ISS Build - Finished !

The sixth and final parts bag(s) of the International Space Station focuses entirely on construction of the solar panel arrays.

For me, this represented the least difficult part of the project because it resulted in eight identical components.

By laying everything out and building assembly-line style, the job was done in less than half an hour.

The final step called for merely snapping the panel sections in place on the model.

All in all, the ISS is a very detailed and impressive model.

It now resides proudly in the display cabinet right next to the Apollo Saturn V.

ISS Build - Parts Bag 5

Today's post covers the remainder of the highly detailed main structure of the International Space Station.

Once completed, the craft is now fitted with the end sections of the truss that will hold the solar panel arrays in place. 
Also, now are attached the various radiator panels and the Canadarm2.
A very fun and satisfying build, indeed!

ISS Build - Parts Bag 4

This portion of the International Space Station  build gets increasingly interesting, as this is where more of the intricate detail is added: laboratory modules, node sections, Soyuz 'lifeboats',  microwave dish antennas, and myriad other gadgets.

Not knowing much about the ISS, I had to go online to the NASA website to take a crash course and educate myself about this remarkable craft.  Luckily, I found several detailed diagrams identifying the major components, as well as project construction timelines, and many other details.
In the process, I learned a lot and gained quite a bit of respect for the designer of this LEGO model.

ISS Build-Bag 3

Still progressing with the International Soace Station.
The contents of bag number three consist of the parts necessary to render the central truss of the Station.

No special techniques here - mainly standard plate, brick, and slope construction.
The remainder of the bags will get into the nitty-gritty detailing.  Stay tuned....

ISS Build - Parts Bag 2

This is a short post.
Bag two of the IDEAS ISS set is all about the display stand.
Interesting mix of standard and Technic elements, complete with a printed title plate.

Moving along....

ISS Build - Parts Bag 1

The first bag of parts in the International Space Station set yields a number of interesting small builds.

Foremost is a nicely rendered micro-scale shuttle orbiter.
This is followed by a pair of satellites, a standard space capsule, and a trio of microfig astronauts.
The parts list calls out two of these, but it appears they throw an extra in as part of the 'spares' supply of small parts.

Moving on to bag 2.....

A New Set Build: The International Space Station

This past weekend, the Father's Day family get-together netted me several more LEGO sets from the kiddoes. 
How things have changed since the old days: kids buying toys for their parents!

The first of these builds I am going to tackle is the IDEAS set 21321, the International Space Station.

The set comes packaged in seven bags, two of which are labeled 6.

I was instantly delighted to see that all of those solar panel pieces are printed rather than relying on stickers.  Not that I wouldn't have particularly minded affixing stickers to that many parts, but the pre-prints will make the build go a bit quicker.

Good to see the 16+ age range on the box. 
This shows that LEGO is serious about us old fogey AFOLs.

Tomorrow, I tear into bag 1....