Random set of the day: Lunar Rocket Launcher
Posted by Huwbot,
Today's random set is 6881 Lunar Rocket Launcher, released during 1984. It's one of 9 Space sets produced that year. It contains 97 pieces and 1 minifig.
It's owned by 2,890 Brickset members. If you want to add it to your collection you might find it for sale at BrickLink or eBay.
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28 comments on this article
So I guess this is the inevitable fate of the Artemis Program... No longer taking people to the Moon, but instead relegated to a ballistics missile launched from the Moon.
When I got older, it always puzzled me why classic and IP2k2 had sets about rockets while ALREADY having been brought to space. I guess, that's why toys are for kids, right? We didn't question it when we were kids...
I got this set recently. It was complete, parts in great condition, instructions, even the box... But it had a curious oddity.
Surprisingly, the seller replaced the minifig with one of the newer Classic Space white astronauts, like the ones found on 70841 and 10497. This made me realize how good it is to see the CS astronauts back, prevented my 6881 to be sold without a minifig. Still hoping for the black and the blue (not Benny) modern ones.
Speaking of the set again, it is amazing, like the entire Classic Space subtheme. But a considerable downgrade in comparison to the 6950, which I also own. Anyways I'm happy owning both.
Moon rocket!
@jkb:
Not all rockets are designed to carry passengers. Classic Space had guys running around with bullhorns in a vacuum, and movie cameras with no film or tapes. Something tells me if one of these “exploratory rockets” is heading in your direction, you’d best hit the chaff launcher and the afterburners before it gets close.
It's a "Lunar Rocket Launcher"...but he's already ON Luna (the Moon...we think...), so...where IS he launching to...:)
I love this set, and have had it in my collection since my childhood. In particular, I love the transparent red shield on the nose of the rocket.
I have lived many adventures with this launcher. It's size and mobility made it a crucial part of every engagement.
We’re launchers of the moon,
We sing with our harpoons!
Lego forward thinking with this cute Classic-Space set.
Using the Moon as our rocket platform for more efficient missions.
@VintageDude said:
"A walkie-talkie ("radio"), a video camera and two rubber hoses....
What else could you wish for when being on the moon/in space?
Great parts!"
And, that cool transparent, circular shield.
6881 was a worthy successor to 897.
I did not like 897 because its rocket could only be posed and could not be detached during launch. I also did not like its flimsy 2-stud wide launcher unrealistically supported by two fins.
6881 provides better 'launchable rocket' play value with new 1984 parts by placing the fuselage rocket fins (new) on 1x8 flat plates (new). The launching platform looks sturdier.
Just like 897 and 920/483, 6881 features a detachable grey satellite at the tip of the rocket.
6881 also features rubber rocket refueling hoses -- a callback to 920/483.
@StyleCounselor said:
" @VintageDude said:
"A walkie-talkie ("radio"), a video camera and two rubber hoses....
What else could you wish for when being on the moon/in space?
Great parts!"
And, that cool transparent, circular shield."
Very cool! Just like in 894!
Always nice to see classic space. Today I’m curious about the numbers a small number of people own this (relatively) I assume they sold 1000’s but I guess most kids from the 80’s would not be on here adding to their collection ticks within bricksets database. Wonder how many they did sell?
I acquired half of the pieces to build this (still assembled) in a small lot that a friend gave me over 20 years ago. I probably have enough parts now to complete it, but as a kid I think the trans red 1x1 plates were what appealed the most, I don't think I had seen them before.
This is a wonderful set and being able to launch a rocket was always fun as a kid. Sadly, I lost the hoses so had to replace them with blue ones (black is incredibly expensive), but it doesn’t detract from the set any.
The nostalgic feeling is strong with this set. Personally I think the 9 sets introduced in 1984 are the highlight of classic space. The introduction of many new pieces that year gave this line a very innovative and futuristic character. Oh, how I wish for a revive of this line :)
@Explorer6890 said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
" @VintageDude said:
"A walkie-talkie ("radio"), a video camera and two rubber hoses....
What else could you wish for when being on the moon/in space?
Great parts!"
And, that cool transparent, circular shield."
Very cool! Just like in 894!"
Ahh, 894, an even better set- for me. One of my first. Wish I still had it!
Cute set. People often forget just how much small stuff there was in the Classic Space theme.
@brick_r said:
"It's a "Lunar Rocket Launcher"...but he's already ON Luna (the Moon...we think...), so...where IS he launching to...:)"
It would be the same as a 'Terran rocket'. It's 'from' the moon after all...
@Jkb, the rockets on here and Ice Planet 2002 are probably satallites. The 80s ones probably for the same reasons as real world ones. And the Ice Planet ones are noted to be experimental in catalogs. So either they are for getting scientific data readings on Krysto, the titular ice planet. Or they're on Krysto to do the research in secret in hopes of keeping it out of Blacktron II hands.
Notably, Spyrius also have one rocket. It's probably a spy satallite based on the aforementioned secret tech.
Classic Space! A lovely little set, and a nice reworking of the original classic, 897, my first ever space LEGO, which I bought back in 1979!
Of course.
The one night I forget to check set of the day it ends up being a wonderful Classic Space set!
I *want* that trans-red shield piece. Interesting that the spaceman is holding the camera piece that way, thus making it look more like a gun, which seems out of place in the peaceful setting of Classic Space.
@peterlmorris: As long as you remember to check before the next one posts.
@VintageDude said:
"A walkie-talkie ("radio"), a video camera and two rubber hoses....
What else could you wish for when being on the moon/in space?
Great parts!"
In this set, the astronaut is all alone. So somebody to talk to would be great, as it gets lonely up in space. (and no, ground control doesn't count!)
Also, since he's "burning out his fuse up here alone", and it's lonely out in space, does that makes him a Rocket Man? ;-)
@ao_ka said:
"Speaking of the set again, it is amazing, like the entire Classic Space subtheme. But a considerable downgrade in comparison to the 6950, which I also own. Anyways I'm happy owning both."
Agreed! Although I don't own this one, it's a nice set. But ... 6950 is one of the GOAT!
Looking at the photo the astronaut seems to be holding a hand held rocker launcher for the moon sport of shoot your rocket down, until the oxygen runs out and its time to go home and then maybe not such a great idea. At the time I preferred the alternative build of a one man open spaceship with mobile launcher seemed to be far more useful.
In general, the best defense may be a good offense, but specifically, the best defense against Blacktron spy operations in your sector is a 610mm guided surface-to-surface missile, on a small motorized chassis mobile enough to get away before counterbattery fire.
@CopperTablet:
That’s why they dress the cadets in white with a neon green “B” on their chests. They make great targets. If they survive, they get promoted to the cool uniforms. If they don’t, well, one less rocket to contend with…
Well, we didn't get our trifecta of Paradisa-Friends-(Belville or ClickIts), but--dare I say it?!?--this might be better.