Remember that rumour drifting around during February (2023) about an upcoming Pirate-themed LEGO set… which turned out to be true?

Well, the LEGO House exclusive Number 4, 40504 A Minifigure Tribute, aka, the Captain Redbeard maxifigure receives a full overview in Blocks Magazine Issue 102.  Along, with building instructions for an appropriately scaled parrot which you can perch atop his shoulder – apparently, he “looks lonely” without `ol Popsy.

And if yer assuming this is just a typical 2-3 page write up, assume again!  Redbeard and various LEGO Pirate references materialise throughout the issue… like a MISB 6286  Skulls Eye Schooner on page 25 as Daniel Konstanki asks us, “How are they still sealed?”

Here’s a tease of page 25

There’s also set review of 40504 A Minifigure Tribute and an interview with set designers Stuart Harris and Markus Rollbühler, along with LEGO Pirates creator, Niels Milan Pedersen who reveals how he conceived Captain Redbeard and the classic LEGO Pirates theme. Even Pirates of Barracuda Bay makes an appearance there, somewhere…

An interview with the legendary designers upon Page 28

Did you know Niels had to personally request permission from Godtfred Kirk Christiansen (the company owner during the 80s and son of founder Godtfred Kirk Christiansen) to use a skull on the original pirate flag?  Apparently Godtfred deemed a skull was too scary for LEGO!

Get the full story in issue #102, as well as, Redbeard concept art… there were several variations of this iconic minifigure and not all of them had beards!

Where to Acquire Blocks Magazine

Blocks Magazine is available in both hard copy and digital format, so you can download a copy right now for £4.00 / US$5.00.

But if you would like a physical copy for yer library or coffee table, here be the rates:

Because of exchange rate fluctuations the above pricing will fly out of the window faster than a parrot escaping!

Official Statement from Blocks Magazine

Captain Redbeard is back in Issue 102 of Blocks, the monthly LEGO magazine. Find out how the LEGO House exclusive set was designed and learn how to build a LEGO Pirates parrot buddy for the upscaled minifigure. Ready for new Indiana Jones sets, Blocks look at how the theme began. Find out about Iron Builder, a contest more daunting than LEGO Masters. Subscribe before May 3, 2023 to be in with a chance of winning Technic 42154 2022 Ford GT!

Build a Parrot

Fans have been constructing over-scaled parrots to accompany the exclusively large Redbeard figures. 31136 Creator Exotic Parrot has been a source of inspiration, although some builders are concerned the bird is not correctly scaled with the figure.

Fear not!  Blocks Magazine #102 includes step-by-step building instructions for a classic parrot (affectionately known as Popsy) that is perfectly in scale with the House Exclusive Redbeard. Well, in the same proportions the original LEGO parrot is scaled to the original Captain Redbeard minifigure.

Here be a tease of the parrot based on the original LEGO parrot piece

Now, here be some brick built LEGO Parrots shared in the Classic Pirates Facebook Group.

Matthew Bockstael’s brick built parrot

Amedeo Pedata also didn’t stop at the parrot… he added a stand and accouterments as well

AJ Portugal StyLes built a perch for his parrot

Alex Jen not only built a parrot but an entire treasure scene

Have you built your own parrot for the 40504 A Minifigure Tribute Redbeard?

Blocks Magazine Official Description of Issue 102

What?  Captain Redbeard isn’t enough for ye?  This issue also features Indiana Jones, Star Wars, a retrospective on 1990s LEGO Police, and a Ford GT as well…

Blocks, the monthly LEGO magazine, is covering the return of Captain Redbeard, LEGO Indiana Jones, Iron Builder, building cameras for minifigures and much more in Issue 102.

All prices include delivery.

Captain Redbeard is back! The beloved LEGO Pirates character has been upscaled in the new LEGO House exclusive 40504 A Minifigure Tribute set – and Blocks has the inside scoop. The designers behind the model reveal all and the creator of LEGO Pirates, Niels Milan Pedersen, gives his verdict.

You can also build a classic parrot at the right scale for Redbeard using the exclusive instructions found in this issue – you just need to gather up the bricks!

• With LEGO Indiana Jones returning, Blocks looks back at the original theme that arrived 15 years ago and what it offered. It’s the perfect way to get ready for new LEGO Indy adventures.
• The LEGO Star Wars design team discusses what goes into making Clone Trooper helmets and Brickmaster Milan Reindl reveals how he carefully constructed 42154 2022 Ford GT.
• Learn how to build cameras for your minifigures so that they can snap their colourful world or use our guide to get some ideas for building a massive project.
• Read reviews of LEGO Star Wars helmets, 10316 The Lord of the Rings Rivendell, 21339 BTS Dynamite, Collectible Minifigures Series 24 and more.

There’s much more within the 116-page LEGO magazine, including how the LEGO Group expanded into Germany, the 10 best LEGO Disney sets and a retrospective on 1990s LEGO Police.

Blocks is giving away Technic 42154 2022 Ford GT! To be entered into the prize draw and to get Blocks magazine delivered every month – ahead of the shops – check out the money-saving subscription deals available.

Everyone who subscribes to the print edition by April 5 will be in with a chance of winning (existing subscribers will automatically be entered into the prize draw).

If all that doesn’t pique yer interest, nothing will!  Well, maybe a brand new classic-style LEGO Pirates set would…

Disclaimer

The links to the Blocks magazine website within this blog post are NOT affiliate links. Classic Pirates does not receive an ounce of gold for referring this publication, however we’ve chosen to do so because the magazine offers information valuable to LEGO Pirate fans.  Especially the interviews which provide fascinating insights into the history of LEGO Pirates which are not available elsewhere.

What Do Yer Think?

Will you be getting a copy of Blocks Magazine Issue 102? Or have you already got one?  Spill your thoughts on issue 102…

Clouds in the background are not included

Have you managed to get yer mitts on 40504 A Minifigure Tribute? And does your Captain Redbeard maxifigure be needin’ a feathered friend?

Tell us in the LEGO Pirates Forum or on the Facebook Post!