Lego 1616 Combo

I have a special double review today.  I give you 1616 Special Two Set Space Pack; the Futuron bundle.  The sets contained within are 1620 Astro Dart, and 1621 Lunar MPV Vehicle. 

Bundles were an exciting part of my childhood.  Kids always felt like they were getting away with buying lots of Lego when parents said choose one.  My childhood bundle was 1729 Barnacle Bay Value Pack.   I actually bought this with my own money.  I remember paying exactly 10 dollars for it.  I was so excited too.

  

I mention it because it's the closest example to this kind of set I had as a kid. It was theme specific (Pirates), rather than containing a more motley collection of sets such as seen here in 1967 Five set Bonus Pack

The theme specific bundles were a great way to assemble additional mini-figures while allowing for a greater spread of subject matter.  In 1616's case the combo has a flying craft and a car.

These are not the only Futuron sets to come bundled; In 1988 the 1530 Space Value Pack contained 6848 Strategic Pursuer with the Classic Space set 6808 Galaxy Trekkor.  This bundle contained sets that could be obtained separately.

I feel it is worth mentioning that the 1989 Double theme pack was not limited to Space.  In 1989 you could also get 6200 Pirates Double pack Buried Treasure and Harbor Sentry.  These sets could be obtained separately.

Not to be outdone 1515 Town Value Pack was yet another theme specific double pack from 1989, although...the Town value pack looks like a cheat as the sets are meant to go together...the trailer is empty without that race car.

In a curious twist Castle contained no value pack of its own for 1989, and overall 1989 was a down year for Castle with only three sets released in what appears to have been a major push for the new pirates theme.

Overall 1616 is a pleasant combo set, perhaps it is one of the better combos.  On its own Astro Dart is underwhelming, but paired together with Lunar MPV Vehicle, they become a very desirable package.  As it stands currently Astro Dart is vanishingly rare and Lunar MPV Vehicle is very expensive relative to its size.  It's probably not coincidental as the bundle was an American exclusive, so it stands to reason that ardent enthusiasts of the Futuron theme may be dealing with a more limited pool of sets to divy out among themselves internationally.

I've spent enough time grousing about bundles though, what say we have a look at the sets in 1616?

Up first is 1620 Astro Dart.

At 30 pieces Astro Dart is the smallest Futuron set.  It contains yet another Yellow spaceman, oh joy, and it is little more than wings strapped to a rocket powered booster seat. 

 Despite the small size Astro Dart manages to pack in a some fun features.  It's got two computer tiles, moving wings, and moving rockets.  It even comes with a handy dandy walky talky.  Given that Futuron's sets all have moving parts it's just to be expected that such features would appear here.  Besides that the set does have a good look to it, it's just right visually and it manages to pack in a high concentration of black pieces relative to white.  Overall it's a well balanced little set.  It's not quite on the level of Laser Ranger or Space Patroller, but it's not bad by any means.

For parts junkies Astro Dart doesn't bring anything new to the Futuron theme, however, there is at least one piece that merits our attention.

This is what I like to refer to as the alarm computer.  It came in 9 sets; seven of which were space theme specific, and it contains three including one extra part (Although I highly doubt you will get the extra from resellers).  This is important, because it is the only space set containing more than one.  Even the mighty 6990 is relegated to just one of this excellent computer tile.  Half of the Futuron theme's selection of this piece is found within this one itty bitty Lego set.

Six additional alarm computers are found within two of the Lego Train Stations...which aren't within the purview of our study.  I just thought you should know.

Here's an alternate model of Astro Dart for your amusement.

The back thrusters make me think of the X-wing, and the result is not bad, but it doesn't pack in a lot of zing either.  It is acceptable, and just a bit cute.

Final Grade: B
Pros: Computer Tile, high concentration of Black pieces
Cons: No unique pieces, Yellow Space man

One down, one to go.

Next up we've got 1621 Lunar MPV Vehicle.

This is the smallest space Truck available within Futuron as a distinct model, however it is comparatively large next to the little cars available within the larger Futuron Space ships.
It comes with a small robot, that's not especially interesting, and a pair of tools including the walky talky, again, and a signal holder with a transparent blue brick on it.

Lunar MPV Vehicle stands apart from its Futuron brethren in the movement department.  It's not content to merely twist in the middle.  The set's steering is better described as a function.  It has a lever in the back of the vehicle that tilts left and right to steer the front wheels.  It's an awesome trick that adds massive levels of enjoyment to playtime.  Of course the black exhaust pipes at the back do tilt in the classic sense of movement.

Overall this set may be the most satisfying Futuron set to play with.  It's got a spot for the robot to sit, and the Blue spaceman; which adds a nice counterpoint to Astro Dart's Yellow spaceman.

Despite the massive potential in the steering system it was only used in one other set, also released in 1989, 6895 Spy Trak 1 from Space Police.  Although similar, Lunar MPV Vehicle only has half of the steering system in front of the lever, whereas Spy Trak 1 has a full steering system built around a central lever.  The sad truth of the matter is that the steering function, while clever and fun, lacked the elegance to be naturally integrated into models.  It's cool, but clunky.  One only has to see the models up close to realize the limitations this design imposed upon the construction of the two trucks.

Next up we'll have a look at the special parts 1621 makes available to Futuron junkies such as ourselves.

First up we have a rather ordinary piece that is easy to come by, but somehow only got into one Futuron set.  There is one 4X6 Black Plate available in 1621.

Next up is the Signal Holder in black.  Outside of Futuron it's the rarest piece in this selection of parts.  It came in 11 sets with 15 of the piece in total.  It was last seen in 1992.  There is one signal holder in the set. 

The set contains two of these slopes.  Outside of Futuron it's had a solid run, so it isn't too hard to come by.

This is another rather common piece, but once again the two you get here are all Futuron has to offer.

This part only showed up in three distinct space sets, it's unique to Futuron, but if you purchased Strategic Pursuer as part of the 1530 bundle it could be argued that you would have two of these in total via the classic space set Galaxy Trekkor.  It also appeared in a space set called 9320-1 Journey into Space; this looks like some kind of educational set under the purview of Dacta, and so it is of dubious value in our overall consideration of the space theme.

 

Finally there is the otherwise ubiquitous 6 stud long axle.   It's handy to have given its usefulness to the set, but it's such an easy piece to come by it's almost a misnomer to declare it worthy of consideration.  It is unique to Futuron, but otherwise it can be found in excess within 600 sets or more.  Let's not bother with it any further.

Overall, the selection of unique parts for Futuron's theme is 8 pieces.  For a set this small that's exceptional.  It's more than enough to make up for the absence of such parts in Astro Dart. 

Now let's have some fun with an alternate build for Lunar MPV Vehicle.

I've built a robot.  He's technically rather primitive, but he can open his mouth, turn his head, move his arms across two planes, and roll wherever he needs to go.  Just don't ask to see his back side.

 1 2 3 Balance like me

 Hi five!

Final score A-
Pros: Great function, Blue Spaceman, Multiple tools, part selection
Cons: High prices on Ebay

I've been looking forward to the opportunity of combining some Futuron sets; without further ado I present my combo alternates.

Because I'm having so much fun I've even gone and given you a second alternate from the combo

Final Score Overall: A
Pros: Good models, Complementary part selection, Excellent play value
Cons: Rare U.S. Release, hard to find/expensive

Futuron: Box Retrospective part I

I feel it would be a disservice to not bring up the Lego company's old alternate designs.  They were a great part of my childhood, apparently a source of much frustration for other children, and a delight if they were actually figured out...when they were good.

Sadly they aren't offered on the boxes anymore, which is a great oversight, but given how specifically the sets are built today, I can't blame the Lego group, the sets are no longer made with an eye towards variety, but rather towards accuracy; I'm looking at you licensed themes. This has led to some interesting trade offs, which I'm not prepared to talk about...so

On to the boxes.

First up I want to thank msilverm for posting a picture of 6810 Laser Ranger's alternate models.  It's the only one I could find.
Source: http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=133323

I really like the background colors used in Futuron.  They blend together to really make the theme colors, (or lack of them), pop in the image.



The first thing that grabbed my attention here is the little robot.  It's very clever with its limited palette of pieces, but there is so much character to it.
The little scooter is also very nice, It's got a bug eyed look that just screams chibi-Futuron
And then there's that long ship on the bottom...I'm not really digging it, it just seems like an alternate model bent on using the 2x8 white plate, and not a particularly good attempt at that.



Second up since I'm using Brickshelf it's 6848 Strategic Pursuer
Airmauro thanks Alsazian and I in turn thank the both of them for these pictures of the box.
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=350720

I was a good decision by the Lego group to show Strategic Pursuer tilted as it just doesn't look so good standing straight up.



The back of the box shows the window's rising function...eh, okay.
I'm kind of fond of that cannon, radar thing at the top right, and the space craft isn't bad, but the floating robot boxer is just weird.

 

Third Box: Represent 6884 Aero Module
This one is just from Airmauro
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=320693

The box does a good job of bringing life to the otherwise uninspired construction of Aero Module.  Yes it's got the window, and yes the wing locking system is excellent, but at the end of the build it's still heavily reliant on far to many uninteresting pieces that don't work great in many combinations.



The designers did their best, but hamstrung as it is by a wealth of plates the models appear stretched and empty.  As it turns out the Lego company did use the window on one of the alternates.  It might be the best alternate, but it's a prisoner to the previous construction, and less interesting overall.

 

You know what, Airmauro has a really cool idea on Brickshelf, which I'll get to in a moment.
Here's 6925 Interplanetary Rover
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=322165

Excellent photography and placement gives the set a lively presentation.



The Robot and spacecraft on the left side are pretty cool, but I'm not sold on that top right rover.
Overall I think the models do a good job showing off the part variety, and the cars at the bottom are a nice touch.  I'd most likely build the robot if I were still a kid with loads of free time.

 

Last but first, but wait what?

Anyways, here's 6830 Space Patroller, the outset model I blogged first.
Brought to you by Stevebd
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=469255

It took a bit to find a box to show you and it's a bit damaged.  But what can you do?



Overall I think the designers really nailed the alternates with this one.  There's a robo dog, a satellite tower, and a pretty good pair of unique space craft.  The set looks elegant and simple when built, which only serves to highlight just how well it brings together many disparate elements.

 

If you're interested Airmauro has a museum section among his Brickshelf Folders where you can find many boxes with alternate models posted.  Cool stuff.
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?m=AirMauro

This ends the first retrospective.

Lego 6810

Today is a big day, I am reviewing a set with the black Futuron astronaut.  He is one of the rarer Futuron spacemen, so I won't get to do this very often.  Let's relish the moment.

Ahh, sweet perfection, bliss, that grand feeling.  Here is Laser Ranger; one of the best examples of  tiny Lego sets.  It is also a fine Futuron model.  If you were only to have one Futuron set, and you were buying on pocket change; then look no further; this is your set.

Like most of the Futuron line Laser Ranger features moving parts.  In this case they are the wings and rocket boosters.

The Black Futuron Astronaut came in three sets, 6810 Laser Ranger, 6885 Crater Crawler, and 6703 Minifig Pack.  It is my personally held opinion that these are all above average Futuron sets.  Someone at Lego must have loved this minifig color.

Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio

― William Shakespeare, Hamlet 

Laser Ranger came out in 1989 and was the last Futuron set to provide the Black Futuron astronaut, but it was the first and only year of Space Police, which borrowed the shirt and altered the hands to white.  I am of the opinion that this uncommon minifigure could potentially be available in greater numbers than Blue and red, if not yellow.  All one must do is procure the parts.  Of course, this could lead to a drastic decline in Space Police numbers, so I don't recommend you run out and do this yet; as I'm not done collecting Space Police.  It would be inconvenient for me if they suddenly got even more expensive.

Notable unique Futuron parts include:

The goblet times two in white.  Pretty spiffy for such a small set.  This is the only set to get more than one white cup and there are only eight other sets to contain the part.  2 Belleville sets, 1 Juniorized Pirate set, 1 Harry Potter set, and 2 castle sets adding an additional re-release for each of them, (Wow)  I expect then that in a very real sense only three of these sets are the sort that would invite consideration from you, the typical readers of this blog.  This set is the cheapest way to get these cups in quantity, though Guarded Inn and Knights challenge are certainly the most desirable.

This wall piece times 2 in white...I could have sworn Futuron had more of these.  Oh well, learn something new everyday.  It's not particularly rare otherwise.

Other notable parts include

The White grille is only shared with Star Quest, and Laser Ranger has two, giving the Futuron theme three in total.

Finally, we come to an anomalous part from Classic Space.  This piece is also only shared with Star Quest and the implication to my mind is a Futuron connection with Classic Space, suggesting direct lineage.  It is a good print, one of my favorites in fact, so I can't fault its use here. It's fairly common in white.

To Laser Ranger's credit there is a nice selection of specialized and transparent pieces within the set, though it is a bit spare on basic pieces, having only two standard plates and one sloped brick with a print, all the other pieces are specialized.
It's an interesting challenge to build something distinctive with this set.  Here's what I came up with for my alternate build.

It's a handy little space scooter, ready to zip from crater to base and whither the moon dust goes.

Final score A
Pros: Black Spaceman, nice parts, classic space print
Cons: Lacking in basic pieces