A Space Transport/Crane Ship in Generation 1 Classic Space design

The design of this model started with a question: “How would something like a Sikorsky Skycrane look in Classic Space design?” The ship should have the same functions as the helicopter: Be able to carry a transport container and lift and carry a big payload with a winch.

The ship is designed around a central frame with a high wing on top. Between the crew cabin and the four legs of the ship there is a big space for the payload. The winch is positioned in the center of the frame, so the thrust of the four landing thrusters is concentrated  in the same axis.

And here it is:

Front view: You can see the two main beams of the frame with the two pairs of landing legs positioned below.

Bird’s eye view: The crane cable runs though the opening in the centre of the frame. The winch is positioned behind the opening. The  shape of the main wings is based on the LL928 Galaxy Explorer.

The crane at work: LL926 landing with a payload container “at the hook”

And … Touchdown! The “LL 926” bricks are custom printed bricks based on the original design of the 1979 space ships.

Detail: The container can be connected to the cargo frame by pushing 4 axles into the container using the technic bushes on the axles.

Rear left view:

Detail: The rear locking mechanism (locked)

Top view: A cabin for pilot and crane operator

Detail: The crane operator at work

So this is my Lego Classic Space LL926 Space Crane.
I hope you like it. – My son does :-))

Bonus picture: LL926 with LL924M and LL928

A small transportable base for two Astronauts in Generation 1 Classic Space design. 

The basic idea is a modular system for space transportation and the building of planetary bases, more or less like modern temporary (or permanent) office buildings based on ISO Containers. This is the smallest module of such a modular base; a transportable unit for two Astronauts.

The size is more or less the same of the original 926 Command Center; 8 studs wide and 16 studs long. The base has 4 “telescopic” legs to adjust the height and get a horizontal ground plate. The combination of 1×1 round bricks, 1×2 inverted slopes and 1×2 plates is sturdy, simple and for me it even looks cool.

The design is based on the first Classic Space sets from 1979/1980. As far as I know all the used bricks should have been available in 1979.

And now some photos. Let’s open the doors…

There are two computer stations, a table and a bed. It might be possible to replace the bed with two bunks, but the playability is better with a bed. So the astronauts will have to do “hot bunking” as usual on a lot of military vessels and submarines.

The center of the roof can be unlocked by moving the 2×2 tiles and then be opened. There is storage room for the air tanks and helmets and the most important thing for long hours of hard work at the computer stations – coffee ;-)). The hats are the only ones that were available in 1979, but I think they look OK.

So this is my Classic Space Transportable Base.

I hope you like it :-))

…

Hey, what’s that?

A teaser ;-))

A long needed “nose job” for the LL924 Space Cruiser plus some extra storage space.

I’m a big fan of the first generation of Lego space ships from 1978/1979, but I’ve never been satisfied with the look of the “stumpy nose” of LL924.

After building LL928 for my little son a few months ago, it was time to build LL924 to  complete the first series of Lego spaceships (LL918 had already been waiting in the glass cabinet). But already during the building of the ship I realized that I HAD to change the design of the nose this time.

I decided to build a whole new wing section based on the design of LL918 and LL924. I only needed a few more plates than the original (including a pair of 45 deg plates on the wing tips) and even found the space for a complete yellow-black-yellow pattern on the wings.

And as I was already modifying the original design I decided to add some bricks and plates on the rear end to get some extra storing space.  This is the result:

More space for the cargo, in this case a 4×4 transport pallet.

Removing the “1×2 brick” in the cargo area from the original design there is enough space for the 4×4 base plate.

The new wing shape in all it’s beauty.

The new LL924M compared to a transport scooter with the original LL924 wing shape.

So, this is my modified Classic Space Lego LL924 Space Cruiser (LL924M). I hope you like it :-))