Ocean Explorer

As a first dip back into the LEGO Technic 25 years later I have to say I rather enjoyed building this set and wished I wasn't so quick to kill off Technic in my early years. Stating the obvious to avid Technic builders the process is very different (gears, axles and connectors) to standard LEGO and I have the sore thumbs to show for it. Playability is extensive from hooking up and launching the semi-sub, steering the vessel and the awesome little helicopter that is already disappearing on a regular basis in the office! more less

This is a very large item but our son loved putting this together. Took about 2 days (weekend) for our 7 year old to do this on his own. He is an avid lego builder so if your child is used to putting these items together they should have no issues with this one. Great instructions as always and super big! more less

I'm pretty old but enjoyed the focus and satisfaction finding the parts at each step, and seeing it come together bit by bit. It's on top of a bookcase now, and I like to look at it. From 15 feet it looks quite realistic. I'm now busy with The Old Fishing Store and the Great Truck, with the Porsche GT3RS still in the box for later. more less

My negativity aside, this is an excellent set for builders. Displayers... well it depends on if you like your Technic to be Technic. It does look pretty good, arguably better than the last ship. But to me it's in the group of "is the really Technic"? more less

This was a much-anticipated set for me. I welcome any opportunity to use LEGO as a teaching aid during my nautical lectures. I like the fact the minifigures can be easily incorporated into the set which also gives the set a sense of scale. The model captures many features of a real research vessel and is a great build; the crane could be designed better and it does not plumb over the forward cargo hold. It is disappointing that the load lines are placed the wrong way around. This fault will be picked up by any professional merchant seafarer. This mistake is simple to fix though. The navigation lights could be placed in more accurate locations but this fault is unlikely to be noticed by most people. Overall, I like the set, the minor faults are easily fixed. more less

So, after all, the 42064 Ocean Explorer is really worth a second look, and for me it really was worth buying it. My son loves it, too. For him it's like his LEGO City models, just better. I think it could also be cool to see all the functions of the vessel motorised with Power Functions elements (hmm, I think I see a new project appearing on the horizon…) more less