Ahoy, block-building aficionados! Today, we set sail on an epic adventure to uncover the secrets of the latest gem in the Lego-compatible universe – Funwhole's Medieval Pier Inn. Imagine a shipwrecked vessel transformed into an elaborate shelter on a deserted island. It's a nautical dream come true, and we're about to dive into the details of this impressive 2143-piece set.
Funwhole: A Beacon of Quality
Before we delve into the Medieval Pier Inn, let's tip our hats to Funwhole, one of the brightest stars in the world of Lego-style building block sets. With a growing reputation for quality, Funwhole consistently delivers exceptional creations. As a blogger who has experienced their previous sets like the Wood Cabin and the Lakeside Lodge, I can vouch for their commitment to excellence. Many thanks to Funwhole for providing this awesome set for this review.
Medieval Pier Inn: A Glimpse of Grandeur
Now, let's get to the heart of the matter – the Medieval Pier Inn. Among the sea of building block sets I've had the pleasure to review, this one stands as a towering lighthouse of craftsmanship and detail.
If you are interested to see the set's contents, I reviewed it in a separate post on my blog here.
With a whopping 2143 pieces, it's a behemoth of a set that promises hours of engrossing construction and play. But that's not all; Funwhole's unique selling point shines through once again – a featured light kit is included, adding an enchanting glow to this medieval masterpiece.
Here's a delightful journey through the construction of this incredible set, complete with some interesting surprises along the way!
As we kick off our adventure, we reach the end of step 1. But wait, down in the cellar where the barrels are stored, a curious mouse is savoring his cheese dinner. Talk about an unexpected guest!
In step 2, we dive into adding the floorboard and underfloor accent lighting. But there's a twist; it appears a mischievous cat is keeping an eye on our little mouse friend. The plot thickens!
Moving on to step 3, we discover the shipwrecked stern has transformed into an outdoor cooking area. Descend the steps, and you'll find a cozy mess hall where hearty meals can be savored.
After completing step 4, the mess hall becomes an enclosed haven, bathed in the warm glow of lamps and open fire. It's a sight to behold!
One standout feature of Funwhole sets is the inclusion of top-notch lighting kits. These kits, which I believe are supplied by their sister company, Lightailing.com, truly elevate the experience.
Check out the well-stocked galley kitchen and the myriad of intricate details in step 5.
The lighting effects are simply mesmerizing!
Moving along to step 6, the bow of the wrecked ship serves as a winery! Grapes, bottles, and a massive tank with a tap await your exploration. The second level floor is also taking shape.
In step 7, we furnish the innkeeper's room with a cozy bed, a reading desk, and a flickering candle. Access to the lower level is through a cleverly concealed hatch in the floor.
Unfortunately, the pulley system for the dormer window got stuck during assembly, so I had to skip this feature.
Nevertheless, there's no shortage of timber beams and wires, all part of the intricate lighting setup on the second floor.
Step 8 brings us a massive roof adorned with foliage and a striking ship's mast.
A nifty feature is the swinging wall in the lower galley kitchen, providing easy access and better visibility.
The final roof assembly is added in step 9. I just want to add that the build process is very easy to follow and other than the pulley wheel getting stuck, all of the other pieces clutched very well.
Here's a surprise feature, did you know that the roof panel can be positioned in either a closed or open position? I guess this is so you can see the winery and the innkeeper's room better. There's just detail after detail with this set!
I probably could have done a better job at securing the wires for the lighting.
Final check to make sure all of lighting works in step 9. The wireless connector between the first and second floors works perfectly and seems to be much improved over the ones previously used in the
Funwhole Wood Cabin set.
As if there weren't already enough accessories, step 10 introduces even more adornments to the Medieval Pier Inn.
First, we had the mouse, then the cat, and now, a dog joins the mix!
In step 11, we're treated to a charming rowboat and a welcoming dock. It's hard to keep track of all these wonderful details!
And don't miss the ladder that ascends to the crow's nest—a true highlight.
To safeguard the winery, a sturdy fabric awning is installed over the second-floor ship hull.
And the finishing touch is a remnant of a sail, gracefully hanging from the ship's mast.
Four proprietary minifigures are part of this package, each with their own unique role in the shipwrecked tale waiting to be told. Let's put them together and see how they look.
Here are the Funwhole minifigures with a Lego minifigure next to them for comparison. The Funwhole ones all look a little bit bloated and they are just a tad shorter then your standard minifigure. This is my second Funwhole set that came with minifigures, the first being the Ruined Temple in the Jungle set.
Summary
Brand: Funwhole
Set: F9011 Medieval Pier Inn
Piece count: 2143 pieces
Age Rating: 8+
Minifigures: Yes, 4 proprietary design, plus 1 mouse, 1 cat and 1 dog
Stickers: Yes, but I didn't use them
Printed parts: No
Light kit included: Yes
Instruction Manuals: 2
Set dimensions: approx 18 inches in height, with a width and depth of approx 12 inches by 12 inches.
In conclusion, Funwhole's Medieval Pier Inn is a testament to the endless possibilities of Lego-compatible building block sets. Its size, detail, and the added allure of the light kit make it a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The set is available from the Funwhole website and from their various Amazon stores. Just search Amazon for the Funwhole products near you.
So, fellow builders, hoist your sails, grab your bricks, and embark on a voyage of creativity with this remarkable set. Until next time, happy building!
