During May 2021, The LEGO Group held an official contest named, “Do You Want To Go to the Seaside?” with the intent of producing the winning entry as a Gift with Purchase set.

With no help whatsoever, from the LEGO Pirates Forum and Classic Pirates, Ray the Castaway submitted by the DadTwins won and the set has been officially announced for release on the on LEGO Ideas blog.

Ray the Castaway will be available from October 1^st until October 13^th, 2022, while stocks last, for qualifying purchases at $120 / €120 / £120 and above. Please visit LEGO.com for complete details of the promotion, from October 1^st, 2022.

The set contains 239 pieces and is strictly reserved for people aged 18 and older – oh come on, why even bother putting an age on the box?

The back of the box – remember the good old days when we got alternate builds on the back?

What if we added a cannon to this?

From the LEGO Ideas Blog

We’re delighted to reveal the latest LEGO® Ideas Gift with Purchase set 40566 Ray the Castaway, which hails from our “Do you want to go to the seaside?” contest back in 2021.

Escape the everyday and join Ray the Castaway on a brick-built desert island with this LEGO® Ideas set (40566). Build palm trees, a shelter and a raft, and bring the scene to life with the Ray minifigure, plus parrot, crab and 2 fish figures. This competition-winning model was created by LEGO fan designers and makes a delightful gift for adults or any LEGO enthusiast.

With 969 votes, almost double that of second place, the set designed by DadiTwins (aka. David and Diego Escalona), won the contest’s Fan Vote to secure it being turned into an official Gift with Purchase set.

This Gift with Purchase will be available from the 1st of October until the 13th of October, 2022, as long as stocks last, for qualifying purchases at $120 / €120 / £120 and above. For full details of the promotion, please visit LEGO.com from the 1st of October, 2022.

Congratulations to David and Diego! Please help us in congratulating them in the comments.

Are Yer Excited for Ray the Cast Away?

Some eagle-eyed LEGO Pirate fans have observed there is a very modern looking flotation device included with the set, suggesting old Ray is not actually a castaway from the days of yore.  Or perhaps that piece is actually a priceless artifact Ray managed to cling onto while he abandoned his sinking vessel – the circular trinket is goldish in colour, after all, but it’s easy enough to exclude if it looks too modern for your piratical tastes.

SOS – modern flotation device or ancient treasure?

Also, some disappointment was expressed when it was discovered the seagull present in the contest submission had been replaced with a parrot. It could be argued that a parrot affords the set greater relevance to the LEGO Pirates theme, as parrots have been a quintessential element of the theme since the beginning. On the other hand, seagulls are rarer because they’ve been available in fewer sets, and have yet to make their official debut within a pirate themed set.

6259 Smugglers Shanty vs 40566 Ray the Castaway

That aside, the official Ray the Castaway set includes a variety of elements useful to the LEGO Pirates theme; these include include palm leaves, a parrot, treasure chest, crab, bottle and a variety of pieces to construct makeshift accommodation from flotsam on a deserted island.  It’s almost a modern update of 6259 Smugglers Shanty / Palm Hideout, although we’ll have to deduct points for lack of inclusion of a second pirate minifig and an Imperial Guard patrolling in a row boat.

Here’s how Ray evolved

The Ray minifigure doesn’t contain any elements we haven’t seen before; the blue-striped torso first emerged in 21322 Pirates of Barracuda Bay and the scruffy beard piece has already been done with the Castaway form Minifigure series 21, albeit in a darker shade of brown.

Here is a side by side comparison of the DadiTwin’s contest entry VS officially released set

So how did the official set turn out in comparison to the original contest entry? Aside from a few part changes, and a few colour swaps here and there, the build is quite faithful to the original concept.

Some have lamented the set is too simple and would prefer a more substantial structure. Nor does it contain any unique, or even rare elements. However, we must consider Ray the Castaway isn’t intended for retail, and has limited availability as a free bonus with an online purchase.  So this may be an influencing factor in why the LEGO Ideas Team chose to release more simplistic build.

Nonetheless, Ray won the Do You Want To Go to the Seaside? contest with more than double the votes of the second place entry, and there has been considerable fan praise for the desert island’s charm.  It certainly includes far more accessories than the classic set 6259 Smugglers Shanty and successfully updates the “palm shack concept” consistently with the design aesthetic of 21322 Pirates of Barracuda Bay.

What Do Ye Think?

Will you be rescuing Ray from his seaside seclusion? Or do you only accept more competent seaman into your crew – yer know, the type what don’t get castaway in the first place? Are yer happy with how the official set turned out?  Or do you prefer the original contest entry? What would you have liked to see done differently?

Now off to the LEGO Pirates Forum with yer!

First yer can observe the DadiTwin’s original submission before joining the discussion on how yer think the official set turned out – and most importantly, whether yer gonna attempt to snag a copy… well are ye?

Evancelt, one of Brethren of the Brick Seas most prestigious MOC Experts who specializing in Duplo and playing around with minifigures cannot be stopped! As the epic Brick Seas war rages, Evan pries into the conflict between Corrington and the Lotii, complete with exclusive behind the scenes photography.

Yes, you get to see his lighting setup…

The Story

With Major Brickford away leading the expeditionary forces on Terraversa with Colonel Allcock, Captain Keats was left in charge of the fledging settlement at Brickford Landing.

When Keats heard shots to the east, he hurriedly loaded his pistol and rallied nearby men to accompany him in the direction of the sound. As much of Brickford Landing was still dense jungle, the beach provided the easiest route of travel.

Coming upon two of his men, the Captain asked for a report. He learned that two unknown men in plainclothes had been sneaking along the edge of the eastern picket. Corlander forces had asked them to identify themselves and the men had fired upon them. The Corrington men returned fire, killing one of the assailants and wounding the other, who they now had under guard.

Following an initial attempt at interrogation, it became clear the prisoner didn’t speak much of the Corlander tongue. Bringing in a villager to help translate, Captain Keats could tell from the translated questions that the man spoke Lotii natively.

What were the Lotii doing scouting out Brickford Landing? Keats immediately tripled the perimeter guard.

That poor browncoat…

The Redcoats are done resting in the jungle practicing so they can prevent unwanted guests from entering when needed.

One sad Imperial Guard… He should be happy now they have a prisoner

The angry Browncoat wants to escape… but the odds are stacked against him.

Evancelt writes:

OOC: I wanted to bring attention back to the fact that Corrington is still at war with the Lotii, and figured this would be a fun way.

Also wanted to use two new KTown Bricks minifigs I got recently: a redcoat officer and a browncoat

I’m a big fan of ring lights for providing easy cheap lighting for photos. One downside of them is sometimes a ring-shaped glare appears on the subject! This time I tried using masking tape to attach printer paper to the ring lights and that helped diffuse the light (and light shape!) further.

Take a sneak peak at Evancelt’s room… look at that comfortable sofa! The Studio

About the Builder…

Ah yes, the legendary Evancelt – that name sure does come up a lot, doesn’t it?  We don’t even know if he pronounces it “Evan-selt” or “Evan-kelt”. Regardless, you should be impressed by his steady output of creations which often masterfully employ Duplo elements. Yes, that’s right, he steals his kids’ toys!

You can connect with Evan via Instagram and Flickr where you’ll be treated to more of masterful builds (which may or may not incorporate Duplo). And then there’s his website which showcases his builds relating to Brethren of the Brick Seas.

Want to see more Pirate MOCs by other Eurobricks members? Check out the main LEGO Pirates forum, an adventure awaits you!

UPDATE!!!

If you’re wondering where to procure yer very own 6432434 Pirate Adventure Ride it’s available as a Gift With Purchase on LEGO.com – see the product page* for more details.

* Affiliate link provided by Rakuten Advertising

Or, if yer rather not make other purchases, grab one from eBay…

Plenty of Pirate Adventure Rides await you on eBay*

* Affiliate link provided by eBay Partner Network

LEGO Korea (@legokorea_official) on Instagram has sighted the upcoming Adventure Ride Series which will be made available as a gift with purchase sets.

As part of their Bricktober 2022 celebrations these nifty little sets resemble coin-operated kiddie rides, with one based on each of classic LEGO themes Pirates, Castle, Space and… ummm… Town… with a Western and Friends influence…  whatever!  We only care about the Pirate themed set!

What Does 6432434 Pirate Adventure Ride Have to Offer?

Let’s evaluate the set for the parts it offers…

The ship is quite small but its adequate for what it represents, certainly not an abstract discombobulation of colourful pieces which merely resembles a ship, like the Vidiyo set.

The sail is brick-built with the typical red and white stripes common among LEGO Pirate ships.  It’s rather small but you could always build it into something more substantial should you decide to customise the set away from it’s children’s ride origin.

There are two printed pieces unique to the LEGO Pirates theme; the flag and bicorne, both baring recent square-headed, “minifig-esque” version of the Jolly Roger.

The minifigure itself offers the all time classic minifig head, simply comprised of a curve for a smile and two dots for eyes – no modern pupils here!  While reusing the torso which first became available in 21322 Pirates of Barracuda Bay, with the Jack ‘Dark Shark’ Doubloons and Starboard Broadside minifigs.

The other notable pieces include the telescope and sextant which emerged circa 2009. No treasure as such, but there is some gold lattice and tiles, plus there’s a golden rooster which first appeared in the “40515 Pirates and Treasure” VIP Value Pack, released September 2022.

Beyond that, there is perhaps some useful Technic pieces which enable the ship rocking functionality, and a title printed with the LEGO logo if that kind of thing excites you. The Imperial Guards probably won’t feel compelled to put a stop to this benevolent scourge of the shopping mall any time soon!

A golden cock perched atop the stern

Presumably you twist the nob and the ship rocked up and down…

Set includes this colourful commemorative box

Here is the complete Bricktober 2022 Adventure Ride set lineup.

When are they Available?

This promotion is due to launch 29 September 2022 in South Korea, but is yet known whether these sets will be available to the rest of the world.

The release schedule is:

• Space – 29th Sept to 5th October
• Pirates – 6th October to 12th October
• Wild West – 13th October to 19th October
• Castle – 20th October to 26th October

Looks much better without that base – now to get rid of that steering wheel

What purpose do those two clips on the back serve?

According to Brickfinder.net

Bricktobers are generally distributed through Toys ‘R’ Us but as some of us had experienced in Singapore that it was a joint collaboration last year with the local LEGO Certified Stores (LCS).

It is redeemable for ₩100,000 which is approximately SGD$100 but from past promotions, the redemption amount was pegged at $SGD80 so we might see and increase for the year 2022.

Information is still a bit scarce at the moment so do check with your local Toys ‘R’ Us / LCS before heading down. Will update once more information is available.

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Promotion and Packaging

Here is the Korean Promotional Poster – will we seen an English version?

Here is the minifigure from each set – slightly different to those seen the poster

In Korea each set will come in a decorative box

But whether international buyers will be able to get them all at once remains to be seen

The presentation does look rather nice… as though it is intended for collectors

Glorious presentation!

What Do Yer Think?

Is this pirate themed Adventure Ride worthy of your LEGO Pirate collection?  Or is it straying too far into uncharted waters?  Or do you have more information to share, particularly when/whether these sets will be available outside of South Korea?

Share your thoughts and findings with Classic Pirates in the LEGO Pirates Forum!

With a name like Boeing 787 8 Dreamliner you’d probably assume the builder was heavily focused on building aircraft MOCs. Well, what a daft assumption that is!

Mister Dreamliner makes his debut in Pirate MOC Forum with a frigate he’s dubbed “Phama“ due it’s a highly notorious reputation as an opium smuggling vessel!

It clocks in at a whopping 6,836 pieces and measures 100cm (3’3″) in length – and they tell the Imperial Guards its a cruise ship!

Boeing_787_8_dreamliner writes:

“Nuestra Senora de las Phama”

That loosely translates to “Our Lady of Fame” in case you were wondering… oh, you weren’t. Never mind!

Observe how the sails and rigging are all brick built in one tidy package

Stats

Spanish 5th rank frigate

Armament:

• 26 x 18 lb long guns
• 22 x 18 lb carronade
• 4 x swivel bream

Captain:
Jose Manuel de Labart

Crew:
330 man

Parts:
6836 parts

Dimensions:

• 63 cm height
• 31 cm width
• 100 cm length

• Keel laid in Cadiz: 01.06.1794
• Launched: 15.08.1798

Flying the Spanish colours she sails off to great adventures!

Nothing like having your name plastered across your bum stern

History

Based on plans by Alson Bueno

• 1798 – 1800 Equipment and passage to the Caribbean

Captured on the return voyage from HMS Agamemnon, HMS Endominion; HMS Amphion and HMS Bellona 1807

• Purchased and commissioned by the Royal Navy
•  until 1815 in blockade service
• 1815 Sold and scrapped

Phama entering the port of Havana 1800

• 03.05.1801 capture of HMS Sparrow
• 09.10.1802 Battle of HMS Indefatigable
• 01.02.1804 Capture of HMS Amelia
• 1805-1807 transport of a Spanish emissary to China

Intruders beware! This lady commands the waters – how many cannon do you count?

Let’s just take a moment to admire how HUGE this frigate is!

The bow complete with ornate figurehead

Let us finish with the stern… for that is what you’ll see when she sails off after blasting your vessel to smithereens!

About the Builder…

Boeing 787 8 Dreamliner (Frank Mäurer) is another one master builder with a digital shipyard right inside his computer.

He was an impressive fleet of tall ships which is continuously expanding and berthed through his Flickr account. If you navigate to his Instagram, you’ll discover things haven’t always been pixel-perfect, for once upon a time, he built MOCs with a modern military flavour using physical LEGO bricks!

Now, when you’re done admiring this frigate, plot a course to the LEGO Pirates Forum and discuss Fregatte Phama with Frank and the Classic Pirates!

LEGO Soldier and Imperial fortresses are extremely popular. In recent times, three such MOCs we shared via the Classic Pirates Instagram received more than 3,000 likes, and another four blue coat Soldier LEGO Ideas submissions reached 10K supporters.

So it’s about time someone built another one and The Inventor has done just that!

Behold this mighty fortress – it has a tower enabling the soldiers to see enemies miles away!  There’s also a dock to allow easy access for suppliers and recreational fishing.

Welcome to Fort de Monchy

The Inventor writes:

A bluecoat fort named “de Monchy”. Thanks for looking and let me know what you think.

Short and sweet, huh?

The great banana heist! Because them bananas are priceless!

As you can see this fortress is not without its fair share of monkeys and parrots

Ahhhh… the tower. Good to see the lookout is alert and wide awake at his job!

What are those pesky pirates up to? Fortress invasion? Surely not!

In the tradition of Eldorado Fortress we have another mighty fine blue coat Soldier fort with a dock at the front

About the Builder…

The Inventor has been kicking around Eurobricks for some time now, but he hasn’t shared all that many LEGO Pirate themed MOCs, so Fort de Monchy certainly comes as a pleasant surprise!

If you’re eager to see more of his work, check out his Flickr account, a lot of Space/Mechs, a little Castle and little more Pirates are available to immerse yourself in.

Once that’s done, set a source for the LEGO Pirates Forum so you can discuss this awesome fortress with The Inventor!