Review: 21054 The White House
Posted by Huw,
I've had 21054 The White House for a few months now and to be honest I was not looking forward to building it, fearing it would be a fiddly and time-consuming job like 21030 United States Capitol Building was.
However, I needn't have worried because it's actually one of the best Architecture building experiences I've had.
The eve of the US presidential election, when the world wlll be watching 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, seems like an appropriate time to review it.
This is the first Architecture set to be packaged in a new 18+ style box, which is larger than I was expecting. It's still the sturdy flip-top lid variety, though, so can be opened without destroying it.
The four-floor central mansion, which was built in 1812 and rebuilt 5 years later after being set on fire by the British, is constructed first.
The front and back are built entirely studs-on-side and, while there is some lining up of 1x1 pieces required, it's not nearly as bad as I was anticipating. 1x2 plates with rails mounted vertically are used extensively throughout the building to represent pillars between the windows.
The internal structure in all three sections of the building is made from blue and red pieces, the colours of the US flag, of course, but also the political colours of the Republicans and Democrats.
It's built as a separate sub-assembly which looks pretty good on its own, and could feasibly be displayed stand-alone, perhaps next to 21006 The White House from 2010 which only consisted of this part of the building. I'd have done so myself to photograph but I've not yet built the older model, and probably never will now.
The north portico is a bit awkward to construct, requiring lining up all the pillars with the 1x1 'polo' plates on the roof.
The east wing, which was added in 1942 primarily to cover the construction of an underground bunker, is built next, although early versions of the instruction manual, the one I have, erroneously calls it the west wing, which confused me somewhat. This has been corrected in the current version.
Once again, most of the exterior walls are built studs-on-side and the entire corridor is built on its side. They utilise mostly 1x2 pieces.
Neat lines of bushes and a couple of trees make up Kennedy garden at the front. The bushes are made with the very useful and versatile 1x2 plate with rounded ends, which is new this year in green.
The west wing, which includes the President's Oval Office at the front, is where the business of government is conducted.
The pillars of the external portico/walkway are made using 1x2 plates with bar.
Window arches, and a window arch corner piece, which is unique to this set in white, are used on the back wall of the corridor which houses a swimming pool and press briefing rooms.
The wings are attached to the central section with just a few studs which makes it easy to do and undo, but also difficult to move it in one piece.
Overall it's about 48cm wide and 20cm deep and, just like the real building, looks very elegant, with whitewashed walls and manicured gardens.
Another great thing about its modularity is that it fits in the box without the need to disassemble it. I wish more Architecture sets were like this!
I was pleasantly surprised by this set. It wasn't the fiddly build I was anticipating and the completed model looks well-proportioned and accurate. A range of interesting techniques have been utilised to replicate the building's elegant details at a small scale and micro-scale builders may well learn a thing or two from it.
I really like the fact it's modular because, not only does is make it easier and more enjoyable to build, but also much easier to store when you need to pack it away to make way for something new.
Price wise, the 1483-piece set costs £89.99 / $99.99 / 99.99€ at LEGO.com, which seems reasonable, and on a par price-per-piece wise with other recent Architecture sets.
I suspect that the history of the White House and what's inside is common knowledge among Americans, but I didn't know a lot about it until I researched for this article. If you're interested in finding out more, I can recommend the White House Muesum's website.
All that remains for me to say is, if you haven't already, be sure to vote tomorrow!
Thanks to LEGO for providing this set for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
134 likes
55 comments on this article
Nice review keep up the good work!!! :D
Wow, what a gorgeous set. I've typically stayed away from the Architecture sets, but I'm intrigued by this one.
Any comments not directly related to the set or building will be deleted.
Nice review! Thanks for keeping it strictly bricks and staying away from any political comments. I've stopped following Brothers Brick specifically because they can't seem to help themselves when it comes to making political statements... I just want to enjoy the bricks! :D
I'm actually really impressed by how well this is designed, especially with the ability to break it apart into the individual wings.
I'm an American, but you said more about the White House than I knew off the top of my head! I would say that most Americans know fairly little about the White House. For example, relatively few people know that the wings were not a part of the original building.
You are triggering my OCD with that misplaced round quarter tile in the sidewalk :)
It's always nice to see extensive improvements to a subject LEGO has done before. I'm sure the length of time since the first version was released also plays a role; the number of new detailing elements created in the last 10 years has opened the door for a completely new feel to the White House.
US Presidents CMF when?
@Veyniac said:
"You are triggering my OCD with that misplaced round quarter tile in the sidewalk :)"
Doh! I didn't notice that!
Welp, today I learned the main pics on the front of 21006's box featured the north portico - for some reason I was always under the impression it was a really square rendition of the curved front bit!
@SuperBrixBros said:
"US Presidents CMF when?"
We got one of them...
https://brickset.com/sets/71004-5/Abraham-Lincoln
I’m not familiar with the nickname “‘polo’ plate”. Could someone explain?
@Mosquitosquisher7 said:
"I’m not familiar with the nickname “‘polo’ plate”. Could someone explain?"
I think the term refers to the hollow 1x1 round studs, such as 6168642, due to their resemblance to Polo mints.
Having toured the White House (granted, 40 years ago or so), it might be nice to see some of the individual rooms MOC'd up.
@Mosquitosquisher7 said:
"I’m not familiar with the nickname “‘polo’ plate”. Could someone explain?"
From New Elementary (https://www.newelementary.com/p/glossary.html):
Apollo Stud
I accidentally christened the 1x1 round plate with hole (Design ID 85861) with this name after mishearing LEGO® designer Jamie Berard say "a hollow stud". Although I corrected the article, the nickname seems to have stuck and I still see it used elsewhere! This part is also known in the UK as the Polo, after the confectionery.
@SuperBrixBros said:
"US Presidents CMF when?"
That would be fun honestly but potential lack of interest from non-US people and the political nature would probably make Lego not want to do it
It seems to be a nicely designed set, but disappointing to see yet another remake, not to mention another US federal building, when there are so many great works of architecture (both historical and contemporary) that could be referenced instead.
I'll admit my fatigue with the current state of politics weighs heavily into my dismissal of this set.
I’m really liking those small tree builds. Great review!
It's funneh that the first version of this doesn't have the Oval office, which in all Honesty, I had assumed was on the back side of the main building. I learned something today that will live with me till my grave. I hope to pick this up to celebrate on Wednesday.
The trees are really striking and very pleasing to the eye.
This set makes me both happy and sad. I've spent a bit of time building a LEGO version of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Based on that I'm sad that LEGO decided to update a set they already have produced and not create a new set featuring some of the other interesting architecture in Washington, D.C. But I'm happy that they've introduced a much more detailed version that can be used as a starting point for talking about the terrific architecture that can be found in D.C. area. (and no, I'm not from D.C., but am a big fan of architecture-inspired LEGO builds.)
The way that the buildings are divided is incredible! Maybe not many people find that interesting but I feel like that's something that definitely should've been in the promo. It enhances the ability to display and store, as well as being able to follow the building through its historical progression. That kind of out-of-the-box thinking is what's kept the Architecture line around for so long
@yuffie said:
" @Huw said:
"Any comments not directly related to the set or building will be deleted. "
I can't help thinking that leaving this review a day before the most contentious election ever in the US may have been asking for trouble."
Yep!
Great set overall, and I love the inclusion of the wings as compared to the original set.
@drussell said:
"It seems to be a nicely designed set, but disappointing to see yet another remake, not to mention another US federal building, when there are so many great works of architecture (both historical and contemporary) that could be referenced instead.
I'll admit my fatigue with the current state of politics weighs heavily into my dismissal of this set. "
I agree. There's one other building I could think of right now, but I won't mention it in this thread, respecting Huw's explicit request.
This one is a serious improvement over the previous version! I just hope there is enough copies of this set remaining here in Australia Looks like a must-buy for me. Great review!
I've built both versions, and this one is far superior to the old version. When I was building it the East/West mix up confused me too, and when built, the difference in size between each side bothered me.
That said, it's a very nice model, which is currently on display on the shelf behind me at work.
I am glad that the White House gets an upgrade, but would like to see new designs as well. We normally get two landmark sets each year. This year we only get one (why couldn't they release the Colosseum in Architecture?!) I hate dissembling sets, so I really appreciate that the Lego designers are taking display/storage into account.
"...destroyed by the British..." someone was still salty that the US gained its independence from them. To be serious I have one of this and it's my first Architecture set, the box had a problem in printing on the front so I'll not open mine until I get a regular printing one to leave it as a penny.
Shame there wasn't a comparison picture. I have the old one and would love to see how it measures up. Although I totaly understand why you wouldn't want to build it now that you have this beauty.
@Huw mentioned in this review and the Christmas Wreath review that these sets fit in the box. I’ve always wondered how many sets, especially more recent ones, can fit back in the box once they are completed.
@imemine98 said:
" @Huw mentioned in this review and the Christmas Wreath review that these sets fit in the box. I’ve always wondered how many sets, especially more recent ones, can fit back in the box once they are completed."
That is a great point man.
I wonder if this can be remodeled into the original 1800 White House before it was burnt down after the War of 1812.
@imemine98 said:
" @Huw mentioned in this review and the Christmas Wreath review that these sets fit in the box. I’ve always wondered how many sets, especially more recent ones, can fit back in the box once they are completed."
I was able to fit Ideas dinosaur skeletons into the box with a lot of fiddling and reposing.
If you remove the fins from the Saturn V rocket, it will fit in the box as separate stages.
I personally have no interest in this building, but the modular design which allows you to store it easier and display the essential part alone is definitely a marvelous design! Looking forward to seeing more sets with similar design!
That flag print is awesome. I use it on my Ford Raptor MOCs, and it's sized perfectly.
The only thing I don't like about this set is the roof colour. I think black doesn't look right when compared with pictures of the original. I would have chosen dark bluish grey.
Plus I found it interesting that Huw described the build of the Capitol as fiddly. I loved that build. I only changed the dome because I didn't think the proportions looked right. I am very happy with my slightly MOCed version now.
It is definetly an interesting building with a lot of history. So many important persons have lived and visited this place. Leaders from all the world have been there discussing the problems of the world. It is defitely a worthy building for the purpose it serves to the USA.
It's so much more than just a residence of the President.
Nice build and review. But I think what we really want to know is how it looks with a alien saucer hovering above blasting it with a laser beam.
@Norikins said:
" @imemine98 said:
" @Huw mentioned in this review and the Christmas Wreath review that these sets fit in the box. I’ve always wondered how many sets, especially more recent ones, can fit back in the box once they are completed."
I was able to fit Ideas dinosaur skeletons into the box with a lot of fiddling and reposing. "
All of my single-pack BrickHeadz will fit back in their
box, at least as far as I can remember. Given the average size of a BH, and the size of their box, I'd be surprised if there are any that can't.
@AustinPowers said:
"The only thing I don't like about this set is the roof colour. I think black doesn't look right when compared with pictures of the original. I would have chosen dark bluish grey.
Plus I found it interesting that Huw described the build of the Capitol as fiddly. I loved that build. I only changed the dome because I didn't think the proportions looked right. I am very happy with my slightly MOCed version now. "
I presume he was talking about the orientation of the 200ish headlight bricks, maybe not fiddly but perhaps tedious. Do you have a link to your Capitol mods? I walk by it every day and it does kinda bug me how the dome is so much bigger irl
^ Yes, exactly. I seem to remember having to line up hundreds of 1x1 parts which, while perhaps not that fiddly, is not much fun...
@imemine98 said:
" @Huw mentioned in this review and the Christmas Wreath review that these sets fit in the box. I’ve always wondered how many sets, especially more recent ones, can fit back in the box once they are completed."
The best sets for this were the Legoland mini-wheels vehicles, which the majority fitted the boxes perfectly.
@AustinPowers said:
"The only thing I don't like about this set is the roof colour. I think black doesn't look right when compared with pictures of the original. I would have chosen dark bluish grey.
Plus I found it interesting that Huw described the build of the Capitol as fiddly. I loved that build. I only changed the dome because I didn't think the proportions looked right. I am very happy with my slightly MOCed version now. "
I too would be interested in seeing what you did with the dome. Here's what I did with the unfinished backside of my Capitol set. [ https://flic.kr/p/2iuwTG1 ]
The first time I saw this set, I laughed that The White House would be rated "18+".
Really didn't expect "18+" to essentially become its own theme when I first saw this.
Ultimately, I think it's good to try to convert more "normies" to AFOL to get them buying
Modulars, Ideas, and more Architecture sets. Hopefully there will be a lot more
people who realize that collecting Lego doesn't just have to be for kids.
Lately, we've already had a White House set in the Architecture theme 10 years ago.
I'm unsure why they did another version so soon (even though it's better).
Eventually I'd like to see how they do the Gateway Arch, CN Tower, and Tokyo Tower.
Seems silly to already be repeating themselves like this after just 10 years.
@PDelahanty said:
"
Lately, we've already had a White House set in the Architecture theme 10 years ago.
I'm unsure why they did another version so soon
Seems silly to already be repeating themselves like this after just 10 years."
" Lately" "10 years ago" "so soon" "just 10 years"
@PDelahanty said:
"Eventually I'd like to see how they do the Gateway Arch, CN Tower, and Tokyo Tower."
Would be interesting to see how they did the Arch. I second the vote for Tokyo Tower.
@Bevan said:
"This one is a serious improvement over the previous version! I just hope there is enough copies of this set remaining here in Australia Looks like a must-buy for me. Great review!"
I’d hold out for Australia’s Parliament Building. I’ve toured both buildings and I must say that Australia’s, while not very well known, is an incredibly brilliant piece of architecture. And it would require a very unique Lego design as it is essentially underground. In fact, if you can ignore how boring the city is in terms of nightlife (or even afternoon-life), Canberra has to be one of the most beautifully designed cities I’ve ever been too.
@SuperBrixBros said:
"US Presidents CMF when?"
I’d have to say while an interesting concept, I just don’t see how this could work on many levels. For one, they would all have the same torso and legs, a boring black suit, which would leave the head and hair the only way of differentiating the presidents. Perhaps a few can be easily identified, namely Washington, Lincoln, and Obama. But would you be able to tell the difference between a Lego Polk and Lego Van Buren? I’m a TMBG fan yet I have no clue what Polk looked like. Of course, the other issue is politics, everyone will have at least one minifigure they will want to burn, and that is going to lead to some very dangerous fumes in their home.
That said, I could certainly see a historical figures CMF line being very popular. It would be something that could go on for a long time. You could do a political set (spanning the world), a scientist set, an author set, artist set, actor set...
@vidiont said:
" @AustinPowers said:
"The only thing I don't like about this set is the roof colour. I think black doesn't look right when compared with pictures of the original. I would have chosen dark bluish grey.
Plus I found it interesting that Huw described the build of the Capitol as fiddly. I loved that build. I only changed the dome because I didn't think the proportions looked right. I am very happy with my slightly MOCed version now. "
I too would be interested in seeing what you did with the dome. Here's what I did with the unfinished backside of my Capitol set. [ https://flic.kr/p/2iuwTG1 ]
"
Unfortunately I can't upload any pics but I can describe what I did as it was not very complicated.
I simply omitted steps 164 and 165 (the white and the light bluish grey 6x6 round plates) as well as one of the two white 2x2 round plates in step 168.
This made the overall proportions of the dome much more harmonious imho. In the standard version the relation of width to hight seems totally off to me.
I think a CMF line with no female figures would be a pretty unlikely prospect.
But a general historical CMF would be a great line, I think. And a good way to represent people from around the whole world not just one country (how many people in Europe and Asia would collect US president CMFs?).
Having built the set (and 21006) and being able to see it in person (in addition to having seen the real building countless times), I can say that when it’s displayed as just the Residence, the proportions look way off. The width is too short which makes the height seem too tall. However, when it’s connected to the East and West Wings, the proportions of the overall compound appears more balanced.
Also, the lower angle you view the set from, the better it looks (at least in my opinion).
I just built this set last night after getting some good news over the weekend. It is such a good build and the details are wonderful. I now want to stock up on 1x2 with bars, and 1x2 with rails, and smokey trans 1x1 plates. The trees and landscaping are so elegant and its just a great set all around. I hope everyone who get this will. I will possibly modify the inside bricks to be purple just to send a message to the ghosts who haunt my LEGO collection. I want them to know this House belongs to all of us. lol.
I was going to say that the recent Heli carrier looks really cool parked next to the white house. But i will def be constructing a massive ID4 Ship with honkin laser beam for display purposes.