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Matt Hein / Reviews / Archives / 6082 /

This week’s review is set 6082 Fire Breathing Fortress.

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This review was written for the week(s) of August 8th to the 25th.

* Overall Model:

* Parts Selection:

* Color Scheme:

* Function

* Alternate Models:

* Model score? =

1/2

1/2

1/2

2/2

1/2

6/10

Another partly overpriced and superflous delving into the cliche fantasy realm, lego throws quite a lot at the model, but the model never seems to take off.)

Situated on lego’s basic ramp styled baseplate, the Fire Breathing Fortress boasts one of Lego’s classic fortification designs, utilizing several castle wall plates and rock formation components for some structural integrity. However, integrity aside, the lack of ornameation such as flags, torches, gargoyles or any other small accentuations expected from a fantasy setting likens the model to poorly executed project, a barren and barely engaging design. It seems lego had some attempts at preserving interest, such as sprucing up the baseplate with decals and placing some highlights towards the top of the structure (stone banisters, turret with spire, flag with insignia and an interesting draconic sculpture) but in contrast to the rest of the model; it appears quite incongruous giving it a ‘thrown together’ feel, reminiscent of a quick five minute sketch. Some notable features include the trees outcropping from the side of the structure, the horseman and a rear stairwell leading to the balcony.

As mentioned earlier, this package comes replete with a few large rock pieces, several castle wall elements and a nice deal of basic black bricks, although there are not near enough sloped components of plates contained within the model. Upon examination, many parts seem oddly numbered, such as the printed walls, diagonal balconies, lattice and spire, making it necessary to purchase the model in multiple copies to match the components. Although a dragon and a nice assortment of minifigures is included, the parts to price ratio is definitely disheartening.

Considering the colour scheme of the model, I wasn’t surprised to find that the black and red with grey highlights could have been more efficiently utilized to give the model a more free flowing and elegant feel, although this is definitely not the case with the Fire Breathin Fortress. The employment of black parts for the perimeter of the castle gives it a dark and undefined feel, and in complete contrast with the light and dark grey elements gives the perimeter an undefined and rough feel. In short, it’s straining to the eye, which detracts from its composition. Warranted, the use of light grey instead of black wouldhave definitely aided in a model with greater definition and finesse.

Regarding functions of the model, the more obvious lie within the pivoting gate, which can retract to form a primitive hangar for an incoming dragon, as well two pairs of folding wings and several opening doors. Unfortunately, besides those, no other considerable features were present, once again providing little innovation.

Considering some of the alternative building possabilities, the model can shift into other more finely developed castle forms or even the basis for a dragon sculpture, although not near enough slope elements are included for that project. Possibly, the use of the curved tree trunks in conjunction with their black counterparts could make for a suitable start to a ship hull, albeit crude. Several reccommended addends to this model include 6071 Forestmen’s crossing and of course, Dark Dragon’s Den.

On finalization of this review, I can’t exactly state that this model deserves much merit for its strong violation of the aesthetic license. although some strong points are visible, such as its use for additional soldiers, basic bricks and a nice dragon, the cons far outweigh the benefits, making it a rather dubious choice for the inventorist.

My suggestions? You might want to procure this set if you’re an aspiring collector, an avid completist, or have nostalgia for lego’s classics, but otherwise, I would not reccommend it.

Primary content in this document is © Matt Hein. All other text, images, or trademarks in this document are the intellectual property of their respective owners.