Neo-Classic Space 7315: Solar Explorer Project

[Lind Whisperer]

For a while, I have been wishing to start work on a space fleet of my own. Exactly what to work on was a rather tricky question, as one week I might be wanting to focus on one faction, only to change the next week to a completely different one.

Then, I saw a forum member's signature, which, on one side, had an array of a overhead view of all of his neo-classic ships, and that, combined with the up-coming release of the Exo-Suit, made me realize that the best starting place, was where the entire theme had begun - with classic space.

But what to build? I wanted something that was not too impressive, or parts heavy, but had at a sizable cockpit and was at least of medium size.

After a bit of thinking, I remembered the 7315: Solar Explorer, and I had my project.

I took the model, built it in LDD, and then carefully read through the instructions to the 487, the 497, and the 918, analyzing the building color styles of the three. I then took the model, and began to take it apart, piece by piece, and recolor it in the same way that it would have been colored if it had been made back in the 70's, leaving only the instruments, printed tiles, and cockpit the same.

This was the end result.

Known problems: It's missing the plastic covering, the left laser is not positioned properly due to LDD restraints, and although the colors are right, the printings are all wrong. Also, the 6219 is in Old Grey, not Blue Light Grey, as it was never released in that color - the same issue is present with 3085px2 not being Trans-Yellow.

I am hoping to slowly build this over time, and was posting it here for critique from the experts, and, hopefully, someday I'll be able to post real-world building updates from time to time.

Comments and thoughts always welcome .

LFX file: Brickshelf folder

Edited July 16, 2014 by Lind Whisperer

[DuckBricks]

Nice job... Perhaps some bumblebee stripes on the wings?

This was once my favorite spaceships when I was little... Thanks for the good memories.

[Lind Whisperer]

Nice job... Perhaps some bumblebee stripes on the wings?

I was thinking about that, but I couldn't see a way to do that without modifying the wing structure, and I wanted to keep the same build as in the original set.

This was once my favorite spaceships when I was little... Thanks for the good memories.

I can see why - it's a cute little ship. Not too small, not too big, with a decently sized cargo chamber and cockpit.

Edited July 16, 2014 by Lind Whisperer

[DuckBricks]

I was thinking about that, but I couldn't see a way to do that without modifying the wing structure, and I wanted to keep the same build as in the original set.

I see... then perhaps you could stack bricks on top of the wing to emulate it... Very good nontheless.

[Lind Whisperer]

I see... then perhaps you could stack bricks on top of the wing to emulate it... Very good nontheless.

Thanks .