It be that time of year when the Classic Pirates start rounding up all the Chrismassy LEGO Pirate photos.

So, if you have suitable photos to share – let us know!

What We’re Looking For

Photos of LEGO Pirate (including sub-themes like Islanders, Imperial Guards, etc.) minifigs and builds given the festive treatment.

The Christmas haul from 2023 provides splendid examples, but to elaborate further…

Minfigure Photos

It could be a photo of a pirate minifig in Christmas attire…

“Merry Christmas shipmates, hope you all have a fantastic day” by First Mate Rummy

MOC Photos

Or it could be a photo of a build…

Fan Photos

Or it could be a photo of a treasured Christmas moment…

James Kirwin and his brother on Christmas 1989

Whatever it is it, the photo must contain LEGO Pirates at Christmas!

What Do Yer Think?

We’ll help you get yer LEGO Pirates Christmas content out there for the world to see!

Here be various places yer can post a photo…

• LEGO Pirates Forum
• Classic Pirates Facebook Group
• Classic Pirates Flickr Group

Or yer can share it via yer own social and tag @ClassicPirates on Instagram and Facebook.

We’re looking forward to seeing yer Christmas creativity!

Earlier in year the Classic Pirates quickly reported our Facebook Captain, PxChris, attended the 2024 Bricks Cascade to share his extraordinary LEGO Pirate Display.

We intended to provide full coverage but The Infamous Steve contest and 10355 The Endurance set our ship off course!

Months later, we’re finally back on course to unearth this magnificent media Chris captured with his collaborators.

PxChris and Classic Paul with Josh and John from Beyond the Brick at Bricks Cascade 2024.

pXChris Writes:

I was interviewed by Beyond the Brick for my complete Pirates Timeline display covering the full history of the LEGO Pirates theme from 1989 until today as displayed at the Bricks Cascade convention in Portland, Oregon!

I will have more to post about this fantastic display soon, but for now, please enjoy this great video that Beyond the Brick shot.

And without further ado….

BeyondTheBrick Interview

Joshua Hanlon of Beyond the Brick has a yarn with PxChris as he walks us through his magnificent LEGO Pirates collection displayed chronologically.

pXChris Writes:

Paul and I got interviewed by @beyondthebricktv today for our massive complete Pirates timeline display at Bricks Cascade, so that was exciting!

If yer can’t watch embedded videos, head over to YouTube.

The Classic Pirates Dig Deeper

Beyond the Brick conducted a mighty fine interview to be sure, but the Classic Pirates always keep digging for that bit extra.

So we bombarded the poor bugger heaps of questions…

How long does it take you to pack, transport, unpack and then setup that display at each convention?

PxChris responds:

Well, the packing process was spread out over a couple weeks. It took a total of 13 of the large/long bankers boxes, plus 1 regular sized box, and a number of additional containers to pack it all in.

Here is where things started:

Not all treasure chests be made from wood or contain gold!

PxChris continues:

The setup process took roughly 12 hours I would say in total, spread out over two days.

The display starts with Pirates and Soldiers sets released in 1989

How many Bricks Cascades have you presented this display at?

PxChris responds:

Technically this is the very first time I’ve done this display, at Bricks Cascade or at any other convention.

I had a quite different style of classic Pirates display at Bricks Cascade in 2022, which was of course brilliantly covered by a Classic-Pirates.com blog post.
But this was a very different style display with very different intents and purposes.

All the way to 10320 Eldorado Fortress and 21322 Barracuda Bay

PxChris continues:

The purpose of this Timeline display was to cover the entirety of the LEGO Pirates theme in all of it’s incarnations from the beginning in 1989 until the present day. So in it we covered the complete classic Pirates theme of 1989-1997, as well as the main two reboots in 2009 and 2015 in full, and the most modern reboot of what is currently ongoing at this present time (PoBB, the Eldorado Fortress remake, etc.). We also covered some of the many incarnations of Pirates outside of those main iterations with the Juniors Pirates of 2004, a token nod to the 2011 Pirates of the Caribbean, and the many “pirate-adjacent” items of the 2010s-2020s such as MetalBeard’s Sea Cow from TLM, the Ninjago Sky Pirates, Mixels Pyrratz, Creator Pirates, and Vidiyo Punk Pirate.

Metal Beard’s Sea Cow is “pirate adjacent”

What year did you start presenting?

PxChris responds:

I’ve been presenting at Bricks Cascade in some form or another since 2019 (making this my sixth year) although not always Pirates related displays. Last year I didn’t do anything related to Pirates (I did a huge Western display) and I certainly won’t touch on Pirates again at all next year. Probably not for a couple years again at least. We try to keep things fresh and interesting every year at the convention and don’t like to recycle concept very much.

PxChris’ display Bricks Cascade 2022 was a different kettle of fish

How has the display evolved over time? Is it the same every year? Or has it grown?

PxChris responds:

I first started going to Bricks Cascade as a public attendee on the public expo days in 2012 with my son. It took me until 2019 to finally make the jump over to attending the full convention as an AFOL attendee. I’ve attended every year since. I actually am more involved than ever as this year I was also a coordinator for our theme at the convention which is “Classics”. In the Classics section we focus on displaying and showcasing LEGO history and classic (which we loosely define as pre-2000) sets as well as classically-inspired MOCs.

I’m not a huge MOC builder (though I do dabble a little) so the Classic section is definitely where I feel most at home within the convention. Helping to showcase the awesomeness of classic LEGO (be it Pirates or other) is pretty awesome to me.

Look at all those pre-2000 sets

How did you get involved with Bricks Cascade?

PxChris responds:

My only advice to people who might be interested in participating in a LEGO convention, in any capacity, is to just put yourself out there and do it! My struggle (why it took me from 2012 until 2019 to make the jump) was always the feeling of not being “good enough” of a builder to participate. Frankly, that was just a huge bunch of B.S. and completely silly negative self-talk. It doesn’t matter what your supposed skill level is, just do it. Like I said, it was really important for me personally to find my “home” at the convention, which is in the Classics area, but whatever your interest is, you just need to do it. It doesn’t take some hugely elaborate MOC to be able to attend a convention and get a wonderful experience from it. I know lots and lots of people who only bring one or a few small MOCs, and some people who don’t even bring anything at all, just attend for the sake of community and hanging out with fellow AFOLs. In my experience, the LEGO community has always been incredibly friendly and inviting regardless of what type of a builder you are.

All those times classic LEGO Pirates returned

How long have you been building your collection for? Are there any sets in there from childhood? Or has the bulk of them been acquired since you’ve been an AFOL?

PxChris responds:

I started building my Pirates collection in true earnest in early 2020 with the repurchase of a couple of my childhood sets (6274 and 6276) from some vendors at Bricks Cascade that year. This was right before the pandemic started. 6276 Eldorado Fortress was incomplete, so I worked on piecing the rest of that one together and started buying more and more sets. As with so many other folks, I didn’t have a whole lot else going on during the pandemic, so ramping up the collecting was how I filled a lot of time. By the time that the 2022 Bricks Cascade convention came around my Pirates collection was pretty big, but certainly not complete. But I was able to that year display the 1989-91 range of sets, the 1994 Islanders, and a scattering of other sets (mostly ships) from the remainder of the run.

The Eldorado Fortress is now complete

PxChris continues:

I purchased the last set I needed to complete the classic Pirates theme in around July of 2022. So it took me a little under two and a half years to complete the collection.

I did have some Pirates sets as a kid for sure, with 6274 Caribbean Clipper and 6276 Eldorado Fortress being my firsts which were gifts from my mom and grandma. But I never had a huge collection of Pirates sets back then, I think in total I may have had about 6 or so. Other than some of the pieces and figs, they mostly did not survive intact into my adult years. So pretty much my entire collection now is sets that I acquired as an AFOL.

The collection includes tie-in media such as the Lady Bird Books and German Audio Adventures

And where have you sourced this collection from? A variety of sources? Or just an online market place like eBay?

PxChris responds:

I did acquire the sets from quite a variety of sources, Bricklink and eBay probably being the biggest two. However I also purchased sets off of Mercari, Facebook Marketplace, Bricks and Minifigs stores, other in-person vendors at LEGO conventions, and other locations as well. I also pieced together a few of the sets.

The Skulls Eye Schooner… the prefect set for The LEGO Group to remake next

More Videos

PxChris commands his own YouTube Channel upon which yer will discover more great LEGO Pirate content.

He offers a couple of his own 2024 Bricks Cascade videos:

What be Bricks Cascade?

It be more than just an event; it’s a community of passionate AFOLs who celebrate their shared love of LEGO®!

Bricks Cascade is more than just Pirates – other displays photographed by Chris Christian

Bricks Cascade is an annual gathering of LEGO® lovers in Portland, Oregon. It’s where landlubbers and scallywags alike unite to display their brick-built treasures, join in buildin’ contests, attend workshops, and partake in all sorts o’ shenanigans. Ye’ll find grand displays of cities, castles, space stations, and more. It’s a fine chance for fans of all ages to share their passion for LEGO® and be inspired by the creativity of others.

If ye be wantin’ more info, set yer course for BricksCascade.com or their social media: Facebook, Flickr, Instagram, Threads, X, YouTube and Discord.

Who be PxChris?

As captain of the Classic Pirates Facebook Group, PxChris maintains order and protects our community from the malevolent scourge of spam!

PxChris and his LEGO Pirates Timeline at Bricks Cascade, 2024

Chris B is an accomplished collector of Classic LEGO themes; along with official sets, he acquires interesting, and often rare promotional media and tie-in memorabilia, otherwise lost to the sea of time.

So don’t miss future classic discoveries by connecting with him upon Instagram and Flickr – it’s definitely worth yer effort!

His YouTube Channel also provides fantastic visual overviews of his various classic collections.

Did Yer Attend?

PxChris ain’t been the only Bricks Cascade attendee over the years – so we’d love to hear from those who’ve offered other piratey contributions.

Pirate MOCs at Bricks Cascade photographed by Chris Christian

If you attended Bricks Cascade 2024 or any recent LEGO conventions, and have exciting pirate tales or photos to share, hoist yer sails and head to the LEGO Pirates Forum and introduce yerself, or contact the Classic Pirates via the Contribute Form.

What Do Yer Think?

Are you as impressed with PxChris’ display as we are?

Do yer got an even more impressive LEGO Pirate collection?  (surely nay!)

What a glorious collection!

Be there other LEGO Pirate displays or LEGO fan conventions we should cover in the future?

Drop us a line in the LEGO Pirates Forum today!

If the carrier pigeon who delivers LEGO news not reached yer, we regret to inform 10320 Eldorado Fortress is retiring soon!

Now, some of yer probably don’t care!  Yer didn’t like the set so blah! Let it be gone!

Well, a fantastic aspect of LEGO is you’re not strictly locked into the design plastered over the box.

You can modify the structure to your salty heart’s content as you’re about to observe…

Creative Buggers!

There be no shortage of clever ways you can customise, modify, or expand 10320 Eldorado Fortress to suit yer esoteric desires.

Here be a small sampling of creative ingenuity…

Iragam’s Extension

Aye, the age old practice of building more on to an official LEGO set design.

Iragm has expanded Eldorado Fortress to include a Sabre Island, aesthetically designed to match the fortress’s contemporaneous style.

“Eldorado Fortress Expansion” by Iragm – even has building instructions

Iragam writes:

One of the best features of 10320 is that it’s modular — that is, it can be reconfigured to be displayed in different ways. This means we can create custom components that seamlessly connect with the fortress.

This expansion includes 3 examples. First, a remake a Sabre Island (6265) using similar design language to Eldorado Fortress, which can be added to the right side of the set.

Eldorado Fortress is just the beginning – imagine continuing along this trajectory to construct an entire harbour layout!

Ido Modifications

Extending the original layout is one option, making little tweaks and refinements is another.

Ido provides us with a complete video overview of such enhancements.

Ido writes:

I summarized my mods in a video. I think the video shows them more clearly than the pictures I posted earlier, plus I’ve made extra mods since then. Please excuse the camera work, I’m really not experienced in making videos. Enjoy!

Trikus 2nd Floor Upgrade

The office, once occupied by Governor Broadside, is an integral component of Eldorado Fortress.

Some fans felt the updated office wasn’t executed to its fullest potential and incorporated their own revisions.

The governor’s office – the most important room in the entire fortress

Fortunately Trikus offers us a solution which is available on ReBrickable.

Trikus writes:

The Eldorado Fortress set is fantastic, until you get to the 2nd floor of the main building. The office looks stunted. My MOC makes the office look better scaled […]  the original did have some living space for the Governor.

MightyThorngren’s Mods

MightyThorngren took a different approach to upgrading the officer.

MightyThorngren writes:

So I checked all my “extras”. I had enough spare parts to fix the walkway to nowhere near the Governor’s office, but not enough to make a wall and finish the tower behind the office.

I took cue from this thread and made it into a lookout.

But the modifications need not stop there…

MightyThorngren continues:

I’ve actually changed the Admiral’s office since my last post and I turned it into a war room. I want to tweak it more before showing though. However, I like new ladder situation a lot more.

Another significant feature of Eldorado Fortress is the crane which underwent a robust upgrade from the 1989 original.

MightyThorngren decided it could be improved even more…

MightyThorngren continues:

I just today changed the crane and absolutely love it. The new remake crane was way too large and imposing, not even giving a figure room to operate it. It was my least favorite part of the new remake set. I tried to fix all that and give the crane a classic look.

Filibboo’s Classic Colour Scheme

Some fans were disappointed to discover the new Eldorado Fortress deviated from the colour scheme of the original 1989 version.

Most notably the yellow brickwork beneath the front cannon had been substituted with white.

Filibboo decided to rectify that!

Filibboo writes:

I also decided to return to the 1989’s color scheme of the front cannon base. It’s worth it, in my opinion.
I ordered the replacement parts very early before I ordered the set itself!

Now, some folk may find this colour change trivial, buy devout fans immensely appreciate designs that remain as authentic as possible.

Capt.Dark.Shark’s Classic Colour Scheme

Filibboo was not the only AFOL who found it necessary to make this substitution.

Some fans insisted the cannon platform had to be yellow!

The second I saw this set I decided that having the white cannon turret was a mistake on lego’s part, so I ordered some yellow pieces once the instructions became available to the public. Shout out to @ace.of.bricks for being the only bricklink shop in the US that I could find at the time to have all of the pieces I needed.

TheOriginalVideono’s 2 X Combined

You could buy 10320 Eldorado Fortress purely for building purposes… or maybe two… or maybe even three…

TheOriginalVideono stitched two fortresses together for an even more imposing stronghold.

When asked if much modification was required…

TheOriginalVideono responded:

They actually fit together quite nicely! since the back of the governors office connects to the front in the “shelf-layout”, it means just connecting the two square fortress layouts via the same clips as the shelf layout. I may change the layout of the walls up there since it seems weird to section off the balcony in two.

The best part? I had about 5-6 people helping build while we marathoned Pirates of the Caribbean for the first film’s 20th anniversary. And yes, we were all dressed like pirates.

Building your Eldorado Fortress layout has potential to be a joyous social occasion – so buy a couple and invite yer maties around!

Darth Tool’s 2 X Combined

Your subsequent 10320 Eldorado Fortresses need not mirror the original, here be the opportunity to exercise creativity.

Darth Tool incorporate a few more modifications

Darth Tool writes:

With a slight mod to the office, a 10 min job really and minor alterations.

Bricksonville 2x Combined

YouTuber Bricksonville considered the original 10320 Eldorado Fortress “a bit too small” so he acquired a second copy to beef it up. A process which he considered easy thanks to the modular design.

Bricksonville writes:

I bought the new LEGO Eldorado Fortress set twice to build a bigger one. The result can be seen in this video.

Ich habe das neue LEGO Eldorado Fortress Set zweimal gekauft, um eine größere Festung zu bauen. Das Ergebnis ist in diesem Video zu sehen.

And, if yer unable to watch embedded videos, head over to YouTube.

Cearthenn’s Imperial Trading Post

Perhaps you fall into the camp of loathing the design of 10320 Eldorado Fortress!

Fortunately the set offers a plethora of useful elements which can be repurposed for entirely different builds.

An alternate build for Eldorado Fortress is actually the Imperial Trading Post

Cearthenn demonstrates by transforming the fortress into 6277 Imperial Trading Post, albeit with blue coat occupation.

Cearthenn writes:

Hello, I wanted to share my Imperial Trading Post remake from the new Eldorado Fortress and the island from PoBB.

This is my first adult MOC so as you can see I reused a lot of the design from Eldorado Fortress but adjusted it where it was needed/possible. I’m still reworking it and will probably add some islands since I have a lot of sand and stone left from PoBB, but this is the version that is the closest to the original. I had a lot of fun with it, I can definitely recommend this as an entry level MOC.

But don’t assume remastering official sets is mandatory!

Illumination

Third-party LED lighting kits are a popular customisation choice for many official LEGO sets and 10320 Eldorado Fortress is no exception!

Your Eldorado Fortress could light up like a Christmas tree

If yer keen to electrify Eldorado, merchants like LIGHTAILING, BrickBling or LocoLee can assist yer on Amazon.com.

BrickBling and LocoLee also have stores on eBay, along with Brick Shine.

The lights are on… and everybody is home!

Static images are all very well and good, but video brings build to life!

So here be a video with rousing music:

If the above video ain’t workin’, watch it onYouTube.

And if rousing music be annoying to yer, here’s a video with slightly less rousing music:

And should the above video not work, you know the drill.

Bricksonville 2x Combined with Lights!

YouTuber Bricksonville wasn’t content with combining two Eldorado Fortress sets so he upgraded some more, thanks to a lighting kit from Illuminate Your Bricks.

This configuration be more subdued compared to the previous examples, but perhaps better suited to those who’d rather avoid the glitz and glamour of a radiating Christmas tree.

And, if yer unable to watch embedded video, head over to YouTube.

What Do Yer Think?

Last Chance!

Aye, 10320 Eldorado Fortress is retiring at the end 2024!

Meaning The LEGO Group will cease to manufacture the set and it will vanish from retail, limiting its availability to extortionary high prices on the aftermarket.

Well, you wouldn’t want to miss out the classic fun, would you?

The exact date has not been officially announced, so let’s assume 10320 Eldorado Fortress is available while stock lasts.

Nonetheless, various fan sources state 31 December, 2024, so let’s use that as an unofficial deadline.

If you were considering buying one, yer better act now or it might be too late!

Yer Opinion

If time permits, we may dig even deeper into the treasure trove of Eldorado Fortress custom builds to explore some layouts and dioramas born of the set.

225

How many 10320 Elorado Fortresses did you buy?

Learn more about this set retiring soon

None

1

2

3 or more

Until then, swing by the LEGO Pirates Forum and let the Classic Pirates know how you’ve modified or used 10320 Eldorado Fortresses in your MOCing endeavours.

Or let us know if we’ve missed any noteworthy customisations you’ve seen floating around the interwebs.

LEGO Collectible Minifigures Series 27 races towards us with an anticipated release of 1 January, 2025  in most regions.

The highlight of this series be the Pirate Quartermaster – a female scallywag with a somewhat Romani vibe, accompanied by a cockatoo.

Pirate Quartermaster

Finally we have a vibrant female pirate design venturing into fresher waters!

Equipped with a cockatoo; an exotic bird to be sure, given they originate from Australia… but will offer an interesting backstory to explain how this feathered friend was acquired.

Let’s dance a jig for the cool new threads!

We also must praise the designers from navigating beyond the moulded tricone-ponytail piece, an element that’s persisted with the past three female minfigures (released independently of a set).

While all minfigs differ in torso design, they’re a bit similar from the head up.

Spot the similarities

Pirate Girl from series 20, and the pirate minifigs from 2022 and 2024 Build a Minifigure selections.

Some may argue that BAM figs don’t count because you can choose your minfigure components and accessories at LEGO store..

Not so! Some regions lack such stores and these minfigs must be ordered online in their default configuration.

But let’s not digress…

71048 Collectible Minifigure Series 27

Online retailer JB Spielwaren be the first to unveil the official Series 27 images.

Once again the series offers 12 new minifigure designs… since creating 16 minfigs is just not sustainable anymore.

This be the complete Series 27 lineup

The LEGO Group writes:

From the official Series 27 webpage:

Boys and girls aged 5 and up can play out thrilling adventures with 1 of 12 collectible figures from the LEGO® Minifigures Series 27 (71048) mystery boxes for kids. These detailed minifigures can be added to an existing collection, proudly displayed or used to create fun-filled stories.

Each minifig is blind bagged and will retail for $5.00 USD / 3,99 € / £3.49 / $5.99 CAD

Visit the official Series 27 webpage in LEGO.com for images of the other minifigs.

Please note these minfigures will be released at a later date in some regions so the official webpage may not be accessible to you.

If you’re receiving the “Oh Bricks” message, try viewing the US webpage.

Other Series 27 Minifigs

The series also includes:

• Bogeyman
• Wolfpack Beastmaster
• Steampunk Inventor
• Longboarder
• Plush Toy Collector
• Telescope Kid
• Cupid
• Jetpack Racer
• Hamster Costume Fan
• Crazy Cat Lover
• Pterodactyl Costume Fan

What Do Yer Think?

Will the Pirate Quatermaster be joining your crew along with her cockatoo?

Should that be Quartermistress?

What are yer thoughts of the new pirate minifigure?

Are the Series 27 offerings to yer liking?

Don’t miss the discussions taking place in the LEGO Pirates Forum, Classic Pirates Facebook Group or Classic Pirates Instagram.

The blackest of Fridays has finally arrived!

10335 The Endurance and 40729 Shackleton’s Lifeboat can now be yours!

LEGO’s 2024 Black Friday Weekend commences 12AM/00:00 your local time on November 29.

Plus there’s a shipload of other exclusives to discover…

Black Friday Sets

LEGO® Icons The Endurance (10335)

3011 Pieces

US$269.99 / £229.99 / €269.99 / AU $399.99 / CA $349.99 / SG $379.90

10335 The Endurance – available November 29

10335 The Endurance is available for purchase on LEGO.com from 00:00 your local time on November 29.

LEGO® Icons Shackleton’s Lifeboat (40729)

The accompanying Gift With Purchase, 40729 Shackleton’s Lifeboat is also available.

Redeem 40729 Shackleton’s Lifeboat as your Gift with Purchase

LEGO Insiders membership is required to redeem Gift With Purchase sets.

5009045 Chronometer

5009045 Chronometer is available to LEGO Insider members in select regions and can be redeemed for 2,400 Insider points.

5009045 Chronometer –  another Gift With Purchase

WIN 10335 The Endurance

It’s not to late if you haven’t entered the draw to WIN a 10335 The Endurance signed by the designer… or one of twenty $100 e-Gift cards.

Entries close 6 December.

The Endurance could be yours!

No points are required to enter and yer don’t need to purchase anything!

Completely FREE to enter!

LEGO® Black Friday Weekend Benefits

If yer don’t fancy any of the nautical offerings, a host of other exclusives await you on Black Friday Weekend.

5008897 Classic Space Tic Tac Toe

Classic Space fans be treated to a tic tac toe set, similar to 852750 Pirate Tic Tac Toe.

5008897 Tic Tac Toe – reinforcements for yer space crew

5008897 Tic Tac Toe can be redeemed for 2,400 points from November 29.

Creator 30670 Santa’s Sleigh Ride

If yer would prefer to get into the festive spirit.

30670 Santa’s Sleigh Ride – it’s not too early for Christmas, is it?

Cyber Monday Exclusive

To entice you back on Monday, December 2, The LEGO Group are offering a special gift, available with purchases of US$50 or above.

30658 Mobile Music Trailer and 30679 Venom Street Bike

You receive both 30658 Mobile Music Trailer and 30679 Venom Street Bike.

Only wanted one or the other?  Well too bad!  Just imagine the MOCing potential if you combine the two sets!

Only available 2 December, 2024.

More Gifts With Purchase

If you missed the reward sets for LEGO Insiders Weekend, they’re still available for the Black Friday Sale.

Creator 40700 Winter Holiday Train could be yours with purchases of US$170 or more.

Or if yer want to spend a little more, 40699 Retro Record Player is yours with purchases of US$270 or more.

WIN 1,000,000 Insider Points

Here’s yer chance to become a millionaire!

What would you redeem with 1 million Insider Points?

Enter the sweepstakes to WIN!

Even More Rewards

If none of those LEGO Insider Rewards are to yer liking, browse the entire rewards selection.

LEGO Insiders Membership

To redeem rewards and acquire exclusive Gift With Purchase sets, you must register a FREE LEGO Insiders membership.

Join LEGO Insiders* to redeem FREE LEGO sets

Membership also earns points for your LEGO.com purchases so become a LEGO Insider* NOW!

* official LEGO.com affiliate links provided for your convenience 

What Do Yer Think?

Will you be acquiring 10335 The Endurance and 40729 Shackleton’s Lifeboat?

Or be there other exclusives on Black Friday Weekend that catch yer eye?

Finally 10335 The Endurance and 40729 Shackleton’s Lifeboat  set sail!

Yer Opinion

What do yer think of the Black Friday Sale?  Has The Endurance been worth the wait?

180

Will you buy LEGO Icons 10335 Endurance Ship?

Learn more about the official set

Yes

No

Or be there other Black Friday exclusives yer would like to seize?

Let us know if The Endurance lives up to the hype in the LEGO Pirates Forum…

Buy, Redeem and WIN Stuff

The Black Friday Sale commences 12AM/00:00 your local time on November 29.

Check LEGO.com NOW so you don’t miss the exclusives! SAVE up to 40%

There be an exciting update!

We’ve discovered 6550800 Barracuda Seas will be available on LEGO Insiders Weekend commencing 12AM/00:00 your local time on November 23.

There be double points on LEGO Insiders Weekend

Plus a treasure trove of exclusive deals and benefits await LEGO Insider members!

So let’s dig into the deals…

6550800 Barracuda Seas

6550800 Barracuda Seas is available to LEGO Insider members for 2,400 Insider points, from 12AM/0:00 your local time on November 23.

Classic box art not included

If yer not a LEGO Insiders member, Register NOW or you won’t be able to redeem Barracuda Seas… or any of the other Reward sets.

Otherwise, Redeem one NOW before they’re all gone!

LEGO® Insiders Weekend Benefits

Barracuda Seas, is just the beginning!  Insider Members are eligible for a variety rewards and benefits.

WIN 10355 The Endurance

Enter for your chance to WIN a 10355 The Endurance signed by the designer, or one of twenty $100 e-Gift cards.

The Endurance could be yours!

No points are required to enter and yer don’t need to purchase anything!

Complete freebie!

WIN 1,000,000 Insider Points

Here’s yer chance to become a millionaire!

What would you redeem with 1 million Insider Points?

Enter the sweepstakes to WIN!

Double Points

It’s simple. Buy LEGO sets on LEGO.com and receive 200% more Points than usual!

Get EVEN more LEGO with double LEGO® Insiders points

The more yer spend, the more points yer earn, and the more discounts and free stuff yer can Redeem!

So Shop Now and redeem yer points in your LEGO Insiders Rewards Centre for Insiders Weekend.

More Gifts With Purchase

If you’re not thrilled by Barracuda Seas there be plenty more reward sets to choose from!

Creator 40700 Winter Holiday Train and 40699 Retro Record Player are also featured as Insider Weekend Reward deals.

But they’re just the tip of the iceberg for the Rewards yer can claim!

This is just a sample of the Rewards that await yer

So browse the Rewards section of your LEGO Insiders Center and redeem a reward that yer heart truly desires…

Please be aware that rewards may vary / not be available in your region.

LEGO Insiders is Members Only!

If you’re not a LEGO Insider Member, yer don’t get nuffin!

Join LEGO Insiders* to receive discounts and FREE LEGO sets

So register a free membership for access to Double Points and exclusive Gift with Purchase LEGO sets… discounts… and sweepstakes!

Really, it’s just an extension of your regular LEGO.com account.

* official LEGO.com affiliate links provided for your convenience 

What Do Yer Think?

If yer wondering where to buy 10355 The Endurance and 40729 Shackleton’s Lifeboat, these will sail into the harbour on Black Friday which is 29 November.

So check back next week.

Are yer ready for LEGO Insiders Weekend?

Yer Opinion

What do yer think of LEGO Insiders Weekend?  Is Barracuda Seas enticing enough?  What about the chance to WIN 10355 The Endurance or 1,000,000 Insider Points?

Or be there other rewards yer would like to seize?

Tell us!  Let us know how future Insider Weekends could be even better in the LEGO Pirates Forum…

Buy, Redeem and WIN Stuff

LEGO Insiders Weekend commences 12AM/00:00 your local time on November 23.

So check your LEGO Insider Member Center RIGHT NOW to see if the fun has started in your region!

The review phase for the BrickLink Designer Program Series 6 submissions has concluded and the finalists have been announced.

From the official Series 6 webpage:

Our five Series 6 finalists!

These designs are chosen for Crowdfunding on October 6th, 2025 at 8 AM Pacific time.

So who might these finalists be?

The Finalist Designs

In no particular order…

“Sequoia Tree Trail” by Piece_On_Earth

“The Art Factory” by Brickster

“Gold Mine Expedition” by Brickproject

“Off-road Adventure” by KingCreations

“Outlaw Forest Den” by Brickhammer

Oh blast!  None of the pirate submissions were selected!

The Good News

Pirates may have been marooned during Series 6 but we still have Brick Designer sets to look forward to.

Ominious Isle from Series 2 is shipping during late 2024 so your pre-orders should be fulfilled soon… if they haven’t been already.

Yer did pre-order, right?

“The Thieves of Tortuga” by Krackenator

The Thieves of Tortuga from Series 5 will enter Crowdfunding during June 2025 so set aside yer plundered hard earned gold.

If we expect more pirate-themed designs to pass review, we must ensure its profitable for Bricklink!

318

Would you buy "The Thieves of Tortuga"?

Learn more about the upcoming set

Yes absolutely!

I'm undecided

Never!

Pre-order The Pirates of Tortuga so you can pressgang Captain Ogel into yer LEGO Pirates collection.

Bonus Video

We’d have done well to share this video during the Crowd Support phase, but do due to insufficient bloggers there wasn’t enough time to squeeze it in!

“All Lego Pirate Sets from BrickLink Series 6” by Stud-Lord

Stud-Lord on YouTube compiled a video overview of all the Series 6 submissions.

Better late than dead in the water, as they say, but the video well worth a viewing.

You can also find Stud Lord on Instagram.

And if yer unable to watch embedded videos, watch it directly on YouTube.

339

Do yer have a general interest in Pirate-themed BrickLink Sets?

Yes, absolutely!

Maybe, depends on the set

No, I will never buy one

What Do Yer Think?

Are all Series 6 finalists worthy of their selection?  Or be there a pirate-themed design that should have claimed a Crowd Funding positions?

Will yer pre-order any of the Series 6 finalists? Or spend all yer money on  The Thieves of Tortuga?

It’s time to weigh anchor and let us know yer thoughts on the Series 6 finalists in the LEGO Pirates Forum!

A slew of pirate themed sets have been announced as LEGO Insiders rewards!

First came 5008945 Treasure Chest on 31 October, 2024. Then during the official livestream reveal of the much anticipated 10355 The Endurance, two more piratey exclusive were announced for a Black Friday release.

6550800 Barracuda Seas and 5009045 Chronometer will be available from the 29 November, 2024.

5008945 Treasure Chest

5008945 Treasure Chest contains 154 pieces and is expected to be available to LEGO Insiders members sometime during November, 2024.

This chest holds a secret!

The set can be redeemed for 2400 Insider points and includes a instruction manual featuring a vibrantly decorated cover.

The chest measures 8cm/3.15in long, 5cm/2in wide and 6cm/2.35in high.

But it ain’t no suitcase!

It’s near impenetrable – a steel pipe is included to break it open

The lid includes a hinge, allowing it open and close; and legend has it, there is even a secret compartment… somewhere.

Imagine seeking this chest for years, wrenching it from the ground, only to discover it’s empty… but yer can still hear treasure rattling around on the inside!

Dig into the official 5008945 Treasure Chest webpage on LEGO.com or grab one on eBay.

6550800 Barracuda Seas

Much creativity and ingenuity was injected into the name of this micro-build homage to 6285 Black Seas Barracuda, scheduled for release on Black Friday, 2024 LEGO Insiders Weekend which commences November 23.

Named to avoid confusion with its big brother, Brick Beard’s Bounty

6550800 Barracuda Seas contains 148 pieces and will be offered as a free Gift With Purchase which LEGO Insider members can redeem for 2,400 Insider points.

In the tradition of 70413 The Brick Bounty and 7075 Captain Redbeard’s Pirate Ship, Barracuda Seas is yet another brown hulled ship sporting red and white striped sails.

Unlike its predecessors, this diminutive vessel includes an ornate base bearing an eponymously labelled plaque.

At the time of writing 6550800 Barracuda Seas lacks a page on LEGO.com, but an image is included on the US 5009045 Chronometer page (only accessible to Insider Members).

6550800 Barracuda Seas now has its own webpage on LEGO.com (still only accessible to Insider Members) and will be available on LEGO Insiders Weekend starting November 23.

5009045 Chronometer

Before satellites with GPS capability existed, sailors utilised sextants, then later chronometers were invented; and now these wondrous devices will be available in LEGO form on Black Friday.

Now yer build yer own time and space device

5009045 Chronometer contains 150 pieces and like Barracuda Seas, is a Gift With Purchase available to LEGO Insider members for 2,400 Insider points.

Another brick-built wooden box with an opening lid, only this one contains a chronometer; a highly accurate timekeeping instrument, often used  to determine longitude by means of celestial navigation.

The dial of destiny

Presumably designed to complement LEGO Icons 10355 The Endurance, released upon the same day… although this chronometer won’t fit on the ship’s deck!

At the time of writing, the 5009045 Chronometer is only available in select regions on LEGO.com… plus Insider Membership is required to access the webpage.

LEGO Insiders?

In case you’re unaware, LEGO has an official VIP rewards program known as LEGO Insiders.

After registering free membership you’re awarded points for LEGO.com purchases and granted access to exclusive Gift with Purchase LEGO sets.

Join LEGO Insiders* to receive discounts and FREE LEGO sets

Points can be redeemed for generous discounts or FREE Gift with Purchase sets like those mentioned above, or past sets like 40597 Scary Pirate Island and 40595 Tribute to Galileo Galilei.

So to take advantage of these benefits and register as a LEGO Insider* NOW so yer don’t miss discounts and free stuff!

* official LEGO.com affiliate links provided for your convenience 

What Do Yer Think?

Yer Opinion

If Shackelton’s Lifeboat hasn’t made you squeal in delight, do any of these Gift With Purchases make you tingle with excitement?

LEGO Insider Gift With Purchase sets for November 2024

Join the exciting discussion in the LEGO Pirates Forum and let us know whether these sets are to yer liking… or disliking…

Buy Them

Like 10355 The Endurance and 40729 Shackleton’s Lifeboat, these Gift With Purchases will be available for Black Friday on 29 November, 2024.

We’ve setup a timer to keep track…

But in the mean time, make sure yer registered for LEGO Insiders.

UPDATE 29/11/24

40729 Shackleton’s Lifeboat and 10355 The Endurance have been released so get them while stock lasts!

The Black Friday Weekend Sale offers up to 40% discount on the best LEGO sets!

So as you’d expect, stock is selling fast!

The Endurance has been officially announced released so now we have the details and photos for 40729 Shackleton’s Lifeboat, a Gift With Purchase set to coincide with the larger ship.

You won’t be needing a custom Shackleton minifig after all

Shackleton’s Lifeboat contains 232 pieces, set measures 15cm/6in high, 17cm/7in long and 6 cm/2.5 in wide, and includes 2 minifigures.

Aye, that’s right – this set is minifigure scale!

Read on for more details on Shackleton’s Lifeboat or learn about the LEGO Black Friday Sale Weekend with up to 40% off.

LEGO.com

The official photos for 40729 Shackleton’s Lifeboat have been released.

The Gift With Purchase set includes two minifigures depicting Sir Ernest Shackleton and Frank Hurley.

From the official 40729 Shackleton’s Lifeboat webpage on LEGO.com:

Step into the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration with this LEGO® Icons Shackleton’s Lifeboat (40729) model boat kit for adults. Enjoy a mindful experience as you recreate the legendary lifeboat salvaged from the icebound ship Endurance to navigate treacherous Antarctic terrain, ultimately leading to the rescue of the ship’s entire crew. This set includes captain Sir Ernest Shackleton and photographer Frank Hurley minifigures, plus accessories including a camera, stove, oars and a sleigh.

LEGO® Icons 10335 The Endurance

If you haven’t been following the rumour mill, yer best read up on the much larger set, 10355 The Endurance which will be released to coincide with Shackleton’s Lifeboat.

Based on a historic ship which outdid the Titanic’s effort in running into ice

Shackleton’s Lifeboat is also known as the James Caird boat, here be a Historical Overview if you wish to dive into the history.

Specifications

And update Imperial Guard set, 1872 Soldiers Forge

Here be further details for 40729 Shackleton’s Lifeboat:

A model ship kit for adults – Celebrate the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration with this LEGO® Icons Shackleton’s Lifeboat building set.

A LEGO® gift idea for adults – Give this Shackleton’s Lifeboat construction set as a Christmas or any-day gift for history-lovers and fans of famous ships.

The Specifics

• Price: While free, the set is valued at $38.99 / £21.99 / 24,99€ / AU 38.$99 / CA $32.99 / SG $36.30
• Pieces: 232
• Measurements: over 15 cm (6 in.) high, 17 cm (7 in.) long and 6 cm (2.5 in.) wide
• Set Includes: All the pieces required to build a LEGO® version of Shackleton’s lifeboat, complete with Sir Ernest Shackleton and Frank Hurley minifigures
• Features and functions:
  • Top of the boat can be removed to allow access to interior
  • Sleigh attachment to convert the boat to “ice-travel” mode.
• Minifig accessories:  camera with tripod, stove, sleigh, 2 oars, supplies crate, 2 pickaxes, a shovel, sextant and ice axe.

What Do Yer Think?

Yer Opinion

What be yer thoughts on 40729 Shackleton’s Lifeboat?

Is a minifigure scale set more appealing?  Could it be modded into a small Imperial ship for Governor Broadside?

Would you select it as a gift while purchasing a set other than The Endurance?

Don’t think these guys will fit on 10355 The Endurance

If you’ve ventured this far and haven’t read our 10355 The Endurance announcement, yer better do that right now!

Then yer next stop is the LEGO Pirates Forum or Facebook Post comments to impart yer thoughts on both The Endurance and Shackleton’s Lifeboat.

Black Friday Sale Weekend

10355 The Endurance and 40729 Shackleton’s Lifeboat are available from 29 November, 2024.

The Black Friday Weekend Sale offers up to 40% discount on the best LEGO sets!

Sale ends December 3 and sets are selling fast!

Finally!  We have the official confirmation of the release of 10335 Endurance Ship.

10335 The Endurance will retail for US$269.99 / £229.99 / €269.99 / AU $399.99 / CA $349.99 / SG$379.90, contain 3011 pieces and be released on 29 November, 2024 under the LEGO Icons line.

Read on for more details on The Endurance or learn about the LEGO Black Friday Sale.

It started as a rumour back in May 2024, with more fuel sprinkled on the fire during July, and now The LEGO Group has made their official announcement with loads of glorious photos…

LEGO.com

LEGO® Icons The Endurance (10335)

High resolution, official images were made available on LEGO.com on November 7.

Even without pirates it makes the perfect display piece!

10335 The Endurance now has an official webpage on LEGO.com:

Celebrate the legendary journey of the Endurance Sailing Ship with this authentic LEGO model. At over 30 in. (80 cm) long, this set honors Captain Shackleton’s historic Antarctic expedition, featuring lifeboats, cloth sails, and a display stand with an information plaque. It’s perfect for adult enthusiasts of history and exploration, blending detailed craftsmanship with a timeless story of resilience. This set is launching on 29/11 and will retail for €269.99/£229.99.

LEGO® Icons Shackleton’s Lifeboat (40729) GWP

Images of the 40729 Shackleton’s Lifeboat  James Caird boat have surfaced, but we’ll explore that further in another blog post.

The Gift With Purchase is minifig scale

 Your Gift With Purchase of the LEGO® Icons The Endurance. LEGO Insiders membership required. 29/11-2/12 while supplies last

Design

Much to the chagrin of some fans, the ship is micro scale and does not include a single minifigure.

Well, at least it has material sails

It’s very much a display model akin to 10294 LEGO® Titanic than a classic LEGO set, complete with a brick-built wooden stand for shelf display.

180

Will you buy LEGO Icons 10335 Endurance Ship?

Learn more about the official set

Yes

No

The inclusion of material sails, rigging, ratlines and even a Red Ensign flag are perhaps redeeming factors, but are they enough to entice the devout “classically piratey” fans to purchase?

A red ensign flag could be useful…

The hold… a great place to stash booty… oh wait!

The deck is loaded with detail and includes four life boats to enable your custom Shackleton minifig to survive… although he might be a tad large to sail aboard a micro scale ship.

This ISN’T a Pirate Ship

Nay, The Endurance was active during the early twentieth century, a far cry from the Golden Age of Piracy of the 16th and 17th centuries.

It must be such a hard job posing with LEGO sets

Nonetheless, tall ships of any era hold great interest for LEGO Pirates fans, so the Classic Pirates have been tracking these rumours for their benefit.

Perhaps The Endurance is not the ship some hoped for, but the set may offer plenty of relevant parts for the perfect pirate or imperial ship… especially those material sails.

The History

The Endurance is based on a real ship and there be quite a tale behind her!

The ship’s historic details are acknowledged in a special plaque piece

For those not familiar with The Endurance and Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legendary quest, here be a brief Historical Overview with all the vital details:

2024 Documentary

To satiate the appetite of history buffs who yearn every morsel of knowledge, National Geographic released a documentary featuring The Endurance on 1 November, 2024.

Complete with audio and video clips recorded during the historic voyage, this doco chronicles The Endurance’s voyage, demise and modern rediscovery.

Official Synopsis

In a legendary feat of leadership and perseverance, polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton kept his crew of 27 men alive for over a year despite the loss of their ship in frigid pack ice. Over a century later, a team of modern-day explorers sets out to find the sunken ship. From National Geographic Documentary Films and directed by Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin and Natalie Hewit, ENDURANCE tells the inspiring stories of these two landmark expeditions, bound by their shared grit and determination.

If yer unable to watch embedded videos, be sure to view the trailer on YouTube.

What Do Yer Think?

Yer Opinion

Is 10335 The Endurance Ship all that yer hoped for? Or is this set a hard pass for you?

She got bogged in the ice!

Check out the 10335 The Endurance on LEGO.com and let us know yer thoughts on the new ship in the LEGO Pirates Forum or Facebook Post comments.

Buy It

Not so fast! 10335 The Endurance and 40729 Shackleton’s Lifeboat are Coming Soon and will be available for purchase from 29 November, 2024.

During 2023 early rumours began swirling around the Internet about an upcoming remake of the Classic LEGO Pirates set, 6278 Eldorado Fortress.

Some LEGO Pirates fan refused to believe this could be true.  While others grew extremely excited and awaited further details with great anticipation.

And then came the official announcement, dispelling all doubts.

But like all products, 10320 Eldorado Fortress has a production cycle, and that cycle is expected to end late 2024. I.e. SOON!

Here’s what we know…

When will 10320 Eldorado Fortress Disappear?

Let’s assume as far as LEGO.com and retail stores are concerned, it will be available while stock lasts.

How much stock remains is anybody’s guess; so Eldorado Fortress may not disappear over night, but typically the price of retired LEGO sets sky rocket on the aftermarket (eBay, Amazon, BrickLink) very quickly!

This is the situation on eBay as of November 2024

So what’s available on retail store shelves may be purchased for future resale at a significantly higher price.

Four sets deep on the top shelf – November 2024

And the further into retirement LEGO sets venture, the higher their price becomes.  So you could easily be paying 200-300% for a MISB copy in the near future.

How Do We Know?

The LEGO Group doesn’t officially announce the exact date when sets will be discontinued, but they do offer a LEGO Sets Retiring section on LEGO.com.

Other LEGO fan sites specify 31 December, 2024 as a potential deadline, but let’s assume that’s arbitrary rather than official.

This is just a screenshot – take a look on LEGO.com for yerself

If we take a moment to browse the Sets Retiring Soon section on LEGO.com, you’ll observe 10320 Eldorado Fortress is right there in the first row!

So it’s definitely slated to end production in the near future, if production hasn’t ceased already and The LEGO Group are just clearing out their inventory.

Pick A Brick

January 2025 Update

It very much depends upon the region as to whether blue coat parts are available.

Australia for example still has torsos, flags, governor’s bicorns, etc.

While in the United States these appear to be gone until further notice. Maybe forever!

So maybe switch yer LEGO.com region to a neighbouring country and see what the situation is there.

DECEMBER 2024 UPDATE

The blue coat Governor and Soldier torsos have returned to Pick A Brick!

Curious as to why they’d vanished when this Blog Post was published, but along with the Soldier Flag, they’re back.

For how long, nobody knows.  They could be gone again tomorrow!

So BUY UP NOW!

Availability may vary depending upon your region.

November  2024 Statement

Next, if we browse Pick A Brick, we observe the blue coat Governor and Soldier torsos have disappeared into the wind!

No more blue coat army building via Pick A Brick

Yet, at the time of writing, the Governor’s bicorne hat and shako are still available – but let’s assume this won’t be the case for much longer…

Unless they remain because Imperial Guards are on the horizon…  but don’t get your hopes up!

BrickLink Designer Program

During September 2024 we unfortunately discovered that the BrickLink Designer Program Series 6 palette no longer offers the blue coat Soldier parts.

No more Soldier torsos, hats and flags… all Soldier parts are gone!

Fewer Pirate Parts Available in BrickLink Design Studio?

As these parts are no longer circulating, this may indicate blue coat Soldiers are entering indefinite hiatus; so fans hoping for a 6274 Caribbean Clipper remake are plumb out of luck!

But you don’t have to miss out completely… Scrap for 10320 for parts and minifigs!

Have you bought a 10320 Eldorado Fortress?

While the remake generated a vast amount of excitement, it didn’t lack of heated criticism either.

After all, remaking a classic LEGO set is an extremely bold venture because fan expectations often fly through the roof.

Even Governor Broadside has one!

Because no matter how well executed a set is, the The LEGO Group cannot emulate your childhood from three decades ago… simply because you’re no longer that child and the world has moved on.

At the very best, they can release a product that evokes sufficient nostalgia to subdue your adult reality for a momentary respite.

225

How many 10320 Elorado Fortresses did you buy?

Learn more about this set retiring soon

None

1

2

3 or more

Maybe the design was a deterrent and you refrained from buying one. But hey, this is LEGO – you can tweak the fortress to your satisfaction.

So now is your last chance to consider… least you face the dreaded FOMO…

What Do Yer Think?

Yer Opinion

Did 10320 Eldorado Fortress hit the mark?  Or was it so atrocious you can’t wait to see it disappear over the horizon?

Or have yer reconsidered and decided to acquire one at the last minute to avoid Fear of Missing Out?

A FREE cutter with every fortress!

In the future we shall explore some fan mods and other design possibilities for this set.

But in the meantime, tell us how many 10320 Eldorado Fortresses you did (or did not) purchase in the LEGO Pirates Forum.

Unofficial Countdown

Again, let’s assume that 10320 Eldorado Fortress will be available while stock lasts; meaning it could vanish at any moment!

But based on fan sources, let’s use 31 December, 2024 as an unofficial deadline.

So if you were considering buying one, yer better act now or it might be too late!

The Infamous Steve Contest tasked entrants to expand the story of Steve, and offered suggestions to inspire builds…

Where does Steve come from?  Are there more merchants who use the same insignia on their flags and sails? Do these merchant also have ships?
Larger ships than Steve?

Elephant Knight rose to the challenge with “The Merchant Vessel Margaret Hamilton”; a plump merchantman capturing that classic LEGO set vibe, complete with trademark cross-cannon insignias, woven into the tan sails.

The build hit the mark with voters, earning him third place winner of Large Building Category.

Now, let’s find out why…

Sailing right towards us with those glorious custom sails

Elephant Knight writes:

I thought that the name “Margaret Hamilton” was very piratey sounding when I saw that tile. Hence, the name of the ship. I have also been wanting to try out the clip and tubing thing for a ship’s stern for while.

Spot all the techniques Elephant Knight used…

Elephant Knight continues:

I didn’t have plans to build this at the beginning at all, but I got inspired by a ship recently posted on the forums. This ship has a few firsts for me, like using curved slopes for the hulls, and a new technique for making the sails. even the way the stern is constructed, with the clips on the tubing, is a first for me.

Custom Sails

A distinctive feature of Steve’s “Cutter“, beyond the fact it’s the only official ship in the LEGO Pirates theme with a brick-built hull, were its tan sails with unique insignia.

Have a gander at the Who Is Steve? article if yer not familiar with The Cutter.

Custom fabric sails add that aura of authenticity because it brings the build closer to those official ships we know and love.

The insignia also helps to differentiate these Merchants from the similarly tanned sailed Imperial Guards.

Elephant Knight continues:

The sails are cloth. They are stiffened up by using a mixture of gesso, water, and paint(For the colour.) I put four layers of this concoction on. I found the recipe on a topic here on this forum from like, 10 years ago or something. Once they are stiffened up, I cut it into paper sized sheets, and run it through my regular Ink-jet printer. The results are fantastic, in my opinion. I will have to tinker with the amount and colours of paint. This is my first attempt, and it’s pretty good, but I definitely want to be able to match the original Imperial Flagship’s sails

The Decks

From weighing anchor to steering the ship, this is where the action happens!

Elephant Knight has not skimped on the details either, incorporating lanterns, a capstan and jolly boats into the build.

Now let’s go down a level…

And all good ships have a crew…

Here be the crew, complete with original Steve minfig

The Backstory

Steve didn’t always have command of his cutter.

Steve’s cutter sails along along side the Margaret Hamilton

After an unfortunate incident, which involved some noodles, somehow he was stripped of his command and sent to serve aboard the Margaret Hamilton.

The Merchant fleet – they bare the insignia but we still don’t know where they originate from

He quickly found the captain was a tyrant to his crew, and arrogant to boot.

Steve jumped ship as soon as he was able and quickly found himself a home aboard the Skull’s Eye Schooner.

The Infamous Steve Contest

2023’s Return of the Classic Pirates contest was a rip-roaring success, so the Classic Pirates followed up with the Infamous Steve contest during mid 2024.

As per usual, the LEGO Pirates Forum at Eurobricks was utilised to accept a wondrous array of contest entries.

Elephant Knight selected 60441 Space Explorers Pack

The mission was to submit a build that expanded upon the backstory of Steve, one of the most unique and undeveloped minifigure characters in the entire LEGO Pirates canon.

Third place winner of the Large Building Category was awarded a LEGO set of their choosing, valued at 35€, or around $50 Canadian dollars in Elephant Knight’s local currency.

The Infamous Steve Contest

Many fantastic entries were submitted to the Infamous Steve Contest – which entries do you like the most?

About the Builder…

Elephant Knight (or Gerard) has constructed many impressive ships throughout the ages, many of which he’s shared in the LEGO Pirates Forum – and we’re very thankful for it!

But he definitely ain’t a one trick elephant! His Flickr Photostream is loaded with pleasing creations from a variety themes; Town, Space, Castle, Bionicle… and even Aquazone!

And if you’re not familiar with the output of Elephant Knight’s ship foundry, we highly recommend you set your sights upon the HMS Midway, HMS White Card and the Crossed Bones Clipper.

What Do Yer Think?

Is the Margaret Hamilton a worthy continuation of the aesthetic defined by Steve’s Cutter?  Or would you have approached it differently?

Margaret Hamilton, mother of Steve’s Cutter

The contest may be long over but the discussion for the Margaret Hamilton continues in the LEGO Pirates Forum.

And it’s never too late to congratulate Elephant Knight for his third place victory!

BrickLink Designer Program Series 6 has entered its Crowd Support phase so we hope you’ve already pledged yer support.

In other words, voted for ALL the pirate-themed submissions!

But maybe yer don’t have time to support every single one of them, so the Classic Pirates would like to bring one particular submission to your attention.

“Tapu Island” by Marooned Marin, which also happens to be the first place winner of the 2024 Infamous Steve Contest.

Marooned Marin writes:

Welcome to Tapu Island!

After being rejected on LEGO Ideas, since Islander’s Island overlaps with prohibited Pirates Bay/Ship Island concept (although I’m not sure how in this case) I decided to give Tapu Island a run in the upcoming Bricklink Designer Program – Series 6.

Unlike LEGO Ideas, BDP-program comes with somewhat strict framework regarding the parts and minifigures used. In a nutshell, designers are allowed to use only parts and minifigures which are in production, or will be in the near future.

BrickLink Designer Program Series 6 Version

With Open Submission for Series 6 commencing weeks after the conclusion of the Infamous Steve Contest, Marin decided to repurpose Tapu Island for a new audience.

This is the part where you spot the differences

But modifications were undertaken to comply with the BrickLink Designer Program’s requirements.

Marooned Marin continues:

In my case this means: no Islander minifigures, no Pirates minifigures, no cloth sails! Besides that I was required to replace some plates and bricks which do exists now but their production, in that particular colour, came to an end. For instance, wedge plate in medium azure I needed to change to regular square plate etc…

Not to go any deeper in that matter, you can read more about parts and BDP-series inside this blog-post on Classic-Pirates.com.

Now with new and improved modules

Two islands for the price of one!

Marooned Marin continues:

Thanks to the modular approach, rearrange the sections in a different way and get two islands instead of one. Other ways of reconfiguration possible!

Discover the sacred altar, jail cell, and treasure, waterfall with the secret entrance to the hidden cave, two wannabe pirates and three cursed skeletons to inspire action-packed stories.

The most significant change is the new minifig lineup – the Indigo Islanders are gone!

The flames burn brighter in this version

It’s so much fun on the inside! With the undead marching straight towards you…

Changes For BrickLink

• The Islander outrigger canoe has been replaced with a the with plastic because cloth  isn’t available in the BrickLink Designer palette.
• Two two characters have been introduced, Lighthouse keeper Steve – the Infamous Steve’s great great grandson, and Willy (Lighthouse keeper Steve’s grandson).
• An additional 50 pages added to the comic detailing the newer version of the island and characters.
• The apparition has been transformed into a black skeleton but remains as the villain of the story.

Video Overview

2D images are never enough! Marin provides us with a full, 360 degree animation of the island.

And if yer unable to watch embedded videos, give it a play on YouTube.

128

Do you consider BrickLink Designer Program Sets as OFFICIAL LEGO Sets?

Learn more about BrickLink Designer Sets

Yes

No

The Backstory

​​​​​​​​Having read the scary Pirate story, about the local “allegedly cursed” island, a grandpa and his grandson indulge in a harmless pirate role-play on the very same island – now turned into a “Pirate” tourist attraction. All the fun and play came to an end when a violent storm broke out and forced two wannabe pirates to take shelter in a dark and perilous island’s cave. Little did they know that the curse was not merely a kid’s bedtime story, but a real thing!

Editorial Note

Now, in an ideal world, we would have published a blog post covering the original, contest version of Tapu Island first.

Unfortunately the schedule of the BrickLink Designer Program hasn’t aligned with the capacity of the Classic Pirates Blogging Team.

So we’ve publised the BrickLink version of Tapu Island ahead of the original contest version to ensure it coordinates with the Series 6 Crowd Support phase.

Not to worry!  A blog post covering the contest version is already in the pipeline.

About the Builder…

Marooned Marin is based in Dubrovnik, Croatia, a town with old world charm and stunning coastal vistas which happen to include a gigantic fortress… or two.

Marin has to put up with this awful view everyday

If you’d like to connect with Marin, follow him on Instagram and you’ll be treated to beautiful photography of his recent builds, plus a Work In Progress images so you may gaze upon what’s sailing over the horizon. Or if you prefer imagery larger, follow him on Flickr, or rob browse his BrickSafe.

And if yer like watching things, subscribe to his YouTube Channel where yer will discover animated overviews of his most prestigious builds.

What Do Yer Think?

Could yer see Tapu Island as part of yer LEGO Pirates collection?

Support Tapu Island NOW!

Have Yer Voted?

You have until 18 October, 2024 to vote for as many submissions as yer please. So support all the pirate designs!

Aye, take advantage of this official opportunity to inform The LEGO Group you want more LEGO Pirate sets, in whatever form they be!

Then it’s off to the LEGO Pirates Forum to discuss Tapu Island and the other pirate submissions yer voted for…