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Name: Crocodile Cage
Set: 6246
Theme: Pirates, Islanders
Year: 1994
Pieces: 56
Minifigs: 2
Price: USD $7.25
Bricklink
Peeron
Brickset
The Box
The box is a typical Pirate box with a beautifuly illustrated background. Thats one thing I miss about the old sets as they always had good box art.
The Front of the Instructions
For once the image on the front of the instructions is not the same as the one on the box. Because of the difference in size the left part of the picture is cut off on the instructions, making it harder to notice the crocodile and spear.
Random Page of the Instructions
The inside of the instructions show the build of the islander's cage/jail and it also shows an interesting choice of background from TLC. I don't have any other Islander sets so I'm not sure if this is typical but at least it's not distracting. I really don't have an opinion on it because it's not an integral part of the set.
The Back of the Instructions
The back of my instructions are slightly worn but one interesting thing about them is that they show the last step of the build, not an advertisement. This would never happen today because now sets come with and ad for Lego magazine and pages of ads for new sets on the back of the instructions. I like not having the ads but think it looks a little odd, almost like a book without a cover. Instead I think they should have put some alternate builds for the set here. In the top left is the year and set number in the red triangle.
Islander from the Front
Because this set is in the islander theme I chose to examine him first.
I personally love the Islander figs because they are so well designed. Because he is so detailed I will start from the top and work my way down for those of you scoring from home. To begin is the wonderful hair and bone pieces. They are perfect for the Pirate line and actually pretty historically accurate. The only problem is that they are based on the tribes of the Pacific Ocean while I had always envisioned my pirates in the Caribbean. Next comes the painted face, based around the classic smile, just like the other figs in the original line. Compared with TLC other attempt at Natives, the Native Americans, I believe these are much better. For one they don't have noses... like every other fig... score one to the islanders. Next comes the lei colored in white, red, and green, all outlined in black. This adds even more detail to the figure and comes in handy when making female islanders. 
Next is the grass skirt printed on the bottom of the torso and the legs. The belt portion adds even more detail and the leg printing is perfect for those hot islands. The Islander from the Back
From the back you can see the detail on quiver. I know its rather common but it's still a great piece. From the back you can also see the dangers of leg printing. Younger viewers may want the shield their eyes. That's the only bad part about this fig but it's something TLC couldn't do anything about.
Pirate from the Front
This is just one of the regular pirates but it is nice to have a peg-leg. This head is also based on the classic smiley and has hair, stubble, and a very piratey stash.
Pirate from the Back
Nothing much to see here. You can see that the peg-leg prevents the pirate from sitting on studs though.
Comparison, the Front
Here you see the older pirate compared to one of the newer 2009 pirates. As you can see the newer one is more detailed but the old one still has that certain charm.
Comparison, the Back
This is where the real difference is evident, as the older pirate does not have back printing. Can't complain though because none of the older sets have back printing.
The Croc
Not really a very special piece but it's half of the sets name and I like it so I decided to include it. Wasn't there another crocodile in the 2009 sets? Looks like it's time for another...
Comparison!
The two crocodiles work very well together, and in my opinion they look better together than the old and new parrots.
The Build
This is the first part of the build, notice the fire pit and detailing on the cage.
More of the Build
Here you can see more of the build and the cage beginning to take shape.
The Model
Just a pic of the model without the distracting figures and animals. It's rather nice for the piece count and the cage is well designed as it lifts up to allow access.
The Weapons
This is probably my least favorite part of the set because it doesn't make much sense to me. Why would the islander leave the pirate's weapons right next to the partially wooden cage? He must have faith that the crocodile will keep him in check. I personally think the islander would be better off using them himself.
The Staff
I like this staff as it adds more to the model and looks good for 4 pieces. You can also see where the islander hangs his bow. I personally love this piece and it is one of my favorite minifig accessories.
The Fire
Not much of a use for a fire here as no one is using it but it's a nice way to get a flame piece. I think it would look too empty without something there so it is a nice extra.
Overall
Here we have it, the pirate in the cage, islander guarding him with his shield and spear, the parrot on the top, and the crocodile lurking on the side.
Overall Rating
Minifigs: 9/10 Love the detailed Islander but the pirate is generic.
Parts: 8/10 Nothing very interesting but it goes well together, and the flame is a plus.
Price: 9/10 This set reminds me of Cannon Battle with a few extras. Worth the price.
Playability: 8.5/10 Plenty of parts and figures for a child's imagination.
Overall: 9/10 I used to love this set and still do. Some say the Islander line ruined the Pirate line but I would suggest this set to judge for yourself.
With the help of Captain Roger (and some sophisticated technology) the Pirates quickly defeated the Islander and crocodile.
Larger Pics on Flickr
