While we await Crowd Support for BrickLink Designer Program Series 9 to commence upon October 6, let’s continue our explorative journey of Brick Perfection’s ship, the Fortuna, which he submitted to three different series!
First Series 5, then Series 6 and finally Series 7 before triumphing in the BrickLink Designer Team’s review.
But how did the Fortuna finally succeed?
The version Privateer Frigate Fortuna which passed the Series 7 review
Crowdfunding/pre-orders still be months away, so today we’re setting our sights upon the Series 6 version…
But if yer haven’t read Series 5 version, yer best be doing that right now!
Otherwise, brace yerselves, mates — we’re about to plunge headlong into Series 6 version..
BrickPerfection writes:
Quote taken from the official Privateer Frigate Fortuna webpage from Series 6:
Fortuna is back! – Completely rebuilt for Series 6! Better, stronger, more detailed, more sophisticated, more polished!
The new and improved Fortuna for Series 6 – spot the changes!
BrickPerfection continues:
Fortuna is a fast sailing frigate designed as a Privateer – a government-commissioned vessel tasked with hunting pirate ships or, deceptively, becoming one. As a true frigate, Fortuna is equipped with 20 cannons and 2 swivel guns.
There will be a boat included if selected as a finalist!
That’s right! The privateers will be able to survive if Fortuna is sunk!
BrickPerfection continues:
This set introduces the unpredictable Privateers to the LEGO Pirates theme, capable of aligning with any faction or pursuing their own adventures. Fortuna includes 12 Minifigures, a striking figurehead, and a small cat to protect supplies from rats.
Privateer Frigate Fortuna: Series 6
The Series 5 Fortuna, despite being described as a multi-faction vessel, bore Soldier flags and minfigures of the blue coat variety.
Don’t mess with these privateers! Pirates ye be warned!
BrickPerfection continues:
Getting Fortuna to work with the Series 6 Palette was a pain – I had to rebuild her from scratch, but it was worth it!
Unfortunately for LEGO Pirates fans, during the interim between Series 5 and Series 6, 10320 Eldorado Fortress ceased production and Soldier parts were removed from the BrickLink Studio palette.
Fortuna’s new minifigure lineup
Perhaps the most noticeable deviation be the minifigure lineup, the blue coat Soldiers now replaced with violet counterparts.
Stats
Total parts: 4,000 | Unique parts: 650 | Minifigures: 12 | Stickers: 1
Putting that into perspective, 10210 Imperial Flagship contains 1,664 pieces, meaning Fortuna boasts 240% more parts!
Dimensions
Length: 81 cm / 31.9 in
Width: 29 cm / 11.5 in
Height: 62 cm / 24.4 in
Play Features
Let’s take a closer inspection at what else has been changed…
The robust structure is back along with a new figurehead
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- Bow
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- Stern
- Realistic Hull Shape
Smoothly shaped hull using hinges and horizontal curves using half steps. - Structural Integrity
Built on a Technic frame, Fortuna has an exceptionally strong hull and is easy to transport.
Overview of the Fortuna’s bow, stern and upper deck
Weigh anchor and fire the broadside to send ’em to Davy Jones’ locker
- Run out the Cannons
Slide cannons in and out, open and close gun ports for realistic naval battles. - Working Capstan
Operate both anchors via a selector gearbox. The removable Capstan can be turned with minifigures on it.
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- Galley in aftcastle
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- Captain’s cabin
- Plentiful details
Prepare food for the crew in the galley, read maps in the captain’s cabin or access the storage compartment! - Authentic Masts
Accurate, three-piece masts complete with standing rigging for a true maritime feel.
Once again the top deck can be removed for accessibility
Accessible Interior
Remove the top deck in sections for full access, allowing minifigures to stand and move below deck.
BrickPerfection concludes:
Fortuna’s efficient design makes the most of its 4,000 pieces, ensuring an enjoyable building experience with plenty of customisation options. Although the design is ambitious, I have paid close attention to making it as buildable as possible.
Set sail with Fortuna for endless adventures and creative possibilities!
Fortuna proceeds onward to Series 7
Video and Animations
BrickPerfection sails that extra nautical mile, crafting videos that delve deep into the heart of his creations so fans can be assured of what they’ll be purchasing.
Overview of Features
The first be a clip chartin’ the Fortuna’s freshly updated features.
BrickPerfection writes:
Fortuna is a fast sailing frigate designed as a Privateer – a government-commissioned vessel tasked with hunting pirate ships or, deceptively, becoming one. As a true frigate, Fortuna is equipped with 20 cannons and 2 swivel guns.
If yer web browser can’t find its sea legs and play the embedded video above, over to YouTube with yer.
360° Animation
Now, let’s take Fortuna for a spin…
View this post on Instagram
If the cogs ain’t turnin’ on the embedded post above, watch it upon Instagram.
Speed Build Animation
How quickly can you build a LEGO ship? Watch Fortuna assemble before yer very eyes!
View this post on Instagram
If embedded post above isn’t coming together, try Instagram.
Classic Pirates Instagram Post
Don’t be forgettin’ to give the Classic Pirates Fortuna post on Instagram a hearty Like and Share.
We must spread the news so every buccaneer so knows the Fortuna be available for Pre-order in February 2026!
View this post on Instagram
If the Instagram embed above be broken, try it on Instagram.
Physical Build
Craftin’ creations in BrickLink Studio be all well and good, but bringing ’em to life with real LEGO elements be a whole different barrel of monkeys!
Physical build of the Fortuna submitted to Series 6
BrickPerfection writes:
Fortuna as reconstructed for BDP Series 6 – here in physical bricks […] The boat isn’t included in the rendered version, but if selected as a finalist one will be added; either prefab or brick-built.
Now with a more curvaceous rear!
BrickPerfection writes:
The reconstructed Fortuna from the rear… the stern decoration has been rearranged and the stern shape is now rounder and more organically integrated into the hull shape.
Series 5 & 6 Comparison
Most pirates probably be lacking photographic memories and may not be able to spot the differences immediately.
Fear not, ye absentminded scallywags! BrickPerfection kindly provides us with comparison photos…
Fortuna Series 5 and 6 versions side-by-side
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- The sterns
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- The bows
BrickPerfection writes:
Comparing the changes made to Fortuna as a result of her redesign for BDP Series 6 – here shown as built with physical bricks 😃
The Hold Test
Ok great! Fortuna has received some nifty upgrades since the Series 5, but is she still structurally sound?
BrickPerfection’s obligatory single hand test
BrickPerfection writes:
Needed to add a mandatory picture to show off Fortuna’s sturdiness – still built on a Technic frame, just more efficiently than before. Stability is improved over previous versions – especially at the bow – while using about 80 pieces less that I could utilize for much better detailing! 😃
More Features Video
A second video showcasing the ship’s feature with an emphasis on it’s structural integrity.
View this post on Instagram
If above embedded post has fallen apart, play it on Instagram.
Comparisons to Official LEGO Pirate sets
Comparing different versions of Fortuna be all well and good, but highly unlikey that fans will ever possess anything but the final Series 7 version.
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- 21322 Black Seas Barracuda
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- 10320 Eldorado Fortress
However, it be very likely fans have acquired recent the most recent classic LEGO Pirate releases.
21322 Black Seas Barracuda
Yer probably aware that an updated Black Sea Barracuda was sneakily, incorporated into 21322 Pirates of Barracuda Bay.
The new Black Seas Barracuda next to the Series 6 Fortuna
If yer not aware, go back and check the Pirates of Barracuda Bay instruction manual!
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- Port boardsides
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- Sterns
Which ship do you prefer? Can you see Fortuna along yer Black Seas Barracuda?
10320 Eldorado Fortress
Now, let’s dock Fortuna alongside the latest Eldorado Fortress…
Like all official LEGO ships Fortuna dwarfs 10320 Eldorado Fortress
“910029 Mountain Fortress” by SleeplessNight
Fortuna with “Mountain Fortress” by SleeplessNight
BrickLink Designer Program Series 9
In case yer didn’t know, Open Submission for Series 9 has been and gone, and Crowd Support commences upon October 6th, 2025.
LEGO Pirates be riding the waves of success, so keep the momentum going and pledge yer support for all the Pirate-themed submissions.
When the timer reaches 00:00:00 start voting!
BrickPerfection has lived the adage;
“If first you don’t succeed… kill them all try, try again”
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
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- “Achille” a 38 gun frigate
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- “Furieuse” a bomb ketch
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- “Magicienne” a 28 gun frigate
Above be a small complement from BrickPerfection’s fleet, visit the Imperial Shipyards on Flickr to witness the full might of his naval prowess.
What Do Yer Think?
What be yer thoughts of the Series 6 version of Privateer Frigate Fortuna?
Be the changes an improvement? Or rather comparable to the Series 5 version?
The Fortuna may not have succeeded this round… but never give up!
Next we shall explore Fortuna’s Series 7 incarnation to uncover how that design finally passed review.
Crowdfunding for Fortuna
We’re getting closer to our destination but there be still a way to go.
Pre-orders shall take place during February 2026 – are yer finances prepared?
Or be Fortuna out of yer grasp?
Divulge yer fantastical Fortuna thoughts in the LEGO Pirates Forum and Classic Pirates Facebook Group.
