The Lego Pirates range of building toys has had a recent revival with a wave of sets being released n early 2010. By far the largest and most significant of these sets is the Imperial Flagship. Large sailing ships are always popular Lego sets if sales on the secondary market are anything to go by and there have been some might versions in the past. Most have been actual pirate ships, including the famous Black Seas Barracuda, but this is the first major galleon to combat the pirate scourge.

There are over 1600 pieces and 9 minifigures in this large set, so understandably Lego recommends it be built by ages 14+. Keen younger fans that have experience interpreting Lego instructions can obviously give this a go and will no doubt help their parents when they get stuck. The ship is large at 29.5" (75 cm) long and 23.6" (60 cm) tall so you may want to clear some shelf space while you are waiting for it to arrive because this is one set you will want to keep built and displayed.

There are three large instruction books, square bound for durability and the set thankfully comes without stickers. Unlike a few of Lego's previous boats, the Imperial Flagship is not "juniorised" in any way. There are no large hull pieces, the hull is built the traditional way, piece by piece and that makes all the difference. The seven sails are made of a poly-fabric similar to the sails on Jabba's Sail Barge and they can each be moved to catch the prevailing wind.

There are so many details on the ship it would spoil the surprise to mention them all but highlights include: 4 firing cannons, ammunition crates, muskets, torches, cannonballs, prison with a rat, saw shark minifigurehead, a moving rudder, working anchor and the captain's chambers complete with a map, poison bottle, organ and treasure chest filled with jewels and gold.

Minifigures include the ship's captain, his daughter, a pirate captain prisoner with shackles, the ship's cook, a lieutenant, and 4 soldiers. They are all highly detailed and some have double sided heads, o doubt in preparation for their confrontation with gnarly pirates. It's nice to have a cook on board and he fits right into the ship's fully stocked galley.

This is an amazing set for older fans who will really appreciate the attention to detail the designers have put into this set. No doubt, like all the other pirate-themed ships, it too will attract a high price on the secondary market once it sells out. So start saving, aaarrrggh!