Weekly Set Review: Dragon Rider

Discussion of official LEGO Castle Theme sets and products
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Damien
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Post by Damien »

I tend not to think of these sets as part of any particular faction. They may come with a particular torso or shield, but they seem to be more 'hero characters' than anything else. If that makes sense. So I don't consider the dragon to be an oddity. I actually wouldn't be surprised to see another set like this with a KK2 character. Maybe a Red or White dragon this time (maybe eventually we'll get the whole D&D dragon catalogue, haha).


I have two of these sets. Got them on eBay -- 3 dollars a piece. For 6 bucks, it was worth it. Two dragons, two complete figs, etc.

My only gripe about this set was the halberd. I strained my brain for about 15 minutes trying to figure out how you use a halberd with one hand from the back of a dragon. I decided it's impossible and that the halberd was a silly addition probably made solely to distinguish this set from the very similar Batlord set.

I gave the halberd to a foot soldier and gave Cedric a spear, I believe, maybe a lance or a sword - I don't remember.

Great army builder, on par with the other single-figure sets. Nothing sets it apart, for good or ill.
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Jojo
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Post by Jojo »

Hello!


From the four KK Chrome sets this one is certainly the weakest with only 18 parts. When getting all of the four sets you average the price to pieces ratio, though. The chrome helmet is a must.


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Nick
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Post by Nick »

I strained my brain for about 15 minutes trying to figure out how you use a halberd with one hand from the back of a dragon.
I just imagine him hacking the enemy infantrymen while the dragon stands on the ground.
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Post by Dunechaser »

I picked this up at a drug store on clearance, and considered it worth it at the time. This was my first black dragon, and the chrome helmet is nice, but looking at the inventory now, those are really the only two things that commend this set. I've shifted perspectives since then (focusing on how reusable the parts are), so I don't think I'd buy this again except at 90% off or something. :?
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Post by The Hordesman »

Nick wrote: I just imagine him hacking the enemy infantrymen while the dragon stands on the ground.
Then he needs inhuman strength hmm?
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Damien
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Post by Damien »

I just imagine him hacking the enemy infantrymen while the dragon stands on the ground.
As Hordesman implied -- still not possible with one hand. Two hands.. maybe.

But either way, he'd need inhuman strength to not become completely overbalanced by the weight of the weapon's blade and fall from his perch.

So yeah.. for me -- halberds stay with the infantry.
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Nick
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Post by Nick »

He would need to be incredibly strong, and the halberd would have to be the lightest it can be. Otherwise, he would fall off his perch onto enemy pikes :twisted: .
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Post by bannear »

I think this is a strange blend of Bulls and Dragons, but would use it for parts for my factions.
I would rate it 6/10.
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Nick
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Post by Nick »

I think this is a strange blend of Bulls and Dragons
I agree. This set is the only one to have a dragon in its theme. Very odd, but I suppose Cedric could have captured it as a baby and tamed it.
P.S. I've never seen this set in catalogues, nor in minor sets lists. :?
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Post by Jojo »

Hello!

Nick wrote:P.S. I've never seen this set in catalogues, nor in minor sets lists. :?
So you were probably browsing the wrong sets lists.

Try this: http://guide.lugnet.com/set/?qc=lego/system/castle

Or this: http://www.brickset.com/search.aspx?Theme=Castle

Or even this: http://www.rittersets.de

You are right, though. These Chrome sets didn't make it into any catalogues.


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Maedhros
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Post by Maedhros »

I really like that helmet and a dragon is always a welcome addition to my collection. Maybe the set in itself is rather silly but somehow I like it.
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Post by Azaghal »

Those two elements basically make this set.
Jojo wrote:These Chrome sets didn't make it into any catalogues.
Perhaps not in Germany, but over here in the USA I distinctly remember seeing them. I may still have the catalog- they appeared in that "buy 5 and get $5 off" section in the middle of the catalog.
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Post by Luís »

[quote="Jojo"] These Chrome sets didn't make it into any catalogues.[quote="Jojo"]

Nor did Vladek and nor will the new jellybeans.
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Post by The Hordesman »

Luís wrote:Nor did Vladek and nor will the new jellybeans.
New?

They are in the new catalogs, how couldnt they make it when they are there and were last year, and why written in past sense?
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Post by Jojo »

Hello!

The Hordesman wrote:They are in the new catalogs, how couldnt they make it when they are there and were last year, and why written in past sense?
I'm quite sure is referring to the sets 5998 and 5999.


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