Farseer Petriel

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About Farseer Petriel

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  1. Farseer Petriel

    The Hour of Chaos

    Hello Eurobricks! I dedided to make a comic book from my Xenoarchaeologist 3: The Hour of Chaos photo story which is set in the universe of Warhammer 40,000 science fantasy tabletop game. Here are two first pages. The new parts will be added as comments to this post if you will be interested in the story. Additional photography: @Illarion Planet background: StarCraft II Check my comic album on Flickr!
  2. Farseer Petriel

    [MOC] Infantry Command

    Cool MOC! I like the style of Dawn of War Imperial Guard buildings - despite being from WH40k, they are not over-the-top gothic and ornate, as military facilities of a non-elite and not Church-based army should be simple and utilitarian. And you managed to build a detailed and recognizable model of Astra Militarum barracks. Mixing clone trooper and rebel parts also make great Imperial Guardsmen (and Guardswomen). But why a servitor? While it's faithful to lore, in-game the Imperial Guard employ tech-priests enginseers for construction.
  3. Farseer Petriel

    [MOC] WH40k: Aeldari Hideout

    I like your approach in building what you like regardless of a faction. I strongly disagree with GW's policy of preferring only the Imperium and mostly Space Marines (here I prefer StarCraft or even Warhammer Fantasy Battles where factions are treated more or less equally). And, as an Eldar fan, I'll be glad to see some of your mysterious and advanced space elves. A good idea, thanks! It looks like I even have the necessary amount of purple/violet arms: several Jokers, several old school Dumbledores etc. If only I were crueler in dismembering LEGO minifigures...
  4. Farseer Petriel

    [MOC] Mars Rover

    Oh, nice to see another LoM fan here! I liked this theme when I was a child, but obtained some sets only as an AFOL. I collected all the Martians but sadly I don't have human sets except for a small rover. Do you plan to build something Martian? Their style is a bit weird but charming.
  5. Farseer Petriel

    [MOC] Mars Rover

    I like this rover! It combines some old Life on Mars feel with modern details. And thumbs up for the Vitruvian Minifigure!
  6. I remember this magazine. In Russia, there was a version called "LEGO Samodelki" (translated roughly as "LEGO MOCs") that ran from January 2000 to March 2002, and I have all the issues. In comparison with the original Adventures, Samodelki was a bit adapted (for example, it included MOCs sent by Russian children) and lacked some early issues and features such as stickers. Nevertheless, the magazine was really good with CGI comics, board games, information about sets and facts about the real world around us. As a Russian child who lacked Internet access in early 2000s, I learned very much LEGO lore precisely from Samodelki. Too bad it existed only for two years and three months.
  7. Farseer Petriel

    [MOC] WH40k: Aeldari Hideout

    Thank you, BardDandelion! And what faction do you like most? I've seen many Imperial MOCs in your album, but you also have Orks and some Tyranids and Dark Eldar. Thank you very much! That details were clearly inspired by Dawn of War buildings and WH40k miniatures. As for the main castle, it didn't have direct inspirations and references. The entrance vaguely resembles the Webway Assembly from Dawn of War game: Vaguely - because I didn't have much room for these wide wing-like structures, but I still managed to do a triangular entrance. The tower somewhat resembles the left structure from what I think is one of GW's original concept arts, but it still differs very much from it: I also refreshed my own old picture, especially the tower on the right (it is actually the Farseer's tower in the craftworld back when he wasn't an exile): And the least expected source of inspiration is Floop's castle from Spy Kids movie from which I borrowed (or trazyn'd) the layout of Farseer's room windows and the stained glass: Maybe you're right, but I personally like helmetless Eldar more to show their "human-like but different" nature. To be honest, when I first saw them in Dawn of War in 2005 (that was the start of my long relationship with 40k), I couldn't think of them as of space elves and thought that they're some reptilian humanoids who breathe methane and don't take off their helmets in oxygen atmosphere. So I deliberately chose to stick to canon helmet only with the Visarch because he isn't my character and his helmet is a plot point. And as for the color scheme, I would be glad to see more purple and violet torsos but don't recall somebody other than Dumbledore and Joker whose bodies don't fit Eldar warriors. Danju from Knights' Kingdom 2 was good but his torso was plain. So I took mostly white with several crimson touches to represent the Ynnari.
  8. Farseer Petriel

    Penitent Engine - Warhammer 40k

    Cool and very 40k-ish model! I like the leg mechanisms and the purity seals. And new torch pieces look good on the back. As for the minifigure, its torso looks a bit out of place, but it's funny to think that Sisters of Battle caught arch-heretic Bricksterus and made him suffer for the rest of his life. And from what set the gear blades are? This mold fits 40k well.
  9. Farseer Petriel

    [MOC] WH40k: Aeldari Hideout

    Hello again, Eurobricks! Here is my new work based on the universe of Warhammer 40000 tabletop game. The following story is not a part of WH40k official lore, but my own creation. An exile. He was banished from his own craftworld by his own student. The rescue of a human hive world at the cost of Aeldari lives brought consequences. He had to flee to a distant, forsaken, barren planet that previously belonged to the ancient Aeldari Empire, and there he built a wraithbone tower where he lived as a recluse. Two hundred Terran years have passed. The old friend brought news about the fracture of Biel-Tan. And about the birth of the Ynnari, a new cult of Death God Ynnead that gave a new hope to divided Aeldari (or Eldar, as they were called before) tribes, promising to end Chaos menace once and for all. And the exiled Farseer moved on and understood that his war is far from over. He rallied like-minded Aeldari from his home craftworld and other places, and together they turned his hideout into a base of a small army fighting on Ynnari's side. The base is built on a deserted, barren planet. The shining structures made of wraithbone, an Aeldari psychically-sensitive material, are raised atop a cliff. The fortress consists of three buildings: the Farseer's tower, the Soul Shrine and the plasma generator: Not far from the hideout a portal to the Webway, the trans-dimensional network of tunnels used by Aeldari for transportation, is located: Like the road, it existed before the Farseer arrived at the planet. Now the Ynnari use this ancient arch to appear on other planets and strike at their enemies such as Chaos, Necrons or Tyranids: The wraithbone staircase leads to the entrance: The Soul Shrine was erected after the Farseer pledged himself to Ynnead. This building serves as an armory and a training center: Its shape was inspired by Dawn of War video game: The plasma generator provides energy for the base: It looks like an Eldar generator from Dawn of War: A conservatory with air filtration system is located near the generator: Aeldari buildings are white, decorated with lots of gems and stones. A transparent dome rises above Farseer's tower: An ornate spire crowns the tower: Walls with windows - there are corridors behind them: Some technical device is located near the Soul Shrine: The Farseer's tower stands on ornate yet sturdy supports: Б A side view: Now the hideout is attacked by the forces of Chaos, led by Space Marines from Death Guard Legion. The Farseer had to get support from Ynnari leaders and Drukhari to repel the invasion of Eternal Enemy: Yvraine, the Daughter of Shades, the Herald of Ynnead and the leader of Ynnari clashed with a Chaos Lord who worships Nurgle, the God of Rot. She wields Kha-vir, one of ancient Croneswords, and is accompanied by Alorynis, her loyal Gyrinx familiar: Along Yvraine the Visarch fights. He is her mysterious bodyguard who never takes off his helmet. He is armed with Asu-var, another Cronesword, and strikes with it the Plaguebearers - virulent daemons of Nurgle: The exiled Farseer of craftworld Ermyaris leads his followers to battle. He is reading battle spells, holding up his Singing Spear, and his Gyrinx Murzinx enhances the psychic power of his master: Howling Banshees Exarch Eyla - the very same friend who told the Farseer about the Ynnari - strides towards Poxwalkers of Nurgle. She will destroy these plague zombies with her Executioner before they spread their foul diseases: Autarch Xaniele who left Ermyaris by her own will, rides her jetbike, armed with laser lance: Chaos forces advance. They have Chaos Space Marines, ordinary humans and daemons: The attack is led by Pestilens Bubulgor, Death Guard Chaos Lord. Like all Space Marines from that Legion, he bloated due to blessings of "Grandfather Nurgle" and merged with his power armor, through which horns and bones began to protrude. The Chaos Lord is armed with a manreaper scythe crowned by the mark of Nurlge, and a plasma pistol: Chaos Lord is accompanied by Plague Marines - common Death Guard warriors armed with boltguns. Like their leader, they turned into monstrous mutants: Plague Marines are joined by our old friend Nefaros. This Noise Marine from Emperor's Children Legion can now boast with his stylish guitar that can not only make disgusting noises, but shoot bolts and fire! And it bears the mark of Pleasure God Slaanesh! Near the Chaos Marines march the cultists - ordinary people from various planets who are devoted to Chaos. This particular cult is led by an old psyker who worships Tzeentch, the God of Knowledge and Magic: Poxwalkers slowly shamble behind human Chaos followers. These mindless zombies were once Imperial workers who got infested by Nurgle's plague: Near the Poxwalkers, an ogryn fights. This big and strong, but very stupid abhuman mutant joined the Chaos Cult only because of loyalty to his commanders. Plaguebearers - the disgusting one-eyed, one-horned daemons of Nurgle: United, the Aeldari stand tall against the minions of evil: The Farseer is aided by Drukhari - Dark Eldar who abandoned their vile lifestyles and joined the Ynnari. A Drukhari Reaver jetbike emerged from the Webway gate, firing at Chaos followers from a splinter rifle: This Drukhari squad is led by Archon Teniria who came to Ynnari with the pursue of knowledge: A Drukhari sword master from Incubi order fights with Bloodletters - the daemons of Blood God Khorne: Spiritseer Tillmiele casts her spells, calling to Aeldari souls: The base is defended well. Support platforms with D-cannons that create holes in reality, and Ranger Moyaz shell the enemies from the walls: The battle is in full swing: The barren battlefield landscape: And here is what the hideout looks inside. I wouldn't have been myself if I didn't make the interior: The entrance hall and corridors are elevated above an underground cave: This large and spacious hall is a good place for meetings and discussions: The entrance hall has a glassy floor: You can see behind it an enigmatic fountain with swirling souls. Even the Farseer does not know what it is. These ruines apparently remained from the ancient Aeldari Empire, and now the soul magics made the plants grow around them... The corridors have high windows and statues of ancient heroes: In the conservatory, the Aeldari grow vegetables and fruit for food. It also reminds them of the nature of their home craftworld. And of their ancestors' real homeworld that was utterly lost after the Fall: The garden is inhabited by Gyrinxes and other animals. The Aeldari grow the seedlings with special lamps: A generator room is placed above the conservatory. Here the control panel for the plasma generator is located. The mechanisms are maintained by a hovering drone: The Aeldari have forgotten how to make these robots, so they do not use them in combat. The generator's roof with a spinning crystal: Let's move to the Soul Shrine. Here is the Chamber of Wisdom where the Warlocks practice their battle magics: The female Warlock levitates without CGI. It appeared this way because of here cloak, and I chose to keep this detail. This room contains all for peaceful rest and thoughts - even tea to drink between practice: You can also go to the balcony to see the bleak landscape of the planet: The Chamber of Khaine is located on the next floor. There the Aeldari God of War is venerated. In this halls, Ynnari warriors keep their weapons and do their training: The Chamber is lit by flames in chalices: The next floor is dedicated to the Chamber of Spirits, the place where Spiritseer Tillmiele comprenends the magic of souls and wraithbone: Tillmiele's table is full with artifacts and has a flask with deceased Aeldari souls: In the Shrine's attic the shuriken weapons are stored: The entire tower above the entrance hall contains Farseer's personal apartments. It is the oldest part of this hideout: The interior has a chair near a stained glass window and a cosy bed: Another stained glass window and an exit to the balcony: The Farseer can look through his telescope at the stars... and at the glooming red scar of Dathedian, the Great Rift that tore apart the Galaxy: Near the large purple window, a table with magic equipment, a Singing Spear holder and Murzinx's dish with a fish are located: The thoughtful Farseer and his Gyrinx: The Farseer studies ancient texts at his desk and stops to pet Murzinx: Above the heads of the Farseer and his high-ranking guest, shelves with potions and scrolls... and the vines can be found: Under the dome a pillar of shining soul energy comes, and around it plants with precious gems grow: The very same phenomenon was observed under the glassy floor. The Farseer cannot explain this magical effect yet. The spire houses a small room with various old artifacts: Here the Farseer stores his previous Singing Spear and a stasis cell with the spirit stone of Myranna - his deceased sister. Let's move to the dungeons. The Soul Shrine contains the library with many texts about magic and Chaos collected by the Farseer himself: The workshop where the Bonesingers repair the jetbikes after battles: Aeldari engineers use unusual tools such as a psytronome which rests on a table: The refectory - the place where Aeldari cook and eat their food: Cells with beds where Aeldari sleep and live: Now, when the tour of the Farseer's base is over, it is time to look at the characters. Let's start with servants of Chaos. The Lord (at center) and two Plague Marines of Death Guard - disgustingy resilient mutants with bone protrusions on their power armor: The Chaos Lord is armed with manreaper scythe, and the Plague Marines are armed with boltguns. One Plague Marine holds a bell - one of Nurlge's symbols. For this MOC, I changed the construction of Space Marines maxifigures from the previous work, and now their arms do not look like sticks. The back view - here you can see how Nurlge's "gifts" change even the power armor backpacks: Noise Marine Nefaros is a maniac who loves to kill with sickening sound waves. The bright colors of his armor and a guitar-shaped sonic weapon are a reference to old 80s Noise Marine miniatures: Nefaros from the back: Plague Marine and Noise Marine are brothers forever! Here you can see that a Plague Marine is taller than a Noise Marine even with his "disco" heels. The blessings of Nurgle make his followers bloated. Chaos Cultists: I had a lot of fun inventing this patchy scum. Their leader is a Tzeentchian psyker so he wields a bird staff. A standard bearer holds a Chaos Star sigil. Ogryn's horned helmet is a reference to old "bone 'ead" Ogryn Imperial Guard sergeants. Chaos Poxwalkers - plague zombies as they are: Lesser daemons of Chaos - Bloodletters of Khorne and Plaguebearers of Nurgle: Now come the Aeldari. Yvraine, the Prophet of Ynnead, the Visarch (it's a title, not a name), her mysterious champion, and Alorynis, her pet Gyrinx: Yvraine wears a dress back from ancient Empire days, and the Visarch is clad in ornate Bel-Anshoc style armor. They appeal to old ways because they want to restore the former glory of Aeldari race with the help of Ynnead who can defeat Slaanesh and Chaos. Yvraine's dress and Visarch's collar are lavishly decorated: Yvraine, the Visarch and Alorynis are the only canon Warhammer 40000 characters mentioned in this topic. I have some units in the form of WH40k miniatures, so I can compare LEGO and Warhammer 40000 versions with each other. Here are two Yvraines and two Alorynises: And two Visarchs: The psykers of craftworld Ermyaris - two Warlocks, the Farseer and the Spiritseer. And, of course, Murzinx - the Farseer's Gyrinx and the descendant of Murzion: Warlocks and the Farseer are armed with Singing Spears and shuriken pistols. The Spiritseer wields a staff and a dagger. Farseers and Murzinxes from LEGO and Warhammer 40000: Spiritseer Tillmiele and her prototype from the tabletop: By the way, she was a student of Spiritseer Salarian who remained loyal to the current ruling Council of Ermyaris. Warlocks - two minifigures and one miniature: Now I have a good explanation why my Aeldari do not wear helmets - in canon many Ynnari do not wear them either. Autarch Skyrunner on her jetbike: She wields a laser lance, and twin shuriken catapults are located beneath the jetbike's hull. Two Autarchs - note that this miniature bike is outdated, so I based the LEGO version on a newer one: Exarch Eyla (at the center) and two Howling Banshees: These female warriors are armed with power swords and shuriken pistols, and the Exarch wields the Executioner power glaive. Banshees from two different worlds: Ranger Moyaz in chameleoline cloak, armed with sniper rifle: With a WH40k Ranger miniature: Guardians are the civilian militia of craftworld Aeldari. Two of them wield shuriken catapults, and other two operate artillery platforms: Guardians from LEGO and the tabletop game: Vaul's Wrath anti-grav artillery platforms with distorting cannons (or D-cannons): They are used as defensive weapons of the base. A platform with its prototype from Warhammer 40000: Drukhari (or Dark Eldar) - an Incubi, an Archon and a Wych: Archon Teniria is a sophisticated person who likes philosophy, so she dresses more gallantly than her edgy brethren. Drukhari Reaver jetbike: The civilians - every base needs maintenance personnel. And, of course, Gyrinxes to catch mice! A bonus frame - an unlucky take or... something more? Thank you for watching and reading! You can see all these photos at my Flickr gallery!
  10. Farseer Petriel

    Review: 7316 Excavation Searcher

    Hello again Eurobricks! It's time to continue reviewing rare Life on Mars series with Martian Excavation Searcher - a huge mech with two claws! Excavation Searcher Full Set by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Excavation Searcher is the second largest set in the series. Only the main set, Aero Tube Hangar, was larger. On the one hand, the Searcher may look rank-and-file due to typical colors (tan and brown). On the other hand, this mech is interestingly designed, and Aero Tube Hangar looks empty without a meteorite processing station, and that's why I view this set worthy to acquire. I got it on my Birthday, just like Alien Discovery, but it was my present to myself. In fact I've been waiting to buy it for a long time from my childhood, when I was reading LEGO catalogues and dreaming of Life on Mars sets. So, let's begin. Box The box is rather large and bears typical Martian background and a photo of the set. When the set has been stored in some warehouse for 18 years, it became pretty battered, but not destroyed: Excavation Searcher Box by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The set name and brick count are written again on the box. That means I got the American version again. The back side depicts how the parts of the Searcher can be separated and combined: Excavation Searcher Box Back by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr This modular structure is one of Life on Mars features and can be seen in many LoM sets. The sides of the box - photos of Martians, warnings and importers in the New World: Excavation Searcher Box Sides by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr There's a little surprise within the box - it has a cardboard pallet for parts: Excavation Searcher Box Cardboard Pan by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr It makes the box useful for storage, and now I put there elements from Life on Mars sets, such as small vehicles and aero tubes, while bigger parts such as mechs and the pump lie in the large Aero Tube Hangar box. Alas, such boxes don't exist now. Instruction and Booklets The set has three booklets: an instruction, a mini-catalogue and a postcard: Excavation Searcher Booklets by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The instruction is standard: here are the beginning and the end of the build: Excavation Searcher Instruction First and Last Pages by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr On the following pages the transformation of the Searcher into a smaller mech is shown: Excavation Searcher Instruction Transformation by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr I'll return to this function later. The back cover of the instruction depicts all boxed LoM sets as usual: Excavation Searcher Instruction Back Cover by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The postcard surprised me. It's made of cardboard, and it could be sent to Enfield, Connecticut to get a free LEGO catalogue: Excavation Searcher Club Postcard by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The back side has the same information written in French and a profile. Unfortunately, this service was available only for USA and Canada residents: Excavation Searcher Club Postcard Back by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr I didn't get the free catalogue because I live in neither of these countries, and it has been 18 years since this postcard was published. However, I got another booklet with the Searcher, and it was a very pleasant surprise: Excavation Searcher Mini-Catalogue by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr In theory, this mini-catalogue from early 2000s deserves its own review, because it's a paradise for nostalgic LEGO fans. And yes, I'll show all its pages here! The first pages - contents (so many old school logos!) and a LEGOLAND ad: Excavation Searcher Mini-Catalogue First Pages by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Studios - the Steven Spielberg Moviemaker Set with a real and hopelessly outdated camera, and smaller sets: Excavation Searcher Mini-Catalogue Studios by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Life on Mars - the Aero Tube Hangar with detailed work scheme and other sets: Excavation Searcher Mini-Catalogue Life on Mars by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Xalax racers (these aliens are so funny!) and Alpha Team (agents, neon, evil Ogel, cool spy stuff): Excavation Searcher Mini-Catalogue Xalax and Alpha Team by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Old Star Wars sets - somewhat clumsy, but cute, and Palpatine's shuttle is gorgeous! Then there are the first Star Wars UCS models and the 1999 Railway Express train (I have it): Excavation Searcher Mini-Catalogue Star Wars and Trains by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr LEGO Football/Soccer (it's my favorite series too), Arctic and legendary Adventurers - particularly Dino Island: Excavation Searcher Mini-Catalogue Football, Arctic and Adventurers by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Knights' Kingdom (the first one with King Leo and Cedric the Bull) and the very first BIONICLE sets - Toa Mata: Excavation Searcher Mini-Catalogue Knights' Kingdom and BIONICLE by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Technic (Battle Cars and Slammers), video games and a Canadian LEGO Club ad: Excavation Searcher Mini-Catalogue Technic, Software and Last Page by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The back cover has a US LEGO Club ad: Excavation Searcher Mini-Catalogue Back Cover by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Here the review of the papers is finished, and I'm ready to move to the next part - the Martians. Minifigures The set has three Martian minifigures with typical turquoise skin: Excavation Searcher Minifigures English by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Canopus and Pollux are unique to this set, and Vega appeared in Aero Tube Hangar (7317) and two promotional sets (7320 and 1195). All Red Planet dwellers are named after stars and constellations like the Blacks from Harry Potter, and these three Martians are no exception. Pollux wears a light grey suit and a gas mask. Judging by the dirt on his forehead, he is a worker. And apparently he shaves his head. It's weird, that there is no Martian named Castor, since Castor and Pollux are twin brothers in mythology and neighboring stars in Gemini constellation. Canopus wears a tan suit and some hi-tech mask. He has a gunsight instead of his right eye. Maybe it's a magnifying lens or an implant. In LEGO Racers 2 video game Canopus was a scientist. The tan and light grey suits look standard, but unique faces compensate this. Vega wears an orange suit. He is a scientist who specializes in excavation. He likes BLT sandwiches (did he discover them after humans arrived?) and dislikes surprises. Vega's head is dull since it lacks any features besides eyes. Considering that this Martian was included in 7317 too, this set should have contained some other Martian - Castor, for example. The Set The assembly contains three parts: the Excavation Searcher, the flyer and the bay: Excavation Searcher by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Let's start with the most important part - the mech. Excavation Searcher As the name implies, this vehicle is used for search and gathering of meteorites that provide the Martians with energy-rich biodium ore. The mech is large and moves on four legs. The front claw and the tail make it look like a scorpion, though the antennae make it resemble some insect like an ant: Excavation Searcher Mech by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The color scheme looks very standard compared with other Life on Mars sets which have many rare colors. Tan and brown were widespread in LEGO sets - for example, in Star Wars, so there's nothing particular in these colors. Fortunately, they are diluted a bit by small touches of orange. As with all LoM mechs, the legs of the Searcher don't bend in knees. However, due to the presence of four legs the walker can be posed in many ways without the risk of falling: Excavation Searcher Mech by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Excavation Searcher Mech Walking by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The only remaining restriction is the 2000s-era hinges that can be placed only in certain positions and bend harder with time. And this set has many of them. This mech can even do the splits! Excavation Searcher Does the Splits by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Rear view: Excavation Searcher Back by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr In front, there is a cockpit for a pilot. Above the typical LoM darkened windscreen, the antennae with red signals and the circular badge with unique claw symbol are located. The operating arms are attached to the left and right of the cockpit: Excavation Searcher Front Cockpit and Arms by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Technic panels and curvy sloped parts give the cockpit a nice shape. The windscreen can be removed to see the pilot: Excavation Searcher Cockpit Inside by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr As in all mechs, the Martian is holding the handles. The orange slope makes the model look complete - without it the claw and the orange dish would look worse. The pilotless cockpit: Excavation Searcher Cockpit Without Pilot by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The brown handles have no control panel on them, though there is some device on the left side of the pilot. And it looks like a Martian smartphone! The arms of the Searcher can be moved with hinges. The left arm ends with the claw which is designed to hold meteorites (they are included here and aren't in 7314): Excavation Searcher Claw Arm by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Above the claw there is a similar sign than above the cockpit. The claw itself contains two parts which are pulled together by a rubber band. This claw works harder than the one of Recon Mech RP, probably because of time. The right arm wields some device with an orange radar dish: Excavation Searcher Laser Arm by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr I think it's a laser for stone cutting to obtain biodium. Behind the cockpit the mech's body with four legs, meteorite container and tail is located: Excavation Searcher Middle and Back by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The grey top pin spoils the impression a bit, but it's required to attach the cockpit above. It should also be noted that leg prints slightly differ in color for some reason. The meteorite container occupies the entire middle part of the mech. A small flyer can be seen under it: Excavation Searcher Meteorite Container by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The container can carry up to 2 meteorites. Frames prevent the meteorites from accidental falling. Grey bridges between the hinges are made of flexible rubber, so the joints can be moved separately: Excavation Searcher Meteorite Container Flexible Parts by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The container without meteorites - the studs allow to attach the precious cargo: Excavation Searcher Meteorite Container Empty by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The tail claw can move down and take a meteorite from the ground: Excavation Searcher Grabs a Meteorite by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The Searcher holds the meteorite: Excavation Searcher Tail Claw by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Unfortunately, the tail contains the same hinges as arms and legs do, and this design restrains its movements. The claw can put the meteorite in the container: Excavation Searcher Puts a Meteorite by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Unfortunately, there is no way for the front claw to do the same work. The crane operator controls the tail: Excavation Searcher Tail Claw Pilot by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr His workplace looks very simple and has no seats - only the control panel on the rotating circle: Excavation Searcher Tail Control Panel by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Flyer The Searcher is equipped with a small scout flyer. This little plane is attached to the holes under the meteorite container using Technic axles: Excavation Searcher Flyer Storage by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr These axles with light grey dishes are some kind of engines or anti-gravity devices which allow the flyer to hover above Mars surface: Excavation Searcher Flyer by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The pilot controls the vehicle, firmly holding the computer panel. The flyer's nose is the same part as Searcher's legs. The pilot can stand on his flyer too, though this will likely worsen the aerodynamic properties: Excavation Searcher Flyer with Standing Pilot by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The console is attached to the flyer with a tan Trade Federation battle droid arm - the same part as Martian arms. Plane's bottom. Perhaps, these black circles are anti-gravity devices too: Excavation Searcher Flyer Bottom by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The flyer without its pilot - the control screen can be seen: Excavation Searcher Flyer Without Pilot by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr This small aircraft can be placed under Searcher's hull even with the pilot (though mech's steps and Martian "air" currents will shake him hard): Excavation Searcher Flyer Stored With Pilot by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Vega uses the flyer to locate meteorites, and Pollux with Canopus will gather them in the Excavation Searcher: Search for Meteorites by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Hangar Bay/Meteorite Processing Station The set contains a structure - a bay where the collected meteorites can be unloaded and processed: Excavation Searcher Hangar Bay by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Its roof is decorated with the same claw as the Excavation Searcher. It looks very similar to two other mech bays included in Aero Tube Hangar - sloped roofs, sand purple arches, docking axles and supports with red lights: Martian Hangar Bays by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr But there are differences too: Searcher's bay is shorter, and roof lights are placed a bit differently. It also has a rear section for meteorites. The Excavation Searcher can be docked to its bay with axles. To do this, all leg hinges should be placed at right angles: Excavation Searcher Connected by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The axles of the bay are connected to the holes in Searcher's hull: Excavation Searcher Bay Connection by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The tail claw can be turned, and the roof can be raised to unload the meteorites: Excavation Searcher Meteorite Arrives by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr A meteorite can slide to a container (it's a block part): Excavation Searcher Meteorite Station by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Here Vega can scan it to find biodium and even extract the ore using hi-tech equipment. And here are the uncovered meteorites! Biodium, the spaceborn valuable energy source for Martians, can be seen inside them: Excavation Searcher Meteorites by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The biodium crystals have different colors: red and blue. They both are fused to orange rock. Biodium meteorites were included only in 3 sets: in this one, in Aero Tube Hangar (one with blue crystal) and in Solar Explorer starship (one with green crystal). Unfortunately, this high-energy ore is represented only by transparent tubes, but there were no translucent crystals in 2001 (though there was CHROME!!!). The processing station has a computer panel: Excavation Searcher Meteorite Station Computer by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The slide for meteorites holds on hinges that don't take fixed positions (the rube is removed for illustrative purposes): Excavation Searcher Meteorite Slide by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The straightened slide: Excavation Searcher Meteorite Slide Straight by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Here turquoise grills can be seen - they are unique for this set in LoM, but were also used in Rock Raiders and Technic series. An aero tube connector from 7317 can be attached to the bay: Excavation Searcher Bay With Hangar Ports by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr It's done! The Aero Tube Hangar is now complete! All three exits now lead to mech bays! Aero Tube Hangar With Excavation Searcher Bay by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The only one shortcoming is that the connector between two tubes now floats in air, but the tubes can be turned such a way that it will stand on the ground. Transformations Now let's see the modular structure of this set. It can be disassembled into 7 parts (Lord Voldemort approves!): Excavation Searcher Disassembled by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr It's proposed to make a small mech from the cockpit and front legs, and another one - from the tail with the container: Excavation Searcher Two Parts by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr I even like the cockpit-based mech - it looks funny. However, the separated tail is weird and can easily fall. I would like to put the cockpit above the front legs - now we can get a centaur without annoyingly bulging pins: Excavation Searcher Centaur by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr In this configuration, the cockpit becomes mobile and can rotate up to 90 degrees. I like this variation even more than the defalut one. By combining the elements of this set and Recon Mech RP, you can try to assemble a very looooooong "mech train": Excavation Searcher and Recon Mech RP by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr However, the 7314 instruction proposes to connect the rear part with a long light-grey bricks, so this model becomes a fully-fledged alternate build. I didn't disassemble the set just to do that. By removing Searcher's cockpit and connecting the rear part with an extra Technic bridge, such construction can be achieved: Excavation Searcher and Recon Mech RP Fusion 2 by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Unfortunately, the Recon Mech's cockpit leans down under its weight. The extra parts: 5 spare rubber bands, a black Technic bridge to connect parts from different sets and a red light (there were also Martian and droid arms, but I removed them before filming this review): Excavation Searcher Extra Parts by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Pros/Cons Pros: + Original design + Size + High mobility + Contains a part of Aero Tube Hangar + Interesting and unusual parts + Modular structure + No stickers + Usable box Cons: - Typical color scheme - Connecting hinges - Legs don't bend in knees - Leg and flyer nose prints have slightly different colors - A bulging top pin in the standard configuration - it can be easily eliminated by building a "centaur" - Hard to find Bonus (with Aero Tube Hangar) Once upon a time, in the Aero Tube Hangar... Excavation Searcher at Aero Tube Hangar by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr - The intelligence reports two meteorites in Tharsis mountains. Pollux, Canopus, Vega, go there in the Excavation Searcher and bring biodium ore. - Right away, General Riegel! Pneumo pump, destination point - Excavation Searcher bay! Pollux Ready by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The pneumatic pump started working, and Pollux's hypersled disappeared in a translucent tube of the Hangar. After that, Canopus prepared to his turn. - Pneumo pump, destination point - Excavation Searcher bay! Canopus Ready by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr After Canopus, Vega laid down in his hypersled. The powerful pump placed all three Martians into the tube, and the mechanism connected it to the required aero track: Vega Ready, Pump Is Working by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The air flow changed its direction, and all crew members rushed in their hypersleds to the destination point: Three Martians in the Tube by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The tube passed through the entire Martian base, and a human astronaut looked cautiously at Hangar's work, driving his Rover. Three Martians in the Tube by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Finally. the Martians arrived at the bay and cheerfully walked to their faithful mech: Excavation Searcher Crew Arrives by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Pollux climbed into the cockpit, started the engine, and the mech undocked from the bay. Canopus took his place near the crane, and Vega laid down in the empty meteorite container as he couldn't find a place to sit: Excavation Searcher Departs by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr After several Martian hours, the walker returned to the base, loaded with meteorites. Vega flew his aircraft that helped him find these rocks with precious ore. Excavation Searcher Returns With Meteorites by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Using Searcher's tail claw, Canopus moved the meteorites to the bay, and they slided to the processing station, where Vega prepared the biodium extraction tools: Excavation Searcher Returns With Meteorites by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Thank you for reading and watching! If you like the review, leave a comment.
  11. Farseer Petriel

    Review: 78777 Alien Discovery

    Thank you for comment, Magic Edutainer! I like these old astronauts too. They were in my childhood, but I didn't own them back then.
  12. Farseer Petriel

    Review: 78777 Alien Discovery

    Thank you very much for the comment, ShishOK! I agree with you - it wasn't expensive and contained 3 vehicles with distinctive LoM look. And I didn't know that you like lime color. I find aliens more interesting than humans too, and the only 2 really good things in human LoM sets are chrome blue helmets and the "Vitruvian minifigure" print (that shuttle with a cardboard part was ridiculous).
  13. Farseer Petriel

    Review: 78777 Alien Discovery

    Thank you very much, Lego David, for feedback! Yes, it is a very interesting pack of sets because of its box.
  14. Farseer Petriel

    Review: 78777 Alien Discovery

    Hello again Eurobricks! I present you the review of a rare LEGO set from 2001 Life on Mars series - or even 3 sets in one box, to be precise: Alien Discovery by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr They are two promotional (Double Hover and Rover) and one "common" (Red Planet Cruiser) sets. Life on Mars is one of my favorite LEGO series. Its main idea is interesting even in our times - humans and Martians do not fight but live in peace and harmony. Besides, this series was very rich in rare colors and uncommon parts, and it can be viewed as the primogenitor of all LEGO walking mechs. This set (being "new" and sealed, of course) was a birthday present from my friend. It was a very pleasant surprise for me, as now I have got almost all Martian sets from the series. So, let's go! Or, as Tenth Doctor says, allons-y! Box The box looks unusual, as it has slots for lesser boxes with sets inside: Alien Discovery Box by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Such "3 in 1" packs were sold only in America. The depicted astronaut says that it was a set of special value. This minifigure, the silhouette of Mars and the red background create the atmosphere of distant space and scientific discoveries which was iconic for this series. The back side of the box has the set images and the LEGO Club advertisement: Alien Discovery Box Back by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The ad looks unusual for Europeans as it was targeted at American consumers. It should also be noted that the green background has the blueprints of a completely different Life on Mars set - Recon Mech RP. The big box without small ones looks like a photo frame: Alien Discovery Box Without Small Boxes by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Different sides of the big box: set images, a Club ad and warnings: Alien Discovery Box Sides by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Three little boxes viewed separately: Alien Discovery Set Boxes by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr They have the images of the sets on the red Mars background. Written names and pieces counts indicate that this is the American version. The back sides of the promo set boxes have combined Life on Mars posters, and the box of Red Planet Cruiser depicts its functionality: Alien Discovery Set Boxes Back Sides by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Different sides of the boxes: Alien Discovery Boxes Sides by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The Red Planet Cruiser pilot is named on the box (Altair), while the other minifigures are not. Instructions and Booklets The cover of Red Planet Cruiser instruction: Red Planet Cruiser Instruction by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr On the first pages, the construction begins: Red Planet Cruiser Instruction First Page by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The back cover has all basic sets from Life on Mars in boxes: Red Planet Cruiser Instruction Back Cover by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The instructions for smaller sets are folded sheets of paper: Double Hover and Rover Instructions by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Their back sides are absolutely identical: Double Hover and Rover Instructions Back Sides by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr In both promo sets, these small posters are included (I don't remember which poster corresponds to which set). One poster depicts three Martians (Altair, Canopus and Cassiopeia), and another one depicts more Martians and the Assistant: Life on Mars Posters by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr There is nothing on their back sides. Besides the posters, all sets have such advertisements (they are identical, and here both sides are shown): LEGO 2001 Ads by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The profiles to attain LEGO Club membership in North America (US and Canadian flags are depicted): LEGO Club Ads by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Minifigures Each set has one minifigure. Totally there are three figures: two Martians and one Earthling: Alien Discovery Minifigures English by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The name of the Double Hover Martian is unknown. He has the same face as Vega, but his body and legs are colored differently, which is atypical for the series. He is one of three nameless Martians included only in promo sets. This Martian can be found only in Double Hover. On the other hand, we know the name of Red Planet Cruiser pilot - Altair. He is a Martian child. He likes listening to weird music and flying at high speed. His name means "the flying eagle", very much like the name of Altair star. His eyes are larger and cuter than Vega's, and his face has nostrils and freckles. Altair is also the only Martian with hair - he has a very funny red forelock! This figure is unique for 7311. The Assistant is an unnamed crew member of the human starship called Solar Explorer. He wears a futuristic spacesuit and a helmet with a blue visor. His face with glasses and a microphone is standard for that years. It's amazing how his bare hands withstand Martian cold weather (-40 degrees Celsius!), or he wears yellow gloves. This Assistant figure was present in two promo sets. The version included in basic 7310 set has a chrome blue visor. For my entire life I thought that Altair's suit is yellow - it looked yellow in photos and comics from Samodelki magazine. This is not true since Altair's body and legs are lime, and this can be easily seen if you bring a human minifigure: Altair Is Not Yellow! by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The Assistant has no print on his back: Alien Discovery Minifigures Back by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr From his back he looks like some fantasy knight: Space Knight? by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr But from his front he doesn't: Assistant and Grand Marshal by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Sets Let's move to the main part of the review - namely to the sets. There are three of them - Double Hover, Rover and Red Planet Cruiser: Alien Discovery Sets by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Rover Rover by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Number 7309 (other versions: 7300, 1413). The Rover represents nothing special - just a small vehicle with an ore detector. Behind the pilot here are an antenna and two side holders, one of which is occupied by the locator. The Rover is controlled by an ordinary steering wheel: Rover by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The wheels are placed on spinning Technic pins: Rover Wheel Construction by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The Rover without pilot: Rover Without Pilot by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Double Hover Double Hover by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Number 7310 (other versions: 7301, 1414). The Double Hover is as small and simlple as the Rover, yet it looks more exotic, because it is a Martian invention. It's something like a hovering scooter or sleigh: Double Hover Back by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The pilot holds the handles, upon which the printed control panel is attached. The set has no stickers at all - the round part under which the engine is apparently located is printed too. The color scheme is the same as in Red Planet Cruiser (it will be shown later) - green, sand green and a bit of orange. The "ski" of Double Hover can be lifted. Apparently the pilot can use this to regulate the altitude: Double Hover Engine Lift by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr "Obey me, Earthlings!" Obey Me! by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Without the pilot, the Double Hover doesn't look so beautiful: Double Hover Without Pilot by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Red Planet Cruiser Red Planet Cruiser by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Number 7311. The Cruiser is the biggest set in this box and the only one that belongs to the common set line. It is the smallest of the "usual" Life on Mars Martian sets. It's hard to understand why this vehicle is called Cruiser - it doesn't look like one. It's a weird one-legged hybrid between a mech and a flyer: Red Planet Cruiser by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr It's hardly understandable how he moves. By jumping? Or is the leg needed only to push off the ground and later fly on jet engines? This leg is particularly flexible due to three joints (larger mechs have only two of them). The problem is that it's difficult to pose the Cruiser without falling. But it can crawl like a caterpillar, for instance: Red Planet Cruiser Caterpillar by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr "Forward, to the stars!" To The Stars! by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The leg can be straightened to turn this weird mech into a small flyer: Red Planet Cruiser Flying by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr In this mode, it flies with two wing-based jet engines. Probably there is the third engine inside the leg. The round piece with flame image is the Cuiser's symbol and isn't included in other sets, except for accessory pack. The cruiser's cockpit is open and has manipulators on its sides. Most likely they are sensors and scanners, but the orange dish may be a weapon: Red Planet Cruiser Cockpit by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The Cruiser from the bottom: Red Planet Cruiser Upside Down by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr This model has pleasant colors. Grey and sand green with small inclusions of green and orange look good. The cockpit without the pilot: Red Planet Cruiser Without Pilot by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr It can be seen that the control panel is attached to the similar part as Martian arms, but grey. The Cruiser contained several extra parts (extra droid and Martian arms mistakingly are not shown here but still were present): Red Planet Cruiser Extra Parts by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr The Cruiser can be united with the Double Hover, and they look like one vehicle (this was Artlego's idea): Red Planet Cruiser With Double Hover by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Red Planet Cruiser, Double Hover and other Martian flyers: Martian Aircraft by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr Rover, Cruiser and Double Hover among other Martian mechs (7314, 7316 and 7317): Martian Mechs (With Rover) by Farseer Eldar, on Flickr I need only Red Planet Protector (7313) for the full Martian collection. Pros/Cons Pros: + Special value, 3 sets in 1 box + Good color scheme + Rare minifigures + Mobility of Red Planet Cruiser and Double Hover + No stickers Cons: - Weird Red Planet Cruiser design - Simple Rover design - Hard to find Thank you for reading and watching! If you like the review, please, leave a comment. The author will be glad to hear your opinions. And if someone wonders why I'm doing these reviews, I'll answer that this is for history.
  15. Farseer Petriel

    Review: 7314 Recon-Mech RP

    ShishOK, thank you very much for your comment! I like the old school feel of this set and sand red color too. And I hope that my reviews will be made soon!