Nicholas Goodman be a masterful builder with exceptional camera and presentation skills.
He’s effectively utilised these talents to claim second place in the Large Building Category of 2024’s Infamous Steve Contest.
Escape from the Imperial Trading Post be a rousin’ LEGO creation that captures the dramatic moment when merchant Steve arrives at the Imperial Trading Post only to find it under assault by blue coat Soldiers. Steve must unite with Captain Redbeard’s pirates, or perish in the onslaught!
![Click here to enlarge image Merchant Steve at Imperial Trading Post MOC](https://www.classic-pirates.com/wordpress/images/2025/01/steve-escape-from-the-imperial-trading-post-a_goodman-960x691.jpg)
How does Steve wriggle out of this one?
The build be incredibly detailed, with combatants locked in fierce battles, waves crashing against the rocks, and palm trees swayin’ in the breeze. The fort’s whitewashed walls exhibit the right amount of weathering, fueling the authentic. It be a swashbuckling scene plucked from a blockbuster movie!
Discover how Steve escapes this calamity… if ye dare!
Goodman writes:
It definitely ended up becoming much more than I had originally thought it would be, but it was one of the more fun builds I have done in a long time, being able to make a classic Pirates themed build that I would have loved to have had as a kid was awesome […]
- Intercept them at the docks
- Hold them back on tramp
- But still they succeed!
Goodman continues:
I thought it would be a cool idea to not only give one possibility as to why Steve found himself aboard the Skull’s Eye Schooner, but also provide a possible reason as to why Steve’s iconic Cutter was most recently seen under the command of Blue Coats in the updated Eldorado Fortress.
So this creation depicts the event explaining how Steve mysteriously appears onboard 6286 Skull’s Eye Schooner and why his ship, The Cutter is present in 10320 Eldorado Fortress.
Back Story
On just another calm day in the LEGO Caribbean, Steve, the Merchant, arrives at the Imperial Trading Post on his trusty Cutter sailing for profit and adventure… but mostly profit.
Soon after disembarking from his vessel, the Blue Coats of the Imperial Soldiers raided the Imperial Guard’s Trading Post.
During the chaos, Steve’s ship was seized by the enemy.
- Turns out Steve has allies
- With an escape craft
Desperate to avoid becoming a prisoner of the attacking Blue Coats, and with no other means of escape, Steve decided to accompany members of Captain Red Beard’s crew, as they descended the cliffs to a dingy bound for the Skull’s Eye Schooner.
The Infamous Steve Contest
During June 2023, the launch of 10320 Eldorado Fortress saw Classic LEGO Pirates make a triumphant return to retail shelves.
To celebrate this grand event, the Classic Pirates hosted the “Return of the Classic Pirates” contest, which was a blazing triumph!
![Click here to enlarge image Steve on the deck of The Cutter](https://www.classic-pirates.com/wordpress/images/2024/06/Steve_on_Deck_of_Cutter-960x700.jpg)
Steve inspired an entire building contest
Often the case with success, a sequel be in order, so during mid-2024, the Infamous Steve contest took place.
As per usual, the LEGO Pirates Forum stationed at Eurobricks was the port of call for a magnificent array of contest entries!
![Click here to enlarge image LEGO 75356 Executor Super Star Destroyer](https://www.classic-pirates.com/wordpress/images/2025/01/Infamous_Steve-Large_2nd-LEGO-75356-Executor_Super_Star_Destroyer-960x540.jpg)
Goodman selected 75356 Executor Super Star Destroyer as the prize
Entrants were tasked to submit a build that deepens the backstory of Steve, one of the most unique and underdeveloped minifigures in LEGO Pirates lore.
The second place winner of the Large Building Category was awarded a LEGO set of their choosing, worth 70€, or around $72 USD in Goodman’s local coin.
A treasure trove of amazing entries were submitted to the Infamous Steve Contest — which builds do ye fancy the most?
6277 Imperial Trading Post
Goodman drew inspiration from the Imperial Trading Post, a fine LEGO set from the Imperial Guards sub-theme, released in the year of 1992.
At 608 pieces and 9 minifigures, the set depicts a bustling trading post armed with cannons, and a detailed harbor which includes a certain merchant vessel.
It sports two functional cranes, one possessing a winch for hoisting precious cargo to and fro.
And a generous compliment of chests and barrels to provide everyone with something to plunder trade.
![Click here to enlarge image Admiral Woodhouse and Steve at the Imperial Trading Post](https://www.classic-pirates.com/wordpress/images/2024/05/WoodhouseSteve-Imperial_Trading_Post-1-960x540.jpg)
Two rare minifigs: Admiral Woodhouse and Steve
It also offers the rare Admiral Woodhouse minifigure and the even scarcer Steve minfigure.
A favorite among collectors and fans, its intricate design spans two 32×32 stud base plates, one of which is raised.
About the Builder…
Nicholas Goodman or A Goodman, who is a very good man indeed for sharing his fantastic creations in the LEGO Pirates Forum throughout the years.
Goodman be a maestro in the LEGO arts, renown for his intricate and highly detailed creations, particularly those inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, and the brutality of historic conflict.
- “The Fall of the Aztec Empire Part I”
- “Pirates of the Caribbean ride”
- “A Skirmish at North Bridge”
He’s crafted many a grand build, including a spot-on recreation of Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean ride. His work often features lifelike elements like crashing waves, weathered battlements, and lush greenery, injecting life into scenarios with a meticulous touch
His Flickr stream and Instagram are filled with glorious scenes rich in tone and detail, so be sure to follow him on both.
And if yer want to learn how crafts these LEGO wonders, showing each step from conception to completion, subscribe to his YouTube Channel.
What Do Yer Think?
Has Goodman unraveled the tale of how Steve made the leap from the Imperial Trading Post to the Skulls Eye Schooner?
Or there be a more compelling account for his unexpected relocation?
And are yer thoughts of the build? Was it worthy of second place in the Infamous Steve Contest?
Or be there aspects of the construction you’d execute differently?
We’d love to know! Tell us yer thoughts in the LEGO Pirates Forum or Classic Pirates Facebook Group.