LEGO Ninjago 71819: Dragon Stone Shrine [REVIEW]

zaterdag, 17 februari 2024

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Spring is almost here, and so it’s time for another wave of Ninjago sets! This wave includes mechs, a buggy, dragons, and of course, a dojo, but the first set in the wave is a little different. Halfway between a play set and a display set, the Dragon Stone Shrine may be compact, but it is packed with details, and has one of the best tree designs from the theme, in my opinion. LEGO Ninjago 71819 Dragon Stone Shrine comes with 1,212 pieces, includes 6 minifigures, and will be available on March 1st for US $119.99 | CAN $149.99 | UK

The LEGO Group provided The Brothers Brick with an early copy of this set for review. Providing TBB with products for review guarantees neither coverage nor positive reviews.

Unboxing the parts, instructions, and sticker sheets

The set comes in a large square box with the Ninjago Dragons Rising branding. The front of the box has an image of the completed set with all 6 minifigures featured throughout the scene. The bottom of the box also shows the full line-up, which includes Master Lloyd, Nya, Kai, Master Wu, Euphrasia, and Lord Ras.

On the back of the box, the shrine is shown from the back, revealing the two interior levels, and the tree that grows around the shrine. The characters (minus Lord Ras) are enjoying a tranquil moment, sipping tea and Euphrasia has her hood off. There are also a few images that show off the simple play features.

Inside the box ther are 10 numbered bags, an instruction booklet, and a small sticker sheet.

The build

The build starts with a section of the water-filled base, including one of the coi-printed transparent blue tiles. This section also houses the simple mechanism to rock the elevated platform back and forth. The base is lined with outward-facing studs for later rocky slopes, and there is also an angled bit where some water overflows the base.

This section ends with a flat-toped rocky structure where the ninjas can defend the shrine from attack by Lord Ras, or enjoy a cup of tea as they relax, overlooking the small waterfall streaming from the dragon’s mouth.

Next we build the second half of the base, which includes a hidden tea pot. More spilling water, another coi tile, and transparent clear bubbles at the base of the waterfall round out this section as we attach it to the first part of the base.

Adding a tall grey structural support element, we start to build up the base of the dragon shrine. There are also several round jumper plates added throughout the base level for the placement of the minifigures in the finsished scene. There is also a bit of brown and dark nougat pieces that make up the root system of the large tree that grows out around the shrine. A small shelve is added to the interior to hold scrolls, or jars.

Continuing on with support for the second level, and more details around the back of the shrine, we also add more roots and curved elements for the side of the shrine with the large tree at the base.

Next we add some interior details to the second level, including a tea set, desk, and bookshelf that hides a neat feature. Pushing one of the books on the shelf pops out a section on the back side that will knock a rock piece out, revealing a hidden book with two candles. The right hand of the dragon is added as well.

Back to the front of the shrine, a few sections of rocks are attached to the open Technic holes, and the left arm of the dragon is added as well. This includes a shoulder joint, and a wrist joint to allow the hand to rotate.

Flipping the model around again, we finish building the large tree, add the final interior details, and attachment points for several branches. From here, we build a nicely detailed dragon head with dark gray and moss green elements to add to the weathered look of the shrine.

The thin waterfall attaches rto the base, and to the open mouth of the dragon, completing the shrine. Now all that is left are the branches and cherry blossom foliage.

The branches are made mostly with angled Technic connectors with the usual robot arms and handlebars added to attach the leaves in two shades of pink. Small pink leaf elements and round white flower plates add visual texture to the foliage. Extra foliage is attached to the last remaining branch points, and a small lantern hangs above the pivoting platform.

With the build complete, it’s time to add the minifigures. Between the base, the platform, the interior, and the dragon there are plenty of places where you can attach the characters to create a scene of your choice. I went with a battle scene, while Master Wu prepares tea for afterwards.

The Minifigs

The set includes 6 minifigures: Lord Ras, Euphrasia, Master Wu, Master Lloyd, Nya, and Kai. They all have detailed front torso & leg printing and back torso printing. Four of the minifigures have alternate facial expressions. Euphrasia has a hood, and a black hair piece.

Euphasia has an alternate face where her eyes are closed, Lloyd’s alternate expression is decidedly less chill, while Kai and Nya are wearing masks.

The finished model

The finished model is suprisingly sturdy, and can be held easily in one hand. The tree design is quite lovely, and while the foliage is pretty repetitive, the overall effect hides this with plenty of variety in the branches. There are lots of places to attach minifigures, with 8 round jumper plates and plenty of exposed studs. As a play set it is a bit sparse on play features, but as a display dset it is beautiful, and very conducive to a relaxing scene. In fact, LEGO did something clever with the marketing, sending select social media influencers a large mysterious box with the set, and a pre-built base with the assignement to use the pieces to build a relaxing scene for Lloyd.

The building techniques were fun and the build process was never dull. The set really has no bad side, with plenty of landscaping and interior details.

Conclusions and recommendations

As I mentioned earlier in this review, this set is not much of a play set, but if you are a fan of the franchise, this set is perfect for display, and would fit right in alongside LEGO Icons 10315 Tranquil Garden, or any of the Ninjago City modulars. It would also make a great stand-alone display. There are a lot of great rock building parts, and again, the entire tree from roots to hollowed out interior to branches is top-notch. LEGO Ninjago 71819: Dragon Stone Shrine comes with 1,212 pieces, includes 6 minifigures, and will be available on March 1st for US $119.99 | CAN $149.99 | UK

The LEGO Group provided The Brothers Brick with an early copy of this set for review. Providing TBB with products for review guarantees neither coverage nor positive reviews.