A while back, I shared the acquisition of Indiana Jones and the Lost Tomb in an episode of Bargain Bricks. I found the set in a massive bin containing 13.6 kg of bricks that I purchased off of Facebook Marketplace. Given the bricks were used, it was no surprise that the set was only 86% complete. Consequently, I ordered some parts off Bricklink to complete the kit. The set did not include a box or instructions, but I was able to download the manual online. Now, I can share my thoughts on the Lost Tomb (7621).
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THE LOST TOMB SUMMARY
- NAME: Indiana Jones and the Lost Tomb
- SET #: 7621
- THEME: Indiana Jones
- COST: $24.99 CAD (estimate)
- BRICK COUNT: 277
- MINIFIGURES: 3
- RELEASE DATE: January 2, 2008
- RETIRED: June 30, 2009
THE LOST TOMB QUICK REVIEW
- VALUE: 86% (Excellent cost-per-brick, satisfactory build time.)
- BUILD: 85% (Nice design with a few old-time functionality issues.)
- MINIFIGURES: 98% (Excellent number of nice characters with loads of accessories.)
- ENTERTAINMENT: 90% (Niche interest, but great for Indiana Jones fans.)
- OVERALL SCORE: 90% (Great little set.)
THE LOST TOMB (7621) REVIEW
VALUE: 86%
I do not actually know how much the Lost Tomb originally retailed for in Canada. I know it cost $19.99 in the United States. In all likelihood, it cost $24.99 CAD. That is usually how the exchange works. Consequently, with 277 pieces, the cost-per-brick was $0.09. True North Bricks’ set review data does not go back as far as 2008. However, by today’s standards, that is an excellent cost-per-brick. In fact, it earns 96%. Additionally, I built the Lost Tomb in 26 minutes. At full price, the cost per-minute of build time works out to $0.96. By today’s standards, that is satisfactory but a little on the expensive side. I rate that at 76%. Averaging this with the cost-per-brick score gives an overall value rating of 86%.
Of course, since the set retired, I did not pay the original retail value for this kit. Additionally, you will have a hard time finding this set for anything close to $24.99. As we all know, retired kits often increase in price on secondary markets. The average price for a used Lost Tomb set on Bricklink is around $85 as I write this. As outlined in Bargain Bricks, episode seven, this set cost me $21.71. However, I acquired it accidentally. I bought the bin of bricks because I saw an Imperial Flagship hidden amongst the parts. If you know what to look for in bulk bins or happen upon one at a garage sale, you might get the Lost Tomb at a decent price. Otherwise, prepare to dish out if you want this set.
BUILD: 85%
Lost Tomb is a nice little build. It achieves the look of an ancient archeological site well. However, it lacks the finesse of more modern set designs. For example, the play features. Firstly, two Anubis statues adorn the sides of the chamber. Pulling a Technic rod out from behind each causes the statues to fall. The statues fall inward towards the back wall, which features collapsing panels. But the statues do not fall with enough force to knock the panels out.
Secondly, the Lost Tomb features a secret compartment full of snakes. A lever on the back triggers the compartment to open, dropping the snakes into the tomb. The mechanism works using flexible rubber axle connectors instead of proper hinges or axles. The end result functions, but not very well. A simple pin and trap door would work better. As it is, the snakes jam up the mechanism. I suppose the designers’ goal was to have the trap door reset itself. However, the mechanism just feels clumsy.
While stickers remain a contentious issue for many builders, I like the assortment in this set. They look worn and ravaged by time. Additionally, the set features a Star Wars Easter egg. In this case, a hieroglyphic depicts R2-D2 and C-3P0. Interestingly, this hieroglyphic was in fact created on the set of Raiders of the Lost Ark. However, it failed to make the final cut of the film. Sadly, the 2×4 tile did not exist when this set came out. As such, you apply the sticker across two 2×2 tiles. This is a major faux pas today. It means you have to carefully store the two bricks together forever if you disassemble this set to avoid creasing or ripping the sticker.
MINIFIGURES: 98%
Lost Tomb includes two Minifigures and one skeleton. Each includes all the standard parts. The Marion Ravenwood character features a double-sided face, while Indiana Jones has leg printing. Neither character features any rear torso printing. However, I do not think Minifigures in general had such detail in 2008… but don’t quote me on that. 2008 was still in my dark ages. In terms of accessories, Lost Tomb comes with a satchel, a whip, two axe-like weapons, a gemstone, a chain, two brown carrots (used as sconces), and 10 snakes. The number of accessories make up for the lack of printing in this case, so I rate the minifig designs at 100%.
Three characters in a 277-piece kit is excellent. The brick-to-fig ratio works out to 92 bricks/fig. Comparatively, our modern average is 170 bricks/fig. As a result, I rate the ratio score at 95%. The LEGO® Group included a lot of characters for a set this size. Averaging this with the design score gives an overall Minifigure rating of 98%.
ENTERTAINMENT: 90%
I am not a big Indiana Jones fan. That is not to say that I did not see the movies and enjoy them. However, they were a watch-once sort of event for me. I liked them, but never felt the need to watch them again. However, if I was a bigger fan, I could see myself displaying this set. It is a recognizable scene from one of the films. Additionally, the set is nicely contained in a small, detailed build. This fits well on a shelf next to your Indian Jones Blu-ray collection or behind-the-scenes books. Additionally, I can see these in an Egypt-style MOC, or museum set up. It is a bit of niche interest, but I like it. I rate it at 90%.
OVERALL SCORE: 90%
Despite not being a fanboy of the franchise, I quite like Indiana Jones and the Lost Tomb (7621). I did not plan to acquire this set but consider it a lucky acquisition from a bulk bin I bought. The set was fun to put together. While it is hard to find at the original retail price, if you keep your eyes peeled on the secondary markets, you might score one at a decent price. However, the set averages around $85 (used) on Bricklink, so be patient in your search. Deals will not come easily. What do you think of the Lost Tomb? Let us know in the comments below or reach out on social media.
Until next time,
-Tom
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