The historic details of LEGO® Icons The Endurance

In 1914, legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton bought a ship called "Polaris" and renamed it after his family motto: Endurance. It was to be the ship that would transport him and his crew to Antarctica as part of the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition in an attempt to become the first people to cross the frozen continent.

Unfortunately, the expedition failed, and the Endurance became trapped in ice, later sinking to the floor of the Weddell Sea, where it still remains (well preserved in the freezing water).

The expedition may have failed, but it cast a long legacy, and the Endurance and Shackleton remain a source of inspiration and curiosity to this day.

So, it’s only fitting that the Endurance is the latest engineering wonder to join the LEGO® Icons line. To learn more about this new set, we spoke with designer Hans Burkhard Schlömer.

The adventure begins

At first, Hans didn’t know much about the expedition, but it earned his respect when he found a particular piece of communication.

“I discovered the quite honest job ad posted by Sir Shackleton, looking for a crew,” he says. “And I realized this expedition really was one of the last big adventures on our planet: reaching one of the (literally) last white spots on the map, going where nobody has gone before.”

Feeling inspired, Hans began an extensive research phase that led him to a new level of appreciation.

“The Endurance was a very special ship,” says Hans. “Designed as an exploration craft for cold environments, it was a mix of luxury yacht and ice breaker. It even had a shower! Made by Norwegian master craftsmen, it was built to last – one of the strongest wooden ships ever constructed.”

This research phase was aided by an, at the time, new technological innovation.

“A photographer was part of the Endurance’s crew,” says Hans. “So, we had an entire board to look at with historic black and white photos. The original construction blueprints are also still available – a big help when designing an accurate model.”

From there, Hans got to work converting the real ship to model proportions.

“To determine the model’s size and scale, we looked for the most important details and how small they could be built, such as the lifeboats, which come in two different sizes,” says Hans. “From there, I calculated all the other measurements.”

A faithful recreation

With three towering masts, 10 full sails, a flying Red Ensign flag and intricate rigging, the LEGO® Icons The Endurance set is a ship-lover’s dream. The detailed multi-level deck, connected by stairs, has removable sections for access to port and starboard cabins and the ship’s steam engine.

“We were focusing on the most interesting rooms,” says Hans. “Sir Shackleton’s and the scientist’s cabins, as well as the engine room with the triple-expansion steam engine.”

The set also features four detachable lifeboats, a chained bower anchor and a wheel that operates the rudder.

To complete the design, Hans ventured bravely into uncharted territory and created something special for the interior.

“For the scientist’s cabin, we made a new decorated element: a map of Antarctica.”

Steering it home

The final challenge came in designing and building the ship’s steering mechanism.

“The challenge here was to design a tiny LEGO Technic™ gear box and hide it inside the ship’s outside cabin where the steering wheel is attached,” says Hans. “The ship’s rear is a very busy area below deck, so the last thing I wanted was to create a hole for an axle going down from the gear box. But I just had to make it so, as it was very important to give the ship a working rudder.”

The set balances function and form, making this 3,011-piece building set that measures over 18.5 in. (47 cm) high, 31.5 in. (80 cm) long and 9.5 in. (24 cm) wide a perfect display model.

Whereto next?

This set will make a perfect gift for history-lovers, fans of famous ships or anyone interested in the history of exploration.

After so long spent in the company of explorers, we asked Hans where he would like to explore next.

“I would love to go and explore our solar system!” he says, thinking big.

If you’re exploring in search of your next great set, why not set sail aboard the LEGO® Icons The Endurance?