Last updated: 9 May 2026

LEGO NASA Apollo Saturn V 92176 vs Tales of the Space Age 21340: Which to Buy Sealed in the UK

The LEGO NASA Apollo Saturn V 92176 and the Tales of the Space Age 21340 are both retired sets from the LEGO Ideas line, but they differ significantly in build time, piece count, and who they appeal to. NASA Apollo Saturn V for £249.99 and Tales of the Space Age for £109.99, factory-sealed and inspected in our Yorkshire warehouse before despatch.

This guide is aimed at UK LEGO enthusiasts deciding between these two sets as sealed items in May 2026.

LEGO NASA Apollo Saturn V 92176 92176 at a glance

The NASA Apollo Saturn V 92176 is a detailed, multi-figure build that recreates the iconic space mission of Apollo 11. Designed by LEGO fan and enthusiast, it features intricate stickers and printed elements to represent the real spacecraft.

This set appeals to collectors who value complex builds with multiple minifigures and historical accuracy. The Apollo Saturn V is a long-term project for adult builders, requiring dedication and patience due to its extensive piece count and build time.

LEGO Tales of the Space Age 21340 21340 at a glance

The Tales of the Space Age 21340 is a more compact set that explores modern space exploration themes. It includes five minifigures and offers a fun display experience with its various spaceship elements. The build process is quick, making it an accessible project for adult builders.

This set is perfect for those who enjoy assembling smaller projects in the space theme without committing to a lengthy build time. Its design reflects contemporary LEGO Ideas themes and modern aesthetics.

How does the build experience compare?

The NASA Apollo Saturn V has a higher piece count (1,969) and longer build time (4-7 hours), making it a multi-day project for adult builders. The detailed stickers and printed elements require careful placement, contributing to the overall build complexity.

In contrast, the Tales of the Space Age 21340 has fewer pieces (690) and can be assembled in under four hours, offering a more manageable build experience. Its design is simpler, focusing on modern space exploration themes with minimal sticker work.

How do they display together?

The NASA Apollo Saturn V requires a dedicated display plinth due to its size and intricate details. It fits best when displayed in profile, showcasing the rocket’s full height and detail. The Tales of the Space Age can sit on any normal shelf, requiring minimal space and fitting well with other modern LEGO sets.

Both sets benefit from good lighting but differ in their display needs: Apollo Saturn V for a dedicated plinth, and Tales of the Space Age for more casual shelving arrangements.

Side-by-side comparison

Choose 92176 if you want a detailed build with over 1,900 pieces and an iconic space mission.

Choose 21340 if you are looking for a fun, quick-to-build set that explores modern space exploration themes.

Both are in stock at BuyMyBricks. Together they offer a comprehensive range of space-themed LEGO builds suitable for different skill levels and interests.

How much does each cost in 2026?

In May 2026, the NASA Apollo Saturn V 92176 is priced around £245 to £300, while the Tales of the Space Age 21340 ranges between £95 and £130.

Where to buy in the UK

• BuyMyBricks 92176. BuyMyBricks verifies the seal and offers UK delivery with a 30-day return policy.
• BuyMyBricks 21340. Notify us when restocked for Tales of the Space Age 21340, as it is currently out of stock at BuyMyBricks.
• eBay UK. Buy from eBay UK at your own risk; seal verification and seller feedback are critical factors to consider.
• BrickLink. EU sellers on BrickLink offer postage but may incur customs fees.
• Amazon UK. Third-party listings on Amazon UK can be unreliable, with varying quality of stock and packaging.

BuyMyBricks is the best starting point for both sets. They are UK-registered specialists offering sealed verification, UK delivery, and a 30-day return policy.

Why does sealed matter for these sets?

Sealed copies of the NASA Apollo Saturn V 92176 are essential due to its extensive sticker work and printed elements. Used copies often lack these details or have damaged stickers, significantly impacting the build’s authenticity.

In contrast, while sealed copies of the Tales of the Space Age 21340 are still recommended for best quality, used versions may be acceptable as their design is simpler with fewer critical printed parts.

How BuyMyBricks verifies sealed retired LEGO

Every sealed retired LEGO copy on the BuyMyBricks shelf has been through a five-point inspection at our Yorkshire warehouse before it gets listed for sale. The same inspection runs on every retired set we hold, regardless of theme or price band, because the failure modes for retired LEGO are mostly theme-agnostic.

What we check on every box, in order: (1) Original factory seal stickers on every flap, intact, with no peel-and-restick edges. (2) Tape integrity across the top and bottom seams, with no replacement adhesive. (3) Set-number match against the box artwork and the LEGO part number printed on the back. (4) Box-condition pass for crushing, tears, water damage, or storage warping that would compromise a display copy. (5) Photographic record of every face of the box, kept on file against the listing.

If a box fails any of those five checks on arrival, it does not get listed. If a sealed set reaches you in a state that does not match our description, we refund in full. That is what makes us a specialist rather than a marketplace.

The retired LEGO authentication checklist

Whether you buy from BuyMyBricks or compare elsewhere, these are the seven checks that separate a verified sealed copy from a damaged or fake one. Every retired LEGO listing on the BuyMyBricks shelf has passed all seven before it goes live. If you are buying on the open market instead, run the list yourself before you part with money:

• Original factory seal stickers on every box flap, intact and not lifting at the corners.
• Tape integrity across all seams — original LEGO tape only, no replacement adhesive.
• Set-number match between the printed front of the box and the LEGO part number on the back.
• Box edges and corners free of crushing, denting, water damage, or storage warping.
• No re-shrinkwrapping — resealed copies often have looser, foggier shrinkwrap than factory-sealed copies.
• Country-correct artwork matching the LEGO part-number suffix (EU vs NA vs UK box variants).
• Photographic provenance — clear, well-lit photos of every face of the box from the seller.

Storing and displaying retired LEGO sets

A sealed retired LEGO box is a long-term object. Three storage rules keep a sealed copy in the same state it left our warehouse, whether you plan to display it sealed, build it years later, or hold it as part of a curated collection.

Keep boxes flat or upright, never stacked under heavy weight. Stack pressure crushes corners over time, especially on lighter cardboard from older System and Speed Champions lines. A wire shelf with the box laid flat or stood on its long edge is the safest position.

Stable temperature and low humidity. LEGO boxes use coated cardstock that can ripple in a damp loft or warp near a south-facing window. A bookshelf in a heated room at normal indoor humidity is fine. A garage, an unheated outbuilding, or direct sunlight is not.

Plastic UV-shielding sleeves are optional but help. If you display sealed boxes long-term in a room with significant daylight, a clear acid-free polypropylene sleeve protects the artwork from yellowing. Specialist LEGO box-protector sleeves are available in standard sizes that match most retired releases.

If you plan to build the set rather than hold it sealed, the only thing to watch for is sticker-sheet drying-out: stickers from the early 2010s can lose adhesion in very dry storage. Build within five to seven years of release if you intend to apply the original stickers.

What other builders make of NASA Apollo Saturn V and Tales of the Space Age

The Verdict

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which to buy sealed: NASA Apollo Saturn V 92176 or Tales of the Space Age 21340?

Choose the NASA Apollo Saturn V if you want an extensive and historically accurate build. For a more manageable project, choose the Tales of the Space Age.

How much does LEGO NASA Apollo Saturn V cost in 2026?

In May 2026, the sealed NASA Apollo Saturn V is priced around £245 to £300.

How much does LEGO Tales of the Space Age cost in 2026?

The sealed Tales of the Space Age ranges between £95 and £130 in May 2026.

What is the difference between NASA Apollo Saturn V and Tales of the Space Age?

The NASA Apollo Saturn V has over 1,900 pieces and a longer build time, making it more complex. The Tales of the Space Age features fewer pieces (690) and quicker assembly.

Should I buy LEGO NASA Apollo Saturn V sealed or used?

Sealed copies are highly recommended for the NASA Apollo Saturn V due to its detailed stickers and printed elements. Used versions may lack these critical components, affecting the build’s authenticity.

Where can I buy LEGO NASA Apollo Saturn V or Tales of the Space Age sealed in the UK?

BuyMyBricks is your best option for both sets, offering verified seals and UK delivery with a 30-day return policy. Check eBay at your own risk; seal verification and seller feedback are crucial.

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