LEGO Explains Adjustments to the Design of 21344 Orient Express Train

This is definitely a blast for LEGO train lovers.

The latest release of the LEGO set 21344 Orient Express Train has garnered widespread attention. The design team shed light on the adjustments, citing inspiration from the latest Wizarding World locomotive series. In the LEGO IDEAS project, Thomas Lajon's model of the Orient Express garnered 10,000 votes in October 2022 and passed the review committee's scrutiny.

However, upon the set's release, observers noted changes in dimensions and proportions, primarily made to accommodate standard LEGO tracks. The original design featured a larger locomotive head with only one carriage, reminiscent of the design approach seen in last year's 76405 Hogwarts Express Train – Collectors' Edition. Yet, feedback from the LEGO Harry Potter set during the initial review prompted the design team to veer away from the original Orient Express design and instead maximize compatibility with existing LEGO sets.

LEGO IDEAS Design Manager Jordan Scott told Brick Fanatics and other LEGO fan media, "Once we approved this set, we started studying it and noticed many comments about the Hogwarts Express train." They decided, "It had to fit the tracks because it's the most iconic train we can do, so our goal was to change the proportions. But we started by communicating with Thomas and the Orient Express team. Honestly, it was the most reasonable thing to do."

Jordan added, "If we made two carriages on the scale of the Hogwarts Express, the cost might double. So, in our first meeting, we directly told Thomas, 'We want to change the proportions so that it can match everyone's train collection. The Orient Express is one of the most iconic trains globally, and it would be disappointing if it couldn't be combined with other LEGO trains.' Thomas understood this, and we are delighted to have received his positive feedback."

Additionally, feedback from 76405 Hogwarts Express Train – Collectors' Edition helped shape the design direction of 21344 Orient Express Train, taking into account the community's general reaction to the first review results in 2022.

Jordan further explained, "When we chose this work, there were many comments on fan blogs about wanting to change the proportions because the original design was too large." Therefore, they listened to these suggestions. He added, "We pay attention to the needs of consumers and fans. If we don't listen to feedback and act on intuition alone, we may not achieve these goals. We do respond to feedback and hope people appreciate us adopting their suggestions."

This indicates that the next time the LEGO creative team announces future sets—according to past patterns, the results of the first review of 2023 should be imminent—you might consider expressing your opinions on the internet. Your opinions may be read and have an impact on product design.

First Look at 21344 Orient Express

LEGO released its 7th IDEAS series set for 2023, the 21344 Orient Express. Although previously exposed, the official unveiling provided more information, offering a comprehensive understanding of the set, which comprises a total of 2540 pieces.

The design adopts an early train style, with a locomotive head modeled after 130B 348 and an overall deep blue color scheme, aligning with the classic image of the Orient Express. However, unlike the green locomotive head in the movie version, the submission by designer Thomas Lajon featured a green head.

Despite some players noting similarities to 76405 Hogwarts Express, the two differ significantly in size, with different pricing. 

Wiki link: Murder on the Orient Express
Murder on the Orient Express Official: Murder on the Orient Express