[ENTRY] [LARGE] Fort du Soleil

[-DoNe-]

"-Not much is known about Steves travels and whereabouts. How did he end up as a merchant and then later quartermaster on the Schooner? Well I've found some old records at Fort du Soleil while on a routine inspection. Before I unearth the how a few things must first be brought to light; Steves real title was Governor Jaune. Jaune had close ties with the king. This fact is important to Steves situation. Now that we have established some of his background I can proceed to tell you how Governor Jaunes situation came to be. 

Governor Jaune had been in command of Fort de Soleil for 9 years, the operation was running smoothly. As one could imagine given the heavy fortifications of Fort de Soleil, especially when paired with the two Clippers patrolling the surrounding waters. One might say things where running too smoothly. The royal tax collector had noticed that despite the flawless operation at Fort de Soleil not much tax was brought in from it. An operation at that scale and efficiency should generate quite a significant amount of revenue however little came through. After doing a rather extensive investigation the tax collector concluded that someone was helping themself to a rather hefty extra wage. That someone turned out to be non other than Governor Jaune.

Here is where the Governors ties with the king actualizes. Despite the extent of his wrongdoings his life was spared due to this friendship. However the king could not be seen sparing his friends when crimes of this magnitude was brought to light. So the solution was to strip Governor Jaune of titles and accolades. His life was spared but he lost everything..."

 

This is my entry to "The infamous Steve contest". Large build-category. It's a vintage MOC built using only colors that would have been available in the late 80s/early 90s. So no bluish grays as far as the eye can see!  I've also made an effort to almost only use parts from this era as well. With a few exceptions. Most notably the quarter arch pieces over the main gate. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May the best pirate win! 

Edited August 30 by -DoNe-

[Mister Phes]

Governor Steve! Brilliant! Never did I suspect Steve was a once a governor himself...

Fort de Soleil has been incorporated into the Entries Index.

[Horation]

It's an interesting build for sure, and I appreciate the effort to keep it vintage, I like the fact that it feels so full of people and I feel like all those cannons and troops make it look like a real fort.  

But, there's a lack of variation in the colours, it's either all white or all yellow, but that's something easily fixed by replacing a few bricks with one of the old panel pieces like you did on the sides. I also must say that for such a busy tax-collecting hub, we see no merchant, no goods being exchanged, in fact there's very little on the inside of the fort. I'd add some detailing in there, like some barrels of rum of a few barrels or containers.

A small thing which I liked was the vegetation, and the fact that it is only there where there are no guns (since they presumably cut the ones in front of the cannon holes down), I like that attention to detail a lot!

Good luck with your entry!

[-DoNe-]

13 hours ago, Mister Phes said:

Governor Steve! Brilliant! Never did I suspect Steve was a once a governor himself...

Fort de Soleil has been incorporated into the Entries Index.

Hes been quite sneaky id say. 

13 hours ago, Horation said:

It's an interesting build for sure, and I appreciate the effort to keep it vintage, I like the fact that it feels so full of people and I feel like all those cannons and troops make it look like a real fort.  

But, there's a lack of variation in the colours, it's either all white or all yellow, but that's something easily fixed by replacing a few bricks with one of the old panel pieces like you did on the sides. I also must say that for such a busy tax-collecting hub, we see no merchant, no goods being exchanged, in fact there's very little on the inside of the fort. I'd add some detailing in there, like some barrels of rum of a few barrels or containers.

A small thing which I liked was the vegetation, and the fact that it is only there where there are no guns (since they presumably cut the ones in front of the cannon holes down), I like that attention to detail a lot!

Good luck with your entry!

First thank you for the kind words! 

As for the colors you make a relevant observation. It went through a few revisions, I ended up settling for this as I thought it looked less cluttered and the most "vintage". However I should've been more brave I suppose! As for the merchants, or lack thereof, the plan was to build a small vessel. Due to time limitations this idea had to be scrapped. I decided to keep the docks and add in the soldiers carrying the chest from one of the smaller boats to sell my point. Which from the looks of it didn't quite work out. 

Thanks again for the comment. I'll keep the points you made in the back of my head for the next classic-pirates MOC. 

[Autumn]

I think making mocs like this using only classic parts and colours can be challenging because you put more limits on yourself and have to think more like how a creator would in the 80s or 90s, and I think you did very well. It feels so authentic!

I kind of agree with Horation about the lack of colour, but I think it's acceptable because it fits in with the era. Maybe you could try replacing a couple of the white bricks with interlaced white and red plates to simulate decay like the panel on the left side?

Two things I personally would add is a chair in the room at the top in front of the desk with the map, and the torch sconces at the main entrance could have some flame pieces in them.

[SevenDeadlyStreamers]

23 hours ago, -DoNe- said:

"-Not much is known about Steves travels and whereabouts. How did he end up as a merchant and then later quartermaster on the Schooner? Well I've found some old records at Fort du Soleil while on a routine inspection. Before I unearth the how a few things must first be brought to light; Steves real title was Governor Jaune. Jaune had close ties with the king. This fact is important to Steves situation. Now that we have established some of his background I can proceed to tell you how Governor Jaunes situation came to be. 

Governor Jaune had been in command of Fort de Soleil for 9 years, the operation was running smoothly. As one could imagine given the heavy fortifications of Fort de Soleil, especially when paired with the two Clippers patrolling the surrounding waters. One might say things where running too smoothly. The royal tax collector had noticed that despite the flawless operation at Fort de Soleil not much tax was brought in from it. An operation at that scale and efficiency should generate quite a significant amount of revenue however little came through. After doing a rather extensive investigation the tax collector concluded that someone was helping themself to a rather hefty extra wage. That someone turned out to be non other than Governor Jaune.

Here is where the Governors ties with the king actualizes. Despite the extent of his wrongdoings his life was spared due to this friendship. However the king could not be seen sparing his friends when crimes of this magnitude was brought to light. So the solution was to strip Governor Jaune of titles and accolades. His life was spared but he lost everything..."

 

This is my entry to "The infamous Steve contest". Large build-category. It's a vintage MOC built using only colors that would have been available in the late 80s/early 90s. So no bluish grays as far as the eye can see!  I've also made an effort to almost only use parts from this era as well. With a few exceptions. Most notably the quarter arch pieces over the main gate. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May the best pirate win! 

This as Classic as Classic gets! I love the overflowing chest of coins too (did you place a filler or do you really have all those coins?)

I like how Steve really cleans up as an Imperial. The only thing I would suggest is to maybe add a prisoner in the cell to give us some variety on the minifigs. That’s my only critique. You already have a monkey, so that was going to be my next suggestion, lol. 

[Christophh]

Aye, this is a great idea and a nice MOC. I really like the inside details with all the minifigures. But I think the outside is a bit plain, with just those white walls. A bit texture would do great I think, maybe some masonry bricks. But still cool build!

Edited August 15 by Christophh

[YellowFrog]

This is a very nostalgic build, well done. The depth of field in the photos add to this: it looks just like a set from the '80s.

[SpacePolice89]

In my opinion this is as good as it can get. Your fort is a perfect mixture of realism and that classic Lego look. And it includes a monkey, any good build needs at least one . Jag hoppas du vinner! 

[-DoNe-]

On 8/15/2024 at 12:51 PM, Autumn said:

I think making mocs like this using only classic parts and colours can be challenging because you put more limits on yourself and have to think more like how a creator would in the 80s or 90s, and I think you did very well. It feels so authentic!

I kind of agree with Horation about the lack of colour, but I think it's acceptable because it fits in with the era. Maybe you could try replacing a couple of the white bricks with interlaced white and red plates to simulate decay like the panel on the left side?

Two things I personally would add is a chair in the room at the top in front of the desk with the map, and the torch sconces at the main entrance could have some flame pieces in them.

It definitely is a challenge. I find it most interesting in doing what you mentioned; trying to think like the Lego designers would some 35 years ago. As for the wall I should've perhaps ventured out a bit further and attempted something along the lines of what you suggested. For it is indeed a rather big flat wall. 

As for the chair and flames you are right. That should've been included. Thank you for the comment!

On 8/15/2024 at 2:09 PM, SevenDeadlyStreamers said:

This as Classic as Classic gets! I love the overflowing chest of coins too (did you place a filler or do you really have all those coins?)

I like how Steve really cleans up as an Imperial. The only thing I would suggest is to maybe add a prisoner in the cell to give us some variety on the minifigs. That’s my only critique. You already have a monkey, so that was going to be my next suggestion, lol. 

Thank you! After many raids and plunders I've indeed acquired that many coins. Although I feel compelled to mention a 1x3 tile was placed at the bottom of the chest to just add a tiny bit of volume. As for the prisoner my photography is to blame. There actually is a pirate in there... 

On 8/16/2024 at 12:28 AM, Christophh said:

Aye, this is a great idea and a nice MOC. I really like the inside details with all the minifigures. But I think the outside is a bit plain, with just those white walls. A bit texture would do great I think, maybe some masonry bricks. But still cool build!

Thank you for the comment. I see a red line in my white wall after the comments I've received. While masonry bricks are outside of the allowed parts more texture could have been added. Something I will keep in mind next time! 

On 8/16/2024 at 6:26 AM, YellowFrog said:

This is a very nostalgic build, well done. The depth of field in the photos add to this: it looks just like a set from the '80s.

Many thanks. Photographing this was a challenge due to it's size!

2 hours ago, SpacePolice89 said:

In my opinion this is as good as it can get. Your fort is a perfect mixture of realism and that classic Lego look. And it includes a monkey, any good build needs at least one . Jag hoppas du vinner! 

Thank you for the kind comment! Vi får hoppas att vintage-byggen är på modet. 

[Math Wizard]

Ahoy Matey @-DoNe-!

They call me Captain Crit in these parts and I heard that polly wants a sandwich (They’re fed up with crackers apparently) - a criticism sandwich that is! (For you landlubbers, that’s 3 seas [Cs]- Compliment, Constructive Criticism, and another Compliment) [I know the contest is officially over and voting has begun, but I’ve been busy of late and didn’t get to post crits of all the last builds so I’m just starting now]

Ye did a great job buildin’ this and writin’ a story to go along with it! I really enjoyed reading your account- your prose is right on point. I ne’er woulda’ guessed Steve was a governor at one point!

Me biggest critique here is the plain white wall. It’d be great if ye could add a few dark red bricks throughout to match the printed pieces on the corners, though I get that ye were tryin’ for a more classic look. The only other wee thing that bothers me is the yellow plates as a base. I’d think that with the rocks changing color and the dock that this would be over water, not sand. If I were ye I may think ‘bout swapping the yellow for blue. 

Me favorite part of this build is the classic look. This perfectly recreates the imperial/pirate nostalgia, and somehow looks really clean and not over-studded, as commonly happens when people attempt a more classic build. Also good job adding a ladder to get to the second level. It’s crazier than me sailing a ship how many poeple forget to add ways for their minifigs to get to the second level and beyond!

Fair Winds Matey!

[Captain Braunsfeld]

Sooo classic! Congratulations. 

By the way: should it be "Fort du Soleil?" 

We should ask someone from Oleon.

[Horation]

@Captain Braunsfeld I'm from Québec, which used to be called  "New France", and I can attest that it should be  "Fort du Soleil", but I didn't want to sound like a pesky grammar corrector...

[Captain Braunsfeld]

9 hours ago, Horation said:

@Captain Braunsfeld I'm from Québec, which used to be called  "New France", and I can attest that it should be  "Fort du Soleil", but I didn't want to sound like a pesky grammar corrector...

That role is fine for me. Correcting people in languages that are foreign to myself is actually great. 

[Andy-Roo]

Nice to see a build like this done to fit within the "classic" era of lego pirates. Even without newer profile bricks etc, I think a build like this could benefit from some additional shape or contrast. Instead of a flat wall, the gate house by 1 or 2 studs or give the wall something that breaks it up from being one solid piece. I know in many forts a straight plain wall is what we see in real life, but it seems like the most visually appealing builds give more variation in shapes. The other thing that could be done is a repeating shape around the canons, or a support structure etc. That would also give some visual variation.

[-DoNe-]

On 8/23/2024 at 3:31 AM, Math Wizard said:

Ahoy Matey @-DoNe-!

They call me Captain Crit in these parts and I heard that polly wants a sandwich (They’re fed up with crackers apparently) - a criticism sandwich that is! (For you landlubbers, that’s 3 seas [Cs]- Compliment, Constructive Criticism, and another Compliment) [I know the contest is officially over and voting has begun, but I’ve been busy of late and didn’t get to post crits of all the last builds so I’m just starting now]

Ye did a great job buildin’ this and writin’ a story to go along with it! I really enjoyed reading your account- your prose is right on point. I ne’er woulda’ guessed Steve was a governor at one point!

Me biggest critique here is the plain white wall. It’d be great if ye could add a few dark red bricks throughout to match the printed pieces on the corners, though I get that ye were tryin’ for a more classic look. The only other wee thing that bothers me is the yellow plates as a base. I’d think that with the rocks changing color and the dock that this would be over water, not sand. If I were ye I may think ‘bout swapping the yellow for blue. 

Me favorite part of this build is the classic look. This perfectly recreates the imperial/pirate nostalgia, and somehow looks really clean and not over-studded, as commonly happens when people attempt a more classic build. Also good job adding a ladder to get to the second level. It’s crazier than me sailing a ship how many poeple forget to add ways for their minifigs to get to the second level and beyond!

Fair Winds Matey!

Many thanks for the kind words, friend! You make quite an excellent point when it comes to the sand. I didn't even think about that when building. Will keep that in mind for future endeavors! 
 

The ladder is Fort du Solelil's claim to fame. 

On 8/28/2024 at 7:37 AM, Captain Braunsfeld said:

Sooo classic! Congratulations. 

By the way: should it be "Fort du Soleil?" 

We should ask someone from Oleon.

Frontpaged you say? There is some love left for the classic I see. 

On 8/28/2024 at 10:28 PM, Horation said:

@Captain Braunsfeld I'm from Québec, which used to be called  "New France", and I can attest that it should be  "Fort du Soleil", but I didn't want to sound like a pesky grammar corrector...

 

On 8/29/2024 at 7:56 AM, Captain Braunsfeld said:

That role is fine for me. Correcting people in languages that are foreign to myself is actually great. 

I thought I was thorough enough when picking the name, alas my attempts was in vein. It shall be corrected. Thanks! 

On 8/29/2024 at 8:15 AM, Andy-Roo said:

Nice to see a build like this done to fit within the "classic" era of lego pirates. Even without newer profile bricks etc, I think a build like this could benefit from some additional shape or contrast. Instead of a flat wall, the gate house by 1 or 2 studs or give the wall something that breaks it up from being one solid piece. I know in many forts a straight plain wall is what we see in real life, but it seems like the most visually appealing builds give more variation in shapes. The other thing that could be done is a repeating shape around the canons, or a support structure etc. That would also give some visual variation.

Thank you for the input. In future builds I'll make sure to be a but more brave on the wall-details!