4294 Lighthouse.

[Sir Gareth]

I just love this set, to me it is one of the best buildings Playmobil has ever made just on looks alone. Construction of it was quick and simple and when complete it is a good solid structure. I did have one problem with it though and that was how it was packed, the parts are just thrown into a large box so the grey rocks bashed against the lighter stone of the building and left a few marks.

Again the figures are of a good design and colour scheme but the officer seems to be missing something around his neck, he looks unfinished, but with the printed design it is difficult to know what to put there.

One nice surprise was to find that the flame at the top does light up and flicker of course batteries not supplied and it turns off after so long.

[Sir Gareth]

Apart from the light at the top the Lighthouse it doesn't really have many other features.
Theres a trap door, yes another trap door in a playmobil building that drops the figure into a cave below that you get too by pulling a rock out of the way. The only new thing about the trap door though is how it operates from a lever that sticks through the tower wall and is operated from the outside.

The part at the front behind the double gates has a rather good sized space and the rocks at the back create a seated area, so there is plenty of storage room in there. It's just a pity that you don't get lots of barrels, crates and provisions to store in there.

The crane at the top has a very simple operation and it rotates the full 360 degrees of the tower, but it has no hook, you have to tie things on to pull them up, how odd.

[playmofire]

Thanks for the review, Gary, and you're quite right - the officer does need something around his neck.  I think he also needs anothe hat as thta bicorne just does not look right with the rest of the uniforms.  A hat like the one Count Bogro wears would be suitable, or simply the Spanish helmet maybe with a plume.

The flickering light has obvious uses for fire and rescue fans (in fact, I realise I've already seen it in use in a fire and rescue setting on klickywelt) as in the past I've made my own with flashing LEDs.  If when you have a moment Gary you'd post the part number(s) for it, I'd be very grateful.

[Martin Milner]

... the officer seems to be missing something around his neck, he looks unfinished, but with the printed design it is difficult to know what to put there.

How about a ruff?


Popular neckwear at the time, this one is borrowed off a clown figure.

Perhaps a trifle large but it could be trimmed down, not too much or it might break.

[playmofire]

Spot on, Martin.  Just the job.

[CountBogro]

.. as to the missing hook - the picture on the box clearly shows one  

Bogro

[playmofire]

.. as to the missing hook - the picture on the box clearly shows one  

Bogro

I wonder if the plans do?

[Rasputin]

Hi i was wondering if you could show how it is put together ? Is it a system X type and can it be expanded ? thanks. we will not see that set here for over a year so for now i only get to admire your pictures .

[Jimbo]

Wow!, great review, Sir Gareth.

Thanks for posting the pics.  It looks like a
great lighthouse.  I like the separate "dock" as well.

I would like to get a hold of a couple of those large
jugs for my Christmas Nativity scene.

Thanks again,

Best regards,

Jimbo

[Richard]

I just love this set, to me it is one of the best buildings Playmobil has ever made just on looks alone.

Thanks for another really splendid review from this theme, Garry!

After looking at your excellent photos, I totally agree with your comment about this being one of the best looking buildings made by Playmobil. (Of course I would have preferred Steck System rather than System-X) ...

Again the figures are of a good design and colour scheme ...

Regarding the figures, I respectfully disagree, Garry ...

Ralf Gemein created one of his imaginary Playmobil "Specials" of a conquistador. Ralf made his conquistador from existing Playmobil parts and in my opinion it looks a lot better than any of these new figures. (see attachment)