How many pieces are in the Shackleton's Lifeboat?

Shackleton's Lifeboat contains 232 pieces.

When was the Shackleton's Lifeboat released?

Shackleton's Lifeboat was released in 2024.

Breaking News

LEGO Retiring Soon List – October 2026 Update

The Brick Fan • about 3 hours ago

⚠ RETIRING SOON

🏛 Icons

Set #40729

Shackleton's Lifeboat

Shackleton's Lifeboat is a surprisingly detailed and historically significant LEGO set.

Before you buy

Who it's for: Ages 18+ · Intermediate build Ideal for teens and adults interested in history and detailed models.
Build: 232 pieces · about 4 hours Build time is an estimate.
Availability: Past its expected exit (Dec 31, 2024)

★★★★☆ 4.3 community rating from 59 ratings

Fans appreciate the historical accuracy and unique subject matter, but some find the price high for the size of the model. The minifigures are a definite plus, adding to the set's appeal.

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📝 Our Take

AI-assisted editorial summary, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

Shackleton's Lifeboat is a surprisingly detailed and historically significant LEGO set. It captures the essence of the harrowing journey of survival, making it a compelling display piece and conversation starter.

This set is perfect for history buffs, LEGO Icons collectors, and those looking for a unique and engaging build experience. The model offers a satisfying construction process and a visually appealing representation of a pivotal historical event.

Skip this if you prefer action-oriented sets or those with extensive play features. Consider other LEGO Icons vehicles like the Vespa 125 (10298-1) for a different building experience.

✨ New

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How does this set compare to other historical LEGO models in terms of accuracy and detail? What are some interesting building techniques used in this set? What is the historical significance of Shackleton's journey, and how does this set capture that? How well does this set fit into a larger LEGO Icons collection?

🧱 Building Experience

AI-assisted build estimate, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

🧩

232

Pieces

⏱

Estimated Build Time

📊

Intermediate

Difficulty

Build Highlights:

Intricate detailing capturing the lifeboat's design
Clever use of angled pieces to replicate the hull shape
Incorporation of display stand for showcasing the model
Engaging build process with varied techniques

📈 Investment Analysis

AI-assisted investment analysis, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

→ Price stable

Investment Grade

⏳ Retiring soon

Shackleton's Lifeboat has moderate investment potential. Its appeal lies in its historical significance and the LEGO Icons theme, which generally holds value well. The relatively low piece count may limit significant appreciation, but its unique subject matter could attract collectors. Stable pricing suggests consistent demand, but monitoring retirement status is crucial. Compared to licensed themes, its growth might be slower but steadier, offering a less volatile investment.

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

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

Pirates of Barracuda Bay

Compared to other LEGO Icons sets, Shackleton's Lifeboat offers a unique historical focus. While sets like the Typewriter (21327-1) or Globe (21332-1) offer different building experiences, this set stands out for its educational value and compelling narrative. It's a good alternative for those seeking a departure from vehicles or display models.

2 Minifigures Included

The set includes Ernest Shackleton and Frank Hurley minifigures, adding to the historical context and collectibility. These figures are unique to this set.

📦 Parts Inventory

Official piece count: 232
Parts cataloged in this inventory: 83 unique parts, 224 pieces
Minifigures: 2

The official piece count includes the 8 parts inside the set's minifigures, which this inventory lists separately. Spare parts are counted in neither figure.

Missing a piece? Check this set piece by piece, with look-alike colors flagged and element IDs for replacements.

Bar Holder with Clip

Part #: 11090 1× Black

Brick Curved 4 x ...

Part #: 11153 4× White

Bracket 5 x 2 x 1...

Part #: 11215 1× Light Bluish Gray

Bracket 5 x 2 x 1...

Part #: 11215 1× Red

Weapon Spear Gun ...

Part #: 13591 3× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 15573 2× White

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 15712 2× Black

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 15712 7× White

Plate Round Half ...

Part #: 18646 2× Dark Tan

Tool Ice Axe [3-R...

Part #: 18738 1× Flat Silver

Bar Holder with H...

Part #: 23443 1× Black

Brick Curved Inve...

Part #: 24201 4× Reddish Brown

Tile 1 x 4 with G...

Part #: 2431 2× Medium Nougat

Plate 2 x 12

Part #: 2445 1× Light Bluish Gray

Plate 2 x 12

Part #: 2445 1× White

Plate Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 2654 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Zipline, 22L with...

Part #: 27965 2× Black

Handlebars

Part #: 30031 1× Black

Brick 1 x 2

Part #: 3004 4× Dark Bluish Gray

Box / Crate with ...

Part #: 30150 1× Medium Nougat

Equipment Sextant

Part #: 30154 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate 2 x 4

Part #: 3020 1× Light Bluish Gray

Plate 2 x 4

Part #: 3020 1× Tan

Plate 2 x 3

Part #: 3021 2× Black

Plate 2 x 2

Part #: 3022 2× White

Plate 1 x 1

Part #: 3024 4× White

Plate 4 x 12

Part #: 3029 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3037 2× White

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 30414 4× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 3062b 1× Dark Red

Tile 1 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3069b 1× Black

Tile 1 x 1 with G...

Part #: 3070b 2× Black

Tile 1 x 1 with G...

Part #: 3070b 2× Dark Tan

Equipment Oar / P...

Part #: 31990 1× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Axle 2 No...

Part #: 32062 1× Red

Technic Plate 1 x...

Part #: 32124 4× Reddish Brown

Plate Special Rou...

Part #: 32828 1× Black

Plate Special Rou...

Part #: 32828 2× Light Bluish Gray

Brick Sloped 33° ...

Part #: 3297 2× White

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 3386 4× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 34103 4× Reddish Brown

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 35480 6× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 35480 6× Light Bluish Gray

Plate Special Rou...

Part #: 3661 2× White

Plate 1 x 6

Part #: 3666 2× Reddish Brown

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 2× Medium Nougat

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 2× Black

Equipment Candles...

Part #: 37762 1× Black

Equipment Shovel ...

Part #: 3837 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Weapon Lance

Part #: 3849 2× Black

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 4070 2× Black

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 4070 2× White

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 41740 4× Reddish Brown

Brick Wedged, Cur...

Part #: 41748 2× White

Brick Wedged, Cur...

Part #: 41749 2× White

Brick Wedged, Cur...

Part #: 41750 2× White

Wedge Plate 4 x 2...

Part #: 41769 2× Dark Tan

Wedge Plate 4 x 2...

Part #: 41770 2× Dark Tan

Brick Sloped 33° ...

Part #: 4286 2× White

Plate Special 2 x...

Part #: 4304 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Bracket 1 x 2 - 2...

Part #: 44728 4× Light Bluish Gray

Plate 1 x 10

Part #: 4477 2× Reddish Brown

Equipment Saucepan

Part #: 4529 2× Black

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 4733 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick Wedged, Cur...

Part #: 5711 2× White

Hinge Cylinder 1 ...

Part #: 57360 1× Black

Technic Axle Conn...

Part #: 59443 1× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 60470b 1× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 60478 4× Reddish Brown

Plate 1 x 12

Part #: 60479 2× White

Brick Arch 1 x 6 ...

Part #: 6060 4× White

Bar 12L with Open...

Part #: 6076 1× Black

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 6× Black

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 2× Light Bluish Gray

Plate Special 4 x...

Part #: 6180 1× Dark Tan

Tile 1 x 3

Part #: 63864 6× Dark Tan

Equipment Telesco...

Part #: 64644 1× Black

Flame / Headwear ...

Part #: 64647 1× White

Wedge Plate 2 x 4...

Part #: 65426 2× Dark Tan

Wedge Plate 2 x 4...

Part #: 65429 2× Dark Tan

Tile 2 x 6

Part #: 69729 2× White

Plate 1 x 5

Part #: 78329 2× Black

Brick Sloped 30° ...

Part #: 85984 8× Reddish Brown

Tile 2 x 4 with G...

Part #: 87079 4× Dark Tan

Plate Special 2 x...

Part #: 87580 1× White

Plate Special 2 x...

Part #: 87580 1× Medium Nougat

Equipment Oar / P...

Part #: 87585 2× Reddish Brown

Bar 5L with Handl...

Part #: 87618 1× Black

Hinge Plate 2 x 2...

Part #: 92582 1× Black

Equipment Bottle

Part #: 95228 1× Trans-Clear

Tile Round 1 x 1

Part #: 98138 1× Light Bluish Gray

Tile Round 1 x 1

Part #: 98138 2× Trans-Clear

Bracket 1 x 2 - 2...

Part #: 99207 2× White

Bracket 1 x 2 - 1...

Part #: 99780 8× Black

Bracket 1 x 2 - 1...

Part #: 99781 10× Light Bluish Gray

The set features a good selection of reddish brown and light bluish gray elements, useful for creating textured surfaces and details. The inclusion of bracket pieces offers versatile building options for MOC builders.

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Inventory Statistics

Unique Parts

232

Official Piece Count

224

Cataloged Inventory Pieces

Minifigures

Spare Parts

The official piece count includes the 8 parts inside the set's minifigures, which this inventory lists separately. Spare parts are counted in neither figure.

Inventory Version: 1

Missing a piece? Use the Missing Piece Checker.