Halloween Review #4: 6257 Castaway's Raft

[WesternOutlaw]

In the twilight of a moonlit sky with only the flickering stars to guide them, three castaways make their way along a vast, never-ending sea. Atop a makeshift raft from the reckage of their pirate vessel, the scurvy crew fight for survival. Their food and water has been depleted; and if things could not be worse, a hungry shark has began to follow them. Will this be the end of the pirate crew, or will they survive long enough for the special moonlight transformation?

Halloween 2008 Review #4

Castaway's Raft

Set #: 6257

Theme: Pirates

Year Released: 1989

Piece Count: 50

Minifigs: 3

List Price: $8.50 (USD)

My 4th Halloween 2008 review is dedicated to Pirates in anticipation of the return of the Pirate theme. 6257 Castaway's Raft is one of just a few pirate sets that someone gave me as a gift in the late 80s. I wanted to add it to my Halloween collection as I haven't opened a pirate set in some time.

Beginning with the box with traditional Pirate theme boxart:

The back of the box provides a few additional scenes with alternate ideas:

The set includes three nicely detailed pirates. Whenever I made these; however, I always placed the red cap on the pirate with the red-striped shirt, and the same for the blue.

This little set includes two sabres, two muskets, and a rifle - a nice selection of arms:

The set also has a wonderfully printed pirate flag and treasure map:

I never really liked the raft to this set, although I can appreciate the design now. You'll notice that four white flags are used as sails. Unfortunately, most of the hooks/clips broke very easily after just building thes set a few times:

The main raft has a long technic beam running through each side with two barrels and a few round 2x2s. This set was a great way to get 4 brown barrels with lids:

Here's a close-up of the makeship mast with one remaining flag (almost ready to break):

One old dark grey shark adds to the value of this set:

The complete set as our pirate castaways battle the grey shark:

And lastly, the same pirate crew with some additional skeleton faces:

Final Thoughts:

Castaway's Raft is really a nice addition to the Pirate theme. As mentioned above, I never really appreciated this little set at the time, but now I can see the value of what the set includes. With weapons, barrels, three figs, shark, and some additional pirate elements, the set is a great pirate "booster" pack, or can serve as a stand-alone set for some adventures not far from shore. I hope you enjoy this classic review and do try to stay away from shark infested waters.

[dj2005]

I'm undecided whether to vote Average or Above Average for this set. $8.50 is a lot for fifty pieces and there aren't a whole lot of accessories, though the printed map and flag are nice additions.

For the review, it's fantastic. I am really enjoying these unique backdrops for each review. Plus, I feel your pain with the white flags. At least yours are still white.

[WesternOutlaw]

For the review, it's fantastic. I am really enjoying these unique backdrops for each review. Plus, I feel your pain with the white flags. At least yours are still white.

Thanks DJ, esp. since you're the 1st to comment, which I appreciate. All my white pieces are good, just that these few flags broke (as well as some from my Caribbean Clipper).

[hollisbrick]

Great review, I like these holloween reviews

It's sets like these which make me wish I was around for that era of Lego

What review next? I've always wanted to see a review of the Vampire set and is there gonna be a big halloween review finally?

[WesternOutlaw]

and is there gonna be a big halloween review finally?

Thanks for the feedback Hollis. That's a great idea I had not considered.

[Pencoin]

Great review, this is a good set considering its size. I'm not sure what this has got to do with Halloween.

[WesternOutlaw]

I'm not sure what this has got to do with Halloween.

Halloween represents all things scary. I think pirates and sharks fit into this category. Pirate Halloween costumes are also very popular among kids.

[KimT]

A great little set.

I got me two of these by accident when I intended to collect Pirates and won quite a few auctions on eBay.

An accident that I am now happy about.

It's a great accesory set.

Thanks for the scary review