Help me get into (neo)classic space

[Heechee84]

Hello,

 

I used to have a large collection of classic space sets (sprinkled with some Futuron and Blacktron II) as a kid in the late 80s / early 90s. Driven by strong nostalgia I decided to buy a set for a showcase. I decided on the 70816 Benny's Spaceship, as the closest modern approximation, and I like it very very much. I also discovered there has been this re-imagining of the classic space theme among the fans with more modern components and building methods.

 

I would very much like to try to build something like the LL-605 Marauder, or LL-497, but I have no idea where to start. I remember the ships of old to be much more blocky, so I assume these are built in a different way, surely utilizing components from modern sets (Star Wars?) that I know absolutely nothing about.

 

Would some kind soul recommend me what would be the best way to accumulate necessary basic pool of bricks for this theme quickly and efficiently (I'm ready to spend several hundred dollars initially) - maybe identify some critical sets, and direct me to either some instructions on basics how such sets are built or even recommend some MOCs with existing manual for me to start with?

 

Thank you.

[icm]

I can't tell you what sets to buy, but I like to build NCS ships in Bricklink Studio.  I've learned a lot of techniques that way.  You might try that.

[Masked Mini]

32 minutes ago, Heechee84 said:

I would very much like to try to build something like the LL-605 Marauder, or LL-497, but I have no idea where to start.

You already found where to start! 
Look through the flickr, download the high res pictures and try to recreate the moc - section by section.
The wings look very simple in basic construction and you can see most of the bricks, easy to identify and they only go together so many ways.
Build your own, simpler, take on the -605 wings. Then try to figure out how the hinge is built on that moc and try to recreate that.
Maybe rebuild the cockpit and pieces of the fuselage you can figure out. Make them work together. Add the Wings to your fuselage.
Tear it all apart because it looks nothing like -605. Start over. You will end up building your own -605 and learn what works.
At some point you'll try -497 or another ship. Technique will accumulate as you experiment and look at other peoples MOCs.
The "Ah-HAH!" moments will increase and the process will accelerate.
I got good at reverse engineering other people's builds from pictures. Just try to give credit where it's due.

If you can abide the virtual controls then stud.io is a fantastic place to practice as you have literally unlimited amounts of bricks of every type in every color including colors lego doesn't even make. I'm a physical person, Stud.io doesn't work well for me.
But try it, it's free. Building there can give you an idea of what bricks you like to build with, export brick lists to shop for.

I buy bulk bricks at consignment stores, thrift stores, garage sales, ebay, Bricks and Minifigs stores and last but not least clearance priced sets to tear apart for bricks. Specialty pieces I find on bricklink.com and lego.com's bricks and pieces service.

Edited December 6, 2019 by Masked Mini

[Mr Lyo]

as a beginner myself , i use stud.io from bricklink alot.  it's easy to find models and look how they are made.

the Rebrickable website is a good place to find alternate builds for sets.   ex:  Benny's spaceship alt build https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-12168/wojs/swoosh-one-mark-i

i also buy creative boxes when they are on sale,   lots of color/pieces for not too much $.

another thing i like is rebuilding older space sets i find at https://lego.brickinstructions.com/en/showallyears  and ''upgrading'' them with modern parts .