4195 versus 10210

Legogeek

I know these types of discussions are usually discouraged, but I thought I'd give this a shot and hope it doesn't get closed before I get some feedback (have mercy on me dear mods).

The ships are a bit of a departure for me as far as collecting goes, but I keep getting tempted to buy one. Right now I am drawn between the Queen Ann's Revenge http://www.brickset.com/detail/?set=4195-1
and the Imperial Flagship http://www.brickset.com/detail/?set=10210-1

So, I pose to you that have one or both, which do you recommend?
I favor the IF, but it is pricey. I can buy the QAR at TRU right now for $98 (that's $80 cheaper than IF).
I keep debating myself the pros and cons of getting just one or getting both. Should I jump on the QAR now that it is on sale? Should I get the IF before it disappears? I know only I can make up my own mind, but I'd sure appreciate some insights from some people that have one or both...

Odindusk

To toss a random thought into the mix:

I too am itching to get a ship. But I've ruled the IF out simply due to cost. I was then considering QAR but decided that the Black Pearl simply looks better. So I think I'm going to go with that one. The only question for me now is to buy at full retail for wait for a sale that may or may not come.

Good luck in your mental decision-making process!

Legogeek

I was giving the Black Pearl some thought too. I've tried to base my reasons without taking the 2 ships role in the PotC into account... trying to base my judgement strictly of the ships themselves (not their star power).

The BP looks small - only two cannons on a side.
The QAR has 6 cannons/side and thus looks to be much longer.
The IF only has 4 cannons/side but looks even bigger than the QAR.

Jjfan

I have both the Imperial Flagship and the Queen Anne's Revenge. I purchased the IF last year during Double VIP point month and I don't regret that decision. Between the two the IF I think is a little bigger than QAR in number of pieces and size.

I think between the 2, I would pick the Imperial Flagship because it has been around for a while and might get discountined. And if you are a VIP memer you get double points which is always helpful for bigger future LEGO sets. As for the QAR or Black Pearl, those are newer and have a good chance of a better sale price.

But whichever you choose, you can't go wrong they are both so AWESOME! I hope this helps you.

dougts

I have both sitting side by side on a wall shelf. Overall, the IF is superior in most ways (obviously the minifigs aren't as interesting). The QAR wins on the color scheme - particulary the sails, which just look fantastic. the QAR has some great looking theming to it as well (bone railings, etc.)

the IF has a full underdeck, complete with brig, gun deck, and galley, along with a nice sized captain's quarters on the upperdeck. the qar has no underdeck areas, and the captain's cabin is open air - no door even.

Legogeek

Thanks for the feedback!

@Jjfan - I agree about the double points right now, especially for the IF. Plus LEGO has free shipping and the free holiday set. I have several LEGO stores near me, and they usually have good stock, AND I don't mind mail ordering from LEGO. TRU on the otherhand will have ships one week, and then nothing forever... so buying from brick & mortar is risky depending on supply.... AND I've heard horror stories about TRU mailorder. Thus I hate waiting for a better deal on a ship from TRU, especially with a good deal and in stock right now at my local store.

@dougts - Thanks for the info on the QAR. It was hard to tell from the stock photos, but your simple explanation helps in regards to the captain's cabin. I wonder if there is room to build an entry with door? (for even a non-MOCer like me).

dougts

yeah, I'm sure you could moc a door in without too much structural overhaul. the cabin is still pretty small though.

I've probably ordered 10 or 12 large sets from TRU online this past 6 months - every one has arrived well packed and without damage. though I've heard the horror stories as well.

If you eventually want both, I'd be tempted to grab the QAR at the current sub-$100 price. maybe hold out for a BOGO on the IF, but of course that means you need to buy another set around $180 at the time (either cargo train would work reasonably well)

Eric

I'd love to convince you to buy the IF (Which I own), but after taking a good look at the pictures of QAR, I understand your predicament. I know the Flagship is a beautiful set, it's very long, but not too long, which does allow for plenty of detail. I don't think I've helped you at all, but I got the Flagship at $180, and don't regret it, even though I wasn't sold on it when it first came out.

streeker

@Legogeek, keep in mind that though QAR shows 6 cannons/side, there are only actually 8 places to place a cannon-the same number of places for the IF. If you look into the hull of the QAR, you'll see that the other 4 places are purely decorative exteriors and have no space to accommodate a cannon. Also, IF comes with 4 cannons with wheels; the QAR, 3 cannons with no wheels and are fixed to a 2x2 plate to the hull.

Did you get the latest Lego catalog in the mail yet? I've read that for subscribers living close to LEGO stores, there's a 10% off coupon that you can stack on top of the double VIP points and free gift set.

If you do have that 10% off coupon, and go for the IF, but your LEGO store has none in stock, they can order it for you and deliver for free, if my memory serves well.

yys4u

I'd get the IF. I just completed my collection of all 12 lego pirate ships and Imperial flagship is by far the best. Its the only ship will a full deck and that alone just adds so much realism to it. It's an amazing ship, I'm considering getting a second before they're gone. Don't forget if you order in October you get that Christmas set too.

But true that the markdown on the QAR is tempting, I'd wait for a BOGO tho and get the QAR and Black Pearl, although they're not the SAME price to maximize savings your still saving something.

P.S. you can check my youtube page for some build footage of QAR and BP :) and I took some shots of them together with older ships so stayed tuned till the end of the vid.

http://www.youtube.com/user/MobyBrickFlicks?feature=mhee

Legogeek

Alright, you guys are all awesome in the feedback & advice you have given thus far!

@Eric - thank you! Every little bit of info helps, even just letting me know you don't regret buying the IF.

@streeker - thanks for the further info on the QAR. Also thanks for the reminder about the catalog - I just got it yesterday, and already forgot all about that 10% coupon.

@yys4u - thanks also for your opinions on the ships. I've watched one of your vids already and will check out more when I have the chance (can't get YouTube here at work) :oO

Si_UKNZ

I have both too, and I say get them both, they go great together. Its a great time to be a ship fan. Get the IR first though, its a classic and time is tight :)

Legogeek

Well, you've all convinced me!
I stopped by TRU and bought the QAR for $98... with the bonus of a free Star Wars Battle Pack and another week 3 Retro Minifig magnet.
Next, I'll be heading off to a LEGO store to buy the IF in the next day or two...

yys4u

Haha! Way to go! when I read the first 2 lines I was like "WHAT? He got the QAR we all said to get the IF!" Then I read the rest and was like oh ok he made the right choice lol.

streeker

That was funny. Enjoy!

Legogeek

Happy to entertain you! ;oP

So today I trekked on over to the LEGO store and bought the IF.
It worked out well with the 10% coupon (- $18) and I had some VIP redemption (- $10) bringing it down to $151.99, plus the free holiday set. Made my day... especially since my birthday is in two days. Nothing like buying yourself something that you want. :oD

Si_UKNZ

Nice effort! (and happy birthday ...)

streeker

Birthday or not, let this be a stern warning to anyone who even thinks of posting these "which set should I buy?" threads. Bring deep pockets because we'll convince you to buy them both.

$152 for the IF, huh? Not bad....

Legogeek

@Si_Dorking_Surrey_UK - Thanks (and thanks)!

@streeker - Fer shure!
See if I ever ask for opinions here again (says with fingers crossed behind my back) ~ ;oP