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Matt Hein / Reviews / Archives / 6057 /

This week’s review is set 6057 Sea Serpent.

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This review was written for the week of April 28th to May 3rd.

* Overall Model:

* Parts Selection:

* Color Scheme:

* Function

* Alternate Models:

* Model score? =

2/2

2/2

1/2

0/2

2/2

7/10

The transit ships in the lego medieval collection being few and far between, the sea serpent had to be one of the more original and elegant models for its time, although its purpose can’t be axactly known between troops carrier or a trade vessel. For now, I’ll speculate on that.

Taking just a look at the model, I can say with absoute certainty that it does possess a very attactive design, but what elements give it such appeal? The model itself sports a very simplistic design, a far cry from the overadorned vessels you would expect to see on a trade route between the mediterraiean. Who knows, maybe an overloaded ship would sink, or fall victim to marauders of all sorts. Nonetheless, it does have a nice bit of aesthetic value, although very simple, and deserves due credit.

Of course, for a ship model, what more to expect than a slew of sloped bricks, plates and other assorted goodies like poles and flags. Minifigure elements like shields, oars and axes also abound, giving it an armed to the teeth appeal. All it really needed at the front was a horse head guard for a viking appeal, but it still hosts a modest assortment of parts for anyone interested in ship building.)

However, what interested me greatly was lego’s diversion from the use of brown elements, relying instead on black, blue and a hint of red to accentuate it. Although I can’t really see why, perhas this was done to give the vehicle greater camouflage about the sea, or of course, a festive appearance. Still, the color attributes a nice amount of elegance to it, which is pelasing to the eye.

However, what this model seems to be lacking firsthand is function. Unfortunately, besides the detachable flag, I couldn’t find any revolving areas, revealing doors, or even a movable rudder, giving me the impression that the design was rather rushed. Heck, they could have included an opening side, but abstained from that as well. Simplicity can only go so far before it damages the ratings.

But of course, this model plays host to a great deal of alternative building, particularly with the slopes and plates. Possibly, with some imagination, one can conjure up a sheltered raft to shuttle nobility about, using the slopes for basckside cabin, or a modest trading vessel? Again, with the nice parts assortment, alternate models don’t look half bad, but for serious building, I woul really consider splicing this with a 3739 blacksmith’s shop.

On finalization, I found this model to be a nice breath of relief from the standard fortress and warfare castle models, attributing it as a signature set of the series. The sea serpent, with its nice variety of parts and pleasant design, remains an attractive choice should you wish to invest in classic castle.

My suggestions? This is definitely worth the purchase, and combined with a few other sets hosting blue elements, would form the perfect vessel!

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