The build is ~98-99% correct. Somehow, the bottom "beam" of the net bridge on the finger connection doesn't correctly snap. (Perhaps, it's because I'm using four smaller baseplates?) I also had to remake the net from individual strings and used plastic Jolly Roger flag mold as a substitute.

=MISSING PARTS=
1. https://rebrickable.com/parts/3334/baseplate-16-x-24/
2. https://rebrickable.com/parts/71155/net-10-x-10-square/
3. https://rebrickable.com/parts/upn0244pr0004/flag-8-x-5-wave-with-red-border-and-skull-and-crossbones-print/

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

This set no. 6249 'Pirates Ambush' was part of the US-exclusive '97 lineup that never appeared in European or British catalogs. (Why LEGO did this, to be honest, is just as puzzling as sending the Pirates theme, one of fans favorites and steady bestseller, on a twelve-year hiatus after the 1997 season).

The 'Pirates Ambush' was the second "land scene" that year—with 156 parts and three minifigs in the inventory, it was almost three-times smaller than the headliner set no. 6281 'Pirates Perilous Pitfall.' Curiously, all three '97 models belonged to the Pirates faction: two "islands" plus a new ship, set no. 6250 'Cross Bone Clipper.'

Despite relatively small brick count and dimensions (the whole scene stands on a 16x24 baseplate), the Pirates Ambush has a striking and memorable design; I wish the author's name would appear online! It represented a rarer type of Pirates builds that went against a subtle but pretty important LEGO Universe "rule." Typically, villains wear torn and untidy clothing, utilize either the surrounding landscape elements (such as rocks and caves) or remnants of their defeated vehicles and structures to build a shelter or new, "retrofitted" machines. Protagonists, on the contrary, represented order and discipline: uniforms, proper equipment, architecturally appropriate buildings, etc.

In the 'Pirates Ambush,' there's a well-built, symmetrical wooden fort, a decent prison cell; nothing is out of whack. Besides materials and color palette, this fort could easily belong to Imperial forces! The bridge connecting two "wings" (and acts as the trap) is quite innovative; it uses a 10x10 net rolled up between two beams. However, the heavier front plank rests on a hinged "clamp;" once the enemy's boat passes underneath, the net drops.

As far as minifigures, the 'Pirates Ambush' included a unique variation of Pirate George. He came in at least six distinct versions; in this instance, wearing black pants and a brown tricorne hat.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

=SEE ALSO=

6281: Pirates Perilous Pitfall (1997)
https://www.mecabricks.com/en/models/VzvMywxRvJp

6204: Buccaneers ('97)
https://www.mecabricks.com/en/models/KbjQrBGgvdG

6248: Volcano Island ('96)
https://www.mecabricks.com/en/models/07vNZ3DVvAm

1788: Treasure Chest ('95)
https://www.mecabricks.com/en/models/eDvVXGB82BR

6278: Enchanted Island ('94)
https://www.mecabricks.com/en/models/qxv41Z9ladJ

1729: Barnacle Bay Value Pack ('94)
https://www.mecabricks.com/en/models/7l2B6wmy20N

6251: Pirate Minifigures (1989)
https://www.mecabricks.com/en/models/LyjWYNZpaJr

6253: Shipwreck Hideout (2009)
https://www.mecabricks.com/en/models/WRaZ6wegapZ