How many pieces are in the Desert Expedition?

Desert Expedition contains 196 pieces.

What age is the Desert Expedition recommended for?

This set is recommended for ages 18+.

When was the Desert Expedition released?

Desert Expedition was released in 1998.

🏛 Desert

Set #5948

Desert Expedition

Name: Desert Expedition
Brand: LEGO
SKU: 5948-1

Desert Expedition is a classic LEGO Adventurers set that captures the spirit of exploration.

🏆 Best For: Ideal for LEGO fans who enjoy classic themes and simple builds ⏱ 2.0 hr build 🧩 196 pcs

★★★★☆ 4.2

Fans appreciate the nostalgia and classic Adventurers theme, praising the unique minifigures and simple yet engaging build. Some find the set overpriced given its piece count, but the overall sentiment is positive due to its collectibility and vintage appeal.

MSRP

$19.99

Best Price

$150.48

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📝 Our Take

Desert Expedition is a classic LEGO Adventurers set that captures the spirit of exploration. Released in 1998, it features a rugged vehicle, a hidden temple, and a cast of memorable characters, making it a standout in the Desert subtheme.

This set is perfect for LEGO enthusiasts who appreciate vintage themes and storytelling. The build is straightforward but satisfying, offering a nostalgic trip for older fans and an engaging introduction to the Adventurers world for newer builders. It's a great display piece that evokes a sense of adventure.

Skip this if you prefer complex building techniques or larger, more detailed models. While charming, its simplicity may not appeal to those seeking a challenging build. Consider newer sets like the Indiana Jones Temple Escape for a similar theme with more intricate design.

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🧱 Building Experience

🧩

196

Pieces

⏱

2.0h

Build Time

📊

Beginner

Difficulty

Build Highlights:

Building the off-road vehicle with its large tires
Assembling the small temple structure with hidden compartments
Incorporating the scorpion and skeleton elements
Creating a diorama-style display with the included accessories

📈 Investment Analysis

→ Price stable

Investment Grade

⏳ Active

The Desert Expedition set presents a moderate investment opportunity. Its age and the popularity of the LEGO Adventurers theme contribute to its value. The presence of key minifigures like Johnny Thunder (Harry Cane) and Baron Von Barron enhances its collectibility. While the piece count is relatively low, the set's rarity and nostalgic appeal drive its price on the secondary market. However, potential investors should be mindful of the set's condition, completeness, and the availability of the original box and instructions, as these factors significantly impact its value. Price trends have been relatively stable, suggesting a steady demand among collectors.

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

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Compared to modern LEGO sets, the Desert Expedition offers a simpler, more classic building experience. While lacking the intricate details of newer Indiana Jones sets, its vintage charm and unique minifigure selection make it a desirable addition to any LEGO collection. Collectors may choose this set over others for its nostalgic appeal and the opportunity to own a piece of LEGO history.

5 Minifigures Included

Dr. Charles Lightning with Backpack

5 parts

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

6 parts

The minifigures are a highlight, including iconic characters like Harry Cane (Johnny Thunder), Lord Sam Sinister, and Baron Von Barron. These figures are highly sought after by collectors and contribute significantly to the set's value.

📦 Full Parts Inventory - 81 unique parts • 162 total pieces

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× Tan

Plate 2 x 12

Part #: 2445 1× Light Gray

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 2× Tan

Wheel Spoked 2 x ...

Part #: 30155 4× Dark Gray

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× Black

Plate 2 x 2

Part #: 3022 2× Dark Gray

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 1× Light Gray

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 7× Black

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 2× White

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

Wedge Sloped 4 x ...

Part #: 6069 1× Tan

Wave / Flame Roun...

Part #: 6126a 1× Trans-Neon Orange

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 1× Trans-Clear

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 1× Light Gray

Plant, Palm Leaf ...

Part #: 6148 4× Green

Sticker Sheet for...

Part #: 71634 1× [No Color/Any Color]

The set includes a good selection of basic bricks and plates in black, tan, and gray, useful for MOC builders creating desert-themed landscapes or vehicles. The palm tree elements add to the set's unique character.

🛒 Where to Buy

💎 Notable Parts

Black Tyre Offset Tread 24 x 8 (6x) $1.50

Brown Plant, Palm Tree Trunk - Long Indented Connector (5x) $0.75

Black Brick Special 1 x 1 with Headlight (5x) $0.50

Dark Gray Weapon Rifle/Gun (4x) $1.00

Est. BrickLink Part Value

$3.75

💡 MOC Potential

🚗 Modifications to the vehicle for enhanced off-road capabilities

🏛 Expanding the temple into a larger desert ruin

🌳 Creating a desert oasis scene with additional plant life

📰 Desert News

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Inventory Statistics

Unique Parts

162

Total Pieces

Minifigures

Inventory Version: 1

Venture into the Desert!
Uncover Adventure with 5 Minifigs

Desert Expedition

📝 Our Take

Ask BlockTalk about this set

🧱 Building Experience

📈 Investment Analysis

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

5 Minifigures Included

📦 Full Parts Inventory - 81 unique parts • 162 total pieces

🛒 Where to Buy

💎 Notable Parts

💡 MOC Potential

📰 Desert News

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