1794 - Dragon Master Chariot

Rating:
Pros: Cool model, alternate medieval transportation enhances an already-neat sub-theme
Cons: None
Contents: 34 pieces including 1 mini-fig and 1 horse
Price: Discontinued
Reviewed: 04-May-1998
Reviewed by: Joseph Gonzalez

Forces of the Black Dragon army flow and flood down the hillside toward the Mertis Castle. A relentless mass of more than six hundred men followed by dragon-faced catapults and the rolling cages of giant serpentine beasts waiting to be freed to attack the stronghold proceed, while at the head of the siege-furied army drives the chieftain chariot of the warlord, Henrik Draconis.

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I'm basically a Castle fan at heart, and while I missed out on the chance of picking up a 1723 value pack (of which 1794 is a part) when they were available, the moment I discovered one in an auction (subsequently looking it up at a reference site) I knew I had to have one. Much thanks to the fellow RTLer that helped me acquire mine.
The Dragon Masters is one of the cooler Castle sub-themes to come out in the past few years and the 1794 is a great (if not somewhat overlooked) addition to that sub-theme. As a matter of fact, I believe it is the ONLY chariot model to be released by the Lego Group to date (a BIG incentive for fans like me too lazy to make their own - although instructions for a different chariot appeared in a recent issue of Mania Magazine).
Being a chariot, it is a very simple model of a semi-enclosed standing platform attached to a harness for a horse (there is no swivel to the harness to allow for steering). A standing halberd adorns each side of the platform and the hinged braces that hold these can stand up to secure the driver or be laid prone to do a killer job of mowing the grass (or other unwanted pests). A dragon master mask adorns the horse's head and adds to the character of the chariot.
Included mini-fig is a Dragon Master with alternating colored sleeves and pants, and an ornate helmet. He is armed with a short sword and whip.
There are no particularly unique pieces with the set, it is impressive in its simplicity and in my opinion is a must-have for Castle collectors.