Is there a "Classic" Castle period?

[62Bricks]

The Castle theme has been around since 1978. Bricklink calls the sets before 1982 "Classic Castle" - what is the distinction between these sets and later sets? Is there a different point where Castle collectors draw the line for the "classic" period?

[Artanis I]

The terms "classic" and "vintage" have different definitions depending on the person, I think. It would seem that some refer to the generic pre- Black Falcon / Lion Knights era (before 84) with one of those two terms, and up until the end of the smiley face with the other. But then some people might consider vintage castle to include up until KKI!

[TheLegoDr]

I have no idea. I always referred to the late 80s/early 90s as classic castle since that is when I was actually growing up and playing with LEGO. But there were LEGO before my time and after that I had no connection to, but I've never considered them classic...

[Moyalmas]

If you go to Brick link, you will see the diference :)

http://www.bricklink...tring=9.489 for the minifigures

http://www.bricklink.com/browseList.asp?itemType=S&catString=9.489 for the sets

Edited September 8, 2014 by Moyalmas

[rodiziorobs]

If you go to Brick link, you will see the diference :)

Both links seem to be broken for me.

Regardless of any official definition, I always considered Dragon Masters to be the final subtheme of "classic" castle, probably because of this:

Castle poster (from '93) by rodiziorobs, on Flickr

To me, "vintage" would be that part of classic where the horses were still brick-built.

[Moyalmas]

I think the links are working now

[rodiziorobs]

I think the links are working now

Got it. Looks like my definition of "classic" is much broader than BL's.

[62Bricks]

If you go to Brick link, you will see the diference :)

http://www.bricklink...tring=9.489 for the minifigures

http://www.bricklink.com/browseList.asp?itemType=S&catString=9.489 for the sets

Yes, I know what Bricklink's definition is, but other sites, like Brickset, don't make a distinction at all. I'm wondering what actual Castle fans and collectors think.

[tedbeard]

To me, "vintage" would be that part of classic where the horses were still brick-built.

That is often the dividing line for "Classic Castle": brick-built horses which was accompianied by new artwork (especially heraldry) and the introduction of the castle wall pieces in 1984. That said the "Classic Castle City standard" which I have worked with for many years is based on those wall elements so I tend to see Classic Castle as something perhaps different than a particular subtheme. I think the term "classic castle" is a simply a way to label the theme for reference.

So to answer the original question: yes, there is a "classic" castle period which probably coincides with whenever you got your first castle set. ;)

edit for spelling: "first" not "fist"

Edited September 9, 2014 by tedbeard

[Borador]

Back in my early days of being in this hobby, before I joined any forums, I used to read old posts on Classic Castle (why? Because I felt it important to know the history of my hobby *coughIwasboredcough*). And from the knowledge I gained from that, I make my own distinction.

I figure the "classic" era ran from genesis to the second knights kingdom (I make it sound so fancy). KKII was not, however, part of the Classic Era, rather, it was the line that "killed" it (despite having many upsides). Though many later themes have been on par, and some have surpassed the sets of the days of old, they are not "classic" yet. They are too new. Good, yes, but not "classic". (Although, I often refer to the Fantasy Era trolls as "classic orcs".... Perhaps "modern classics" is the right term.)

I know KK1 and much of the sets from the later 90's were very different from the old sets and had many proto-modern features, but they still had all of the elements of classic sets that disappeared at the turn of the century (old gray and brown, etc.). So I consider them classics. I realize many people don't see it the same way, but this is my view.

[mrcp6d]

I feel one must apply the same sort of logic to the castle theme as the space theme. Meaning that the "classic" periods of both are those that see the use of the old helmet, and in my opinion most importantly, the lack of LEGO-defined factions. In the space theme, "classic" space ended when Futron/Blacktron were released. In the castle theme, "classic" castle ended when Crusaders/Black Falcons appeared.

[62Bricks]

I feel one must apply the same sort of logic to the castle theme as the space theme. Meaning that the "classic" periods of both are those that see the use of the old helmet, and in my opinion most importantly, the lack of LEGO-defined factions. In the space theme, "classic" space ended when Futron/Blacktron were released. In the castle theme, "classic" castle ended when Crusaders/Black Falcons appeared.

That logic appeals to me.

[Ardelon]

I used to think of "Classic Castle" as being parallel to "Classic Space" that is, sets of the 80s. It helped that I got into LEGO in the early 90s. The defining features would have been the long presence of the Crusader theme, and more importantly, exclusivey smiley faces. But I realized there was no natural divide, as in Classic space giving way to factionalized themes.

So nowadays I guess Classic Castle fits best for the pre-1984 sets, with brick-built horses, old-style helmets, and sticker torsos. In short, I pretty much agree with mrcp6d above.