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Welcome to my seventh Academy Review, and my first on the way to becoming a teacher. So far, I've reviewed three of the seven Classic Pirates sets I proudly own, and I now present to you the fourth.
BASIC INFORMATION:
Set Name: Armada Flagship
Set Number: 6280
Number of Pieces: 280 (284 according to Brickset, 280 according to LUGNET and Peeron)
Minifigs: 3
Price: $50 USD
Theme: Pirates
Year Released: 1996
Note: This set was re-released as set 6291 in 2001.
RESOURCES:
Brickset
Peeron
Bricklink
Brickshelf (When Public)
THE REVIEW:
INSTRUCTIONS:
Front:
We'll skip right to the instructions, as I have nothing left of the box. Something very interesting about the front is there is no sculpted background, like in most other Pirates sets back then. Just look at those pretty clouds and calm waters.
Random Page:
A random page, not so randomly selected. I chose this one because you can see it gives you a 1:1 image of the size string/rope piece you're supposed to use in that step. There are no piece call outs, and the sub-models are small enough to fit on the same page.
Back:
The back has a few alternate models, but it's hard to use the boat hulls as anything other than boat hulls, so the models don't look that appealing. However, there are some sculpted bits in the background, so maybe there is nothing sculpted on the front because the ship is out on the empty waters.
Instructions:: Thoughts: Fine colors, clear steps, no piece call-outs. Nothing unusual from that era.
PIECES:
Pieces:
The sorted pieces, meticulously spread out for your viewing pleasure. This is always the part of the review that takes me the longest, so you better like it!
(Click the picture for a much bigger pic.)Pieces of interest:
Some of the more interesting pieces, and there's quite a few of them! My favorites include the green railings, steering wheel, trapdoor (you'll see what that's for later.
), ship accessories, and a non-firing cannon. I was just a kid when this set came out, so I had no idea that firing cannons existed. I still don't fully understand why some sets had firing or non-firing cannons, but I believe it had to do with American safety regulations. The cannon has the crossed cannons logo on it, and appeared in many Pirate, Western, and Ninja sets, but it's still a treat today.The Compass:
This is my all-time favorite piece of the set. I just love it so much because the center area actually spins (although it isn't accurate) and is intricately detailed. It appears in only ten sets, seven of which are Pirates, and this is the only one I own.
Pieces:: Thoughts: A strange blend of colors, that somehow go together on the ship. It's almost rainbow with all that red, green, blue, yellow, and black. But with such a nice variety, there's really nothing to complain about. That compass...
MINIFIGS:
Front and Back:
Next up are our little Conquistador friends. Don't they look fabulous? The helmets are amazing, and torsos great. The armor is fantastic as well, because it is actually very shiny, not the metallic silver seen on the Conquistador skeleton from 7196 Chauchila Cemetery Battle.
Without Armor:
A shot without the armor, so you can see the printing underneath. It's actually different from the other red one, despite them being the same color. With the armor on, you can't notice it easily, but it is an excellent addition that makes the minifigs even more unique.
Minifigs:: Thoughts: Three different torsos, three different faces, and (technically) three different headpieces. Absolutely sensational design.
THE BUILD:
Build:
A few in-build shots, at 5 step intervals. It comes together quite quickly, probably because more pieces are added per step than sets today. It could also be due to the low piece count.
Completed:
And in 26 steps, the ship is completed! Isn't she a beauty?
Build:: Thoughts: Quite average, with no interesting techniques used, but practically no Technic. Threading strings gets a little annoying after a certain point, and this set has quite a few.
COMPLETED PRODUCT:
Front:
A front view of the ship. The sail is great, and you get a nice view of the green railings. If I were a pirate, this would definitely send shivers down my spine!
Front closeup:
A close-up of the figurehead and the surrounding area. I could never figure out what it's supposed to be, but it looks like a yellow snake with a red tongue to me. Whatever it is, it doesn't make a difference to me, because it blends nicely.
Side:
A side view, the port side for you sailors out there. (At least I think it's port.
) Note the hanging treasure net, which can be opened and adjusted very easily.Other Side:
Now for the starboard side, which is surprisingly a bit different from the port side. You can see a Technic pin and the anchor here. The anchor can actually be moved to the other side, because there is an identical clip for it there.
"Crow's Nest"
Here is a neat little area near the top of the mast. The sailors can get here by climbing the ropes. This a nice touch that allows even more playability.
Treasure hiding spot:
Another fun feature is the small area at the stern that can hide the treasure chest. I didn't figure out that it was for treasure until yesterday.
Closed:
See! The treasure is pretty effectively concealed.
Other Use:
Of course, there are a few funner uses of the area.
I used to think that its purpose was so the captain could poke his head out of his cabin and yell at the crew.Inside:
A shot of what's "inside" the ship. The cannon can rotate and move to either side. If you can only have one cannon, this is the way to go! Other ships with one cannon (such as the Cross Bone Clipper) can only fire one way, and having it adjustable is a really nice touch. I'm sure it would have been much more fun with a shooting cannon though. Also notice the black cabinet area and the cannon balls.
Taking a break:
The cabinet can serve as a sleeping area, cellar, or anything you choose. Another nice little touch here, good work designers!
Back:
A view of the stern, with nice detailing. The green window and the lantern are really cool.
Video:
A little feature-length video, showcasing many functions. The collapsing sail is my favorite one, and adds huge playability potential for a sea battle.
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Now for those Totals!
Design: 10/10 Absolutely flawless, with an incredible amount of details for a medium-size ship. Sure, isn't clear what the figurehead is supposed to be, but it really doesn't matter to me. Besides, it matches the overall color scheme.
Parts: 10/10 A great selection with plenty of colors and accessories. It isn't quite a parts pack today (because of the high price), but back in the day, it would be fairly decent.
Build: 9/10 Fairly short step-wise, but many things are added per step. You really have to watch closely in order not to miss something.
Minifigs: 10/10 Three amazing minifigs with great printing and accessories. The Conquistadors are some of my favorite minifigs from the Pirate line.
Playability: 9/10 Great functions and ideas, with a lot of potential. The only thing is- no bad guys. (then again, these guys might be considered bad, I really have no idea.)
Price: 6/10 284 pieces for $50 is very poor. Even though the boat hulls add to the cost, it should still be cheaper. The Pirates line was decent price-wise, but not this set.
Total: 55/60 Probably the best score I've ever given a set. It's nice to have a ship for someone other than Pirates or Imperials for a change as well. It's a simply amazing set- I think the fact that it was remade in the LEGENDS series really said something. Out of all the pirates sets they could have chosen.. why this one? Simply put, it has a fantastic design packed with details, colors, rare pieces, minifigs, and everything that a truly Classic Pirates set should have. I'm very proud and fortunate to own this little beauty, and I believe that it is on of the THE best sets I own. If you have any interesting in this rainbow masterpiece, definitely consider making a BrickLink order soon!
Bonus:
Pirate- "You call that a Flagship?!"
Thanks for reading!
-Inconspicuous (now nicknamed Inky)
)
I like the colors, but then again, I'm partial to green, blue and white. 
