The summer wave of LEGO City Arctic sets were released on June 1st, and we’ve already taken a look at the two highlights from the theme - the mammoth in 60195 Arctic Mobile Exploration Base and the saber-tooth in 60196 Arctic Supply Plane. But are there other hidden treasures in this chilly series of LEGO sets? Let's delve into a review of the LEGO City Arctic Explorer Snowmobile set.
What's in the Box?
60376 Arctic Explorer Snowmobile includes 70 pieces with one minifigure, adult and baby seals, and a brick-built camera. The snowmobile measures over 2 in. (5 cm) high, 3 in. (8 cm) long and 2 in.
Minifigure and Accessories
We start with the minifigure: new prints for Arctic in 2023 including Azure and silver highlights on the torso. Our character has a smile on one side, and a wink on the other side of her dual sided face print. This is the same face print seen in the Otter Battle Pack. The change in hair colour makes me think that this is not the same character, taking on a new job. She is wearing a backpack - dark blue with a medium azure bed roll - very similar to that seen with the hiker in series 16 of the Collectable minifigures a few years ago.
It turns out our figure is out filming the seals that have been spotted out in the wilderness. Rather than roll out an old, or indeed new Camera element, it is completely brickbuilt, on a 1×3 rounded plate - the holes through the suds allowing the 4 pronged assembly element introduced back in the halcyon days of LEGO Pirates as a palm tree topper, to be used as a tripod (quad pod?). A grey bucket takes on a second life as the comically oversized lens of the camera, while the superhero ‘action stand’ - the bent bar with a stud on the end acts as the view finder.
Arctic explorers have become a regular presence in LEGO City. Their orange and blue colours have remained fairly consistent since 2014, but the modern design is my marginal favourite, on the whole. Medium azure seems perfect for this icy setting, in combination with orange and dark blue. Moreover, I like the re-use of the combined hat and hair element created for Hidden Side, now with dark orange hair. The double-sided head is appropriate too, featuring some freckles and a face suitable for use with the supplied video camera. A similar minifigure appears in most of the larger sets, but the dual-moulded backpack available here is unique, remarkably! The mould has appeared before, but this colour combination is new and complements the minifigure.
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The Snowmobile Build
Of course, I order to set up camp and wait, she will need to get closer to the edge of the ice shelf, and to do this, she has a very practical snowmobile. Maintaining the medium azure/dark blue/black/orange colour blocking maintains a degree of consistency with the last arctic wave, although the logo has had a bit of a change in the meantime. I have to admit, I really like this combination: it reminds me of Ice Planet 2002, and how the colour scheme might have evolved over time.
Snowmobiles are ubiquitous in Arctic-themed sets, but this rendition stands out. Beyond being bigger than many others, the proportions of the vehicle seem more realistic than the version in 60191 Arctic Exploration Team, for example. There is space for a minifigure to sit or stand while gripping the handlebars, while their camera connects on the back. 5x1x2 Technic shells form effective tracks for the vehicle and these are secured using low friction Technic pins, so they and the skids on the front can traverse rough terrain.
Even though it’s a quick build, the snowmobile features an orange 2×2 curved slope piece printed with the Arctic Expedition logo.
Seals are the Star
LEGO City Arctic Explorer Snowmobile review! The Seal Battle Pack ™
Let’s add in a spring green fish, as well as an adult seal and its pup. I’ll presume they make up part of the same family unit, but it’s up to you really. The seals, that is. The adult seal connects via 2×4 studs underneath, but extends 2 back with its tale, one forward with the nose, and about 7 plates high. The baby seal is 1×4 studs in total, with clutch occurring over a 1×2 region.
Read also: Building the LEGO Ice Rink
The brick-built camera is correctly scaled beside a minifigure, including a side-mounted screen and a handle on top. A light bluish grey bucket represents the lens nicely, while the legs for the camera look reasonable too. However, everything mentioned thus far is overshadowed by the seals, of course. These two animals are displayed on an Arctic ice floe, featuring some trans-light blue elements for detail.
The seals themselves are adorable. Inspired by Harp seals, the adult animal is predominantly grey and includes some texture on its flippers, while the baby is white. The black patches near its eyes show impressive attention to detail and both seals' faces are also accurately decorated.
LEGO Friends has introduced numerous unique animals and City has followed suited recently as well, including otters, squirrels, various breeds of dog and myriad others. The presence of adult and baby seals in 60376 Arctic Explorer Snowmobile has therefore attracted considerable interest.
Dimensions
- The snowmobile measures over 2 in. (5 cm) high, 3 in. (8 cm) long and 2 in.
Putting Safety First
LEGO® bricks and pieces are dropped, heated, crushed, twisted and analyzed to make sure they meet stringent global standards for safety.
For Ages: 5+
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WARNING: Choking Hazard; Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years old.
Community Reviews
- Fun little set: This was fun to put together and cool to play with.
- Great for all ages!: I purchased this for a friend's 5-year-old, he really liked it, but I believe his dad liked it more!
- Lego: Purchased for my grandsons. They love to play with Lego's.
- The artic: Very cute! My 4 year old loves it! Could put together almost all by himself!
- Great little Lego set: Great little set. Easy build and bought for trip to occupy my little one.
- Seals are the star: Interesting snowmobile build, but the seals are the star of this set.
- Love it!: This was a nice set to have especially with the seal family!
- Great wintertime fun!: Great fun toy! easy and fun, any age appropriate, great wintertime fun!
Set Details
60376 Arctic Explorer Snowmobile, 70 pieces. £8.99 / $10.99 / €9.99 | 12.8p / 15.7c / 14.3c per piece.
The set is available now from the LEGO Shop ($9.99 in the US | $12.99 in Canada | £9.99 in the UK).
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Two delightful seals | N/A |
| Great minifigure | |
| Detailed snowmobile | |
| Remarkably reasonable price |
Reach remote destinations with the Arctic Explorer Snowmobile. This awesome vehicle has tracks and skis for traveling over snowy landscapes. Grab your backpack, load up the camera and head out on wildlife filming expeditions where you'll discover a beautiful seal with its cute cub.
tags: #lego #city #arctic #explorer #snowmobile