Review: 40601 Majisto's Magical Workshop
Posted by CapnRex101,
2023 started with the arrival of 40580 Blacktron Cruiser, an homage to 6894 Invader, released in 1987. 40601 Majisto's Magical Workshop will be available later in November and revisits another memorable model from the past, 6048 Majisto's Magical Workshop.
This set seemingly adheres closely to its original equivalent from 1993, which is reasonable given the distinctive appearance of the earlier model. On the other hand, remaining too faithful to past sets sometimes restricts the potential for improvement. I hope 40601 Majisto's Magical Workshop strikes a suitable balance between classic charm and modernity.
Summary
40601 Majisto's Magical Workshop, 365 pieces.
While charming in some ways, Majisto's Workshop fails to improve on its predecessor
- Faithful reproduction of a classic set, which some will enjoy
- Another returning Castle faction
- Completely outdated design
- Lacking in detail
- Chaotic exterior
- Mediocre minifigures
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Box and Contents
LEGO has now released three Castle System sets, each displaying an orange background on their packaging, which recalls the original Castle range. The backdrop here should perhaps be darker, although the consistency between modern sets is satisfying. However, this set lacks the expected yellow band across the top corner, presumably because its 1993 counterpart arrived after the LEGOLAND branding ended.
Minifigures
Similar to his workshop, Majisto has undergone remarkably few changes since 1993. In some respects, the plain blue robes and hat are appropriate for a character closely associated with a specific period in LEGO history. Even so, I would have been interested to see a modern version of the esteemed wizard, dressed in more detailed robes.
Fortunately, the accompanying Dragon Knight has been updated. The return of this faction is very welcome and I am glad their traditional symbol remains intact, although the emblem was originally painted on a metal breastplate, rather than a fabric garment. Furthermore, the classic Dragon Knights helmet has sadly not returned, but that is not surprising in a promotional set.
However, I was hoping the printed Dragon Knights shield would return, so the presence of only a sword is disappointing. Majisto's accessories are more fun, including a wand and a stickered scroll, recreated perfectly from 6048 Majisto's Magical Workshop. Ideally, the 2x2 tile would be printed, but a trans-clear accessory holder allows the wizard to grip his scroll, at least.
The Completed Model
Majisto's workshop is a relatively substantial building, reaching a height of 19cm and matching the size of 40567 Forest Hideout. The steep roof slopes are attractive and I like the proportions of this structure. However, as mentioned earlier, the designer has seemingly remained as faithful as possible to the original set, thus retaining the huge void immediately beneath the roof.
Moreover, the base of the model looks bland. The use of large rock elements can be effective when combined with other details, but these are incredibly plain, other than the addition of two flaming torches and some little flowers. The reddish brown door is an improvement on the 1993 design and I like the printed lock, although this door is still unable to open.
The shutters above are functional though and these are probably the original workshop's most distinctive feature. The shutters used in 1993 are no longer available, so stickered 1x2 tiles are used instead, which work well. The decorative axes and blue plumes are welcome additions too, especially since those plumes complement the shutters.
I think maintaining the red roof and its attached spears was also a good decision. The vibrant colour is appealing and corresponds with many classic Castle sets, even though I prefer more realistic shades, like those in 10305 Lion Knights' Castle. However, the enormous gap between the two axes and the surrounding walls look awful. The walls in particular are chaotic, with no real sense of shape.
This issue is slightly less apparent from the back, where the design is simpler. The large gap remains obvious though and the Technic axles securing the roof panels look awkward. Also, I wish the chimney was more substantial, but the brickwork underneath introduces some texture, at least. The tree branches on either side appear reasonable too, matching the style of 40567 Forest Hideout.
A couple of hinges can be seen on the back, allowing the whole workshop to open, exactly as the original model did. This function does explain the static door and I like that the printed lock actually seals the building. Nevertheless, there were many other, more practical, means for the workshop to open.
Moreover, this method splits the fireplace in half, which looks odd. Access for play is excellent though and there is a reasonable amount of space inside, despite a table and a wooden chest occupying much of that room. Like the exterior, these rudimentary furnishings are taken directly from 6048 Majisto's Magical Workshop.
Remarkably, the chest is empty. While only a minor flaw, this irritates me because adding a few gems or potions could so easily have improved the play value. Also, the upper level could have been extended to become a complete floor when the workshop is closed, only leaving a gap for the ladder. Instead, the two areas beside the windows are too small to be useful.
Overall
Various approaches are possible when paying tribute to a classic set. Some sets, like 10305 Lion Knights' Castle, take only vague inspiration from past models, while others preserve the memorable features of their precursors or even seek to recreate them exactly. 40601 Majisto's Magical Workshop follows the latter course, which is not my preferred style.
The large void beneath the roof and the lack of a functional door, for example, are features of 6048 Majisto's Magical Workshop that could easily have been improved. I think developing an entirely new structure, albeit one with a similar red roof and blue shutters, would have been far more effective. Even the minifigures leave something to be desired, although I am pleased by the Dragon Knights' return.
This set will be available with LEGO.com purchases of more than £220, $250 or €250 over the weekend. The threshold seems very high to me, especially in relation to 40567 Forest Hideout and 40580 Blacktron Cruiser, which had much lower thresholds.
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80 comments on this article
I think this set amplified the issues of the original, which had the excuse of being an old set. Also, is Lego just making these so nostalgic people will buy them? I don't really agree with cashing in on nostalgia.
I have the original. At the time I was too young to understand piece budgets and pricing etc. So my concerns were always design related. Even then I always wondered why this set and so many others had giant gaping holes in the walls. I understood the open backed dollhouse style, but not stuff like this.
The Lego conundrum: capable of greatness, but almost always falling short.
Honestly, the original has much better proportions. The new one somehow looks flat. If I'd have to choose, I would definitely go for the older one. Tho not by much admittedly (just not my theme)
Lazy build, lazy copy
That many of the original pieces available then and out of production now (the halberds, the printed tile, the shutters, the bird...) hurt the concept of this model. The old pieces did it better in my opinion, and it is a shame to try and recapture something that is impossible to do any more. On the flip side, had it been redone, perhaps my opinion would sound more like "too far away from the original." In the end, I am happy to have an attempt even if it is, in fact, too far from the original.
Especially the interior and the minifigs could have been the seller of this set, but they are just as plain as in the original set.
Not wildly impressed.
The idea was great; the execution is definitely not one of their better efforts. It just feels thrown together. The Forestmen GWP was a really nice balance between a modern update and retaining the style and feel of the original set.
This set doesn’t achieve anything close to that. I also think continuing to use a completely unprinted Majisto figure is an utter cop-out and a big let down; it was a poor mistake in 10305 and that is continued here. The threshold for qualifying also seems absurdly high.
I’m rarely a complete nay-sayer when it comes to Lego but, having been very interested in this set when I first heard the rumours it was coming, I have to say that I now have no interest in chasing it at all.
@beige2 said:
"I don't really agree with cashing in on nostalgia."
My friend, I have bad news for you about the premium toy industry, and the entertainment industry, and ...
I was well into my Dark Ages when the original came out, so I have no rose tinted spectacles through which to look at this recreation. I do however love Castle - I've bought 3x Medieval Castle sets 31120 and I got the Forest Hideout too. I want 10305 as well, but this GWP is not going to make me buy it.
It's almost amateur looking in it's simplicity and has an unfinished air about it. Same with the minifigs. I'll get the Dragon Knight torso when it hits PaB, and I'll put a different wizard in one of my castles, rebuilt as a tower.
@beige2 said:
"I think this set amplified the issues of the original, which had the excuse of being an old set. Also, is Lego just making these so nostalgic people will buy them? I don't really agree with cashing in on nostalgia."
Lego tries to lure these nostalgic people into their shops to spend their money onto non-discounted sets. I think if it wasn't for these nostalgic GWPs, they would sell a lot less in their stores. I mean Insider points are okay, but the discount is usually much higher on the "free market".
@illennium said:
" @beige2 said:
"I don't really agree with cashing in on nostalgia."
My friend, I have bad news for you about the premium toy industry, and the entertainment industry, and ...
"
Sad that you have to be like "I know that guy from the thing!" for them to sell something
I dearly love the Dragon Knights, but even at the time I looked at the builds as parts packs to build more castle-y things with. The original was wonky, so is this. In that sense it is perfect. And if they aren't going to bring back dragons, it really is the best choice to revisit for nice mid-size model.
I wouldn't buy this for a new Castle line - not without the glow-in-the-dark wand. It is a very fun dash of nostalgia for a GWP though.
This isn't too bad. Just disappointed that Majisto doesn't have any prints, and the use of stickers. But the dragon knight looks awesome.
The opening paragraph to this review doesn't make sense unless they're re-releasing this gwp later in November.
It would have been fun if the female knight would have a more reddish hair color, so she could represent the character 'Rusty' (aka Rowena) who is the daughter of the Dragon Master (and had iconic red hair, like her father) in the original concept for the faction and the Tarenta audio dramas.
The original set's knight is someone I always thought of more an apprentice to Majisto rather than a guard (or perhaps both), so I guess that would make him Five from the same source. Seeing the new torso up close makes it somewhat look more cartoonish and less detailed than the original, in a same manner as the Mighty Micros (was that the name?) versions of the Super Heroes characters a few years ago. Kind of strange...
Majisto having yet again a plain torso and neither the shield nor the scroll print returning is a disappointment as well. Greatly missed opportunity for including a triangular Dragon Masters shield (the only classic Castle faction lacking one).
While I still remain a bit meh about this set, I do like the interpretation of the door and lock though.
As a Black Friday gwp, I prefer it to last year's Lego House, as it's something I care more about. Model isn't great, but it'll slot into the castle display without too much fuss, though I'll be having the build-a-minifigure wizard actually out and doing stuff - printless Majisto can stay at home. Decent enough when I was most likely going to order regardless.
This set really cried out to be modernized. There are great parts in current circulation that the set could have included in place of the outdated molds. New birds, new weapons, new windows, etc. But they didn't shoot to improve the product at all, they just calculated that seeing a similar set to the original would get castle fans excited and dropping dough. In short, it's merely nostalgia-bait.
Just wait, the next Castle-themed GWP will be a remake of 6037 Witch's Windship, but with a brick-built dragon.
I don't mind the build too much, it is a very close copy of the original and that's fine. If they were going to update it with modern techniques then it would have been significantly small with the same part count.
I also don't mind Majisto. He is plain and a bit boring but then the original wasn't that different. I prefer the plain one to the more recent highly decorated BAM wizard.
Now I've seen the soldier up close, I hate it. In particular, the blue printing on the torso is so unnecessary. It means that the arms cannot be switched out for other colours to add variety. Too much detail ruins prints for me.
"Completely outdated design" - Design of this set is GREAT, it just lacks propper accesories and builds inside.
Look, Majisto has a Scroll of Shielding!
The designer did a decent job with the parts available, but I would prefer that TLG did not green-light nostalgia projects if they are unwilling to produce the parts that made them so iconic in the first place.
The re-use of the plain wizard is just disappointing - it was nearly the only aspect of 10305 that was worthy of criticism and they go ahead and re-release it... The original Majisto had at least SOME printing, which is closely mimicked in CAS579 (note the pouch) - could a re-colour not have been possible?
This unprinted version of Majisto is inexcusable for today's standards. Be it in the last castle model or here. Even the original version had prints!
I expect this to return in a second round of GWPs, with a significantly lower threshold, as late as summer 2024.
When I see the Dragon Knight's logo I think it looks too much like dragon road kill for my taste. It looks like a spatchcocked dragon.
Overall this was a wasted opportunity to improve upon the original but at least they didn't ruin it - its a cup half full kind of result.
Faithful reproduction of classic but also outdated in design, think you've contradicted yourself there
@KyloBen1012 said:
"Faithful reproduction of classic but also outdated in design, think you've contradicted yourself there"
Not at all. This is quite a faithful reproduction of a set released in 1993, hence the design feels outdated. I know some people will welcome the closeness of this model to the original on a nostalgic basis, which is fine, but I also think adhering so closely to design techniques from thirty years ago makes the set seem out of date.
Other examples have shown that there is a way to honour an older set, while also producing something that belongs in 2023.
An alright model, even though I have no interest in the original. Update it or don't update it... it will always get whinges from someone who thinks it should have been done the other way!
Threshold is fine, in the context of being for at least 2, and potentially 3 GWPs + double points on the right days. On its own it might have been a bit steep. Always need to consider the complete deal.
Nice review! My impression of the set is generally a lot more positive, at least as far as its exterior is concerned. That's certainly partly because this was an iconic Castle set from my childhood, and it's very exciting to see a new version of it decades later. But moreover, I feel the designer did a fantastic job upgrading the structure to fit with both modern building standards and the design language of sets like the Forest Hideout and Lion Knights' Castle.
The BURPs/mountain panels are used very effectively IMO, particularly since the trees growing out of either side and the sconces in the front help to make up for the cliff face itself being relatively low-detail. The use of Dark Stone Grey inverted slopes in the front over a Reddish Brown door also helps correct for the way the color of the original set's cliffs stopped abruptly at the edge of the BURPs, with awkward black patches of wall taking their place.
The door itself is a very charming detail, and a great upgrade to the original set's "magical" unfolding function — I can just imagine a dramatic scene in which after a long journey, a traveling knight knocks at the door to request a magical favor, only to see not not just the door, but the entire mountain open up to allow them entry! While you consider the "lack of a functional door" a drawback, I feel a door that opens normally would undermine that original concept.
I'm confused by your comment about "the enormous gap between the two axes and the surrounding walls". Are you referring to the walls that support the roof? For my part, I interpreted the surface immediately behind the axes as a stylized parapet wall that the axes are mounted to, and felt the scalloped crenels formed by the 1x2 inverted arch pieces gave it a great "sense of shape".
Other upgrades from the original set I quite like include the more detailed balcony (with a simple but tasteful railing) and the cutouts in the roof to allow for windows on either side of the workshop. The two exterior sconces are also a smart replacement for the original set's one interior sconce (which always seemed like a bit of a fire hazard, with nothing to keep its flames from leaping to the roof timbers).
My biggest disappointments are with the interior — I'd quite hoped that it would make more improvements on the interior of the original model, and I genuinely feel that it could have done so with no real change to the model's piece count or budget.
Of note, the eight Medium Stone Grey bricks inside of the 4x8 turret bricks don't seem to serve any structural purpose here, as far as I can tell. By removing those and replacing the 2x2 black plates on top of them with 1x2 black plates, the "free" upper floor space on either side would grow from around 2x4 to around 2x6, making room for additional furnishings like a simple 2x6 cot for Majisto.
I also think the work bench formed by a single 2x4 brick feels at odds with the improved exterior detail — and it seems like it would have been very easy to instead replace it with a workbench built from two more Reddish Brown log bricks and one more Reddish Brown 2x4 plate.
And it baffles me that this set omits both the barrel and the multicolored gems from the original with nothing in their place. Even if the designer was struggling to stay within a limited GWP budget, I feel like some compromises could have been made elsewhere (like removing a few flowers or simplifying the chimney a bit) to avoid leaving the treasure chest totally empty.
Overall, I am still enthusiastic about this set — after all, most of these issues I have are at LEAST as easy for me to fix myself as it would've been for the designer to do so. And I admit, while the first interior pics left me feeling pretty bummed out, my expectations there may have been a little inflated. In hindsight, even the Forest Hideout didn't do much more with its interior than its classic counterpart beyond adding a ladder. I only expected more here since 6048's interior offered a little more to work with.
@jkb said:
"This unprinted version of Majisto is inexcusable for today's standards. Be it in the last castle model or here. Even the original version had prints!
I expect this to return in a second round of GWPs, with a significantly lower threshold, as late as summer 2024."
Personally I felt like the large molded bag on Majisto's back in 10305 helped make up for the missing pouch from the front of his torso. But it does frustrate me a bit that they removed that here without adding a different neck accessory in its place (like perhaps a black fabric cape to replace the original set's molded plastic cape).
@SmilingCyclops said:
"Just wait, the next Castle-themed GWP will be a remake of 6037 Witch's Windship, but with a brick-built dragon."
I mean, for my part, I'd be really into that! I love brick-built dragons, and a new version of that set would also have to do away with that one huge gondola part in favor of a brick-built solution, which would be a huge improvement in and of itself! Plus a new version of Willa the Witch would make a great rival/nemesis for 10305's Majisto. :)
@beige2 said:
"I think this set amplified the issues of the original, which had the excuse of being an old set. Also, is Lego just making these so nostalgic people will buy them? I don't really agree with cashing in on nostalgia."
Space, Pirates, Castle and to an extent Bionicle have proven to LEGO that nostalgic fans will fork out cash for GWP sets for them.
I can't wait for 2027 when we're debating if "Bionicle Solek: Tribute" and "Castle: Handcart with Weapons Rack" are worthy GWP sets for a $250 purchase threshold. :P
I'll take this along with a modular since I'll be getting it anyway, but honestly I might just stick with the original. I have plenty of Majistos and Dragon Knights, and the original set, so what's in this for me? Might even try selling it locally for $20. Shame, since I was so excited for a remake, but this...this ain't it. If I wanted the original again, I'd just go build it.
@SmilingCyclops said:
"Just wait, the next Castle-themed GWP will be a remake of 6037 Witch's Windship, but with a brick-built dragon."
I'd actually quite like to see that. Fright Knights are definitely up there in terms of necessary modernization.
I'm not even a diehard Castle theme fan and I think this is a really cool set!
I never understood why people liked the original. 1993 was not a particularly great year for classic Castle to begin with and this set doesn't really stand out from the others.
They could have improved it quite a bit, but the kept a lot of the worst aspects of the model while also downgrading some of the best aspects (the minifigs).
Can you show a picture of how it looks like from behind when opened?
I think the disappointment is coming from the fact that the original has (in these days) a lot of unique pieces and prints. I think Lego just went full greed (or ignorance or lack of marketing research) with this one. To be honest after those awesome castle sets what we got in the last two years I am a little bit surprised. However pls don’t forget overall this set is just a gwp
Unpopular opinion: It's free (with purchase), so don't complain too loudly about it.
Take it from someone who lived it: the cool thing about Dragon Masters was the dragons.
6056, 6076, and 6082 were the sets to get. But no Dragon Masters set with a dragon is going to be a GWP. Technically, the Dragon Wagon was cheaper than Majisto's Magical Workshop, but I'm not even sure one could brick-build a decent dragon at that size, and it would inflate the price. Not until 6007 did we get a pocket-money dragon, and I have zero nostalgia for Fright Knights.
So while the aforementioned three sets were amazing (because dragons! and fantastic dragon enclosures!), 6048 Majisto's Magical Workshop was always the weird wallflower of the line. And it looks like a cuckoo clock that suffered a volcanic eruption.
Maybe they should have gone with some nostalgia for Town this time around. Or if they really wanted to dip back to post-classic Castle, 6057 or 6038 would have been fun. I can see why they went with this one; aside from 6057 Sea Serpent, it's the only set from 1991+ that has the right size and the doesn't demand an iconic part no longer in production. But the designer should have tried to rationalize the weird roof pattern somehow, by embellishing the bizarre architectural greebles (more cuckoo clock-like!), and putting a big cauldron at the bottom and rounding it all off like a chimney so it could be Majisto's chem lab hood.
Very disappointing.
Only one part of major interest.....Dragon Knight's Torso
There was potential there for this model but alas.....it's crap. No printing on Majisto is mind-blowingly lazy.
@AllenSmith said:
"Or if they really wanted to dip back to post-classic Castle, 6057 or 6038 would have been fun. I can see why they went with this one; aside from 6057 Sea Serpent, it's the only set from 1991+ that has the right size and the doesn't demand an iconic part no longer in production. But the designer should have tried to rationalize the weird roof pattern somehow, by embellishing the bizarre architectural greebles (more cuckoo clock-like!), and putting a big cauldron at the bottom and rounding it all off like a chimney so it could be Majisto's chem lab hood."
Agree, 6057 would have been so much better. It would even have gone nicely with the tiny dock at the back of 10305 which seems like an afterthought without a boat
I thought that the set was better than it is, after seeing the review. I liked a lot the 40567 Forest Hideout that I thought that this set would maintain that level.
I was decided to buy more than €250 this weekend, but this review made me doubt...
What should I do?
Looks like Princess Leia playing dress-up as a knight again... :))
Soooo either no one at Lego heard about last year's criticism concerning the bland majisto in the Lion knight's castle, or they just chose to completely ignore it thinking the outcome would be different this time. Very weird in both instances... as if all Lego employees live in a separate universe.
@AllenSmith:
Oh, having designed a dragon that’s less than half the size, I’m certain it would be possible to brick-build one that size. How expensive it would get, I couldn’t say. Not yet, at least. Hmmm…
'Available in November'. No price stated.
It's a GWP isn't it?
All the way at the end:
"available with LEGO.com purchases of more than £220, $250 or €250..."
Yaaaaay. Can't wait to not being able to buy this unique remake of a classic set directly again.
@UshiUshiKaku said:
" @SmilingCyclops said:
"Just wait, the next Castle-themed GWP will be a remake of 6037 Witch's Windship, but with a brick-built dragon."
I'd actually quite like to see that. Fright Knights are definitely up there in terms of necessary modernization."
Well, I'm not necessarily opposed to a Fright Knights revival, but the Windship is one of the silliest Castle sets ever made. I would also like to ditch the bat-shaped helmets and scepters.
@PurpleDave said:
" @AllenSmith:
Oh, having designed a dragon that’s less than half the size, I’m certain it would be possible to brick-build one that size. How expensive it would get, I couldn’t say. Not yet, at least. Hmmm…"
I should clarify. You can build a dragon that size. It could be truly amazing. Will it evoke the classic shape of the Dragon Masters dragon well enough, and be solid enough, for an official Lego nostalgia set? I'm less confident.
I was really looking forward to and dreading this set (for my wallet). Lego sent me the email about this set PLUS a winter village set BOTH as GWPs AND DOUBLE POINTS. Fortunately I had time to look closer at the sets, look at my finances and realise that they both come up short, are not necessary, and I can happily live without them. Phew, but what will they tempt us with next......?
A 1993 minifig looks more detailed than a 2023 one...
@Gb7 said:
"Soooo either no one at Lego heard about last year's criticism concerning the bland majisto in the Lion knight's castle, or they just chose to completely ignore it thinking the outcome would be different this time. Very weird in both instances... as if all Lego employees live in a separate universe."
Imagine the outcry if a printed Majisto came in a limited GWP but not in the massive castle. People will complain regardless of what happens.
@B_Space_Man said:
" @Gb7 said:
"Soooo either no one at Lego heard about last year's criticism concerning the bland majisto in the Lion knight's castle, or they just chose to completely ignore it thinking the outcome would be different this time. Very weird in both instances... as if all Lego employees live in a separate universe."
Imagine the outcry if a printed Majisto came in a limited GWP but not in the massive castle. People will complain regardless of what happens.
"
Nobody is forcing them to make it a limited gwp. And there's nothing wrong with learning from your mistakes and/or listening to your buyers' feedback in order to improve your product.
@Gb7 Agreed, but businesses make decisions and they are almost always comprised of tradeoffs. I’m just saying people will complain.
I am so happy that my nostalgia is for Classic Space and not so much Castle.
The reimagined Galaxy Explorer and the Blacktron GWP were really great. Lion Knights Castle though nice was far too expensive imho, and this GWP does not entice me to buy anything either. The Forestman Hideout GWP otoh at least was a much better interpretation of the original.
On the one hand, I think it does look a bit goofy.
But OTOH, that means there won't be a high demand, so it'll be a lot cheaper to pick up one on eBay or Bricklink afterwards. I'll make my peace with it.
@JavaBrix said:
"Unpopular opinion: It's free (with purchase), so don't complain too loudly about it."
Lol.
Sorry, the GWP threshold for this is insane, $250? The gwp thresholds keep climbing as do Legos prices. 40567 had a $150 spend threshold, and then 40580 had a $190 threshold, guess we can expect the next similar gwp threshold to be around $300 at this rate. This set is mediocre at best, 40567 and 40580 are far superior in my opinion. This certainly doesn't warrant the spend threshold increase.
@CapnRex101 you should change the "Buy at LEGO.com »" link to say something else. The link does show the set for $29.99, but you can't actually buy it.
@classic_space17 said:
"Sorry, the GWP threshold for this is insane, $250? The gwp thresholds keep climbing as do Legos prices. 40567 had a $150 spend threshold, and then 40580 had a $190 threshold, guess we can expect the next similar gwp threshold to be around $300 at this rate. This set is mediocre at best, 40567 and 40580 are far superior in my opinion. This certainly doesn't warrant the spend threshold increase."
In Switzerland the threshold is CHF 300.- which is funny because right now €220 are cca CHF 215.
Nobody talks about the print quality of the knight torso? The original had more vibrant colours by far.
Lego has chosen to make this a GWP, which comes with a limited budget so most of the lacks are not so surprising but still disappointing.
@AllenSmith
6056 and 6076 also had a weird build but that worked for me and can still charm me.
I know 6076 has it's flaws but the designers did put something together you can admire if you check what parts they used.
@SmilingCyclops
Not seen the new CMF?
Windship is crap, but the helmets were nice.
@crazylegoman
Lego allways has a price even for the GWP
If you were to return a part of your order and drop below the threshold you must either return the GWP or pay the "price" (never tried).
@AllenSmith said:
"and the doesn't demand an iconic part no longer in production. "
But, it DOES!!!
The dragon plumes, dragon helmet, halberts,...
I love it! I want all the 90s remade sets I can get! 1990s sets are my favorite and most nostalgic era of Lego! More please!
@classic_space17 said:
"Sorry, the GWP threshold for this is insane, $250? The gwp thresholds keep climbing as do Legos prices. 40567 had a $150 spend threshold, and then 40580 had a $190 threshold, guess we can expect the next similar gwp threshold to be around $300 at this rate. This set is mediocre at best, 40567 and 40580 are far superior in my opinion. This certainly doesn't warrant the spend threshold increase."
You get two boxed GWP for the threshold. The threshold for this set is just £70/$80 on top of the threshold for the winter set.
@SmilingCyclops said:
" @UshiUshiKaku said:
" @SmilingCyclops said:
"Just wait, the next Castle-themed GWP will be a remake of 6037 Witch's Windship, but with a brick-built dragon."
I'd actually quite like to see that. Fright Knights are definitely up there in terms of necessary modernization."
Well, I'm not necessarily opposed to a Fright Knights revival, but the Windship is one of the silliest Castle sets ever made. I would also like to ditch the bat-shaped helmets and scepters."
You bite your tongue! The bat shaped helmets were the best part!
@SmilingCyclops said:
" @UshiUshiKaku said:
" @SmilingCyclops said:
"Just wait, the next Castle-themed GWP will be a remake of 6037 Witch's Windship, but with a brick-built dragon."
I'd actually quite like to see that. Fright Knights are definitely up there in terms of necessary modernization."
Well, I'm not necessarily opposed to a Fright Knights revival, but the Windship is one of the silliest Castle sets ever made. I would also like to ditch the bat-shaped helmets and scepters."
While 6037 is admittedly quite silly-looking, I can't say I agree with you on removing the winged-helmets and the bat scepters; those elements are key to Fright Knights' whole aesthetic, and the theme would be very boring without them.
That said, the Batlord helmet was last seen in 2003, and is therefore (presumably) retired.
So unless LEGO makes a new mold, 6037 may be the only way for a Fright Knight GWP revival, as that set does not include the Batlord helmet.
One step closer to getting Wolfpack faction ....
@Jraptor if I don't bite it I imagine I can count on Basil the Bat Lord to bite it for me...
@UshiUshiKaku that's fair; maybe I'm just not wild about their aesthetic taken as a whole. I liked the torsos and some of the weapons, but the bat helmets and the random wings on all their equipment didn't really do it for me. Even so, I own several of the smaller sets. Anyway, stay tuned on the helmet...
Crazy that a minifig from 1993 has more detail than one from 2023.
@UshiUshiKaku Search CMF 25
@watcher21 said:
" @UshiUshiKaku Search CMF 25"
Oh that's cool. I wasn't aware of this, so thanks for the heads-up.
May have to get some more of the Fright Knight CMF from 2019 to give him a nice little troop to command :)
ANOTHER GWP before the end of the year? I'm losing track of what's available when. I'll need to time my purchases appropriately and hope nothing I want goes out of stock.
The introduction of the door is a misunderstanding of the original design, which was: its a magical hut that has no door and no way to get on. You need to use magic, then the whole rock opens.
Excellent review. My complaints and compliments are in complete cohesion with our good Captain.
Nevertheless, I need to spend some cashola on things that are about to retire. So, I will get this set (the other 2 mediocre GWPs and double points) and make it better with the hole closed, cupboards, bookcases, vials, cauldrons, frogs, dogs, cats, snakes, and other doodads...
or, I will never even open it.
It's so sad that Lego trolls its fans with two crappy Majistos while simultaneously having a much more impressive Majisto sitting idly by in the BAM bins. How does that make any sense?
https://jaysbrickblog.com/reviews/review-lego-build-a-minifigure-bam-q2-2023/
Thanks to everyone for their comments so far and particularly those with stronger feelings towards the original set, providing a different perspective.
@Aanchir said:
"Nice review! My impression of the set is generally a lot more positive, at least as far as its exterior is concerned. That's certainly partly because this was an iconic Castle set from my childhood, and it's very exciting to see a new version of it decades later. But moreover, I feel the designer did a fantastic job upgrading the structure to fit with both modern building standards and the design language of sets like the Forest Hideout and Lion Knights' Castle.
The BURPs/mountain panels are used very effectively IMO, particularly since the trees growing out of either side and the sconces in the front help to make up for the cliff face itself being relatively low-detail. The use of Dark Stone Grey inverted slopes in the front over a Reddish Brown door also helps correct for the way the color of the original set's cliffs stopped abruptly at the edge of the BURPs, with awkward black patches of wall taking their place.
The door itself is a very charming detail, and a great upgrade to the original set's "magical" unfolding function — I can just imagine a dramatic scene in which after a long journey, a traveling knight knocks at the door to request a magical favor, only to see not not just the door, but the entire mountain open up to allow them entry! While you consider the "lack of a functional door" a drawback, I feel a door that opens normally would undermine that original concept.
I'm confused by your comment about "the enormous gap between the two axes and the surrounding walls". Are you referring to the walls that support the roof? For my part, I interpreted the surface immediately behind the axes as a stylized parapet wall that the axes are mounted to, and felt the scalloped crenels formed by the 1x2 inverted arch pieces gave it a great "sense of shape".
Other upgrades from the original set I quite like include the more detailed balcony (with a simple but tasteful railing) and the cutouts in the roof to allow for windows on either side of the workshop. The two exterior sconces are also a smart replacement for the original set's one interior sconce (which always seemed like a bit of a fire hazard, with nothing to keep its flames from leaping to the roof timbers)."
There are two reasons I struggle with the area immediately under the roof and between the axes, although I agree it is probably supposed to represent a parapet. Firstly, there is no walkway behind the open section of the wall, so minifigures cannot stand there, which is really an essential feature. Also, I find the combination of black and shades of grey confusing because I cannot really tell what material the black pieces are supposed to be. Based on the original model, presumably the answer is wood, but the use of reddish brown pieces conflicts with that and that would also mean stone arches are being supported by wooden walls.
Personally, I find it quite difficult to see black pieces as wood because modern sets have conditioned me to see shades of brown or nougat representing wood. On the other hand, I think it can work in a modern context when used in isolation, like with 10320 Eldorado Fortress and 40567 Forest Hideout.
@chrichrichri said:
"The introduction of the door is a misunderstanding of the original design, which was: its a magical hut that has no door and no way to get on. You need to use magic, then the whole rock opens. "
OK, but the set does not really communicate that. LEGO buildings often open around hinges, like Majisto's workshop, so it feels nothing more than a basic means of accessing the interior, rather than a magical function.
There have been plenty of other sets with 'magical' functions recently, particularly in the Elves theme, so I approach modern set
> Takes off lock
> Entire building splits in half
@Trigger_ said:
"> Takes off lock
> Entire building splits in half"
I just hate when that happens
I'd love to see a new version of Fire Breathing Fortress with the original dragon mold and Dragon Knights helmet. :D I think they could really do a lot to improve on the classic design while keeping it relatively faithful to the original.
I am mostly disappointed by the minifigs, but let's not repeat ourselves here. I will take a stab at the building. The original managed to look better (mostly due to using the angled roof pieces and a second machiculations large piece above the gray one to give it some consistency around the walls. The shutters are nowhere near good enough and the brown door looks odd (I think just making it black would have been an improvement - same pieces, but in black, like the rest of the woodwork in this set ... I honestly don't understand why they made it brown)).
The lack of specialized polearms and the knight accessories hurt it even more. Maybe they should have just added bigger flame pieces instead of the blue plumes.
I will get one, big fan of the torso, but that is sadly the only win this set brings. Can't wait to try and see if I can make the original alternate models with this.
Just got mine today. Haven’t opened it yet, but is there like a big piece of some kind in the box? Because mine is visably bulging.
@CapnRex101 said:
"Also, I find the combination of black and shades of grey confusing because I cannot really tell what material the black pieces are supposed to be. Based on the original model, presumably the answer is wood, but the use of reddish brown pieces conflicts with that and that would also mean stone arches are being supported by wooden walls.
Personally, I find it quite difficult to see black pieces as wood because modern sets have conditioned me to see shades of brown or nougat representing wood. On the other hand, I think it can work in a modern context when used in isolation, like with 10320 Eldorado Fortress and 40567 Forest Hideout."
In that era of castle sets, trees were always black, and wooden details might be brown. I always interpreted black as living wood, brown as dead wood, and grays as rock or stone. I though Majisto's fortress was a magical transformation of a tree. I thought (at the time of the original set) that the openness below the roof reflected the branchy origin of the structure. Perhaps this is just my own interpretation of the meaning of the colors, but it was consistent with many of the other sets from the classic castle era. And yes, in the pirate theme, the docks and steps were often black = dead wood, so not consistent w castle in that way.