Before you write this off, hear me out.
Last Christmas, my children gifted me a large box containing over 2000 pieces to be assembled. No, it was not a jigsaw puzzle. When completed, it would be, in 3D- the legendary Airbus CONCORDE – yes, that supersonic marvel that reigned the skies from the 1970s until its forced retirement in 2003.
This is the first LEGO set I have taken on as an adult. Like many, I had dabbled in smaller sets in my youth. It is a wonder that this Danish company has lasted nearly a century and thrived since its founding in 1932.
Building a LEGO item feels less daunting than a jigsaw puzzle. If you have not tried it recently, you will be surprised by how “user-friendly” and systematic it is. The pieces come organised in numbered “packets.” An accompanying comprehensive pictorial manual guides you through each step.
For the Concorde, it was just over 550 steps across 21 packets. While some pieces are small, challenging your dexterity, steady and nimble fingers make all the difference. Visual recognition of colour and similarly shaped pieces can also be tricky, so good lighting is essential, especially to avoid glare from the manual’s glossy pages.
It is truly amazing how each seemingly insignificant bit gradually forms a remarkable whole plane! Some parts are even moveable – the “nose cone” tilts; the flaps and the tail move just as they would in real life. Rotate the tail cone, and the front and main undercarriage wheels extend and retract. A removable cover in the plane’s centre reveals tiny “seats” and “toilets”. The completed model stretches 1.1 metres long. Simply awesome!
When finished, one gets a sense of achievement – yes, a small dopamine hit.
It was not particularly difficult, but it tested my patience.
The key is to take your time and savour the experience. One should resist the urge to binge-build. Open one packet every other day to prolong the enjoyment.
LEGO must be the latest fad.
During my recent travels, I noticed that many airports and shopping malls in Malaysia and Singapore have at least one LEGO store. I was thrilled to spot a fully assembled Concorde in the LEGO shop at Changi airport, even though I had yet to complete mine.
Now I am hooked. I could not resist browsing through every LEGO shop I saw. While not every set appeals to me, I could not take my eyes off my next challenge: the LAND-ROVER, with its 2300 pieces. I just had to buy it, and yes, I lugged it all the way home by plane. Next on my list? A helicopter and the space shuttle.
In my mind, the ultimate prize is the TITANIC set- a staggering 9,000+ pieces!
It is not just the challenge of building it that is challenging, but also the question of where one will find space to display such a large, magnificent model! To enhance one’s LEGO creations, one can buy lighting kits that bring the models to life.
Assembling LEGO does not just exercise your fingers—it also sharpens your mind. It is a great way to stay mentally active and engaged, perhaps even warding off dementia. Plus, you can delve into the history, specifications, and performance of the models you build, becoming a mini-expert. Great trivia for conversation!
Now is an excellent time to pick up a new hobby!
Give LEGO a go!
Ching Jee Fan
Dr Ching Jee Fan studied Medicine at the University of Malaya in the late 1970s. He has practised in Malaysia, Singapore, and the UK. He has called New Zealand home for half his life and is currently a (mostly) retired Radiologist.
