The LEGO Ideas line has introduced a new set that will appeal to fans of the classic Peanuts comic strip: Snoopy's Doghouse. This 964-piece kit, designed by fan Robert Becker, brings Snoopy and his feathered friend Woodstock to life in brick form, offering a nostalgic building experience.
Despite the universal appeal of the Peanuts characters, the Snoopy's Doghouse set (item number 21368) is officially recommended for ages 18 and up. This is due to its higher piece count and a more intricate assembly process that requires attention to detail. However, younger builders can certainly participate with assistance from an older helper.
The build took a few hours at a relaxed pace, divided across 10 bags of bricks. The instruction manual includes introductory text about the set's designer and the Peanuts characters, complemented by charming illustrations of Snoopy and Woodstock.
The assembly begins with constructing Snoopy himself, a process spread across three bags. Builders will piece together his lower body, head, nose, and ears. Snoopy is designed to be posable, with movable ears, arms, and a rotatable head, allowing for a variety of expressions and stances. The set also includes interchangeable legs for sitting and standing positions.
Following Snoopy's construction, Woodstock is assembled. His build is notably simpler due to his smaller size. The set then moves on to the base surrounding the doghouse, featuring green bricks and some grass elements for texture.
A key feature of the set is its three distinct display options. The first is a classic pose with Snoopy lying atop the doghouse with Woodstock nearby. The second involves Snoopy and Woodstock typing at a typewriter on the roof. The third option moves the scene off the doghouse, depicting Snoopy and Woodstock sitting around a campfire under a starry night sky.
To facilitate these different displays, the set includes a foldable night sky backdrop that can be stored beneath the doghouse base. This backdrop is constructed from three hinged black panels, allowing them to swing open or closed. The stars on the backdrop are represented by small black circular pieces with white dots, a design choice that evokes the simple aesthetic of the original comics, though the backdrop is customizable with other LEGO pieces.
Constructing the bright red doghouse itself presented some minor challenges. The side walls, lacking a bottom support during assembly, felt delicate and required a slower, more careful approach. Once completed, the doghouse can be placed over the backdrop and onto the base.
Each display option requires specific configurations. For Snoopy lying on the doghouse, his head and tail are repositioned. The typewriter scene necessitates building a small typewriter and attaching a new set of interchangeable legs that allow Snoopy to sit securely on the roof. This sitting pose requires a specific LEGO piece to keep him stable, as his large head can cause him to tip over otherwise.
The campfire scene involves removing the doghouse to reveal the night sky backdrop and building a small campfire with marshmallow accessories for Snoopy and Woodstock. The set measures approximately 10 inches (25 cm) high, 6.5 inches (17 cm) wide, and 5.5 inches (14 cm) deep, making it a suitable display piece for collectors.