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This week’s review is set 3053 Emperor’s Stronghold.

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This review was written for the week of April 9th to the 16th.

* Overall Model:

* Parts Selection:

* Color Scheme:

* Function

* Alternate Models:

* Model score? =

1/2

2/2

2/2

2/2

2/2

9/10

It seemed late 1999, amongst of several of lego’s follies in the space and town genre, something truely genius emitted from the design team, an oriental theme to lift the spirits of castlers. And what better manner to capitalize then with stronghold of some sort, complete with sloping roof and timber design?

Taking a few looks at the model, I must say I’m quite pleased, but even so, I’ll go into a deeper analysis to convince the castler on the merits of this model.

Although the model nowadays is quite rare, time has served little to diminish its shelf appeal, as they seldom last long anywhere without being snatched by collectors. The design sports a classy frame in tan, complete with sloping roofs, an accentuates barricade to the front and a modest defending force. However, in structure it seemed a bit bare in aesthtics, so some extension for the roofing elements and a few additional windows would be fitting.

Of course, my general summation of this set at first look was awe over the nice assortment of blue and tan pieces, a rare colour combination in modern sets. But for deeper look, there was found to be a nice concentration of timber pieces, modified bricks, plates, cylinders and other assorted goodies such as radar dishes and katanas.

Although the colour scheme seemed kind of odd for a stronghold, I found it to be very fitting to the genetral theme, rustic, yet stately in a sense. The blue highlights add to its appeal, so that’s a plus.

Of course, taking the extra few moments to check out function, I was surprised to find a modest amount within the fortress, including opening doors, a grappling ninja and a few other surprises as well such as opening flaps and a firing cannon. (not present on the certain sets, unfortunately). Generally pleased, I could only ask for a revolving entrance, but that’s overstepping boundaries a bit.

With a small amount of free time, an engineering sense, and the modest amount of pieces provided with this set, there exists a nice spectrum of possibilities with this set, although they may be mostly restricted to structures like palaces and such. Very reasonable.

To finalize on this review, I’d have to reccommend this model if you’re looking to build a decent oriental palace in one shot, but you might also want to consider picking up a Shanghai Surprise for the parts as well for the optimal project.

My suggestion? A reasonable candidate for a top ten parts model.

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