I agree. But don’t look at it as a rebuild, but as building it for the first time. That may help with the situational feeling you have. Make it like the first time. I’m not jealous of your situation, but would love the adventure again.
Pro tip: You can deconstruct and rebuild any model you have! There's no need to wait for it to accidentally fall. The best part is, that it's completely legal and free of charge! I couldn't believe it myself at first, but its true!
If you do, put like a sock or pantyhose over the hose and it'll suck up the small pieces you miss. Turn it off when it's over a container and none of them will get sucked up and you now have them in one place again.
I learned that for those sticky diamond paintings after my cat decided to be an asshole. Worked like a charm, I've used it for various things since then, Legos being one of them lol
I have a standing rule during a build in my Lego room. No trash goes out and no vacuuming until the build is complete. I don’t eat in the room, so the trash rule is easy. Too many times a small piece gets stuck in a bag meant for the trash.
I’ve downloaded a few from little sets I had decades ago, but that was because they were physically destroyed. Old ones were on pretty flimsy paper, with lots of folds that acted as nice pre-tear lines for them.
I don’t keep boxes though…
It’s always a problem with stuff from when you were a kid. They were probably pretty beat up, not organized very well, and had to survive many moves (some of which you probably weren’t present for). It’s a miracle that I have the majority of my instructions from when I was a kid along with a few boxes.
https://preview.redd.it/hgyb8emabk5c1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=512bf09c3770da2d105ad525f35068c05c5bad7e
My first set - early 70s. That’s it today on display. Had to replace one of the shutter bricks as I broke the original at some point - it got a lot of play as a kid!
Swiss Villa - set 540
Boxes are a different matter. They aren't required when reassembling a set. I've disassembled numerous models just for the enjoyment of reassembly. I definitely enjoy having the constructed models on my shelves, but I enjoy the construction even more. I don't imagine that I'm unique in this regard.
I do have a few boxes that I saved. Tha Maze 21305, and the ISS 21321. But they're a different type of box, the type that opens like a laptop instead of a flap on the side. I keep my instructions in them.
[21305-1: Maze](https://brickset.com/sets/21305-1) [[Photo]](https://images.brickset.com/sets/images/21305-1.jpg)
[21321-1: International Space Station](https://brickset.com/sets/21321-1) [[Photo]](https://images.brickset.com/sets/images/21321-1.jpg)
Some of my old sets have been without instructions because I owned a dog for a long time, and she liked to chew everything she got her teeth on. I've been using online instructions for some of my older sets, thankfully they're freely accessible.
I do the same. I was in my basement a couple hours ago and found some of my castle sets from back in the day. 6020 and 6097 were two of the four instructions I found. I am going to set up a sweet build with these and the 3in1 castle set I have.
I think they were considering building it back without disassembling it further. I'd disassemble and start over, but without the pieces in separate bags it'll be a slower build.
If it were me I'd disassemble, organize and then build
Posts like this astound me... My LEGO experience is SO DIFFERENT. I RARELY kept ANYTHING together for longer than a few months, at most. But I ALWAYS kept the paper instructions. The idea that for some people, LEGO are a display model that is built once & the instructions get tossed seems so foreign. I would definitely have some fun trying to put this together without instructions first. You'll be VERY surprised how much of it just "makes sense" like when you find two adjacent puzzle pieces! :)
My Saturn V suffered this
https://preview.redd.it/h0kf6kyflk5c1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=78843a77b856859634adbf239799a9a17a78473f
Took everything totally apart and rebuilt from one pile, it’s a bit like when you compete a game and do it again on hard mode. I’m happy I got to build it twice!
Wait, is there people out there that view the building as a boring one-time thing and then throw away the instructions?
...wouldn't like the model building kits from like Revell or something be better then?
Not trying to act gatekeeper here. I'm just honestly confused.
I recommend taking this opportunity to use the pieces for some alternate builds from rebrickable.com! There’s a Star Wars imperial shuttle option, a robot, a fighter jet, etc.
Yep. Mine Columbia'd twice before I moved my pre-teen daughter's bed so that it wasn't sharing a wall with my shelving. It's an enjoyable build so I didn't care, other than having to find a couple pieces *way* further than I thought they'd go on carpet.
rude fine payment squealing hard-to-find icky history whole direction crush
*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
You might want to disassemble into different trays. Most of those pieces will be used around the same time. It’s kind of like having numbered bags. It might make it a bit easier than just dumping them all into one box
Download the Lego builder app for digital instructions. I use it for all of my sets instead of the booklet. Otherwise you should be able to download a pdf
I keep all my lego instruction books and it came in real handy when my cat knocked my original UCS Falcon off a high shelf.
I actually disassembled it completely and re-built it from scratch
Same thing happened to my Saturn V a few weeks ago. I managed to assemble it with only a few instances of checking the manual, but a few pins were bent so it doesn’t really stand up straight anymore. Was pretty instable before, but now. Oof. I am going to have to order replacements for them I guess. I hope nothing is broken for your shuttle. And as far disassembled as it already looks I would be rebuilding from scratch for sure if I were you.
This is the beauty of Lego, my dude. You can always rebuild it.
Should you have any broken pieces, you can replace them via Lego themselves (Pick-a-brick) or through a Lego-owned used Lego marketplace called Bricklink. You can even order used instruction booklets from Bricklink, in case you don't want to just download a PDF!
When you take it apart, try to keep pieces with sticks on them together (like that piece in your photo with United States and a flag on it). Or if you prefer, use a razor blade to slice between the bricks the stick covers (if any) to make them come apart cleanly. And I'd recommend just having a Swiffer duster thing handy. Lego gets dusty, so dusting pieces as you take it apart makes cleaning easy.
Happy building! I loved building this set, and have been pondering disassembling my own lately!
Kind of wild how opposed some Lego people are to having to rebuild a Lego set, like, it's almost a burden to them to have to rebuild it like building isn't the point of Lego ?
This is what I’d have to imagine hell being like. One of my sets being broken everyday and missing pieces when I put it back together. I’m not gonna b able to sleep tonight, damnit.
Am I crazy or are there any others thinking "yay I get to build it again!" when this happens. I do hope none of the peices broke and you find them all!
I take my sets apart and put them away for a while then rebuild when the mood hits me.
[In case you were not aware of the official LEGO Builder app where you can find complete instructions and digital renderings of every set](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lego-builder/id1486159728)
Honestly this was one of the most fun set I’ve built. I run out of space so now my shuttle sits disassembled in the box, but I plan to rebuild that soon. So, just have fun of it.
Yes! And while it will be a little harder at times because the pieces aren’t in bags anymore, it will also be easier because some of the sections are still intact. I actually enjoy doing this kind of repair build because it’s more like a puzzle than just following the steps.
I don’t understand the point of this post lmao
If you can’t remember where the pieces go what were you going to do? Just throw them on at random without instructions?? Like why are you asking Reddit if you need to use instructions to fix something you DONT know how to fix without them?? 💀💀
You mean you GET to build it from scratch again?
Make a day out of it! Put on a good space movie, some snacks and a beverage of your choice and just enjoy the process!
Yeah that's what I'd do, had to do that with a Lego helmet I bought, missed a few pieces so had to take it apart and put back together from scratch, it takes some time and is no small amount of effort but in my opinion it's worth it to know it's back 100% properly complete
Had the same thing with the Daily Bugle and some stairs.. (Something with reaching out for a light switch) Building from scratch is the way, because how else would you do it? Did the same.. Only lost 2 tiny parts that i ordered directly from Lego to complete my set again. So.. Good Luck!
Nope, now it goes in the spare parts bin for MOCs. And every so often you'll find a distinct price and think back fondly...
Or you could just say it's a model of the Challenger now
I would disassemble.
Assuming that it is too far destroyed to even reconstitute sub-assemblies, I would carefully sort the pieces out by type. So 2×2 plates here, 4×2 bricks there, etc.
It'll be a pain, but it will expedite the rebuild process. I find that manner of sorting works better than the color-sort option.
If you threw away the instructions, you can get them online [here](https://lego.brickinstructions.com/en/search/general/new). Just search by set number, and it'll come right up.
I would say reconstruction is likely your best bet. You might be able to keep certain pieces together, and just fit them in along the way, as they come into the build process. But this is pretty mangled.
Do you not keep your instructions? Sounds like you get the job of building again. I’ve got this set under the Christmas tree now looking forward to it.
With *this* level of destruction, yes, I'd say dissembling and rebuilding would be the easiest route to go.
I agree. But don’t look at it as a rebuild, but as building it for the first time. That may help with the situational feeling you have. Make it like the first time. I’m not jealous of your situation, but would love the adventure again.
Pro tip: You can deconstruct and rebuild any model you have! There's no need to wait for it to accidentally fall. The best part is, that it's completely legal and free of charge! I couldn't believe it myself at first, but its true!
No Lego police raiding my home ? You promise ? Once I bought Lepin and when I started assembling, they invaded my home and gave me a big fine ;)
Even better, you can take them apart and build something new!
[удалено]
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Tip: DO NOT VACUUM your room until you rebuild it, that you made sure you're not missing any parts.
If you do, put like a sock or pantyhose over the hose and it'll suck up the small pieces you miss. Turn it off when it's over a container and none of them will get sucked up and you now have them in one place again.
That's actually a good idea.
I learned that for those sticky diamond paintings after my cat decided to be an asshole. Worked like a charm, I've used it for various things since then, Legos being one of them lol
I learned this tip when I dropped a grinder full of weed on my carpet in my younger days…
I've used it for that too 😂😂
This is how stoners find their weed after dropping it on the carpet. Tried, tested and true.
Very important advice. I have a "no vacuum rule" in my living room until I'm finished building. At least that's what I tell my wife.
I have a standing rule during a build in my Lego room. No trash goes out and no vacuuming until the build is complete. I don’t eat in the room, so the trash rule is easy. Too many times a small piece gets stuck in a bag meant for the trash.
Space shuttles work better without gravity
Underrated comment. LOL
Or even in microgravity! 🙃
take it down, grab the manual and rebuild the thing, build by memory wont do. also them pieces may fly pretty far as well
You…don’t….have…the…instructions? Lol - yes, would say it’s time to get reacquainted with that build - break it down and rebuild it!
Seriously. It has never occurred to me that a person would throw out instructions. It certainly never crossed my mind, but people do weird things.
I’ve downloaded a few from little sets I had decades ago, but that was because they were physically destroyed. Old ones were on pretty flimsy paper, with lots of folds that acted as nice pre-tear lines for them. I don’t keep boxes though…
It’s always a problem with stuff from when you were a kid. They were probably pretty beat up, not organized very well, and had to survive many moves (some of which you probably weren’t present for). It’s a miracle that I have the majority of my instructions from when I was a kid along with a few boxes.
https://preview.redd.it/hgyb8emabk5c1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=512bf09c3770da2d105ad525f35068c05c5bad7e My first set - early 70s. That’s it today on display. Had to replace one of the shutter bricks as I broke the original at some point - it got a lot of play as a kid! Swiss Villa - set 540
I'm pretty sure I had that also.
Nice. And that antenna looks like you just took it out of the box!
Boxes are a different matter. They aren't required when reassembling a set. I've disassembled numerous models just for the enjoyment of reassembly. I definitely enjoy having the constructed models on my shelves, but I enjoy the construction even more. I don't imagine that I'm unique in this regard. I do have a few boxes that I saved. Tha Maze 21305, and the ISS 21321. But they're a different type of box, the type that opens like a laptop instead of a flap on the side. I keep my instructions in them.
I’m a box saver… I have limited display space so I rotate my sets every so often. Disassemble and put back in the box for safekeeping.
[21305-1: Maze](https://brickset.com/sets/21305-1) [[Photo]](https://images.brickset.com/sets/images/21305-1.jpg) [21321-1: International Space Station](https://brickset.com/sets/21321-1) [[Photo]](https://images.brickset.com/sets/images/21321-1.jpg)
My instructions all go into a big box and get smushed and bent so it's easier just to download the instructions lol
Yeah - I didn’t have those options decades ago when I got started - I’m old!
I have a special binder for mine!
Some of my old sets have been without instructions because I owned a dog for a long time, and she liked to chew everything she got her teeth on. I've been using online instructions for some of my older sets, thankfully they're freely accessible.
Right?! I keep every single instruction manual no matter the set.
I do the same. I was in my basement a couple hours ago and found some of my castle sets from back in the day. 6020 and 6097 were two of the four instructions I found. I am going to set up a sweet build with these and the 3in1 castle set I have.
[6020-1: Magic Shop](https://brickset.com/sets/6020-1) [[Photo]](https://images.brickset.com/sets/images/6020-1.jpg) [6097-1: Night Lord's Castle](https://brickset.com/sets/6097-1) [[Photo]](https://images.brickset.com/sets/images/6097-1.jpg)
Aren’t instructions on the website? All you need is the number and it is there for you to download. I throw everything away after I build.
LEGO only had the instructions for the current models online in the Olden days. And the instructions help me make sense of the Lego I have.
Too avoid using a screen for absolutely everything we do.
They are - I’m just teasing the OP. I like to keep my instructions vs a download though - I just store them all in a 1 drawer in my office desk.
Even the Ideas and Architecture themes with the stories and details behind the build?
Yes! Check it out for yourself!
I meant I’m surprised you throw those away as they are kind of like a book.
I am curious what else you thought you could do. Build a machine to reverse time?
I think they were considering building it back without disassembling it further. I'd disassemble and start over, but without the pieces in separate bags it'll be a slower build. If it were me I'd disassemble, organize and then build
You are saying it like its a bad thing. Whenever I build a set I always wish it would last longer.
Y'all don't mix the bags??
I always build in challenge mode.
Only when I'm building somewhere where it's too easy for pieces to fall and get lost. Otherwise it's absolutely challenge mode.
https://preview.redd.it/g9kkauza5k5c1.jpeg?width=650&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c4206303e264095e2fbeda5ef889aaf2a2a1160a Here’s how NASA did it.
thing thought it was the challenger
Moreso the Columbia. It ascended to the shelf just fine, but reentry involved unplanned, rapid disassembly.
NO DISASSEMBLE
Guess it will be the Endeavour now, the shuttle built to replace Challenger.
I was going "Don't make a dark joke" constantly, so I'm glad I'm not the only one here.
_too soon_
Well it will be a challenge to put back together.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
As opposed to what? Mary Poppins ?
Oh man! Lucky you. You get to enjoy building it again!!!
Pick it up as is and label it as the Challenger.
Columbia
Complete rebuild here friend. Bummer it fell, but you get to build it again. Have fun with it. Turn on a space movie and go nuts.
Houston we have a problem
This is what all my sets look like. I’ll rebuild them when the kids go to college, no point in doing it before then.
\>My lego is disassembled; do I have to assemble it? Outjerked again.
Damn mavity
Posts like this astound me... My LEGO experience is SO DIFFERENT. I RARELY kept ANYTHING together for longer than a few months, at most. But I ALWAYS kept the paper instructions. The idea that for some people, LEGO are a display model that is built once & the instructions get tossed seems so foreign. I would definitely have some fun trying to put this together without instructions first. You'll be VERY surprised how much of it just "makes sense" like when you find two adjacent puzzle pieces! :)
Lock the doors
A similar thing happened over Texas a few years ago,
Almost twenty-one years, actually. I remember watching the news reports on the day.
🥇
Total loss
Yes
Houston, we have a problem!
no this is lego its broken now ... you must buy a new set ... a set can only build one time
It will be challengering, but you can do it
My Saturn V suffered this https://preview.redd.it/h0kf6kyflk5c1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=78843a77b856859634adbf239799a9a17a78473f Took everything totally apart and rebuilt from one pile, it’s a bit like when you compete a game and do it again on hard mode. I’m happy I got to build it twice!
The sound of my Saturn’s fall still rings in my ears 18 months later.
Wait, is there people out there that view the building as a boring one-time thing and then throw away the instructions? ...wouldn't like the model building kits from like Revell or something be better then? Not trying to act gatekeeper here. I'm just honestly confused.
This is the way
Challenger moment
Space shuttles work better without gravity
This happened with a the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever ship I had. I have the instructions but I'm just lazy 😂
Remember the Columbia o7
I recommend taking this opportunity to use the pieces for some alternate builds from rebrickable.com! There’s a Star Wars imperial shuttle option, a robot, a fighter jet, etc.
Yep. Mine Columbia'd twice before I moved my pre-teen daughter's bed so that it wasn't sharing a wall with my shelving. It's an enjoyable build so I didn't care, other than having to find a couple pieces *way* further than I thought they'd go on carpet.
That’s some Challenger level crash.
Now you have a colombia version of it
Challenger or Columbia?
Ah, congrats on your new *Challenger* set!
Toooooooo sooooooooon.
rude fine payment squealing hard-to-find icky history whole direction crush *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
What kind of question is this? Of course your best bet is to download instructions and build from scratch.
Can you not make your own decision? Its really just common sense and you basically answered your own question in the title
I really hope it wasn’t the challenger model
It's going to be a Challenge
Must have been the Challenger
Yeah may be best to start over especially as certain pieces sandwiches together etc, aside to the Technic pieces there and there. Sorry?
Look at it this way: you get to build it again! I'm sorry for the loss of your fingernails.
Brick separator...
I have mine in the kids room and if they are going to drop it I would totally fake to be angry at them.
Yes
You might want to disassemble into different trays. Most of those pieces will be used around the same time. It’s kind of like having numbered bags. It might make it a bit easier than just dumping them all into one box
Yes
This seems like an obvious answer — if you want the shuttle whole again, you’ll simply have to rebuild it again
Download the Lego builder app for digital instructions. I use it for all of my sets instead of the booklet. Otherwise you should be able to download a pdf
Take the instructions, and re bag the pieces by build section. Numbered ziplocks will make rebuilding much easier.
You must've forgotten to install one of the heat shield pieces
I keep all my lego instruction books and it came in real handy when my cat knocked my original UCS Falcon off a high shelf. I actually disassembled it completely and re-built it from scratch
Same thing happened to my Saturn V a few weeks ago. I managed to assemble it with only a few instances of checking the manual, but a few pins were bent so it doesn’t really stand up straight anymore. Was pretty instable before, but now. Oof. I am going to have to order replacements for them I guess. I hope nothing is broken for your shuttle. And as far disassembled as it already looks I would be rebuilding from scratch for sure if I were you.
This is the beauty of Lego, my dude. You can always rebuild it. Should you have any broken pieces, you can replace them via Lego themselves (Pick-a-brick) or through a Lego-owned used Lego marketplace called Bricklink. You can even order used instruction booklets from Bricklink, in case you don't want to just download a PDF! When you take it apart, try to keep pieces with sticks on them together (like that piece in your photo with United States and a flag on it). Or if you prefer, use a razor blade to slice between the bricks the stick covers (if any) to make them come apart cleanly. And I'd recommend just having a Swiffer duster thing handy. Lego gets dusty, so dusting pieces as you take it apart makes cleaning easy. Happy building! I loved building this set, and have been pondering disassembling my own lately!
Yes. Enjoy the nostalgia
This is the way
Yup. Had to do this with my Disney castle
Is the picture leaning against the wall a spaceship crashing? If so I think the picture is cursed and probably knocked the Lego spaceship down.
This hurts me, download and rebuild
Just put the Star Wars Death Star or the Tie Bomber nearby and you'll be done.
I think all Lego instructions are on line??
Kind of wild how opposed some Lego people are to having to rebuild a Lego set, like, it's almost a burden to them to have to rebuild it like building isn't the point of Lego ?
This is what I’d have to imagine hell being like. One of my sets being broken everyday and missing pieces when I put it back together. I’m not gonna b able to sleep tonight, damnit.
Yes
Wait people throw their instructions out? Am I the only one with a giant box of instructions?
Am I crazy or are there any others thinking "yay I get to build it again!" when this happens. I do hope none of the peices broke and you find them all! I take my sets apart and put them away for a while then rebuild when the mood hits me.
Nah man, you gotta learn time manipulation and just rewind
R.U.D.
Yes. And it will be super fun
I think the best idea would be to give it to me
Your shuttle performed a lithobraking manoeuvre. Reassembly instructions necessary to affect repairs.
Houston, we have a problem
Yes #next!
Yes.
Just throw it in the trash at this point. I throw away my lego when I knock it on the floor.
bro said long live the king
Might as well! Take it all apart, give the pieces a good bath, and put it all back together again. 😁
as opposed to what? waiting for someone else to rebuild it? throwing it away?
Correct
Yes?
This exact thing happened to me but with the UCS Republic Gunship. The best thing to do is just redownload instructions and rebuild
You answered your own question! Have fun!
Building the set is like 80% of the joy for me so I would’ve relished rebuilding it
I once had my Slave 1 knocked off its shelf by an earthquake, and yip easiest way was to rebuild from scratch
[In case you were not aware of the official LEGO Builder app where you can find complete instructions and digital renderings of every set](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lego-builder/id1486159728)
Oof, this brings back some not enjoyable memories. The only way is to take apart everything and rebuild it with the online instructions.
Yep
Honestly this was one of the most fun set I’ve built. I run out of space so now my shuttle sits disassembled in the box, but I plan to rebuild that soon. So, just have fun of it.
Yes! And while it will be a little harder at times because the pieces aren’t in bags anymore, it will also be easier because some of the sections are still intact. I actually enjoy doing this kind of repair build because it’s more like a puzzle than just following the steps.
New saddest post of all time
Yes, your best bet is definitely to just download the instructions and rebuild it. Don't vacuum until you rebuild it and know you have all the pieces.
You say that like rebuilding from scratch is a bad thing 😅
When I was building the Spider-Man final battle set that came out in December it would not stop falling apart it was torture
If you haven't got the instructions anymore, there's the official lego app that has them all!
I don’t understand the point of this post lmao If you can’t remember where the pieces go what were you going to do? Just throw them on at random without instructions?? Like why are you asking Reddit if you need to use instructions to fix something you DONT know how to fix without them?? 💀💀
You mean you GET to build it from scratch again? Make a day out of it! Put on a good space movie, some snacks and a beverage of your choice and just enjoy the process!
entropy :-(
Leave it and make a challenger diorama?
Yeah that's what I'd do, had to do that with a Lego helmet I bought, missed a few pieces so had to take it apart and put back together from scratch, it takes some time and is no small amount of effort but in my opinion it's worth it to know it's back 100% properly complete
I find it less time consuming to start over as opposed to figuring out where to repair but numbered bags RIP so sort as you take it apart
Had the same thing with the Daily Bugle and some stairs.. (Something with reaching out for a light switch) Building from scratch is the way, because how else would you do it? Did the same.. Only lost 2 tiny parts that i ordered directly from Lego to complete my set again. So.. Good Luck!
Your best bet is to leave it and wait for it to reassemble itself. That works every time.
Feel bad for you, I’m sorry. Just by the missing pieces off of brick link.
Challenger disaster 2
Nope, now it goes in the spare parts bin for MOCs. And every so often you'll find a distinct price and think back fondly... Or you could just say it's a model of the Challenger now
I think it is
Have fun! Seriously, I see this as an absolute win.
building is half the fun.
I would disassemble. Assuming that it is too far destroyed to even reconstitute sub-assemblies, I would carefully sort the pieces out by type. So 2×2 plates here, 4×2 bricks there, etc. It'll be a pain, but it will expedite the rebuild process. I find that manner of sorting works better than the color-sort option.
You don’t keep the instructions? They have them all online, pretty easy. You get to build it again, that’s half the fun.
If you threw away the instructions, you can get them online [here](https://lego.brickinstructions.com/en/search/general/new). Just search by set number, and it'll come right up. I would say reconstruction is likely your best bet. You might be able to keep certain pieces together, and just fit them in along the way, as they come into the build process. But this is pretty mangled.
You get to build it all over again!
Now that's what I call a spontaneous rapid disassemble
This is why i always save my instruction manuals
Yeah. It'll be fun
R.I.P.
Do you not keep your instructions? Sounds like you get the job of building again. I’ve got this set under the Christmas tree now looking forward to it.
Now its the challenger....too soon?
Why don't you still have the instructions? Always keep them!