pieces will become available through area sellers.

The total cost thus far has come out to roughly $480. I guess that's not too surprising considering the original Lego kit was selling for $500. If I was able to get everything locally, I would have saved at least $40 in shipping but I guess I can't complain. I have been able to get a good chunk of the pieces from local sellers. I had really hoped that I could piece it out for less than $500 but that isn't going to happen.

My first local purchase is ready for pickup, so I am planning on getting that tonight. I have 4 other parcels that I had to order from outside the city in the mail so I am expecting those within the week. Then I'll have to get my counting fingers out and double check the orders!

Ferris Wheel (10247) Winter Gardening - Chapter 2 Complete!!

This weekend saw the completion of chapter 2! The base and frame of the ferris wheel are all done and the chapter ended with some landscaping.

We "planted" over a dozen flowers and 2 huge rosebush trees. Mom enjoyed getting to do some gardening during the winter. Personally I think this is a far superior way to garden. There is no weeding or watering and no crawling around in the dirt!

The flower and rosebush trees definitely did a lot to brighten up the entire set with some additional color.

Look at that landscaping!!

Mom is really excited to start chapter 3. It looks like that chapter is dedicated solely to building the ferris wheel itself.