Forest Ranger - Dark Blue Legs, Tan Campaign Hat
cty0053 · City
Forest Fire / Police Wave · 2010 (Introduction of the modern Forest City sub-theme)
Figure ID
cty0053
Theme
City
Year Released
2010 (Introduction of the modern Forest City sub-theme)
Rarity
Common to Uncommon. While it appeared in widely distributed sets, the specific combination of the Tan Campaign Hat and the silver-mirrored sunglasses head makes it a recognizable staple of the early 2010s City era.
Head
Yellow head with silver-mirrored sunglasses, black eyebrows, and a slight smirk/grin. Part ID 3626bpb0388. It is a dual-side printed head in some versions, but this specific ID usually features the single-sided sunglasses print.
Torso
Dark tan shirt with two large pockets, silver badge on the left side (minifigure's left), white T-shirt visible at the neck, and a brown belt with a silver buckle. Dark tan arms and yellow hands. Part ID 973pb0687c01.
Legs
Plain dark blue legs with a dark blue hip piece. No printing on the front or sides.
Accessories
Tan Campaign Hat (Wide Brim/Mountie Style hat), part ID 61506. In original sets, he often came with a walkie-talkie, binoculars, or a fire extinguisher.
Color Scheme
A mix of Dark Tan (torso), Dark Blue (legs), and Tan (hat). This earth-toned palette is designed to resemble standard park ranger or forest service uniforms.
Printing Details
Standard LEGO pad printing. The torso features detailed pocket seams and a distinct silver badge. The head printing for the mirrored sunglasses was quite premium for City sets at the time, featuring reflectiveness.
Variants
There are several 'Forest Ranger' variants. Cty0255 features a different hat, and cty0256 uses a different head. This specific version (cty0053) is defined by the mirrored shades.
Condition Notes
The Tan Campaign Hat's brim is a common point for 'chew marks' or stress. The silver printing on the sunglasses is prone to scratching over time if stored in bins with other bricks.
Estimated Value
Used: $2.00 - $4.00 USD. New/Mint: $6.00 - $8.00 USD. It is not an expensive figure, but it is a fan favorite for MOC city builders.
Price (New)
Originally included in sets ranging from $10.00 (Starter sets) to $80.00 (Fire Station/Headquarters).
Compatible Sets
Set 7213: Off-Road Fire Truck & Fireboat (2010); Set 7208: Fire Station (appears in some regional versions as a worker/ranger).
Character Background
A generic City professional. He represents the first responders of the Forest Fire/Police sub-themes, acting as a lookout or ranger for the LEGO City outskirts.
Design Notes
The torso print was a significant upgrade from the older, more simplistic '90s town' uniforms, utilizing the 'Dark Tan' color palette which gave LEGO City a more realistic, tactical look.
Similar Minifigures
cty0255 (Forest Ranger with different head), cty0249 (Forest Fireman), and the Series 5 Collectible Minifigures Zookeeper (for the hat).
Collectibility
Moderate for 'completionist' City collectors. Low investment potential but high 'play/display' value for rural LEGO dioramas.
History
Launched during a pivot where LEGO City began exploring areas outside of the downtown grid, introducing 'Forest' and 'Coast Guard' sub-themes to add variety to the line.
Interesting Facts
The hat was a new mold around this era and became the definitive piece for any LEGO 'Mountie' or 'Park Ranger' character.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a forest scene, next to a 4x4 off-road vehicle or a lookout tower. Pairs well with LEGO bears or forest animals.
Modification Potential
Excellent. The torso is frequently used for custom 'Indiana Jones' style adventures or 'Jurassic Park' staff because of its neutral, utilitarian tan/brown colors.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential 2010-era LEGO City figure. It features an iconic headpiece and a very versatile torso, making it a solid, if common, addition to any collection.