Dive into the Deep!
Build the Shinkai 6500

Explore the depths of the ocean with this LEGO Ideas set. A unique and rare model with 413 pieces, originally released exclusively in Japan.

🏛 LEGO Ideas and CUUSOO
Set #21100

Shinkai 6500 Submarine

The Shinkai 6500 Submarine is a charming and unique LEGO Ideas set.

🏆 Best For: LEGO fans who enjoy unique display models and have an interest in science and exploration. ⏱ 3 hr build 🧩 413 pcs 🎂 Ages 12+
★★★★☆ 4.2

Fans appreciate the unique subject matter and the detailed recreation of the Shinkai 6500. Some find the build simple but enjoyable, while others feel the set is slightly overpriced for the piece count.

📝 Our Take

The Shinkai 6500 Submarine is a charming and unique LEGO Ideas set. Based on the real-life Japanese deep-sea research submersible, this set captures the essence of exploration and scientific discovery in a compact and displayable model.

This set is perfect for LEGO enthusiasts who appreciate unique themes and display models. The build is relatively straightforward, making it accessible to a wide range of builders, and the finished model looks great on a shelf or desk.

Skip this if you are looking for complex building techniques or extensive play features. This set is more about the display aspect and the novelty of the subject matter. Consider larger LEGO Ideas sets for more intricate builds.

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How does this set compare to other LEGO Ideas sets in terms of collectibility? What are some good ways to display the Shinkai 6500? Is this set a good introduction to more complex LEGO building techniques? How accurate is the LEGO model compared to the real Shinkai 6500 submarine?

🧱 Building Experience

🧩
413
Pieces
3h
Build Time
📊
Intermediate
Difficulty
👤
12+
Ages
Build Highlights:
  • Clever use of slopes and curves to replicate the submarine's shape
  • Interesting techniques for creating the spherical pressure hull
  • Trans-clear elements add a nice touch of realism
  • Includes a small display stand to showcase the model

📈 Investment Analysis

→ Price stable
B+
Investment Grade
⏳ Active
The Shinkai 6500 Submarine, as a retired LEGO Ideas set, presents an interesting investment opportunity. Its appeal lies in its unique subject matter and limited availability. LEGO Ideas sets often perform well in the secondary market, especially those based on real-world objects or scientific themes. While not as widely popular as licensed themes like Star Wars, the niche appeal and relatively low piece count could lead to steady appreciation. However, potential investors should be aware that the appreciation may not be as rapid or substantial as some larger, more sought-after sets.

Not Financial Advice: Content is for educational purposes only. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Full disclaimer

Compare Similar Sets

Compared to other LEGO Ideas sets, the Shinkai 6500 is smaller and more focused on display than play. Sets like the LEGO Ideas International Space Station (21321-1) offer a similar scientific theme but with a larger piece count and more complex build. For those seeking a smaller, more affordable display piece, the Shinkai 6500 is a great choice. However, if you prefer play features or a more challenging build, other LEGO Ideas sets might be more appealing.

📦 Full Parts Inventory - 78 unique parts • 385 total pieces

Wing, Tail 4 x 1 x 3 Wing, Tail 4 x 1 x 3
Part #: 2340 Orange
Brick 2 x 2 Corner Brick 2 x 2 Corner
Part #: 2357 White
Tile Special 1 x 2 Grille with Bottom Groove Tile Special 1 x ...
Part #: 2412b Black
Plate 2 x 2 Corner Plate 2 x 2 Corner
Part #: 2420 Dark Bluish Gray
Plate 2 x 2 Corner Plate 2 x 2 Corner
Part #: 2420 White
Tile 1 x 4 with Groove Tile 1 x 4 with G...
Part #: 2431 White
Plate 2 x 12 Plate 2 x 12
Part #: 2445 Black
Brick Special 1 x 2 with Pin Brick Special 1 x...
Part #: 2458 Tan
Plate Round 2 x 2 with Rounded Bottom [Boat Stud] Plate Round 2 x 2...
Part #: 2654 Trans-Clear
Technic Pin with Friction Ridges Lengthwise and Center Slots Technic Pin with ...
Part #: 2780 Black
Technic Beam Triangle Thin [Type I] Technic Beam Tria...
Part #: 2905 Black
Brick 2 x 4 Brick 2 x 4
Part #: 3001 Dark Bluish Gray
Brick 2 x 2 Brick 2 x 2
Part #: 3003 White
Plate Special 2 x 2 with Bar Frame Octagonal Plate Special 2 x...
Part #: 30033 White
Brick 1 x 2 Brick 1 x 2
Part #: 3004 Dark Bluish Gray
Brick 1 x 1 Brick 1 x 1
Part #: 3005 Dark Bluish Gray
Brick 1 x 1 Brick 1 x 1
Part #: 3005 White
Plate 2 x 4 Plate 2 x 4
Part #: 3020 White
Plate 2 x 3 Plate 2 x 3
Part #: 3021 Dark Bluish Gray
Plate 2 x 3 Plate 2 x 3
Part #: 3021 Black
Plate 2 x 3 Plate 2 x 3
Part #: 3021 White
Plate 2 x 2 Plate 2 x 2
Part #: 3022 White
Plate 2 x 2 Plate 2 x 2
Part #: 3022 Black
Plate 1 x 2 Plate 1 x 2
Part #: 3023 10× Orange
Plate 1 x 2 Plate 1 x 2
Part #: 3023 11× White
Plate 1 x 2 Plate 1 x 2
Part #: 3023 Black
Plate 1 x 2 Plate 1 x 2
Part #: 3023 Dark Bluish Gray
Plate 1 x 1 Plate 1 x 1
Part #: 3024 White
Plate 6 x 10 Plate 6 x 10
Part #: 3033 Light Bluish Gray
Plate 2 x 8 Plate 2 x 8
Part #: 3034 Black
Torso Mechanical, Battle Droid Torso Mechanical,...
Part #: 30375 White
Brick Special 1 x 4 with 4 Studs on One Side Brick Special 1 x...
Part #: 30414 Dark Bluish Gray
Hinge Cylinder 1 x 2 Locking with 1 Finger and Axle Hole On Ends Hinge Cylinder 1 ...
Part #: 30552 Black
Brick Round 1 x 1 Open Stud Brick Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 3062b White
Brick Round 1 x 1 Open Stud Brick Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 3062b Trans-Clear
Tile 2 x 2 with Groove Tile 2 x 2 with G...
Part #: 3068b White
Tile 1 x 2 with Groove Tile 1 x 2 with G...
Part #: 3069b White
Tile 1 x 2 with Groove Tile 1 x 2 with G...
Part #: 3069b Black
Tile 1 x 2 with Groove Tile 1 x 2 with G...
Part #: 3069b 10× Orange
Tile 1 x 2 with Groove Tile 1 x 2 with G...
Part #: 3069b Light Bluish Gray
Tile 1 x 1 with Groove Tile 1 x 1 with G...
Part #: 3070b White
Technic Pin 3/4 Technic Pin 3/4
Part #: 32002 Dark Bluish Gray
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Angled #1 Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 32013 Black
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Angled #3 - 157.5° Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 32016 Light Bluish Gray
Technic Axle 2 Notched Technic Axle 2 No...
Part #: 32062 Red
Technic Axle 5 Technic Axle 5
Part #: 32073 Light Bluish Gray
Technic Pin Connector Plate with One Hole (Single on Bottom) Technic Pin Conne...
Part #: 32529 Black
Brick 1 x 3 Brick 1 x 3
Part #: 3622 Dark Bluish Gray
Brick 1 x 3 Brick 1 x 3
Part #: 3622 Light Bluish Gray
Plate 1 x 3 Plate 1 x 3
Part #: 3623 White
Plate 1 x 3 Plate 1 x 3
Part #: 3623 Black
Plate 1 x 3 Plate 1 x 3
Part #: 3623 Dark Bluish Gray
Plate 1 x 6 Plate 1 x 6
Part #: 3666 12× White
Technic Brick 1 x 4 [3 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3701 Dark Bluish Gray
Plate 1 x 4 Plate 1 x 4
Part #: 3710 Orange
Plate 1 x 4 Plate 1 x 4
Part #: 3710 Dark Bluish Gray
Plate 1 x 4 Plate 1 x 4
Part #: 3710 White
Technic Axle Pin without Friction Ridges Lengthwise Technic Axle Pin ...
Part #: 3749 Tan
Plate Special 1 x 2 with 1 Stud with Groove (Jumper) Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 3794b White
Plate 2 x 6 Plate 2 x 6
Part #: 3795 Black
Plate 2 x 10 Plate 2 x 10
Part #: 3832 Light Bluish Gray
Technic Brick 1 x 6 [5 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3894 White
Hinge Brick 1 x 2 Base Hinge Brick 1 x 2...
Part #: 3937 Light Bluish Gray
Bracket 2 x 2 - 2 x 2 Bracket 2 x 2 - 2...
Part #: 3956 Light Bluish Gray
Plate 6 x 6 Plate 6 x 6
Part #: 3958 White
Plate Round 2 x 2 with Axle Hole Type 1 (+ Opening) Plate Round 2 x 2...
Part #: 4032a White
Brick Special 1 x 1 with Headlight Brick Special 1 x...
Part #: 4070 White
Tile 1 x 8 with Groove Tile 1 x 8 with G...
Part #: 4162 Black
Tile 1 x 8 with Groove Tile 1 x 8 with G...
Part #: 4162 White
Technic Beam 1 x 2 Thin Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 41677 Black
Wedge Curved 6 x 2 Right, Inner Ridges Wedge Curved 6 x ...
Part #: 41747 White
Wedge Curved 6 x 2 Left, Inner Ridges Wedge Curved 6 x ...
Part #: 41748 White
Wedge Curved Inverted 6 x 2 Right Wedge Curved Inve...
Part #: 41764 White
Wedge Curved Inverted 6 x 2 Left Wedge Curved Inve...
Part #: 41765 White
Wedge 4 x 2 Right Wedge 4 x 2 Right
Part #: 41767 White
Wedge 4 x 2 Left Wedge 4 x 2 Left
Part #: 41768 White
Brick Curved 6 x 1 Inverted Brick Curved 6 x ...
Part #: 42023 White
Hinge Plate 1 x 2 Locking with 2 Fingers On End, with Groove, 9 Teeth Hinge Plate 1 x 2...
Part #: 44302a Black
Hinge Plate 1 x 2 Locking with 1 Finger on Side, with Groove Hinge Plate 1 x 2...
Part #: 44567a Black
Bracket 1 x 2 - 2 x 2 Bracket 1 x 2 - 2...
Part #: 44728 White
Brick Special 1 x 1 Studs on 4 Sides Brick Special 1 x...
Part #: 4733 Black
Dish 2 x 2 Inverted [Radar] Dish 2 x 2 Invert...
Part #: 4740 White
Bar 1L with Clip [Cut Edges and One Side Hole] [Gap in Clip] Bar 1L with Clip ...
Part #: 48729b Dark Bluish Gray
Slope Curved 3 x 1 No Studs Slope Curved 3 x ...
Part #: 50950 22× White
Slope 30° 1 x 1 x 2/3 (Cheese Slope) Slope 30° 1 x 1 x...
Part #: 54200 12× White
Arm Mechanical Straight (Droid) [2 Clips at 90°] Arm Mechanical St...
Part #: 59230 White
Plate Special 1 x 1 with Clip Horizontal [Thick U Clip] Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 6019 Light Bluish Gray
Propeller 3 Blade 3 Diameter with Axle Cross Propeller 3 Blade...
Part #: 6041 Black
Rock Panel Triangular 3 x 8 x 7 (aka LURP) Rock Panel Triang...
Part #: 6083 Dark Bluish Gray
Hinge Brick 2 x 2 Top Plate Thin Hinge Brick 2 x 2...
Part #: 6134 Light Bluish Gray
Plate Round 1 x 1 with Solid Stud Plate Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 6141 19× Light Bluish Gray
Plate Round 1 x 1 with Solid Stud Plate Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 6141 Red
Plate Round 1 x 1 with Solid Stud Plate Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 6141 Black
Plate Round 1 x 1 with Solid Stud Plate Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 6141 16× Trans-Clear
Plate Round 1 x 1 with Solid Stud Plate Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 6141 White
Brick Special 2 x 2 with Pin and Axle Hole Brick Special 2 x...
Part #: 6232 Dark Bluish Gray
Technic Brick 1 x 1 with Pin Hole Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 6541 Tan
Tile 1 x 6 with Groove Tile 1 x 6 with G...
Part #: 6636 White
Brick Special 1 x 1 with Stud on 1 Side Brick Special 1 x...
Part #: 87087 Light Bluish Gray
🧱 Sticker Sheet for...
Part #: 98020 [No Color/Any Color]
The set features a good selection of white slopes and plates, useful for creating smooth, curved surfaces. The orange tiles add a splash of color and are also handy for detailing in other builds.

💎 Notable Parts

White Slope Curved 3 x 1 No Studs (22x) $3.30
Light Bluish Gray Plate Round 1 x 1 with Solid Stud (19x) $1.90
Trans-Clear Plate Round 1 x 1 with Solid Stud (16x) $2.40
Orange Tile 1 x 2 with Groove (10x) $1.50
Black Tile 1 x 8 with Groove (8x) $2.00
Est. BrickLink Part Value
$11.10

💡 MOC Potential

🚢 Create alternate submarine designs
🚀 Adapt the spherical hull for a space capsule
🏙 Expand into an underwater research base diorama

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Charts Inventory Statistics

78
Unique Parts
385
Total Pieces
0
Minifigures
Inventory Version: 1