The citizens of LEGO City definitely like to think big and expand their horizons, so it is no surprise that they have been granted permission to build a space port where teams of expert mini-figure explorers and astronauts can set off on important missions of space exploration. The models combine to create a state-of-the-art facility to entertain players for hours.
There is so much to learn and players can enjoy crafting the shuttle and other vehicles so that they are in perfect condition for a safe and successful mission. As always, buyers can be sure of great stories and attention to detail with the design of the models, the different characters and the accessories and there are some additional space-themed building sets out there to enhance the area.
LEGO City Space Building Sets
LEGO Space Center 3368 Set
The LEGO City range began with three distinct sets, all based around the LEGO Space Center building set. This is quite a large, complex kit for LEGO City, with 494 pieces included, but it needs to be if the scientists and astronauts are going created the perfect rocket and launchpad for their mission. The plan is to launch a satellite into space via the large rocket and launch platform.
The astronauts, in their spacesuits, can use the elevator to reach the cockpit while the mechanic performs important checks on the systems and fuel below. This mechanic has a tool station to help him access a fuel tank and a vehicle to take him safely away from the lift off. Once everything is ready, it is up to the operator in the control center to set the count-down clock, finish the launch and monitor progress via the satellite dish.
Lego City Space Shuttle 3367
In a previous mission, the Space Center successfully launched their first LEGO City Space Shuttle (3367). This mission was surely the City’s most important mission to date because this shuttle was in charge of sending an astronaut into space to carry out important maintenance work on the Hubble Space telescope.
With this set, budding space explorers can build an authentic-looking shuttle, carefully carry out this mission and safely bring the astronaut home. The cargo bay of the shuttle opens up to reveal an articulated arm, which can be used to attach the shuttle to the telescope. Once the connection is secure, it is time for the astronaut to put on his space suit and head out on a brave solo spacewalk to make any necessary repairs. Once he has the all clear, he can head back inside this 15 inch long shuttle and detach the telescope.
LEGO CITY Satellite Launch Pad 3366
The third of the original models is the LEGO City Satellite Launch Pad. This is clearly not on as grand a scale as the giant launch pad that sends those big rockets into space, but it is just as important for scientific research and development. The technician mini figure, kitted out in a hard hat and his uniform, has to drive out to the launch pad in his large truck and make sure that the satellite departs without a hitch.
The truck has plenty of space for all the equipment he needs, which includes the remote control center, and has a satellite dish and a ramp on the back for unloading. Once this computerized system is up and running, it is up to players to determine the fate of the mission. Will the satellite have a successful flight and offer new data, or will it end in disaster?
LEGO City Space Port 60077 Space Starter Building Set
The LEGO City Space theme was expanded in 2015 with a series of new models and a new LEGO City Space Port Starter set. This time the LEGO City team have their sights set on a voyage to Mars and are testing out equipment and simulations to prepare themselves. One minifigure is in charge of testing out the jet packs to see if the new design works, another is giving the new rover buggy a test drive and a third is tuning up the camera and lamp with his tools.
After each test, the figures can report back to the analyst at the computer station to see the results. The set also includes simulated Mars terrain to test the traction of the buggy’s tires and all the necessary pieces of safety equipment and tools to prevent any accidents. This is the ideal training ground for new players and there are so many potential storylines to create.
LEGO City Space Port 60079 Training Jet Transporter Building Set
Another important 2015 LEGO City set for training these new astronauts is the LEGO City Space Port Training Jet Transporter. This supersonic jet is an impressive new piece of kit for this space center and is the perfect way to test the flying skills of new recruits. It has an aerodynamic shape, tinted cockpit and folding wings. The jet needs to be driven into position via the large transporter truck and detachable trailer, ready for the nervous trainee pilot.
The selling point of this set is clearly the change to fly around at high speed and to make dangerous aerial manoeuvres but the pilot can’t get too carried away! This is why there is also a service person on hand to make sure everything runs safely and smoothly. He can use help to guide the jet with his marshaling wands and help the driver to unload the jet.
LEGO City Space Port 60078 Utility Shuttle Building Set
The new LEGO City Space Port Utility Shuttle building set is essentially a new version of the previous LEGO City Space Shuttle. It always helps to have more than one shuttle available at the space center in case of mechanical fault or high demand. In this set, two astronauts – in the new spacesuits – have been sent into space in the shuttle to see what is wrong with a malfunctioning satellite.
The shuttle has fold out solar wings, opening cargo bay door and a great design – with the standard black and white look, a red stripe and logos across the body. By working together on their spacewalk, the two astronauts can examine the satellite for damage and use the wrench to make any necessary repairs. Once complete, all they can do is wait for mission control to confirm that the mission has been a success and fly back home.
LEGO City Space Port 60080 Space Port Building Set
The final new LEGO City Space Port model for 2015 is the one that gives it its name – the space port itself. This is where all those great space shuttles are launched and where the whole team comes together to put all of that training and experimentation in practice. This time, the astronauts have the benefit of a mobile launchpad that can be used anywhere on the base.
It has a platform for the shuttle and external fuel tank and a cab for the driver. Also included is a service car, to transport the additional service man and the two astronauts to the site, and a countdown clock, where the scientist can keep an eye on the launch. The building set is designed so that the fuel tank and rocket boosters can be easily ejected during the launch, which makes sure that all creative play feels a little more realistic.
Other LEGO City Building Sets with a Space Theme
LEGO Space Moon Buggy 3365
Over the years, LEGO have added a selection of additional building sets to their range with a space theme. The LEGO Space Moon Buggy is a simple little accessory piece with another mini-figure that can really enhance the LEGO City set up. There is already a Mars Rover buggy in the City range and this Moon Buggy gives players two different scenarios to work with – it can either be an additional training vehicle at the base, or it can be used on actual moon missions.
The buggy has six tires to make sure that the astronaut can easily guide it over the difficult landscape and it also has a satellite dish and digging tool on the back. With this equipment, players can get all sorts of new data about the surface of the moon and the atmosphere while relaying all of the information to mission control.
LEGO Education Space and Airport Set 4579792
On the other end of the scale there is the LEGO Education Space and Airport set. This building kit is made up of an impressive 1176 pieces and gives players lots of small building tasks to create a fleet of aircraft and a great base. The original aim of the set was to teach kids about different types of transportation. There are three diverse planes, a helicopter and a space shuttle and they can all be used to enhance a Space Port set-up.
Also included is an airport building complete with air traffic control tower and security area, a series of buggies and service vehicles for the staff, a strip of runway lights to guide all the vehicles for take-off and a satellite launch area. There is so much here to keep player building and playing for hours and is the ideal way to please kids that are into air and space travel.
LEGO Space Shuttle Discovery 7470 Set
There have also been some more detailed building kits that allow builders to create more realistic versions of space shuttles, without the additional accessories. The first is the LEGO Space Shuttle Discovery set, which is recommended for kids aged 9 and up. This set consists of 826 pieces, including some rare gold and silver elements, and was released back in 2003 to commemorate the Discovery shuttle.
As a result, it is a great collectors piece for keen fans. There are similarities to the simplified space shuttle in the LEGO City range, as it has opening cargo doors and a replica of the Hubble Space Telescope, but this set is much more intricate and realistic. Builders can either use this set to recreate the Hubble mission, using the moving crane arm to launch the telescope, or simply build it as a display model to show off to their friends.
LEGO Shuttle Expedition 10231 Set
An alternative to the Discovery model is the LEGO Shuttle Expedition. This building set is designed to offer a much bigger building challenge to players as they recreate the 44cm tall shuttle, detachable fuel tank and booster rockets in great detail. There are 1230 pieces in this realistic kit and it has been given an age rating of 14+ because of the complexity.
There are lots of interesting details to this build, including the solar cells, retractable landing gear and the internal elements. Builders can recreate the powerful engines and there is a cargo compartment with a crane and the satellite that it being launched. Unlike the Discovery model, this set also comes with minifigures. There is a male and female astronaut, who can climb into the opening cockpit, and a service crew member in his maintenance vehicle, ready to help with the final checks.
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