Eldorado-sized Caribbean Clipper

[TomSkippy]

Bigger Bluecoat ship for the BDP. I could use everyone's eyes for details on this. It will be paired with a smaller pirate sloop.

Questions:

1) Is the hull color scheme good? It might be a little bland for me. Yellow rails on the top seem too pirate-y. What do you guys think?

2) What do you think of the 21L Hose with Connector Grips (vs the smoother 22L Hose)?

3) What are your opinions on the cannons? I'm wondering about placement/distance apart/connection (front/rear)/number AND if the deck is too crowded.

4) Opinion on anchors/placement? 

5) Fore deck has to be black. Is it too dark elsewhere? Ideas?

6) Cabin... should I just make a Bluecoat version of the Scalawag Sloop's ? Something different? If so, what do you have in mind?

7) Rudder/TIller. Right now, the smaller ship uses 68888 4 Bar Axle Connector Hub (like the Eldorado ship). Is it weird that the larger of the two uses a tiller? (It does work btw). Should I just go no cabin and try to make a working helm?

8) Are the railings too plain? The smaller ship has a similar vibe to the Eldorado stern rails, should I go with that?

 

 

 

Edited April 18 by TomSkippy

[Capt Wolf]

First, I love it! 

1 hour ago, TomSkippy said:

Questions:

1) Is the hull color scheme good? It might be a little bland for me. Yellow rails on the top seem too pirate-y. What do you guys think?

2) What do you think of the 21L Hose with Connector Grips (vs the smoother 22L Hose)?

3) What are your opinions on the cannons? I'm wondering about placement/distance apart/connection (front/rear)/number AND if the deck is too crowded.

4) Opinion on anchors/placement? 

5) Fore deck has to be black. Is it too dark elsewhere? Ideas?

6) Cabin... should I just make a Bluecoat version of the Scalawag Sloop's ? Something different? If so, what do you have in mind?

7) Rudder/TIller. Right now, the smaller ship uses 68888 4 Bar Axle Connector Hub (like the Eldorado ship). Is it weird that the larger of the two uses a tiller? (It does work btw). Should I just go no cabin and try to make a working helm?

8) Are the railings too plain? The smaller ship has a similar vibe to the Eldorado stern rails, should I go with that?

1) color scheme is good. No large fields of a single color on the hull.

2) not sure what you're referring to on the ship here

3) I like the cannons, but I don't like how they make the ship one-sided. There should at least be gunports on the opposite side. I think they probably make the deck a little crowded as a result, but that's not a big problem to me. Distance apart front to back is fine.

4) Anchor placement is fine. The bucket handles as anchors is clever, but feel a tad small.

5) fore deck color is fine. 

6) I like the cabin. I don't immediately recall what you did for the Scalawag Sloop.

7) Tiller is good. Don't lose the cabin to try and force a wheel.

8) I like the rails. If you're concerned about too much black, this feels like a place you could add some color.

Good luck with this (and the latest version of the Scalawag Sloop) in the BDP! 

[TomSkippy]

@Capt Wolf

Thanks for the feedback. #2 refers to the rigging. 

One more question for you, the rear cannon is skinny coming out of the hull, is it an issue?

[GeoBrick]

23 hours ago, TomSkippy said:

Bigger Bluecoat ship for the BDP. I could use everyone's eyes for details on this. It will be paired with a smaller pirate sloop.

Questions:

1) Is the hull color scheme good? It might be a little bland for me. Yellow rails on the top seem too pirate-y. What do you guys think?

2) What do you think of the 21L Hose with Connector Grips (vs the smoother 22L Hose)?

3) What are your opinions on the cannons? I'm wondering about placement/distance apart/connection (front/rear)/number AND if the deck is too crowded.

4) Opinion on anchors/placement? 

5) Fore deck has to be black. Is it too dark elsewhere? Ideas?

6) Cabin... should I just make a Bluecoat version of the Scalawag Sloop's ? Something different? If so, what do you have in mind?

7) Rudder/TIller. Right now, the smaller ship uses 68888 4 Bar Axle Connector Hub (like the Eldorado ship). Is it weird that the larger of the two uses a tiller? (It does work btw). Should I just go no cabin and try to make a working helm?

8) Are the railings too plain? The smaller ship has a similar vibe to the Eldorado stern rails, should I go with that?
 

1. If you stay with a non-yellow railing, I'd suggest changing the color of those banana's on the front to the railing. I know they don't exist in black. DBG is the closest to black. Or a darker shaded yellow like that statue piece you use on the front?
2. perfectly fine. Its use is great to give riggers a handhold. But I would add lines over the sails from front to back. As it is now, it looks too much as the jib sail and gaff sail are floating in the air (esp. the jib). You'd probably need to make the main mast larger for that to work.
3. I'd get rid of them altogether. A vessel this size is more suited for swivel guns or at most one larger turnable cannon (capable of shooting over the bow). The more so because you don't really have a way to show gunports because of the size of the vessel.
4. a longer chain, make some sort of housing more to the centerline of the ship, and a bigger anchor. This is just the size of a drag anchor, not a proper one.
5. I think it looks fine.
6. While cleverly build, the hammock feels a bit too much 'in your face'. A more standard layout (a desk/stand for sailor utilities like a compass, sextant, map)  might be better. Also, I suggest using two smaller window frames like this one, with whatever window you see fit (glass or lattice), and fill bottom and top out. It might even give you a bit space to put on some ornamentation on the stern.
7. I'd say keep the current confuguration. For a ship this size a tiller is perfect. Maybe just a white connector instead of a light grayish one (that piece just above the rudder)?
8. See answer nr. two.

[TomSkippy]

@GeoBrick @Capt Wolf

Here's a quick render with some of the proposed changes.

Notes:

• I'll swap one of the cannons for a swivel.
• Ignore the floating hose next to the flag, I wanted to see if the length was right, I'll mount properly when everything's together.
• Ignore the anchor holder. If this works, I'll run a chain through the front hole and have a capstan to raise and lower the anchor.

Questions:

• Stern opinions?
• What do you think of the different color scheme?
• Other ideas?

Thanks for the suggestions, I really value the input.

 

[GeoBrick]

Its definitely less stark then the initial colors. The top -and bottom parts of the railing colors combining with the lower hull kinda fits. I do wonder how it would look with the lower hull still in brown. Not sold on the grayish bows besides of the rudder.
I think the windows have the right size now. And the ornamentation really helps giving the ship more character.
Do you think such a flex cable would fit between the bow mast and the main mast? I initially had a rope with studs on each end in mind though.
Definitely not such a big gun on the poop deck. The cannon on the foredeck maybe *just* popping over the railing would be perfect.

[TomSkippy]

@GeoBrick 

I think I've settled on reddish brown bottom, black and dark blue stripe. The Dark Blue brings the rails together.

I'll go back to reddish arches on the back... The dark bluish gray arches were an in color option.

There isn't a great bow to main mast option. The rope comes off the triangular sail really awkwardly (whether attached to the sail or attached to the bowsprit). It kind of has to follow the sail's angle. It may not be doable.

 

[Capt Wolf]

On 4/19/2025 at 12:57 PM, TomSkippy said:

#2 refers to the rigging.

Ah! I love the rigging! No complaints there. 

 

On 4/19/2025 at 12:57 PM, TomSkippy said:

the rear cannon is skinny coming out of the hull, is it an issue?

Not an issue at all.

 

On 4/20/2025 at 2:05 PM, TomSkippy said:

Here's a quick render with some of the proposed changes.

• I'll swap one of the cannons for a swivel.

Yes! Very nice!

 

On 4/20/2025 at 2:05 PM, TomSkippy said:

anchor

Much improved! I really like this version.

 

On 4/20/2025 at 2:05 PM, TomSkippy said:

What do you think of the different color scheme?

On 4/20/2025 at 7:09 PM, TomSkippy said:

I think I've settled on reddish brown bottom, black and dark blue stripe. The Dark Blue brings the rails together.

I like the dark blue bottom, but I liked the brown, too. I'm very interested in seeing a pic of the color version you describe above. 

[TomSkippy]

I ended up going with the primary Lego colors to better fit with Barracuda Bay.

Reddish brown bottom, black and blue stripe, white strake. It's brighter, but I'm happy with it.

My only real disappointment in the build is the attachment of the beak, but it's hidden, so it's only kind of eating away at me. 

[Capt Wolf]

On 4/25/2025 at 10:36 AM, TomSkippy said:

I ended up going with the primary Lego colors to better fit with Barracuda Bay.

Reddish brown bottom, black and blue stripe, white strake. It's brighter, but I'm happy with it.

My only real disappointment in the build is the attachment of the beak, but it's hidden, so it's only kind of eating away at me. 

Do we get to see a final version?

[TomSkippy]

I'll post it today or tomorrow. I was up until 4am trying to beat the BDP deadline, I've been a walking  ever since. I'm too old to be up all night with toys .

[Cousarmy0001]

Sorry I'm late to the party, here's my two cents on the original model.

1) Is the hull color scheme good? It might be a little bland for me. Yellow rails on the top seem too pirate-y. What do you guys think?
I think the color scheme is excellent!  I'm not a huge fan of brick built sails, but were I to build one of these I would just leave those off and make some cloth ones.

2) What do you think of the 21L Hose with Connector Grips (vs the smoother 22L Hose)?
I think those look great.  I'd probably try to adapt the Lego standard rope ladders were I to build one, but if they didn't fit I would definitely go with what you've got there instead.

3) What are your opinions on the cannons? I'm wondering about placement/distance apart/connection (front/rear)/number AND if the deck is too crowded.
The cannons look great, but I'll echo what others have said about them all being to one side, but also getting that full guns to both sides won't fit.  I would suggest adding equal ports on all sides to balance the external appearance, and leave the direction for the two exposed guns up to the builder.  I didn't notice the aftmost gun being smaller until you said something, by the way :-)

4) Opinion on anchors/placement? 
Perfectly fine :-)

5) Fore deck has to be black. Is it too dark elsewhere? Ideas?
It is a bit dark for my tastes.  I'd suggest using tan plates if that doesn't mess up the external appearance.  Alternately, I tile all of my ships with tan tiles, that brightens things up and makes it look like a plank deck.  That might be something to consider.

6) Cabin... should I just make a Bluecoat version of the Scalawag Sloop's ? Something different? If so, what do you have in mind?
I'd be impressed if there's room to put much of anything in there, TBH.  If you can squeeze something in, go for it, but if it were me I'd consider myself lucky if I fit a bed and a chest in there.

7) Rudder/TIller. Right now, the smaller ship uses 68888 4 Bar Axle Connector Hub (like the Eldorado ship). Is it weird that the larger of the two uses a tiller? (It does work btw). Should I just go no cabin and try to make a working helm?
I would think a working helm would be a pretty cool thing on a ship this size, and would personally consider it a very valid trade off for losing a tiny captain's cabin.  I think a tiller is perfectly fine for a ship this size, though.

8) Are the railings too plain? The smaller ship has a similar vibe to the Eldorado stern rails, should I go with that?
The railings look good, though you might want to consider a different color if you keep the black decks.  That might look terrible, though, so don't go just off of my opnion there.

Overall, I quite like both options.  The first rendition seems more like a small warship, while the second seems more like a small, wealthy merchantman that can give something resembling a defense of itself (by Lego standards).  If I were in the position to add to my fleet, I would probably add at least one of each!

[TomSkippy]

@Cousarmy0001 I always appreciate the feedback! I have been skeptical of several things and hearing more opinions helps me a ton!

Some responses:

1) I too prefer cloth sails.  Brickbuilt are growing on me, but it's not the same. The Scalawag Sloop (album here) had the ability to easily swap cloth/brickbuilt - you'd still have to make your own small square sail. The main tragedy of this build is that there are no actual cloth sails that will work, they'd all have to be custom made. 

3) The cannon difference kills me inside. Also, you can't really make similar cuts on the non-gun side since it's built around a technic 2x1 brick... It looks weird. The idea was that the original ships only had cannons for one side (display side) and that would be it. Ultimately, I ditched the cannon altogether, I liked the idea, but it felt more "lego" to go with the second. 

5) The deck is dark for my tastes too, but there's nothing that can be done without messing up the lines/colors on the outside. Adding the cannon on top of the foredeck helps get rid of the darkness. 

 

Final BDP submission below. The ship will be paired with a smaller fore/aft rigged pirate cutter. 

I do plan on modifying some things (hopefully she gets enough voter support so the mods go towards that, if not, the mods will just head to rebrickable) so feedback is definitely still appreciated!

 

 

 

Build Notes

Ended up going with classic blue... just fit elDorado/Barracuda Bay better. Anchor can be raised/lowered via capstan. Stern has a captain style cabin. Has a bed, sea chest, hat, dresser. It's cozy. Tiller still works (I didn't want the hassle of making a working helm, and I've read all the criticism of the original Imperial Flagship for "cool working rudder, but nothing for the captain!!" or the Redbeard Runner/Armada Flagship "Nice destruction play feature, but needs cabin!"

Deck is dark, but there's not much deck, the black pulls it together, hides some connections, matches the fortress docks, and really lightens up with bluecoats on it. 

Couple more photos here

Edited April 30 by TomSkippy
formatting

[GeoBrick]

looks very ship-shape!

The change in ornamentation fore-and-aft is splendid. And I'm kickin' myself for not mentioning a ship's bell earlier. The dark decks don't borher me. If anything, ithey make the sparse reddish brown pieces pop out more on the top view.

The thing I'm curious for now is if the 1x10 curved slope piece could be incorporated for the gaffel spars. At first glance it looks difficult because you need room for the sail's hinge pieces, but it could result in a thinner spar.

[Cousarmy0001]

I didn't notice the ship's bell until this post either

I like the final option, it seems to take the best aspects of both ships and puts them together very nicely!  Will these plans be available for download anywhere if they don't get selected?

[TomSkippy]

On 4/30/2025 at 1:15 AM, GeoBrick said:

looks very ship-shape!

The change in ornamentation fore-and-aft is splendid. And I'm kickin' myself for not mentioning a ship's bell earlier. The dark decks don't borher me. If anything, ithey make the sparse reddish brown pieces pop out more on the top view.

The thing I'm curious for now is if the 1x10 curved slope piece could be incorporated for the gaffel spars. At first glance it looks difficult because you need room for the sail's hinge pieces, but it could result in a thinner spar.

Thanks! I'll definitely check out the 1x10 curved slope idea!

@Cousarmy0001 If they're not selected, they will be up on Rebrickable. Not immediately, I didn't have time to get the whole thing together in real bricks before the deadline... everything looked and tested okay, but you never know.