After the success of the monstrous Lego kit number 10181, the 1/300 scale model of the Eiffel Tower, containing almost 3,500 pieces, which was released in 2007, since discontinued and now retails new in box for almost $3,500, Lego created and marketed, and as of 2015 still does, a much smaller model of the Eiffel Tower, kit number 21019, which sells new for a reasonable price of $34.99.
This newer version contains a much more manageable 321 pieces and while it is certainly a nice model it cannot compete for verisimilitude or sheer massive size with the former, and nor is it intended to. Consistent with the Architecture theme and other pieces in the series, the kit is monotone in coloration, but then again, so is the real Eiffel Tower when I come to think of it. While I don’t think most people would immediately identify the model as being of the Eiffel Tower, dedicated Lego fans should recognize it and once most anyone is clued into what you are expected to be seeing, somehow you get there.
Eiffel Tower Small
With so few pieces the kit is predictably easy to assemble, much simpler than the Lego version of that other Parisian landmark, the Louvre, although I will say that the designers used some interesting tricks with snap together pieces to create stable and yet tilted legs for the structure. Once completed the model measures a not unimpressive over 12” (31cm) high, 4” (11cm) wide and 4” (11cm) deep.
For fans of the Lego Architecture series, such as myself, this is an important and affordable addition to your collection. You should be able to assemble it easily in no more than a few hours and then it makes a great addition to a shelf display of other completed series models or use it to create your own ideal city, recreation of Paris, or even as a component of the a Lego version of the Las Vegas strip and its iconic hotels that rip-off world landmarks. The choice, as always in the magical world of Lego, is strictly yours. Enjoy!
P.S. For any diehard collectors out there, I happen to have an original Eiffel Tower model number 10181, the huge one. And, it is new in original sealed box condition. So, if you want to make me an offer on it I would be willing to listen and I am more reasonable by far than sellers on Ebay and other re-seller sites. Drop me a line if you are interested through this site.