Kris Kelvin applies modern techniques and uses current LEGO elements to refresh this classic set.

Kris’s version even includes a complete basement. See more photos on Flickr, and all the photos on Brickshelf.

Via Klocki.

Rather than paper or existing LEGO sails, the ship uses real canvas, complete with sewn seams. I also love the checkered patterns on the hull.

See all the photos on Classic-Pirates.com or Flickr.

Vic Viper VOAT Vinivious by Uspez Morbo

Space 2 by Rogue Bantha

Eldorado Fortress Redux by Kris Kelvin

Once again I find myself with more neat stuff to blog and no time to do it all justice. At least I added names this time. Does anyone else find the new version of flickr really frustrating for obtaining image deeplinks?

Sorry for the image quality, it’s to do with my linking, not with the quality of Ed’s original picture.

Edit (JW): The image link has been fixed.

Fortunately, the Forbidden Cove October Seed Part Challenge gives you a way to win one — for free!

Click the graphic to read the rules and check out the discussion on ForbiddenCove.com.

Prizes will be awarded for large, medium, and small LEGO creations, with a deadline of November 30th, 2009.

Here’s the full announcement from LEGO:

10210 Imperial Flagship

Ages 14+. 1,664 pieces.
US $179.99 CA $229.99 UK £ 139.99 DE € 149.99

Build an incredible classic sailing ship!

All hands on deck! This amazingly detailed and realistic historical ship has three removable sections. The main hull contains 4 firing cannons, ammunition crates, muskets, torches, cannonballs, a prison with a rat, a fully-equipped ship’s kitchen, working anchor, moving rudder and a saw shark figurehead. The front deck has an opening door to the inside of the ship and sails with masts and rigging. The back house deck has opening doors to the captain’s chambers containing a map, poison bottle, organ and a treasure chest full of jewels and gold. The Imperial Flagship has 6 opening windows, a telescope and sextant and 3 deck lanterns. Includes 9 minifigures: the ship’s captain, his daughter, a pirate captain prisoner with shackles, the ship’s cook, a lieutenant, and 4 soldiers. Measures 29.5” (75 cm) long and 23.6” (60 cm) tall. Ages 14+. 1,664 pieces

• Includes 9 minifigures: the ship’s captain, his daughter, a pirate captain prisoner with shackles, the ship’s cook, a lieutenant, and 4 soldiers!
• Amazingly detailed and realistic ship features 3 removable sections!
• Main hull contains 4 firing cannons, ammunition crates, muskets, torches, cannonballs, prison with a rat, saw shark figurehead, a moving rudder and a fully-equipped ship’s kitchen with fish, turkey legs and a carrot!
• Raise and lower the working anchor!
• Open the front deck’s working doors and play inside!
• Imperial Flagship is equipped with masts and rigging!
• Open the back house deck’s doors to reveal the captain’s chambers complete with a map, poison bottle, organ and even a treasure chest filled with jewels and gold!
• Features 6 opening windows, a telescope and sextant as well as 3 deck lanterns!
• Measures 29.5” (75 cm) long and 23.6” (60 cm) tall!

I’ve uploaded a full gallery of high-res photos to Flickr.

A few days ago, Andrew reported that the Pirate Advent Calendar would not be available in North America. Now we find out that the entire Pirate line will be discontinued by the middle of 2010. This is not to say that it won’t be back, but there are currently no plans for new sets. This is especially frustrating given the fact that LEGO has repeatedly made comments that Pirates would now be a regular theme. In an interview with Gizmodo, LEGO said that Pirates would be an “evergreen” theme. Also, in the 2009 Company Profile, Pirates is called a “perpetual” theme, along with Town and Castle. However, Vikings is also listed and, as we all know, that theme had a very short lease on life. While I am not an avid Pirate collector, I have bought all the sets and I share the frustration of the Pirate fan community.

Ben Ellermann, on Forbidden Cove, has started a petition. You can also make your feelings known here and our resident Lego Ambassador will be able to forward that information onto LEGO.

There is also a thread on Classic Pirates discussing the same issue.

UPDATE: Steve Witt from The LEGO Group writes:

Pirates isn’t gone, its on hiatus like every other line that isn’t one of our primary themes:

CASTLE, SPACE, and CITY

Pirates isn’t going away, it’s just not going to be a constant theme. It’s going to phase in and out just like every other theme that isn’t one of those three… I just wanted to reassure you guys that pirates isn’t disappearing. Just taking a break. :-)

The success of our campaign to get 7979 Castle Advent Calendar last year was the result of both luck (a pallet of sets that got shipped to the US distribution center accidentally) and persistent community activism (here on TBB and on sites like Classic Castle).

Though we can’t guarantee luck again, we can certainly do our part to see what effect LEGO fan community activism can have this time around. Leave a comment here on this post expressing your support and we’ll pass your sentiments along to LEGO through our resident LEGO Ambassador.

And last but not least: Yarrr!!!