WesternOutlaw

6880 Surface Explorer Year Released: 1982 Piece Count: 80 Minifigs: 1 List Price: $7.50 Set 6880, Surface Explorer was one of my last Classic Space sets purchased. It offered new black accessories that were previously grey during the "Blue Era". A new open radar dish replaced the classic solid grey dish, and the set included my first YELLOW SPACE MINIFIG! Wow, YELLOW! - in fact, to this day, he remains my only non red or white classic space fig. Starting with the instructions (TIP: Save your instructions! It helps many years later when you go to build Classic Sets): No picture was included on the backside The yellow space fig: Here's a shot of the black accessories. The large black gun/space deviceattaches to the radar dish: The Surface Explorer has two mechanical arms, one being a digger/scooper: And the other (my favorite), the claw: I think this is the only set I have with the "claw" piece I've always loved this radar dish with the black scope: Also a very nice addition to Classic Space was these rubber wheels. This set included 12: The vehicle had two steering wheels for driving either direction (or perhaps one was for the radar dish), but as the picture on the instructions shows, here's a shot of the front: And the backside: You will notice that one of the grey closed hook pieces has been replaced with a white one. I am missing this piece. A view from the top: And the complete set: FINAL THOUGHTS: I think this is a timeless space set. One could easily add space figs from any era, and they would work perfectly. I may just add a few of the Mars Mission figs (and/or a few orange pieces) and see how it looks. REFERENCES: Brickset Lugnet BrickLink

6970 Beta I Command Center Year Released: 1980 Piece Count: 254 Minifigs: 4 Vehicles: 2 (1 moon buggy & 1 small ship) List Price: $37 The Beta I Command Center was my favorite of Classic "Blue-Era" Space Baces. It offered a great amount of playability having a command center, an early monorail (for lack of a better name), a moon buggy, and small space craft. Unique elements included the replacement of standard yellow bricks with trans. yellow windows, a black laser gun, a clear minifig cup, and a Classic Space flag, to name just a few. The set was so fun as a kid. Now on to the review. The instructions: The baskside of the instructions. Notice how the picture keeps including more sets (compared to earlier sets): The set includes four figs, still just white and red: A moon buggy that has a clip for attaching a wrench or walkie-talkie: One of the nicest components of this set is this small space craft: A different view: The ship takes off from this landing platform which lifts up: A small monorail system from the Command Base takes two figs at a time to the platform: A close-up of the two seated manual monorail: Notice also the great classic space flag. The decals are original. And here's the Command Center: The radar system on top: Inside the command center are two rotating chairs, two beds, table, and accessories: The left side has a large printed display screen (different from the one included within the Space Command Center #493): A close-up of the right side: Here's a shot at a different angle. I always liked the clear cup. It's too bad that the other minifigs have to share: The backside. I love the large window: This image gives you an idea of the distance between the landing platform and command center: The complete set that is a lot larger than it looks with this picture: This set gets a 10 from me! REFERENCES: Brickset Lugnet BrickLink

Good news! Thanks for sharing. Here's a direct link to the printable coupon: TRU Printable Coupon

CLASSIC SPACE INDEX Blue-Era Space Sets Spanning 1978 - 1988 With Links to 10 Set Reviews ======================================================== 1978 ======================================================== 462 Mobile Rocket Launcher 493 Space Command Center 918 One Man Space Ship ======================================================== 1979 ======================================================== 305 Two Crater Plates 306 Two Lunar Landing Plates 442 Space Shuttle 452 Mobile Ground Tracking Station 453 Two Crater Plates (same as 305) 454 Two Lunar Landing Plates (same as 306) 483 Alpha-1 Rocket Base 487 Space Cruiser 497 Galaxy Explorer 885 Space Scooter 886 Space Buggy 889 Radar Truck 891 Two Seater Space Scooter 894 Mobil Ground Tracking Station 897 Mobil Rocket Launcher 920 Rocket Launch Pad (same as 483) 924 Space Transporter (same as 487) 926 Command Center (same as 493) 928 Space Cuiser And Moonbase (same as 497) ======================================================== 1980 ======================================================== 6821 Shovel Buggy 6841 Mineral Detector 6861 X1 Patrol Craft 6881 Lunar Rocket Launcher 6901 Mobile Lab 6970 Beta I Command Base ======================================================== 1981 ======================================================== 6801 Moon Buggy 6822 Space Digger 6842 Small Space Shuttle Craft 6870 Space Probe Launcher 6927 All-Terrain Vehicle 6929 Star Fleet Voyager ======================================================== 1982 ======================================================== 6880 Surface Explorer 6890 Cosmic Cruiser 6950 Mobil Rocket Transporter ======================================================== 1983 ======================================================== 1593 Super Model Building Instructions 6701 Minifig Pack 6711 Minifig Pack 6803 Space Patrol 6823 Surface Transport 6844 Sismobile 6930 Space Supply Station 6980 Galaxy Commander ======================================================== 1984 ======================================================== 6804 Surface Rover 6824 Space Dart I 6846 Tri-Star Voyager 6871 Star Patrol Launcher 6882 Walking Astro Grappler 6928 Uranium Search Vehicle 6951 Robot Command Center 6971 Inter-Galactic Command Base ======================================================== 1985 ======================================================== 6805 Astro Dasher 6806 Surface Hopper 6807 Yellow Fig w/Robot (unnamed) 6825 Cosmic Comet 6826 Crater Crawler 6847 Space Dozer 6848 Inter-Planeteray Shuttle 6891 Gamma V Laser Craft 6931 FX Star Patroller 6952 Solar Power Transporter ======================================================== 1986 ======================================================== 1526 Billund Vault Classic Space Set 1557 Scooter 1558 Mobile Command Trailer 1580 Lunar Scout 1968 Classic Space Ship (unnamed) 6702 Minifig Pack 6750 Sonic Robot 6780 XT Starship 6802 Space Probe 6820 Starfire I 6845 Cosmic Charger 6872 Xenox X-Craft 6874 Moon Rover 6892 Modular Space Transport 6926 Mobile Recovery Vehicle 6940 Alien Moon Stalker 6985 Cosmic Fleet Voyager ======================================================== 1987 ======================================================== 1498 Spy-Bot 1499 Twin Starfire 6808 Galaxy Trekkor 6809 XT-5 and Droid 6827 Strata Scooter 6849 Satellite Patroller 6883 Terrestrial Rover 6972 Polaris I Space Lab ======================================================== 1988 ======================================================== 6703 Minifig Set 6783 Sonar Transmitting Cruiser

6901 Mobile Lab Year Released: 1980 Piece Count: 123 Minifigs: 2 List Price: unknown Arriving a year later to the Classic Blue Era Space Collection, the Mobile Lab introduces new green transclucent bricks to Lego Space. The set is a real "emerald" for Classic Space vehicles, and one of my top favorites. Starting with the instructions: And the backside: The set includes two figs - great for adding to the red and white clone armies: The vehicle, I love the green and grey: A side view: The set included two attachments for the robotic arm mechanism: a scanning device of some kind, and a small shovel/soil extractor: Here's a shot of the front that includes two printed space slopes: The doors on each side of the vehicle swing open on hinges: The inside is roomy enough to place two minifigs: Here's the white space fig inside: The set had six wheel sets: And the whole set: The set sells for $45-$50 used on BrickLink. FLASHBACK: This was an awesome set in the early 80s. I was really drawn to the trans. green pieces, esp. considering that all previous space sets used the trans. yellow for windshields and windows. I remember playing Battlestar Galactica and Buck Rogers with this vehicle as the two space figs attempted to draw soil samples from distant planets. REFERENCES: Brickset Lugnet BrickLink

483 Alpha-1 Rocket Base Year Released: 1979 Piece Count: 170 Minifigs: 3 Vehicles: 1 (two sections) List Price: unknown Despite the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty of 1968, Lego dared design a Rocket Base complete with a rocket system that may have had nuclear capability in 1979. Luckily, the rocket was defective having rather flimsy white bricks that did not stay together well during launch attempts. Lego scrapped its WMD program and the result was this classic "blue era" space set known as the Alpha-1 Rocket Base. Instructions: On the backside of the instructions, the set is featured with the Space Command Center, Space Cruiser, and a few vehicle sets: The set includes three figs: And this great rocket fuel tanker: Here's the front section complete with computer: And the rocket fuel section: The set has some interesting features including the Control Section, Fuel Control, and Launch Pad: On top of the Control Section is a nicely design radar/tracking system: Here's the open control room: The Launch Pad and Fuel Control: The Fuel Control includes two sink pieces and blue steering wheels: And Lego's WMD (Weapon of Mass Destruction), the Alpha-1 on the Launch Pad: Here's a shot of the launching mechanism: Unfortunately, I have lost one of the blue sink/faucet pieces as well as a black hose: A close-up of the Alpha-1 Rocket. The white bricks never stayed together well often times coming apart within your hands: The arming and guidance system was nicely designed: A view of the complete set: And another: This is a great set. The base, fuel vehicle, and launch platform offers a great amount of playability. My only complaint is the rocket (as mentioned above). I don't think I ever played with it a sa kid because it always fell apart. Share your comments regarding this Classic Space set.

Well, it's not exactly a large shuttle, but still a nice set: 442 Space Shuttle Year Released: 1979 Piece Count: 79 Minifigs: 1 Vehicles: 0 List Price: unknown This little classic was my smallest classic space set. Believe it or not, I still have the box: Here's the back: The instructions are pretty tattered and missing a section. I had to download some from the web: But the ship is again intact, missing only one grey 1x3 plate: I've always liked this computer piece: Here's the under side. This set included the small classic jet engines: A close-up of the sloped printed space brick: And the complete set with minifig: This set was a great little space ship that made a nice addition to the Blue Space Theme. As small as it was, it could hold two-three figs (one standing up). I don't even think the Mars Mission Recon Drop Ship holds three figs. In any case, it was a must-have for Blue Space Fans, and probably only a few bucks back in the day. SWOOSH!

Excellent review of this classic little set. The pictures are great! I had never seen this vehicle before (like so many of these classic town sets). I love how these 4-stud wide vehicles look on the road. Yours looks like you just bought it yesterday (even with the decals). The forestwoman is a nice touch to - creative and clever. Neat review.

The Event Horizon - I don't know... Thanks. I've been looking at this set as well. Thanks for sharing the link to the review. I was checking the Index and perhaps I missed it, or the new MM sets aren't listed. Thanks. I did find Yoda's review earlier today, but the pictures didn't display for me either. I also found an alternate black MOC, but it's all black.

Excellent! How's the quality/shape of your set? Interesting guess, but no. What makes you guess the Galaxy Explorer? The landing plate?

Lately, I've been admiring the Space Theme/Mars Mission and want to go out and buy a space set. As I'm not really "up" with the new Mars Mission theme, do any of you have any recommendations? I'd like a mid-range priced set, but really not sure what I should buy. I have been admiring the Recon Drop Ship that looks pretty slick. Any suggestions?

007: This is really an outstanding and unique MOC. It really has a style and grace to it that I don't believe I've seen in other Lego creations before. The style is very different as it does not look like it's made of Lego. The MOC has a mood of simplicity and tranquility (mainly because of the building and water). I love how you created the waterfall and the patterns in the water - an excellent touch. The building/house of the Samurai is what I really like the best though. I love the unique roof design, another unique attribute. The interior is simple yet very nicely detailed. Is the door removable? I love the colors and the jedi fig/torso is perfect. Overall, this is an outstanding MOC. You've outdone yourself on this one!

Space Command Center #493 Year Released: 1979 Piece Count: 161 Minifigs: 4 Vehicles: 2 List Price: unknown My first space set was this all-time classic, the Space Command Center. While my friend was "swooshing" his Space Cruiser through the air, I was grounded on the moon where this great set was located. Starting with the instructions: The set included four figs with two walkie-talkies: Two space vehicles were included in this set. A small moon buggy which formed the basis for all Classic Blue Era Space buggies: And this great camera vehicle with turnable cam: This particular set did not include a "crater baseplate" that came a little later, but rather a flat baseplate with brick-built craters: A later version of this set offered the new crater baseplate. There's a little rust on one of the curved circle bricks (pictured) that I didn't try to clean before taking the picture. Here's a shot of the Command Center: Missing from the picture is another large grey antena. Here's a close-up of the large radar dish: And a view of the Command Center at a different angle: The interior was nicely detailed with a large single piece display screen (no decal). Notice the early brick-built space chairs: Here's a close-up of the display screen: The complete set with one missing antena: I had a lot of fun playing "Moon Base" with this great classic. Hope you enjoy the review.

Thanks DSR. Who would have ever thought this little $10 set would be worth $150? Most of my space collection was early 80s. My Dark Ages hit before many of these other great space themes. Thanks WF. I always enjoy reading your comments. Do you have any Space sets? No, ground vehicle only. The cargo hold is only a few bricks high. Thanks CP. It looks good, but the bricks are pretty old. I'd love to have one in mint consition. What helped was that when I broke up all my Classic City sets in the early/mid 80s, I put the space sets in a box of their own. It helped the wear and tear factor a bit. The color scheme isn't too exciting now, but back in the early 80s, the use of a lot of grey plates was so different (sort of like the Star Wars sets now). The trans yellow was completely new, so it had "cool-appeal" to the kids. Don't feel bad, my space sets suffered similar damage over the years. They also made cool submarines as a kid. I suppose that helped keep them clean. I never owned 462, but always wanted it. Cool little set! The baseplates were awesome! - esp the ones with a crater. I'll share some images in my upcoming reviews.

Hello fellow Space Fans. Let me first say that I've been a long-time Classic Space fan but seldom frequented theSpace and Mecha Forum. I may have made a few posts to provide feedback on some MOCs, but am not familiar with many of the topics discussed in this forum. In any case, I've been wanting to dig out the old space collection and recently did so. During the next few weeks, I'd like to review a number of these sets offering some pictures and creating discussion of some great space legends. Starting with a very early Classic Space set, my first review will be the legendary Space Cruiser, a mid-sized space ship within the Blue Fleet, numbered LL924. Space Cruiser #487 Year Released: 1979 Piece Count: 155 Minifigs: 2 Vehicles: 1 List Price: $10 Starting with the instructions that are dated "1979" and marked "Printed in Germany by Muhlmeister & Johier, Hamburg": The backside pictures the Space Cruiser with two other sets: The set includes two minifigs, one white and one red: Accessories include a white cargo box with working 1x3 doors, a wrench, grey tool piece, and a few translucent bricks: The set included a forklift that was unique to the Classic Space collection: Fully intact with all pieces accounted for is the Space Cruiser: Here's a side view that shows the "LL924" brick as well as the Classic Space emblem piece: Here's the front section that shows the unique classic space slopes: The back has two opening sections connected by a 1x2 tile: I've always enjoyed opening the hatch to place the figs: Inside is a steering wheel and two grey computer bricks: The best part of this set is the back section that holds the cargo box: Here's a shot of the bottom of the ship. I often times added wheels so the crusier could land runway style: And the complete set: FLASHBACK: I was a Classic Lego Town fan when I was a kid and visited a friend one day who lived down the street from me. He had this set which was the first Lego space set I had seen. I thought it was so awesome. I talked my parents into taking me to the store where I ended up picking up another Classic Space set. I purchased this set later. This set (used but complete) is priced at $71.99 - $150.00 (USD) on Bricklink. I hope you enjoy this review and there will be more to come over the next few days/weeks. REFERENCES: Lugnet Brickset BrickLink

Rrigs: This is really an interesting topic. Great pictures for comparison! As a long-time Lego collector, I have watched the sets get bigger over the years. The exception is perhaps the late 70s when some of the vehicles were 6-studs wide (as an example, Set #730 Steam Shovel with Carrier) - but they weren't really mini-fig scale. But yes, the city sets have esp. grown. Your first example of the mobile crane lifting the earlier version really shows the difference. I like the scale of the new Coast Guard sets for detail, but placing them in a classic-style city really looks awkward. That's the biggest problem with the larger-detailed sets. This topic also reminds me of this discussion: Lego Cars & the Fuel Crunch: is Lego Building Their Cars Too Large. Excellent topic!

I am always just a spirit away, my son (pulls out some tonic from under his robe). Alas! We have made a wise decision buy yet another loyalist has been murdered (bows his head and perfoms the sign of the cross). These traitors must be found and hung before more good men make their way to the Gates of Heaven prematurely. Let us now pray for Mike.

The Undertaker MOC is my favorite. I love the use of the Penguin torso. Next, the Governor's Mansion looks really good. Lego needs to jump on these and make them into official sets. Brickminer is very talented, at his attention to Lego-style WW buildings and his graphic work. These are Top Notch! 007: The other WW MOC that you shared is pretty impressive to. I love the Spanish Fort, and the Sponge Bob is a funny addition.

I think the white epaulette looks really good KD - clever use; but have to agree with Athos in regard to the brown one. I don't think the brown looks good with the blue uniform. These are pretty much like the official WW cavalry (with the exception of the use of the young cowboy face). From Frontier Patrol (Set 6706):

Fasting is always gould for the soul. (Pulls out a large turkey drumstick from under his robe)...

(Returning from the ) A vision in prayer has told me that I should not trust Lord Ash or General Marcus. However, upon deeper thought, I must: VOTE LORD ASH. I'm sorry my son. (bows head in sadness).

Very clever use of the triceratops BearHeart. It looks really good with the Orc wagon. I would never have thought of mixing the Dinos with castle. You've pulled it off very nicely. Your wagon looks very nice as well. Overall, very well done.

What a great Lego Birthday! Thanks for sharing that story White Fang. It's great to have frinds who care about you. Happy belated birthday. I don't have as moving a story as you, but I spend the day before my birthday in DownTown Disney. I was checking out the awesome Lego store there. It was also a nice vacation.

Wild West would not be complete without American Indians.

I am not sure what to believe considering these recent events. I shall seek guidance in prayer... (walks slowly away with head down toward the ).