Review: 1548 Stena Line Ferry

Kivi · April 26, 2013

Posting this is a bit tricky as every single database (Peeron, Bricklink, Brickset) lists this set under different theme. If it is not in the right forum, please move it to the appropriate one. Thanks.

Basic info:

Set number & name: Stena Line Ferry

Year released: 1991 (until recently virtually all databases stated 1992 as year of release)

Age group: from 6 years

Number of pieces: 174 (Bricklink)

Theme: Town/Promotional/Stena Line (Peeron), Universal Bulding Set/Ferries (Bricklink), Promotional (Brickset)

Price: 48-108 EUR (used), 200 EUR (MISB). It actually cost about 120 SEK (about 14 EUR today)

Box:

Classic design

Inscription on the box, showing the purpose of release.

Contents:

Bricks, instructions, sticker sheet and catalog. The back of the box shows some more things that can be built with bricks from the set.

Interesting pieces:

Bow plate and brick were new parts in 1991 as well as 2x2 boat stud. This set saw the last appearance of red plate 6x24 in any lego set and white 1x2 brick with black grille pattern, the latter one being discountinued altogether after 1991 in all colours. Printed brick and slope only appeared in few other promotional ferry sets before, with 1x8 brick briefly reappearing in 1996.

Instructions:

Four page fold-out, showing the center pages

Catalog:

A Scandinavian catalog from 1991. Interestingly, it does not feature Duplo and Basic themes, but begins with Pirates. A random page shows one of the most acclaimed novelties of the year - 9V trains.

Sticker sheet:

Compared to most other sets this sticker sheet has really loads of stickers, including spare ones, that allows plenty of chances to name the ship. According to information on Peeron and Bricklink an alternate version of stickers in blue print also existed.

The build:

The design is very simple and consequently building is easy as well. Starting on the base of plates, the hull is built with bricks all the way to the upper deck. This makes it completely hollow and thus allows space for vehicles inside.

The completed ferry: 44 studs long, 6 studs (hull) and 8 studs (bridge) wide, 10 bricks tall at its tallest point. Though built in a miniscale it has many of instantly recognisable features such as bridge, lifeboats, radar mast and smokestack. The 'windows' contribute to realistic appearance as well, though they are actually printed bricks and slopes. I didn't apply the largest 'Stena Line' stickers as they cover two bricks (I cannot but hate stickers over assembly).

Features:

The ferry opens at the back to load a mini vehicle.

The plates on the bottom ease sliding of the ferry on the surface, thus enhancing its playability. But it doesn't float though.

Conclusion:

Design: 9/10 Simple but interesting, a nice miniscale reproduction of a vessel.

Parts: 9/10 Very basic, but a lot of white bricks, including printed ones.

Build: 8/10 Very straightforward, without any snoting.

Playability: 8/10 In my opinion not really designed to be played with in the first place, though opening door and sliding plates offer some playability.

Overall: 8,5/10

Edited April 26, 2013 by Kivi

**Rufus** · April 26, 2013

Posting this is a bit tricky as every single database (Peeron, Bricklink, Brickset) lists this set under different theme. If it is not in the right forum, please move it to the appropriate one. Thanks.

Here in Special is perfect! :wub:

Thank you so much for reviewing this! You've done a nice job. :thumbup: I've never seen this set in any detail before. It's a simple design, but produces quite a realistic ferry. I love these rare promotional sets. :grin_wub: