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.
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.
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.
Alright, so most of us probably know who Brickley is. The giant green sea serpent found round the world at LEGO stores everywhere! But what’s his story? As a Floridian, I spent most of my childhood knowing and loving Brickley in Downtown Disney. As I got older, I expanded my travelling horizons and eventually stumbled upon him in the New York City Lego Store! That’s when I realized, this wasn’t just an ordinary model, this was an icon!
I’ve always loved this guy, and luckily my fiance purchased a Brickley set when they were available back in the day, so we can cherish him at home as well.
But does anyone know the history of Brickley? Where he debuted? Where he is located throughout the world? My fiance grew up spending most of her childhood summers in Carlsbad, California (the location of Legoland) and SWORE there was a Brickley there. To our unfortunate surprise, when we went back and visited, he was nowhere to be found. So does anyone have a map of Brickley, or can we put one together?
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.
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!
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.
Great question! There are a few reasons why sailors during long voyages often didn’t fish, even when they were running low on food:
Difficulty of Fishing on a Moving Ship: Fishing from a moving ship is challenging. The ship’s speed and movement make it hard to catch fish, as they are less likely to bite when the bait is moving quickly through the water.
Time and Resources: Fishing requires time and resources that sailors often didn’t have. Stopping the ship to fish would delay the journey, and there was no guarantee of catching enough fish to sustain the crew.
Storage Issues: Even if they did catch fish, storing fresh fish on a long voyage was problematic. Without proper refrigeration, the fish would spoil quickly, leading to potential health risks.
Dietary Preferences and Risks: Some sailors were wary of eating fish due to potential health risks, such as food poisoning from spoiled fish. They often relied on preserved foods like hardtack and salted meat, which had a longer shelf life.
Lack of Equipment: Many ships were not equipped for extensive fishing operations. They lacked the necessary tackle and equipment to catch large quantities of fish efficiently.
So, while it might seem logical to fish when food supplies ran low, the practical challenges and risks often made it a less viable option for sailors.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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 mostAFOL 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.
What LEGO set or theme inspired your build? 1872 Imperial Guard Camp
How many LEGO parts did you use on your build? 250
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 2days 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.
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!
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!
Well, that may be a slight exaggeration, but in the absence of blue coatSoldier 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.
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?
The release of 10365 Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Ship revealed an unfortunate truth… shooting cannons are no longer available!
Do grown adults seriously want a play feature with a spring-loaded mechanism that projects 1×1 cylindrical bricks through the air?
The LEGO Group has quietly discontinued its spring-loaded firing cannons across most new sets, a move that’s stirred curiosity and debate among fans. While LEGO hasn’t issued an official statement, here’s what’s emerging from community sources and product trends.
Why the Change?
While LEGO hasn’t confirmed the reasoning, several factors likely contributed:
Safety concerns: LEGO has long prioritized child safety, and projectile elements—especially those with strong springs—can pose risks to eyes or pets.
Design evolution: Newer sets focus more on storytelling, display value, and modular play rather than action-based mechanics.
Regulatory pressure: Toy safety standards in regions like the EU and Australia may be tightening around projectile toys, prompting preemptive design shifts.
So, how did you upgrade _Captain_ Jack Sparrows Black Pearl?
I added a lot of rigging (all Lego string – the longest one actually from an old Black Seas Barracuda), added a few specks of dark green to make the deck look a little bit more rotten, added some bits on deck (hourglass, sextant, crates of cannonballs), pimped the boat with a tiller & rudder, a little anchor and a black flag, made the big anchors lowerable, added some small black flags, a bucket, a crab and a net, then finally blew out one of the lamps and gave Barbossas coin to the monkey, as it should be.
Buried within in the latest Creator 3 in 1 set is another build that may have some appeal to LEGO Pirate fans.
A ghostly ship crewed by classic monsters!
Crafted from the same pieces as the mansion, this eerie ship features skeletal details, tattered sails, creepy lanterns, and hidden surprises that evoke a cursed pirate legend…
LEGO Creator 3-in-1 31167 Haunted Mansion
Just in time for Halloween, Haunted Mansion be a spooky and imaginative building set what lets LEGO fans explore haunted themes with creative flair.
If yer couldn’t tell from the name, the mansion is the main attraction
It’s designed for imaginative play, allowing classic monster minifigures like the vampire, ghost, and werewolf to crew the haunted deck. With its compact yet atmospheric design, the ghost ship offers a thrilling alternative build perfect for Halloween storytelling and high-seas hauntings.
Play out scary stories with the LEGO® Creator 3in1 Haunted Mansion (31167) house building toy. The 2-story haunted house is packed with cool details and features, including an opening front gate, a graveyard, a detachable scary tree, an organ, a hidden ghost revealed by turning a wheel, and an opening back for more play value.
Train tracks not included
Boys and girls aged 9 plusgrown adults enjoy 3 building options with the same bricks: an interactive haunted house, a haunted ship toy or a haunted train set with a platform.
Display the haunted ship in your living room this Halloween
Measurements
The 736 piece haunted house measures:
Height: 25cm / 9.5″
Width: 24cm / 9″
Depth: 15cm / 1.5″
How could these parts be used for a pirate hideout?
Features
This two-level haunted house playset features a functional front gate, eerie graveyard, spooky tree, and a creepy pipe organ. Turn the hidden wheel to unveil a ghostly surprise, and open the rear section for expanded interactive fun.
Extra play value – an opening back
Minifigs
The set features 5 monster-themed minifigures.
Missed opportunity: they didn’t put the bicorne on the skeleton!
