Blacktron to return in 2023!
Posted by Huw,
LEGO has just published images of a forthcoming gift with purchase, 40580 Blacktron Cruiser!
The craft is an updated version of 6894 Invader from the eternally popular Blacktron space subtheme that was released over 35 years ago. Unlike that one which was suitable for kids age 7-12, this one has an 18+ rating.
The main photo of the set, right, doesn't really do it justice other than to show that it's modular like the original, so I've placed photos of the box and the 1987 version upon which it is based after the break.
Here's the original for comparison. The new one looks to be a major improvement that leverages new parts and building techniques, but unfortunately it has stickers rather than printed parts.
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Rumors I've heard have pointed to a $190 threshold to get this. Which is steep, but is about what I'd be buying anyways (for once). Still an overly high price point if accurate imo.
I wish that so many of these GWPs were available for purchase instead, I certainly would pay the retail value of this for it.
Complete with awkward stickers instead of the original printed parts!
Such a pity about the stickers!
This thing looks so cool, I really want to display it with my Galaxy Explorer. It's such a shame it's just a gift with purchase, not a regular set. Guess I'm off to Bricklink. There should be an option on the poll for acquiring it on the second-hand market.
One thing I dislike though, is the tapered cockpit. It doesn't really work with the nose piece. Perhaps they could've used the X-wing canopy in yellow.
Stickers are real rough, I'm glad I have some (but not all) parts from the original, so I can substitute those three key parts. Arrows are easy to come by, and honestly, I can use the standard black pieces for other builds.
Here's hoping the threshold isn't too high. I ended up with two of the Forestmen GWPs, which are fantastic, and this looks pretty solid as well.
A 356 GWP set; I'm going to say this is will have to have a threshold well over $200 in Canada...possibly pushing $300
My answer is yes, on Bricklink later if the going price is comparable to that of a retail set.
I don't spend that much on LEGO at once, nor can I afford it. Yet, I can usually get many GWPs for a good price on BL after the hype has died down.
And my Walmart had the Creator train as a regular purchase item.
I really think LEGO should give these retro reissue sets a serious consideration of being a regular theme. They can't possibly do any worse financially than the Hulk buster
Spend threshold is rumored to be €150 in The Netherlands (according to Bricktastic.nl).
Galaxy Explorer + 3x LotR Brickheadz = €155. :)
Oh I didn't realize those weren't the corner wall pieces of old! I guess I'll be modding this together with my partial original to make use of the printed parts I have.
I know Blacktron 1 is preferred, but I wonder if there might be a B2 set in the future...
Or Ice Planet 2022, that would be have a good anniversary!
I don't mind the stickers- this way, they could be used for a MOC.
To me, the front wings are "inside out"- but that's an easy fix.
I'm a little disappointed that at least one of the triangle symbols wasn't brick-built using the 2x2 triangle tiles.
I remember when Blacktron came out. It was the coolest theme ever'
Looks like my modular town is about to get bigger. . . . . .and get a space research lab.
Stickers?!?! I was so excited for the logo pieces when I first saw the images, but I hate stickers. I'll still begrudgingly get it, though...
That logo is used a lot, Zelda, skis and blacktron
If the purchase threshold is the rumored $190 USD... that is reasonable for a 356 piece set, which would probably be $40 if sold at retail.
Certainly I wish it were less, but at least there are a lot of new sets coming January first.
I see they put the sticker on the mailbox upside down. It's no longer owned by Blacktron, it's holds the Triforce from Legend of Zelda! I guess Blacktron is actually secretly run by Gannon? ;-)
Surprised that the Blacktron guy hasn't made a comment yet.
Alright, Lego, how about Space returning DEFINITIVELY? THIS IS AMAZING JUST LIKE 10497!
On other hand, missed opportunity to bring back the 3x6 wedge plate in transparent red from the original 6894. Besides this, I love the set. Not surprised about the stickers.
Oh, and I made a remake of it as well! Though mine is a little scaled up haha: https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-129351/ao-ka/blacktron-invader/
Lego is going to kill me if they do a 1985 Shell Station GWP.
My first lego set....
@ResIpsaLoquitur said:
"Lego is going to kill me if they do a 1985 Shell Station GWP."
They won't touch Shell anymore, (maybe a rebrand to OCTAN might work?) but beyond that I don't see it happening.
The set itself is amazing, unfortunately the spend threshold will be really high for this one. If they're gonna make GWP with so many pieces, they really should be made available to buy on their own.
Any idea when this is rumored to be offered, or what set(s) this promo might tie into?
This is a no-brainer. Must be. Seriously, I can't bother with reason here. I just can hope that at the time of release, they'll have some interesting exclusives in store.
@Bagelwolf said:
"Any idea when this is rumored to be offered, or what set(s) this promo might tie into?"
Starts on the 1st. I don't know how long it's gonna run or how much it will be, but it probably will be at or more than $150 to spend, judging from last years' promos.
@Murdoch17 said:
" @ResIpsaLoquitur said:
"Lego is going to kill me if they do a 1985 Shell Station GWP."
They won't touch Shell anymore, (maybe a rebrand to OCTAN might work?) but beyond that I don't see it happening."
Even now Octan is pivoting into electric. A service station would be cool though!
Since Lego always has problems with storage I doubt they make this minifig only for one set. I think it will be the same as forestmen.
Or maybe I am completely wrong. ??????? <- that was an iOS smiley.
Anyone have any idea when this will be available? January? February?
I like the return of classic LEGO sets from the past as official or GWP and heard rumours about BIONICLE too, but I feel Technic remains out of that circle, despite it being one of the oldest theme and there were great sets, too. Can't help but thinking why it's happening...
Lego is such a tease. First they call the Monkie Kid spaceship a Galactic Explorer to tease the real honest-to-goodness Galaxy Explorer, then they put a print in the Galaxy Explorer showing the Blacktron logo on the radar screen and another print showing a Bionicle canister on the beach, then they release a GWP Blacktron ship with a sticker showing the Galaxy Explorer on the radar screen … then, psst, rumors are there will be a GWP Bionicle set….
(Tin foil hat on, wall covered in pieces of string going between pieces of newspapers)
IT’S ALL CONNECTED.
@Shadowcloner said:
"Rumors I've heard have pointed to a $190 threshold to get this. Which is steep, but is about what I'd be buying anyways (for once). Still an overly high price point if accurate imo. "
i've already been loading up my cart. got up pretty high with some of the new tuff in pick a brick.
GWP?!! BOOOOOO!
I can’t wait! Beautiful!
Classic space is not my jam, but it’s so cool LEGO is doing stuff like this!
Most GWP sets are good if not great, though we all bemoan the increasing minimum spends to qualify. However this set with stickers rather than a single printed piece feels a little too cynical to me.
@Shadowcloner said:
"Rumors I've heard have pointed to a $190 threshold to get this. Which is steep, but is about what I'd be buying anyways (for once). Still an overly high price point if accurate imo. "
Really? For only ~350 or so pieces, few of which are all that specialised?
@Glacier_Phoenix said:
"I wish that so many of these GWPs were available for purchase instead, I certainly would pay the retail value of this for it. "
Lots of GWPs are better than regular sets, it's a real shame that they're behind those paywalls.
Looks great for those with Blacktron nostalgia. Not for me though, so the Jazz Club can wait for a different high threshold GWP.
Quite a few cheaper sets I want on Jan 1st though, so hopefully multiple new VIP Add-ons if a new one's released.
And the Year of the Rabbit GWP must be due Jan/Feb. And the next 'Adventure Ride' VIP Reward would be nice!
I think it's a super cool give a way but I hope you don't have to spend too much money for it I hope for 150 but it will probably be 200.
Just let me buy this, Lego.
It's cool, but if the rumoured threshold of 190€+ from PromoBricks is correct, I'm not getting it.
I like this but not enough to go waste 190€ on LEGO's overpriced website. The days I would do that are gone. They left alongside LEGO's decency last August.
I'd value this at about £20, so a £200 spend threshold would be about right. That's still a lot, but would represent good value for this one.
For the poll can we please have a “no, but I would buy it in a heartbeat as a standalone set (not gwp)”
Not sure why so many are complaining about the stickers, they're just begging to be reused for Zelda MOCs. Slap on of these things upside-down on a grey brick and you have the makings of a sweet Master Sword pedestal!
Looks cool, but I was kinda hoping they would bring out a set with a new version of the classic Spacemen in Blue or Black, as they are a nightmare tog et a hold of on Bricklink. Also as many have commented, why don't Lego make more of these sets and just make them available for purchase?!?!!? Come on Lego, you must have some spies monitoring chats like this, just let us buy cool sets like this, please? :)
@Mattewes said:
"For the poll can we please have a “no, but I would buy it in a heartbeat as a standalone set (not gwp)”"
^Yes this
So its an 18+ GWP yet they ruin it with a ton of stickers. WHY WHY WHY!!!!
@kingalbino said:
"So its an 18+ GWP yet they ruin it with a ton of stickers. WHY WHY WHY!!!!"
Exactly my thoughts. Is it really that much of a price savings for them to not print a few pieces??
The wings are a bit off, as has been mentioned, but based on the blasters and the original, I think I see what they were going for. (Which wasn't what I'd've done, but I do understand it.)
The storage module looks fantastic. The aft module-- again, I see what they're going for.
I know "this should be a regular set, not a GWP" is said about nearly all GWPs, but in this case, yeah, it really should. Blacktron was all about mix-and-match modularity, and if you can't mix-and-match with other sets (because it's a theme of one), then it'd be nice to buy extras for consistent MOCs.
That being said-- black is a common color and most of those parts look pretty common. It shouldn't be too hard to gather pieces from one's own collection.
Anyway, yeah, it looks great and I need it.
Kinda surprised that Nintendo doesn't have legal rights to the Triforce iconography. Cool throwback!
Omgomgomgomgomgomgomgomg!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!
Many excite! Very feeling!
My brother loves classic LEGO so if the threshold isn’t too high and there’s enough I want to get to pass it I might try getting this one.
Well, that's unexpected. The original is one of my favorite sets ever!
Can we expect re-releases for every subtheme now? I wouldn't mind a reprint of... I don't know, 6990 maybe...
It's a trap! and we'll all fall into it.
https://brickset.com/parts/design-30292 does make a good banner with a blacktron sticker
Not so sure I’m keen about these stickers but, they can be used elsewhere as it’s doubtful I’d use them if I were to get two of these and build one. Already got some printed black classic space style pieces from here https://shop.brickrockpress.com/
I’ve still got a few higher priced sets on my 2022 wishlist to get yet, then there’s the entirety of the 2023 wishlist. If you’re looking to get this by other means do know retail is $29.99 USD https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/blacktron-cruiser-40580 As an incidental bonus to buying things I already plan to buy, I really don’t care too much about the price threshold or the stickers.
gonna be honest, probably gonna wait for that Tahu and takua GWP
Those stickers completely ruin the supposed nostalgia feel of the set.
They have tiles that would properly cover the 3x6 angle plates, why didn't they use those?
Black, shiny, yellow, red, zoom... done!
Really sad that this set won't exist in half of the world.
Make it a store exclusive and I buy it and you get the money directly from me. Make it a €200 GWP and I'm spending €140 at Amazon for the same thing and not getting a GWP.
/shrug
I got excited when I first saw the pic and then I noticed the build is decorated with stickers instead of prints. Ughhh! If you make something for the 18+ crowd, do prints. I guess that also means this won't be a new sub theme, but it's just a one-off. Such a shame.
Simply no way I can resist. Since they have a Blacktron figure in production it would be a shame to use it once. How about a bit of Space Police action next, 6895 Spy Trak 1 still looks like a fun toy to me today...
Didn't take long for the XL-15 canopy to be put to an even higher use, just as the designer predicted! Blacktron!
@sir_vasco said:
"Kinda surprised that Nintendo doesn't have legal rights to the Triforce iconography. Cool throwback!"
The Blacktron logo from 1987 predates the Triforce as we know it today. The first Zelda game came out in 1986, and while it did include the Triforce, it only consisted of 2 triangles. Which implies that the original "Tri" in the name had to do with the individual triangles and their three points. However in later games, the Triforce introduced a third triangle, which now resembled the Blacktron logo, but inverted.
Favorite minifigures ever? Good question! Undoubtedly, it's the original Forestmen and the Blacktron I crew. Hands down. With the Forestpeople GWP and this? LEGO has dropped the mic.
'Blacktron Cruiser' was the UK name of the original set. Makes a nice change from the way everyone these days uses the US names.
Despite being of exactly the demographic that should have loved Blacktron, it seems to have completely passed me by in childhood; the black\white\trans-neon-green aesthetic of (what I now know to be) Blacktron TWO is what gets me nostalgic.
Like others, all I see here is Zelda!
The threshold is 600 euro’s?
Oh well if I must I will buy the UCS AT-AT.
I don’t like it! But I will.
LEGO could release a line of all the Classic Space sets as updated versions and they‘d be flying of the shelfs. The original Classic Space generation are now parents and they would most likely prefer to buy their kids some classic sets they had enjoyed themselves. Same applies for Castle and Pirates. And not to forget all the AFOLs who‘ll buy these sets anyway. I know I would…
This is amazing. I hope to acquire it. But depending on the spend threshold it may limit what I get.
Whaaaaat? This is great. I have some of the parts from the original on a bookshelf here—and a Bricklink list for the rest—waiting for a good moment to rebuild this set my brother and I used to play with. Perhaps I'll be doing that *and* building a stablemate for it!
@LegoBoi69 said:
"So glad i didnt spend my points in the boxing day sale now.... Phew"
You should follow the Lego Leaks sub-reddit. If you like to plan your purchases, you'll find valuable info there. This set was leaked few weeks ago.
@curtydc said:
" @sir_vasco said:
"Kinda surprised that Nintendo doesn't have legal rights to the Triforce iconography. Cool throwback!"
The Blacktron logo from 1987 predates the Triforce as we know it today. The first Zelda game came out in 1986, and while it did include the Triforce, it only consisted of 2 triangles. Which implies that the original "Tri" in the name had to do with the individual triangles and their three points. However in later games, the Triforce introduced a third triangle, which now resembled the Blacktron logo, but inverted."
That, and the arrangement of three triangles that way has appeared in very old artwork (it was used as a clan symbol in Japan, which is where Nintendo got it) and is a simple geometric pattern that can't reasonably be copyrighted.
@doe said:
"LEGO could release a line of all the Classic Space sets as updated versions and they‘d be flying of the shelfs. The original Classic Space generation are now parents and they would most likely prefer to buy their kids some classic sets they had enjoyed themselves. Same applies for Castle and Pirates. And not to forget all the AFOLs who‘ll buy these sets anyway. I know I would…"
...and some of us parents have converted our children into Classic Space fans...
The title of this article made me think it was an announcement for an entire theme :')
Stickers??!! ;_;
I like the idea, but it's too bad about the stickers, and I would like it better if they had used the Technic pin connections so the various components would have been compatible with the original Blacktron sets out of the box.
I like it...but I don't think it's an improvement over the original. It's not just the unfortunate use of stickers (come on, at least that piece at the front could have been printend...), but I feel the original looked sleeker. The new one uses over double the number of pieces, but I just don't see that much more detail. The front wings are an improvement, but that's about it.
That said, I would still buy it if I could. But do I like it enough to meet the threshold? Probably not...
@cody6268 said:
"My answer is yes, on Bricklink later if the going price is comparable to that of a retail set.
I don't spend that much on LEGO at once, nor can I afford it. Yet, I can usually get many GWPs for a good price on BL after the hype has died down.
And my Walmart had the Creator train as a regular purchase item.
I really think LEGO should give these retro reissue sets a serious consideration of being a regular theme. They can't possibly do any worse financially than the Hulk buster "
I've said it many times... Will continue to say it: Lego should have a 'Legacy' theme. Every year, they would pick a theme or two (or more if they wish) and make a few sets (either new or remake) at a few different price points (not everybody is rich and/or willing (even if rich) to spend big money on toys).
So far we had Pirates, Castle and Space (and now a new faction of Space, yeah!); Adventurers have been all over the place we would need a few of that, aqua-'many themes here' , Exo-Force, Power Miners/Rock Raiders, Agents/Ultra Agents/Alpha Team - these would be a good start. And nothing would prevent them to produce another Space or Castle or Pirates set from time to time...
@doe said:
"LEGO could release a line of all the Classic Space sets as updated versions and they‘d be flying of the shelfs. The original Classic Space generation are now parents and they would most likely prefer to buy their kids some classic sets they had enjoyed themselves. Same applies for Castle and Pirates. And not to forget all the AFOLs who‘ll buy these sets anyway. I know I would…"
Definitely. I still don't understand what Lego don't understand in that simple fact. This is what I call a 'money on the floor situation' you just have to bend a little bit and pick it up - almost no work required.
I’m into CS of the ‘70s and early ‘80s era. By the time Blacktron was released, I was an adult and no longer interested in LEGO. So while I’m genuinely happy for Blacktron’s fans, I won’t be going out of my way or busting my LEGO budget to get it.
Stickers!?!??!!? Pffff, all you need is a blacktron 1 torso and the XL-15 ship for the windscreen, which is great by the way, and you can build a better version for sure!
The stickers are a shame, but a bit expected if this is the only set using them. Sadly it appears to confirm this is likely the only set they are going to do for Blacktron I
I've always considered Classic Space to be the 1979-1984 years. After that it started being a little odd (6882) or gimmicky (the Light & Sound sets), so I had moved on before Blacktron and Futuron started in 1987. Despite that I shall probably get this as any space vehicles are few and far between these days.
The amount of people who seem shocked by this release is quite surprising. It was rumoured months ago and confirmed at least two weeks ago. I would have thought anyone interested in this sort of thing (which is clearly everyone on this site) would have seen or read about it already.
Hold your horses, maybe the threshold is exactly the purchase amount for an upcoming re-release of the 6987: Message Intercept Base…
The Internet is gonna break from this news haha
Why does it have an 18+ on it?
It's fairly straight forward build. A 7+ can handle this. Have mom/pop put on the sticker if it's a challenge. Other than that, 18+ is a strange choice no?
So much want!
@legoDad42 said:
"Why does it have an 18+ on it?
It's fairly straight forward build. A 7+ can handle this. Have mom/pop put on the sticker if it's a challenge. Other than that, 18+ is a strange choice no?"
Hasn't 18+ just been a marketing gimmick all the time? There's no connection whatsoever with the complexity of the build. It's just targeted at people who were a kid in 1987. It actually would make more sense to brand this as a 40+ set....
If the threshold is not too high, I will consider it.
But generally stickers are a no go for me and I never apply them. Since the Blacktron logo is essential, this set holds far less appeal to me than if it came with printed pieces.
Plus, Blacktron was never my favorite Classic Space theme anyway. That honor goes to the original blue-light grey-trans yellow era, and later Futuron.
I'd love to get this set, but not once have I ever spent enough money in one go to recieve one of these gift with purchases. I wonder what other classic sets they'll remake this year...
Hate stickers just like the next guy but here there is even something worse: the slopes. Lego slopes are corrugated. This means that you can never have a very good surface to surface contact and eventually dust and/or humidity will get underneath and they will start to peel off and roll. They(stickers) are a nuisance on totally flat surfaces but at least there they will last quite a while.
I was in my dark ages/Technic theme when this came out but I this is still one of my favourite "non-Classic Space" space theme so I will try to get it - that should not be too hard, there are plenty of sets over $200 that are still on my wish list.
Some years back I got the printed pieces, the minifig, and some of the other fairly hard-to-find pieces from 6894 from Bricklink and finished it off with pieces from my existing collection, so I am definitely interested in getting this. Looks like I'll be getting 10312 earlier than expected...
@CCC said:
"The 18+ rating is fine for me. Children should not be allowed to play with sets like this! Adults only."
Then there must be a building instruction with at least two parts per step, rendering it far too complex for youngsters.
A shame they aren't capable of printing pieces any more.
Hey, the stickers will hopefully allow us to make custom Blacktron stuff with official prints applied to other parts not included in this set. Now if only you could buy it…
Blacktron isn’t bad. They’re just misunderstood. If only other people wouldn’t prevent them from taking their things, there wouldn’t be any issues at all!
Well I’m definitely getting this, but now to decide what to buy to hit the threshold. I already have most of the 2022 sets I want and don’t really feel like paying full price on the Jan. releases knowing they will be at least 20% off in a few months. Probably will be a PAB order and a bunch of small sets.
@Ridgeheart said:
" @PurpleDave said:
"Blacktron isn’t bad. They’re just misunderstood. If only other people wouldn’t prevent them from taking their things, there wouldn’t be any issues at all!"
They're not bad, they're just built that way."
"I'm just a theme whose intentions are good, oh lord, don't let me be misunderstood!"
(With regards to the band "the Animals")
@Doctor_Hugh said:
"The amount of people who seem shocked by this release is quite surprising. It was rumoured months ago and confirmed at least two weeks ago. I would have thought anyone interested in this sort of thing (which is clearly everyone on this site) would have seen or read about it already."
Not everyone has the time (or interest) to search for each and every leak or rumour. I for one had never heard of this set before.
The 18+ rating is ridiculous. Share blacktron with kids, it’s not like they will find this too difficult!
And NO! I’m not forking out for a cheap reproduction with stickers, just sell it to us at a sensible price on general release.
I was excited about this as I loved the blacktron Lego maniac commercials from when I was a kid and then I noticed how many stickers are on it and am a little disappointed by it.
Also, it looks so much like the rocinante from the expanse lol
@legoDad42 said:
"Why does it have an 18+ on it?
It's fairly straight forward build. A 7+ can handle this. Have mom/pop put on the sticker if it's a challenge. Other than that, 18+ is a strange choice no?"
Because there's explicit language, and scenes of graphic violence and adult themes in the booklet.
(just kidding)
It's only marketing. Lego thinks more nostalgic adults are more likely to buy a set if it's marked "18+" than "7+". The same geniuses who think adults will not spend more than $100 on a set unless it has a black background on the front, even if it's based on Sesame Street or Super Mario Brothers, because that makes it more prestigious or something.
@curtydc said:
" @sir_vasco said:
"Kinda surprised that Nintendo doesn't have legal rights to the Triforce iconography. Cool throwback!"
The Blacktron logo from 1987 predates the Triforce as we know it today. The first Zelda game came out in 1986, and while it did include the Triforce, it only consisted of 2 triangles. Which implies that the original "Tri" in the name had to do with the individual triangles and their three points. However in later games, the Triforce introduced a third triangle, which now resembled the Blacktron logo, but inverted."
Meanwhile, also in 1987, the StarCom animated TV show hit the airwaves, and the toy line hit the stores. The good guys were StarCom the U.S. Space Force. The bad guys were Shadow Force, and their emblem was the Blacktron logo, except the yellow triangles were red.
Here's a photo of the Shadow Bat toy box, I hope the link is allowed.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWO9S8cU0AEedu4?format=jpg&name=large
I had those StarCom toys, and they were great!
Nintendo can stuff it! :D
@Zrath:
Ooh, an action function that deploys the weapons. And lowers the boarding ramp. And…opens the cockpit? I don’t think the designers really understood how combat works.
My Christmas bonus is going for Peach's Castle, and that's gonna go for getting this GWP. Love me some retro space!
@PurpleDave said:
" @Zrath:
Ooh, an action function that deploys the weapons. And lowers the boarding ramp. And…opens the cockpit? I don’t think the designers really understood how combat works."
Ha ha no. The power function deploys the cargo ramp only. The cockpits and weapons used separate buttons to open and pop out.
The "Power Deploy" was a gimmick used on all the toys to make things pop out slowly. It was a noisy gear thing fighting against a really strong spring. I removed the gears in mine because I was impatient. But I had to place the Shadow Bat on a solid surface before deploying the cargo ramp. Otherwise, it would fling the cargo ramp across the room. Or fling it at my foot.
@Volfogg said:
"I was excited about this as I loved the blacktron Lego maniac commercials from when I was a kid and then I noticed how many stickers are on it and am a little disappointed by it.
Also, it looks so much like the rocinante from the expanse lol"
...No, the Rocinante looks like the Blacktron Invader from 1987.
Pros: a freshly minted Blacktron I minifig and what appears to be a new decorated 45° 2x2 slope.
Cons: limited to gift with purchase status and stickers. I despise stickers in general, but for something like this, the printed parts would have been very, very welcome.
The overall design works for me and, of course, I'm thrilled to see LEGO's original space themes getting any kind of love.
@Murdoch17 said:
" @ResIpsaLoquitur said:
"Lego is going to kill me if they do a 1985 Shell Station GWP."
They won't touch Shell anymore, (maybe a rebrand to OCTAN might work?) but beyond that I don't see it happening."
I should have mentioned that the Shell station was my first Town set I ever owned, obtained as a Christmas gift when I was 6. So, yeah, unlikely as it is, I'd probably go for one if it happened.
@ResIpsaLoquitur:
My first set was from the Basic line. Zero loyalty. I’ve been trying to get away from chunky 2x4 brick construction my entire life, and I’m certainly not going to jump at any throwback sets based on that era.
*wipes tear from eye*
It ain't Blacktron 2, but it'll do.
And as for stickers, I actually think they are good. It's because you can PUT THEM ANYWHERE YOU WANT! Prints are fine, but when I get a set, I look at a sticker, and more often than not, I don't apply, not because I dislike stickers, but I simply find the blank, unstickered part more useful.
Back to the set, I think it's a fine version of the set. The tiles on the wings look a little awkward, but I understand why Lego did it. And I am a little disappointed it uses clips, and not pins like the originals, but those are nitpicks.
I will reach the threshold to buy it, however high it will be. And will likely try to get a second copy on the after market.
@Draykov said:
"Pros: a freshly minted Blacktron I minifig and what appears to be a new decorated 45° 2x2 slope.
Cons: limited to gift with purchase status and stickers. I despise stickers in general, but for something like this, the printed parts would have been very, very welcome.
The overall design works for me and, of course, I'm thrilled to see LEGO's original space themes getting any kind of love. "
Judging from the inventory, the slope is a sticker too. Bummer. https://www.lego.com/en-us/pick-and-build/pick-a-brick?query=40580&page=1&sku=
I`d rather wait for the top set of Blacktron. This one is small and subsequently is not detailed enough to force me to buy.
I never understand why so many complain about GWP-only/high threshold. Like all other GWPs, you'll be able to buy it new, unopened in perfect condition on eBay for £15 one day after it's release.
Like every other GWP, so many people will be flipping them, it'll be more cheaper after a week
I wonder if this could foreshadow a larger Blacktron set?
A Blacktron cartel asteroid crime hq station with spice manufacturing, minifig trafficking, a seedy bar, and client reception rooms would be rather cool
I like it... but honestly, I don't see it as necessarily better than the original. I definitely don't like those front wings and prefer the original 4x8 wings, but the rest is nice enough. But there's the practical side, too--frankly, black friday, etc, tapped me out of $200+ purchases, and I'm betting the threshold going to be at least that. Tempting as it is, I think I may pass and stick with my original. I'd love to see a proper, scaled-up re-imagining like we got with 10497 and not this stripped-down compromise.
@ElephantKnight:
It’s better than Super-B Blacktron Cadet Corps! It’s original Blacktron!
And I’ve been thinking about the connection system. I remember that the old Technic pin connections tended to be rather sloppy, being of the non-friction type. There were only two of them, they were lined up horizontally, and there was a bit of vertical flex as a result. The new set uses a triple clip connection, with two on the bottom and one up top. To separate the sections, you probably have to “break” it like a loaf of french bread. The single clip at the top will offer less resistance, and popping that connection open will help lever the other two clips apart. Provided it’s an option, I might prefer flipping the clips to put the double clips at top. Mounting it from a single point in the center will put all the tension on the upper clips, so doubling the strength should put less stress on the actual clips.
@lbear:
Yeah, but then we’d have to fight the irresistible urge to take it out back and burn it.
@PurpleDave said:
" @ResIpsaLoquitur:
My first set was from the Basic line. Zero loyalty. I’ve been trying to get away from chunky 2x4 brick construction my entire life, and I’m certainly not going to jump at any throwback sets based on that era."
Cool. I'm by no means suggesting a return to the chunky era, but I also don't hate a throwback return to those sets in the GWP or other specialty release format. In other words: I like what I like.
Read the article then skimmed through the 130 previous comments and didn't see it addressed; is there any word or rumor on when this GWP will be available?
@printersix said:
"Read the article then skimmed through the 130 previous comments and didn't see it addressed; is there any word or rumor on when this GWP will be available?"
Jan 1-14
@Mattewes said:
"For the poll can we please have a “no, but I would buy it in a heartbeat as a standalone set (not gwp)”"
Or how about "no, I have the original :-)"
I don't get it. Is it so hard to print on those parts or what?!?
It will be mine. Oh yes. It will be mine.
There's second hinged section in the original behind the cockpit, allowing a small amount of storage space. There is no such feature in the new one. Fail. It's a shame this can't be a good remake like 10497.
@Norikins said:
"There's second hinged section in the original behind the cockpit, allowing a small amount of storage space. There is no such feature in the new one. Fail. It's a shame this can't be a good remake like 10497."
Do you see the metal detector stored in the front of the cockpit on the new one?
There isn't a single set I want to buy actually, so I'll buy it on bricklink or somewhere else. it will cost me 40-50 euros, I'm sure... I'm lucky, i have a spare Blacktron wedge.
@Norikins:
There’s open space in the front of the cockpit that’s used to store the minesweeper, so that functionality hasn’t been lost. I suspect it’s a result of using the Lightyear cockpit, which gets too narrow and shallow to allow the pilot to sit up front, so they had to be flipped around. What I don’t see are any comments on how this version separates into four sections, where the original only splits into three. There’s a horizontal tail structure that’s carried over from the original, but when they show the full ship it’s part of the satellite, and when it’s split up it’s on the cockpit section.
@windjammer said:
"I never understand why so many complain about GWP-only/high threshold. Like all other GWPs, you'll be able to buy it new, unopened in perfect condition on eBay for £15 one day after it's release.
Like every other GWP, so many people will be flipping them, it'll be more cheaper after a week
"
You're kidding yourself if you think you're gonna get this for under 30 bucks + 10 bucks shipping
@shaase said:
"A 356 GWP set; I'm going to say this is will have to have a threshold well over $200 in Canada...possibly pushing $300"
At $30, this Blacktron gwp ties with the recent 40563 Tribute to LEGO House as the highest value gwp to date. The other one had a US$250 purchase threshold.
This set is absolutely terrible. Where previous new classic space sets have upgraded old sets this is a huge downgrade.
@PurpleDave said:
" @ElephantKnight:
It’s better than Super-B Blacktron Cadet Corps! It’s original Blacktron!
And I’ve been thinking about the connection system. I remember that the old Technic pin connections tended to be rather sloppy, being of the non-friction type. There were only two of them, they were lined up horizontally, and there was a bit of vertical flex as a result. The new set uses a triple clip connection, with two on the bottom and one up top. To separate the sections, you probably have to “break” it like a loaf of french bread. The single clip at the top will offer less resistance, and popping that connection open will help lever the other two clips apart. Provided it’s an option, I might prefer flipping the clips to put the double clips at top. Mounting it from a single point in the center will put all the tension on the upper clips, so doubling the strength should put less stress on the actual clips.
"
Agree RE the connection method. I've got two 6894 sets and I've modded both to use a third pin connection near the top, in a similar pattern to the three-clip connection of this new Lego GWP set, for the reason you state - the excessive vertical slop of the connection. (I also recently got a 1789 Unitron Star Hawk II set off eBay and added a clip connection near the top of that one too to reduce the slop of the lower pin connection).
So I think the switch to clips, and three connection points, makes a lot of sense.
Otherwise I think the set is great and while I don't like the stickers, it is a GWP, sub-400-part set so I understand it even if I'm not happy about it. The original printed front slope pieces are expensive on BL, but in the larger scheme of things I'm fine paying $4-5 for that part as part of another BL order, and then just not putting the stickers on the cargo container area.
YES
So I’m a Classic Space guy, never owned a Blacktron set, so to me this set is nothing special. That said, I’m absolutely thrilled they are doing this. For fans of this line this is awesome! Plus it’s great to see Lego creating more of these throwback sets. It’s just a shame it’s a GWP. On the other hand, I do like the size of the set, and probably would have bought it if it was available for sale.
By the way, what’s with that Triforce sticker on the back of the ship? Does this mean we might one day get a Zelda set?
@alfred_the_buttler:
I’ve been looking over these pics with that specifically in mind. The nose of the cockpit is always right. It’s hard to screw up. The sticker only fits one way, and the logo is too big to flip 180° without getting cut off. On the other hand, every shot of that little mailbox door has a Tri-Force, which is annoying, easily-remedied…and might have a legitimate reason when we see how it fits into the cargo pod. The cargo pod and satellite…are tricky. Both match the orientation of the nose logo when viewed from above, but is that desirable? I mean, it made sense for the original cargo pod, since it allowed reuse of a single printed Castle tower panel. Here, you could reorient the stickers on the pods to be properly oriented when viewed from the sides, except then they’d be sideways when you open the doors. The satellite never had a logo on the original, and it slopes aft, so there it seems pretty clear that flipping it or omitting it (possibly to use on a MOC somewhere?) might be better. It’s worth noting that the Battrax and Renegade only feature one printed logo each…
@Glacier_Phoenix said:
"I wish that so many of these GWPs were available for purchase instead, I certainly would pay the retail value of this for it. "
Agree.
@Glacier_Phoenix said:
"I wish that so many of these GWPs were available for purchase instead, I certainly would pay the retail value of this for it. "
Agree.
From January 1 – February 14, you can get it with purchases of $190/€190/£170
Blacktron, ironically, was going into my first 'Dark Age'...my 'Grey Age'? Hmm...Anywho, I began adding them as (surprise) villains/foe/foils for the "Classic" Space 'Force'; most from the CMFs. Still there is something to this set...
I also wonder: with the success of Galaxy Explorer II, and the 'buzz' on this set (and 'Dismal' running 'it' into the ground)...is S.W. finally starting lose it footing? And If so: could TLG start making their own Space-stuff again (and not just that 'City-stuff' they've been pushing, actual 'outer space' stuff)?
I have no memories of blactron from my childhood. I was 13 in 1987, so I guess i was getting into my dark ages and didn’t notice it. Dkk 1600 threshold is too much for me. But I am thrilled for those of you who want it!
What possible reason is there for making it 18+?