Lego12 Posted November 11, 2008 (edited) Set name: Soldiers Fort Theme: Pirates Set number: 6242 Number of pieces: 367 Minifigs: 6 Release date: 2009 Release price: $49.99 Bricklink Brickset Brickshelf Folder I have decided to do a set review on the 6242, Soldiers Fort from the latest Pirate theme which should be available in 2009. I was one of the lucky few to manage to purchase one of the highly anticipated sets, as I lived near the LEGO Imagination Center in USA, Orlando. If you have intentions of dropping down, be sure to give the center a call to make sure there are enough stocks for you to grab to avoid disappointment. Fortunately, when I reached there, there were many Pirate sets and LEGO enthusiasts taking the new Pirate sets off the shelves. Without further ado, let me get on with this review. Box-Front: This is an overall box image of the 6242, Soldiers' Fort Box-Back: At the back of the box, it reveals an overview of its accessories and building sections which is the unique playing feature in this set. Instructions-Front: This is the front page of the first booklet. I did not take a picture of the second booklet because the only difference is the number at the bottom left hand corner. Instructions-Middle-Booklet One: Instructions-Middle-Booklet Two: Instructions-Comic: TLG has once again, impressed the younger generations with a nicely illustrated comic. I believe that in every other set, there will be an additional comic script illustrating the playability and imagination of its new Pirate sets. Stickers: There were stickers in this set, but I used them. The spider webs in the jail, and the red bricks on the walls are stickers and there aren't any printed bricks in this set except for the flags on the tower. Minifigures-Soldiers-Front: The shakos are the main attraction of the Imperial Soldiers. The symbols at the front of their shakos are actually printed with its precise design, representing the pride of the Imperials. Even the Admiral/Commander's torso is well designed. Minifigures-Soldiers-Back: When the minifigs are turned behind, the backs are printed with a mini backpack. It's very smart for TLG to do this. I wonder if TLG is cutting down the production of brown bag packs and enforce the soldiers to carry light weight combat material. Minifigures-Pirates-Front: The Pirates' torsos are very cool and I really enjoy looking at them. The decals are filled with nice details such as the henchmen's anchor tattoo on his hairy chest and the Pirate Captain vest. The faces are a new addition too. I must admit that I am very impressed with the range of minifigs. Minifigures-Pirates-Back: Even, the back of the Pirates are printed. The red buckle at the back seemed to be tight across the Captain's vest. Animals-Alligator: Here is a comparison of both alligator designs. On the left, the alligator with the darker tone is the new one, while the one on the right with a lighter shade is the old design. Animals-Monkey: Both monkeys look very similar with each other. In fact, the one on the left is the older version while the one on the right is the newer version. You can't really tell the difference from this picture. Accessories: These are the accessories that come in the set 6242 Soldiers Fort. The accessories in this set are great! First you have a treasure chest, then two dark brown barrels, two swords, two rifles, two pistols, two keys, dynamite, a fish, a telescope, a banana, and finally a torch. Most of the pieces I mentioned are new to the LEGO theme like the dynamite, the telescope, and the fish, to name a few, and a lot of AFOLS and TFOLS are anticipating these pieces for there MOC's. Extra pieces: The extra pieces that come in this set are fantastic! The extra epaullattes and the extra sword is one of the many great things in this set! Vehicles-boat: The only vehicle in this set is the original pirate rowboat which contains two paddles, a dark brown barrel, and a pirate flag. Complete set without minifigures and accessories: The entire set is pictured above and I think that the fort is a little small and I think it could have been larger, but its still a great set! I'll get into more detail about the set below. The jail: This is the jail and it has two little lamps and a jail door so you can "capture" the pirates! This is the back of the jail and the wall can be removed so the pirates can "escape". Voila! The jail wall is removed and inside there is nothing but some spider webs.....must be a boring place to stay! This is the top of the jail where the cannon can be seen and fired by the soldiers! The bridge: This is the bridge which has a palm tree and connects various structures together. The palm's tree trunk is one piece, upsetting to many AFLOS and TFOLS, and it has a secret to it and you'll have to scroll down to find out the secret! The secret to the palm tree is that there is a secret compartment housing various colored diamonds! The shelter: This has the roof-like structure that holds the dark brown barrel container and the plastic-type flag which has a very nice design IMO. The tower: The main attraction to this set is the tower, which houses a crane for transporting goods and three floors of.....nothing. The tower-First floor: The first floor of the tower has a barrel which looks like a barrel of keg to drink that most pirates would enjoy! The tower-Second floor: The second floor of the tower has a balcony which has an empty room like the room below. The tower-Third floor: The highest floor of the tower has a crane which can pick up items needed to transport goods from one boat to another. This set can be rearranged, so I rearranged it in different postions: This set is modular! Yes I said it, modular, like the 7094 King's Castle Siege! Complete set with minifigures and accessories: This is the complete set. The Captain is holding onto the treasure and the Commander is trying to get him. A soldier is getting eaten by the alligator and another soldier is firing the cannon. Notice: The fire pieces do not come with this set. A pirate is escaping with the help of a monkey and the soldier is persuing him. Conclusion: This set is a wonderful set! It has some flaws like, the tower is empty and it doesn't have any furniture. The set doesn't have many pieces for the price, but come on, its pirates! Who cares! Build: 10/10, I enjoyed building this set very much. It was my first time building a pirate set in 10 years! It wasn't repetive and it was a worthwhile build. Design: 10/10, This set was designed very well. Nothing comes apart and it is very detailed! Playability: 10/10, This set is great for playing with! There are unlimited scenarios! Minifigs: 10/10, The amount of minifigs that come in this set is perfect! I mean, theres soldiers and pirates! It doesn't get better than that! Price 9/10, It would have been more reasonable if this set was only $39.99. Overall Score: 10/10, This is a great set that you shouldn't miss out on! I don't care what you have to do to get it! Edited November 13, 2008 by Lego12 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Erdbeereis Posted November 11, 2008 Great review of a great set! What a moment in LEGO history, The first new pirate set review in over 10 years! Pirates are back baby! I love all of the new pieces, such as the telescope, new fish, new plume and the dynamite. Plus, the minifigs are superb with the detailed torsos with both front and back printing. I do hate the palm tree though.. It's lovely that it's modular, that opens up lots of possibilities. Thanks for the review! (Even though I've seen it already. ) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
I Scream Clone Posted November 11, 2008 Wow, what a great looking set. The Minifigures look fantastic! The Modular nature is great as well as all the new pieces. The original Pirates line was in my Dark ages, so I eagerly look forward to the new sets, and this set (besides the one piece palm trunk) is fantastic! Thanks for a very well researched and presented review Lego12, definitely a must buy for me. Cheers ISC Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KinGanon Posted November 11, 2008 Wow great review, its awesome that TLC has decided to redo Pirates, and they redid it well! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SWMAN Posted November 11, 2008 While I like how the set looks, I am disappointed with the number of figures and the small size of the fort. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dennimator Posted November 11, 2008 Great review. I don´t really like this set, so I voted "average". And the reddish brown monkey isn´t new, it did come in the 4+ Pirate sets too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pickerel Posted November 11, 2008 Great set! Congrats, you're the first reviewer of a long anticipated line! There's certainly a lot of figs and accessories in that set! That spider-web could come in handy (sometimes you want a spider web that's less than 10 feet tall! ). A must buy! Nice review, too! Did you pick up other sets? If so please review! Minifigures-Soldiers-Front: Is it just me or do those legs look yellowed? Are they yellowed, or is it just the lighting? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lego12 Posted November 11, 2008 (edited) Great review of a great set!What a moment in LEGO history, The first new pirate set review in over 10 years! Pirates are back baby! I love all of the new pieces, such as the telescope, new fish, new plume and the dynamite. Plus, the minifigs are superb with the detailed torsos with both front and back printing. I do hate the palm tree though.. It's lovely that it's modular, that opens up lots of possibilities. Thanks for the review! (Even though I've seen it already. ) Your welcome. I'm glad you and others like it. Wow, what a great looking set. The Minifigures look fantastic!The Modular nature is great as well as all the new pieces. The original Pirates line was in my Dark ages, so I eagerly look forward to the new sets, and this set (besides the one piece palm trunk) is fantastic! Thanks for a very well researched and presented review Lego12, definitely a must buy for me. Cheers ISC Yeah, this set is a beauty! Wow great review, its awesome that TLC has decided to redo Pirates, and they redid it well! Thanks. Yeah, they really redid it well! While I like how the set looks, I am disappointed with the number of figures and the small size of the fort. I have to disagree with you. This set comes with 6 minifigures and I think that its a perfect amount for a set like this. The set is small though, but nevertheless a great set! Great review. I don Edited November 11, 2008 by Lego12 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brickzone Posted November 11, 2008 (edited) Thanks for the review, nice to see some of the detail in this set. It's nice overall, and the figures and accessories are great. I like the style of the set, the sea being plates rather than baseplate, and the parts are all useful. I would agree that it's overpriced - in European prices $49.99 means €49.99, which is indeed at least €10 too much. However, rather than see this set at €39.99 (who knows, we might get lucky), I think it could have benefited from an extra 100 bricks. The tower in particular is lacking in detail (not even ladders?). I guess the minifigures, accessories (monkey, palm tree, etc.) and the amount of large plates (sea and dock) drive up the price, but even so it's rather spartan for the price they are asking. Edited November 11, 2008 by brickzone Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Adam Posted November 11, 2008 Great review! I'll comment more later, I've work to do. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
prateek Posted November 11, 2008 im not a big fan of pirates but this is nice but its overpriced. i gave it above average anyway. i might get the smaller sets. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Norrington Posted November 12, 2008 This is great! The set istself is fairly lack-luster, but the figs are greast! The soldiers have great printing, and the Captain actually has an accurate design! See: Royal Navy Commander 1756 See? I love how coat tails are printed on the back. That's just special. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Asuka Posted November 12, 2008 A very fine review, thanks Lego12! The set design´s really neat and pretty clever. The modular approach is smart, the MFs´re sweet and almost lush in appearance. There´re some nice details like that small bridge and that jewel filled cranny. The included amount of humor´s also very nice. Pirates, finally, à gogo on! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tinn-man Posted November 12, 2008 (edited) This is a magnificent set!!! Now i don't have to buy a power miners set to get the dynamite I love that pearly gold hook on the first pirate. Is it me or does the second pirate look like he isn't wearing any pants? Edited November 12, 2008 by Tinn-man Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Infomaniac Posted November 12, 2008 great set, I'm jealous Any indication on the prices of the other sets? Infomaniac Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
furious Posted November 12, 2008 How am I expected to finish the day now with these wonderful images floating in my mind? I will end up a slobbering mess. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
daxflame680 Posted November 12, 2008 Thanks for the nice review! I guess I know what I'll be getting first in January. But I'll actually probably wait a little bit because I have to shop at TRU where prices go up $5-$20. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Capt. Kirk Posted November 12, 2008 I find it a great set with lovely minifigures (in fact all the Pirate sets are fine for me),... also this will be my first set that I gone buy in years,... and here will end my dark-Lego-ages... The only thing I hope, is that the blue soldier will come out to. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WesternOutlaw Posted November 12, 2008 Awesome review Lego12! Thank you for sharing this very nice review of a great set. I can't wait to get my hands on this and the other new Pirate sets. Pirates are back! - YES!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lego12 Posted November 12, 2008 I edited the review and made better sentences and I made it more enjoyable to read with the help of WhiteFang! I hope you guys will enjoy my second pirate review tomorrow, Loot Island! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
iamded Posted November 12, 2008 My favourite thing about this set is the minifigs. Printed on both sides of the torso! Fantastic! Thanks for the great review, Lego12! ~Peace Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lego12 Posted November 12, 2008 I updated to make it even better! I hope you guys enjoy it more! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mister Phes Posted November 12, 2008 What are these updates? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lego12 Posted November 12, 2008 It's mainly better sentences. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mania3 Posted November 12, 2008 I too own this set, but read the review anyway. I love the new Pirates sets! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites