Arctic Explorer - Female with Brown Broom
cty0488 · City
Arctic · 2014 - Released as part of the Arctic sub-theme resurgence which updated the classic late-90s Arctic aesthetic with modern printing techniques.
Figure ID
cty0488
Theme
City
Year Released
2014 - Released as part of the Arctic sub-theme resurgence which updated the classic late-90s Arctic aesthetic with modern printing techniques.
Rarity
Common - This figure was widely available in multiple sets and entry-level polybags during the 2014 City Arctic wave.
Head
Yellow classic skin tone with a nervous/shivering expression and a thin brown mustache (Note: Often interchangeable in City sets, but standard for this ID). Includes a white fur-lined hood piece.
Torso
Bright Light Blue with a front-zippered jacket design, dark blue outlines and pocket details, white arms, and dark bluish gray hands.
Legs
Dark Azure (Dark Blue) unprinted hips and legs.
Accessories
Reddish brown broom. NOTE: In official sets, this figure usually carries a pickaxe or ice saw; the broom is a common part but not the primary accessory for this Arctic ID.
Color Scheme
A cold-weather palette featuring Bright Light Blue, Dark Azure, and White, designed to contrast with the orange vehicles of the Arctic theme.
Printing Details
Standard City-level pad printing on the torso (front and back). No leg or arm printing. High contrast between the light blue and the dark line work.
Variants
Several explorers in the 2014 wave use the same torso; variants are primarily distinguished by the head print and headgear.
Condition Notes
Main wear points are the white arms (prone to yellowing/dirt) and the friction on the neck where the hood sits. The broom bristles can bend if stored improperly.
Estimated Value
$2.00 - $4.00 USD used; slightly higher if part of a sealed polybag. It has low individual value due to high production numbers.
Price (New)
Came in sets ranging from $5.99 (Polybags) to $149.99 (Arctic Base Camp).
Compatible Sets
60032 Arctic Snowmobile, 60035 Arctic Outpost, 60036 Arctic Base Camp, and 30310 Arctic Scout polybag.
Character Background
A generic member of the LEGO City Arctic expedition team responsible for research, maintenance, and logistics in the polar regions.
Design Notes
The 2014 Arctic line introduced the 'Bright Light Blue' color as the primary uniform color, a departure from the orange/polar-bear designs of the 2000s.
Similar Minifigures
cty0483 (Male Explorer), cty0482 (Female Pilot), and the 2018 Arctic series explorers which use an orange/teal color scheme.
Collectibility
Low to Moderate - Good for army building Arctic dioramas, but not a high-value collector's piece.
History
Represents the 3rd generation of LEGO Arctic themes (following 2000 and 1986's Ice Planet 2002), showcasing the shift to more realistic equipment.
Interesting Facts
The hood piece was originally introduced in the Collectible Minifigures Series 5 Ice Fisherman and became the standard for Arctic themes thereafter.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a snowy diorama alongside the 60036 Base Camp or near a LEGO husky dog figure.
Modification Potential
Excellent for winter-themed MOCs or 'shivering' civilian characters in a City winter village layout.
Overall Assessment
A solid, functional City minifigure that perfectly captures the 'cold' aesthetic of the 2014 Arctic range. Not rare, but very charming.