Review: 10497 Galaxy Explorer
Posted by Huw,
497/928 Galaxy Explorer is one of the most influential, revered and coveted LEGO sets ever made. It is therefore the perfect set to be revisited to celebrate LEGO's 90 years of play.
The updated version 10497 Galaxy Explorer leverages the new parts and building techniques that have emerged since the original was launched in 1979 to deliver a model that is 1.5-times larger but which has remained faithful to its design.
Summary
10497 Galaxy Explorer, 1,254 pieces.
£89.99 / $99.99 / €99.99 | 7.2p/8.0c/8.0c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
This is the set Classic Space fans have been waiting for!
- Updated design but faithful to the original
- Ingenious geometry
- Very fairly priced
- Pretty much the perfect LEGO set
- Difficult to swoosh single-handedly
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Box and instructions
The attractive artwork on the box closely matches that of the original model. JaysBrickBlog recently published a great article comparing the two.
Unlike 497, it does not come with the flap lid and plastic insert through which the pieces can be observed, though. This review copy was packed in a glued box that needed to be carefully opened with a knife so as not to destroy it, which is unfortunate.
Thankfully the 160-page instruction manual does not have the new style of bland white cover: the artwork matches that on the box and, I'm glad to see, the set number is present on it, unlike many of today's adult-oriented sets.
The preface to the book includes an introduction from Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, a look at classic space and its influence on subsequent products, and brief information from the set's designer Mike Psiaki about the design process.
Parts
The set's 1,252 pieces are packaged in nine numbered bags.
Like the original set, all the decorated elements are printed, and they are excellent. The 2x2 control panel tiles, including three that depict green cathode ray tubes, will be particularly appreciated by spaceship builders!
The only new shaped piece I noticed in it is this 1x2 semicircular tile, design ID 1748, of which there are two. I suspect it will turn up in more summer sets in due course.
Construction
The craft is built around a Technic core for strength and rigidity, but that is the only part of the model that incorporates it.
Unseen parts buried inside the model are, as usual, a contrasting colour which eases identification and building. However, the instructions note that the colours used were all available back in 1979, with the exception of light bluish grey which of course replaced the original light grey during 2004.
As is often the case with sets designed by Mike Psiaki, the model incorporates some very interesting geometry and building techniques. Of particular note is how the angled edge sections are attached, aligned perfectly with the wedge plates by poking the handle of 32828 PLATE 1X1 ROUND W/ HORIZONTAL 3.2 SHAFT into the holes of pieces positioned at angles along its length.
The model quickly comes together and the sequence of photos here show it after each bag of parts has been added.
After the parts in bag eight have been attached all that remains is to add the engines from parts in bag 9 to complete the model.
The completed model
The craft measures approximately 52 cm front-to-back and 31cm across the wings. This compares to 35x20 of the original, so it's been scaled up exactly 1.5 times.
The basic design remains the same, the shape of the wings, the position of the engines and so on, but everything has been scaled up. The fuselage's wedge-shape is much more sophisticated and refined than that of the original but all the prominent features are present and correct, classic space logo on the front, LL 928 markings, red lights on the side, two antennae and so on.
I particularly like how 3963 STEERING NOZZLE, an element introduced in the original classic space sets, has been scaled up using three grey buckets.
The original craft has a printed arrow on the back but here it's been ingenuously constructed using a white Nexo Knights shield.
The original engines were 4x4 cones. Here they are 6-wide and include a grey wooden tub among the other circular pieces.
Whichever way you look at it, it looks sleek and swooshable!
The original model has fixed landing gear and large 4x4 cones positioned along its length, presumably to offer support, but which look a bit clumsy and bulky. This one, however, suffers from no such problem: it has three retractable landing pads, made using 4x4 rounded corner tile pieces introduced for Super Mario, which fit snugly into the body.
Four minifigs are provided, identical to those in the original except for their helmets which have the thicker chin strap.
This little droid was not in the original set, he didn't make an appearance until 1987 when he could be found in 6809 XT-5 and Droid.
The fun play feature of 497 has been faithfully replicated here: the rear portion of the fuselage opens to reveal stowage space for a moon buggy.
This time, though, there's a ramp which slides out and when doing so the buggy automatically slides down it.
The buggy itself is an upscaled version of that in 497.
A sliding airlock door separates the cockpit from the moon buggy stowage area: a major upgrade compared to the original model!
The cockpit and the area behind it are accessed via two hinged windshields.
Compared to virtually every other minifig-scale spaceship, the interior is cavernous, with room for all four figures to be seated in the front.
The new printed tiles provide control panels and displays for the pilot and his deputy.
The back of the fuselage is an area for R&R, with two beds among various other control panels and equipment.
The grey 2x2x2 cupboards on the sides correspond to a similar feature on the original model. They open from the outside and contain implements in one and air tanks in the other.
The beds are designed to allow the astronauts to sleep with their breathing apparatus on their backs. I don't think it would be very comfortable!
Compared to 497 Galaxy Explorer
The lineage of the model is clear when it's put side-by-side with its predecessor and while the original was undoubtedly impressive back in 1979 it looks very dated next to the new one.
It was absolutely the right decision to upscale it, enabling more details to be included, and it's fun to compare the features of the two and how they've been resized and reimagined.
I am sure that the new set will not diminish the affection and regard to which the original is held, though: it will retain pride of place in the collections of those that own it.
Alternate instructions
Instructions to build updated versions of 918 Space Transport and 924 Space Transporter from the pieces in this set will be made available online when it's released, so we have not been able to rebuild our copy yet. Expect us to do so in the coming weeks, though.
Verdict
10497 Galaxy Explorer is pretty much the perfect LEGO set. It provides an absorbing and engaging building experience that leverages interesting geometry and building techniques to produce a wonderful homage to the classic spaceship.
My only complaint is that it's difficult to swoosh it single-handedly! It's fairly heavy and there's nothing much to hold onto, other than the wing tips, and that is not ideal for swooshing!
There are no stickers, and it's clear that no expense has been spared. Despite that, the price ($99.99 / £89.99 / €99.99) seems very reasonable indeed, particularly given that the original set cost the equivalent of US$130 in today's money once inflation has been taken into account.
Unlike the other 90th anniversary set, 10305 Lion Knights' Castle, which will set you back a whopping £344.99 / $399.99 / 399.99€, you will not have to think too hard about spending out on this one. In fact, you can almost buy it on a whim.
For less than the price of the castle you could buy three copies to build all three craft, and have spare parts left for your own Classic Space creations.
If you buy just one LEGO set this year, make it this one!
It'll be available at LEGO.com from 1st August and can be pre-ordered in the USA now.
399 likes
143 comments on this article
love, Love, LOVE this one!!! What a great set and a wonderful hommage to the original! Can't wait for the sets that will come out in 2032 ;-)
I really really really love this set
I knew it was bigger than the original, but didn't realise quite how much. Cannot wait to get this at the end of the month.
So so excited for this. Really hoping LEGO has realised how popular this will be and it doesn’t sell out too fast
this is an outstanding reimagination of the original set! I also love how the incorporated the original set number in the new one.
I'm really looking forward to logging on to the LEGO website at midnight on 1 August to see this set sell out before I can get my grubby little hands on one for myself. Still, I didn't have any problems securing 10302 in this way, so here's hoping. It's an excellent set.
I am not a huge fan of Classic Space, but I respect its lofty position of respect among the AFOL community. That written, this set is amazing and possibly worth purchasing, even though I am now in the process of divesting most of my LEGO sets. Thanks for the fantastic review!
A Lego set for a reasonable price, that's nice. And it is listed as "Availability: Retail", so we can expect some actual discounts as well?
Since my Dark Ages ended in 2012, I can’t think of a set I’ve been so excited about. Sadly, I got rid of the boxes of Lego from my childhood but am sure Galaxy Explorer was there. I can remember building structures on the baseplates when I was a kid.
Baseplates would’ve been good, and it doesn’t appear that the two cockpit sections are connected (though I’m sure this can be modded), but other than that, is this the greatest Lego set ever made?
Can't wait! So, the landing pad in the promo picture is not included, then?
Oh this will be liked by alot of people.
I just love this set. While the old set hits me in the feels and I like some aspects of he old one more it's an awesome update launchng it into the 21st century. It's a shame the didin't include a small base like the original had. The baseplates too, but that's understandable (I still have space baseplates, landingpas and the ones with the craters), as they would be too small. They should've included an upscaled one made of cardboard, just for display purposes.
Have been really looking forward to this review, it did not disappoint, this set makes me smile, roll on August 1st.
A spectacular set, at a spectacular price, that hits me right in the childhood. I don't purchase many sets on Day 1, but this will be an exception.
I think it is too big, so I can’t wait to see the smaller alternate builds. I hope both can be built with a single set!
Thanks for the nice review!
Classic space is a bit before my time. I mainly grew up with Futuron, Blacktron, and Space Police. However, this set looks great and I am very tempted to get it at some point. I agree that the price is more than reasonable and that certainly adds to the temptation of getting this set despite it not being in the range of sets that I normally buy. (TLG: do you get the hint?)
Really cool upgrade compared to the original, very well done. Not liking the red and yellow that shines through here and there but the neat prints make up for that! Lego, use these prints in other sets!
It's so beautiful. It's still early but..strong contender for set of the year.
can you build both alternate models with one set?
also i hope those printed tiles end up on pick a brick, i need a lot of them!
The review doesn’t mention what I think is the cleverest thing about this set, which is that the design was scaled up 1.5 times because we’re all about 1.5 times as tall as we were when we had the original set! That brings a nostalgic tear to this old man’s eye.
Thruster nozzle, huh? I think they mean loudspeaker or klaxon.
If they re-do another Classic Space set (as opposed to Blacktron or another "actual" faction), I hope they do one of the ships with the detachable cockpit/scout craft.
Or a big pack of robots. Like, a 3-in-1 brickbuilt robot set-- lots of rocket pieces and arms and printed tiles and saucers and small plates and antennas and so on.
Absolutely incredible set. I never had the original (a little bit before my time) but the shapes, colors, minifigs...everything screams nostalgia. The price is great and the alternate builds are a wonderful bonus. I may have to buy more than one. More of this, LEGO, more more more.
I'm also stuck by how the footprint of the ship resembles the Classic Space logo, even more so than the original 497.
I can't wait to get this.
Hey, they’re picking up a Blacktron ship on the scope! Maybe that cool asymmetrical Blacktron ship is next in line for an update.
Absolutely stunning set, and with a great price (so far...). Always liked Classic Space despite it not being a theme from my generation. Particularly, I would love to see 6929 get that same treatment.
Can't wait to get it. I thought it was already released in the US, but only on August 1st... means September or early October for Brazil, sad. I just hope the price doesn't increase by the time it arrives here.
This is a must-have for me. Preferably in multiple copies to build alternate models, but I will definitely buy at least one.
I was skeptical at first regarding the upscale and the lack of base and baseplates, but seeing the interior it more than makes up for these shortcomings. I can only hope we'll receive an upscaled base at some point.
This ship embodies what I always imagined the ships I played with looked like. I'm very happy lego decided to create such a set.
SPACE!
Where all parts go to find alternate uses.
Remember kids: All parts are SPACE! parts.
I haven't anticipated a Lego set like this since... well, I'm not sure when! It's been years and years, though. I just wish part of the pre-order could be to have it sent to a store. I enjoy the pilgrimage!
Absolutely fantastic work. I will definitely be building a "space museum" for my original, like we might do with the Space Shuttle here on earth. It was great for its day, but we have different needs and technology now. Hopefully all the astronauts can go check out the first ship to bring them to the stars!
This will fly off the shelves...
LOVE IT, BUYING 3 SETS TO BUILD 3 SHIPS. CAN NOT WAIT.
@jkb said:
"Can't wait! So, the landing pad in the promo picture is not included, then?"
It doesn't actually appear to be a plate, looks like just a giant printed tile.
I would love to see a classic space colored 3-in-1 base set with at least one grey plate. Lots of parts that people could use to build their own bases, as well as some sort of buildable craters. Even those engine barrels could be used as craters with the right slopes surrounding them.
@MutoidMan said:
"Hey, they’re picking up a Blacktron ship on the scope!"
Good eye!
@Tynansd said:
"Baseplates would’ve been good, and it doesn’t appear that the two cockpit sections are connected (though I’m sure this can be modded), but other than that, is this the greatest Lego set ever made? "
On the sliding airlock opened photo, you can see the panels for the pilots, so I would say that the cockpits are connected.
LEGO online - just take my money please!
@CDM said:
" @MutoidMan said:
"Hey, they’re picking up a Blacktron ship on the scope!"
Good eye!
"
I like that it appears the right hand panel is playing Asteroids with the 497 ship.
@Lance_McCormick said:
"Thruster nozzle, huh? I think they mean loudspeaker or klaxon.
If they re-do another Classic Space set (as opposed to Blacktron or another "actual" faction), I hope they do one of the ships with the detachable cockpit/scout craft.
Or a big pack of robots. Like, a 3-in-1 brickbuilt robot set-- lots of rocket pieces and arms and printed tiles and saucers and small plates and antennas and so on."
I think those are auxiliary thrusters that are used to re-orientate the spaceship when their main and secondary thrusters are offline. Such as the thrusters used for fine-tuning the orientation when orbiting or navigating asteroid fields.
Excellent coverage of an excellent set. Thanks, Huw!
@Lance_McCormick said:
"If they re-do another Classic Space set (as opposed to Blacktron or another "actual" faction), I hope they do one of the ships with the detachable cockpit/scout craft."
better the Futuron Monorail <3
As a child of the 90s raised on Adventurers and Extreme Team, I have no nostalgia for Classic Space and the original sets. However, after reading this review, I could see myself picking up one of these in the future. Well done, Lego. More of this quality, please.
@pazza_inter said:
" @Lance_McCormick said:
"If they re-do another Classic Space set (as opposed to Blacktron or another "actual" faction), I hope they do one of the ships with the detachable cockpit/scout craft."
better the Futuron Monorail <3"
Sadly, you're never going to see another monorail. The a certain cartoon show killed the idea everywhere forever. (Any in any case, it's more of a Shelbyville idea anyway!)
The retractable landing gear is an added bonus I was not expecting. Although the hidden ghastly colours may make building easier for 5+, they limit alternative building when looking for blue, grey pieces.
This is a beautiful set, one thing I wish is as it's larger if it had a couple more figures, I get they were being faithful to the original with 2 red and 2 white astronauts, but to me this is perfect if they just throw a blue and a yellow guy in there additionally.
Fantastic! Thanks for the review.
I just put in two pre-orders. :)
Imma be honest and a little contrarian/provocative here. As a lucky owner of 497 as a child, what that set meant to me was a doorway into creativity as I built and rebuilt hundreds of variants of all sorts of things. The original model has nostalgia for me, sure, but as an entree, not a definitive object.
Meanwhile, I've learned to be careful about too much nostalgia Kragling our vision. Am I being too serious? Probably. But I've seen what zealous nostalgia has done to other fandoms, some of which conspicuously overlap with the AFOL world. I'm not trying to confuse cause and effect here -- a set like this doesn't CREATE nostalgia so much as reflect (and profit from) it. I just try to give nostalgia a little berth nowadays.
Classic Castle fan here. I just wanted to say that this is far and away the best 90th anniversary set. The alternate builds of other classic sets is simply perfect. I'm so jealous of all you rightfully happy Classic Space fans out there. Enjoy your swooshing!
It looks like the astronauts have discovered a Bionicle canister in one of the printed displays.
You've honored your forerunners well, Lego.
@Brickulator93 said:
"It looks like the astronauts have discovered a Bionicle canister in one of the printed displays. "
Lego made a 90th anniversary Bioncle set after all...
Can't imagine a better set to purchase this year. Two on pre-order now, will get a third eventually to display all three versions simultaneously. Can't wait!
While this will never move 497 off of my display shelf, it will have a nice place somewhere in the room for quite a while, I imagine...
A lot of my Lego buying decisions are made based on interesting/unique parts, and there aren't many of those here for me. That said, this might be worth picking up anyway just for the building experience! It's been said already, but it's such a stylish, cleverly-made reinterpretation of a classic!
I was not bothered by the release of this set until this review - Thanks Huw, I will be putting it on the wish-list!
I'm oddly more exited for the buggy, because those small sets were my pocket money buys of the late 70's...
Gorgeous and very well designed as a whole, that much is certain. However I can't help feeling it's plagued by the issues Lego has had for the better part of the last decade: complexity for the sake of it. Looking at the interior construction is impressive no doubt, but this feels like it belongs on someone's MOC, not a toy. The random bits strewn about to add complexity and filler just to bulk the set don't justify themselves other than "how crazy can we make this."
I'm sure it will be a beloved set for many, and as I said the finished product is well made. I just feel like it's a blazing symptom of what Lego has become, and it's a shame to see the ingenuity through simplicity replaced by the absurd notion of "bigger is better."
@BrickRandom said:
"A Lego set for a reasonable price, that's nice. And it is listed as "Availability: Retail", so we can expect some actual discounts as well?"
Yes.
That view through the airlock from the moon buggy section is an absolute beauty of a picture. That alone would sell this to me if I'd not added it to the top of my wants list already.
I'm only slightly too young for the original version, but this set is just an amazing homage to it and a real treat for anyone who had even the smallest of any of the space sets in the late 70s and 80s.
I love this set. It is a great update of the original. My only complaint is no moon base plates.
@MutoidMan said:
"Hey, they’re picking up a Blacktron ship on the scope! Maybe that cool asymmetrical Blacktron ship is next in line for an update."
I love seeing asymmetry in space--I'd always incorporate at least a little (sometimes a lot) into my own designs. If they remade 6954 I'd absolutely buy one. Transformers has been doing this for years--re-releasing old favorites reimagined in their "Generations" line. The idea is proven, there's money to be made. Many of the kids who grew up with these sets are now parents, looking for gifts for -their- kids...
Definitely an upgrade, much more than a remake.
Thank you for the detailed review. If I wasn't convinced already, this would have done it.
No need to complain about the missing landing platform. Why land when you can sleep onboard? Argh, now it's missing a toilet in my mind...
I like that people have been posting comments in the throwback article up to today.
I immediately bought a Set with Benny, when I pre-ordered two of this set. This is what I wish Lego had been doing instead exclusively Starwars. Amazing set at an amazing value.
I do hope they continue and eventually do a Blacktron 2 style ship. I know that's specific, but it's a very iconic bubble cockpit theme that has not been revisited.
What absolutely solid pixel this is.
Pre-ordered on day one and should welcome it in a bit over two weeks. I must now find a good spot for it (this is quite big!)
Lego did not think about it at design time but it would be EXTREMELY nice if they could produce an add-on pack with two 2x6 with LL924 and two 2x6 with LL918.
I would pay $5 for that (which is 1.25 per part; well above the 0.10 ppp mentioned most of the time).
I'm happy for you space and castle fans since you have this and the big castle, but they're not for me. I avoid sets that are mainly gray (I live in the Rust Belt and have all the gray I need in the sky) so won't be picking up this, but it is pretty cool.
This set is a total love letter from lego to Afols. The build, the size, the quality, the faithfulness to the original, the minifigs, the box art, and last but not least- the price. It all together shows how much Lego wanted to give us a gift. As much I have negative things to say about companys latest price policies and other bullsh*t I really wanted to express how much I appreciate this set and the whole idea it brings to the table. Mike Psiaki and the whole lego team- bravo, bravo, bravo!!
The picture you took showing the view from the moon buggy stowage area into the cockpit is one of the most beautiful you've ever posted. Way to go!
I know I’m in the minority, but I would’ve loved to see this designed to retain a roughly similar scale to the original while taking the same approach to modernizing the look, parts use, functions, etc. I’m just generally resistant to the inclination to make everything gigantic in modern sets (e.g., SW…and assumedly a largely price-point driven priority).
Nonetheless, this looks fantastic, and the option for smaller alt models will perhaps make up for it!
As an 80s-90s kid, my favorite would’ve been 3 smaller sets from 3 eras of Space, but I get that’s wishful thinking.
Also: awesome control panel tiles. Love that all are prints!
Is that... is that a Bionicle reference on one of the printed consoles? Top left in the picture of new printed pieces, part of the overhead display in the back of the fuselage? It looks uncannily like the opened Toa canister featured in images like this one: https://biosector01.com/w/images/bs01/6/6d/MNOG.png
Edit: Missed @Brickulator93 's comment above; I wasn't the first one to catch this!
In my opinion already a strong candidate for best set of the year. Really well done and the price, for once, fair (something we see less and less these days). Can't wait for the 2 copies I pre-ordered to arrive.
@ra226 said:
" @MutoidMan said:
"Hey, they’re picking up a Blacktron ship on the scope! Maybe that cool asymmetrical Blacktron ship is next in line for an update."
I love seeing asymmetry in space--I'd always incorporate at least a little (sometimes a lot) into my own designs. If they remade 6954 I'd absolutely buy one."
Yes, I’ve always been fascinated by asymmetrical spacecraft (and aircraft) designs. The one PC space combat game that stands out in my mind for having cool asymmetrical spacecraft designs is Tachyon: The Fringe. Having Bruce Campbell voice Jake Logan, the main character, was another plus.
Fantastic set, as a standalone, but also a very impressive parts pack, 2 layers of grey wing parts, many grey and blue tail parts, and many printed computer tiles, and overall classic colored parts.
Grey Wing plates might not be as special to Star Wars collectors, but outside that, there have not been large spaceships like this using so many tiles and plates in a limited but very very useful color scheme for a very reasonable price.
This looks very impressive. I was well into my dark age when the original came out, so I'll just have to get this to see what I missed.
(Now if only they'd recreated the 1966 Motorized Train set too!)
Why no discussion and pics of the thruster scooters being ridden in the review? I was hoping to see a bit more about that feature.
Still a great review though. Thank you for posting it.
@dimc said:
"I like that it appears the right hand panel is playing Asteroids with the 497 ship. "
...and Asteroids also first appeared in 1979
Well hello there, this year's Xmas present!
You convinced me.... its been ordered.
@EvilTwin said:
" @dimc said:
"I like that it appears the right hand panel is playing Asteroids with the 497 ship. "
...and Asteroids also first appeared in 1979
"
What a cute little easter egg that is!
Thanks Huw - appreciate the great review. My son and I just had a look at this....and the verdict is, we'll have to get two!
928 was the coolest set back the the days however I was always dreaming to have an even bigger set which could be a mothership of the LL928. Finaly i have my chanche to have it. I would be much more happy if the number would be LL938 or LL978 but I understood why TLG choose this way. Most of the cases I am not happy with way which is chosen by TLG but giving us this extra cool classic space set above the winning castle in 90th celebration theme, i have to say, well done TLG, you can be proud yourself.
@dimc said:
" @jkb said:
"Can't wait! So, the landing pad in the promo picture is not included, then?"
It doesn't actually appear to be a plate, looks like just a giant printed tile.
I would love to see a classic space colored 3-in-1 base set with at least one grey plate. Lots of parts that people could use to build their own bases, as well as some sort of buildable craters. Even those engine barrels could be used as craters with the right slopes surrounding them. "
I was actually suspecting the set might contain a cardboard reprint of the landing pad baseplate, as agoodie. But sadly, none of that.
@Bricklunch said:
"Why no discussion and pics of the thruster scooters being ridden in the review? I was hoping to see a bit more about that feature.
Still a great review though. Thank you for posting it. "
It did not occur to me until I saw it in another review!
I knew about most of the features from the bit during Brick Con, but this review has me looking forward to my copy even more! (I love the robot, I wanted 6809 a lot as a kid.)
"Pretty much the perfect LEGO set"
Well, that sums it up quite well! This set got me really excited when it was first shown, but this review only makes me appreciate it even more. So many great and inventive details, and I feel that while this does use recent parts in abundance, a lot of detail is done with parts that either are pretty old or neatly resemble those parts. Amazing set! Too bad no landing pad was included in any form, but considering all of the goodness and the very fair price, that's not even a real complaint.
@deathmoth said:
"I know I’m in the minority, but I would’ve loved to see this designed to retain a roughly similar scale to the original while taking the same approach to modernizing the look, parts use, functions, etc. I’m just generally resistant to the inclination to make everything gigantic in modern sets (e.g., SW…and assumedly a largely price-point driven priority).
Nonetheless, this looks fantastic, and the option for smaller alt models will perhaps make up for it!
As an 80s-90s kid, my favorite would’ve been 3 smaller sets from 3 eras of Space, but I get that’s wishful thinking.
Also: awesome control panel tiles. Love that all are prints!"
You mean like this? :)
https://flic.kr/p/2kFtNCG
https://flic.kr/p/2mNhRJj
I already have this preordered. I was not alive for the original, so I missed out on that buzz. But this looks like a nice rendition so I'd rather have this anyway.
The box being glued won't bother me. I'll recycle it anyway.
The set has a lot of neat features and it's nice how they pay an homage to the original so often. Printed pieces always helps.
So it's obviously possible to have a decently priced set. I'm guessing they are pricing this lower and hoping to make it up on volume while pricing everything else higher to compensate.
What a wonderful set and recreation of the original!
I was too young to own one of the originals, but I am hoping to get one of these later this year...
So retro-futuristic!
Amazing review! I can’t wait to build this!
Love the retractable landing gears! Why can’t we get more of these in the overpriced Star Wars sets?
Honestly, I thought it was going to be a bit too pricey for me ... but I see printed pieces (and no stickers), and now I want it badly.
One thing I can't help but notice: those LL928 prints on the original model do look quite a bit better than those on the new one. I am very glad this is all prints (and good ones at that!), but again it clearly shows print quality is lacking.
And even when I'm not a fan of stickers, it would have been nice if they included a few with LL918 and LL924. Sure, printed pieces for those would be even better, but that would be asking too much.
And I wonder how many extra parts would have been needed to build both alternate models at the same time. If you could build all three from just two sets, that would have been a no-brainer for me. But to get three sets....well, I'm not sure yet if I like 'em that much....
Still, minor issues in an almost perfect set.
Absolute day one purchase for me - the lack of stickers is a pleasant surprise, and I'm looking forward to the modernised 918/924 builds too.
You nailed it Huw: Pretty much the PERFECT LEGO set! Slick and beautiful, a true hommage to 928. Great review too. Thumbs up.
1) I miss ths 4xsome trans-yellow plate. Plates like that were a defining part in the classic space sets.
2) I wonder why they didn't use the "game controller" part in place of the steering wheels. Unless the original had a steering wheel.
3) I love Lego for publishing the instructions. I can enjoy it even more without having to buy it by looking through the book. (Oops, I just realized they haven't been published yet)
@asherkobin said:
"1) I miss ths 4xsome trans-yellow plate. Plates like that were a defining part in the classic space sets.
2) I wonder why they didn't use the "game controller" part in place of the steering wheels. Unless the original had a steering wheel."
The original does have a steering wheel.
If the set is 1.5x larger than 928, then the number on its flank could have been LL1392.
Such a good set, hope to get soon. Play features rock!
Fantastic review Huw complete with outstanding step by step photos and analysis. Is it possible to pass on to TLG that it would be ideal to have a small sticker sheet (and I hate stickers!) of LL918 and LL924 for the alternate builds? As WizardOfOss said, it's too much to expect additional printed bricks. Please confirm if stickers on the back of the LL928 brick would do the job. Cheers!
Cannot wait! :]
Has anyone found an affordable display case for this? Only way I could get it is if I could display it.
Spending $100 on a whim! Inflation must be worse than I thought.
Don't know about you rich AFOLs out there, but the only LEGO I can buy on a whim are polybags and CMs.
That black 8x16 tile for the ramp looks terrible. Couldn't they have made it grey?
great review as usual.
I've always wanted to see the modernized versions of older sets and I'm very pleased how Lego handled classics like 928 and the 6285 (21322). I wish I could get them but having no space left at home, and also not feeling the necessity to have it, most likely I'll pass. Great review by the way. I'll keep the side-by-side picture for future viewing pleasure.
My brother wouldn't let me play with his Galaxy Explorer, or any of his other LEGO space sets... but when he went to college I went into his room and BUILT EVERYTHING.
I had LEGO 493, Space Command Center, but its pieces spent more time as MOCs... like the Snowspeeder I made out of my space LEGO bricks.... my brother did salvage the unique viewscreen, and rebuilt it. :/
Needless to say, I have preordered this one, and a remake of 493 would be very welcomed by me.
Looks fantastic, will run it by the boss (my son) and see if we can add it to his space fleet (he loves all the modern town moon-base space stuff the most).
Would be curious to see this side by side with Benny's Spaceship from the Lego Movie.
Funny how they use the Black-/M-Tron control panels again for this set. Good choice though, I always liked that one!
Easily my favourite set of the year so far (including the Time Machine and forthcoming Castle). If anyone form TLG is reading this comment, PLEASE make this an annual theme; There's so many Classic Space sets that could (should) be updated in a similar way. @Huw maybe you could run a Classic Space poll, would be very interesting to know the Community's top 10 set, and this might at leads build a case for TLG to consider this as an annual theme.
@BoltBuilds said:
"What a wonderful set and recreation of the original!
I was too young to own one of the originals, but I am hoping to get one of these later this year..."
Me too. Except, add 'poor' to 'young.' But, now I'm ready!
I showed my older brother... he knowingly nodded, and said, "Ahh, the White Whale."
Will this make me whole (Lego™ better hope not, or their revenue stream is going under)?
I don't know. But, it makes me very, very happy. :)
Btw, love @Huw and his negative attribute for this set. It's an awesome back-handed compliment. Especially since the designer expressed that was his intention behind this set to make us all literally FEEL like little kids again.
@560heliport said:
"That black 8x16 tile for the ramp looks terrible. Couldn't they have made it grey?"
I get what you're saying. The funny thing is, I just thought this morning how that exact black plate looks oddly good on this model.
I know you can call it out, but – it breaks the gray just right in my eyes.
At last Huw gets a great set to review :D
I know that many people already wrote how inspiring this set and review are, but I need to say it for myself.
Thanks Huw for the great review (as someone already mentioned: that shot through the open airlock into the cockpit is beautiful) and thanks Mike for the superb set.
I look forward to enjoying it. This is an outstanding reiteration of a classic set thanks to the attention to detail, lots of love from the design team, and careful consideration of everything it represented to fans.
I'll be unboxing both the Galaxy Explorer and my inner child in August.
Cheers!
@Huw said:
" @Bricklunch said:
"Why no discussion and pics of the thruster scooters being ridden in the review? I was hoping to see a bit more about that feature.
Still a great review though. Thank you for posting it. "
It did not occur to me until I saw it in another review!"
That's a good reason, fair enough.
@YoureOnlyYoungTwice said:
"Looks fantastic, will run it by the boss (my son) and see if we can add it to his space fleet (he loves all the modern town moon-base space stuff the most).
Would be curious to see this side by side with Benny's Spaceship from the Lego Movie."
New Elementary did a comparison in their review. https://www.newelementary.com/2022/07/lego-icons-review-10497-galaxy-explorer.html
What a great set, guess we'll have to wait another 90 years for Lego to revisit Classic Space again. Make sure you take your vitamins: you'll want to be in good shape for it.
@CopperTablet said:
"What a great set, guess we'll have to wait another 90 years for Lego to revisit Classic Space again. Make sure you take your vitamins: you'll want to be in good shape for it."
I know this is sarcasm, but if things like this and the Lion Knights' Castle are what we're getting for the 90th anniversary, imagine how much of a big deal the 100th anniversary will be a decade from now. Not that that will be the only opportunity for nostalgic sets and figs (there have been various homages of varying levels of authenticity over the past couple decades), but when that big anniversary rolls around they're probably going to pull out ALL the stops to make it an even bigger celebration of the company's history.
My god, I love this thing so much - and at this price, it's probably one of the last sets I can buy more than one copy of on my humble budget.
Which I will. Because I'll want to assemble the entire "fleet" once those alternate instructions come out.
If anything, I'd like my irresponsible spending to send a clear signal to TLG - you keep cranking out Classic Space-sets, and I'll keep forking over my hard-earned money. Now bring back Blacktron!
@ForestMenOfEndor said:
"If the set is 1.5x larger than 928, then the number on its flank could have been LL1392."
This is such a great idea! I talked about a (desired) part pack with LL918 and LL924 in a post above, now that part pack should also have two 2x6s with LL1392.
Might have to commission that to people who do professional Lego printing/engraving.
I love it and will be buying one. I’ve decided that I will never buy another Lego set that contain stickers. Many of my newer sets have crumbling stickers, including my millennium falcon that’s only a few years old.
This is how a Lego should be. How it used to be.
I hope this set will provide enough inspirations, or even better a wake-up-call, to the Designers of future sets: focusing on playability, configurability, good construction, and with no stickers!
@Huw Mike's last name is misspelled once as "Psaiki".
@pazza_inter said:
"better the Futuron Monorail <3"
A monorail chassis is 4x20 studs, so scaled up in the same proportions that'd be... 6x30. Just about the right size for a train chassis. So make it capable of running on train tracks (or at least being converted) and that gets rid of the issue that monorail track isn't made any more.
I am forced to order this. It is so beautiful. Also glad I got 2 of the Spacemen packs from the LEGO Movie 2 as well cause they will be happily populating the rest of this craft =)
I love this....I feel like I need to buy this just to vote with my wallet. But I'm not that into this particular classic space, being more of an Mtron and Blacktron era guy.
An excellent review Huw.
This set is simply the best and a must have. I will 3 of them to get all the other ones.
I think they should protect the windshields to avoid damages, it would be a shame.
Could you please remember me please the signification of the white arrow on the spaceship and the double L, i'm not sure. Thanks.
@jumalichi said:
"I think they should protect the windshields to avoid damages, it would be a shame.
Could you please remember me please the signification of the white arrow on the spaceship and the double L, i'm not sure. Thanks."
Apparently, a review copy sent to another LAN ambassador arrived with scratched windscreens. So I completely agree that they should be protected to avoid damage, but they seem not to be.
I believe the white arrows in the early Classic Space sets indicate a nearby, non-obvious (to a child) play feature; in this case, the opening bow doors.
I think the 'LL' in 'LL 928' stands for Legoland, the range in which the original Galaxy Explorer appeared.
Excellent review - would love to see some photo's next to 70816 Benny's Spaceship, Spaceship, SPACESHIP. The other recent set clearly inspired by the Galaxy Explorer.
@Zander said:
" @jumalichi said:
"I think they should protect the windshields to avoid damages, it would be a shame.
Could you please remember me please the signification of the white arrow on the spaceship and the double L, i'm not sure. Thanks."
Apparently, a review copy sent to another LAN ambassador arrived with scratched windscreens. So I completely agree that they should be protected to avoid damage, but they seem not to be.
I believe the white arrows in the early Classic Space sets indicate a nearby, non-obvious (to a child) play feature; in this case, the opening bow doors.
I think the 'LL' in 'LL 928' stands for Legoland, the range in which the original Galaxy Explorer appeared. "
Thanks Zander.
Last question: in another review i've seen some black airtanks, are they included in the set and where ? And what is the use ? Thanks again. I'm so impatient to get it.
@ForestMenOfEndor said:
"If the set is 1.5x larger than 928, then the number on its flank could have been LL1392."
1392 is taken
@jumalichi said:
"Last question: in another review i've seen some black airtanks, are they included in the set and where ? And what is the use ? Thanks again. I'm so impatient to get it."
Yes, a single black airtank piece is included and stored in one of the grey cupboards.
Love this set! A definite day 1 purchase for me, having most of the original classic space back in the day this brings back so many memories! :) It's a great update, would have been nice to have a bit more interest in the rear fin/spoiler, and some more relief variation on the bottom, but hey, that's just me being picky ;P
(Thinking of Peter Reid's set > https://ideas.lego.com/projects/d30ce870-6ede-486a-9d84-bcc9b9c6b5f9 )
Fantastic set all the same :)
@jarack said:
"Excellent review - would love to see some photo's next to 70816 Benny's Spaceship, Spaceship, SPACESHIP. The other recent set clearly inspired by the Galaxy Explorer."
Yep. I'm in doubt which one of the two I prefer.
Just to be safe, I have both (ok, soon I will).
And 928 obviously.
@jarack said:
"Excellent review - would love to see some photo's next to 70816 Benny's Spaceship, Spaceship, SPACESHIP. The other recent set clearly inspired by the Galaxy Explorer."
Caz Mockett included a comparison with Benny's Spaceship in her New Elementary review: https://www.newelementary.com/2022/07/lego-icons-review-10497-galaxy-explorer.html
They're not too dissimilar in size but definitely both very different takes on Classic Space.
Yes!
People are talking about a Bionicle reference in one of the printed green displays, but what about that Triforce visible on the radar? You heard it here first, official Zelda sets confirmed! ;-)
Pre-ordered mine.
I have not been this excited about a LEGO set in quite a while!
I mean, I've been excited about other sets, but I'm SUPER-excited for this one!
I want it NOW!
@Mischarktopus said:
"People are talking about a Bionicle reference in one of the printed green displays, but what about that Triforce visible on the radar? You heard it here first, official Zelda sets confirmed! ;-)"
Thats Blacktron logo :D
@lordofdragonss said:
" @Mischarktopus said:
"People are talking about a Bionicle reference in one of the printed green displays, but what about that Triforce visible on the radar? You heard it here first, official Zelda sets confirmed! ;-)"
Thats Blacktron logo :D"
That looks like an homage to the old Asteroids game on the pilot monitor! :)
@Huw said:
" @jumalichi said:
"Last question: in another review i've seen some black airtanks, are they included in the set and where ? And what is the use ? Thanks again. I'm so impatient to get it."
Yes, a single black airtank piece is included and stored in one of the grey cupboards.
"
Thanks ??
Rather nice, even if I'm not convinced by the double cockpit.
As a display set, it works, I guess. As a construction toy (remember, it is what Lego is supossed to be in the first place), it seems a lot less versatile than 928, because of the rainbow of colors in the structure (is it too difficult for AFOLs of 2022 to build only with 3 colors ? very strange...)
Also, I don't really care about "clever techniques" which are mainly here to justify there's no new moulds. The strength of 928 in its time was it was plenty of new space parts and was very different from every set that came before.
This new Explorer is just another (nice) set, but any serious Spacer can do a MOC like that, or better...
The model that Space lovers deserved and needed.
Besides it is the proof that
- licensed sets are overpriced
- licensing may have saved Lego years ago but the price to pay was the progressive loss of in-house themes, ie the story of the company
Hopefully this spaceship and the castle are not only a celebration but a change of direction towards the valorization of internal resources.
@jkb said:
" @ForestMenOfEndor said:
"If the set is 1.5x larger than 928, then the number on its flank could have been LL1392."
1392 is taken"
Which would have made it another Bionicle easter egg for the fans! :)
Whoa, went to pre-order on lego.com and it shows $180 for the price, not $100???
Looks like a great set. However, I don't think 497 looks as "dated" next to 10497 as you do; I think the classic design of 497 makes 10497 look kinda overblown. Nothing inherently wrong with the new set, but I'd be even more thrilled if LEGO made something at the scale of the original too. I guess that's 76832, which I saw someone already rebuilt in Classic Space colors : )
> If you buy just one LEGO set this year, make it this one!
Oh, I most definitely will.
This is 129,95 € if you purchase it from Lego.com and you are located in Finland. Damn. That's not nice.
A minor quibble: the engines are 5-wide, not 6-wide.
Just got this (Aug 1) and finished building it.
- Looks just as good in person as in the photos
- Necessarily some repetition building some sections because it's a symmetrical ship - but overall this is the most fun I've had building a Lego set in a long time. So cool to see everything come together
- Even if inflation and supply-chain issues were not driving prices up, this would be a good value (at least in USD) - but given these times, this is an outrageous value: all printed pieces, no stickers, four minifigs, amazing build, it's a 3-in-1 set, and it has about 4x as many pieces as the original and it costs nearly 25% less than the original in inflation-adjusted terms.
I was super-excited when this was announced, and now that I have it, I can't recommend it highly enough.