JMBricklayer 40001 Ghost Ship The Flying Dutchman Review

This set measures 16 x 13 x 5 (L x H x W) inches and comprises 1,100+ pieces. As with most things I build, this model turned out bigger than I thought it would, which is always a pleasant surprise.

As with other JMBricklayer builds, the pieces are divided into numbered bags. This design expedites the build, and the numbers are clearer than on the previous JMBricklayer model I reviewed, which is good.

The instruction booklet is detailed and clear, with each addition to the model outlined in red, which makes it exceptionally easy to see what you are building and how the sections join together. Aside from a small issue towards the end of the build, I had no trouble following the steps.

Design

This model contains many elements consistent with the flying Dutchman depicted in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. It comprises three sail masts, with fabric sails provided, the larger of which have the images of Davy Jones’ head on them.

The model is littered with green bricks, both solid and neon representing the ghostly and seaweed-covered nature of the ship. In particular, this kit comes with green LED lighting elements to add a kick to it when observed in the dark. The only real drawback here is the lighting elements require a USB port to function, whereas a battery pack would probably have worked better.

The stern and bow of the ship are both beautifully designed. The bow features the iconic “jaw” like the front of the Dutchman, and the structural elements around the stern were both fun to build and look pretty imposing.

Build

This build contains 4 sets of bags, with each set building upon the last. Unlike the dinosaur model I reviewed, they don’t produce separate parts to combine later. As mentioned before, the instructions are pretty clear. There’s a section showing all the pieces you need for each step, which helps in finding all the pieces you need before construction.

Step 1 was smooth going. No real issues were encountered here and it was at this point I realised the model was going to be larger than I thought. Will I ever learn? Unlikely.

Step 2 was also relatively smooth going. The only minor tricky bits were building on something from step 1 – one of the larger panels, which was only supported in the centre, so attaching any off-centre pieces had to be done with care otherwise the panel would detach.

Step 3 was a little more tricky – installing the bottom row of teeth at the bow was a little challenging. It’s difficult to manipulate this section once installed, as it tends to come apart easily, so care is needed here. The curved ladders were also a little tricky.

Step 4 completed the build and was enjoyable. Care needs to be taken with the bow of the ship as before – sometimes bits of the jaw would fall off whilst attaching another piece, so treat this bit with care. I can’t think of a better/easier method of building this bit of the ship that would offer more stability either – I think it’s one of those builds where you just have to tolerate the delicateness. There is (what looks like) a torch section in the middle which is just balanced on other elements rather than being fixed. I’d have preferred to have something fixed.

Verdict

Overall, this was another fun build from JMBricklayer. I enjoyed this build more than I thought I would, both the construction and the final model itself. There are tricky elements during the build which require care, but I think that’s to be expected in most builds. It’s very easy (for me at least) to recognise this ship from the movies which is good. The jaw is probably my favourite bit, despite it being the trickiest bit of the build.I’ve saved the LED pictures until the end, so the effect isn’t ruined mid-way through this review. It looks incredible!