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Set 10231 Shuttle Expedition
Creator Expert

Shuttle Expedition

Shuttle Expedition, set 10231, is a Creator Expert model of a space shuttle from 2011. It combines 1,230 pieces with 3 minifigures, which puts it in the upper middle of the size range.

Set number
10231
Year
2011
Pieces
1,230
Minifigures
3
Theme
Creator Expert
Different parts
231
What can I build with it?

View the official building instructions at LEGO® ↗

Parts list 231

As BrickLink list (XML)

Import on BrickLink: Wanted → Upload, upload the file (or paste its content), pick a Wanted List and add the parts.

Spare parts (17)

These extra parts come with the set in case one gets lost.

Minifigures 3

Description

The orbiter as a subject

Few spacecraft are as easy to recognise as the American Space Shuttle, with its wide body, delta wings and long payload bay. NASA flew the shuttle from 1981 until 2011, the same year this set appears in the catalogue. That silhouette translates well into bricks at this scale: the shape reads clearly from across a room, while 1,230 pieces leave enough room for detail. For fans of real spaceflight, it sits comfortably alongside other models of rockets and space stations on a shelf.

What the numbers say about the build

The catalogue records 231 distinct elements. Set against 1,230 pieces, that is a fair amount of variety without being overwhelming. Broad, smooth surfaces such as wings are usually built up from layers of plates and tiles, and those basic parts add up quickly. Sorting by colour before you start will save time. The 3 minifigures add scale and a play element, which makes the model suitable for older children as well as adults who mainly want to display it.

An unexpected colour

White, black, reddish brown and dark bluish grey are the main colours. White and black are no surprise, as the real orbiter was white with dark heat-shield tiles on its underside and nose. Reddish brown is the odd one out for a spaceflight model and stands out in the list. The catalogue data does not say where those parts sit in the build, but the parts list below shows each element with its colour and quantity, which is useful if you want to reuse them.

Compared with Shuttle Adventure

In 2010 the same line included 10213 Shuttle Adventure, another shuttle model with 1,204 pieces and 3 minifigures. The two sets are close in size and share much of their colour scheme, so it makes sense to look at them side by side. If you own one, the What can I build? tool on this page can show how far your parts would go towards the other. Comparing both parts lists is the most reliable way to spot the differences before you buy.

FAQ

Which real spacecraft is this model based on?
It depicts a space shuttle in the style of NASA's Space Shuttle, the reusable orbiter that flew until 2011.
Is Shuttle Expedition a good set to play with or mainly for display?
It works for both. The 3 minifigures invite small space scenes, while the overall shape is strong enough to stand on its own as a display model.
How many pieces does set 10231 contain?
The catalogue lists 1,230 pieces, made up of 231 distinct elements.

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