M:Tron 6989 Mega Core Magnetizer

We've come to the big one folks...

This is M:Tron's 6989 Mega Core Magnetizer.  Boxes from 1991 were labeled Multi Core Magnetizer.

Any conversation about Mega Core Magnetizer must eventually come round to the Imperial Star Destroyer, so let's just bring it out and get it over with.  This is how I discovered the ISD...three page spread in a Christmas catalog!  Look to the rear of this ship.

Christmas 2002, Lego Legends were dropping out of the sky, 200 dollar sets had started to become a thing, and for a kid struggling out of the morass of crummy construction toys from the late 90's the future was looking up.  Along comes a three page fold out of a monster spaceship.  But lo, what's that at the rear.  Those wheel's long forgotten, were they the ones?

 

Indeed they were.  The Mega Core Magnetizer was such a big truck that a supersized wheel had been molded specifically for it; 71 millimeter diameter x 47 millimeter width.  And then M:Tron went away, and so did this very large, very special wheel.  From 1993-4ish as the M:tron sets disappeared from shelves until the very last month of 2002 the wheel was gone, and its return unexpected and unheralded.

In the picture below I've assembled the tires available in Space at the time.  The second tire over is often mistaken for the Giant by Ebay sellers/switched out!  Just remember.  The Big one stands 1.75 Minifigs tall, the next tire size down stands 1.1 minifigs tall.

How great was my elation to see its return; and what a return!  Nothing less than a three foot long spacewedge from the likes of Star Wars, and for such a great ship, three engines of considerable size.

---But then, lightning struck again.---

Its return was followed up by Mars Mission: MT-101 Armored Drilling Unit.  Somehow I couldn't get excited about the color orange on the wheels at the time, and coupled with a messy design, stickers and static gummi-aliens that glowed in the dark, my reaction was more muted.  

Woah...pessimism!  Away with you!  Here is Mega Core Magnetizer/Multi Core Magnetizer, or as I like to call it, the Monster.  This truck is awesome...not that I'm biased or anything...ok I'm totally biased.  

Anti freeze green was the new hip color of the 90's; it was everywhere.  Just look at Laser Tag, Batman Forever, Gak, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Nickolodeon; boom, anti freeze green was the 'it' color.  It would dominate the Lego Group's products throughout the 90's...one might say its success wrought devastation to its own intrinsic coolness...it got to feeling tired and overused.  But in 1990 it was 'the' stuff.  

By the standards of Lego Space 6989 was big...nay; it was massive.  Previous large space trucks were pipsqueaks next to it.  Even BlackTron's fearsome Battrax was a little boulder under its tyres.

Futuron's largest truck, Interplanetary Rover, hardly looks the part when set alongside the significantly larger Multi Core Magentizer.  Although, to be fair, I wasn't too impressed with it even out from under Mega Core's shadow.

Multi Core Magnetizer fills a special niche in Golden era space. occupied by heavy mining equipment and extreme vehicles for extreme circumstances; such vehicles include Terex Titan, and the Shuttle Crawler which was also repurposed from a mining vehicle.

The pedrigree of Multi Core Magnetizer is exceptional, and the toy itself does not disappoint. Everything is large and the play features are deeply engineered for impressive levels of functionality.

The rack and gear assembly came into its own as an operable crane with access to every shelf and cranny aboard this titanic truck.  The rack and gear had been used elsewhere, but never better than this.  Below you can see the car being returned to its storage shelf.

From here we have a great view of the grates in the middle.  I first noticed these plates in Paradisa sets and always considered it to be a piece for my sisters, but it first appeared here in this red version.  It gives the truck that big industrial look.  Conversely, the lattice effect can be very attractive for walled in gardens, hotel's, docks; it's just all around a great piece.

The crane has full 360 degree rotation and tips down at the back.  If there is a flaw, it's that the crane can't drop packages over the side...everything has to be lowered at the rear.  Up top a radar dish twirls above the twirl, and when you get to the commercial much lower down you can see the cool effect it achieves in stop motion.
















The design is tight and some assemblies perform multiple functions.  Everything about this toy is methodical and purposeful. Except for one thing...the lasers at the rear of the crane tip up and down; why?  Your guess is as good as mine, but like the lights on the back of Beacon Tracer, they accent the model very nicely.

Double function case in point: The top 8x8 dish is the steering handle, and window lock.  Offhand I can think of the first Arc 170 Starfighter's wing opening bomb dropping mechanism as seen here.

The art of engineering is still alive and well in the design labs, but the technical limitations of M:Tron's era makes it all the more attractive.  The construction is not out of reach for a child's comprehension, and while a handful of technic elements are involved, much of the steering/lock construction is made up of parts that were around since the late 70's.  Doubly nice, is that the aesthetic element trumped the technical aspect in a way that has been lost as the design scale has tipped toward function over fashion in the last 10 years.  Is Multi Core Fashionable???  I say yes, some people say it's ugly; under-engineered? That it ain't.

Of course, since the vehicle is so massive you have to start thinking about where it's going to turn seconds ahead of when you start steering, because the turning radius is very wide.  It drives like a truck pulling a nondetachable hydraulic trailer crane.

The steering system shares its design with the much smaller Celestial Forager, and functions as a simpler, narrower version of the steering system popularized by the 1989 Space Police: Spy-Trak 1 and Futuron: Lunar MPV Vehicle.

Celestial Forager

Spy-Trak 1

Lunar MPV Vehicle

This, along with Stellar Recon Voyager, was the last outing for the honeycomb brick.  From this vantage point you can see the heavy built up joints that turn the truck; three joints work in concert against the control arm under the dish.

As a long time fan of the brick I estimate this honeycomb part to be the best worst thing ever...it's really cool, and tricky to actually attach in any meaningful way.  I've used the part once in my MOC building until today.  In this set it sits flush with the truck's twisting range...the technic pin prevents it from touching the front frame.  It adds some nice texture to a section that would otherwise have been built up and kind of plain looking.

Note the necessity of that lovely sci-fi texture...my cousin used to call these speaker bricks: as in crank up the bass.

Let's take a look at steering from the top.  The grey accent engines are perfect handholds, and a logo proudly displays the M atop this workhorse.

See that scuff from steering in the dome...I didn't even see it until the photograph was taken.  Even knowing it's there...the light has to hit it just right...quick tip if you buy one of these and don't want a scuffed window.  Lift the steering mechanism up on its hinge and the problem can be avoided...or if you're not picky about it twist away on your $20 piece of Trans Neon Green Dome.  Collecting old bricks can be stressful.  (Protip from hypocrisy dude) if you want to get the most enjoyment out of your parts...don't look up what they're worth to others.  I do it often actually...this was going for much less recently.
















The Antifreeze green quarterdome window, which was only ever seen on space stations and underwater bases, serves as the cockpit for three tandem truck operators.  That's how big this truck is; it needed the window piece designed for 6990 Monorail Transport System's dome structure.  This huge quarter dome is the best kind of eye candy.  And the nose tip is a transparent rocket tip...love that piece.

Barring the green dome the set is actually very sparing with transparent parts, with almost all of them being placed at the very front or rear.  The middle is all solid colors unless the crane is directly overhead.



































The Truck can unload 6 items from its hulking frame: 2 crates, 2 cars, one space scooter, and 1 box.  Everything you see can be reached by the crane with zero hassle and no pretending play elements...it just works. Even 6990 for all its coolness cannot boast away the pretend crate moving elements.

Crates on shelves, Cars in pockets, box on deck.

Unloaded

The cars and scooter are small, simple affairs, but actually quite advanced compared to what Futuron sets would stow in their ships.  The cart can pull at least the box.

For tools you get two wrenches, 2 walkie Talkies, 2 backpack sprayers(welders? fire extinguishers???) using the old Classic Space rocket pack, and one blacksmith hammer.

This crate holds the tools and has two slots to slide the backpacks aboard.  This crate showcases a really cool level of detail and play.

There's also a fuel line, and all the tools except walkie talkies are attached to this box under the printed panels.

This crate is empty...it has computer tiles...awesome...put whatever you want in it.

The box trio

Space Scooter?  Didn't see it on the truck earlier, where's that go?

Flip flip.  See an arrow...hidden play feature ahoy.

Oh, look, what's inside?

Cookie! om nom nom nom!

Unloaded.  It's a hidden scooter to fly around on.  Scout ahead.

Unlike its mining inspired pedigree Multi Core Magnetizer is more sensibly understood as a repurposed deep space rescue and service transport.  It gets where it needs to go and maintains the causeways for Futuron and Space Police.

I have watched that video several times these last few months...it's so wonderful and retro.

Oh, it seems a Futuron astronaut is in need of repairs...and what's this, a blogger special!?  My Own Futuron Creation











But...wait Blacktron just staged a robbery?  Dun dun dun!!!

Handshake?...wait a minute.  Are they in collusion to defraud Futuron?  It's a conspiracy!

These mechanics seem shady...

We've gotta report this...oh, no!  I think he's seen us!?

"If you tell anyone what you've seen here today...you're pieces!

We are the Black-Tron, we do what we want, where we want, when we want, and how we want!!!

We're bold, and we're black; yeah, you better watch your back."



Look, I think that guy's calling a distraction!

That guy would would be a terrible thing to waste...let's go!!!

Overall M:Tron's Multi Core Magnetizer is the most satisfying Legoland space set I've spent time with.  It retailed for 60 dollars in 1990.  I picked mine up on Ebay in 2004 for 15 dollars during a period of the AFOL community's waning interest in M:Tron...back then this set cleaned out my wallet, these days you'll do well if you can get a good condition example for less than 100 smackers...but even at 200 bucks I think for the right enthusiast it would still be worthwhile.


Like Stellar Recon Voyager; Multi Core Magnetizer was a final resting place for several classic space parts, and a new entry point for some pieces which have continued to make their way into modern sets, albeit with mold adjustments.

The following elements are either unique to the theme, or unique at large, allow me to enumerate.

1: This red Bracket appeared in 3 sets, Multi Core Magnetizer has the smallest part count for it, but is the only M:Tron set with the part...whether it's the only golden era space set to have it depends on a technicality...should 1682 Space Shuttle be viewed as a Town or Space set?...ooh...debate!

4: This ubiquitous red cylinder graces the pressure sprayer packs contained in this model, 

2: This bar is the version with holes in the studs...a later variant was developed with solid bottom studs...very frustrating when replicating Space Police cells...trust me.  There are multiple ways to acuqire this for your Space collection, but in M:Tron, better make the big buy.

 

1: Space Chair: This chair is also available as a red chair in theme.  It's a fairly common part.

1: 1x6 brick.  Ubiquitous, but exclusive in M:Tron...these Golden era sets were stingy with the bricks...c'mon designers...just 1???

2: Loudspeaker Bricks/Multidirectional rocket brick in black.  Also available in theme in old light grey.

6: Red 2x2 round brick with axle hole.  Very common.

1: 2x4 Red Brick.  This is the quintessential Lego brick...when I think of a piece, just any piece that epitomizes the Danish Toy Maker...this is that piece.  Incredibly common.  Again...just 1???

1: 2x10 red brick.  Big builds call for big bricks.  This is the foundation of the back crane's chassis.  A very common piece.  

1: This black cockpit brick appears twice in Futuron, but only once in M:Tron.  It's a sizeable piece, and forms the base of the crane module.  Not common, and currently out of production.

1: Radar Dish Rectangle: This was introduced in M:Tron and saw purchase in a handful of big sets including one Airport rerelease.  I really like this print...probably a testament to its appearances in several of the cool big sets of my early childhood.

2 each: Red Hinge Brick.  Not an especially common hinge brick.

1: Red Hinge plate.  This was the top of several cars and firetrucks from the era and it is fairly common.

1: This hinge plate is common.  M:Tron also has it in red.

1: Classic Hinge in red.  This is one of the more populous elements of its type.

2: Black Classic Hinge extended plate.  By the standards of this part it's fairly sprinkled through sets from 78 to 03.  Generally it is somewhat uncommon.

I think that BlackTron guy got bored of spying on us and left...phew...I knew these brick monologues were worth some ink.  

3: This red hinge tile is rather common elsewhere, and the set contains an odd number of them...shucks.

1: This part is sort of common, only ever comes in black, and only appears in one Space set.

1: This red spool housing is the most common color for its part type.  It only appears in one space set.

2: Black Chairs.  This is a very common piece, and amusingly, the spacemen can't sit in it easily with their airtanks on.

2: Two short ropes with fire sprayer molded on.  I prefer this so much more than the recent design with the rope tied through a triangular hole in the top...ugh.  All of mine from my childhood have survived some tough years of play...the rope is incredibly durable.
1: Long rope with Fire Sprayer end...decently common in fire station sets.

1: Black tile with panel edge.  Very common piece otherwise.

8: I'm beginning to realize Multi Core Magnetizer keeps a lot of ordinary parts for itself in M:Tron...and this is another one of those common bits.  Red panel 1x2x2.

2: Black Panel 1x2x3.  A narrower panel like the 4 wide panel in Stellar Recon Voyager.  This seems useful.

1: Neon Green Quarterdome...and it's a unique color.  This massive piece is one of Multi Core Magnetizer's massive gems.

2: Black bumper tiles, these are common in the space theme, but Multi Core Magnetizer has them on lockdown.

1: Jet engine plate in black.  This part is used as the hinge mount for the giant quarterdome window.  Clever part usage.

1: Black plate with single axle hole.  A very common piece even in Space.

2: Quarter octagon plate in black.  Common piece

1: Black 4x4 plate.  Common.

1: Red Plate 6x10.  Fairly common.

1: Red Plate 6x12.  Somewhat less common.

1: Red rack.  This is one of two sets with the piece.  It's a very rare part and color.

1: Gear box.  This is an uncommon piece, but given its prevalence in black it's not too terribly rare.

1: 8x8 Radar dish in Black.  This is a pretty rare piece, but it was recently available in a lighthouse released in 2011.  Beyond that the black variant is a dedicated Space dish.

6: Inverted 1x3 slope brick in black.  There's nothing special about this bit, beyond its limited release in M:Tron.

2: Remember those Classic Space parts I was talking about.  These two, red inverted slopes are unique here, and all the other colors are Classic Space Exclusives.  This set was the final farewell...unless the Danish Toy Maker sees fit to bring them back...

2: A common red slope brick.

1: A common black inverted slope brick...getting just 1 is kind of awkward.

2: More Red Slope Bricks of the usual variety.

1: Technic Axle 6 stud length.

6: Technic Axle 8 Stud Length.  Being two studs longer just means it's studlier than the other axles

6: Old Grey Bushing.  Handy.

1: Technic Pin double smooth ends in old grey

2: Red handlebar brick, nearly as awesome as a handlebar mustache, but people don't get mad if you grab hold.

2: Black tile 2x2.  This is a very good piece to have.

2: This white tile with arrow indicator is the most common color of the print.

3: Black Turn Tables, I like to use these for my Alienator redux, fortunately the M:Tron theme has just enough.

2: Big turntables in black...we're going industrial now.

6: These Black Giant Hard Plastic tires are unique to this set.

2: Red grate Plates.  These are unique to this set, they wete the first solid 2x2 stud variant, although there is a newer variant with a technic hole in the center, which has no red version.

On a side note, there is an older variant of this part which appeared in 1 set from Scala.
Note the diamond shaped square cutout in the center.  That seems useful...unfortunately their are no individual parts available on Bricklink, and the set...well.

It appeared in this rather interesting little mirror kit from 1980.  I only just discovered this today.  I like the concept, and it looks like it has a host of rare pieces.  The cheaper listings are 90 dollars or so...needless to say I don't think I'll be getting that grate plate anytime soon.

There's time for Alternates, so let's get to it.

There are 4 models to build here, top left and bottom middle are two views of the same thing...that's helpful.  It reminds me of a crab, what with those diggers on the front, and a car can attach to it.

Then we see bottom left...Oh dear, where to begin...guessing game level expert???  On the right there's a smallish spacecraft and car.  But the truck on the bottom is especially nifty, it uses the rack and gear to create another steering system and it has two work stations in the middle. It looks like a mobile radar station.

This is my little build.

Here we have a service truck and refueling station...but what's he walking toward???

Ah, it's some kind of Tyrax

Now what kind of M:Tron moc would this be if it didn't use magnets???  And what kind of builder would I be if there wasn't some SNOT???

Three dudes ride this Moon Dune Tyrax

Final Score: A+
Pros: Several unique/rare parts and colors, 3 M-Tron spacemen, Perfectly articulated engineering, lots of cool tools, Ostentatious presence, plenty of bricks
Cons: Lots of big pieces will annoy some builders.

That BlackTron dude oughta be long gone by now...quick, we gotta call for help before Futuron's stock futures sink!







Who ya gonna call?

The Name's Buckle, Officer Buckle, I was assisting a local citizen with his seatbelt violation in the 3rd Ward of Downtown Dystopolis when I got an anonymous tip from a local blog reader.  


"Blacktron you say, and M:Tron?  Hmm...nope, can't say we've pieced together their connection to each other...I'll look into it, over and out."

If it's true, they won't get away with their nefarious scheme this time.

Coming soon to a blog site near you.

Antarctic SnowCruiser

While building my latest M:Tron post I realized it was getting to be too long, but I didn't want to pass up an opportunity to show off this little known exploratory mobile lab that was sent to Antarctica in what would be a disastrous attempt to make something awesome for science.

Antarctic Snow Cruiser on Truck Trend

This 1930's Antarctic Snow Cruiser is one of the more obscure marvels of massive overkill   Joeld's History of the Antarctic Snowcruiser.

This beast carried an airplane on its back and was intended to traverse the Antarctic landscape; too bad it didn't work in snow very well.  It went through field testing on sand before meeting its untimely end alone in Antarctica, abandoned during World War II.

From Cuusoo


MOCPages Antarctic Snowcruiser

While Antarctic Snowcruiser isn't a space vehicle per se, I really think it would fit in well with the absurdity, creativity, and ingenuity inherent in the Danish toy maker's bigger Science fiction Rovers. That is my main reason for sharing it, and now you know it exists...no need to thank me, you're welcome.

Mega Core Magnetizer...the inspiration for its inclusion.

Moon Rover; it's small, but it's got the flying craft on its back and it looks cool...that's my reason.

Mobile Recovery Vehicle

70709 Galactic Titan from Galaxy Squad  It's current, and if you want in on Lego Space without breaking the moneyjar on unopened sets this is your current go to theme.

In Response to (Used Lego Sellers: Important Wake Up Call!)

There's this fellow who runs Jangbricks who does set reviews over on Youtube and recently he talked about issues he's having with buying used sets online.  His examples were a small firetruck and one of the classic 4.5 volt trains.

You can see the video here

As a buyer I want to weigh in on this matter myself and hopefully offer some 'wisdom' where navigating the used brick sellers is concerned.

I've been buying Old danish building toys since 2004...for reasons stemming from the color change, and nostalgia.  I think I'm pretty good at it.

I've had good purchases, ok purchases, and 2 notably ugly purchases...and I've been happy with all of them for one reason or another.

Let's talk about the ugly purchases first, because no one likes getting those, but they can be fun stories to tell.

First up:
Ebay

I picked this set up on ebay from a seller who showed an image of what appeared to be a complete set in beautiful condition, the item was listed as unused old store stock.  Other listings from the seller showed sets with color substitutions and so on...I saw some listings for this set in the $70 range and this seller was listing for just over $20

What I got...
2/3rds of the set and some part substitutions.
The part conditions ranged from perfect to very good with the back doors being the only bits to show some wear.  I was pleased with the condition of the set, but brought up the deficiencies to the seller.  He refunded me everything and let me keep the set.

What ended up happening afterward.
I went to Bricklink and freaked when I saw that I'd have to ship the thin chinstrap helmet from overseas (that ain't cheap!)...I'd received a modern helmet instead...this is when I discovered the differences between thick and thin chinstraps.

Note the line on the chinstrap of the red color...this chinstrap has more plastic and is reinforced.  Thin chinstraps were prone to breakage and are harder to find in good shape.

 

...fortunately thick chinstraps were easier to come by and appropriate to the set's vintage.  I swapped out thick ring eyelet plates for thin ring eyelets...since I was already going to the trouble of wholesale purchasing I figured, why not...I went for pieces in the middle of the bricklink seller lists...I don't buy the cheapest pieces...2 reasons (I'm afraid of cheap listings showing rough wear, higher prices reflect quality...so I assume the sellers think like me)  It worked out and the set came together in a beautiful way.

In the end I was pleased with the set and contacted the seller to pay him in full.  Was that right?  Jang might say no, but I'd made my point, gotten the set I wanted in a condition that...for Classic Space is rare and absurdly good, and wanted to maintain good terms with the seller.  Will I buy from them again?  Probably not, but I might...Remember, sometimes with these old sets pickings are slim, and I've demonstrated what I want to the seller to improve their service, I didn't burn the seller, they might remember my goodwill and strive to do better.  All's well that ends good.

Ugly duckling number 2

This set was an add on to another purchase because it was coming from Denmark.  The set was in the range of 3-5 dollars, and most importantly there was a picture.  My decision to buy was based on seeing the minifig's moon print.  It was intact, so I jumped at it.  I'm kinda prickly about wear and tear on printed parts... what I didn't notice was that the set was featuring some minor yellowing on one side of the set when built...this set probably lived its life on display in some indirect sunlight...

I was going to take a picture for you, but...the yellowing isn't bad enough to show up very well on camera...that's good...anyways...yellowing on white parts is a fact of life...we make do.

What I did: Nothing, the minifig alone would be worth anywhere from 3-25 dollars depending on quantity available and condition...I took the ship to be a bonus...besides, with a little bit of retro bright and a hazmat suit... it should be somewhat reasonable to restore myself...although that retrobright stuff sounds terrifically noxious...if you're a kid reading my blog and you intend to try it at home...get some help from your Mom or Dad, and at a minimum...wear some goggles and gloves.

Some Ok examples...

This was the first set I imported.  It was listed as being in good condition, the shipping was killer, but...there just wasn't a selection available in my country of residence.  I got it and aside from a little roughness, i.e.  what I would call light pleaywear, it was ok.  It was just a bummer that the shipping priced this at a premium, and the condition was less than I had gotten used to...it is now actually easy to get your hands on...ish (is vintage ever easy???)  You might even do better than me,

This set had some vintage part substitutions, a handful of parts with some suntanning lines (noted in the listing), as shown here, and a shirt that was completely tanned to ruin...maybe it's fixable, but I'm risking the print if I try...oh, and the sleeves are white, that's wrong.

This was my first run at a Futuron set, and you should note, the little disappointments didn't impact my desire to keep going.  I sent a message to the seller, thanked him, and mentioned my issues, I told him I'd deal with the replacements myself, he expressed his apologies and we exchanged flickr accounts to share our hobby.  It was a good experience, I'd buy from him again.

I purchased a loose shirt on ebay and bricklinked the bits I was displeased with.  I replaced some of the tanned bits, and left the ones I could bury in the model alone.

Excellent examples.

This set was purchased new on ebay, the tabs had lost their stick so it could be opened, but for all intents and purposes, it was sealed, and I picked it up when demand was down, or not yet present...

I loved it...definitely didn't discourage me.  If you like Exploriens I've noticed that they are in a similar position or were...if you want to repeat my success with inexpensive sealed sets I'd check those out first.  I just don't love Exploriens...so yeah...

meanwhile

This was another ebay bid.  Funnily enough; getting this set stalled out my joy in buying Old sets.  It was dusty and had a mysterious gummy residue on some bits...gross.  I didn't clean it for three years, but when I finally did I realized what I had...a vintage gem...very light wear, slightly overpriced...I got into a bidding war and held on like a bulldog...(trust me on this...if it gets too high, let go of it. You'll be happier for it.)

It was packaged built, wrapped up in old newspaper...no ziplocs...trust me...the packing job was kind of eh?!  hmmm.

It would be 3 years between this and my next vintage Lego set purchase...funny what an ooey gooey mess, questionable packing decisions and a never say die bidding war can do to your enthusiasm.

There is a business term for shining examples of excellence...we call them stars, additionally, there is the term ? in business academia.

? could be a star, a cash cow, or a dog...investing in it is the only way to find out.  The below set was one of the ? purchases I made.

This set was clearly used looking in the ebay listing, the parts were pictured in a ziploc inside the box, but the set was listed as new.  and the price was below average.

I chanced it.

When it got to me I immediately saw that some bits from some other set were in the bag and I began to get a sinking suspicion that I'd been had.

I started the inventory...my concern gave way to surprise.  Everything was there and the set truly did look brand new...it's just...the usual internal packaging was all gone...it might have been built once...but by golly, I was astounded!  I haven't built this yet...it's in such good condition I've put it aside for later.


This is not a complete review of my purchases, just some of the more notable ones.

If you want to buy old Lego sets online, here are my 'tips' to protect yourself.

Don't purchase anything without actual pictures available unless you've developed a good rapport with the seller and trust them.
         E.G. Stock images and no images are a really bad sign.  Look elsewhere.

Verify that the seller is accurate, inspect everything the seller has made available...if elements of the listing don't add up square, run!
        E.g.  Seller lists 100% and you can see that the model is incomplete...use your eyes...move along...I break this rule sometimes...but only when the unique/rare pieces are all verifiably present...and the condition is obviously great.

Take some time to determine what condition you want and what price you're willing to pay.
Look for lisitngs that fit those criteria...be willing to walk away from a listing if it comes with too much ??? for you to be confident.
        Worn and heavily used examples will be cheap...if you want quantity, look for sets with roughed prints, and noted playwear, you can amass a sizeable collection this way without breaking the bank...and if you're going to throw them in a big bucket and swish them this may be the option for you.  I like to take pictures...thus I shy away from heavily worn listings,

If you see a Star listing that meets your expectations and it is obviously legit...attack it...because I could be right behind you!!!
       But seriously...double check everything...too good to be true often is...winning garbage isn't really winning.

I don't dawdle for gems...I bring em down...particularly buy it now options...I haven't been curb stomped by a bad seller yet (Okay maybe 6872 qualifies)...Nailing good listings every time can be done, but as with any other activity...care and diligence are your best tools...use them.

I feel bad for Jang, but he buys a lot...buy less...buy better...all the good listings won't all be available at the same time.

Classic Space sets on Ebay are frequently like Netflix ...tons to buy, but none of it's good.

This is a hobby that is worth taking slow...the rewards of getting a great buy every once in a while far outstrips buying a metric ton of regret.

When all else fails...Ebay and Bricklink have help and support sections...use them.

Sincerely, The Cure-All-Pill