The BrickLink Designer Program has delivered us some inviting LEGO Pirate set concepts, but alas! Nary a pirate-themed submission splashed into the crowdfunding waters of the program’s 2021 Invitational or 2023 Series 1.

Fear not, for they’ve been granted another opportunity to infiltrate your LEGO Pirate collections…

Take that, ReBrickable!

The official MOC Popup Store webpage states:

Order Your Favorites

For a limited time this fall, BrickLink members in the US and select European countries can purchase digital building instructions and loose LEGO® elements to build these fan favorite BrickLink Designer Program submissions. Browse your favorites, and check out our FAQ for more information including a list of eligible countries.

The MOC Pop-Up Store is a pilot program and orders can be placed between 6 September to 15 November, 2023.

So which pirate-themed submissions be on offer?

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Pirate Favourites

Three 2023 Series 1 submissions be available for yer to purchase:

“The Crimson Outpost” by Brick Jester

Parts: 3,812 | Mifnigures: 5 | Difficulty: Advanced ●●○

The Crimson Outpost is located on a small island not far from the pirate town Port Sauvage somewhere in the maze of Caribbean archipelagos. The tower of the old pirate fortress stands firmly, withstanding the waves, and can be seen from afar. The rest of the fortress, on the other hand, has slowly decayed over the years. The fortress was abandoned and uninhabited for a long time. The ravages of time have clearly taken its toll on the old ramparts.

No longer shall yer crew be relegated to hovels and shanties… now they can have their own fort!

BUY NOW

“Black Fortune” by BrickMOCBay

Parts: 3,892 | Minifigures: 10 | Difficulty: Challenging ●●●

Arrrr….The Black Fortune pirate ship… Ye’ll be warned! Prepare to be plundered…

Just add sails to complete this formidable vessel and rule the seas

BUY NOW

“Imperial Brig” by Arselus

Parts: 1,994 | Minifigures: 5 | Difficulty: Challenging ●●●

Welcome to the Imperial Brig. It is inspired by many classic LEGO Pirates sets and a general interest in pirates and adventures on the high seas.

And if yer need somewhere to incarcerate those cantankerous pirates

BUY NOW

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What is the MOC Pop-Up Store?

BrickLink provides digital building instructions for select BrickLink Designer Program submissions and then helps yer round up the parts to build them.

Bricklink writes:

We’re testing something awesome.

You are all so creative, we can’t possibly produce all of the best fan designs through BrickLink Designer Program alone! So, we’re launching the MOC Pop-Up Store pilot. For a limited period this fall, BrickLink will make elements for select BDP submissions available for direct fulfillment through the BrickLink Marketplace and LEGO® Pick a Brick (for US and select European countries, see the FAQs for the complete list of countries). Fan designers will sell the digital building instructions for these select designs alongside your loose brick purchase. This way, you can buy the parts and instructions you need to make your favorite BDP submissions that don’t make it into an official Series!

Essentially, it’s a reboot of the MOC Shop concept through a pilot program named the “MOC Pop-Up Store“. The difference be; BrickLink allows members to purchase building instructions and loose parts for fan designs submitted to BrickLink Designer Program Series 1 & Series 2 that were not selected for crowdfunding.

How to Purchase

BrickLink has devised a simple three step process:

Step 1: Choose Your Store

Using the power of the Internet, BrickLink will determine a combination of stores that supply all the pieces you require to build the design. Yer may choose a combination of BrickLink stores and LEGO® Pick a Brick stores to wangle the best deal possible.

Step 2: Check out

To yer cart BirckLink will add the the digital building instructions and elements from the stores you’ve selected so yer can checkout.

Step 3: Get excited!

Now BrickLink now expects you to dance a jig for now they have yer money when yer parts arrive.

Video Tutorial:

Here be step-by-step instructions for placing an order, demonstrated by the Community Engagement Manager for Studio:

How Do I Get My Design Featured in the Store?

BrickLink has invited a handful of fan designers from the BrickLink Designer Program Series 1 and Series 2 whose submissions passed Crowd Validation, but were not selected as one of the 5 finalists.

Here be an infographic to break it down for yer

There be no open submissions in the pilot, so BrickLink won’t be accepting LEGO IDEAS projects and fan designs uploaded to the BrickLink Studio Gallery that did not receive approval in BDP Series 1 & Series 2.

Still Have Questions?

Then yer best read the Pop-Up Store’s Frequently Asked Questions webpage for the intricate details.

What be the Bricklink Designer Program?

The Bricklink Designer Program is The LEGO Group’s crowdfunding initiative that allows AFOL creations to be officially manufactured in limited production runs… if they’re extremely lucky!

This logo be a beacon of hope for future LEGO Pirate designs

It differs from LEGO Ideas in multiple ways:

• BrickLink Design Program submissions must be built digitally using BrickLink Studio as per the Submission Guidelines.
• The number of supporters may influence the submissions the BrickLink Designer Team select as finalists, but the supporter count is not revealed.
• Nor is a minimum of 10,000 supporters required for submissions to enter review.
• Submitted designs only enter production after the minimum pre-order requirement is met (3,000 orders at the time of writing)
• There is a maximum production limit (currently 20,000 sets).
• Customers may only purchase two sets from each series.

Heretofore,  “Ominous Isle” by Jazlecraz be the only pirate-themed submission the selected for Crowdfunding, and thus the MOC Pop-Up Store thrusts the BrickLink Designer Program towards a new frontier.

Crimson Output Promotional Video

Fan designer, Brickjester (Tobias Gloor) provides some insight behind the creation of the Crimson Outpost, believing “pirates deserve real homes made from stone and clay“.

This video was originally shared via the BrickLink Instagram profile.

What Do Yer Think?

Is the BrickLink MOC Pop-Up Store a suitable means of procuring new LEGO Pirate designs? Are the designs on offer to yer liking?

Here be what’s on offer in the Pop-up Store

Or be there other designs from Series 1 & Series 2 you’d rather purchase?

Now, it’s time to expand upon your thoughts on the frontier known as the LEGO Pirates Forum. See yer on the other side!

Using our magnificent spyglass, the Classic Pirates have sighted another Gift With Purchase which may interest LEGO Pirate fans, 40595 Tribute to Galileo Galilei.

The 306 piece display set depicts the study of historic astronomer Galileo and features brick-built versions of his inventions and equipment, rather beautiful depictions of Age of Sail technology.

The set will be released under the LEGO® Ideas brand and valued at around US$25 / AU$39.

An official release date or purchase thresholds (estimated around $120) have not been officially announced, but it’s speculated the set will be available from 1 November, 2023 after the incumbent 40599 Houses of the World 4 and  40659 Mini Steamboat Willie GWPs sail off into the sunset.

40595 Tribute to Galileo Galilei is available with purchases of $130 / €130 / £130 and above from 1 November until the 16 November, 2023, while stocks last. Please visit LEGO.com from 1 November, 2023 for full details of the promotion.

Specifications

First, let’s take a look at the official box art:

Here’s the front of the box for 40595 Tribute-to Galileo Galilei

And around the back is an alternate build for Galileo’s dining room…

The official 40595 Tribute to Galileo Galilei webpage on LEGO.com states:

Pay tribute to legendary astronomer Galileo Galilei with this detailed LEGO® Ideas set (40595). Enjoy quality time building a research room with a buildable telescope, rotating heliocentric model, table, chest of drawers, ’stone’ experiments, map of Earth and a picture of the tower in his hometown of Pisa. Attach the nameplate and place the Galileo Galilei minifigure in the scene to complete a delightful centerpiece.

• Tribute to Galileo Galilei build-and-display set (40595) – Celebrate the groundbreaking scientific discoveries of Galileo Galilei with this LEGO® minifigure of the astronomer and a brick-built scene
• Detailed model – Features a buildable telescope, rotating heliocentric model, table, chest of drawers, ’stone’ experiments, map of Earth and a picture of the tower in his hometown of Pisa
• Gift idea for adults – This 306-piece model measures over 3.5 in. (9 cm) high, 7.5 in. (19 cm) wide and 4 in. (10 cm) deep and makes a fun gift for any LEGO® fan or adult interested in astronomy

Official Announcement

The LEGO Ideas blog officially announced the set on 26 October, 2023:

We’re delighted to reveal the latest LEGO® Ideas Gift with Purchase set 40595 Galileo Galilei, which was discovered in our “Ready, Set, Go STEM!” contest back in 2022. Submitted by @Firecracker_, also known as Jess!

Pay tribute to legendary astronomer Galileo Galilei with this detailed LEGO® Ideas set (40595). Enjoy quality time building a research room with a buildable telescope, rotating heliocentric model, table, chest of drawers, ’stone’ experiments, map of Earth, and a picture of the tower in his hometown of Pisa. Attach the nameplate and place the Galileo Galilei Minifigure in the scene to complete a delightful centerpiece.

This 307-piece model measures over 3.5 in. (9 cm) high, 7.5 in. (19 cm) wide and 4 in. (10 cm) deep.

This Gift with Purchase will be available from the 1st of November until the 16th of November, 2023, as long as stocks last, for qualifying purchases at $130 / €130 / £130 and above. For full details of the promotion, please visit LEGO.com from the 1st of November, 2023.

Congratulations to Jess!

LEGO Ideas

Tribute to Galileo Galilei was originally created by FIRECRACKER for the LEGO Ideas Ready, Set, Go Stem contest and announced as the winner on 14 June, 2022 with 1,432 fan votes.

This be the version submitted in the LEGO Ideas contest

FIRECRACKER writes:

A celebration of Galileo Galilei, the astronomer who contributed greatly to our understanding of space. Galileo improved the telescope to view our planets and stars, determined the Moon has mountains and craters, discovered Jupiter’s moons, studied the phases of Venus, and advocated for the Heliocentric theory. This set captures our spirit for scientific discovery!

Includes a micro Heliocentric model that rotates, a telescope, and bookshelf. This set consists of exactly 250 pieces.

The motorized feature is far too advanced for a Gift With Purchase set

The original version also contains a motorized feature in which the Earth orbits the Sun in motion. Unfortunately this feature does not appear to be incorporated into the final set.

What’s this Old Geezer Got to Do with Pirates?

This old geezer, who’s full name was Galileo di Vincenzo Bonaiuti de’ Galilei, but more commonly known as Galileo (15 February, 1564 – 8 January, 1642), was an Italian astronomer, physicist and engineer.

Galileo Galilei Showing the Doge of Venice How to Use the Telescope by Giuseppe Bertini (1858)

He got himself into strife with the Pope’s for advocating Copernican heliocentrism – that’s the astronomical model developed by Nicolaus Copernicus which places the Sun at the centre of the universe with Earth and other planets orbiting around it.

Galileo’s relevance to LEGO Pirate fans be that he lived during The Age of Sail and his inventions, or more specifically the gadgets included with this set may find themselves at home in your MOCs.  Or maybe yer a history aficionado and this little display set fits right in… or perhaps yer could expand upon it by incorporating it into a much larger scene.

How Do I Get Galileo?

Being a Gift with Purchase set you’ll need to register as a LEGO Insider to be eligible.

Only LEGO Insiders get to play with Galileo in his study

What be a LEGO Insider yer ask? It’s a VIP rewards program in which your LEGO.com purchases earn points for use with discounts, exclusive sets like 40597 Scary Pirate Island and member-only sweepstakes like winning a 40504 LEGO Minifigure Tribute set.

The Insiders points webpage on LEGO.com states:

Once you’ve earned your points, you can spend them on discounts on future purchases, exclusive sets and items, and digital products such as merchandise, coloring activities and alternative building instructions. You’ll also be able to use your points to get tickets to events and experiences and enter member-only sweepstakes.

UPDATE 30, March 2024

The LEGO Insiders webpage has moved here.

So if yer want a FREE 40595 Tribute to Galileo Galileie yer best register as a  LEGO Insider today so yer prepared for when the set becomes available!

* official affiliate links provided by Rakuten Marketing

What Do Yer Think?

Will Galileo be stargazing with your LEGO Pirates in the future?  Or is this curmudgeonly codger not relevant enough to be part of your collection?

If you get the set, you might be so kind as to repair the draw for him…

Or yer pirates might help themselves to his equipment – it sure would look great in your captain’s cabin!

Let’s us know what yer think of Galileo!  The Classic Pirates be waiting for yer in the LEGO Pirates Forum…

The LEGO Insiders Rewards Center gives yer the chance to WIN 1 of 3 40504 LEGO Minifigure Tribute sets signed by designer Stuart Harris.

This sweepstakes is open between 23 October and 12 November, 2023 and you must be a LEGO Insider to enter (read on to learn how to become an Insider).

It costs 50 Insider points to enter and yer can have a maximum of 50 entries per account.

LEGO Insiders from Europe, USA, Canada and UK can find more information in their Rewards Center.

The Official Details

This is what yer could win

Enter to win 1 of 3 LEGO® Minifigure Tribute sets, each signed by a LEGO designer. Created exclusively for the LEGO House in Billund, Denmark, this upscaled set is based on a 1989 LEGO Pirate minifigure. 50 Insiders points per entry. 23/10/2023-12/11/2023.

Maximum of 50 entries per Insiders Member – please see full terms and conditions for details and eligibility requirements. Sweepstake closes on 12 November 2023. Eligible countries: Canada (excluding Quebec), Estonia, France (excluding French Overseas Departments or Territories, and the Principality of Monaco), Greece, Republic of Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Slovakia, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States.

What is LEGO Insiders?

It’s a VIP rewards program in which your LEGO.com purchases earn points for use with discounts, exclusive sets like 40597 Scary Pirate Island and member-only sweepstakes like winning a 40504 LEGO Minifigure Tribute set.

The Insiders points webpage on LEGO.com states:

Once you’ve earned your points, you can spend them on discounts on future purchases, exclusive sets and items, and digital products such as merchandise, coloring activities and alternative building instructions. You’ll also be able to use your points to get tickets to events and experiences and enter member-only sweepstakes.

UPDATE 30, March 2024

The LEGO Insiders webpage has moved here.

So if yer want to win a 40504 LEGO Minifigure Tribute yer better register as a LEGO Insider.

* official affiliate link provided by Rakuten Marketing

What is 40504 A Minifigure Tribute?

During early 2023 the Classic Pirates intercepted a rumour about an upcoming pirate-themed set which was later revealed as the fourth LEGO House Exclusive set via the LEGO House website.

The set is a brick-built maxifigure of the original Captain Redbeard minifigure approximately 30cm/11.811′ tall, holding a treasure map.

Captain Roger Redbeard offered as a LEGO House Exclusive set

The 1,041 piece set retails for 599 DKK ($85 USD / AU$126) and is usually only available for purchase at the LEGO House store – meaning you have to travel to Denmark to buy one.

What Do Yer Think?

Are yer gonna take a stab at winning the giant Captain Redbeard?  Or are raffles and sweepstakes not the kind of contests yer enter?  Or are you a stickler for Classic LEGO Pirate sets and this maxifigure don’t cut the mustard?

Either way, let us know yer thoughts in the LEGO Pirate Forum.

Have ye heard of the legendary Captain Sabertooth?

Accompanied by an orphan boy known as “Pinky“, Sabertooth embarked on an exciting, but dangerous quest to the kingdom of Lama Rama in the hunt for a prized treasure… and to discover the identity of Pinky’s father… so he didn’t have to put up with the brat forever!

Legofjotten writes:

This is another detail shot of our Captain Sabretooth (Kaptein Sabeltann) layout currently on display at Kristiansand Zoo in Norway.

Who is Captain Sabertooth?

Captain Sabertooth leads a pirate crew sailing aboard “The Dark Lady” (Den Sorte Dame) and boasts an impregnable fortress. You may also have the privilege of a quick look inside his cabin.

He has neither a saber or teeth

Captain Sabertooth (or Kaptein Sabeltann) is a long running Norwegian franchise focused upon the adventures of the eponymous pirate. Originally created and portrayed by Norwegian performer and artist, Terje Formoe it encompasses a variety of media aimed towards children.

Debuting as a series of stage plays in the early 90’s, Sabertooth’s success lead to various theatrical films that achieved highly popular in Norway.

About the Builder…

Lego Fjotten (Lars Barstad) is a talented builder whom has triumphed in a string of LEGO Ideas contents… but hasn’t (yet) submitted an idea with the aim of achieving 10,000 supporters.

He has some nifty builds upon Flickr and Instagram so follow him to witness more fantastic pirate creations and keep aloft his latest postings.

And now you shall go to the LEGO Pirates Forum and cheer the adventures of great pirate captains!

UPDATE: 22, October 2023

Crowd Support for Bricklink Designer Program’s 2023 Series 3 has closed and the submissions are now undergoing review by the Bricklink Designer Team.

Here’s a screenshot of the Series 3 homepage during the Review Phase

The official Series 3 webpage currently states:

The BDP Design Team will review all designs and pick 5 finalists. Check back on November 21st to find out which we choose!

The Review Phase will take place between  22 October and 20 November, 2023 in which the team:

Checks every design for building experience, brand fit, and crowd favorites.

So return to these waters on 21 November to discover whether any pirate submissions have been granted amnesty passed review.

The 2023 Series 2 submissions bought us Ominous Isle, the first ever pirate-themed submission to be approved for Crowdfunding under the BrickLink Designer Program.

Overall, 2023 has been a more promising year for LEGO Pirate sets with the updated Eldorado Fortress and Scary Pirate Island Gift With Purchase, albeit with a smattering of passionate commentary from those who hold official set design to an extremely high standard.

Nonetheless, we remain must steadfast upon this trajectory by continually demonstrating our support for LEGO Pirates is stronger than ever!

So here be the 2023 Series 3 submissions you can vote for..

Crowd Support

According to the official BrickLink website you have until October 21 to vote for the Series 3 submissions you like most.  Voting influences the BrickLink Designer Team’s selection of the five designs that progress to Crowdfunding during October 2024…  that be the phase in which ye can place yer order!

Here be the official timeline for 2023 Series 3

There be no limits upon how many submissions you can vote for – so vote for ALL the pirate submissions today!  Show the LEGO Group and BrickLink Designer Team that demand for LEGO Pirates is stronger than ever!

“Seagull Bay Lighthouse Imperial Fortress” by Delusion Brick

Parts: 3,594 | Minifigures: 7 | Stickers: 3

The set has: 2 pirates, a spy dealer and a captain captive. 4 soldiers, one officer, one Commander, Commander’s daughter and one trained soldier! And finally a sailor intended for work!

Here be yer latest blue coat Soldier fortress with joining lighthouse

Delusion Brick writes:

Greetings to all LEGO Pirate enthusiasts and beyond! I come bearing exciting news—I’ve crafted a brand-new fortress complete with a majestic lighthouse, tailored for our esteemed navy fleet, aptly named “Seagull Bay.”

This endeavor has long been a dream of mine, inspired by the iconic LEGO pirate series of 1989. My collection boasts pieces dating back to 1989, ’90, ’91, and onward, serving as a cherished vessel of nostalgia for the whimsical voyages of my youth. Consequently, I’ve embarked on a creative journey to pay homage to the beloved Imperial Soldier set.

“Baltic Explorer” by CG101

Parts: 2,654 | Minifigures: 4

Set sail on a journey of creativity and craftsmanship with the Baltic Explorer. This project pays homage to legendary ships that once graced the Baltic seas. This set brings maritime history to life in an authentic and awe-inspiring way.

Full model: 33 in. (83.9 cm) long, 23 in. (58.3 cm) high, and 9.5 in. (24.1 cm) wide.

A full hulled ship – nothing hidden below the waterline here!

CG101 writes:

My inspiration for the Baltic Explorer stemmed from a fascination with maritime history and a desire to construct an authentic, period-correct ship model. Departing from the conventional LEGO ship designs that often truncate below the waterline, the Baltic Explorer proudly features a detachable full hull, faithfully capturing the essence of a majestic vessel sailing the open seas.

“Imperial Outpost Island” by KingNono

Parts: 753 | Minifigures: 3 

You can remove the roof to look into the cabin and the prison.

The lovechild of 6242 Soldiers Fort and 6267 Lagoon Lockup

KingNono Writes:

Welcome to my Imperial Outpost with a small island.

As a fan of the old Imperial and Pirate sets, I wanted to recreate a small scene to combine both themes. The pirate is about to blow up the mountain to expand the treasure he has already recovered. But the Imperials have already used the map to track him down and shortly before the explosion they catch him and are able to lock him up.

“Blockade Runner” by Rockfact

Parts: 1,622 | Minifigures: 3

Set sail for adventure with the crew of the Blockade Runner! These Privateers are smuggling treasure disguised as a fishing haul. Help them navigate through dangerous waters as they avoid enemy ships and watchtowers, battle a mighty Kraken, and escape from the clutches of a siren sea witch.

The cephalopod from 6240 Kraken Attackin is all grown up and attacking ships now

“Shipwreck Island” by Radiosilenced

Parts: 1,510 | Minifigures: 2

Welcome to shipwreck island, despite being centered in the Bermuda triangle, it’s a relatively safe island and one of three land masses on the inside of the triangle.

Despite conveniences like umbrellas, a barbecue and a shipping container full of supplies, one of the castaways has perished

Radiosilenced writes:

This build really tested my skills, natural formations like trees and rocks are not my strong suite and neither are buildings, but I think this turned out really good for what it is. This build actually started out as a floating island but evolved into this over time and I’m honestly surprised I was able to keep this on one base plate too though i could have added like ship debris or something if I used multiple.

Imperial Frigate Concordia by Perfectionist

3,989 parts | 13 Minifigures | 1 sticker | 0 sails

A 20-gun frigate assigned to hunting those pirates! Also carries a treasure chest, for those who dare… This is an extremely ambitious design with a smoothly curving hull built on a sturdy technic frame and a detailed, Minifigure-friendly, interior.

Imagine how dashing this ship would look with sails

Perfectionist writes:

In my opinion, wooden sailing ships are uniquely beautiful and I have built an entire fleet of sailing ships with Lego from 2009- 2013. Concordia is my best work so far and the culmination of many years of experience. Thanks to the BrickLink Designer Program, it could come to you!

“The Golden Crab Tavern” by Svartath

Parts: 2,992 | Minifigures: 7

Legend speaks that every hundred years the ocean god gives a very special kind of offering to the sea people, to honor the once prosperous times. It is said that a creature with a golden shell is sent and has the power to bring glory and good fortune to whoever finds it, as long as they do not greedily seek to get profit from selling its pure gold shell.

Size: 27w 46L 36H (cm) | Weight: 2.2(kg)

Another pub for Jack Sassy to visit and review on ShipAdviser.com

Perfectionist writes:

This tavern is a full 360° display model as it’s supposed to stand in the middle of the sea and be seen from every direction. This is why I wanted something looking nice from every angle of view. I believe it could be a great addition for Pirates collectors as we need more shack looking models full of wood planks and chaotic looking construction. I wanted a twisted building with inclined walls, we need to feel that pirates only had access to wood planks to build it, they did what they could.

“Merchant Hideaway” by Modeltrainman

Parts: 1,922 | Minifigures: 5

Enter the world of Sanctuary Cove, a haven for merchants and commoners, a place where no riffraff is to be found…LEGO never produced a merchant vessel, so I wanted to fill the gap!

This is be where the merchant goes bananas!

“Skyship” by Niels_9

Parts: 1,170 | Minifigures: 2

In the floating archipelago there is only one way to travel and that is by skyship. The zephyr is one of these skyships crewed by captain gale and her first mate Mr. Blizzard. The ship has been upgraded with the latest steam powered propulsion system, making it one of the fastest available.

Why settle for conquering the seas when you can capture the skies!

Niels_9 writes:

The model is made out of 1170 parts and and has sideways sails that can be moved into different positions. The roof at the backside can easily be removed to provide access to the interior. It further comes with 2 minifigs (captain and first mate) and a number of accesories they can be displayed with. The model is about 46cm (18inch) long, 39cm without the front pin. The with without the sails is 13cm (5inch) or roughly 39cm (15 1/3inch) with the sails at their widest position. The height of the model is 15cm (6inch).  I hope you enjoy my design as much as I did creating it.

“UCS Pirates Treasure Map” by MyFirstMOC_HUN

Parts: 1,499 | Stickers: 3

The life of a treasure hunter is not without its dangers, as a section of the map is marked with a death’s head. It is unwise to stray from the marked path, for if not for the Islanders, the adventurer may find himself in the clutches of soldiers.

Which locations do you recognise on this map?

MyFirstMOC_HUN writes:

I got the idea for the map from a builder called Chocobrick77. He made a copy of the map that came with the figures in the old sets. I really liked it, but there were elements of it that I either didn’t like or just would have done differently.  Since I didn’t want it to resemble his idea, I completely rethought this project. Previously, you could find these bases in the official LEGO Art kits that I used for the map. This set is made up of 12 blocks, surrounded by a frame similar to the Art sets.

“Shallow Waters” by Bricking.Pepe

Parts: 1294  |  Minifigures: 4

The model shows a small boat with its crew in some turbulent waters with waves crushing onto the boat. The water serves as a display stand as you can quickly grab the boat and use its varios play functions since it is not connected to any studs. It is rotated in two different dimension to give a more realistic feel to the scene.

Boat: L: 38cm (15 Inches) | W: 8cm (3.15 Inches) | H: 24cm (9.5 Inches)

ARRRRGH!!! That ship is heading right for blondie!

Bricking.Pepe writes:

At the beginning of this year I rediscovered my old LEGO bricks through my little son after not touching any Bricks for 20+ years. My loved ones and me built some small vehicles and had a lot of fun building and playing together. After i checked the current Lego sets I was hugely impressed by what is possible with Lego Bricks today, so I ordered some sets for the purpose of future Christmas gifts. I got some GWPs with it and bought some really small new sets for myself to build.

Special Thanks

A big thank ye to new Classic Pirates recruit, Yperio Bricks for sifting through all the Series 3 submissions to pluck out the piratey ones for us!

What be the BrickLink Designer Program?

This be The LEGO Group’s Crowdfunding initiative for producing AFOL creations as official sets.

Support LEGO Pirate themed submissions whenever and wherever possible!

1. First yer build a design with BrickLink Studio and submit it to the BrickLink Designer Program during the Open Submission phase.
2. During the Crowd Support phase (that’s the phase we’re in now) fans vote for the submissions they’d like to buy as future sets.
3. Next comes the Review phase in which the BrickLink Designer Team determines the 5 entries from to be refined by the Model Governance and Building Instructions teams.

Now yer might be thinking:  Wait!  Isn’t this the same as LEGO Ideas?

Nay! From here onward the BrickLink Designer Program veers off on a very difference course.

LEGO Ideas sets are produced for general retail and appear in stores throughout the world, whereas BDP sets are granted crowdfunding opportunities  and only receive a production run if a minimum of 3,000 pre-orders are placed.  Furthermore, they have a limited production of 20,000 sets and you, the customer may only purchase two sets from each series.

So BrickLink Designer sets far more exclusive!

Be there Any Point to Voting?

AYE!!! …and AYE means… YES!!!

While Pirates were neglected during previous BrickLink Designer initiatives, they succeeded in 2023 Series 2  when “Ominous Isle” by Jazlecraz was selected for Crowdfunding during June 2024.

Let’s ensure this is the first of many!

Now, Ominous Isle may not be yer cup of tea, but that isn’t a valid reason to be complacent!  In the future, there may be a submission that IS yer cup of tea, so we’ve got to keep the kettle warm!  In fact, we must keep it whistling on the stove to ensure The LEGO Group never forgets the love for LEGO Pirates remains strong!

And the best way to stoke the fire is to vote on every pirate-themed submission…  whenever the opportunity presents itself.

What Do Yer Think?

Are the Series 3 pirate-themed submissions worth voting for?  Do yer think any will sail through to the Crowd Funding phase?

Make it happen!

You have until 21 October, 2023 to vote and there be no limits to how many submissions you can vote for.

This is an official opportunity to be heard and inform the LEGO Group there is yet more demand for LEGO Pirate sets…

So scroll back up and get voting!

And once yer done that; it’s off to the LEGO Pirates Forum or Facebook Page to discuss which pirate submissions yer voted for… or the reasons for why yer didn’t.

Have ye heard the perilous story of a family whose ship is thrown off course during a turbulent squall and is shipwrecked upon some tropical paradise? The ship’s crew is lost, but the family and several domestic animals survive. They make their way to shore, where they build a fantastic settlement and undergo several adventures before being rescued.

While this may sound much similar to beloved tale of Swiss Family Robinson, we are actually referring to the new pirate themed LEGO Ideas entry by the one and only Bricky Brick, and his adorable The Three Siblings Island.

Bricky_Brick writes:

“The Three Siblings Island” is a 3D map of a lost place now inhabited by Daniel, Paula, and Patrick, three siblings who survived a shipwreck.

The waves carried them in a small boat to the island and when they woke up, they discovered a new home.

The island of the three siblings is a proposal to express willpower and courage, and that with effort many goals can be achieved, among the most important being surviving on an island.

Swiss Family Robinson is a novel by Johann David Wyss, published in 1812, which underwent a number of versions and adaptations (and not at all inspired by this Bricky Bricky’s lovely creation)

The Island Backstory

This island was discovered and regularly used during medieval times. Unbeknownst to children, the finely crafted arch on the island’s southern shore marked the entrance to a modest gold mining site, which over the eons was lost to the jungle and had been long since forgotten.

The irregular stony arch and the slightly angled wooden huts are indicative of a well conceived structure, no matter how simple it appears upon first impression

Here, the three young castaways decided to make the most of a precarious situation, while attempting to find a way back to civilization. What they don’t realise is the island’s old visitors left a solution to escape, and the secret knowledge now lies with the turtles who roam the island’s beaches.

Aerial image of The Island, taken with one of those well trained parrots. Here, we can see three different types of roofs of the three little pigs, ahem siblings

The siblings live with an unusual friend named Specks, a pig who also survived the shipwreck and was rescued by the three.

Good thing the Island is teeming with life, or else we suspect good old Specks (the pig) would appear rather appetizing

The family photo (from the right): Daniel, Paula, little Patrick and their tasty friend Specks… plus those knowledgeable escape turtles.

There is something awfully familiar with the little Patrick Bateman here… anyways, moving on

Fish, fruits and wood are the resources they hunt and scavenge during the daylight hours, while the night is reserved for stories around the campfire about the fearsome pirates! On some nights they even spy the lights of passing ship in the distance… who are apparently oblivious to there whereabouts on the island.

Worry not Specks, there is plenty of seashells and fish to go around

Wilson would be proud, our young Castaway made his first fire

One of the most impressive stony circular stair designs – steal this idea!

The rocky top of the Island provides enough space for cozy and safe sleeping quarters

Daniel, being the biggest and the strongest of the three, gets to choose the best sleeping spot for himself

Paula is left to battle with psycho Patrick for the second best hut on the island, the hut with the most deadly sing holder

Not Familiar with LEGO Ideas?

LEGO Ideas is a website that allows users to submit creations with the aim of becoming official LEGO sets – the kind you can buy!  But to be a contender for official set status, each idea must garner 10,000 supporters. Original designers receive 1% commission on royalties and ten free LEGO sets from those currently on the market.

That’s where YOU come in! Visit the project submission webpage and click the Support button to pledge your support!

Ray the Castaway would be envious if he saw the size of this shipwreck island!

About the Builder…

Bricky_Brick (aka Paokus in some circles, Pablo in others) is the creator of 21322 Pirates of Barracuda Bay, the first ever Pirate themed LEGO Ideas project to reach 10,000 supporters, make it past the formidable review process, and go into production. Since then he’s contributed dozens of submissions to LEGO Ideas and  has reached the 10K supporter goal more than once – impressed yet?

This is what Bricky Brick is most famous for… a Pirate Haven, not an Imperial Guard in sight

As a member of the LEGO Ideas 10K Club, Bricky_Brick gave an interview about his brick passion that is worth a read (if you are one of those literate pirates), if not you can follow him on almost all social media platforms where he regularly shares his great ideas:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Flickr
• YouTube
• Pinterest
• LEGO Ideas

What Do You Think?

Is this MOC pirate enough to deserve your click of support on LEGO Ideas? What’s keeping the kids on this island, they do have a perfectly good row-boat to make a run for it? Is there any sparkling treasure left inside the gold mine? Got any of your questions? Well, do you? Come inside the LEGO Pirates forum and tell what you think, we are waiting for ye.

Thar she blows!  The new LEGO Creator set, 40597 Scary Pirate Island has been sighted on LEGO.com, along with high resolution images and set specifications.

If yer failed to keep yer ear to the wind, the upcoming LEGO Pirate set be a Gift With Purchase containing 214 pieces. It will be available from LEGO.com* between October 13-22 but thar LEGO Group still hasn’t told us the bloomin’ regional purchase thresholds, although they’re estimated to be around US$100.

Specifications

According to the official 40597 Scary Pirate Island webpage on LEGO.com:

LEGO® fans can celebrate Halloween by staging their own adventures on Scary Pirate Island (40597). The island features a shark’s head with a cave inside its open jaws, plus a creepy castle ruin with a staircase. Explorers can find a treasure chestfull of gold and jewelry, a skull and a bat. Paddling towards the island on a raft is a treasure-seeking pirate with an oar and a sword. A Halloween gift for kids aged 8+, this set looks great on display and can be used to play out fun-filled stories.

Features

• Celebrate Halloween – This LEGO® Creator Scary Pirate Island buildable toy for kids features a shark’s head, a castle ruin, a bat and a pirate minifigure on a raft
• A gift for ages 8+ – Give this 214-piece island to little builders who have a passion for pirates and dreaming up scary stories
• Play anywhere – The island measures over 5 in. (13 cm) high, 4.5 in. (12 cm) wide and 3.5 in. (9 cm) deep, the perfect size for kids to play with at home or take on the go

Arrrrr look, it says “the perfect size for kids”, so this set not be intended for AFOLs with high building standards! Or is it?

Official Box Images

The official 40597 Scary Pirate Island* webpage offers some nice crisp, high resolution images of the set’s box.

If you weren’t quite sure, the model “does not float”

The island was once a Fright Knight outpost

And here’s the obligatory “lifestyle” image –  for there be no better life than building yer LEGO Pirate sets on a hardwood floor!

Double LEGO Insider Points Event

If yer a VIP (Very Important Pirate) yer should know the LEGO’s Offers and Promotions webpage* has confirmed the next Double Insider Points event (formerly Double VIP Points) will grant LEGO Insiders 2x points on all purchases from 10-15 October, 2023 on LEGO.com.

This graphic be what the LEGO Group uses to entice you to register a membership

“Aye, but what be a LEGO Insider?”, asks you?

It’s a rewards membership program in which yer LEGO.com purchases earn ye points, says us.

“What good be these points?”, you continue to ponder, as though the concept of a rewards program has passed you by.

According to the Insiders points webpage on LEGO.com:

Once you’ve earned your points, you can spend them on discounts on future purchases, exclusive sets and items, and digital products such as merchandise, coloring activities and alternative building instructions. You’ll also be able to use your points to get tickets to events and experiences and enter member-only sweepstakes.

UPDATE 30, March 2024

The LEGO Insiders webpage has moved here.

Translation: FREE and discounted LEGO products!!!

Yer don’t want to pay full price do yer?  LEGO is expensive enough as it is!

So if yer NOT already an Insider, yer best get inside by registering NOW!

Then yer can benefit from this glorious offer by purchasing another 10320 Eldorado Fortress or maybe even a 21343 Viking Village. Or even a Venator Class Republic Attack Cruiser if yer need a break from the historic themes.

Regardless of that yer buy, you’ll still need to buy something above the threshold to be eligible for this Gift With Purchase.

* official affiliate link provided by Rakuten Marketing

What Do Yer Think?

Does 40597 Scary Pirate Island get yer all warm and tingly with nostalgia?

Join the ongoing battles discussions in the LEGO Pirates Forum and Facebook Group to share yer thoughts on this new LEGO Pirate themed set.

This be our first official Halloween LEGO Pirate set

Be this a fun little set to add to yer LEGO Pirate collection? Or could the LEGO Group have done more to persuade you to part with yer hard earned doubloons?

The new pirate-themed LEGO Creator Gift With Purchase has been officially named in time for Halloween!

LEGO Creator set 40597 Scary Pirate Island contains 214 pieces and will be available from LEGO.com* between October 13-22 with purchases (estimated) over US$100, although purchase thresholds and regional dates have not yet been officially confirmed.

The new set harkens back to the likes of 6248 Volcano Island with a hint of 6296 Shipwreck Island, both of which sailed into stores during the sunset of the Golden Age. In other words, 1996.

6248 Volcano Island contains raft, rock and skull… with adjoining skeleton body and limbs.

In favourable stroke of ingenuity, 40597 Scary Pirate Island deviates from the well-trodden skull island concept, with its rocky outcrop resembling the gaping maw of a ravenous shark.  Yet there be little else to strike fear into the souls of hardened buccaneers;  the titular “scariness” may be attributed to the inclusion of a bat for the first time ever in a pirate-themed set.  But unlike its aforementioned predecessors, a complete skeleton be absent, so yer must make do with just the noggin!

At the very least, 40597 Scary Pirate Island will compliment yer second (or third) 10320 Eldorado Fortress purchase – what? Don’t tell us yer haven’t made yer first purchase yet?*

* official affiliate link provided by Rakuten Marketing

Digging Deeper

Beyond the initial leaks which sprang during mid September, social media be whispering of promotional images and photos from them who got their clutches upon the actual set.

This image has begun floating around social media

This particular promo image appears to have washed ashore from Jay’s LEGO Blog using information from the Bricks Thailand LEGO Certified Store who also posted an announcement on their Facebook Page. Now, if only we could gather such information from outside waters, we could rule provide coverage for the entire world!  No doubt the specifics are headed straight towards us, so remain vigilant for details…

Front box of 4059 Scary Pirate Island photographed by Bricking747

Back box of 4059 Creator Scary Pirate Island photographed by Bricking747

The above two images were photographed by the highly talented Bricking747 so be sure to give that Instagram account a royal escort follow if you appreciate fine photography of classic LEGO sets.

What Do Yer Think?

Is this pile megalodon masonary scary enough to weigh anchor in yer LEGO Pirates collection?  Or will ye sail right past it, turning a blind eye as though it be feeble flake?

Now the hour is upon us, navigate towards the LEGO Pirates Forum or Facebook Group or Facebook Page to discuss 40597 Scary Pirate Island more thoroughly and let yer true feelings be known!