Neo Classic Space

We are saddened to learn today of the death of one of the true heroes of Neo Classic Space, Nnenn (Nate Nielson). Nate died after a road accident earlier this month and leaves a beloved wife and two young sons behind. Our deepest sympathy goes to them at this most difficult time.

Nnenn was a truly inspirational builder, who had a great love of spaceships of all shapes and sizes. I doubt there's a spaceship theme he hasn't tried his hand at. Famously he pionered "Nnenn-scale", which features figures made mostly from 1x1 bricks and round plates, as well as building huge fleets of nanoscale dreadnauts. He also perfected the Vic Viper, producing dozens (or possibly hundreds) of variations.

Nnenn was a pioner of Neo Classic Space, producing several early models, but even his early contributions refused to conform to expected norms and everywhere he went he insisted on breaking new ground.

As the Classic Space Federation moved further into the galaxy, it became increasingly that the simple moonbases that served so well during its early expansion would no longer be sufficient. Onyasis Tower, built on Ictar IV by that legendary federation designer, Peter Reid, was one of the prototypes for a new generation of federation base.

The tower provided secure headquarters for federation staff and well protected landing pads for supply ships.

Reid also insisted on the early establishment of a transport and communications network connecting the tower to federation facilities, and this proved vital to the success of the Ictarian colony.

While the peaceful people of Ictar welcomed the Federation, there were others who did not, and several times the tower proved crucial in defending the system from hostile invaders. The success of the design can be seen from the numerous copies that can now be found across Federation space.

The Classic Space Federation is not just about sleek fighter and exploration ships. Sometimes just getting crews where they need to be, and when it comes to shuttling personnel, one of the most reliable workhorses is the LL-445 "Mayfly" designed by the reveered Doctor Sinister.

The double wing design was chosen for aerodynamic advantages in atmospheric operations, and to hide the large fuel tanks.

Its design builds upon the LL-444 fighter, and it's no surprise that they look very similar.

The LL-445, however, has much increased carrying capacity, allowing it to carry either a pilot and five passengers, or a significant amount of essential supplies.

The Mayfly is popular among crews, especially after the incident on one of the Kroktal moons, which the crew attribute their survival to the sturdy design of the craft.

We don't usually report abandoned projects at Neo Classic Space, but sometimes you just have to make an exception. Take a look at porkshanks' Blue Beast. It would have been amazing if she'd finished it, but the interior details still make for some wonderful photography. Rather than dwell on what might have been, we'll just let you enjoy the pictures.

Tim Goddard has been kept busy building in microscale, building across lots of space themes, including some rather gorgeous Neo Classic Space models.

Tim has shown his mastery of the scale, crafting ships that contain more datail than many larger scaled vessels.

His Maelstrom is one of the finest microscale ships I've seen in any theme, and when I saw the thumbtail I really thought it had to be a larger scale.

Taking things to another level, Tim has created a fantastic diroama crossing several themes, but including a big chunk of classic space alongside Futuron, Space Police and Blacktron. Make sure you check out the gallery and have a look at the underground hanger containing a classic space monorail.

Mark Kupietz has built a fitting tribute to one of the classics of Classic Space, 6927 All-Terrain Vehicle.

Mark's ATV II has a lot to admire. The take-no-prisoners double wheels, the suspension and shock absorbers, the mean looking cab (with just a hint of 3vil) and the platform on the back carrying a mobile lab.

Apart from the classic set, Mark cites his inspiration as a NASA vehicle, and in true NASA style, the lab doubles as an ascent stage.

Graham Dewhurst (Whiz Bang) has built a rather splendid little ship, the LL-553.

The first prototype was received well by the Federation, but fared rather badly in an unprovoked Ugokin attack.

Federation engineers rebuilt it, but determined not to be caught unprepared again, used it as a test platform for experimental weaponry.

This proved to be a perfect match, and the LL-553 had a long and successful life as a Federation gunship.

Anerew Lee (onosendai2600) has built a rather wonderful microscale "Institute of Classic Space"...

It's part of his rather spectacular Splaris 8 space station.

We're now eagerly awaiting the minifig scale version!

March 2009 sees the 30th anniversary of the original Classic Space sets from LEGO. Now, three decades on, it’s time for a celebration of spacey goodness at www.neoclassicspace.com.

Neo-Classic Space is a reimagining of the LEGO Classic Space range, using modern building techniques and parts. More than just inspired by the Classic Space sets, Neo-Classic Space is an extrapolation of the line into the 21st century and beyond. We aim to follow a carefully thought standard, which we feel is in keeping with the original designs.

The culmination of a top-secret project planned over many months, www.neoclassicspace.com will present a new model every day throughout March, many from builders you already know and love, some from new talent you may not have discovered.

This is only the beginning. It is time to retake space. We hope you'll come along for the ride!

Okay, I feel bad posting the first entry, but here goes...

This website came about because of an idea Pete Reid had, what seems like an eternity ago now. But I'll let him tell you that story.

Neo Classic Space is a reimagining of the Lego Classic Space ships and vehicles from the blue/grey era, using modern building techniques and parts. Neo Classic Space models are more than just inspired by the classic space line, they are the continuation of that line to its logical conclusion, and as such follow a carefully thought standard that we feel is in keeping with the original designers' intentions.

neoclassicspace.com is a home for the models we build in this style. If you would like to contribute, please fill out the contact form and let us have a look at your models. We welcome contributors, but please don't be upset if we don't accept your first efforts. It doesn't mean they aren't great models, just that they don't fit with the Neo Classic Space standard.

But that's enough from me... time for some Neo Classic Space!