How many pieces are in the Desert Expedition?

Desert Expedition contains 196 pieces.

When was the Desert Expedition released?

Desert Expedition was released in 1998.

🏛 Desert

Set #2879

Desert Expedition

Desert Expedition is a classic Adventurers set.

Before you buy

Who it's for: Beginner build Younger LEGO fans and those nostalgic for classic LEGO Adventurers sets
Build: 196 pieces · about 1.5 hours Build time is an estimate.
Availability: Retired at LEGO

★★★★☆ 4.2 community rating

Fans appreciate the classic Adventurers theme and the inclusion of iconic minifigures, making it a nostalgic and collectible set. Some find the building techniques simple compared to modern sets, but appreciate the overall design and playability.

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📝 Our Take

AI-assisted editorial summary, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

Desert Expedition is a classic Adventurers set. Released in 1998, it perfectly captures the adventurous spirit of the theme with its rugged vehicles, desert setting, and iconic characters like Johnny Thunder (Harry Cane) and Lord Sam Sinister. The set's focus on exploration and treasure hunting makes it instantly appealing.

This set is perfect for LEGO Adventurers enthusiasts and collectors of vintage sets. The build offers a nostalgic experience, and the set is a great display piece for fans of the theme. It's a relatively quick build, making it accessible to builders of various skill levels.

Skip this if you're primarily interested in complex building techniques or modern LEGO sets. While charming, the building style is simpler compared to contemporary sets. Consider newer Adventurers-inspired sets like the Pharaoh's Quest series for a more modern take.

✨ New

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🧱 Building Experience

AI-assisted build estimate, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

🧩

196

Pieces

⏱

1.5h

Estimated Build Time

📊

Beginner

Difficulty

Build Highlights:

Simple yet engaging vehicle construction
Classic LEGO System building techniques
Incorporates play features like storage compartments
Great diorama potential for desert scenes

📈 Investment Analysis

AI-assisted investment analysis, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

Not enough price history for a trend

B+

Investment Grade

⏳ Retired

The Desert Expedition set holds good investment potential due to its age, theme popularity, and the presence of iconic minifigures. As a retired set from the classic Adventurers line, it appeals to collectors seeking to complete their collections. The relatively low piece count keeps the price reasonable compared to larger sets in the theme, while its complete package of vehicles and minifigs makes it desirable. While theme popularity is high, be aware that the price may fluctuate. Recent sales data and condition significantly affect value.

Not Financial Advice: Content is for educational purposes only. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Full disclaimer

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

Raid Truck

Adventurers • 115 pcs

$15.00

Island Hopper

Adventurers • 174 pcs

$25.00

Jungle River Expedition

Adventurers • 264 pcs

$35.00

Compared to other Adventurers sets, Desert Expedition is a mid-sized set offering a good balance of vehicles and minifigures. It's less complex than the larger temple sets but provides more play value than smaller accessory packs. Collectors might choose this set for its iconic characters and manageable size.

5 Minifigures Included

Dr. Charles Lightning with Backpack

5 parts

B+

Skeleton, Standard Face, Ball Joint Arms (3626b Head)

6 parts

The set includes five minifigures, including the iconic Harry Cane (Johnny Thunder), Lord Sam Sinister, and Baron Von Barron, making it a desirable set for minifigure collectors. The inclusion of a skeleton adds an extra layer of adventure and peril.

📦 Parts Inventory

Official piece count: 196
Parts cataloged in this inventory: 81 unique parts, 171 pieces
Minifigures: 5

The official piece count includes the 25 parts inside the set's minifigures, which this inventory lists separately. Spare parts are counted in neither figure.

Missing a piece? Check this set piece by piece, with look-alike colors flagged and element IDs for replacements.

Window 1 x 2 x 2 ...

Part #: 2377 4× Black

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2412b 2× Black

Wedge Plate 4 x 9...

Part #: 2413 4× White

Wedge Plate 3 x 6...

Part #: 2419 1× White

Plate 2 x 2 Corner

Part #: 2420 1× Black

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2432 1× Black

Plate 2 x 12

Part #: 2445 1× Light Gray

Plate 2 x 12

Part #: 2445 1× Tan

Plant, Palm Tree ...

Part #: 2536a 5× Brown

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2555 3× Light Gray

Plant, Palm Tree ...

Part #: 2563 1× Brown

Bar, 4 Top Bars, ...

Part #: 2566 1× Green

Hinge Train Gate ...

Part #: 2873 2× Tan

Propeller 2 Blade...

Part #: 2952 1× Brown

Lever Small Base ...

Part #: 298c03 2× Black

Brick 2 x 4

Part #: 3001 1× Tan

Brick 2 x 2

Part #: 3003 1× Black

Brick 1 x 2

Part #: 3004 2× Black

Weapon Gun / Pist...

Part #: 30132 2× Dark Gray

Weapon Rifle/Gun

Part #: 30141 4× Dark Gray

Grille 1 x 2 x 2 ...

Part #: 30147 1× Dark Gray

Equipment Camera ...

Part #: 30148 1× Black

Vehicle Base 6 x ...

Part #: 30149 1× Black

Box / Crate with ...

Part #: 30150 2× Brown

Equipment Magnify...

Part #: 30152pat0001 1× Black

Equipment Sextant

Part #: 30154 1× Black

Wheel Spoked 2 x ...

Part #: 30155 4× Dark Gray

Wheel Spoked 2 x ...

Part #: 30155 2× Tan

Plate Special 2 x...

Part #: 30157 3× Dark Gray

Windscreen 1 x 4 ...

Part #: 30161pr0001 1× Trans-Clear

Equipment Binoculars

Part #: 30162 2× Black

Sarcophagus / Cof...

Part #: 30163 1× Tan

Sarcophagus Lid 2...

Part #: 30164pr0001 1× Tan

Animal, Scorpion

Part #: 30169 2× Black

Plate 2 x 4

Part #: 3020 1× White

Plate 2 x 3

Part #: 3021 2× Brown

Plate 2 x 3

Part #: 3021 3× White

Plate 2 x 2

Part #: 3022 2× Dark Gray

Plate 2 x 2

Part #: 3022 2× Black

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 1× Light Gray

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 2× White

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 7× Black

Part #: 3062b 1× Green

Tile 2 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3068b 2× Tan

Tile 2 x 2 with O...

Part #: 3068bpr0378 1× Tan

Tile 2 x 2 with O...

Part #: 3068bpr0406 1× Tan

Tile 1 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3069b 1× Tan

Tile 1 x 2 with D...

Part #: 3069bpr0021 1× Light Gray

Tile 1 x 2 with M...

Part #: 3069bpr0056 1× White

Plate Special 3 x...

Part #: 3176 1× Black

Tyre Offset Tread...

Part #: 3483 6× Black

Tail Old

Part #: 3587 1× Tan

Plate 1 x 3

Part #: 3623 1× Light Gray

Brick Arch 1 x 4

Part #: 3659 1× Tan

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3700 1× Black

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 1× White

Technic Axle Pin ...

Part #: 3749 2× Light Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 3794a 2× Black

Plate 2 x 6

Part #: 3795 2× Tan

Plate 2 x 6

Part #: 3795 1× Light Gray

Steering Stand 1 ...

Part #: 3829c01 1× Light Gray

Plate 2 x 10

Part #: 3832 1× Light Gray

Equipment Shovel ...

Part #: 3837 2× Dark Gray

Tool Pickaxe

Part #: 3841 3× Dark Gray

Hinge Brick 1 x 2...

Part #: 3937 2× Red

Hinge Brick 1 x 2...

Part #: 3938 2× Light Gray

Plate Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 4032a 1× Green

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 4070 5× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4081b 2× Light Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4085c 2× Black

Tile Round 2 x 2 ...

Part #: 4150 2× Green

Hinge Vehicle Roo...

Part #: 4315 2× Light Gray

Equipment Frying Pan

Part #: 4528 1× Black

Tap 1 x 1 with Ho...

Part #: 4599a 4× Light Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4623 1× Black

Hinge Tile 1 x 4

Part #: 4625 1× Light Gray

Part #: 4871 1× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 6019 2× Black

Brick Wedged, Slo...

Part #: 6069 1× Tan

Wave / Flame Roun...

Part #: 6126a 1× Trans-Neon Orange

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 8× Light Gray

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 3× Trans-Clear

Plant, Palm Leaf ...

Part #: 6148 4× Green

Sticker Sheet for...

Part #: 71634 1× [No Color/Any Color]

The set features a good selection of basic bricks and plates in black, tan, and gray, useful for MOC builders creating desert landscapes or vehicles. The inclusion of palm tree elements enhances the desert setting.

🛒 Where to Buy

eBay

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💎 Notable Parts

Black Tyre Offset Tread 24 x 8 (6x) $1.20

Black Brick Special 1 x 1 with Headlight (5x) $0.75

Brown Plant, Palm Tree Trunk - Long Indented Connector (5x) $1.50

Dark Gray Weapon Rifle/Gun (4x) $2.00

Tan Slope 45° 2 x 1 with Bottom Pin (4x) $0.40

Est. BrickLink Part Value

$5.85

💡 MOC Potential

🚗 Modified desert vehicles with improved suspension

🏛 Expand the desert scene with a hidden temple entrance

🏙 Create a small desert outpost or trading post

Community Insights

Real opinions from Reddit and YouTube

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Inventory Statistics

Unique Parts

196

Official Piece Count

171

Cataloged Inventory Pieces

Minifigures

Spare Parts

The official piece count includes the 25 parts inside the set's minifigures, which this inventory lists separately. Spare parts are counted in neither figure.

Inventory Version: 1

Missing a piece? Use the Missing Piece Checker.