Space78

Another question, are Ideas sets generally made in smaller numbers than sets in the "regular" themes? Lately, it seems some ideas sets have gone up in value quite a bit after the set is retired, such as Pirates of Baracuda Bay, and the Fishing Shack to name a couple.

I don't know if Lego designed the locomotive smaller for cost purposes or if they made it smaller to run on Lego track, I think it's unclear. The best train "models" are well balanced between motive power and rolling stock. In the catalog image, the whole thing just doesn't look right from a train perspective. It includes two coaches of significant length compared to the engine. In the Lego world we imagine we are pulling more cars when we run the train, but honestly that engine looks more like a switch engine than one that could make a transcontinental trip pulling a string of coaches. It's a 4-6-0 configuration. In my book it's definitely missing a trailing wheel/truck. They could have gone with a 2-6-2 configuration or 2-6-4, and it would probably have looked more balanced and like it could pull a long string of cars. I don't think they needed to do a x-8-x configuration - that would only be possible if the wheel diameter were really small or if it did no run on Lego track, but pilot and trailing truck on a transcontinental locomotive would see like a given. However, I'm in the USA, and am not very familiar with European/Asian steam locomotives. Since real train offerings from Lego are pretty scarce, we train fanatics will buy anything on offer, and if we are smart (and can afford it) we buy at least two of whatever is offered (I should have bought two Emerald Night, two Maersk, etc, etc.) I could see buying two copies of this set ($600, ouch!) to get four coaches and then maybe "MOCing" the engine to something more suitable. I have no idea if that would work, or if I personally could even attempt such a thing. I'm not very good at coming up with something completely new, but it's fun to try. @samsz_3 in your lengthened picture, would that require a whole additional section of the boiler, or are you just lengthening the wheel base? Are parts readily available in these colors to extend or modify the engine without needing to buy a second set?

Ah, another set I don't have, yet! I'll get more familiar with the parts once I complete my Classic Space collection. Over half way there!

Thanks, I missed that part on 6883 Terrestrial Rover. I don't have that set yet! What about those small translucent yellow pieces on the top?

That's cool. Are those tail pieces with the space logo used in Classic Space sets, or did those appear later? Also wonder about the small 1x transparent yellow pieces on the top. What set/sets did those appear in? I've not seen those before.

Wow, love the idea of making a command base. I agree this is what's missing from 10497 that was in the original. That and a baseplate or two. Might Lego have reduced the "bulk" of the 10497 ship a bit and included a baseplate and a small command center? However, I love that you put this together from the spare parts of the small ship alternate build. I'm in the process of building 10497. I have a second copy of the set and plan to build the larger of the two alternate ships. @danth you said you made an entire ship from the leftover parts of the mid-size alternate ship. Can you share pictures of that also? Would be great to see what can be done with the "leftover" bricks. It's my understanding that you can't build both alternate ships from one set simultaneously. Is there a list somewhere of what additional parts are needed to build both ship at the same time from one set?

Wow, beautiful stuff. I'm a big fan of Classic Space, but the Futuron theme is very appealing too. With what appears to be the large success of 10497 Galaxy Explorer, one wonders if Lego will bring out another iconic space set, and if so will it be a Futuron set? I'm sure the monorail is too much to hope for, but I'm sure there are great sets to "re-imagine", or new creations like this one based on the Futuron theme. We can only hope!

@zephyr1934 when you say the two 9V engines were not powerful enough to pull the train, is that due to the wheels slipping? Assuming this is an issue of not having enough weight in the engines. The SD39 looks more massive. Might two 9V motors on the SD39 have worked? Just curious as my small Lego train layout is only 9V (track and motors) as I much prefer it over power functions motors. However, when need be I can run power function motors over the 9V track, but I tend to just buy more 9V motors rather than go that route. I dislike constantly messing with batteries.

I think this video does a nice job of explaining the appeal of Classic Space. The fact that it had no predetermined story, no "bad guys" is what makes it so appealing and timeless.

Very, very impressed. I'm a Lionel train enthusiast, and Lego train enthusiast and I must say your builds are fantastic. The cars, engine, and caboose look very realistic. How do you make your custom stickers? I'm from Wisconsin (live in La Crosse), so love seeing all those midwest railroads! Thanks for sharing.