Uniformly sized and spaced knots, in a repeating grid pattern. In the US, the continent down under is taught as being called Australia. This set is a must-buy for me. In the Forum, you can view the list of topics and comments. Im really just kidding. I've substituted very brief responses.

I think this is magnificent display piece and LEGO-ified representation of the Earth. Oceania is far more common than Australasia these days, as it more obviously refers to the inclusion of New Zealand and the many Pacific Islands. Such realism significantly exceeded my expectations, since this globe is otherwise hollow and therefore fairly light. This frame is necessarily lightweight, but provides adequate support to the structure and includes two intriguing wheels. @LegoSonicBoy said:"When each syllabus around the world teaches continents to indeed be "real and meaningful", with no indication whatsoever (at least in my case) that the definition varies from place to place let alone that it amounts to nothing, can you really blame anyone but the education system? And every single one of us who was taught otherwise in school (which, Im gonna assume was most of us) was taught wrong"Well not only that but schools in different countries are taught different things. It used the same phone connection system as POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) (yes, seriously), but the two were purposefully not allowed to place calls to each other.

As a rule, Lego does not do "organic" shapes well. The set was provided for review by LEGO. Some colleges have assigned ZIP Codes, and others have ZIP Codes that are treated as general purpose but geographically confined to their campuses.ZIP Codes are part of the USPS format, so only used for addresses they deliver to (other countries have their own postal code systems). That should be interesting. @Huw as far as I know there's no strict convention.

As Mr Clinton famously once said: "it depends on what the definition of 'is' is. Im not sure how it impacts standings on lighthouses. Each panel is attached using a Technic axle at the equator and clips at the poles, connected to dark green steering wheels. It's bricks, there will be gaps. @Suboptimal:ZIP Codes are used for delivery of physical mail. Detroit (313), D/FW Texas (214), and Metro Pittsburgh (412) were the next tier, and so on.Over time, populations grew, and as deactivated numbers were allowed to lie fallow for a set period of time before being reassigned, places like NYC ran out of numbers, and they had to split the area into two area codes (currently there are three just for Manhattan Island, three for the rest of NYC, and a seventh for the entire city). I dont know what the precise time limit is, but Huw did recently increase it. Even Lego is in on the well known conspiracy that the Earth is round instead of flat. After you load or refresh the page, you have a time limit to complete your post, or it just clears the text field (and still doesnt reset the clock). Unfortunately, the price somewhat overshadows those positive attributes. That got my argument nowhere in their eyes, since I looked like just another boastful United Statesian (you can't call yourself an American there either or else they'd say it was more boasting)! I'd prefer 2, or even better, 4 sets. There is also little risk of shattering the whole sphere because the angled panels are attached at both ends, so they feel secure. What I really like are the colours, which are much nicer than the colours on the map that was released last year. I tried to explain North and South America are on different tectonic plates. As long as your audience understand where in the world you are talking about, the exact name chosen does not matter much. For me in the USA and I feel that I can speak for all is "Australia", one of the 7 continents. Spherical structures are inherently difficult to construct using LEGO, so rarely appear in official sets. Thinking Australasia is a continent is just as silly as thinking Eurasia is a continent. It looks like there will be space for anyone who wants to use tiles to mark places they've visited (admittedly trickier on any areas with a lot of tiles, unless you replace the tile with a plate). "The definition of what a Continent is varies a lot and different places have a different number of continents and names depending on the convention and model.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continent"Yes, it's really surprising me how many people in this thread think continents are a real, meaningful thing. Building these sixteen identical panels is repetitive, which will become an unfortunate, but unavoidable, trend for this whole construction process. Phone area codes used to operate by a similar rule, but the passing of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the advent of the mobile phone, and a growing population kinda muddied the waters.When the area code system was first put in place, all phones were rotary dial. However, I find superfluous photos that don't add to the review quite distracting.

I guess the wheels balance the globe, compensating for not have a second layer of plates for land mass on that side of the globe. But in many countries, youre expected to include at least one of these in the address when mailing a letter or package, not because any affiliated governing body needs to be involved in the shipment, but because various people will need to know where to forward it so itll arrive at the listed address. )Thought: Would a 'Waterworld' version of the globe need that inner pair of wheels? Lego just put up a page with various Afol mods, encouraging people to customize the set. I really don't see any display value here. Many of those elements are relatively small and there is little variety, when compared with other sets. While their construction is accordingly repetitious, gradually forming the sphere and watching the continents coalesce across separate panels is satisfying. "I was concerned about that too, but the angled panels push quite easily into the equatorial band using 2L Technic axles. The repeated metallic gold bands look brilliant and I appreciate how the angles of the frame reflect the shape of the globe, demonstrating splendid attention to detail. This one will sit pretty on a table but not something to educate anyone with. India is often termed a subcontinent because of size. And if it takes mishaps like this (my opinion) so that in the meantime they learn also what their focus needs to be, then so be it.Ps back in the eighties when I was at school we were taught Australia is a country and is also the name of the continent that also includes New Zealand. Maybe on a $120 set I would accept it, but at $200 that's a big drawback to overlook. 5xx accounts for half of your list, even if you swap out 500 for 526.I have no idea what PCS is about, other than that AT&T pushed early users to switch to 800 numbers once they stopped restricting their usage to Fortune 500 companies (which in turn led to 888 being opened up as the second toll-free ERC block).I figured 867 would have something to do with Tommy Tutone, but it turns out its actually the very-much-geographic area code assigned to the three Canadian Territories.

@Gabriel_Voyager said:"For me is horrible, the first attribute of a globe must be the realism of the earth representation.Europe not only "presents inevitable issues" but is totally unrealistic, France is missing, totally, Iberian peninsula is rappresented as an isle, becuse France is missing, and is also stretched.Italy also is missing as not recognizable.For a globe of a fantasy planet is very beautiful, for a globe of earth is a total failure. Awesome review! However, ZIP codes are still not areas. @neagoedan said:"That's no moon! Too big?

Then the UP split off, then the western half got split N/S, and finally 616 got reduced to just the small area encompassing Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, and Holland.Geographically, most of the US consists of places that are served by a single area code. But may steal the plans to build my own Death Star. A single set produces an imbalance which will stress the axles.

It's bricks, there will be gaps.

The IRS receives so much mail that they have a unique ZIP Code, but that still corresponds with a physical location (IRS headquarters). The excellent appearance of this model therefore seems beyond doubt, although I do harbour concerns regarding the expensive price of 174.99, $199.99 or 199.99. Not me anyway.It is a pity because you can see that a massive amount of effort went into the original set design but it just doesnt work.When I see all the great sets that get rejected after hitting the 10 votes and this gets approved? Sincerely,My Bank Account, Keeping my fingers crossed for a UCS Death Star release! ;-). The structure stands on a reddish brown base, which appears instantly reminiscent of 21313 Ship in a Bottle. Overall interesting, but not something Im planning to make room for. I really don't see any display value here. And include glue, as apparently no one is ever taking expensive 18+ sets apart.Or they could have tiled it over entirely and includes enough stickers to cover it all!Or they could have made a globe from the future, when global warming has submerged most of the land and it's all just blue. Canals and rivers are ignored. Think it needs to be larger to get the detail required to make it good. So far so good. Thanks for the detailed review! This is a lovely set, but the complete failure of Europe and the horrid price turn me off it. @magmafrost said:" @Huw said:"Ok, yes, it seems it's not a mistake, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_ (continent), although I am sure it was not called that when I went to school! I love the addition of the tires as counterweights to ensure that the globe still spins!However I most definitely didn't receive a (non-LEGO) globe for Christmas, so might have to sit this one out. Im much happier with this display with approximate representations of land masses done with actual LEGO pieces than say a globe covered in printed plaques of the various countries/continents (or god forbid, stickers). For that reason I used to buy every CUSOO/IDEAS set released, just out of admiration.But now LEGO has turned AFOLism into a commercial thing I think more and more: that is great for someone else.

I like the format. I really enjoy sets that are not only fun to build, but that I can display around the house and that can blend in a little more than some 'traditional' Lego sets which I find harder to show. Easy pass for me on this one. The world is a fascinating place. A green stud between France and Great Britain would make this part look better. It turns out the model of continents taught in different nations has as much to do with their own nation's image as it does maybe actually science and geography.I will admit though the tectonic plate model has one flaw, we don't consider India a separate continent from Asia! However I am far more interested in trying some of those building techniques on my Mos Eisley MOC - Ive been trying figure out how to do proper domes for far too long! Many are easily matched to areas, but the same is true of lots of things that aren't areas, e.g. The set looks better and feels more robust than the original Idea proposition. @CapnRex101 said:" @benredstar said:" @CapnRex101 If I was building this as a MOC I know that the final stage of construction when you have to complete the sphere would be a nightmare. Pangaea might be interesting, especially as a side-by-side pair. But in many countries, youre expected to include at least one of these in the address when mailing a letter or package, not because any affiliated governing body needs to be involved in the shipment, but because various people will need to know where to forward it so itll arrive at the listed address. A human being wouldn't qualify.I would also say that the large organization collection point ZIPs are not located at the collection point any more than my ZIP code is located at the sorting center or local post office just because all the mail in it passes through there. I really like this, I was looking forward to it and am not disappointed. This design reflects the elegant aesthetic of the globe, with an attractive golden band complementing the predominant black colour. Add to that the price-tag (which in Australia is going to be eye-watering), and although I do appreciate the set, I think I'll pass. @Gabriel_Voyager said:" @Bricklestick said:"Re Europe, I think its a little short-sighted to complain about the depiction. Is there going to be a Moon, Mars, as well? First three digits of 902 identify the specific sorting facility where that mail will be processed. Just like the ship-in-a-bottle, pop-up book, typewriter, adidas shoe, grand piano, fender stratocaster, botanic collection flowers, the various paintings, NES you get the idea.That said, the designer(s) and creator did a terrific job. With dinosaurs. "I was thinking that for ALL plaques. Unfortunately this is around 30-40% overpriced. @monkyby87 I think that typewriter and ship in a bottle don't have display value either. @MrMonkey said:"Awesome review! All opinions expressed are those of the author. If you want a 212 number in Manhattan, you will generally have to buy it from the previous assigned user. Meanwhile, ZIP codes continue to signify specific areas, and can appear on maps along with city, county, and state lines. I think it used to be either 30 or 60 minutes. Official communications with diplomatic embassies are routed through a Washington DC ZIP Code, with a +4 that corresponds to the specific diplomatic pouch assigned to that embassy. Just move around the pieces to change it! "It makes me think of when Arthur visits Magrathea. The moon, or some of the Solar planets are other possibilities, as are various sci-fi locales.

(For justification of its price: 200 is a steep barrier. Those people complaining about it not accurately representing individual countries are missing the point.

LEGO Ideas features numerous unusual models and 21332 The Globe continues that convention because few equivalent products have appeared previously. Ok, yes, it seems it's not a mistake, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_ (continent), although I am sure it was not called that when I went to school! Too chunky? (The book, not the year.)

As it should be in a 200 18+ display set. Additionally, the designer has taken advantage of various parts developed since 2005, including a significantly broader selection of wedge plates. "Probably because it can be taken apart easily. I did not enjoy building 75191, so I don't figure I'll like building that one as well.So I might be getting it someday, but not day one. "mmm interesting.

But looking at their position with respect to the rotation axis, I am not so sure of that anymore. All these people from European countries complaining about their countries being too small to be seen have clearly never played the Earth map on Civ. Check this out: https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/oceania-physical-geography/. Im not sure why you listed that one.Regardless, barring 867 (which _is_ a true area code), I would consider everything on your list to be designated exceptions rather than disproof.

Those seams appear less conspicuous against the dark blue Pacific Ocean, where the designer has included a decorative ship. I like this Earth set, but LEGO can create specific LEGO parts to cover the whole a little more.Cause LEGO is al square or blocks, circle blocks are rare. Like Huw, I always thought the continent/region which includes Australia was called Australasia. I have seen Australia constitute a part referred to as "Oceania" . One side of me wants it because I love globes and LEGO. After completing the globe, this whole structure slots neatly into its frame using Technic axles. The force required to click the last section in place when you can't get your hand inside to press from the other side would risk smashing the whole sphere to bits! @PurpleDave:I guess we have a different understanding of what an area is in this context. Or the maze. The curved support which will eventually house the globe is constructed in nine sections, each connected using click hinges and hinge plates. How do they overcome this?

this is the far better solution by far. More importantly, not all ZIP codes correspond to any area at all.Sources:https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/geography/guidance/geo-areas/zctas.html4.23 of https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/geography/technical-documentation/complete-technical-documentation/tiger-geo-line.htmlAlso, 12345, 20252, 88888, and private Presidential ZIP codes, exist. I'm not sure what students are learning these days. Like, no sh*t dude, I know my home when I see it! That support just bothers the heck out of me.

"The Lego designer followed the Risk boardgamr map. The resultant shapes seem surprisingly effective.

Moreover, I love the printed plaque affixed to the base, displaying exactly the same bright colours. But still better than the world map. However, despite the name, many non-geographic area codes exist. The shape of the base also provides impressive stability, although the transition between the base and the frame appears awkward in certain areas. I have no idea how theyre incorporated into the USPS ZIP Code system, except that they are. In a few of the images the whole mod looks really nice, but at the end of the day Europe (and even North America) look like a complete mess and do not accurately capture the continents. States ended up splitting area codes as well. The first to go online was 500, which has since been retired (a lot of businesses blocked dialing to it because it worked much like the 900 blockand was sometimes used for similar purpose) and currently sits in reserve (dont know why you have it on your list). This set looks awesome! @Huw said:"As someone mentioned in the comments to the press release, the continent that encompasses Australia and surrounding islands has not been named correctly, which is an unfortunate mistake. It is good value for price per piece though!I really hope a planetarium model gets done as that would be great and needs less detail on the landmasses too. The only question is if I wait for a discount or buy it for the full price @Tynansd said:"Nah, not great. Some use up that allotment are a geographically confined to the lobby of a post office, while a second ZIP Code will be used to handle local delivery (e.g. @skadebo said:"Reading these comments feels like folks don't understand what Lego is. They serve to limit the scope of geography that you have to pay attention to when searching for the location of a particular place. I guess I have to hope someone generous will gift it to me. 213 (SoCal) and 312 (Metro Chicago) were next.

If only that used these colors @MisterBrickster said:"All these people from European countries complaining about their countries being too small to be seen have clearly never played the Earth map on Civ. Australia is a valid choice, not necessarily the best one, but not a mistake. "I agree.

I really like it, even if the price means that it will be a delayed purchase at some point (probably).I think the Australia/Australasia thing was ultimately determined by the far smaller font size that would have been required for the longer word.Re Europe, I think its a little short-sighted to complain about the depiction. @capnrex101 If only there was a photo with a Porg or some other animal so I could get a better sense of scale lol. Scan the globe and it brings up additional maps and details on the area viewed etc.It also seems somewhat repetitive to build and not especially difficult either. I think it looks great and Im looking forward to building it! However, faithfully recreating Europe presents inevitable issues at this scale, as Italy is rather truncated and the British Isles seem to be drifting towards Iceland! @Huw said:"As someone mentioned in the comments to the press release, the continent that encompasses Australia and surrounding islands has not been named correctly, which is an unfortunate mistake. @Bricklunch said:"Follow Australia's own example and just call it "The Wasteland" like they do in Mad Max. How many people look at this representation of Europe and recognise it? The Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard all have land-based locations where mail can be delivered consistently.

I often scan the summary first when reading reviews. @monkyby87 said:" @Spike730 said:"You could buy a real vintage globe for that kind of money. Or the ship in a bottle. They were a lot more regular in shape than the average voting district, and much less changeable. You could build it in solid black and pepper it with GitD 1x1 round plates to represent constellationsor little chunks of rock to represent Alderaan (too soon?). "Eurasia has always been at war with Oceania." Please keep it up. ($319.99 AU for a hotel with only 3 rooms is a bit of a rip off), @Huw said:"Ok, yes, it seems it's not a mistake, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_ (continent), although I am sure it was not called that when I went to school! "That's funny, because apparently everyone thinks it looks totally unrealistic. Oh, well. @sklamb:Yeah, extending the base so its large enough to include Pluto (with a sign that says Pluto: Definitely a Planet) probably would break the bank. I really like this set, and even though it is overpriced I'm enough of a gulliable Lego addict to hand over my cash on Day 1.Personally I'm a big fan of the recent trend towards 'Household Object' Lego and this is another great example of it. Sure, it's not perfect, and maybe it could be improved, but this is LEGO! The force required to click the last section in place when you can't get your hand inside to press from the other side would risk smashing the whole sphere to bits! Its nice to have all parts printed and no stickers (Except maybe the "artic ocean" dish on top ? Boxes, to whole city blocks.

"Various school systems may pick and choose their favourite conventions, but at the end of the day there simply isnt a single objectively correct answer. Lake Michigan is already the most dangerous, so adding Huron doesnt change that ranking. "Plate tectonics was not scientifically validated until the mid to late 60s (which I believe is the basis for 'Australia' being the official continent name) and it can take decades for school books and teacher knowledge to catch up with academia so I would guess the majority of AFOLs were probably introduced to the area by one of the other terms. They are very nicely executed, though. Doesnt interest me at all.

I also like the model. The little wedge tile is shaped almost exactly like a boot.

I will clarify that I mean something that, at any given time, is a statically defined set of fixed points. They are very nicely executed, though. If the whole thing is sturdy enough to survive falling off a shelf that's a bit of a win for LEGO. How do they overcome this? Whenever they're showing it looks like a mess. So in that sense, this has the same display value as them, and thats really the only value they have. @alegrispa said:"Can't wait to build a Dreath Star with this technique!Also, does the "The Earth" plaque seem entirely redundant to anyone else?

Follow Australia's own example and just call it "The Wasteland" like they do in Mad Max. I notice they did not miss off Japan and Hawaii this time, after they had to reprint the last globe they did because of that oversight https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=3626cpb2842https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=3626cpb2892. If I was looking to buy a globe purely for it's precision, rather than as an object or art or a display piece then I'd go for the real thing obviously, but that's not what I want from this and I think anyone who had expectations that high was kidding themselves. After all, Europe really is very small, and Id far rather it be depicted accurately than have it be inflated in size as per historic maps, with all the associated self-importance.From a practical perspective, I think the quarter circle 1x1 tile above Spain could simply be rotated to be depict France, with the point representing Brittany. The various modifications suggested by @PurpleDave suddenly made this set much more appealing to me, but given the price is as much as several other sets I want much more, I'm afraid I still won't be buying it. Otherwise it would stop spinning with the Pacific Ocean showing every time (and the heavier European side facing down). 174.99, $199.99 or 199.99 feels quite expensive to me, even though this set contains an impressive total of 2585 pieces. You could buy a real vintage globe for that kind of money. I can only suppose it is done to bring it to rest in the same poaitin each time. The last two identify where to deliver at that address. This provides some additional colour and identifies the location of the aforementioned tyres, which actually serve as weights!

All TWX codes were officially retired by 1992, but 710 was claimed by the US government for GETS (Government Emergency Telephone Service), probably because it was not something people would normally dial into.