[Alternate Build] 42157 Astroline Space | VAREC 07 & VAREC 02

[tungpham]

When Lego introduced the Technic space theme, I thought I would also create my own. So here are the first two models of my Astroline Space Series: VAREC 02 and VAREC 07 (hope that there will be more).

 

The Story

The year is 2099. As space exploration thrives, venturing into the cosmos has become commonplace. Nations and even private companies now have their own exploration teams. Among these pioneers are VAREC 02 and VAREC 07, designed and produced by the Vietnam Aerospace Research and Exploration Committee (VAREC).

Repurposed from a vintage 2022 John Deere skidder, VAREC 07 is equipped with a powerful front claw, built for collecting and transporting planetary rocks and meteor samples for advanced geological research. Supporting it is VAREC 02, a specialized maintenance robot tasked with repairs and upkeep, ensuring VAREC 07 operates at peak efficiency during every mission.

The Features

VAREC 07 features:

• Cabin with a mini figure seat
• Opening and closing front claw
• Adjustable wings’ angles
• Landing gear deployment
• Open and close front and back engines with pneumatic action

VAREC 02 features:

• Cabin with a mini figure seat
• Extendable cabin height
• Cabin rotation
• Arms control with knob

Last but not least, I also design a custom sticker set for the models. I’m quite pleased with the DTF (direct to film) sticker printing technique, which makes the graphics appear as if they were printed directly onto the brick.

----- Thank you for taking the time to view this post -----

These models are an alternative build of the 42157 - John Deere Skidder set. You can build these two models together using only the parts from the set (including the spare parts). If you are interested, this is the instruction

If you're interested in the photo. Follow me on instagram :P

Edited January 22, 2025 by tungpham

[schraubedrin]

Wow, i love that!

Gives me great "Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak" vibes.
Technic as spaceship works surprisingly well.

The backstory was a nice touch.

[Bartybum]

Heheh this is awesome, I really like the graphic design going on here. It'd be interesting if other people joined in on this and made their own Technic spaceships with lore

[Jurss]

Presentation here is at least 50% bonus points.

[arijitdas]

This is an absolutely stunning build and a very original idea.

[tungpham]

Thank you everyone. Since I didn't know how to embed video in the first post, I update the functions demonstration video here

[Jundis]

What a inspiring alternative! Very well done, Sir!

Presentation is A++

[tungpham]

On 1/25/2025 at 11:59 PM, Jundis said:

What a inspiring alternative! Very well done, Sir!

Presentation is A++

Thank you very much, Sir!

[Zerobricks]

Amazing alternative, it deserves a feature

[Timewhatistime]

   Eurobricks used to have a frontpage, I remember vaguely...  ;-)

[Davidz90]

On 1/22/2025 at 10:00 PM, schraubedrin said:

Gives me great "Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak" vibes

Exactly!

 

Amazing build and presentation. I love the "industrial sci-fi" style.

[LEGO Train 12 Volts]

Absolutely original ...beautiful creation with excellent design!

[sondh]

Beautifully done, sir. I am at awe at people who can MOC with technic sets.

Edited January 28, 2025 by sondh

[tungpham]

Thanks everyone. I’m planning to create a few more models in this series. I’m excited to share them with you soon!

[HydroWorld Outlook]

On 1/31/2025 at 3:36 PM, tungpham said:

Thanks everyone. I’m planning to create a few more models in this series. I’m excited to share them with you soon!

Sounds good! Looking forward to seeing them!

Edited March 4, 2025 by HydroWorld Outlook
This topic seemed relatively recent to me, but I apologize in advance to any moderators who believe I am guilty of bumping this thread.