Jay's Brick Blog

A blog about LEGO bricks

  • Home
  • About Me
  • LEGO Reviews
  • News
  • 2023 LEGO Sets
  • 2022 Advent Calendars

Review: LEGO 31121 Creator 3-in-1 Crocodile (Guest Review)

June 11, 2021 By Jay Ong 7 Comments

Hello and welcome to a guest review by Greg McDonald from the For The Love of Brick podcast. Greg runs a fantastic LEGO podcast, where he interviews plenty of interesting guests from all across the LEGO spectrum. He recently interviewed brick artist Nathan Sawaya and yours truly.

With the release of new 2021 Creator 3-in-1 sets, I asked Greg if he would be interested in collaborating on a guest review, and sent him one of the sets that LEGO had sent over.

The LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Crocodile is now available from LEGO.com if you’re in Australia, Europe or Asia. If you’re in North America, you’ll need to wait till 1 August 2021 for its release date, however you can pre-order the set from LEGO.com.

Please enjoy this guest review!

Special thanks to LEGO for providing this set for review.

31121 Crocodile Set Details

Name: Crocodile
Set Number: 76187
Pieces: 454
Price: AU$44.99 | US$29.99 | £24.99 – Buy from LEGO.com [AUS] [USA] [UK] [Amazon Australia]
Exclusive to: N/A
Theme: Creator 3-in-1
Release Date: 1 June 2021 (Rest of World) / 1 August (North America)

Creator sets are a fairly good way to expand your building experience and techniques, mainly because you get the opportunity to build three times from the one purchase. I would suggest building the two alternate builds first, as you won’t want to break the croc after it is built.

First thing you will notice is  it’s chock a block full of green, olive and tan pieces so you will have some great options to add to your brick pit if you decide to break this set down. You also get a fair few cheese slopes in dark green and olive.

The Crocodile 🐊

I started with the crocodile which was a mistake as I didn’t want to pull it apart after, but oh well.

The crocodile has three parts to its build, the large crocodile with two smaller builds to accompany it. The first of the two small builds is a simple yet effective fish skeleton that offers some insight on how you would go about building fossils. The second is a little bird, it’s cute but nothing new.

The Crocodile is bigger than I thought it would be, measuring in at 38cm long (48 studs) and 11cm wide (14 studs). It has some nice details and some very interesting eye placements-  it’s an inside joke that will make sense.

The articulation is fairly good and the legs can hold the weight of the croc when it is in walking/running mode. It is also fairly sturdy- this was tested by a toddler who absolutely loved it.

This build’s other positive feature is that it is very photogenic. I took quick shots with my phone out and about,  and I was really surprised how well it looks under the lens.  

My only gripe with the build, I’m probably nitpicking here, is that I wish the toe ball and socket joints used in the legs came in either a tan or a green because I feel the grey breaks the natural colour scheme. But hey, that’s me really nitpicking.

The Frog 🐸

The frog is a nice but a small build with a simple play feature. The tongue pokes in and out to catch a fly.

It has some nice techniques but it is a side build and I personally wouldn’t display it. But the kids will have some fun with it, my toddler was hoping it around saying “robbert robbert” .

The Snake

The Snake like the frog is a fairly simple build but has a little mouse build that accompanied it which I really liked. The snake has good articulation for the parts it has to work with. 

Just like the frog, you have a lot of pieces left over after the build. In saying that when building the snake it is nothing ground-breaking as it feels like you’re repeating the tail of the crocodile, but I will tip my hat to the designers and say the they did a good job with the pieces that I had work with.

Lastly, I couldn’t help myself but MOC with the pieces in this set. I ended up making a sort of Little Shop of Horror style of plant. The lovely earth coloured pieces paying off.  

Review Summary:

  • The builds were enjoyable with some cool techniques, the Crocodile was by far my favourite.
  • 3-in-1 sets are great because you get a lot of pieces for 3 builds and the parts lend themselves to alternate builds.
  • Some of the techniques in the crocodile were new to me.  The frog and snake while good builds, I don’t think they are standouts.
  • The the croc is cool and the colours are great as well. Not an awesome display piece, unless you have a reptile enclosure and you want to pop a croc in it.
  • Overall, very good for both playing and photography.

In all honesty I will rebuild the crocodile and keep it for a while because my son loves it and I want to do a few more pics. But when he has played with it to death and I have got all the pictures I need, it will get absorbed into the wall of lego, so no matter what happens, I will be keeping it in some form.

About Greg McDonald and For the Love of Brick

For the Love of Brick is a podcast for people, young and old, who love LEGO. Join Greg McDonald, a fellow LEGO enthusiast, as he interviews people from all over the world about their love of LEGO and explores the different ways it features in people’s lives. We will meet builders, artists, health workers, entrepreneurs, and everyone in between. For the Love of Brick celebrates people and their unique connections with LEGO. Tune in every fortnight for a new episode.


Thanks for the great review, Greg – it was great to get a different perspective on sets, and I hope you enjoyed this guest review. Be sure to go check out the For the Love of Brick podcast!

Would you like to see more guest contributions? Perhaps you’d like to try your hand at reviewing LEGO sets? If you’d like to submit a guest review, please drop me a line at jaysbrickblog@gmail.com!

Special thanks to LEGO for providing this set for review.

Filed Under: Creator Expert, Guest Reviews, LEGO Reviews Tagged With: 2021, 2hy 2021, creator, creator 3-in-1, for the love of brick, greg mcdonald, guest review, lego review, reviews

« Introducing LEGO 21327 Ideas Typewriter, with all its working mechanical functions
A masterstroke of design – LEGO Typewriter Designers Q&A (RLFM Days 2021) »

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Terrence Myers says

    June 12, 2021 at 3:41 PM

    The snake build would make a great basalisk for harry potter

    Reply
  2. James says

    June 12, 2021 at 4:50 AM

    I love the photos. Nice job!

    Reply
    • Greg McDonald says

      June 13, 2021 at 9:52 PM

      Thanks, I had so much fun doing the pictures.

      Reply
  3. James says

    June 11, 2021 at 6:05 PM

    Welcome to the blog, Greg. Enjoyed reading your review and looking forward to more.

    Thanks for the review and feature. I have this on my list when it goes on sale

    Reply
    • Greg McDonald says

      June 13, 2021 at 9:58 PM

      Thanks James.
      thanks for the welcome and I’m glad you liked the review. I had a ball doing it. I can’t thank Jay enough for allowing me to grace his blog with my opinions.

      Reply
  4. Mark P says

    June 11, 2021 at 4:04 PM

    Nice, good to have a different voice on the blog, enjoyed hearing about this 3-in-1.

    Editing, this para is in there twice: “This build’s other positive feature is that it is very photogenic. I took quick shots with my phone out and about, and I was really surprised how well it looks under the lens.”

    Reply
    • Greg McDonald says

      June 13, 2021 at 10:07 PM

      Thanks Mark,
      It was fun and interesting to build a set from the reviewers point of view.

      Reply

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to Jay's Brick Blog. In here, you'll find independent LEGO set reviews, commentary on LEGO trends & news, bargain hunting tips and an inside look into the life of an average LEGO fan. Find out more about me here

Subscribe for updates

Enter your email address here to receive updates about new posts from Jay's Brick Blog - straight to your inbox!

Join 4,311 other subscribers

Site Search

Buy LEGO

Buy LEGO

jayong28

Jay Ong | Jay's Brick Blog
Here's your chance to win a @lego 10316 Rivendell Here's your chance to win a @lego 10316 Rivendell set!

All you need to do is build your very own LEGO Fellowship, and give them a story, quest and their very own identities!

You could win some awesome prizes courtesy of LEGO, celebrating one of the greatest LEGO sets ever!

Hit the link in bio to learn more about how to enter, and to read the terms and conditions!

Entries close at 5pm AEDT, on 28 March 2023!

#lego #LEGOminifigures #minifigures #minifigs #legogiveaway #legolordoftherings #lordoftherings #legonews #legos #afol #rlfm
Did you know that Fiona, the @lego Friends florist Did you know that Fiona, the @lego Friends florist is one of the first minidolls depicted with Down Syndrome?

Fiona works at the flower stall on Unity Street from 41732 Friends Downtown Flower and Design Stores 

She is described as being 'good at crafts and decorating, and knows all the flower species by name.' 

It's World Down Syndrome Day today and I think it's remarkable and very important for LEGO to enhance the perspectives of children on neurodiversity, physical disabilities, ethnicity and mental health, as they've done with the LEGO Friends reboot. 

#lego #legofriends #worlddownsyndromeday #representation #dei #minidolls
🎈 Here's a closer look at the minifigures inclu 🎈 Here's a closer look at the minifigures included in the Up House - we have Russell, Carl Fredricksen and an awesome new mould for Dug!

(I think Dug is the best!)

Shame Kevin was left out, though! 

Hit the link in bio to read my full review!

#lego #disney100 #legodisney #up #pixar #legophotography #legoleaks #legoleaks2023 #legos #afol #rlfm #43217 #disney #legoreview #reviews #minifigures #LEGOminifigures
Here's my review of one of the most anticipate @LE Here's my review of one of the most anticipate @LEGO Disney sets - 43217 'Up' House ahead of its release on 1 April 2023!

This set is a dream come true for many Pixar fans, and we finally get a cute, compact and great looking Up House. 

It has plenty of references to the movie, and Carl's everlasting love of Ellie, his late-wife which will absolutely delight fans. 

Despite a strong lineup of minifigures (including an awesome Dug mould), the set's incredibly expensive pricetag (US$59.99/AU$89.99) doesn't feel like good value, especially with Kevin nowhere to be found. 

Hit the link in bio to read my full review!

Let me know what you think of this set, and if you're still planning to get it! 

#lego #disney100 #legodisney #up #pixar #legophotography #legoleaks #legoleaks2023 #legos #afol #rlfm #43217 #disney #legoreview #reviews
🐍 Snakes... Why did it have to be snakes? Her 🐍 Snakes... Why did it have to be snakes? 

Here are some shots of 77013 Escape from the Lost Tomb, which let's you recreate scenes from Raiders of the Lost Ark!

Indy, Sallah, and Marion break into the Well of Souls to retrieve the Ark of the Covenant in LEGO form, and this playset is packed with dynamic play features!

Priced at only US$39.99, this set is incredible value and a great way to get started with LEGO Indiana Jones! 

Hit the link in bio to read my full review!

Thanks to @lego for sending this set for review!

#lego #lego2023 #indianajones #legoindianajones #legoreview #rlfm #77013 #afol #legophotography #legos #legoleaks #legoleaks2023 #legonews
Having a great time building the new @lego Indiana Having a great time building the new @lego Indiana Jones and #Disney100 sets!

Look out for reviews and more content in the coming days!

Special thanks to LEGO for sending these review sets!

#lego #afol #rlfm #reviews #77013 #77015 #77012 #43217 #43212 #legodisney #indianajones #legoindianajones #Disney
Behold, the @lego 10317 Land Rover Classic Defende Behold, the @lego 10317 Land Rover Classic Defender 90!

This beautiful, boxy British icon will launch on 1 April and features the iconic @landrover Classic Defender in sand green!

Hit the link in bio to see more!

10317 Land Rover Classic Defender 90
🧩 2,336 pieces
💵 US$239.99 / AU$369.99 / £209.99
🗓 1 April 2023
🎨 Kurt Kristiansen

#lego #legoicons #landrover #landroverdefender #legonews #legoleaks #legoleaks2023 #lego2023 #rlfm #reveal #10317 #afol #legophotography
With the demise of 77014 Temple of Doom, it joins With the demise of 77014 Temple of Doom, it joins a very illustrious list of sets that have been cancelled by @lego.

Here's a list of some of the most famous cancelled LEGO sets in recent years!

⚠️Correction: 40489 Mr and Mrs Claus Living Room should be 2021, not 2012

Do you have any of these in your collection? 

Hit the link in bio to read the full feature!

#lego #legoindianajones #indianajones #afol #legonews #legoleaks #legoleaks2023
Very happy that Din Djarin finally gets a proper @ Very happy that Din Djarin finally gets a proper @lego Darksaber!

Fresh from Chapter 18: The Mines of Mandalore, LEGO has just announced 75361 Spider Tank featuring the menacing spider robot, Bo-Katan, Grogu and The Mandalorian!

Also dig Bo-Katan's snazzy arm printing! 

It will retail for US$49.99 and will arrive on 1 August 2023.

Hit the link in bio to see more!

#lego #LEGOstarwars #themandalorian #legoleaks #lego2023 #legoleaks2023 #starwars #minifigures #rlfm #reveal #75361
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Follow on Facebook

Jay's Brick Blog

3 hours ago

Jay's Brick Blog
Continuing on with our coverage of 2023 LEGO Speed Champions sets, Vaderfan has taken a detailed look at 76914 Ferrari 812 Competizione, one of his favourite cars from the 2023 wave!What a masterclass of LEGO Speed Champions and Ferrari design! ... See MoreSee Less

Review: LEGO 76914 Ferrari 812 Competizione - Jay's Brick Blog

jaysbrickblog.com

A detailed review of the LEGO 76914 Ferrari 812 Competizione, one of the best cars the March 2023 LEGO Speed Champions wave
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Jay's Brick Blog

5 hours ago

Jay's Brick Blog
For those that missed out on the Hulkbuster deal, AG LEGO Certified Stores also has the Hulkbuster marked down 50%!lego.bricksmegastore.com/products/lego-marvel-hulkbuster ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Jay's Brick Blog

22 hours ago

Jay's Brick Blog
Update: it's sold outFor those of us in Australia, the Dreamworld LEGO Certified Store has the big Hulkbuster for 50% off...Shipping might be add on a bit to the price... but it still makes it a worthwhile buy if this has been on your list. lego.dreamworld.com.au/products/hulkbuster ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Recent Posts

  • Review: LEGO 76914 Ferrari 812 Competizione
  • Win a LEGO Rivendell set by building a LEGO Fellowship!
  • First look at the new Build a Minifigure (BAM) Q2 2023 selections, including a Unicorn Lion Knight!
  • Review: LEGO 43217 Up House
  • Review: LEGO 77013 Escape from the Lost Tomb
  • Pick a Brick Restock: Lion Knights, Black Falcons, Forestmen and more
  • Go off-road with LEGO 10317 Land Rover Classic Defender 90!

LEGO Reviews

Review: 9470 – Lord of the Rings – Shelob Attacks

Review: LEGO 76011 Batman: Man-Bat Attack

Review: LEGO 40468 Mini Adidas Superstar (gift with purchase)

Review: LEGO 21029 Buckingham Palace

Review: LEGO 43217 Up House

Review: DK Star Wars Small Scenes From A Big Galaxy

Review: Legoland Malaysia Water Park

Categories

Archives

Jay

Jay is passionate about LEGO and the endless creative adventures made possible by this complex interlocking brick system.
Learn more →

Popular Posts

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · WordPress · Log in We may earn a commission when you use one of our offers/links to make a purchase.