LEGO Creator Expert 10253 Big Ben Building Kit

Great looking model when finished, but the assembly is a bit of a slog---lots of tiny pieces, repetitive sections, and a nearly-all-tan color scheme. For those reasons, this isn't really a set that I would recommend to casual builders or most kids, it's really for "display, not play" and targeted to enthusiasts. Still, I enjoyed building it and I definitely felt satisfaction when the last of the 4163 pieces was locked in place!Pieces are in numbered bags (module 2 parts were in a box, oddly), but for a more enjoyable experience some further sorting is desirable prior to starting each module. There are a whole lot of tiny pieces, so people with very large fingers are going to struggle a bit. This model has a smaller footprint than I expected---it's not much longer than the big instruction book, and only 7" wide at the thickest part (of course it is pretty tall). Assembly will take a while, I finished this over the course of a couple of days but took lots of breaks.The architectural detail is very neat, and achieved by combining small Lego pieces in unusual ways. Notice the use of the beige minifigures in the facade, the translucent bricks peeking out in the stripes of the clock tower, pointed "teeth" decorations, cones, etc. There are gilded fences, flowers, and crosses: always nice to add unique elements to my Lego collection. Last, the build includes a mechanism that allows you to turn the hands of the clock faces above by rotation a small clock brick in the back---fun!

was fun to put together looks good on display

Arrived on time and packaged well. The kit contained all necessary parts and it was assembled by my son. Looks great!

Received on time and perfect!

Shame on your counting skills Lego. This set is missing a bunch of pieces this making it impossible to assemble this overpriced piece of garbage. I took two photos but this is the third time the bin I have placed the parts into has come up short. I’m missing bags of pieces.The instructions tell you what bag to open but there are more than one bag of the same number. Unfortunately, Lego does not tell you how many bags need to be opened.

This is a highly detailed 3D puzzle. 4000+ pieces, most of which are small. The end result is a beautiful model. The construction is to say the least, repetitive and boring. I love the final product but my fingers became leathery and sore with all the tiny pieces. I probably should have expected that. I am now working the Technic 42043 Mercedes AROC truck.Much more fun to build and full of surprises as the various gears and mechanisms come together. If you're looking for fun, build the truck. If you like repetitive things, buy Big Ben!

Came in good shape.

I got this as a gift for a man who loves puzzles and models. He absolutely loves it. I’ve helped build a few sections and it’s such a fun process to go through. All of the instructions are clear and it’s turning out to be a beautiful product!