Ravensburger Big Ben - Night Edition 3D Jigsaw Puzzle

Product Review originally published at tssreviews.blog

Because of the identical technique involved in puzzle compilation it is sometimes difficult to convey anything new, but these 3D models, complete with display stand and LEDs bring a new dynamic to the table. The instructions are clear and are in diagrammatic form over 2 pages. The puzzle pieces are plastic, and are numbered on the reverse side. Sort pieces into numeric order. 216 pieces to fit together, altogether. Some pieces are pre-bent and hinged to obtain the angled structure. The main body consists of 132 pieces. The stand is square shaped and plastic, with lid made from heavy card and requires the fitting of 3 x AAA/LR03 batteries (not included). There are two lighting settings, this image shows the soft white light setting emanating from the base. There is a fluctuating colour setting. Colours fluctuate from a mix of the three primary colours and green, and purple too. The 4-way clock faced section consists of 35 pieces. The top section is the fiddliest and consists of 47 puzzle pieces

The adult tester took approx 1 1/2 hours to leisurely complete and rates it 7/10 as a level of difficulty (0 being easy to do, 10 being hard to do). The finished model stands 44 cm (17.3 inches) tall, the structure is very sturdy but the little plastic clips on the base have a tendency to fall off when you move to re position the model or when you try to change the light setting. Nevertheless, this offers more than just an activity to do, as it makes an attractive decorative centrepiece in evening settings when light from the LEDs glows from the ‘cracks’ which is very effective

The clock tower which houses Big Ben was first known as Elizabeth Tower and the clock itself was called the Great Clock. A London visitor who may be used to viewing landmark buildings elsewhere of a great height could well be a little underwhelmed because of its lack of visual dominance as an adjoin on the North end of the Houses of Parliament, but it is the sound that reverberates from Big Ben chiming which punctuates life in the capital, all day, every day, that is the special thing. However, Big Ben has fallen silent over London in recent times so that essential repairs can take place. This knowledge has injected factual interest to this editorial.

Big Ben at Night - Image Source Collective Vision

Above is a stunning image of the real thing in a night scene photograph! This fantastic shot of Big Ben was taken from one of the pods of the London Eye. Thank you to Collective Vision online for your permission to use it!