One hundred years after the passing of Sir Ernest Shackleton, the wreckage of his legendary ship, The Endurance, was rediscovered beneath the icy waters off Antarctica in 2022. Now, LEGO has paid homage to this historic vessel with the LEGO Icons The Endurance (10335) set. This beautiful model captures the spirit of Shackleton’s infamous Trans-Antarctic Expedition of the 1910s while offering a stunning display piece and an immersive building experience for fans of nautical history.
With its elongated design and nostalgic wooden ship aesthetic, The Endurance is both an homage to history and a conversation-starting mantlepiece. From the rigging to the detailed hull, every aspect of the ship has been thoughtfully designed to capture the essence of Shackleton’s iconic vessel.
Building The Endurance
Building The Endurance is a satisfying challenge, with intricate techniques that seasoned LEGO builders will enjoy. The rigging and deck construction offer plenty of variety, while small details like the use of skeleton legs for guardrails and a printed ‘Endurance’ nameplate add to the model’s charm.
That said, the sails—secured by strings—can be fiddly to work with, and some builders may find their tendency to shift in position slightly frustrating. However, this issue is mostly cosmetic and less noticeable if the ship is displayed in our LEGO® The Endurance (10335) Display Case.
The modular design allows parts of the ship to be removed, revealing interior details like the captain’s quarters and a bedroom. These hidden elements add a layer of depth to the build, providing both historical intrigue and interactive fun.
Pros
Key Features & Highlights:
- Historic Design:
The ship’s elongated hull, rigging, and classic aesthetic are beautifully realised, making it feel like a nostalgic tribute to wooden model ships of the past. Its design captures the essence of Shackleton’s The Endurance while retaining a timeless quality. - Interior Details:
Hidden inside are delightful surprises, including a captain’s quarters with a desk, candle, and nautical map, as well as a small bedroom complete with a three-piece bed. For added display options, the ship’s engine can be removed and showcased separately. - Unique Parts Usage:
LEGO enthusiasts will appreciate the clever use of parts, such as skeleton arms and flexible tubing for rigging, brown gear tiles for stairs, and pearl gold printed elements for hull windows. These small details elevate the build’s overall quality and charm. - Display Appeal:
This is a model built to impress. Its compact size and elegant design make it a perfect mantlepiece or shelf display, whether you’re a fan of LEGO, naval history, or both.
Cons
- Sails and Rigging:
While the sails and rigging add authenticity to the design, their attachment via string elements can feel loose or unstable, especially if the model is moved. This is a minor gripe but worth noting for those who prefer flawless visual cohesion. - Mechanical Look of Lifeboats:
The lifeboats attached to the sides of the ship, though functional, can look overly mechanical due to the use of droid arms. This slightly detracts from the ship’s otherwise elegant appearance. - Price:
At £229.99, the set is on par with other display pieces like the NASA Artemis or Land Rover Defender. While the price is reasonable for a historical model with over 3,011 pieces, it may still be a consideration for those weighing its value against similar sets.
Final Thoughts
LEGO Icons The Endurance (10335) is a beautiful tribute to one of the most incredible stories of human resilience. With its elegant design, hidden interior details, and display-ready build, this set is perfect for fans of nautical history and experienced LEGO builders alike.
While minor issues like sail stability and lifeboat aesthetics exist, they don’t detract significantly from the overall quality and appeal of the set. Its combination of historical significance and intricate craftsmanship ensures it will be a standout addition to any collection.
For those who love naval models, historical storytelling, or simply stunning LEGO sets, The Endurance is a journey worth embarking on.
