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Image Link from Brickset
I thought I would do a pic review of the 1st Lego Castle, The Yellow Castle, #375- released in 1978.
First, let me say that this set was truly "ahead of it's time". It introduced new building concepts (such as the hinge and new figs (most were still the armless, faceless mini-figs during this time).
This set introduced me to Castle which was my first real favorite theme.
I enjoyed breaking it out from the garage and building it again. The majority of the pieces are 1x1, 1x2, 1x3, 1x4, 1x6, and 1x8 standard yellow bricks. The set also includes yellow 1x4, 1x6x2, and 1x8x2 arches, yellow 2x2, 2x3, and 2x4 bricks, various grey plates, 1x2 black inverted slopes, red drawbridge pieces, two classic red castle doors, 8 hinges (2 for each corner), and a few other nifty pieces including six red 1x1 windows. A complete inventory is available at Peeron: 375 Inventory.
A view from the front. The drawbridge is 6x8. The front tower stands 12 1/3 bricks high (plenty of room for horses).
The drawbridge does work. The string (originally black) is attached to the opposite side between a plate and the arches.
The right side of the castle (identical to the left). I've always loved the 2x2x3 sloped bricks (and corner pieces):
The back. I love these red doors. A 1x4 brick attached to the other side of the baseplate keeps intruders out. That banner was the original sticker piece. Notice the wear.
The rear tower, largest of the towers:
And backside:
Two hinges at each of the corners allow the corners to open for playability:
Before opening:
Open:
Lots of arches add to the detail of the inner walls:
Inner front:
This set included 14 figs (how about that for quantity). Unfortunately, I peeled off worn stickers from the shields and the breast plates years ago.
The blue castle guards and knights are the keepers of the castle. I still think that these helmets are the best Lego ever made. They just look good.
The black and white knights:
And the red knights:
I've always prefered to use the black and red guards and flags from the knight's joust set(s):
Conclusion
The Yellow Castle is truly a classic set and I'm so glad I kept the pieces to this together after all these years. If you have a chance to buy one or even obtain the set instructions, it's worth building and wouldn't be difficult to substitute grey or other colors. I hope you enjoyed this review and feel free to share your comments.
