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Early ''Space'' sets had a simplistically modern yet colourful charm unrivaled by any other mass-produced science-fiction toy of the time. Many of the theme's more specialized pieces had yet to be developed, although when ''Space'' was first introduced, many parts were new, or were older parts made in new colours. Examples of these early simple sets include [[462 Rocket Launcher]] (1978), and [[442 Space Shuttle]], and [[452 Mobile Tracking Station]] (both 1979). |
Early ''Space'' sets had a simplistically modern yet colourful charm unrivaled by any other mass-produced science-fiction toy of the time. Many of the theme's more specialized pieces had yet to be developed, although when ''Space'' was first introduced, many parts were new, or were older parts made in new colours. Examples of these early simple sets include [[462 Rocket Launcher]] (1978), and [[442 Space Shuttle]], and [[452 Mobile Tracking Station]] (both 1979). |
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− | Perfectly suited for utilitarian ''LEGO Space'', gray had finally become a major colour for a LEGO theme, especially as more plate-type parts were made in that colour, even before ''[[Castle|LEGO Castle]]'' whose first predominantly grey castles were not introduced until [[1984]]. Most often, gray Space sets were paired with green windows, and the other predominant |
+ | Perfectly suited for utilitarian ''LEGO Space'', gray had finally become a major colour for a LEGO theme, especially as more plate-type parts were made in that colour, even before ''[[Castle|LEGO Castle]]'' whose first predominantly grey castles were not introduced until [[1984]]. Most often, gray Space sets were paired with green windows, and the other predominant colour scheme was blue with yellow windows. With the introduction of the [[6929 Starfleet Voyager]] in [[1981]], there were also classic spaceships that appeared in white, with blue canopies, albeit this new colour scheme didn't really catch on until the introduction of ''[[Futuron]]'' in [[1987]]. The advent of this new theme sounded the bell for the end of the ''Classic Space'' era. New parts, most notably the new visored helmets, were introduced as well as a distinct looking adversary faction, but it also reprised several elements of ''Classic Space'' such as the coloured spacesuits and the concept of civilian space explorers, looking more like a visually updated continuation than a mere replacement. |
New sets in the style of ''Classic Space'' were still released until [[1988]], but those sets sported the ''Futuron'' colour scheme, although they still included the old minifigures with their visorless helmets. |
New sets in the style of ''Classic Space'' were still released until [[1988]], but those sets sported the ''Futuron'' colour scheme, although they still included the old minifigures with their visorless helmets. |
Revision as of 05:57, 11 December 2014
The name of this theme is conjectural. Although this article or section is based on an official subject, its actual name is pure conjecture. |
Classic Space is an unofficial theme in the strict sense, but rather a term that refers to the Space sets that were released before 1987, and shared some common characteristics that set them apart from the following Space sets. Most importantly, all Classic Space Minifigures featured the old visorless helmets, which were eventually phased out in favor of newer helmets with movable visors in 1987. There were also no truly different factions as in the time after 1987. All astronauts of Classic Space were peaceful explorers, and there were no antagonistic groups. The larger flying craft of the Classic Space sets all featured a brick with their set number on it.
The initial introduction of the Space theme marks also the beginning of Classic Space.
Overview
The first LEGO Space sets were a leap forward in LEGO design. Compared to the LEGO Company's previous spaceflight-related sets (801 Space Rocket in 1964, 358 Rocket Base in 1973, and 565 Moon Landing in 1976), this new theme of sets boasted new parts and building techniques never before seen in LEGO sets. Although the theme used plenty of basic bricks, there were now parts with finer detail used in smoother-looking ships and multi-purpose vehicles.
Despite curiosities such as steering wheels used to direct spacecraft, and often no inflight pilot protection other than a spacesuit (with a visorless helmet!), simple new constructs sparked builders' imaginations. Starting with spaceships and basic wheeled vehicles, the theme developed, occasionally mirroring science fiction designs. As LEGO Space expanded, the basic pattern of ground-buggies, walking robots, small and large spaceships, and bases emerged.
Early Space sets had a simplistically modern yet colourful charm unrivaled by any other mass-produced science-fiction toy of the time. Many of the theme's more specialized pieces had yet to be developed, although when Space was first introduced, many parts were new, or were older parts made in new colours. Examples of these early simple sets include 462 Rocket Launcher (1978), and 442 Space Shuttle, and 452 Mobile Tracking Station (both 1979).
Perfectly suited for utilitarian LEGO Space, gray had finally become a major colour for a LEGO theme, especially as more plate-type parts were made in that colour, even before LEGO Castle whose first predominantly grey castles were not introduced until 1984. Most often, gray Space sets were paired with green windows, and the other predominant colour scheme was blue with yellow windows. With the introduction of the 6929 Starfleet Voyager in 1981, there were also classic spaceships that appeared in white, with blue canopies, albeit this new colour scheme didn't really catch on until the introduction of Futuron in 1987. The advent of this new theme sounded the bell for the end of the Classic Space era. New parts, most notably the new visored helmets, were introduced as well as a distinct looking adversary faction, but it also reprised several elements of Classic Space such as the coloured spacesuits and the concept of civilian space explorers, looking more like a visually updated continuation than a mere replacement.
New sets in the style of Classic Space were still released until 1988, but those sets sported the Futuron colour scheme, although they still included the old minifigures with their visorless helmets.
Notes
- The Classic Space logo later reappeared in sets of Futuron and Space Police I. It was also featured on several jackets of Town minifigures which first appeared in 4513 Grand Central Station from 2003. Similarly, a white Classic space astronaut with a jetpack was featured on a tourist's shirt in 8970 Robo Attack. The logo of the Mars Mission theme from 2007 seems to be inspired by the Classic Space logo.
- A minifigure statue included in 5974 Galactic Enforcer resembles a Classic Space astronaut, although it does not feature a classic helmet but instead a normal one without visor. The Latin writing on the pedestal says "In annos triginta ad caelum infinitum construxit." ("In thirty years it built to the infinite sky"), commemorating the 30th anniversary of LEGO Space.
- The Classic Space astronaut appeared in LEGO Battles as an unlockable hero unit.
- In 55000 LEGO Universe, completing all the Crux Prime Achiever missions awards the player with a black Classic Space Torso.
- The LEGO Movie features a character named Benny, who is a 1980s-style Space astronaut with a cracked helmet and a faded Torso.
- The Galaxy Patrol from 8831 Minifigures Series 7 has the Classic Space logo on its shoulder pads.
Vehicles and facilities
Popular spaceships and vehicles from the Classic Space era include:
497 Galaxy Explorer (1979), 6929 Starfleet Voyager (1980), 6950 Mobile Rocket Transport (1982), 6980 Galaxy Commander (1983), and 6985 Cosmic Fleet Voyager (1986).
The major surface bases were:
493 Space Command Center (1978), 483 Alpha-1 Rocket Base (1979), 6970 Beta-1 Command Base (1980), 6971 Intergalactic Command Base (1984), and 6972 Polaris-I Space Lab (1987).
Baseplates from this era:
306 Landing Plates (1979), and 305 2 Crater Plates (1979)
Sets
Gallery
Minifigures
Black Classic Spaceman | Blue Classic Spaceman | Red Classic Spaceman | White Classic Spaceman | Yellow Classic Spaceman |
Sources
External Links
- Classic-space.com Community centred on LEGO Space
- Neo Classic Space 30th anniversary fan project