Were yer unable to attend the BrickLink Designer Program Series 5  Webinar held upon the 8^th of April, 2024?

No problemo! The Classic Pirates have it right here…

Should the above video should not be working on yer end, here be a convenient button to watch it on YouTube:

The BrickLink Designer Team writes:

From the official BrickLink Designer Program YouTube Channel:

Learn about the Submission Guidelines for BrickLink Designer Program: Series 5 as Alex, BDP Project Manager, covers updates and common questions. Aspiring fan designers ask questions and get clarification to some of the nuances of various guidelines. This is a recording of a live webinar held April 8, 2024.

What Do Yer Think?

Did you attend the Series 5 Webinar when it was live on April 8?  Or have you since viewed the recorded version?  If so, did you find it helpful?

FACT: This LEGO Pirate attended the LIVE webinar

And more importantly; do yer plan to submit a LEGO Pirate design in Series 5? Have you started building yet? Do it!

Submissions will be accepted from 13 May 13 – 24 May 24, 2024 so get building!

Tell the Classic Pirates yer designer dreams!  Also, if you attended the webinar, let us know your thought in the LEGO Pirates Forum.

When the BrickLink Designer Program released official promo images of 910038 Ominous Isle, they were a bit skint on showcasing the details.

In other words… close-up shots of the island’s foreboding features were sorely missing among the photos.

Not to worry! The Classic Pirates have dug up a couple of quick videos which take a closer look at the upcoming set.

LEGO Ominous Isle: A Closer Look by Brick Fanatics

Can’t see the video above?  Watch it on YouTube.

BrickLink Designer Program Series 2: Ominous Isle by LEGO® BrickLink

And let’s not be forgetting the official BrickLink YouTube channel has released their own video.

Can’t see the video above?  Watch it on YouTube.

What Do Yer Think?

Are yer ready to get onboard with Captain Mutton Chops?

Well, that was quick!

All four Prizes allocated to the Critic Challenge Round 2 have been claimed!

So here’s who WON…

The Winners

First 25€ Prize

Congratulations to BardDandelion!

Second 25€ Prize

Congratulations to YellowFrog!

50€ Prize

After narrowly losing the First to 25 Critic Challenge to Horation due to complacency an Internet outage, Math Wizard took another crack at the Critic Challenge.

Being mindful of his limited time, Math Wizard choose to aim for the Second Tier, a strategy which served him well.

Congratulations to Math Wizard!

100€ Prize

After claiming victory the First to 25 Critic Challenge a month ago Horation returned more determined than ever and claimed victory before the other Entrants.

Congratulations to Horation!

Photography Credit

Not everyone be an aspiring photographer nor has time for photography to acquire the perfect sigfig photo (forum avatar image).

So a busy Creative Critic like Horation took a shortcut and borrowed a photo taken by photographin_lego.

“Rear-Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson, 1758-1805” by photographin_lego

So we’d like to thank photographin_lego for this beautiful imagery and recommend you follow this talented photographer on Instagram.

As always, we prefer members of the LEGO Pirates Forum to provide their own photography for their sigfigs.

What Do Yer Think?

Would you be interested in a future Critic Challenge?

If there’s one thing that the classic pirates fanbase loves, it is islanders. Don’t believe me? Just look at last year’s contest winner, flickr user Letranger Absurde is helping scratch that itch with a micro version of the beloved enchanted island from 1994.

The build makes use of a number of creative techniques : sideway claws make for unusual rockwork, while bucket handles tied with string make for a very clever bridge! Meanwhile, all the elements of the original are faithfully recreated at a scale.

“Port Azure” by Swashbuckle Studios

Ah yes, as alluded earlier, 10320 Eldorado Fortress could potentially serve as the basis for a much larger layout.

Swashbuckle Studios has been sharing updates to the Classic Pirates Facebook Group of an ever expanding layout that gestated from the remade set.

Swashbuckle Studios writes:

Welcome to the start of my construction of Port Azure! It started out as a rebuild of the new Eldorado Fortress but quickly escalated into something bigger. Right from the moment I laid my eyes on the new fortress I realized it need much more details and things going on. So, please enjoy and feel free to share!

Swashbuckle Studios continues:

The expansion of Port Azure continues! Next to the general store we have an Armory and the last part of the apartment located on top of the General store and the Armory. And like in any shady place back in those days, whoever slipped the clerks a few pieces of eight could get their hands on a musket or a flintlock pistol.

So perhaps you could set your sights on something far more grandiose than the intended design.

CallMeCaptainAmerica asked:

Via r/lego on Reddit

mekaneck222 replied:

So, I can tell you a bit more about this. Brickley first showed up at the Orlando LEGO Imagination Center when it opened in 1997. At the time, it was one of two “Imagination Centers”, as the Mall of America opened in 1992. After that, Brickley showed up at the other Imagination Centers, or as they were later called “Flagship LEGO Stores”. So, you can find Brickley at any flagship LEGO store, which include Orlando, Anahiem, Downtown Chicago, Downtown New York, the new London store and after it’s remodel, the Mall of America now has a Brickley too.

Here he is at the Mall of America.

He might have shown up at non-flagship stores too, but I don’t recall that being the case.

TL/DR: Brickley is at LEGO flagship stores

Brickley the Brick Beast

This ain’t the first sea serpent officially released by The LEGO Group.

Brickley be an unofficial mascot if LEGOLANDs, spreading joy to landlubbers far and wide.

Brickley at LEGOLAND Florida – photo credit: Disney Springs

Ye’ll find life-sized versions of this beastie in LEGOLAND parks across the globe. These models be part of interactive displays, allowing fans to snap photos and create lasting memories with their crew.

This great Brick Beast, sports a mouth that opens and closes, a snout as long as a ship’s plank, and eyes as wide as the ocean. With a pair of horns/ears and a spine-covered back, this creature be as fearsome as they come!

Nay!  He’s actually quite friendly!

Bill Murphy writes:

Source: user Murphquake on Flickr

NYC Flatiron Lego Store

Brickley starts the show! I want to say he snakes around the store in about 8 segments, He looks every bit as fantastic as the one I know and love at Rockefeller CenterBrickley starts the show! I want to say he snakes around the store in about 8 segments, He looks every bit as fantastic as the one I know and love at Rockefeller Center

Pics from my first visit to LEGO’s new Flagship Store at 200 5th Avenue & West 23rd Street in Manhattan, right across the street from the Flatiron Building and Madison Square Park.

British Brickley at the LEGO Store in Leicester Square, London – photography credit: Andrew Hoyle

Brickley be yellow at the front and green at the back, with a line of spines running down like a pirate’s treasure map. His body rises from the shallows, revealing more spines, and a tail that ends with a square tip, like a sturdy pirate ship stern.

One of the finest harbors where Brickley be located is LEGOLAND California.

This whimsical sea beast captures the hearts, and sometimes the minds of visitors of all ages.

3300001 Brickley

During 2011, The LEGO Group officially released 197 piece set, based on Brickely retailing for around $14.99.

This here set was a rare find, sold only at five flagship LEGO Stores in the US. It be a larger version of the 40019 Brickley the Sea Serpent set, and ye can find life-sized models of this creature at LEGO Stores and LEGOLAND parks.

40019 Brickley the Sea Serpent

What Do Yer Think?

We chronicle how “Imperial Frigate Concordia“, a Series 3 submission, became “Privateer Frigate Fortuna” and was eventually selected as Series 7 finalist, whilst we eagerly await the Crowdfunding/pre-order phase during February 2026.

The digital build – constructed in BrickLink Studio

Brick Perfection writes:

Quotes taken from descriptions of various Instagram posts:

Imperial Frigate Concordia is an incredibly ambitious, realistically shaped anti-piracy frigate, specifically designed for Series 3 of the Bricklink Designer Program.

She has now been built with real bricks and many improvements were made!

Aye, real bricks!

So if yer haven’t read Part I: The Digital Build, yer best be doing that right now!

Otherwise, brace yerselves, mates — we’re about to plunge headlong into Part II: The Physical Build…

The Physical Build

Building digitally using BrickLink Studio be one thing, but bringing designs to life with physical LEGO bricks be another.

Let’s welcome “Imperial Frigate Concordia” into the real world

After all, if BrickLink designs are to be manufactured as LEGO sets that YOU may one day possess, builders must ensure their structural integrity is legitimate.

Something that becomes all the more apparent when ol’ gravity makes its presence known.

Structurally Sound

Now let’s revisit one of Concordia’s “features” and see if she holds up to the claim…  Pun intended!

“Stability tested with physical bricks, can be held with one hand“

By Jove! The Concordia isn’t torn apart by the force of its own weight!

Brick Perfection writes:

And Concordia is also structurally sound – including the masts. Can be picked up and held with one hand; tilted to the side etc. )

And to prove the above photo ain’t sorcery, here be a few different angles…

Ok, now for the drop test!

Brick Perfection writes:

Imperial Frigate Concordia for BDP series 3 in real bricks. Some minor changes & fixes.

Of note: I wasn’t able to use the 2630 flex hose that I used in Studio because it can’t be pulled tight, it always hangs through a bit (and also looks way too rubbery irl). On the plus side, the rigging is pretty stable, like on a Lego set, while looking much more realistic.

The masts are straight and tension on the flex hoses isn’t significantly more than on the Creator Pirate ship.

Just pop the top!

Brick Perfection writes:

And there’s an interior as well! 😀

Spot the upgrades!

Brick Perfection writes:

Reworked Concordia up to Minerva‘s standard for my plans to release instructions for her – many changes though and now need to pause the project to focus on BDP5 (overdue, really!).

Brick Perfection writes:

Some more recent pictures of Concordia – the railing has been changed because the skeleton legs were too fragile. Things you only find out when play testing!

Brick Perfection writes:

I also managed to fill two small gaps on Concordia’s poop deck – now it fits perfectly. And lifts off easily to access the interior.

Brick Perfection writes:

Minerva and Concordia are exhibited at Brickbuilt Sydney today and tomorrow (May 18-19 , 2024)!

Pretending to exchange broadsides at Brickbuilt Sydney 2024.

Brick Perfection writes:

Did you know that Concordia refers to the Roman goddess of harmony? Her Greek equivalent is Harmonia, and she was often associated with Peace. Many ships in both Latin and Anglo countries were named after her.

The Digital Build

As a requirement of the BrickLink Designer Program, all designs must be constructed and submitted digitally.

Bonus points to builders what commit their designs to real bricks, like BrickPerfection has.

https://www.classic-pirates.com/mocs/class/ships/concordia-brickperfection

If yer’ve some how voyaged this far and still haven’t read Part I: The Digital Build, t’would be a splendid idea to action that now!

About the Builder…

BrickPerfection (the magnificent Moritz Krusche) be one of the all time greatest ship builders!

Sailing from Sydney in the land down under (known to some as Australia), BrickPerfection has successfully navigated from the physical age of building, to the digital age, and back again!

An illustration of BrickPerfection’s home port

This journey be well documented on Instagram, Facebook and Threads.

And for the enthusiasts what cannot be appeased by static images, BrickPerfection’s  YouTube Channel explores his builds with greater dynamism.

All Time Greatest Ship Builders

Once upon a time there was no BrickLink Studio, forcing builders to construct their ships using real LEGO parts.

And with those parts, they fashioned magnificent fabric sails and rigged them with their nimble fingers.

BrickPerfection’s fleet circa 2013

Above be a small complement from BrickPerfection’s fleet, visit the Imperial Shipyards on Flickr to witness the full might of his naval prowess.

BrickLink Designer Program Series 8

In case yer didn’t know, Series 8 set sail weeks before the Series 7 finalists were announced.

Open Submission starts 14 April, 2025…

BrickLink Designer Program Series 8

LEGO Pirates be riding the waves of success!

So if yer considering submitting a design, or resubmitting a previous design…

DO IT!

BrickPerfection has lived the adage;

“If first you don’t succeed… try, try again”

What Do Yer Think?

What be your thoughts of the Concordia?

Be the Privateer Frigate Fortuna a vast improvement? Or are both builds comparatively equal?

The humble beginnings of the Fortuna

In the future we shall document Concordia‘s progression to the Privateer Frigate Fortuna, as submitted to Series 5 and 6.

However, in the very next post, we shall be settin’ our sights on the physical form of the Concordia.

Crowdfunding for Fortuna

But let’s not forget that the Fortuna be our prize!

Pre-orders shall take place during February 2026, are you onboard? Or is Fortuna unworthy of your fleet?

336

Would you buy "Privateer Frigate Fortuna"?

Learn more about the upcoming set

Yes absolutely!

I'm undecided

Never!

Share yer thoughts on both the Concordia and Fortuna in the LEGO Pirates Forum and Classic Pirates Facebook Group.

Despite the name, thar be no more dedicated contest-goer than MyFirstMOC, aye!

And for that, we be mighty grateful, as Zsolti ensures LEGO Pirates fly their colours proudly in most AFOL buildin’ contests!

This time it be a remake inspired by 1872 Imperial Guard Camp for the  LEGO Ideas challenge, A Twist of Nostalgia…

MyFirstMOC-Hun writes:

It was once a small garrison for the redcoats, but has been abandoned for some time. After a battle nearby, it was occupied by two surviving castaways. What the sea washed ashore from the cargo of the sunken ships was fished out and used. So there’s some food, weapons and a few hidden gold bars. And the two survivors hope someone will find them sooner or later.

A Twist of Nostalgia!

Do you remember the first LEGO® set you ever built? The one that sparked your love of LEGO bricks for the long haul? Well, now’s your chance to bring that nostalgia to life… with a twist!

We want you to dive into your childhood memories and reimagine your favorite LEGO set with a modern update. Whether it’s a classic theme or a beloved set, show us how you’d transform it into something fresh and uniquely yours.

And the best part? The winning submission will be made into a future Gift With Purchase. Exciting, right? Let’s go!

• Be between 200 and 250 pieces.
• Be inspired by a LEGO set.
• Only reference LEGO themes such as Ninjago, Bionicle, Castle, Space, etc. Do not reference any third party IPs, like Star Wars, NASA, Harry Potter, etc.
• Use only available LEGO elements. If you want to recreate a childhood dream set that uses elements that are no longer available (like Bionicle or Fabuland), please try using different elements or different building techniques

Submit your build by April 30th 2025 at 6:00 AM EST. We recommend submitting 2 days early to allow for potential changes if required. If your build needs edits, you’ll have until May 1st 2025 at 6:00 AM EST to resubmit.

1872 Imperial Guard Camp

About the Builder…

MyFirstMOC, known to his loyal crew as Zsolti, be a Hungarian digital artist, masterfully crafting digital builds that span a vast sea of LEGO themes. Yet his heart be anchored deep within the world of LEGO Pirates.

Jump on board and survey his extensive portfolio on Instagram, Flickr and Facebook.

Classic Pirates has showcased his creation previously, including the Lonely Island,  6260 Shipwreck Island Remake and Fortress of Hunyadi.

He also be takin’ the odd swing at the prestigious 10K Club on LEGO Ideas, so keep yer spyglass pointed on his LEGO Ideas profile! That way, yer stay at the ready and cast yer vote each time he berths a new LEGO Pirate creation!

Fortress of Hunyadi didn’t quite reach 10K supporters

While X still marks the spot, it seems Zsolti has abonved his X account with no updates since December 2021. But if ye enjoy watchin’ those magical virtual build videos where creations cobble themselves together, his YouTube Channel offers a trove of fine overviews showcasing his LEGO Ideas submissions!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Zsolti (@myfirstmoc)

What Do Yer Think?

Well, that may be a slight exaggeration, but in the absence of blue coat Soldier parts in recent BrickLink Designer palettes, we’ve observed a innovative surge in imperial designs utilising non-imperial minfigure alternates.

The Imperial Armada?

In our previous post the Classic Pirates suggested the minifigures of Coconut Cape were inspired by the Imperial Armada.

To afford them greater authenticity, the morion piece could be plucked from retirement.

A modern head and classic Imperial Armada minifigures

Wishful thinking perhaps, as each BrickLink Designer series has a predefined palette, so in the interest of efficiency, the intent is not to deviate beyond that collection of parts.

But in the interest of authenticity, imagine if the occasional retired part could be retrieved from the archive.

Not actually imperials – they’re Tortuga’s concierge service

The Model Governance Team has demonstrated a willingness to innovate beyond the builder’s original design.

A most welcome revision to The Thieves of Tortuga was the inclusion of brand new imperial faction, complete with flag.

Granted the flag is a sticker and the torsos originated from 10297 Boutique Hotel, an opposing faction introduces playability to the set. Now is tension and conflict exists between two rival parties.

Or from an AFOL perspective, their inclusion provides new mythos to the LEGO Pirates canon.  Who are these imperials? What are they doing at a pirate haven? Where have they originated from? And will we ever see them again in future sets?

Looking at the broader picture, are we now to introduce a new imperial faction in every other BrickLink Designer set?  Essentially resulting in disparate and underdeveloped LEGO Pirate subthemes which are never fully realised or explored to their maximum potential?

Perhaps we could establish a continuity in which these sets are merely their introduction, and these fledgling empires return in future sets in an expanded capacity.

The Imperial Armada already provides a foundation, but could this subtheme return without the minifigure’s iconic helmets? After all, these domes were a feature that well and truly differentiated the armada conquistadors from their tricorn and shako wearing predecessors.

If the BrickLink Designer Program wishes to raise the bar and ingrain the notion these sets are more than just fan designs merely offering a generic assortment of parts, based on whatever be available at the time, venturing beyond the palette during the Refinement phase will assist in that endeavour.

Last seen in on the conquistador from Collectible Minifigure Series 12.

The Imperial Armada: two sets doesn’t really make for a grand armada, does it?

“Coconut Cape” by BallisticBricks

“Coconut Cape” by BallisticBricks