LEGO has come out with several amusement park Creator sets in recent years, in a number of popular LEGO themes like Pirates, but one theme that was missing is space… no longer! LEGO Creator 31142: Space Roller Coaster is a super-fun roller coaster with plenty of space-themed accessories, and the alternate models represent other popular amusement park rides like vertical drop, and spinning rides, all inspired by our long history exploring the solar system. LEGO Creator 31142: Space Roller Coaster comes with 874 pieces and will be available on August 1st for US $109.99 | CAN $139.99 | UK £94.99
The LEGO Group provided The Brothers Brick with an early copy of this set for review. Providing TBB with products for review guarantees neither coverage nor positive reviews.
Unboxing the parts, instructions, and sticker sheets
The set comes in a standard long box branded with the Creator logo and the 3 in 1 graphic on the right side of the box front, which shows the 2 alternate models, a UFO spinning ride and a vertical drop ride with a large space shuttle. The primary model is shown against an illustrated space-themed background. On the back of the box, all three models are shown from different angles, each against a unique illustrated background.
Inside the box there are 9 numbered bags and 2 unnumbered bags with larger parts like plates and roller coaster tracks. There are also 3 instruction booklets, one for each model. There are no stickers in this set.
The build
The build starts out with a super-fun mini build in the form of a coin-operated ride for small children too short to ride the coaster. A small gear can be turned to make the ride move back and forth in an uneven way. Also, a toddler in a classic space suit is really enjoying the ride while their older siblings ride the coaster.
The main build then begins with a series of round bases connected by straight sections of brick and plate stacked. A few small rock structures hold up the lower end of the roller coaster track and the first of many space-themed adornments, a small blue-green planet Earth is added.
Next there is a small white hallway that connects the ride entrance to the platform for loading up the coaster cars.
A small external module and a clear hydroponics pod added to the roof complete the entrance of the ride.
With the lower end of the ride complete, it’s time to move on to the rest of the track. First, there is another set of rounded bases connected with straight sections, this time in black. Then two more rock formations, taller this time, support or flank the supports for the middle section of the track.
Before building the 5 girder-based stands for the rest of the track we get what may be my favorite detail for this space-themed coaster… a miniature model of the Mars rover.
Five girder supports of various heights will hold up the high end of the track, as well as several more space decors like a small meteor, a planet with a ring (likely Saturn), a blasting asteroid with a light brick, and a Saturn V rocket.
With the track complete, the last thing to build is the 3 roller coaster cars, modeled to look like space shuttles, and a space sign complete with a small shuttle.
The minifigures
The set includes 5 minifigures and one toddler (easily my favorite figure in the set) 3 adults, a father, 2 children, and two staff members. All with back printing and several with alternate expressions.
First, the family. They all have happy expressions, and the two kids are wearing matching space-themes jersey-style shirts. The dad wears a gray hoodie. For their alternate expressions, the kids look thrilled, while the father looks like he regrets joining the kids on the roller coaster, with a nauseated expression.
There are two staff members, both women. One wears a blue jumpsuit like an astronaut might wear around the station, while the other wears a spacesuit complete with a gold-visored helmet. The jumpsuit-wearing woman has an alternate expression that is even happier.
The finished model
The finished model looks great and is fun to play with. I especially liked the alternate expressions, which are less common in Creator sets. The dark blue tracks are a great alternative to many of the more brightly-colored tracks in previous theme parks and other sets with roller coaster tracks in bright green or red. The space-themed decor is simple to build, but adds a nice touch to the finished model.
Conclusions and recommendations
If you are a space fan or a roller coaster fan, I can highly recommend this set. The alternate models look really nice as well, and if you buy 3 copies of the set, you could combine them for an even bigger space-themed amusement park. I also think this would make a pretty decent draft set as there are a few uncommon parts, like the rounded quarter circle slopes on the roof of the building and round plates in orange. Not to mention several tracks in that dark blue, perfect for spaceship building. LEGO Creator 31142: Space Roller Coaster comes with 874 pieces and will be available on August 1st for US $109.99 | CAN $139.99 | UK £94.99
The LEGO Group provided The Brothers Brick with an early copy of this set for review. Providing TBB with products for review guarantees neither coverage nor positive reviews.
What would your 3 combined set amusement park look like?!?!???