A LEGO Set Unlike Any Other

What makes the LEGO Ideas sets especially intriguing is that each one originates from the imagination of a dedicated LEGO enthusiast, often an AFOL (adult fan of LEGO), who constructs something unique and submits it for community voting. LEGO has embraced this concept for many years, and I personally own several Ideas sets, including the Ship in a Bottle and the Doctor Who set. Some of these are compact, while others, like the Typewriter (set 21327), fall on the larger side of the Ideas spectrum. Naturally, the original creator's concept undergoes a "refinement," akin to the editing of a manuscript, resulting in a more polished, production-ready version. For perspective, the original idea is quite different, and LEGO’s designers have certainly enhanced it significantly!

The LEGO Ideas Typewriter is no small endeavor. With over 2000 pieces and a final size of 27×26×11 cm (WDH), it requires both time and space for construction and display. <b>I spent approximately six hours assembling it.</b> Admittedly, I could have been quicker, but documenting some key steps and watching concerts in the background slowed my progress. Speaking of concerts, I enjoyed Beatrice Egli’s "Kick Im Augenblick," Nashville in Concert at the Royal Albert Hall, and Andrea Berg’s "Atlantis" while building. Here are clips from each for your enjoyment.

It's worth noting that I’m no stranger to LEGO and various construction techniques. While it took me six hours, <b>newcomers to brick building</b>, particularly those tackling complex sets like this, <b>should expect to take more than one sitting, totaling around 8-10 hours</b>.

While the initial steps involve some repetition—specifically, building the arms for all the letter keys—these stages can be quite challenging and follow a Technic style, which may feel unconventional for many. However, once you get past that phase, the only truly intricate part involves inserting all those arms into the frame.

This segment is less about complexity and more about focusing on the instructions, as <b>a brief glance won't be sufficient</b>. I also own the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, which is a complex build, yet I don't recall needing to concentrate as intensely as I did with the Typewriter. <b>This set will undoubtedly teach you patience like few others.</b> Check out the 11 stages of the assembly!

Beyond cultivating patience, <b>you’ll also learn a plethora of new building techniques and discover inventive uses for various pieces</b>. The fun doesn’t end there. While this set is indeed designed for display, LEGO encourages interaction beyond a single use. <b>Dismantling just this set reveals countless possibilities for your creativity.</b> The set includes wheels, plates, small and large bricks, smooth and metallic pieces, a variety of curved shapes, and an impressive array of Technic components. For a complete list of parts, check out Rebrickable.

Does It Function?

The burning question on many minds when I showcase the Typewriter is: <i>“Does it actually work?”</i> In the realm of LEGO, the definition of “functionality” can vary greatly. However, in this instance, the answer is—<i>“Yes, it somewhat does!”</i>

• You can press nearly every key, and they have a satisfying travel.
• Each key press produces a distinct sound from the hammer that would typically imprint the letter onto paper.
• The platen mechanism, which holds the paper, can be shifted to the right like a traditional typewriter, and it gradually moves back left with each key press.
• The paper fingers that secure the paper to the platen can also be adjusted.
• You can even insert an A5-sized page into the typewriter.

Additionally, the set includes a booklet in 43 languages, with each page perforated for use in the Typewriter. I opted for Hungarian. The translated message reads:

> Dear LEGO® friend, > > I am delighted that this set, designed by fan creator Steve Guinness and the LEGO® Ideas team, has arrived at your workspace. > > My great-grandfather and the founder of LEGO, Ole Kirk Kristiansen, was born in 1891, shortly after the invention of the typewriter and telephone. Both innovations transformed communication and greatly contributed to the development of modern businesses worldwide. > > Ole's first typewriter sat on his desk when he established the company. In 1958, my grandfather, Godtfred, typed the patent application for the LEGO System bricks on a typewriter much like this one. We still showcase those documents in the LEGO House History Collection. > > Technology has advanced tremendously, yet the sight and sounds of classic typewriters still remind me of visiting my grandfather and father, Kjeld, at their offices during my childhood. It felt exciting and significant, and they allowed me to craft stories and secret messages on their typewriters. > > One thing has remained unchanged: we continue to inspire and nurture the builders of tomorrow, and it always astonishes me how fans and LEGO Ideas creators express their creative talents with LEGO bricks. Keep reconstructing our world—always. > > Kind regards, > Thomas Kirk Kristiansen

Before You Visit the Store…

<b>This set is now quite rare</b>, but with a stroke of luck, either the LEGO site or a local shop might still have a few in stock. In an unexpected twist of fate, <b>the price hovers around $200</b>, which might deter some from purchasing before you arrive at the store.

Nevertheless, it's genuinely worth it. <b>This is an exceptional build and a stunning set to showcase</b>, providing a wealth of pieces for future projects. However, if this is your first-ever LEGO set, be sure to allocate ample time. I generally wouldn’t recommend this as a first set for anyone, regardless of age, but if you have a passion for typewriters, <b>you should definitely get it and learn to be patient, allowing yourself to build at a leisurely pace</b>. Take a whole month if you need to!

The LEGO Ideas series consistently offers the most inspiring building experiences. They merge the vision of an ordinary LEGO fan, like myself, with that of a LEGO designer. Assembling and displaying these sets creates a uniquely intimate experience shared between two fans and the original creator of LEGO. The Typewriter fulfills that promise entirely!

<i>Attila Vago — Software Engineer improving the world one line of code at a time. A lifelong cool nerd, writer of codes and blogs. Advocate for web accessibility, LEGO enthusiast, and vinyl record collector. Enjoys craft beer!</i>