The winners of the official “If we could turn back time” LEGO Ideas Challenge have been announced!

The objective was to build a creation seeping in nostalgia, based on a classic 80s film or TV show.

After Idea Intake closed on 9 April 2024, an Expert Review was conducted to select five entries for Crowd Voting, allowing AFOLs to select their favourite entry.

Entries which progressed to the Crowd Voting phase have the opportunity to enter production as a LEGO Ideas set… so one day, you may be able to purchase them!

However, there’s one entry in particular we’d like to bring to the attention of LEGO Pirate fans…

“The Goonies (1985)” by Delusion Brick

Delusion Brick is renown for his superb digital builds, both original concepts and retro-inspired creations; many of which have been submitted to LEGO Ideas.

The Classic Pirates have a particular fondness for his Seagull Bay Lighthouse Imperial Fortress which has enjoyed a revitalised life through the BrickLink Designer Program in recent years.

Like most LEGO Ideas submissions the final product may be vastly different to the original submission

The Goonies (1985) is the first of two challenge winners announced on 14 August, 2024 via the LEGO Ideas Blog.

Updates

In the time since this article was written there have been a couple of updates…

A closer inspection of the build by Delusion Brick:

“The Goonies (1985)” by Delusion Brick

And… an informal update with alleged details of the set release.

21363 The Goonies – Price, Part Count and Release date

The Film

If you’re not familiar with the 1985 Goonies film here be it in a nutshell;

A group of teenagers discover a treasure map and embark on a quest to uncover the treasure of the notorious pirate, One Eye Willy.

Spoiler alert!

“Hey You Guuuys! (The Goonies)” by Mark Davies, British Artist

During the film’s climax they discover Willy’s treasure laden ship, The Inferno, deep inside a system of booby trapped caverns. However, during the final confrontation with the film’s villains, they unwittingly free The Inferno from its earthly bounds, causing it to sail off into the great blue yonder with most of the treasure.

The LEGO Ideas Submission

Delusion Brick depicts The Inferno as more of a wreckage with broken masts, but if yer recall the film (or the above painting), then yer know this wasn’t actually the case.

But more on that later…

And if you turn the build around…

Key scenes from the movie are depicted as vignettes in the caverns

Not only do we get The Inferno ship, but cavern system as well, complete with vignettes depicting key scenes throughout the movie.

Ok, so the wishing well isn’t there, but the cut octopus is.

Builder Vaggelis Ntezes of Delusion Brick thanks fans via Instagram.

The LEGO Ideas Team writes:

Meet the winning models

First up, let us offer a big congratulations as we set sail for an epic adventure with The Goonies (1985) by Delusion Brick. Capturing all those on-screen moments from booby traps to the legendry ship of One-eyed Willy. This model depicts the entire ‘Goonies’ adventure in one well-thought-out model.

Gremlins fans will be pleased to know a brick-built Gizmo by terauma claimed the second winning position; however, the Classic Pirates do not advise taking mogwais onboard yer ship for fear they may fall overboard… just imagine the result!

If we could turn back time Challenge

This was an official LEGO Ideas challenge held between March 5 and August 16, 2024.

This was the graphic used to invoke nostalgia

The LEGO Ideas Team writes:

We’re talking leg warmers and big hair: this challenge is all about the 80s!

Regardless of if you were around in the 80s or not, there are so many iconic TV shows and films from that era. With a huge amount of nostalgia and the chance to become a LEGO Ideas Fan Designer, could you build submissions that celebrate these shows and films using good old LEGO bricks?

There must be a retro show or film you love from that era that inspires you. A cult classic, something from your childhood, or an old-school action-packed adventure!

They were “blown away” by the amazing 292 submissions ranging from Bob Ross and the Blues Brothers to Inspector Gadget and Garfield.

Other LEGO Ideas Goonies Creations

Not to steal Delusion Brick’s thunder, but his entry be not the only Goonies creation submitted in the challenge… and the other entries have sails!

“The Goonies” by TangTaizong

“The Goonies” by BrickStability

In fact, this isn’t the first time Goonies themed builds have been submitted to LEGO Ideas.

“The Goonies 30th Anniversary – The Inferno” by Lyonsblood

Back in 2013 Lyonsblood submitted a build named The Goonies 30th Anniversary – The Inferno to LEGO Ideas when it was still known as CUUSOO.

While the submission succeeded in attracting 10,000 supporters, the LEGO Review Board decided “we will not produce this project as a set.”

Well darn – they must have decided that due to lack of sails!

LEGO Dimensions Video Game

This isn’t even the first time The Inferno has been officially released in a LEGO set.

The LEGO Group acquired the rights to produce Goonies related products as far back as 2015, and released a Goonies inspired Level Pack for the LEGO Dimensions Video Game which also included physical builds.

And down in the bottom left you’ll find…

Included with the physical component, was an official mini build version of The Inferno named “One-Eyed Willy’s Pirate Ship“, which also includes sails.

The Goonies opens up many possibilities for pirate-themed creations

As the “If we could turn back time Challenge” has demonstrated, fans are still enthusiastic for a more substantial LEGO set based on The Inferno.

Nonetheless, you may still be able to procure the LEGO Dimensions version on eBay.

What Do Yer Think?

Are you a fan of 1985 The Goonies movie? Would yer buy an official LEGO set based on The Inferno?

565

Does an official LEGO set based on the "Inferno Ship" from The Goonies Interest you?

Learn more about the upcoming set

Yes absolutely!

I'm undecided

Not at all

And how do yer think the official set will turn out?

If you’ve watched the film, you may have spied sails on The Inferno

Ah yes, the Classic Pirates keep going on about the sails!

A question that weighs heavily upon the minds of LEGO Pirate fans is whether an upcoming ship will have material sails!

Delusion Brick’s interpretation seems to omit these vital instruments of propulsion, maybe through a limitation of the design software to render fabric, or perhaps a creative liberty to better facilitate the features at the rear.

During the final scene The Inferno is freed and sets sail

But for many AFOLs, material sails are very much an influencing purchase factor – what do you think?

Could we see a finished set that allows The Inferno to sail in all its glory?

Imagine the play possibilities!  You could build scenes depicting One-Eyed Willy’s adventures long before The Inferno was incarcerated in stone.

Let yer thoughts be known about an official LEGO set based on the Inferno Ship in the LEGO Pirates Forum.

2023’s Return of the Classic Pirates Contest attracted many fine entries, but there was one Entry in particular that commanded the audiences’ attention!

Kritch whipped up a neat little creation named “King Kahuka’s Outrigger Boat” for the Mini Building Category.

This simple, yet effective build of an Indigo Islander set concept stole the hearts and minds of Voters.

But would it surprise you that he almost didn’t enter this creation in the Contest?

Kritch writes:

“An entry to the category 1 of the Mini Set competition. It uses 44 pieces. Although thinking about it now it’s probably not very classic in its styling. I should have made it red, but I didn’t have the right pieces. I’ll leave it here anyway”

His mind was filled doubt!  Didn’t think it was the right style…  Didn’t think it had the right colours. Only had one photo… Didn’t think anyone would Vote for it…

But do yer know what?

“King Kahuka’s Outrigger Boat” by Kritch

“King Kahuka’s Outrigger Boat” WON First Place!

Despite the builder’s doubts, Kritch’s petite build was immensely popular among Voters, who flocked to it like ravenous gulls.

Consequentially, Kritch WON a 35€ LEGO set of his choice.

Imagine what would have happened if he’d decided not to submit his Entry!

Have YOU Entered the Infamous Steve Contest?

2024’s Infamous Steve Contest is drawing to a Close on August 17, and unlike the Return of the Classic Pirates Contest, this one offers THREE Prizes for the Small Building Category.

Aye, this time there’s Prizes for the First, Second and Third Place WINNERS!

Here be the Prizes for the Infamous Steve Building Categories.

We’re not looking a grandiose masterpiece!

You don’t need to spend hours on a Small Entry.

Just 15-30 minutes will do.

Aim to build a small creation around 50 Pieces… and if you go over that limit, no problemo!  This time there’s a 200 Piece limit for the Small Building Category meaning there’s plenty of wiggle room if you want to add accessories.

An example of an Entry without any minifigures or even minifigure scale

You don’t need to include the Steve minifig, or even build at minifigure scale.

Build digitally, or use Duplo, Technic, Friends, 4+, Fabuland… whatever you like as long as it’s authentic LEGO!

What Do Yer Think?

Are yer gonna sit on the sidelines?

Or will you set aside a wee amount of time to build a wee entry?

As Kritch has demonstrated, just because you’re not happy with your creation, it doesn’t mean Voters will feel the same.

You could surprise yourself and WIN!

The August 17 deadline is fast approaching! Submit a Build NOW!

TIME IS RUNNING OUT!

Entries Close on August 17.

So don’t miss YER chance! Visit the LEGO Pirates Forum right now and get involved!

The Infamous Steve Contest is officially drawing to a close!

This is your last chance to submit an Entry or two and WIN Prizes!

Entries can contain as little as 25 Pieces or as many Pieces as you like.

Entries close 23:59 on 17 August, 2024

Prizes

After Entries Close we’ll be Voting for the Winners!

We have TWO Grand Prizes!

The 1st Place Winner of the Large Building Category and best performing Creative Critic is a LEGO Set of your choice to the value of 215€.

We have two Grand Prizes worth 215€ – you get choose the LEGO Set!

You may choose any set from your local LEGO.com which is of equal or lesser value to 10320 Eldorado Fortress.

Large Building Category

There are also Second and Third place Prizes!

Submit a large Build containing more than 200 Pieces

• 2nd Place receives a 70€ Prize
• 3rd Place receives a 35€ Prize

Learn more about these Prizes.

Small Building Category

This year the Small Category offers three prizes

Submit a quick Build between 25 and 200 Pieces

• 1st Place receives a 50€ Prize
• 2nd Place receives a 35€ Prize
• 3rd Place receives a 20€ Prize

Learn more about these Prizes.

What Would You Like to Do?

What Do Yer Think?

Are you prepared to miss out on the fun? And the Prizes too?

Of course not!

Sail by the LEGO Pirates Forum and get amongst it!

Choose your preferred sets from LEGO.com

Entries close 23:59 on 17 August, 2024

Building Entrants:

Last chance to submit a Building Entry or two!

Creative Critics:

Last chance to to leave feedback on Building Entries!

After Entries Close for the Infamous Steve Contest on 17 August, 2024 there will be a two week Voting Period in which we’ll select the Winners for the end of contest prizes.

We’re also holding a Draw for everyone who Votes.

And if you Vote for both the Building Entry Winners and Creative Critic, you receive TWO opportunities to WIN a $25 LEGO Set of your choice.

Anyone can Vote, regardless of whether they entered the Contest.

However, to ensure Voting integrity we have some requirements for Voters…

The Prize Draw

It be quite simple…  Vote for the Building Entries and receive a Ticket for the Voting Draw…

Vote for the Creative Critic and receive another Ticket for the Voting Draw…

So you may receive a maximum of TWO Tickets.

Steve will spin the wheel and if your number comes up, you WIN a LEGO set!

Then, after Voting has Closed, we’ll draw a Ticket at random.

If your Ticket Number is drawn, you WIN a $25 LEGO Set of your choice!

The Requirements

To deter the same person from registering multiple accounts to Vote this is what we’ve devised:

1) Your Eurobricks Account must be Registered Prior to 18 August, 2024

So if you don’t currently have an account, please register one now.

Ensure your Eurobricks account has been registered before Entries Close on August 17

2) A Minimum of 10 Posts

Registering an account is a simple enough, so we’re imposing a minimum Post Count to ensure Voters commit to the same account.

Steve spends 10 minutes ensuring he has enough valid Posts

3) Your posts must be at least one sentence long

Perfect spelling and grammar is not required, but you must attempt to write a complete sentence for each of your Posts.

Short Posts like this will get your Votes invalidated

So we will be disqualifying Votes from accounts filled with Posts that are:

• A few short words
• Only emojis
• Images without supporting text

To obtain your 10 Posts, we suggest you respond to the Building Entry Topics since these are the creations you’ll be Voting for.

The Exception

So you got here after Voting began on August 18?

How quickly can you accumulate 30 Posts at least one sentence long?

Steve is thankful that his account had 10 valid Posts prior to August 18

Well, if you can accumulate 30 Posts prior to Close of Voting on August 31 you may Vote and WIN Prizes in the Voting Draws.

But only after you’ve accumulated those 30 Posts.

So Register a Eurobricks account RIGHT NOW and reply to Building Entry Topics like you’ve never Replied before!

How can I accumulate enough Posts before the Voting starts?

To gain your Posts you may:

1. Reply to Building Entry Topics – this is the best option!
2. Practice posting in the practice topic.
3. Introduce yourself in the Hello… my name is forum
4. Respond to the existing topics in the LEGO Pirates, Pirate MOC forum or Brethren of the Brick Seas Forum.
5. Reply to the Infamous Steve FAQ topic

But remember: your Posts must be at least one sentence long to be eligible for the Voting Draws and your Votes to be valid.

What Do Yer Think?

Which Entries will yer be Voting for?

Are yer eyeing any candidates as potential Winners?

Would WINNING a $25 LEGO Set provide an incentive to Vote?

And remember! Both the Challenges and Entries Close on August 17.

So don’t miss out! Visit the LEGO Pirates Forum right now and get involved!

The next round of Challenges have begun!

The Objective is simple:
Reply to Building Entry Topics in the LEGO Pirates MOC Forum and WIN Prizes!

But to ensure yer sail leagues ahead of yer competitors, the Classic Pirates have put together some cutting edge advice.

Prizes

Of course there is an incentive for you to participate…

More opportunities to WIN than ever before – here’s the booty you’re competing for:

Round 2 has EIGHT opportunities to WIN Prizes!

Select your Prize value and then select the LEGO set you’d like to WIN!

Be sure to read the complete details for winning Prizes in Round 2.

The Advice

We assume you’ve already read The Rules, so let’s dive into the advice…

The aim is to write conversational Replies to Building Entry Topics, not lengthy one-sided reviews like an art critic.

Perfect Spelling and Grammar NOT required

We want to open these Challenges to as many LEGO Pirate fans as possible so you’re not assessed on the accuracy of your spelling and grammar.

This isn’t an exam so just do your best

But if you’re a literary genius, don’t hold back!  Dazzle us with your prose and creative writing skills.

Replies Must Be At Least TWO Complete Sentences

We are looking for considered responses rather than quick, superficial Replies.

Extremely short Replies will be not be counted

To ensure Participants are engaging in discussion with each other, Replies must be a minimum of two sentences.

There is NO Requirement to Write an Entire Review or Analysis

But this doesn’t mean go to the other extreme and write a hundreds of words in a single Reply!

If you have a lot to say, spread it out over multiple Replies

Remember; this is meant be a friendly conversation between Participants so don’t overwhelm others with excessively long Posts!

Just focus on one aspect of the Discussion at a time and then…

Give Other Participants the Opportunity to Respond

We’re aiming for friendly discussion between Participants, so after you’ve Replied, allow others to Reply back.

For illustrative purposes the Replies are 1 Sentence.
But in the Challenges you’re required to write 2 Sentence Replies

In the above image, observe how Broadside acknowledges what Steve wrote and then requests feedback for further improvement.

In his next reply, Steve would impart an idea or two, and then await Broadside’s thoughts on his suggestions.

Don’t Double Post in the same Building Entry Topic

This is more of a Rule than advice.

While you can Reply in the same Building Topic more than once, just ensure another Participant has posted since you’re previous Reply.

Don’t keep Replying in the same Entry Topic until someone else Replies

This Rule is to prevent Participants from spam Posting to artificially inflate their Reply Count.

Imagine if someone made 25 consecutive Replies in a single Entry Topic and won a Prize!

Quote or Tag the Building Entrants

This tip is a surefire way to get ahead!

Just like Social Media you can Quote or Tag someone to get their attention… and when someone knows you’ve Replied to them, they’re more likely to Reply back.

Interact directly with other Participants to keep the conversation flowing smoothly

When you Quote or Tag another Participant, they will receive a notification alerting them to your Reply.

Have a Friendly Discussion!

Replying to Building Entry Topics should be a fun and friendly exchange, but if it feels like homework, you’re doing it wrong!

Admiral Woodhouse and Steve converse like two old chums

Interact with other Participants like they’re old friends who you’re genuinely conversing with.

Bounce ideas back and forth…  give each other compliments… or at the very least, thank one another for taking the time to Reply.

Can I Enter the Challenges for BOTH Critics and Building Entrants?

YES you can!

And you can WIN a Prize in both Challenges providing you’ve:

• Submitted at least one Building Entry.
• Registered as a Creative Critic

So you can potentially claim TWO Prizes of the 8 newly announced Prizes.

What Do Yer Think?

Are you ready to WIN?

Browse the Entries Index or submit a Building Entry and get the conversation flowing!

It’s a race to the Prizes – are you going to let someone beat you?

And remember! Both Challenges and the Entries Close on August 17.

The next round of Challenges have begun!

The Objective is simple:

Reply to Building Entry Topics in the LEGO Pirates MOC Forum and WIN Prizes!

• Creative Critics
  Provide feedback to Building Entrants for improving their creations.
  Browse the Entries Index
• Building Entrants
  Engage with the Creative Critics and get the most out of them!
  Submit a Building Entry

But above all, have a fun and friendly discussion… while WINNING Prizes!

Prizes

More opportunities to WIN than ever before – here’s the booty you’re competing for:

Round 2 has EIGHT opportunities to WIN Prizes!

Select your Prize value and then the LEGO set you’d like to WIN!

Be sure to read the complete details for winning Prizes in Round 2.

The Rules

There are three simple rules to live by:

Fairly simple, right?

1. Only Replies from August 3 onward will be counted.
2. No Double Posting in the same Building Entry Topic.
3. Replies must be at least TWO Sentences.

If you require elaboration on those rules, we’ve got you covered…

What Do Yer Think?

The race has begun – will you get to the Prizes first?

Submit another Building Entry or Browse the Entries Index and get the conversation flowing!

DON’T MISS OUT! 8 MORE Prizes are up for grab and all you need to do is Reply!

And remember! The Challenges and Entries Close on August 17.

Update 7/11/2024

LEGO® Icons 10335 The Endurance has been officially announced by The LEGO Group so be sure to get all the details.

The hull has sprung another leak!

The Classic Pirates have some new potential details for the 2024 Black Friday exclusive set, 10335 Endurance Polarship.

Here’s what we’ve learned…

The New Details

The eagle-eyed among ye will have noticed a slight deviation in the name from Endurance Ship to Endurance Polarship.

Guess The LEGO Group wants the world know this ship is as far removed from the tropical Caribbean waters as yer can get!

The Endurance – best served on ice

But the real nugget of information is the set will have 3,011 Pieces.

Meaning it will contain almost twice the Part Count of 10210 Imperial Flagship, the largest ship in the LEGO Pirates theme which clocks in at 1,664 Pieces.

But as with any rumour, these details are liable to change or disappear completely!

Gift With Purchase

The Endurance Polarship will be accompanied by a Gift With Purchase, baring set number 40729 and containing 232 Pieces, and two minifigures.

The Gift With Purchase is rumoured to be inspired by the  James Caird boat

This set is speculated to be inspired by the James Caird, the boat launched by Sir Ernest Shackleton to obtain rescue for the crew of the Endurance.

Many historians regard this voyage in a 6.9 metre (22.5-foot) ship’s boat as one of the greatest small-boat journey ever completed.

Where Did These Rumours Emerge?

10335  Endurance Polarship

Our matey BrickClicker on YouTube be the one who plucked these details from the shadowy abyss.

Here be the video from which the alleged information was sourced:

So all cease and desist notices credit and acknowledgements should be sent BrickClicker’s way

And if yer unable to watch embedded videos, here be a link to YouTube.

40729 James Caird Boat

Details of the daring rescue boat came via Brick Tap.

This be the image floating around the interwebs

And once again the Classic Pirates must remind this information should be treated as a rumour which may eventuate to nothing! Or maybe it’s part of The LEGO Group’s cunning marketing strategy to drip feed information to AFOL communities to generate hype surrounding an upcoming release.

Who knows? We will discover the outcome in November!

But This ISN’T a Pirate Ship!

Aye, the Classic Pirates hear yer! It isn’t an Imperial ship, nor a merchant ship, nor a ship directly related to the LEGO Pirates theme.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End sailed into icy waters – so too can your LEGO Pirates!

Nonetheless, some pirates and LEGO history enthusiasts be very excited for such a release so we’re providing coverage for their benefit.

And who knows… with a few slight modifications it might make a perfect pirate or imperial ship!

And if yer unfamiliar with The Endurance, we’ve prepared a Historical Overview to bring yer up to speed:

What Do Yer Think?

10335 The Endurance Polarship is expected to retail for US$259.99 / £219.99 / €259.99 and be released on 29 November, 2024 under the LEGO Icons line.

Imagine this wooden model made from LEGO – photo credited to Seacraft Gallery

Is The Endurance Polarship a “yay”, or “nay”, or “I just may” for yer?

Let us know yer thoughts on the new ship in the LEGO Pirates Forum or Facebook Post comments.

UPDATE 11 JULY, 2024

All the Critic Prizes have been claimed!

Get ready!

Prepare for a HUMONGOUS Contest finale with EIGHT more opportunities to WIN Prizes on top of the Prizes we’ve already announced.

Here’s what you need to know…

The next round of Challenges commences at 00:00 on 3 August and ends on 17 August, 2024 when Entries close.

The New Challenges commence in:

Prizes

Winning Prizes is as simple as replying to Building Entry Topics.

This time we’re introducing a Tier Structure of increasing Prize Value.

So you decide which Prize you’re aiming for.

Choose your Tier and then choose which LEGO Set you want to WIN!

Tier 1: 4 Opportunities to WIN a 25€ Set for 25 Replies

Tier 2: 2 Opportunities to WIN a 50€ Set for 50 Replies

Tier 3: 2 Opportunities to WIN a 100€ Set for 100 Replies

Here’s how it works…

When you reach 25 Replies (Tier 1 Objective) you may claim a 25€ Set, or…

You get to choose your difficulty level

You can leave that Prize for someone else and work your way to a 50€ Set (Tier 2 Objective), or…

Continue all the way to 100 Replies! (Tier 3 Objective)

Once a Prize has been claimed it’s off the board!

The Challenges

As with Round #1, there will be TWO different Challenges; one for Building Entrants and another for Creative Critics.

The Prizes have been split 50/50 between the two Challenges.

Building Entrants

The first Building Entrant to write Replies to one of their Building Entry Topics and meet their preferred Tier Objective will WIN a LEGO set of their choice.

Is anyone bold enough to attempt to attract 100 Replies to their Building Entry Topic?

Be sure to read the Building Entrant Strategic Advice to blitz the competition!

Creative Critic

The first Creative Critic to write Replies on Building Entry Topics and meet their preferred Tier Objective will WIN a LEGO set of their choice.

The Tier 3 100€ Prize averages to 7 Posts per day for 14 days

Don’t miss the Creative Critic Strategic Advice stay light years ahead of yer rivals!

The Rules

Here be three simple Rules to follow…

Read on if you require elaboration on those rules…

1. Only Replies from August 3 onward will be counted

To ensure all Participants are starting equally, only Replies from 00:00 on August 3 will be included in your Reply Totals.

2. No Double Posting in the same Building Entry Topic

Double Posting means two or more consecutive Posts by the same Author in the same Building Topic.

This prevents Participants from spamming to increase their Reply Count

But yes, you can Post in the same Building Topic more than once, just ensure another Participant has posted since you’re previous Post.

3. Replies Must be at least TWO Sentences

The bar has been raised!

While perfect spelling and grammar is not required, your Replies must be at least two full sentences.

So short Replies like:

Your MOC looks good! Fantastic entry!

Or

Great!🔥💯👍

Will not count towards your Reply Total.

Can I Enter the Challenges for BOTH Critics and Building Entrants?

YES you can!

And you can WIN a Prize in both Challenges providing you’ve:

• Submitted at least one Building Entry.
• Registered as a Creative Critic

So you can potentially claim TWO Prizes of the 8 newly announced Prizes.

Can I Still WIN Prizes through Voting at the End of the Contest?

YES you can!

We’ll still be holding traditional Voting at the end of the Contest to determine the Winners… so this means more Prizes!

And these are just the Prizes for the Winners of the Building Categories

Even if you WIN Prizes during the Challenges, you can still WIN more Prizes at the end of the Contest.

Here are further Prize Winning opportunities:

• Being Voted as a WINNER of the Small Building Category
• Being Voted as a WINNER of the Large building Category
• Being Voted as the WINNER of the Creative Critic.
• Winning a Draw for Voting for the WINNERS

So that’s FIVE more Prizes opportunities you can potentially WIN on top of the Round 2 Challenge Prizes.

What Do Yer Think?

Submit another quick Building Entry and Register as a Creative Critic because the FINALE is gonna be WILD!

Not sure about something?  Got an idea? Ask questions and provide feedback in the Infamous Steve FAQ.

8 More Prize WINNING opportunities coming your way!

New Challenges commence in:

Get prepared!  Building Entrants:

Creative Critics:

It’s been well advertised including the titular minifigure in your Building Entries is not a requirement.

Nonetheless, the lack of an official Steve minifigure may deter some from entering… so let’s put those concerns to rest!

The Contest rules firmly state including the Steve minifigure or Cutter Ship is not mandatory so this is merely a creative challenge for you to overcome.

But if you’re dead in the water and need guidance, the Classic Pirates will help you move forward…

What Do the Rules Say?

The rules are pretty lenient, actually…

Including the Steve minifigure is NOT mandatory, nor is including The Cutter ship.

Steve can depicted at any age, wearing any clothes… on any ship or location around the world… maybe when he’s older he has a grey beard… or no beard at all…

Your Entry could also be focused on a supporting character or without any minifigures at all!

For example; a mini build, a maxi figure, a mosaic portrait, etc.

Given Steve isn’t required to look identical to the classic minifigure, you’ve been afforded plenty of creative freedom.

What’s more, Steve’s appearance varied in official media.

Steve’s appearance has never been set in stone, not even in the official artwork

For example; in the Skulls Eye Schooner box art, he dons an eye patch and bicorne with Jolly Roger insignia – a vastly different visage from what we observe in the artwork associated with the The Imperial Trading Post.

Be sure to read the Who IS Steve? article so you may witness this evolution and perhaps gain some inspiration towards how you may approach Steve without a Steve minifigure.

But if yer still stuck, read on…

Build Steve from Similar Parts

For some, this is a given…  This is LEGO after all, and builders have been updating classic minifigures with modern parts ever since modern parts have existed to update them with!

Here’s a selection of contest Entries which have substituted various Steve parts

The rules also state that Steve can be depicted at any age, so naturally we should expect him to appear differently during other phases of his life.

Steve as a young lad on the left… and an old codger on the right

Browse the Entries Index to observe how other Participants have incorporated Steve into their Entries without the official minifigure.

Build Steve Digitally

It just so happens BrickLink Studio has all the parts necessary to assemble a classic Steve, but you may use whatever software yer please.

An assortment of digital Steves entered into the Contest

So if you have digital designer skills, this could be a convenient way to overcome a lack a physical parts.

Build an Entry Without Minifigures

This may be an outrageous suggestion but you don’t have to include minifigures in your Building Entry!

There be plenty of creative solutions to ensure your entries remain compelling without populating them with little LEGO people!

Mini and Micro Builds

The Classic Pirates keep stressing you don’t need to spend a vast amount of time building gigantic Entries for this Contest!

Dynamic building duo, 13 year old Sydney and her father, SevenDeadlyStreamers show us how its done with their “Mini Imperial Trading Post“.

The minimum Part Count is 25 Pieces so your Micro Build could be smaller this 156 Piece Build

An entire LEGO Set is quite an ambitious feat, just The Cutter ship alone would suffice providing you used at least 25 Pieces.

But Sydney was even more ambitious… after submitting their initial build, SevenDeadlyStreamers devised an ingenious solution for incorporating minfigs into their Micro Scale creation.

Decals and stickers are another method you can incorporate Steve into your builds

Sydney constructed the minfigs in BrickLink Studio and then SevenDeadlyStreamers converted them into decals before applying them to 1×1 translucent bricks.

Pretty clever, huh?

Sydney has already won a 25€ LEGO Set Prize for this Entry and deserves to WIN more prizes – unless you wish to rise to the challenge and demonstrate some ingenuity!

Maxi Figures

Instead, you could go in the opposite direction and build a gigantic Steve maxi-figure!

LEGO House 40504 A Minifigure Tribute released in 2023

During 2023, the Captain Redbeard minifigure was re-imagined and reconstructed as a maxi-figure for a LEGO House Exclusive set, 40504 A Minifigure Tribute.

So how do yer fancy building a Steve maxi-figure?  And if you should happen to possess the Captain Redbeard tribute, perhaps yer could borrow the face to create a larger than life Pirate Steve!

Mosaics

In recent times The LEGO Group has expanded the format of LEGO Sets to compass a wider variety of building styles and artistic forms.

Mosaics by nature are an obvious choice; tiling smaller pieces to compose a larger, two dimensional picture.

Official set 76271 Batman: The Animated Series Gotham City™ mosaic

The LEGO Art range has given us everything from the Milky Way, to the Mona Lisa to Batman to The Beatles, but not one pirate!

Leave it to the fans to innovate!

You don’t have to depict Steve in three dimensions

Above are a couple of LEGO Mosaics by intrepid builders; “Lego Mosaic Jack Sparrow” by Dave Ware and “Classic Lego Pirate” by Matt and Libby Shailer of PerthLUG.

Now, how could you give Steve the same treatment?

But don’t limit yourself to Mosaics, perhaps there be other art styles yer could lend yer hand to…

Focus on Other Characters

Steve is not the only character in Steve’s story…  who’s that stripey sailor seen onboard The Cutter with Steve?

Who be this? How did he come to sail with Steve? What happened to him after Steve became a pirate?

What happened at the Imperial Trading Post after Steve joined the Skulls Eye Schooner crew? Did Admiral Woodhouse miss him?

And what of the storyline exploring the blue coat Soldiers commandeering The Cutter and re-stationing it Eldorado Fortress?

What Do Yer Think?

Are yer bold enough to tackle an Infamous Steve Entry without the Steve minifigure?

We have TWO Grand Prizes; Sets of your choice to the value of $215/215€

Or are yer gonna sit on the sidelines and let someone else WIN the Prizes – all because you don’t have a particular minifig?

What kind of wretch does that?  Not YOU – so get building!

Awarding two Prizes for the Small Building Category just didn’t seem enough!

So we’re introducing a NEW Prize for the First Place Winner around the $50/50€ price point.

That means the 35€ Prize now will be awarded to the Second Place Winner and the 20€ Prize awarded to the Third Place Winner.

Updated Prize Pool for Small Building Category – Winners choose sets from LEGO.com

With THREE opportunities to WIN you’d be CRAZY not to set aside 20 minutes to put a quick Build together!

Tell Me More!

The Small Building Category enables you to submit a pint-sized Entry that won’t disrupt your busy schedule.

Here’s a sample of the Small Entries – what can you come up with?

A quick and easy creation is all you need:

• Builds containing as little as 25 Pieces!
• You may Submit up to THREE Small Entries.
  
• You don’t need to include the Steve minifig.

So starting building – put a nifty little creation together over the weekend…

And if you have kids, get them involved!

TWO Grand Prizes!

We’ll also be awarding TWO 215€ Prizes, one for the best performing Creative Critic and another for First Place Winner of the Large Building Category.

If you don’t want 10320 Eldorado Fortress choose something else!

Aye, like all our Prizes, yer may choose any set from your local LEGO.com of equal or lesser value to 10320 Eldorado Fortress.

The Large Building Category also offers a 70€ Prize* for Second Place and a 35€ Prize* for Third Place.

* or equivalent value in your local currency.

Well, just don’t stare at the screen – start building!

What Do Yer Think?

If you WON a $50 Prize by submitting a quick build (or two), which LEGO sets would you choose?

Choose any set around the $50/50€ price point on LEGO.com – here are some suggestions

To become inspired, acquaint yerself with Steve and then set aside 20 minutes to make the magic happen!

Whoa!  What a narrow victory!

The Winner of the First to 25 Small Builder Challenge was a joint effort between father and daughter…

But they only just scraped over the finish line thanks to the shenanigans of another Building Entrant…

And the Winner is…

Sydney… and her Father, SevenDeadlyStreamers!

Bonus points if you caught the 2000 Olympics reference.

13 year old Sydney teamed up with her father, SevenDeadlyStreamers to create a Micro Build of 6277 Imperial Trading Post – the set in which introduced Steve into the LEGO Pirates theme.

Notably their entry demonstrates:

• You’re certainly not limited to a particular building style.
• The Steve minifigure is not required!

“Mini Imperial Trading Post” by Sydney and SevenDeadlyStreamers

Above is an updated build which utilises custom stickers on 1×1 transparent bricks to depict the minifigures; however, their initial submission was just the Mini Build alone, without any minifig bricks.

SevenDeadlyStreamers writes:

My daughter, Sydney, wanted to join in on the fun, so I will enter her build first! She is 13 and likes to build mini and micro size MOCs. This one should be easily recognizable. It is a mini version of the Imperial Trading Post (set 6277) where the Infamous Steve made his debut!

The Classic Pirates encourage building with your children so the love of LEGO Pirates is shared with future generations.

In fact, that’s why we’ve allowed up to 3 Entries per Building Category, so you may submit a build of your own, and another created by your children… or younger relative… or cat.

The Prize

Sydney, who is based in Canada, was awarded a 25€ LEGO Prize.

Sydney with 31136 Exotic Parrot

Sydney selected 31136 Exotic Parrot which retails for 24.99€ or $39.99 CAD, so we hope she’ll build Steve a fine parrot!

Why Sydney and SevenDeadlyStreamers Won

As to be expected; Entry Topics submitted during the outset were slower to attract Replies as Participants gradually became aware of the Contest.

SevenDeadlyStreamers conscientiously responded to Replies in the Mini Imperial Trading Post Entry Topic during this initial phase, but it wasn’t until the Challenge Deadline was announced that engagement took a massive leap forward.

BrynnOfCastlegate could have claimed the Prize but committed self-sabotage!

BrynnOfCastlegate began eyeing the 25€ LEGO Prize and was determined to usurp the family team! She increased responding to those Replying to her International Society of Steve Entry Topic and rapidly closed the distance on the Mini Imperial Trading Post.

Victory was in sight!  But then she made a somewhat curious decision…

Brynn decided it would be amusing to simultaneously submit the 25th Reply to both Entry Topics, and then let the LEGO Pirate Forum Crew determine who achieved the Objective first.

But alas!  Her plan backfired!

BrynnOfCastlegate wrote:

This is also Sydney’s 25th post. I’ll let you figure out which one I pressed Submit on first. ????

Edit: The forum software requires 30 seconds between posts, foiling my plan to make the posts simultaneously. Who knew? 🙂

Congratulations Sydney on winning the first to 25!

Ah yes, to prevent Denial of Service Attacks, the forum software only permits one Post every 30 seconds, thus eliminating the possibility of submitting multiple Posts simultaneously.

Brynn honourably conceded defeat to Sydney affording this tale with a joyous conclusion!

The Moral of this Story…

Like all these Challenges, complacency is not an option otherwise another Participant is highly likely to overtake you. Therefore, when others Reply to your Entry Topics, follow-up ASAP!

Steve wastes no time replying to the other Participants who are Posting on his Building Topic

Directly Respond to other Participants, thank them for taking the time to Post in your topic, and then probe them for more feedback… or maybe just fish for compliments!   Whatever works – just keep the conversation flowing!

And above all; when a Prize is within the grasp, don’t mess around or it may slip through your fingers and be awarded to someone else!

Well, unless you don’t mind conceding graciously as BrynnOfCastlegate – five stars for being a good sport!

What are the First to 25 Challenges?

In addition to the Prizes awarded at the end of the Contest, the First to 25 Challenges provide Entrants with further opportunities to WIN Prizes throughout the Contest.

Challenges provide you with more opportunities to WIN throughout the Contest

The First to 25 Builder Challenges offered two 25€ LEGO Prizes; one for the Large Building Category and a second for the Small Building Category, which Sydney won.

The Objective was simple: the first Building Entrant to attract 25 Replies to one of their Building Entry Topics WINs a Prize.

Question: if you won a Prize, which LEGO Sets would you choose?

More Prizes

We haven’t lost sight of the bigger picture… or the bigger Prizes for that matter.

Challenges aside, the Infamous Steve Contest still offers Grand Prizes for both the Large Building Category and best performing Creative Critic

We have two Grand Prizes worth 215€ – you get choose the LEGO Set!

Should you win, you’ll be able to select a LEGO Set to the value of 215€, or the equivalent in your local currency.

Therefore, you may choose any set from your local LEGO.com of equal or lesser value to 10320 Eldorado Fortress.

Or you may choose Eldorado Fortress itself!

Even More Prizes

Before we announce yet more Prizes, let us know how you’d prefer to win them.

What kind of Prizes do you find most enticing?

Do you prefer Prizes of greater value? Or more opportunities to WIN?

More Prize Questions

To further our understanding of your preferences, we have a couple more polls if you’re interested in providing further feedback.

What Do Yer Think?

Do these Builder Challenges provide a suitable alternative for WINNING Prizes alongside the traditional Voting system?

Or should we scrap the Challenges and just have more Prizes at the end?

How should Steve allocate Prizes?

And what kind of Prizes would you like to WIN? Do you have suggestions for future Challenges?

Right! Now plot a course to the LEGO Pirates Forum and let share yer thoughts on the Challenges and Prizes!

Now that the Infamous Steve Contest is in full swing and the first round of challenges has wrapped up, the Classic Pirates would like to know what kind of Prizes make you the most enthusiastic to participate?

Do you prefer Prizes of greater value? Or more opportunities to WIN?

Let us know so we can adjust the Prize allocation according to yer preferences!

How would you prefer to WIN Prizes?

Through Voting for winners at the end of the Contest?

Or opportunities all throughout the Contest?

Traditionally Prizes have been awarded at the very end of Contests, but we’re open to exploring other ways of awarded Prizes all throughout the Contest.

Would ye be interested in participating in a Builder Challenge?

The Mission:

Reply to the other Participants Posting in your Building Entry Tropics, until you’ve accumulated the target number of Replies.

Review these strategic notes so you can annihilate the competing Builders!

Would ye be interested in participating in a Critic Challenge?

The Mission:

Write helpful and encouraging Replies on Building Entry Topics.

And to ensure Critics maximise their potential, we’ve compiled this cutting-edge Creative Critic advice.

Even More Prizes!

Aye, don’t forget you’re still Voting for the Winners at the end of the Contest.

The Grand Prize, for both the Large Building Category and best performing Creative Critic is a LEGO Set of your choice to the value of 215€.

We have two Grand Prizes worth 215€ – you get choose the LEGO Set!

You may choose any set from your local LEGO.com which is of equal or lesser value to 10320 Eldorado Fortress.

Not to mention, we also have:

• Second and Third Place Prizes for the Large Building Category, and
• First and Second Place Prizes for the Small Building Category.

You’d be CRAZY not to Enter!

What Do Yer Think?

Do yer like the idea of Challenges to provide opportunities to WIN Prizes throughout the Contest?

Or would yer prefer more Prizes at the end of the contest, with Winners determined by Voting?

Steve is on his way to pick up more Prizes for you to choose

Let us know! If there is sufficient interest we’ll hold another Round of Challenges…  with more Prizes… and potentially bigger REWARDS!

Now, race over to the LEGO Pirates Forum and let us know yer thoughts on Challenges and Prizes!  Or any ideas yer may have…

Mere days after Horation claimed victory in the First to 25 Critic Challenge, an Entrant participating in the Large Building Category claimed a 25€ LEGO Prize for completing the  First to 25 Builder Challenge!

The Objective was simple: attract 25 Replies to one of your Building Entry Topics and WIN a 25€ LEGO Prize.

So who might we be congratulating?

SpacePolice89!

SpacePolice89 dialed back the clock to Steve’s childhood and submitted an Entry depicting a ship owned by Steve’s parents, Stephen and Stephanie. It was onboard this ship Steve gained his first experiences as a sailor and trader, while delivering supplies to forts with his parents.

“Steve’s First Voyage” by SpacePolice89

Why SpacePolice89 WON?

SpacePolice89 was quite diligent when Replying to the other Participants who posted in his Entry Topic.

Samarth’s “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” was a strong contender but SpacePolice89 triumphed!

Maintaining an ongoing dialogue is crucial to succeeding in these Challenges, merely responding for the sake of responding is not sufficient! To maximise your success, you must acknowledge the other Participants and prompt them for further information, OR provide with them something, like an image or tidbit of information that you’ve not previously shared.

This conversational exchange naturally accumulates 25 Replies, ensuring that you’ll claim the Prize in no time at all!

The Prize

SpacePolice89, who is based in Finland, was awarded a 25€ LEGO Prize.

Ages 4 – 99:  it’s a sad day when you turn 100 and can’t play with LEGO anymore…

SpacePolice89 chose a 10713 Creative Suitcase for a well-rounded assortment of parts… which we hope he’ll use to submit another Entry in the near future.

If you won a Prize, which LEGO Sets would you choose?

Future First to 25 Builder Challenges

Question 1:

Would you be interested in participating in a Builder Challenge?

You just need to Reply to the other Participants Posting in your Building Entry Tropics, until you’ve accumulated 25 Replies. Heed these words of advice to gain the upper hand over yer rivals!

Question 2:

And what be most enticing Reward for you?

Prizes of greater Value OR more opportunities to WIN?

Tell us!  If there be plenty of interest we may host more Challenges with Prizes of greater value in the near future!

What Do Yer Think?

Do these Builder Challenges offer a fun new way to WIN Prizes alongside the traditional Voting system?

What kind of Prizes would you like to win? Do you have suggestions for future Challenges?

Steve is eager to dish out more Prizes – are you eager to WIN them?

Also, remember we’re still Voting for the Winners at the end of the Contest.

The Large Building Category has a Grand Prize worth 215€ for the First Place Winner, plus Second and Third Place Prizes.

Right! Now plot a course to the LEGO Pirates Forum and let share yer thoughts on the Challenges and Prizes!