Review: 60368 Arctic Explorer Ship
Posted by CapnRex101,
Arctic and ocean exploration are regular LEGO City subthemes and the two are combined this year. Beyond introducing a fantastic menagerie of animals, this wave features the huge 60368 Arctic Explorer Ship, which is even bigger than 60266 Ocean Exploration Ship!
Of course, the impressive size creates space for ample interior and various functions, as well as storage for three additional vehicles on board, which is brilliant for play. Furthermore, the exclusive killer whale is highly desirable, potentially overshadowing the actual ship.
Summary
60368 Arctic Explorer Ship, 815 pieces.
£129.99 / $159.99 / €149.99 | 15.9p/19.6c/18.4c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Although satisfying overall, 60368 Arctic Explorer Ship could make better use of space
- Research vessel is enormous
- Extra vehicles for play
- Extensive interior
- Wonderful new orca
- Inefficient use of deck space
- Some areas lack detail
- Quite expensive
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Box and Contents
I rarely comment on the packaging for standard LEGO sets because there is little variation, in general. This example is unusual though, as the box features a completely separate lid, which can be removed, much like the LEGO Games boxes. The sides of the box are therefore thicker than normal. I presume the packaging is designed this way because of the large hull elements inside, which allow the ship to float.
Minifigures
Seven minifigures crew the exploration vessel, beginning with the captain, who wears a large collar. This piece complements the printed collar on the jacket beneath and I like the matching gloves, as well as the pockets on the legs. Moreover, a new bearded head has been created for this minifigure and looks good, although the mixed use of dark orange and reddish brown hair colours is peculiar.
The captain is also available in 60378 Arctic Explorer Truck and Mobile Lab, like the first of the two scientists provided. This female character includes a brilliant medium nougat hair element, which captures intricate texture, alongside a detailed torso. I like the memory stick hanging on one side and the metallic silver accents on the jacket are effective too.
The third minifigure dressed predominantly in medium azure is obviously the doctor, given the stethoscope around his neck. The tousled hair element looks splendid and works well with this head, although only the female minifigure features an alternative expression, oddly. A variety of accessories are supplied, including binoculars for the captain and a laptop for the scientist.
While the above characters probably remain on the ship, several more are warmly attired for Arctic exploration. These two minifigures wear similar orange and medium azure jackets, with reflective silver stripes across the front and back. I appreciate the consistency between the pair, without simply repeating exactly the same design.
Also, both minifigures feature dual-moulded headgear. The dark orange braids on the female character look superb and the element returns from Hidden Side, albeit with new colours. The male minifigure's ushanka hat also looks nice. This piece was introduced for the previous Arctic subtheme in 2018, but the dark blue and white colour combination debuted this summer.
An alternative black hair piece is included to replace the ushanka, which is a welcome addition. The two minifigures are also properly equipped with a radio and a long-lens camera, but again only the female explorer features a second facial expression. I do not expect every head to be double-sided, but their scarcity in this set is surprising.
The same is true for the last two minifigures, whose heads are also single-sided. Nonetheless, the pilot and diver are excellent, particularly since their uniforms continue the orange, medium azure and dark blue colours shared among the crew. I like the radio printed on the pilot's torso and her helmet includes a realistic adjustable visor.
However, this is overshadowed by the diver's dual-moulded helmet, which originates from the Deep Sea Explorers sets released in 2020. I prefer the earlier red shade to this medium azure version, although the complete diving ensemble is impressive, finished with a pair of orange air tanks that slot neatly against the helmet and are attached around the minifigure's neck.
A pressure gauge is shown on the diver's torso and the minifigure carries a separate printed gauge too, while the pilot is equipped with a wrench. Additionally, hair elements are provided with both minifigures. The swept hairstyle is notable in particular, introduced last year, but only otherwise available with 60379 Deep Sea Explorer Submarine in dark red.
The Completed Model
LEGO has produced several research vessels for the City theme, including some focused on deep sea exploration and 60062 Arctic Icebreaker in 2014. These ships have generally grown over time and the latest version continues the trend, measuring 71cm in length and surpassing even the comparable 60266 Ocean Exploration Ship, released a couple of years ago.
The dark blue hull and predominantly white superstructure are familiar from the 2020 model, although the shape of this vessel is totally different, as much of that superstructure is placed towards the bow. Personally, I think this ship seems unbalanced because the stern section is quite empty, although the configuration here is realistic and I am glad it varies from previous sets.
A helipad occupies the forward section of the model, which is true to many real ships designed for exploration and research. Admittedly, the size and location of the helicopter would seriously obstruct the view from the bridge, but I do not mind this too much. While clearly unrealistic, this rather silly design somehow feels appropriate for LEGO City, in my opinion.
This helicopter is similar to many produced before, but serves its purpose for play and looks good beside the research ship, featuring the same colours. The rounded canopy and orange floats correspond with real amphibious helicopters and I like the lightweight appearance of the vehicle as well, resembling the classic Bell 47 helicopter.
I can excuse the large gaps around the cockpit on such a small helicopter, which are common on LEGO vehicles like this one. There is space for a minifigure inside and a printed console is also included. Moreover, the trans-red and trans-green navigation lights look splendid and the engine assembly above is reasonably detailed, again considering the model's small size.
Orange balloon base elements are used to good effect on the floats, which are firmly connected to the fuselage via Technic pins. The shape of the floats seems realistic and the tail boom looks great too, comprising a pair of 1x2 plates with 12L bars, arranged side by side. The fins and tail rotor are effective, but I dislike the unsightly tan 1x2 plate visible beneath the tail boom.
Eight trans-orange warning lights are placed around the helipad, with two 1x2 handle pieces in its centre. These slot into the underside of the helicopter and secure the vehicle nicely, without being too obtrusive. Also, I like the octagonal shape of the platform and there is even room for minifigures to stand on the deck surrounding the helipad, accessed via ladders on either side.
There is plenty of room for minifigures on the upper deck as well, which comprises two medium azure 8x16 studded panels, alongside the 10x10 octagonal plate forming the helipad. This deck lacks handrails, although I like the band of medium azure, especially in combination with orange and white pieces. The ship's colour scheme therefore matches the minifigures' uniforms.
Also, I like the windows along each side of the superstructure, while the shape of the bridge is striking. 8x5x2 windscreen elements are used to splendid effect here, most notably where they are mounted upside down to create the side-facing windows. A radar bar is attached on the roof, which otherwise lacks any detail or means for the crew to access this level, unfortunately.
Clips secure the inverted windscreens and these are neatly hidden, even on the inside. Three stations are found inside, each featuring a seat and printed displays. While the existing details look reasonable, there was certainly an opportunity to include much more. Even a telephone or clips for accessories, like the captain's binoculars, would improve the bridge.
On the other hand, a red megaphone is provided, while the helm features a printed compass. Furthermore, the vacant floor space between the chairs leaves extra room for minifigures and offers some potential for modification, which should not be necessary, but is always a welcome possibility.
Beyond removing the roof, the bridge is also accessible to minifigures from the back, where a ladder and two opening doors are found. I think a more substantial staircase could have been constructed here and would be more realistic, but the simple ladder suffices, despite the large step between the top of this ladder and the doors.
I like the triangular panels behind the bridge. Their shape complements the superstructure in front and additional navigation equipment is positioned on top, notably including two spherical radomes. The brick-built stripes along the sides look splendid too, employing 2x2 triangular tiles to extend the bands of medium azure and white. I much prefer this solution over stickers.
The bridge and helipad can be easily removed, taking advantage of the aforementioned large panels to strengthen the upper deck. The lower deck is remarkably spacious and occupies the hollow areas of the forward hull, which was produced specifically for this set. Similar hull pieces are always designed with recessed areas for an interior, but this example is bigger than usual.
Coffee machines are essential in LEGO City and one is thus included by the doors, beside a control station for the remotely operated submersible. The printed keyboard is flanked by two 1x1 round tiles with shafts, representing joysticks to direct the underwater vehicle. The screen above relays images from the submersible, showing its arms reaching for a treasure chest.
Another sticker is applied on the wall between the two doors, highlighting locations of interest in the Arctic. The table underneath is formed by a dark bluish grey 2x4 brick, which is too basic, in my opinion. There is more than enough space for a more substantial table and simply providing some food accessories would greatly improve this section of the model.
The laboratory features a microscope, with a printed bacteria slide under examination. Some trans-light blue jars and a syringe are also included, but the most notable addition is definitely the aquarium. A crab and a sea anemone reside inside, with the latter perfectly represented by a teal 1x1 textured piece, which was introduced as hair in the Minions theme.
I think the bedroom could have been separated from the main living area and the laboratory, although its position already feels relatively isolated. Two beds are available and accessories can be stored on the surrounding shelves. Unfortunately, I think any characters sleeping on the beds would be disturbed by the helicopter landing, as the helipad is located directly above!
Naturally, a small bathroom is also included. The double doors are strange and I think the toilet could have been designed to occupy a smaller space, perhaps making room for a sink as well. However, this bathroom suffices for play and I do like the 1x1 round brick representing a toilet roll, which is another common feature of LEGO City sets.
Like the bridge, two doors provide access to the living area. I suppose their symmetry is nice, but there was no need for two doors and omitting one would leave more space for furnishings inside. In addition, the deck behind the superstructure is completely empty. The designer could surely have added some storage racks or perhaps even extended the interior to use this area.
I am also disappointed with the exposed Technic pieces on either side. These are necessary to strengthen the vessel where its two hull components meet, although the holes could have been covered. The connection between the hull elements is fairly subtle though, using 4x6 plates with hinges to hide the seam, which is exactly the same as 60266 Ocean Exploration Ship.
The crane also includes some exposed Technic pieces, but I find these less distracting than the Technic bricks on each side. However, the lack of minifigure-scale controls for the crane seems strange. Given the empty space around its base, the crane could probably have featured a fully enclosed cab.
While severely lacking in detail, the crane's functionality is excellent. The boom can be rotated, raised and extended to reach the storage area at the stern, while the cable is controlled with a simple Technic mechanism. The vehicles kept behind the crane can thus be deployed over the sides of the ship or through the opening moon pool in its centre.
Medium azure hazard stripes line the edges of the opening hatches, as well as decorating the crane. Again, 60266 Ocean Exploration Ship included a similar feature, but this design is more proportionally realistic and I like the functional covers on top. This hollow space is created by the rear hull section, developed for 60095 Deep Sea Exploration Vessel in 2015.
This remotely operated vehicle, commonly known as an ROV, is similar to many others in City sets. The articulated arms and the floodlights look great, corresponding with real submersibles, while the spinning propeller also works well. However, this vehicle is small and there is certainly room for a bigger vessel in the moon pool, perhaps even a full submarine with a minifigure on board.
Also, the recessed area where the ROV is stored could accommodate a larger submersible, so there was an opportunity for something more complex. Nonetheless, this vehicle is reasonable and its smaller size leaves room to keep the dinghy on top, placed between four red and white-striped markers on the deck.
The dinghy fits securely in place and two minifigures can ride on board. Moreover, the central A frame provides an ideal connection point for the crane to raise the dinghy. The open deck at the stern is another area with the potential for more detail, although the basic storage rack for diving equipment is a useful inclusion.
Vikings were once the pre-eminent explorers of the North Atlantic Ocean, venturing as far as North America and well inside the Arctic Circle. Explorers could therefore find Viking ships on the seabed and I think this shipwreck looks fantastic. The brick-built figurehead is immediately identifiable with longships and the teal stripes are effective, breaking up the otherwise muted colours.
If the figurehead alone did not confirm the shipwreck's Viking origin, the pearl dark grey helmet and chest containing weapons provide further evidence. I love the position of the helmet shown in the instruction manual, being worn by a crab! Ideally, the wooden frame of the hull would have been enlarged, but this shipwreck is big enough to explore and recover a few artefacts.
Orcas, also known as killer whales, are among the most recognisable sea creatures, known for their distinctive black and white markings and their ferocious hunting tendencies. This rendition of the orca measures 14cm in length and its shape seems very realistic, recreating the animal's rounded head, prominent fins and tail, with authentic proportions between them.
The characteristic white patches behind the killer whale's eyes look marvellous, while the eyes themselves are much larger than in reality. However, this design is consistent with other LEGO animals, without becoming too cartoonish. The orca features an articulated lower jaw, revealing rows of teeth inside and room for lots of fish, or even the baby seal from 60376 Arctic Explorer Snowmobile!
Similar to other LEGO animals, the orca does include a few connection points, between anti-studs on its underside and two studs on top. In addition, the back of the large dorsal fin is the width of a standard bar, so minifigures can grip the fin, as presented below. Hopefully, this is to tag the killer whale for conservation purposes, instead of riding the animal in captivity.
Overall
The sheer size of 60368 Arctic Explorer Ship is perhaps its most important quality. The model provides stunning presence on display and more than enough room for some smaller vehicles, which are appealing additions for play. Furthermore, this ship includes a large interior, split over two decks. This has been a weakness of other LEGO watercraft, so the improvement is great.
Conversely, I think the size of the vessel has introduced some issues. Whereas the forward third includes plenty of detail, the open deck behind seems empty by comparison. I wonder whether this relates partly to the abundance of space available, so using that space efficiently became less significant. Also, the price of £129.99, $159.99 or €149.99 feels quite expensive, although the large hull elements and the new orca must be taken into consideration.
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58 comments on this article
Looks like a really fun set!
I love it. The only thing holding me back is the price.
I want those ships hulls! This set could use reworking into a earlier timeframe / look for my Adventurers setup.
Great set, I would have absolutely loved it as a kid for its sheer size alone!
But I share the sentiment, it feels a bit... unbalanced. Maybe the helipad could be moved from bow to stern replacing the equipment rack, with a bit of an overhang if necessary? The rack could then move midship into the empty space between lab and crane, and if the bow sans helipad looked too empty now, a searchlight similar to 60167-1 might surely come in handy for any research vessel.
@briandrewz86 said:
"I love it. The only thing holding me back is the price."
*Scruffy the Janitor voice* Second
I normally sleep on these sets, but then getting to see it in a review up close like this really sells how well put together it is. I like it, not sure if I'll ever buy it but I do like it.
For an animal that tortures other animals for fun,that killer whale certainly looks happy.
As a Lego Star Wars fan i recently purchased the £129.00 Republic Guard gunship and the Arctic Explorer boat at the same price.
Guess which one I keep going back to?
Yep, the Arctic Explorer, I have bought bits and modified it, i 've bought the other sets in the wave, and just had loads of fun with it.
Far far better value than the gunship.
9.5/10 from me
You know a little tweaking here and there, and a few trans-red pieces, and you could turn this into an Ice Planet ocean explorer.
The bar on the orca's dorsal fin is obviously for Sonic the Hedgehog to hold onto.
Anyway I like it but I don't even remotely have space for it.
60368 Boaty McBoatface
No problem here with the location of bunks. On aircraft carriers there are tons of living spaces right under the flight deck. You'd be amazed what you can sleep through when you work at sea!
Steamboat Willie's grown a bit!
60062 was the only set I didn't get around to buying from the last Arctic wave. Quite tempted to splash out on this one!
HOLY GODZILLA AND GODZUKI!
I like how they at least somewhat reverted back to the pre-2001 packaging style. It makes storing without damaging the instructions so much easier.
Also nice animals in that series^^
This was such a fun set, and even better after some mods. I moved the helipad to the rear, moved the crane to the left side and made a cubby for the arctic snowmobile to fit
I love this set! Love it! Now if I just had £100 I could afford to buy it.
Such an evolution since my 6560. I would have loved it.
The eyes on the orca are a bit to "friends" for me.
I really like these Arctic Explorer sets. But they always seek marked up here in the States and I don’t understand it. I can never seem to find them on sale and they’re always just sitting at Target or Wal-Mart, mocking me with that ridiculously high RRP.
Still, I wish I’d gotten that mobile base from the last Arctic wave. That thing was quite obviously a space set.
Does this remind anyone else of the good old 70006 Cragger’s Command Ship days?
@Murdoch17 said:
"I want those ships hulls! This set could use reworking into a earlier timeframe / look for my Adventurers setup."
Yer working on one?
@Jack_Sassy said:
" @Murdoch17 said:
"I want those ships hulls! This set could use reworking into a earlier timeframe / look for my Adventurers setup."
Yer working on one?"
I have a 100-stud long brick-built tramp steamship already from several years ago. I added a dino cage and one of the sand blue 2001 'Dinosaurs' T-Rex's in 2022. I don't have space big enough to take pictures, so that isn't happening. I would build with these hulls to replace the older one.
If I were a kid this set would be on a “holy grail” list for sure. It’s just so huge that it’s impossible it wouldn’t be a TON of fun.
Tempting but a bit pricey just to obtain an Orca, the ship will just gather dust
It's expensive, but I really like it. I don't know where I'd put it, but I'm seriously thinking about getting it nonetheless.
I like the idea and play opportunities from the set, but like the review states, it has some poorer design choices. I don't like the final product as is. I would have to redesign it to be satisfied. At $160 USD, it's hard to justify with the issues regarding design.
Is the emptiness of the ship designed to allow other sets to be added to this one?
A man has falllen into the river in lego city! HEY!
Disappointed there is no photo of it floating in you bathtub @CapnRex101 :)
I like the idea of twin joysticks to control the submersible, but a video game controller would be simpler and Lego already makes them.
Too soon?
@Murdoch17 said:
" @Jack_Sassy said:
" @Murdoch17 said:
"I want those ships hulls! This set could use reworking into a earlier timeframe / look for my Adventurers setup."
Yer working on one?"
I have a 100-stud long brick-built tramp steamship already from several years ago. I added a dino cage and one of the sand blue 2001 'Dinosaurs' T-Rex's in 2022. I don't have space big enough to take pictures, so that isn't happening. I would build with these hulls to replace the older one."
You have my interest, I will inspect yer Flickr closely. ;)
This thing is MASSIVE built, like seriously imposing.
The main disappointing point was my orca came quite scratched due to being packaged with other elements, when really I think it should be packaged alone.
Also some figures are repeats of others in this line, so if you get the whole range as I did, you end up with a few of the same figure - I think they could have varied the designs a bit.
“Moreover, a new bearded head has been created for this minifigure and looks good, although the mixed use of dark orange and reddish brown hair colours is peculiar.”
Not that peculiar - this is exactly my colouring!
I really want to buy this to modify the hell out of this... Awesome potential.
Do arctic divers not wear gloves? I would think the water would be too cold for bare skin.
It’s common for men to have beards that are not the same shade as the hair on their scalp. Partly this is due to beard follicles being different than scalp ones (they also tend to go grey at a different age), and partly because beards aren’t usually worn as long as the rest of your hair.
The varied uniform styles look like a typical genre series where they want to present a cohesive color scheme, while making sure everyone has their own distinctive look. It makes sense for the diver and pilot, but not the general shipboard crew.
I have a strong dislike for the pilot’s hairstyle. In this orientation, it doesn’t look terrible, but all I can think of when I see it is how it was rotated to hang down in back for IDEA131 in 21337, and it looks like she’s wearing a crocheted washcloth as a wig. As it’s used on a nameless spectator, I don’t understand why it would have been used like this.
In my recollection, most vessels that include helipads are either military or pleasure yachts for the mega-rich. Oceanic research outfits are often poorly funded, and a helipad would be a huge waste of money. Helipads are also most commonly located on the stern, unless the bridge is located at the bow, or elevated like the “island” on an aircraft carrier.
I see mention of the bathroom, and even more of the ROV, but I didn’t even realize there was an ROV control station parked next to the bathroom until my second run through the review.
The Technic bricks along the gunwales look like they’re intended to be scuppers, which would make sense…except they wouldn’t do anything next to a large pit until the vessel is completely swamped. They’d do even less next to an enclosed cargo hold.
The orca is an enigma. The dorsal fin is the wrong shape for a female, and way too short to be a male (male dorsal fins look comically long, like they were drawn by a young kid with no sense of scale). Best guess is it’s supposed to be male, but they shortened to fin for structural and safety reasons.
@Jack_Sassy said:
" @Murdoch17 said:
" @Jack_Sassy said:
" @Murdoch17 said:
"I want those ships hulls! This set could use reworking into a earlier timeframe / look for my Adventurers setup."
Yer working on one?"
I have a 100-stud long brick-built tramp steamship already from several years ago. I added a dino cage and one of the sand blue 2001 'Dinosaurs' T-Rex's in 2022. I don't have space big enough to take pictures, so that isn't happening. I would build with these hulls to replace the older one."
You have my interest, I will inspect yer Flickr closely. ;)"
Here is one of the few screenshots I have uploaded of what the real ship look like with the cage:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/55973205 @N08 /52210404143/in/album-72157641808273974/
and here is the ship circa 2018:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/55973205 @N08/40254933861/in/album-72157641808273974/
Obviously the links will have to be copy pasted into your address bar, as Flickr links don't work on Brickset!
@Ridgeheart:
Indeed, I'm not sure I'd want to be treated by a doctor so unversed in basic hygiene that he seems not to understand how shampoo works.
@FlitzerMitDerPizza:
Pretty much everything on deck seems like it would make the most sense located aft. The equipment rack needs to be in proximity to the raft, which needs to be accessible by the crane, which also needs to be able to hoist the ROV. Best solution would seem to be to find a different spot for the equipment rack (possibly between the raft and the hold) and put the helipad where the rack stands.
@GenericLegoFan:
I just read an article about an orca pod that was observed tossing baby dolphins around like a volleyball. Some survived, others didn't, and none were being consumed. Bottlenose dolphins are also known to aggressive bullies to smaller porpoises and dolphins.
@GoalieLax:
One of my college friends was assigned summer housing just a couple dozen feet from railroad tracks. Eventually, you'll get tired enough, and the noise (if regular enough) will fade into the background. I'm not sure that would be the case on this vessel, though. It seems unlikely that the helicopter would be used frequently enough that anyone would get used to it.
@ICAbricks:
Orca's available on B&P, so expect most of those to end up on BL, driving down the price. Additionally, B&P will provide a hard ceiling for anyone willing to camp out until it's available again.
@PhantomBricks:
Generally speaking, by the time you need to upgrade to a drysuit, _some_ sort of gloves will be necessary. Temperature of the water, and duration of planned dive will determine if you need special dry gloves that will seal to the suit, or if any old wetsuit glove will suffice. Drysuits can get very expensive and very complicated. For any duration of arctic water dive, beyond the basic drysuit, you're going to need special boots, special gloves, special hood (all of which will need to attach to the suit with special seals), plus probably a few layers of special undergarments just to provide additional insulation against the cold. It does seem weird that, besides the two who never have to leave the bowels of the ship, the only other minifig who's not obviously wearing gloves is the guy who gets tossed overboard for a living.
I liked your review. The heli could have some levers for control instead of an Ipad ??
Also the crane cab is something that would be nice. This is a great ship with an unusual bridge of command, wish they made a big fishing ship in the same line
Great set that I can't wait to get!
The technic beams on the sides should have been continued all the way down the side of the deck to represent scuppers
I do think the front should have been three levels instead of two. Pilot house on top, research labs and scientific equipment in the middle and crew quarters on the bottom
Compared to the standard PPR of 20 cents/piece for most City sets, this set is actually a bargain
@PurpleDave
Orcas are not the cute graceful creatures that many make them out to be. They are the most dangerous creature in the sea. They are called killer whales for a reason. Native Americans refer to them as Seawolves. Here is a brutal video of an Orca taking out a great white shark (warning, lots of blood): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO8PaRYQTMg
@Darth_Dee:
Oh, I'm very familiar with what orcas will do to sharks. A notorious pair named Port and Starboard pretty much chased great whites out of South African waters all by themselves, because they figured out how to induce tonic immobility and then they'd just eat the livers and leave the rest behind.
I once read a sci-fi novel where cetaceans initiated diplomatic relations with humankind. Being that they had no way to really possess things, sacrifice was the only way they could really cement contracts. I can't remember the name of the author or the book, but I remember one instance of an orca exacting "payment" for an agreement by removing a few fingers from someone's hand with near-surgical precision. And I remember another instance where a dolphin gave its life to lend the greatest weight possible to its statement.
After a short deliberation, I paid full price for this set and have to say it’s spectacularly fun. I definitely agree more detailing would be nice, but it’s not hard to add nautical odds and ends. One of those sets that just makes me smile like a kid again.
@Darth_Dee:
I just ran across another article that says, in the 1980's, a pod in the Pacific was observed wearing dead salmon like hats for a period of two years before they gave it up.
I have this set! It's really cute and fun to play with.
I didn't put a number of the stickers on because this boat is meant to be put in water! WHY WOULD LEGO DO THAT? I typically love stickers, I don't have too much of a problem with them, things like boats need printing, no stickers!
ANYWAY when i finished building this, I immediately had this float around in a pool lol
Is it me, or photos have some tint ? It esp. noticeable on the yellow color.
I'm a sucker for lego boats and this one is (in my Tina Turner voice) SIMPLY THE BEST! It is huge, but also sleek, it has great colours, amazingly characterful minifigs, the orca, and plenty of space for play. The "emptiness" of the deck is absolutely not a con for kids, it means they have so much space to play without knocking of pieces. I also see the exposed technic pieces perfect for crane, as this is a rugged machinery, and technic pieces fit well with that. If it was all covered it would be worse imo. I even think the price is right because ppp ratio is not good, but the sheer size is just astonishing. Which is also the only complaint from me, you need a pool to actually play in water with this, bathtub is just too small.
@Murdoch17 said:
" @Jack_Sassy said:
" @Murdoch17 said:
" @Jack_Sassy said:
" @Murdoch17 said:
"I want those ships hulls! This set could use reworking into a earlier timeframe / look for my Adventurers setup."
Yer working on one?"
I have a 100-stud long brick-built tramp steamship already from several years ago. I added a dino cage and one of the sand blue 2001 'Dinosaurs' T-Rex's in 2022. I don't have space big enough to take pictures, so that isn't happening. I would build with these hulls to replace the older one."
You have my interest, I will inspect yer Flickr closely. ;)"
Here is one of the few screenshots I have uploaded of what the real ship look like with the cage:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/55973205 @N08 /52210404143/in/album-72157641808273974/
and here is the ship circa 2018:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/55973205 @N08/40254933861/in/album-72157641808273974/
Obviously the links will have to be copy pasted into your address bar, as Flickr links don't work on Brickset!"
She looks wondeful, you are thinking of adding hull pieces from this set to the steamship?
LEGO's pick a brick website prices:
€5 orca jaw
€14 orca body
€41 + €40 boat hulls
So that's €100 for 4 parts of the set, that leaves €50 for the 811 other parts.
@chrisaw:
So, you’re saying your orca came with realistic and unique scarring, indicating it has taken on its share of fearsome prey and lived to tell the tale?
@Ridgeheart:
The hairstyle kinda reminds me of Luis Cabezas of The Dollyrots. Doesn’t look good on him, either, but it apparently works for Kelly Ogden (they’re married, with two kids). Then again, she’s got a serious case of the crazy-eyes…
I don't know. This ship is larger compared to 60266 but doesn't really seem to offer more.
The interior seems to be larger, but everything else seems to be a downgrade.
Especially the bridge superstructure and the crane on the older ship look better.
This ship in comparison looks just to stretched out with so much empty space.
As it so happens, a couple of weeks ago I visited the *Ant*arctic exploration vessel PL-107 Soya (1936-1978), now an outdoor exhibit at the Museum of Maritime Science in Tokyo. It has approximately the proportions of this model, although the hull is orange (a better choice for visibility against a dark sea) and has lateral extensions like 7739. It's equipped with cargo-loading booms forward and a helicopter deck aft (about half the ship's length). Also large curved tracks for the deployment of lifeboats, which would be fun play feature (they might be implemented with 5x5 curved plates, Technic curved beams or coaster tracks). If I recall correctly, its auxiliary craft included ground vehicles (presumably deployed by crane).
Come to think of it, LEGO ship sets focus on "above the waterline" roleplay, so the specialized hull-elements are never molded with sites to attach props or rudder.
(Well, part of Soya's career was Antarctic research -- 1956-1962. Its phases as icebreaker, post-WWII repatriation ship, and coast guard rescue vessel aren't mentioned by the onboard bilingual placards.)
does anyone know if the hair piece on the pilot, the "swept hair" can be rotated until the hair goes down the back of the minifigure's head, making the hair look like its blown back?
@Lexomatic:
They have actually done a few rudders, like on 10210, but awkwardly not on 40487. Nope, still not over how badly they butchered the nautical stuff on the Éloïse…
@magnumsalyer said:
"does anyone know if the hair piece on the pilot, the "swept hair" can be rotated until the hair goes down the back of the minifigure's head, making the hair look like its blown back?"
https://brickset.com/minifigs/idea131/soccer-player-female-red-uniform-light-nougat-skin-bright-light-yellow-hair-swept-back
Yes. It looks like she’s wearing a crocheted washcloth as a wig. Crime against humanity, right there.
The blue diving helmet reminds me of an alien that just swallowed more than it should have. As all the action happens in the front half of the boat wonder why you need the sparse back section, since without the bare bones crane plenty of space for the tiny submersible and dingy reducing the price to $80 say?
Too big and too expensive. I just want the orca.
@ambr said:
"The blue diving helmet reminds me of an alien that just swallowed more than it should have."
Reminds me of 71019-12. So, same thing, I guess?
@Darth_Dee:
More orca tales! Besides the widely publicized rash of sailboat attacks in Europe this past year, I just ran across a few new stories. For four years now, scientists have been observing orca pods brutally killing adult blue whales, ganging up on them and tearing the remains apart (apparently they really love to swim inside the mouth and eat the tongues of their prey). Someone else posted photos from 8 years ago, off the coast of Washington state, when a male orca used its flukes to fling a harbor seal at least 70’ in the air. This was probably done to stun or kill it, as members of the pod ate it afterwards. And somewhere in Canadian waters (probably British Columbia), a charter boat was fishing for chinook when an orca tried chasing down their catch. Captain had to cut power to the motor and sonar, and then they had to wrestle the fish into the boat ASAP before they lost it altogether. My guess on that last one is the orca was just horsing around, since there’s no way someone could reel a fish in faster than an orca can swim, and hooked fish make easy targets. Hey, maybe it just wanted a hat.
@Darth_Dee said:
"Great set that I can't wait to get!
The technic beams on the sides should have been continued all the way down the side of the deck to represent scuppers
I do think the front should have been three levels instead of two. Pilot house on top, research labs and scientific equipment in the middle and crew quarters on the bottom
Compared to the standard PPR of 20 cents/piece for most City sets, this set is actually a bargain
@PurpleDave
Orcas are not the cute graceful creatures that many make them out to be. They are the most dangerous creature in the sea. They are called killer whales for a reason. Native Americans refer to them as Seawolves. Here is a brutal video of an Orca taking out a great white shark (warning, lots of blood): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO8PaRYQTMg
"
That video is AMAZING, thanks for sharing!
Best watched on a big screen.
This is a set that would have blown my mind as a kid.
Two floating hulls that can be connected together. Multiple of those hexagonal windshields (both clear and opaque) that were one of my favorite parts back in the day. A crane with string and hook. A submarine. Awesome dive suits. Amazing animals.
I just might have to go and get this.