In Memory

Jens Nygaard Knudsen passed away. You may not recognize his name, but if you’re reading this blog you know his work. Jens was initially a designer at LEGO and quickly became Chief Designer from 1968 until 2000.  He designed early town sets and was Mr. Space having his hand in the Space lines from the Classic era up to M-Tron and what started as Sea-Tron which later became Aquanauts. Also he is credited with inventing the Minifigure! Mark Stafford posted his article (Brick Journal #6 2009) we he talks to Jens and Designer Niels Milan Pedersen on his flickr stream in memory (page 1, page 2, & page 3). The article has many pictures of concept models that Jens and Niels created. Mark will be forwarding comments on the flickr pages to Jens family and has started #NygaardMemorialFleet for anyone who wants to build a memorial spaceship.

Image from Mark Stafford’s flickr stream, original published Brick Journal #6

6985 As You've Never Seen It

Builder MikeVd is back with a reimagining of classic space set 6985. And what better way to celebrate this iconic set, and contribute to a “box” themed event, than to actually construct the box it came in. All the scenes depicted on the box are little vignettes inside the box, making it a wonderful and whimsical creation.

Coral Brick Road

Nothing to see here. Just three classic astronauts going on an adventure. All they have to do is follow this beautiful coral brick road by adde51 to get what their hearts desire. Maybe they are looking for heroic courage, an alien brain, or a magical heart? The possibilities are endless. All I know is that I can hear them cheerfully singing in the distance, something to do with finding a wizard.

New Ventures

It seems that the 1980’s classic spacemen have developed a sense of entrepreneurship and have decided to expand their ventures into space mining. With a crew this large and a fearsome machine, it is unquestionable that Andreas Lenander’s astronauts are on their way in making a multimillion credit business. It would seem that their skin color has also changed. Weird. Probably all that alien space dust.

The Little Mech That Could

Somedays I feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of military mechs that flood the LEGO community, therefore I am always surprised and intrigued by mechs that break this trend, such as this one created by legomelego. The background hangar and lighting is what really caught my eye at first, but the more I look at it, the more I can't help but feel that this little robot is trying to portray emotions and break free from his human overlords. Look at their diabolical smiles... how evil.

Four Decades Of Classic Space

Want to feel old? I already did before I saw this (oh my back, oh my eyesight, where did my hair go? get off my lawn...). Yes, Classic Space has turned forty, and it hasn't aged a day, incredible. Builder justin_m_winn celebrates this momentous occasion with this spectacular tribute. It was a big part of my childhood, and it makes me very happy that it's still a part of my life.

Galaxy Explorer

The Galaxy Explorer (and the original space theme for that matter) is a classic. The only evidence you need to see the absolute affection the community has for this craft is the continual homages paid to it. I myself have created one, and I was given one as a gift. And builder ZCerberus has crafted this gorgeous tribute to the venerable ship, carrying on the tradition.

Classic Space Grand Carousel

Now this is how to reimagine. Builder justin_m_winn took an incomplete 10196 Grand Carousel and turned it into this classic space masterpiece. The re-theming is brilliant, with different ride vehicles, classic space color scheme and even custom printed canopies. I like to imagine it's playing some cool retro futuristic music with plenty of "pew pew" sound effects.

Lunar Rover

If you're going to go roving on the lunar surface, you're gonna need a few things. Oxygen, or it's going to be a short trip. Insulation, there's a 200º difference between light and shadow there. Power, likely from batteries but certainly not from a gas engine. And traction, the surface is like that clumpy ash that forms in the bottom of your BBQ. That last part will be no problem for this brilliant classic space rover MOC by The Solitary Dark. Inspired by the tires of his Tamiya Boomerang RC car, the wheels of this rover are the standout feature. and should have plenty of grip trekking over the craters.

Classic Space Carrier: LL-422

"How do Classic Space extend their cheerful brand of space exploration to the atmospheres of gas giants?  With a huge floating carrier craft of course!"  Now why didn't I think of that?  Ben Smith was initially inspired by the SHIELD Helicarrier, but decided to go with a CS theme instead.   Those four beefy engines look to be more than adequate to handle Jupiter's tempestuous weather, and I especially like the micro version of the Galaxy Explorer.  Ben admits this is his first serious MOC.  Welcome aboard, Ben!

LL26 Seeker

I grew up with Classic Space, so I've been enjoying the almost daily re-imagined versions of the original sets.  But what's really nifty are the completely new designs, like this rover by Chris Perron.  First thing I noticed were those tires.  They look like the multiple airbag wheels actually used by the various space agencies.  Plus it looks wicked fast! 

NCS Y-Wing

Now here's a mashup I can get behind, Star Wars and neo classic space. Builder Billyburg has brought together the form factor of an all time classic ship from a galaxy far, far away with the modernized aesthetic but classic color combinations of LEGO classic space and the results are pretty sweet. This thing looks ready to take on the Empire.

Classic Space Mashup Shirt On Tee Fury

I invite you dear readers to find someone in your immediate area and inquire as to the level of awesome of the shirt you are presently wearing. Then invite them to judge said shirt in comparison to this classic space Dragonball mashup shirt currently on Tee Fury. The results and your next course of action should be clear.

Spacecar, Spacecar, SPACECAR!

I love when AFOLs combine forces and create awesomeness. This classic space inspired muscle car is from builder Cody at C3Brix and customizer customBRICKS. So here's the pitch: Benny, lives with his uncle while on probation for running Antarian firewater to make a little money on the side. He gets into some mischief much to the chagrin of the county commissioner and local sheriff. Each episode has at least one big car jump...

Benny Turns 30!

It was 1984 when LEGO introduced the blue classic space minifigure, just 30 short years ago (and I was in high school, jeez I'm old). To celebrate builders are gathering hilarious pics in the Flickr group Benny's 30th Birthday Bash. From the looks of it, Benny's been up to some antics, what will he be up to next?