6573-1: Arctic Expedition
Year released: 2000
Pieces: 119
Minifigs: 2
Price (When Released): USD 14.99
This is one of my first LEGO sets; I got it when it came out all those years ago. ^_^
First Impression/PiecesSet 6573-1: Arctic Expedition was one of the smaller sets in the Arctic line, as well as the second Arctic set I bought (I got #6579 before this). The box is long gone, however here's a photo of it, courtesy of Peeron.
And if you get this set, you will probably open the box, rip open the bags, and find a pile of bricks that looks a lot like this:
Image LinkThe left hand pile contains the bricks needed to build the little crane on wheels, and the pile on the right contains the bricks needed to build the snowplow. The pieces needed to build the ball of ice are located in the center, and the pieces needed to build the minigfigs are in the upper right. Also pictured are the instructions. There's a sticker sheet too, but I already applied all the stickers nine years ago.
For some reason, when I took apart the set to make this review, I found several pieces that weren't originally in the set, and merely served as substitutes. I did my best to locate the correct pieces, unfortunately I was only able to find one of them. I will point out pieces that shouldn't be there later on and state which piece should be there instead.
The first thing you'll notice are the orange pieces - something which the Arctic line is well known for. There are also a bunch of other interesting pieces:
Image LinkMy personal favorite would have to be the trans-neon green spider, followed closely by the coat hood and snow shoes. The flag and studless 1x2 plates would look great on a MOC, as well as the treads. The orange bricks have many possibilities to them. Like a pumpkin MOC for Halloween. =P
The BuildAnd now, let us start putting this wonderful set together.
Image LinkHere's the first page to the instructions, with a very appropriate background.
Image LinkArctic Expedition comes with two minifigs - a driver as well as a scientist.
Image LinkThe assembled snowplow.
Image LinkHere's a shot of the vehicle, about halfway through its completion. The white 1x2 plate should be grey instead of white. In addition, while you probably won't be able to notice it, there should be two 1x8 black brick each located on one side of the vehicle (instead, there are two 1x4 black bricks).
Image LinkAdvance a few steps and we'll find ourselves with a completed snowplow.
Next, we move onto building the little mobile crane that comes with the set.
Image LinkThe crane halfway through its assembly.
Image LinkThe finished crane, holding a ball of ice (with a spider imprisoned inside of it), as well as the scientist standing next to it.
Image LinkThe completed set.
Overall, it should take you about 10-15 minutes to complete this set. It's a short, but fun build.
The DesignThe two vehicles have a simple design, nothing too special about them. The set has a nice, consistent color scheme.
Playing FunctionsWell, you could have it push snow out of the way, since that is what it was designed to do:
Image LinkYou also could go on an arctic expedition and look for a spider encased in ice - after all, the set is called Arctic Expedition:
Image Link...Or you can have the scientist get tossed around by the crane. =P
Image LinkJust let your imagination roam free. =)
Final RatingPieces: 5/5 - Lots of MOCing possibilities, if you ask me.
Build: 5/5 - Short, but fun experience.
Design: 4/5 - Just basic, nothing too special.
Playing Functions: 4/5 - This set doesn't have any special functions, but you could stage some interesting adventures if you have other sets in the Arctic line (or any line for that matter, if you have a vivid imagination =P).
Price: 5/5 - I think USD 14.99 is an appropriate price for this set.
Overall, it's a neat little set. If you are willing to buy this set, you can get it used on Bricklink for about USD 11.48, or you can get it new for about USD 31.64. But I'm not selling mine so please don't ask. =P
And...that concludes my review of set 6573-1: Arctic Expedition.
