Tureg (Desert Raider)
adv045 · Adventurers
Orient Expedition · 2003
Figure ID
adv045
Theme
Adventurers
Year Released
2003
Rarity
Uncommon. This figure was exclusive to the Orient Expedition sub-theme within the final wave of the classic Adventurers line.
Head
Standard yellow skin with a 'grin with teeth' expression (part 3626bpb0042). It is covered by a black turban with a wrap-around face mask (mold 30193).
Torso
Black torso with a simple silver necklace and a small white/silver triangular pendant print. Plain black arms and black hands.
Legs
Plain black legs (no printing) with a black hip piece.
Accessories
Includes an olive-green (lime/sand green variant) musket or rifle. These were standard weapon molds but in specialized colors for the desert theme.
Color Scheme
Monochromatic black body and headgear, contrasted by the classic yellow head and a lime/olive-green weapon.
Printing Details
Minimalist pad printing on the torso (front only) and a standard face print. Typical high-quality LEGO pad printing for the early 2000s era.
Variants
The headgear (Turban 30193) appears in several colors, but the black version combined with this specific 'v-neck' necklace torso is the standard 'Tureg' configuration.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include the 'clutch power' of the turban on the head and potential neck-cracking on the torso. The lime-colored rifle is prone to stress marks if played with heavily.
Estimated Value
Used complete: $4.00 - $7.00 USD. New/Mint: $10.00 - $15.00 USD. The value is relatively low due to the simplicity of the parts.
Price (New)
Originally available in sets ranging from $3.00 (polybags) to $30.00 (mid-sized sets) in 2003.
Compatible Sets
Set 7412 (Yeti's Hideout), Set 7418 (Scorpion Palace), and Set 1271 (Tureg Polybag).
Character Background
Designated as a 'Tureg' (a play on the Tuareg people of the Sahara), these characters served as the antagonists or local guides in Johnny Thunder's 2003 Himalayan/Desert adventures.
Design Notes
The Turban mold (30193) is a classic piece first introduced in the late 90s, used here to effectively create a 'masked' look by framing the standard yellow head.
Similar Minifigures
Lord Sam Sinister (Adventurers), Desert Biplane Pilot (Adventurers), and modern Ninjago villains with similar face wraps.
Collectibility
Medium-low. It is a great army-builder for fans of the Orient Expedition theme, but lacks the individual character appeal of Johnny Thunder or Baron Von Barron.
History
Represents the end of the Adventurers era (1998-2003), illustrating the transition from the 'Desert' theme to more elaborate 'Orient' settings.
Interesting Facts
The torso print is remarkably subtle, often mistaken for a plain black torso from a distance. The lime green musket is one of the more unique weapon color variants from this era.
Display Suggestions
Ideal for desert dioramas or rocky mountain outposts. Pairs perfectly with the grey BURP (Big Ugly Rock Piece) seen in the provided image.
Modification Potential
High. The black parts are highly versatile for creating custom ninjas, assassins, or modern tactical minifigures.
Overall Assessment
A nostalgic and solid 'henchman' figure from a beloved era of LEGO. While not highly valuable, it is a staple of early 2000s world-building sets.