LEGO® Classic Space, as it has become affectionately known, has been one of the most enduring LEGO themes. First introduced in the late 70s, the space-themed sets were part of the wider ‘LEGOLAND’ range, not based on the theme parks but the collective name of sets inspired by castles, towns and outer space. As part of the 90th-anniversary celebrations, the LEGO Group gave fans the opportunity to vote for which classic themes could inspire new sets. Unsurprisingly, Classic Space did quite well and the result is a newly updated version of the Galaxy Explorer. The set is far more than just a remake, it’s been completely overhauled to capture the essence of the original Galaxy Explorer set. This time using modern elements and build techniques, whilst remaining respectful of the original. I’ve had the pleasure of being able to build the set ahead of its release on August 1st and here’s my review of the LEGO ICONS Galaxy Explorer set.
Product Details
Join the celebrations to mark 90 years of LEGO® creations with this nostalgic building project for adults. This anniversary collectible edition of the Classic 497 LEGO Galaxy Explorer model (10497) retains all the joy of the 1979 set but on a bigger scale.
Explore a galaxy of details
Take your time crafting the features of this buildable model including the blended delta wing configuration of the original craft. The spaceship sits on 3 retractable landing legs and features opening rear doors and a retractable ramp to deploy the rover. The rear of the ship houses the rover compartment with extra tools and an extendable ramp. The cockpit opens to reveal the interior of the spaceship where there are seats for all 4 astronauts as well as a living quarters with 2 beds, computers and storage compartments.
- Set Name: Galaxy Explorer
- Set Number: 10304
- Pieces: 1254
- RRP: £89.99/$99.99/99.99€
- Number of Bags: Bags x 8 + loose elements
- Stickers: N/A
- Minifigures: 2 x Red Astronauts & 2 x White Astronauts
- Instructions: Booklet x 1 + LEGO Building Instructions App
- Availability: LEGO Stores & LEGO Online from August 1st – Available to Pre-order Now
Before I originally became a fan of LEGO building in the 80s most of the sets Santa brought me were from the town and castle side of the LEGOLAND theme. So unfortunately Classic Space passed me by somewhat. That doesn’t mean I’ve not got an interest in the theme. In fact, it’s an important part of LEGO history so I have some knowledge of the galactic side of LEGOLAND’s early offerings. This original set which acts as inspiration for this new one was released as 497: Galaxy Explorer (image: Brickset) in North America and the less exciting sounding 928: Space Cruiser And Moonbase in Europe. Despite the difference in naming, the 928 number connects to both versions and forms part of this new version as well.
This basic history of the ‘Classic Space’ sets can be found in the instruction booklet. You’ll also be treated to additional snippets of information as you build, with little facts found on various pages.
Things were certainly a little simpler back in the 70s, the original Galaxy Explorer contained a mere 338 pieces, with some of those forming a baseplate landing pad and Comms tower. This new version contains almost four times as many LEGO elements and only features the ship. What surprised me the most is how much of the build is focused on the base of the ship. To put that into perspective, the base is covered by almost three-quarters of the instructions and of the 8 bags of elements, 5 of them are used to create the base and part of the interior. Two add the body of the ship and the final bag adds engines and a little moon buggy.
The base can be a little tricky at times. Some plates can easily be popped out of place when adding parts to the interior. I found holding the underneath of the ship when adding elements on the top section helped a little. Once it gets a little further into the build this becomes less of an issue. You’ll also find that the base of the Galaxy Explorer has some interesting points of connection. Some of the strips used to create the ship’s sloped angles are held in place by sitting between plates or studs. Although there isn’t any clutch power used, they are nicely secured in place.
The interior of the Galaxy Explorer is simplistic yet detailed at the same time. It’s largely white, with an impressive array of 2×2 printed tiles dotted about to create various control panels and screens. It also benefits from the increased scale of the set overall. Now there’s room for all four minifigures to sit in the cockpit, there’s even a pair of beds. These have been designed to accommodate the astronauts’ air tanks. So they can have a snooze without needing to remove the tanks. An airlock has also been added between the living quarters of the ship and its cargo bay. This is simply a sliding door and section of wall which sits towards the back of the ship.
The rear of the ship features two sections, which can be opened to access a neat little ramp. With the ship raised up on its landing gears, which sit within the base of the ship and use the island plates from the Mario sets, you can deploy a ramp. This is done in two steps, first, you drop down a small flap and you can then pull out a large flat plate. This lets you access a little moon buggy.
The Galaxy Explorer contains plenty of flourishes inspired by the original set, but they are achieved in a vastly different way. There isn’t a single sticker in the set. Any graphic details such as the Classic Space logo on the front of the ship or the ship’s destination along the side are printed. The same goes for all the screens and control panels inside the ship. Other details are achieved with elements or building techniques. For example, the tannoy pieces of the original set are now fully brick-built and the white arrows on the sides of the ship use a clever mix of elements including a NEXO shield to build them into the exterior of the Galaxy Explorer.
It’s not just a moon buggy the minifigures can use to explore new worlds. The two large engines outfitted onto the sides of the ship can be unclipped to be rideable crafts. This isn’t the only addition compared to the original set. There’s also a little robot companion. Although not included in the original set, it has appeared in exactly the same form in another Classic Space set.
Little can be said about the minifigures, they are basically the same as those featured in the original set. Retro minifigures are very simplistic compared to their modern-day counterparts. So you’ll find four astronauts – two red and two white, matching the original line-up. The only tweak to the original versions is the use of a different helmet. One thing I would have liked the set to have included is a display stand for these minifigures, maybe with a UCS-style information plate noting the set’s 90th-anniversary connection.
As well as the reimagined and larger version of the Galaxy Explorer set, you’ll also be able to use the set to build a ship to the same scale as the original 497/928 Galaxy Explorer set and an even smaller version. These alternate builds will have instructions available via LEGO.com and the LEGO Instruction app, once the set is released.
Review Round-up
People have been crying out for a return of Classic Space and rightly so, it’s a much-loved aspect of LEGO history and one looked upon fondly. But simply re-releasing past sets as they were, wouldn’t suit the LEGO system it’s in modern-day form. Some elements are no longer made and others have been improved upon with newer pieces. This updated take on the Galaxy Explorer is vastly more complex than any of the original Classic Space sets. In fact, on the surface, the complexity seems unnecessary. But if it wasn’t for the detailed core of the set, you would get the classic shape and many of the features which made the original so iconic. Plus with the set being scaled up compared to the original, those extra details are needed. But I certainly didn’t expect the build to be so in-depth. The LEGO ICONS 18+ age suggestion is certainly warranted for this set as it’s tricky in some places. Above all the set is a perfect celebration of the LEGO Group’s 90th anniversary.
For
+ A true return for Classic Space
+ Interesting techniques used to create details
+ A perfect way to mark 90th Anniversary
Against
– Base can be awkward at times
Pre-order/Coming Soon: UKIrelandUSCanadaGermanyDenmarkAustraliaNew Zealand
This set was provided to BricksFanz by the LEGO Group for purposes of review. The thoughts within this review are that of BricksFanz and do not reflect those of the LEGO Group or Disney. Providing a set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion of the set.
