Subject:
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4x2ReVu: 6987 Message Intercept Base
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.reviews, lugnet.space
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Date:
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Tue, 16 Nov 1999 14:46:34 GMT
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Viewed:
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2091 times
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All is not well at the Obeejw satellite moon base. What started out as an
experiment in the isolation lab has gone terribly awry as a strange orange-grey
mold is released from its vacuum canister and begins spreading throughout the
lab at an alarming rate. The experimenting Doctor Headly is instantly engulfed
in the suffocating mass and a frantic lab assistant has just complicated
matters by slamming emergency controls to commence engagement of the lab with
the main base station in an effort to escape from the threat. A moment later,
the foolish assistant has nowhere to run and he too is swallowed up in a
smothering cloud. Shortly, the isolation lab will connect with the main base,
coupling portals will interlock, and the reproductive spores will spill into an
adjoining corridor to begin a malevolent migration that will ultimately claim
the entire moon base!
The Message Intercept Base is a milestone in the long list of Space Lego
products. It's unequaled by any planetary base since its 1988 release with a
total of five astronauts, the most any space set comes with (excluding minifig
packs).
The MIB principal model is a spacious hangar that covers a 24x22 stud area.
The forward section of the hangar is open for landing aircraft while the rear
section has all kinds of computer panels and lights for miscellaneous
operations. There is also a small second story control booth that overlooks
the hangar. Two large wall panels shelter half of the hangar and hinge back to
open for vertical takeoffs/landings (this opening panel feature was duplicated
in the Futuron 6953-Cosmic Laser Launcher).
An exit at the rear of the hangar leads through an enclosed zigzagging corridor
which opens onto a platform. This platform is a landing/entrance to a mobile
observatory which is the second component of the station. The mobile
observatory moves smoothly back and forth on tile bricks toward and away from
the station (I have no idea why it specifically needs to be separated from the
rest of the station but it's kind of a cool feature). The observatory is a
two-story structure with an open main platform and a smaller second-story
platform that has a control panel and chair.
Two vehicles are included with the set: a balloon tire land rover and a
one-man, flying aircraft which fits neatly in the hangar.
As mentioned, the set comes with five Blacktron astronauts and includes one of
each of the essential classic space utilities (communicator, sweeper, laser
rifle, and a wrench). A row of five clips in the aft section of the hangar
keeps these supplies easily at hand.
A quick list of unique bricks includes all kinds of six-brick-high wall panel
sections (interior and exterior corners, straight and convex panels), two gear
box mechanisms, ridge-and-crater base plate and the 8x8 radar dish in black.
There is also a good quantity of slopes and tiles preprinted with computer
panels (if you are into that kind of thing). Side note: Is there another Lego
set with 4x4 radar dishes in yellow?
Building this station was a lot of fun. With some use of castle corner wall
panels, during construction I was often reminded of building a castle set and I
enjoyed it as much (not something you can say about a lot of space stations).
The station isn't totally enclosed but I think it makes for a great base. For
more info on the set, check out Jeff Thompson's informative review at the RTL
Archive site
(http://alumni.cse.ucsc.edu/~dulcaoin/reviews/noframes/6987-1.html).
!!!4x2ReVu Stats!!!
Rating: Eight out of eight studs.
Thumbs up for: An awesome-sized surface facility.
Wallet-wise: It's discontinued now but usually auctions for around $150 (and
up) for 562 pieces.
Original review date: 4/29/97
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