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 Brickhas 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.
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.
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.
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 LEGOPirates 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:
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.
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.
Pencil case
Playing cards
Keyrings
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.
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.
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.
New governor calls for a newly refurbished office
Cannon fire right this way
Then boom! Gunpowder magazine explodes… again
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…
So much more robust
Welcome to the war room
View from the back
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.
Fillibbo addresses a primary palette concern
The structure beneath the cannon was originally yellow
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.
Eldorado Fortress was given a generous extension
It’s now a mighty power house
But why stop at two?
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.
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.
Cearthenndemonstrates 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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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 2024Build 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.
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 $5.00USD / 3,99 € / £3.49/ $5.99 CAD
Visit the official Series 27 webpage in LEGO.com for images of the other minifigs.
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!
Much creativity and ingenuity was injected into the name of this micro-build homage to 6285 Black Seas Barracuda, scheduled for release onBlack Friday, 2024LEGO 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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
The stern
Port
Looking down at the deck
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.
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!
Upper deck and helm
One of the lifeboats
Stern with working rudder
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.
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.
No detail has been spared
It’s a fun build!
Most life boats in a LEGO set, ever
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:
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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…
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
Port bow
Starboard broadside
Stern
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…
Intricate detailing on the bow
Outside the captain’s cabin
The helm and some rigging
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.
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.
Is that Marooned Marin?
Steve situated amidships near the capstan
The upper deck
Now let’s go down a level…
Steve down the hold biding time
5 star crew accomodation
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 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.
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!
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.
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…
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.
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!
Now, in an ideal world, we would have published a blog post covering the original, contest version of Tapu Island first.
Contest version
BrickLink version
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?
Parts: 2,376 | Minifigures: 5 Welcome to Somewhere Island, where adventure awaits! Our beloved governor has been captured by the notorious one-legged Seadog, and now he needs your help to secure his freedom.
Since blue coat soldiers were retired from the palette, forts are now becoming tourist attractions
jAn_eVa WRITES:
Though the tales of old may now seem like myths, the spirit of those legendary heroes still lives on in this enchanting destination, which has transformed into a captivating tourist attraction.
Explore the unique features of our island, where the lower level rises above sea level, revealing rocky landscapes, hidden caves, docks, and secret corridors. The building itself can open up, inviting you to marvel at its intricate interior.
This is a scaled up (6 to 1) version of the iconic monkey part from the 1990s.
When I came out from my Dark Ages in late 2013, I saw people make scaled-up minifigures (“maxifigs”) of different sizes, and so I tried to make one too. In the following years, my design evolved with the apparition of new parts and my learning of them and of new techniques, and it became fully modular.
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!
Hey wasn’t this island entered into a contest once?
mAROONED MARIN WRITES:
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.
Parts: 4,000 | Minifigures: 8 Dimensions: Length: 81 cm / 31.9 in | Width: 29 cm / 11.5 in | Height: 62 cm / 24.4 in
Fortuna is back! – Completely rebuilt for Series 6! Better, stronger, more detailed, more sophisticated, more polished! There will be a boat included if selected as a finalist!
The Fortunta returns with a new crew!
BrickPerfection WRITES:
Fortuna is a fast sailing frigate designed as a Privateer – a government-commissioned vessel tasked with hunting pirate ships or, deceptively, becoming one. As a true frigate, Fortuna is equipped with 20 cannons and 2 swivel guns.
This set introduces the unpredictable Privateers to the LEGO Pirates theme, capable of aligning with any faction or pursuing their own adventures. Fortuna includes 12 Minifigures, a striking figurehead, and a small cat to protect supplies from rats.
Parts: 950 | Minifigures: 8 Dimensions: Length: 35 cm / 13.8 in | Depth : 14.5 cm / 5.71 in | Height: 24 cm / 9.45 in
The Caribbean Sea is full of dangers, and Captain Garnet and his pirate crew have learned this the hard way! Their ship fell victim to a hurricane and now lies stranded among the rocks and sand of an uncharted island.Has everyone forgotten about the shipwreck of the poor pirates, or perhaps not… Is that a ship approaching on the horizon? But are they friendly pirates, or the Governor’s soldiers?
Well, it won’t be the Governor’s Soldiers who find the pirates from Series 6 onward
Ammiraglio WRITES:
The model features a small Caribbean island with a sandy area, rocks, and a mountain covered in vegetation. The remains of the ship lie in the waves, partially buried in the sand, while the ship’s mast is still useful for scanning the surroundings in hopes of rescue.
The set includes three minifigures and a skeleton, a shark, a monkey, a parrot, and two crabs. Additionally, many pirate-themed accessories are included.
“A Family Trip to the Saint Brickford Fortress” by IamWhatIam
Parts: 4,000 | Minifigures: 4
A family of four, the father, Mr. Wilson, the mother, Mrs. Julia, the daughter, Connie and the son, Billy, visit the fortress for their summer trip. Mr. Frederick, the guide and a known archaeologist leads the family through the fortress’ spooky champers and teaches them the fortress’ history.
If we went back in time to Series 5, blue coat Soldiers would have been stationed here
IamWhatIam WRITES:
The model features a small Caribbean island with a sandy area, rocks, and a mountain covered in vegetation. The remains of the ship lie in the waves, partially buried in the sand, while the ship’s mast is still useful for scanning the surroundings in hopes of rescue.
The set includes three minifigures and a skeleton, a shark, a monkey, a parrot, and two crabs. Additionally, many pirate-themed accessories are included.
In the cabin of his pirate ship, the Captain Red is sleeping peacefully…
He is dreaming: at the sunset of a glorious day, his ship is emerging victorious from the latest battle with the infamous Bricktish Imperial ship which now is sinking…finally!
This dream symbolizes what happened to the soldier parts in Series 6
Goannas89 WRITES:
My creation is a tribute to the world of pirates that wants to highlight a hidden side of the daily life of the captain of a pirate ship.
One minifigure: the pirate is lying under the bed sheets. If you want you can easily remove it and make it sit on the chair, etc. to create different scenes.
From the deep ocean rises a giant, fearsome creature. Mighty tentacles emerge from the water, curls around the ship, and snaps it in half! In the foaming water, a monstrous, hungry maw awaits! It is the legendary kraken, and the sailors must give it their all to survive.
“Hello, beastie!”
TrumanBrick WRITES:
I have always been fascinated with sea monsters and kraken legends. From the stories I read as a kid, to their more recent appearances in movies and pop-culture. For a long time, I have wanted a LEGO set depicting a kraken attack, in the middle of sinking a ship, and the sailors (minifigures) facing the creature, some brave, some scared, doing everything they can to survive.
Angle the sails and fire the cannons. Or, remove the front and rear of the Buildstrong for a cross sectional view of the interior and decks.
Lots of cannons but NO minifigs!
Brick101 WRITES:
The inspiration for the Buildstrong was to emulate the craftsmanship of building a model wooden ship. The Buildstrong represents a period-correct ship model with three gundecks, a full interior, copper cladding, and rigging. Unlike conventional LEGO ship designs, the Buildstrong includes a detachable hull that extends below the waterline, all in micro-scale without sacrificing detail or playability.
A Pirate Anglers paradise for retired pirates and anglers where they can spend all day fishing, catching fish, eating fish, and of course secretly looking for treasure
The scurvy scalawags are back with their small sloop to loot merchants, raid blue coats or resupply Jose’s Inn! Inspired by classic sets like the Renegade Runner (6268) and the Cross Bone Clipper (6250), this BDP model offers an exciting small build to flesh out the harbors of Tortuga, Barracuda Bay, or Eldorado
Black Seas Barracuda Junior
Sam2XD WRITES:
The Scalawag Sloop offers a pleasantly curved hull, brickbuilt sails/cannons, working rudder, and cozy hammock with fewer than 600 pieces. Mischievous pirates have also whispered about the potential of modifying the build to use the fore and aft sails of a famous pirate wreck.
An island lost in the far ocean, a safe haven where you can live without worries and in contact with nature…
Here is the home of Bob Seven, this adventurer who landed many years ago on this little island, where he built, year after year, his secret refuge!
What’s wrong the navigational equipment – everyone seems to be getting lost these days!
BRICKUP_ WRITES:
In his house you can find everything: a comfortable kitchen, a dining room and a wood-burning oven. There is his bedroom, where he takes refuge to rest. In the mezzanine is his favorite place: the art studio, where he creates his songs and meditates watching the stars fall asleep on the ocean…
The adventurer has dreamed about discovering Brickbeard’s long lost bounty since he was a young boy – but will he find the treasure he seeks? Or will he find that there’s more to Brickbeard’s disappearance than meets the eye?
“Runners Rendezvous – The Pirate Inn” by Jackettie
Parts: 2,150 | Minifigures: 7
The Tavern of choice for scallywags and swashbucklers who need a place to rest or hide!
Jack Sassy is yet to leave a review for this inn on Yelp
Jackettie WRITES:
The upstairs of this building features 3 rooms featuring beds and storage for those in need of a short stay whilst the heat cools down, along with an interior balcony and access to an exterior balcony. The main floor consists of ample seating for a pirate crew or two and a bar stocked with plenty of grog for those that have to raise a glass to (good or bad!).
Ahoy mateys! Off the starboard bow, it’s a sign of home! An outpost built by the Imperial Guard. But it looks a bit worse for the wear….. let’s take a closer look and see what ruffians have made their home here.
Well, this one isn’t a tourist attraction
Jacobhorn WRITES:
This design shows two pirates taking over an abandoned outpost built by the Imperial Guard, years after the last soldiers set foot on the island. (Perhaps a former guard remains on the island or just another pirate who thought he found refuge but only found his final resting space!)
So circumstances have improved from three years ago.
The Debate
Now, help us resolve this disputation:
Within LEGO Pirates Forum and social media discussions, some say nay, these creations be a entirely different beast! They’re not official sets.
While others declare they are! After all, they may be fan designs, but they’re produced in the official LEGO factory, and thus they are an official product. Aren’t they?
What Do Yer Think?
Would you pre-order the Series 6 pirate-themed designs if they were made available for Crowd Funding?
Have Yer Voted?
18 October, 2024 be the voting deadline so vote for as many submissions as you please. So vote for all the pirate ones!
Most importantly, DON’T MISS this official opportunity to inform The LEGO Group your demand for LEGO Pirate sets is alive and well!
