REVIEW: 70810 MetalBeard's Sea Cow

[pcvando]

[pid][/pid]

Hello!

Today I bring you my review of the Lego Movie set; Metalbeard's Sea Cow!

Theme: The Lego Movie

Set Name: Metalbeard's Sea Cow

Set Number: 70810

Pieces: 2741

Year: 2014

Minifigures: 4 Minifigures + Mini Metalbeard and Queasy Kitty (Emmet, Wildstyle, Benny and Vitruvius)

Ages: 14+

Price: Expensive ($299 Here in Canada, plus tax) About $250 USD

I know this set has had a lot of negative criticism, especially from the true pirates fans, but keep in mind that it is not a pirates theme set, and therefore is not as realistic as one would probably like, but it is, after all, supposed to look unrealistic to give it that Lego Movie look. (The movie has many unrealistic builds but fun none the less!)

One point I would like everyone to know, because I find it very cool, is that this is the most heavily armed boat…errrr I mean ship in Lego's History!

She has 6 Firing Cannons, plus more than 14 other cannons that do not fire (Made to look like cannons)

First we will start with the box, and it is huge!

The box is also very heavy, but made of the usual material, so I have already seen some boxes with the seals being broken because of the weight of the ship!

The side of the box also features all the mini figures included with their names.

The Inner bags are many in number, you get a total of 17 normal bags.

You get one #1 bag, two #2 bags, two #3 bags, one #4 bag, two #5 bags, three #6 bags, three #7 bags, two #8 bags, and one #9 bag.

Additionally you get a bag with other parts for the ship including the massive fans.

You also get the hull pieces, but the ship seems like it would be rather stubby, with only one bottom hull piece.

Then you also get a bag with the instruction book (It really is the size of a book!)

and the sticker sheet.

The instruction book is very heavy, and there is only one! You would expect at least three for a set this size, but Its actually really cool!

The only downside is that you cannot team up with a friend and each build from a separate instruction manual…..or novel in this case

The sticker sheet has a few cool stickers, and one really cool pirate with a parrot picture! I would love to have more than one of this sticker for some custom building projects!

The instructions have a page and a half showing what each bag builds. The instructions have a very eye friendly feel to them, the only problem I have encountered so far is that the Lego Bricks shown are a different shade of colour in the manual than the real ones. It is a little annoying at first, but you get used to it.

The first bag contains some mini figures, including Emmet, Wild-style, Kitty and Mini Metalbeard. (I say mini because it is a much smaller version of the one in the movie and the other set that he is included in.)

Bag one is my favourite bag so far! The mini Metal-beard is actually very cool. It uses the Legends of Chima ball joints in a very cool way!

The emmet minifig is cool, but nothing too special (Movie reference ) Wild-style has a cool rubber hood piece and Kitty looks… not so good.

I wish they had included a happy side for her face, but they want you to get every set to collect them all.

You also get a sizeable amount of extra pieces just in the first bag!

A total of 17! I can't imagine how many will be left after the final build!

Now we shall move on the bag number two!

The instructions outline the contents of the second bag, and we get the Double Decker Couch! As well as Vitruvius and Benny!

We get the entire sets mini figures/Characters in the first two bags. I am surprised lego did not split them up.

In this bag we also get two different villain bots (Micro Managers) from The Lego Movie. If you notice, they bear a strange resemblance to the ones in the Matrix Movie!

Bag 2 is a bag number that has two bags. The first one large, the second one smaller, each with two mini bags inside.

The contents of bag(s) two are awesome!

And for those of you wondering if Benny's Helmet is actually broken… Its not. It is a special mold for Benny!

Did you really think TLG would go around snapping space helmets!?

The Second Bag comes with the Micro Managers and the Double Decker Couch!

You also get Benny (Classic 1980's Spaceman!) and Vitruvius.

This set comes with a very good mix of mini figures, and you get the very cool Mini Metalbeard!

The Double Decker couch is also very cool, but unfortunately you cannot get any figs included in this set to sit properly on the couch.

This is because they all have some sort of back accessory.

You also get the two micro managers, one mini that shoots a net, and a larger one with flick fire missiles!

The net can be shot by stuffing it into the "mouth" of the Micro Manager and pushing the fire flicker on the back. The larger Manager has a unfold-able radar scanner dish, used to detect master builders! It also has some cool flick fire missiles.

Another cool feature is that the sides open to reveal some extra flick fire missiles!

Lastly for this bag, you also get a good amount of extra pieces!

Now we will move on to the ship! The ship build starts with the #3 bags, the hull pieces and the extra bag of ship parts.

The bags from #3 are packed with goodies, and the Cannons! You get a total of 6 shooting cannons!!!

As I mentioned before, this is the most heavily armed ship in Lego history!

As you can see its a very exciting bag! It contains the ships main armament and the foundation for everything above!

The bags are getting more and more focused on one particular item, now that the figs and accessories are out of the way.

The next few bags contain different parts of the ships that attach to form the final product. I really like the way that everything comes together.

Lets get on to bag #4! There is only one bag with the number four title,

but it is packed with all you need to start building the walls of the ship and starting the long path to the sky!

As you can see, the ship is looking good so far, the sides look very nice, and have more than enough armament to take on those Micro Managers!

Next we will get to bag #5! Bag number five refines the current look of the ship by adding to the front and rear, and patching up any holes in the ship.

As you can see, the ship is starting to look like a real ship! The sides are now very sturdy and have been completely locked up.

Now it is time for bag number 6. You will notice that the number 6 bags really start to add to the fun by containing the store room and boiler controls!

In these bags you get some very fun and cool looking water faucets that add to the rustic boiler look!

The interior of the Boiler/Storage room contain some muskets, swords and some flintlock pistols. It also features the controls for the boiler.

The sides also open up for a look inside, and also for limited playability.

You also get a nice tiny chandelier than swings with the ships movements. It can be seen through the entrance to the room.

The set also makes use of a few bizarre pieces such as the Indiana Jones whips, some Legends of Chima pieces and some Lego Friends pieces such as the golden faucets.

So far we have gotten a lot of cool stuff, but we still have many more bags to go!

This is everything so far…

Ok, lets get onto the other bags!

We are now on Bag number 7! Well…. three bags actually!

You get some very unique parts, some technic sails and a good old fashioned door!

You also get a Pirates of the Caribbean globe piece, also used as Sandy's Helmet in Spongebob Lego sets. (Clear Version)

Some other cool accessories include a Golden Mini-figure Head, and some keys. How long has it been since you opened a set with some Flintlock Pistols!

I really like the building techniques that have been used so far. I love the way the ships siding is placed on. Every sideboard is unique, and has a different Pirate feel to it!

One of the coolest building sidings I have seen so far is found in Bag(s) number seven!

This siding is a prime example! As you can see, the side board is missing, once it is built, it is nicely placed into it to fit very snug.

Now both combined give a good look to the ships siding!

The Final Bag 7 Build makes the ship look nearly complete. It gives the ship the appropriate height, and refines the rear of the ship.

This bag also has some very interesting pieces for those of you you considering this as a parts pack.

The Rear of the ship after bag number 7!

It is very tall!

Metal Beards Throne is large enough to fit him nicely standing or sitting.

However, any other mini figure in the set looks ridiculous.

Now onto Bag 8!

Bag 8 builds the front of the ship, the foreword mast with the figurehead.

While building, I could not resist laughing when I got to this build

I don't know how you can't laugh at it! What was TLG thinking?!

We are now on the last bag! Bag number 9! Bag number 8 was funny and contained a lot of useful pieces, such as the cow… and the "boiler" (More like… )

This bag builds the final middle top section for the ship. But I just noticed now that it also looks just as questionable as the "boiler"...

I was surprised at the amount of detail included under the top middle section. The floor boards are filled with coins, treasure, a scull and even a rat!

We are now done! The ship is done! It is funny build!

Here are all the extra pieces included in the set!

Here she is; METAL-BEARD'S SEA COW!

Here is the Sea Cow beside two smaller Lego Ships!

And as requested, here is the Sea Cow beside the Black Seas Barracuda!

As you can see, the Sea Cow holds up, even surpasses some of the biggest pirate ships!

Overall I give this set a great Rating! I love the details included through the set, and how they managed to do a great job using technic sails!

The only downside is that the playability factor aboard the ship is lower because of the lack of space on the deck.

But if you can't have fun with this set in hand, I don't believe you.

It is a very cool set that I think compliments the Pirates theme!

I would defiantly recommend it and I hope my review has brought some light onto this set, and all her might!

DO NOT HESITATE TO ASK FOR MORE PHOTOS OR QUESTIONS ;)

Edited February 26, 2014 by pcvando

[Sir Brickalot]

Nice review so far! Am anticipating the rest.

[Xcod119]

I'm really looking forward to the next part of the Review!

[jonwil]

Damn, looking at the sticker sheet I see a pair of really cool map stickers, now I have yet more maps to add to my want-list to get every map TLG has made :(

[rollermonkey]

Can you imagine the MOC you could do with two of these and a couple more hull bottoms?

<3<3<3

[pcvando]

Can you imagine the MOC you could do with two of these and a couple more hull bottoms?

<3<3<3

Thats exactly what I plan on doing with it later :P

[pcvando]

I'm really looking forward to the next part of the Review!

Thanks!

The next few parts are here

Edited February 24, 2014 by pcvando

[Sebeus I]

This is really good, keep it up, I'd love to see more of this review .

[Csacsa234]

Im really liking the review so much thanks for it. I only want to point out the thing that the small ball joints are available since january from the Chima legend beast set, sorry for being the one that mention it. Regarding the set this is among my favorite lego sets and your review ensured my joy for the ship more.

[Follows Closely]

That black 2x2 goes on the larger of the two micro manager, it is not an extra.

[pcvando]

That black 2x2 goes on the larger of the two micro manager, it is not an extra.

Haha I know, I noticed it a few minutes after building it!

Im really liking the review so much thanks for it. I only want to point out the thing that the small ball joints are available since january from the Chima legend beast set, sorry for being the one that mention it. Regarding the set this is among my favorite lego sets and your review ensured my joy for the ship more.

I am not into Chima so this is new news to me. Thanks for pointing that out, they are very cool pieces though!

[MKJoshA]

Drooling a lot here. I wish I had the money to buy this set. Thanks for letting me see it vicariously through you!

[pcvando]

Drooling a lot here. I wish I had the money to buy this set. Thanks for letting me see it vicariously through you!

When I first saw the price I nearly fell over. $299 her in Canada, plus tax!

But I just had to get it to continue my collection of Lego pirates (related) sets

[montgocloud]

The more I see this set, the harder it is to pass up. Though due to the price point, I think I may have to. Hopefully I'll be able to get it in the coming months...

[pcvando]

The more I see this set, the harder it is to pass up. Though due to the price point, I think I may have to. Hopefully I'll be able to get it in the coming months...

I was in the same boat, but I have no idea what TLG is doing with the release of this set. I was told by a Lego store manager that he only got three so far, and they each come in one massive shipping box.

He also told me that he thinks it is one of those sets that lego only makes a certain amount, and once they are gone, thats it.

I honestly have no idea what to think, I do know that all sets around this price range (Taj Majal, Opera House, Bridge, Endor Battle, etc.) didn't last long in stores… We will see

Edited February 24, 2014 by pcvando

[PenPlays]

Oh wow! Look at that instruction book! I can't wait to get this beauty!

Good review so far.

[jodawill]

I still consider this just to be an expensive parts pack. If I didn't have so many of these parts already, it might be a good deal. It's really awesome that it comes with six cannons. I already have more cannons than I'm able to use, though.

I know a lot of people like the fact Benny looks like a used toy, but I just can't get over that. It would have been so awesome if they released a very authentic 1980s space minifigure. This one just isn't good for much except recreating scenes from the Lego Movie.

I wonder if they'll ever release a proper 1980s space set.

[The Joker1]

Awesome review!! Thanks for covering all the aspects so well, I am greatly anticipating the next bit.

Just a couple of questions if you have time. Does the ship look VERY stubby in real life or is the camera being harsh? Also does it feel like a $250 when it is actually sitting in front of you or do you feel like you are being ripped off? Anyway thanks so much for the review and i think so far you may have swayed me into wanting one.

Edited February 24, 2014 by The Joker1

[pcvando]

Awesome review!! Thanks for covering all the aspects so well, I am greatly anticipating the next bit.

Just a couple of questions if you have time. Does the ship look VERY stubby in real life or is the camera being harsh? Also does it feel like a $250 when it is actually sitting in front of you or do you feel like you are being ripped off? Anyway thanks so much for the review and i think so far you may have swayed me into wanting one.

There is always time for questions! Thats the whole point of this review!

The ship does feel a little stubby, but once you throw inn the figurehead section and the forward mast, it balances out a bit. I will have pics of it soon. It does also look a bit odd because it it so tall, but after all it is a Lego Movie creation, and realism is stretched thin. Once you have it in hand, it is a very satisfying model!

In terms of the price, $299 for us Canadians and $250 USD seems very high initially. It is amongst the most expensive Lego sets ever.

When you open the box, you realize why it costs so much. The amount of pieces is crazy! The box is stuffed with bags, no room of air, and the instruction book is a novel.

It is definitely a very cool set, and the price equals to about 10 cents a piece, which is relatively inexpensive if you look at the Lego piece average price of about 0.40 cents per piece in the 1980's and down to about 0.17 cents nowadays for non licensed and more for licensed.

So to answer your questions… Yes she is a bit stubby but very well armed, and the price may seen very high, because it is, but you do get a huge amount of pieces.

I also have a feeling that this will be one of those sets fetching $1000 in a few years. (Depending on how many lego decides to release.)

In the History of Lego, ships always sell.

[The Joker1]

Thanks so much for that, I look forward to seeing the forward mast being attached, Are you going to put it next to any other ships for comparison as i would really love to see that, Also as you have said about the large amount of pieces it doesn't seem too bad a price. I have a feeling this will be on my to buy list very soon.

Edited February 24, 2014 by The Joker1

[pcvando]

Thanks so much for that, I look forward to seeing the forward mast being attached, Are you going to put it next to any other ships for comparison as i would really love to see that, Also as you have said about the large amount of pieces it doesn't seem too bad a price. I have a feeling this will be on my to buy list very soon.

No problem. I will take a final pic with it beside another ship. What ship would you like to see it beside? Ive got many

Maybe something big like the Imperial Flagship? or Black Seas Barracuda?

[The Joker1]

No problem. I will take a final pic with it beside another ship. What ship would you like to see it beside? Ive got many

Maybe something big like the Imperial Flagship? or Black Seas Barracuda?

I think the black seas barracuda would be a good example to put alongside this beast, The imperial flagship is one of the longest ships i believe so it would make this look even stubbier .Also wasnt the Black pearl considered stubby in its day so if you have it that could work? Anyway im sure whatever it is will be great, Thanks again .

[Aanchir]

Good review so far! My two brothers and I bought this set on Saturday after my fourth trip to see The LEGO Movie. We built it over the course of the next day, and it really is a beauty to behold. Lots of delicious steampunk details, not to mention an imposing overall shape. I think traditional Pirates fans could very easily use this as a parts pack for building a more conventional pirate ship that is just as splendorous. The only parts that would be entirely out-of-place on a regular pirate ship are the turbines, figurehead, minifigures, and sails — everything else could be repurposed without great difficulty.

One correction I should make — the grey gadget that pops out of the larger Micro-Manager is a radar dish, not a laser or Kragle sprayer. You can see Micro-Managers like this one scanning the ocean in one scene of the movie, though they never interact directly with the Sea Cow itself.

Naturally, this ship is scaled down from the one in the movie, but it's still an incredibly stylish movie collectible. The set would easily have to be three to five times the price to render its subject in its full majesty, but this still does wonderfully when reduced to a scale more typical of LEGO pirate vessels.

One warning I'll give to people buying this set — you might want to take extra special care to provide a suitable display space! This set is HUGE, especially considering the full height of the masts. It actually seems bigger now that I've built it than it did in the LEGO Store window display!

[pcvando]

Good review so far! My two brothers and I bought this set on Saturday after my fourth trip to see The LEGO Movie. We built it over the course of the next day, and it really is a beauty to behold. Lots of delicious steampunk details, not to mention an imposing overall shape. I think traditional Pirates fans could very easily use this as a parts pack for building a more conventional pirate ship that is just as splendorous. The only parts that would be entirely out-of-place on a regular pirate ship are the turbines, figurehead, minifigures, and sails — everything else could be repurposed without great difficulty.

One correction I should make — the grey gadget that pops out of the larger Micro-Manager is a radar dish, not a laser or Kragle sprayer. You can see Micro-Managers like this one scanning the ocean in one scene of the movie, though they never interact directly with the Sea Cow itself.

Naturally, this ship is scaled down from the one in the movie, but it's still an incredibly stylish movie collectible. The set would easily have to be three to five times the price to render its subject in its full majesty, but this still does wonderfully when reduced to a scale more typical of LEGO pirate vessels.

One warning I'll give to people buying this set — you might want to take extra special care to provide a suitable display space! This set is HUGE, especially considering the full height of the masts. It actually seems bigger now that I've built it than it did in the LEGO Store window display!

You are right! Thanks for pointing that out! Also it is very large. I saw it in the Lego display and it looked big. Now it looks insanely huge on my table at home!

[Steph 104th]

So glad someone got round to a making a review, thanks for the great review.