Continuing my comforting journey back through some LEGO sets of my youth, finding comfort in the sets of yesteryear, I am pleased to present Air Ambulance and Police Car from 1976 and 1973, respectfully.
I have been very fortunate to have hung on to many of the sets and pieces from my childhood. They survived my dark ages in various basements and attics over the years and now that we find ourselves with very limited entertainment options outside the house, I am rediscovering the magic of many of these sets.
The MAGIC of these sets is worth discussion. The magic of these sets are in their simplicity. They don’t pretend to be perfect models of what they represent, but rather they evoke the image of what they represent. They are solid, very playable and sturdy. The themes of these models also represent the heroes and the role models of our childhood – Paramedics, firemen, police officers – the people who protect you and save lives. Plus, their vehicles have flashing lights and sirens. All the ingredients necessary for MAGIC.
So, in my continuing journey of revisiting some really fun and memorable sets from my childhood, I built Set 386-1 Air Ambulance and Set 420-1 Police Car. Both sets fulfill all the magic criteria: solid, playable and sturdy; hero themed; flashing lights, sirens AND a helicopter = magic.
Two final notes about these builds and my journey back to sets from my youth:
First, there was something special about the pure simplicity of these models. I think it added to the sense of creativity associated with LEGO. And this is probably why all these years later I am so intrigued with all things LEGO. I got hooked. To borrow a phrases from a famous simplify-er – these models give me a spark of joy.
Second, it is kind of funny they numbered the Police Car set 420. Little bit ironic. Just sayin’. Build on.
