Temple of Mount Everest (2003) (#7417)
Reviewed March 11, 2009
Theme: Orient Expedition
# of pieces: ?
# of minifigs: 4
Pros: Medium-sized "castle-like" playset. Explorer minifigures. Unusual Himalayan theme.
Cons: A few more bricks could be added to complete this model.
Review: This was another pleasant surprise I picked up at auction on eBay. I had expected a quick, small build, but was happy to find this set has nearly as much playability as some of the larger "castle" models.
There is a "rope" bridge that swings when a catch is released. The door to the temple is barricaded, and the hidden treasure is protected by two traps - a swinging axe trap from the ceiling and a trap door in the floor. There is also a secret sliding rock wall concealing the treasure.
Minifigures include an explorer, two Sherpa guides, and an ace pilot who may be a bad guy because he has a twirling moustache, a scar on his cheek, a monocle and a hand hook!
The biplane comes complete with landing gear and a spinning propeller. Accessories for the minifigures include guns, pick axes and even snowshoes!
You receive a surprise bonus in the instruction manual: there are several comic-style pages showing the minifigure characters having adventures. Judging from the manual it looks like the original set may have also come with board game/card game pieces (if anyone has more information on this set, please let me know!)
Please see our photos below.
Here is a photo of the entire set. It may not look big, but there's actually a lot to play with.
Behold! The secret wall slides back revealing the golden sword!
When you open the temple doors, you discover a mysterious golden jewel resting atop a human skull - but alas! A trap is sprung! Axes swing down at you from the ceiling!
Even if you dodge the swinging axes, look out for the pit trap!
Guess how I got this scar on my cheek! Ha ha!