3D Printed Parts – Has LEGO Gone Off The Rails?

The LEGO Group have been on the forefront of development, inspiring new ways for fans to enjoy their products. But have they gone too far with their latest innovation, a fully 3D printed mini toy train?!

Taking a quick trip down memory lane, this isn’t the first time LEGO has dipped their plastic toe in the 3D printing waters. Back in 2019 attendees to the LEGO House Inside Tour were gifted a unique set that featured a mini 3D printed version of the classic LEGO Wooden Duck. Then in 2022 a partnership with Unbound saw, through crowdfunding, a LEGO book that came bundled with a 3D printed LEGO Pogo Stick.

Skip a few years to now, the present, and a brand new LEGO Winter Village Holiday Express Train (10361) set is due to pull into the station on October 1st. Exciting news for most as it’s an annual treat, myself included. The range has produced some great playsets, from buildings and shops to trains and other vehicles. Often being great value for money and expanding upon the ever growing Winter Village lineup and fans displays. But, and it’s a big but, there is a new element within the upcoming set that has sparked controversy and divided the LEGO community – the inclusion of the first ever mass-produced 3D printed LEGO part.

Some fans are praising the item, heralding the innovation and uniqueness of a fully 3D printed accessory that also has moving parts and a play feature. Others are less impressed, doubting the quality compared to regular bricks or missing the creativity with a piece like this and considering it quite redundant. It really divides opinion. On one hand I sympathize with the fans of the brand innovating, but I’m less impressed by the chosen printed piece.

For awhile now, LEGO have been introducing larger and more specific elements that could and should be entirely brick-built. Some themes like Botanicals have triggered designers to come up with some very specific new part designs. Parts that can be considered less versatile compared to older sets and themes. Some of these parts have appeared in 4+ sets whichI don’t have in issue with, it’s the larger sets that should be fully brick built in my opinion.

As a close friend pointed out, it’s been happening more and more and with this new 3D printed part being introduced into a mainstream LEGO set, has tipped him and others over the edge, myself included. Where has the imagination gone? Have the designers at LEGO lost their passion? Is this a step forward or backward for LEGO? What do you think of the 3D printed toy train? Please let us know in the comments below, or why not join in with the debate over on Instagram with our corresponding post there.