<p>
We continue our adventure with a workhorse of the Classic Space Federation, the <a href="/registry/ll-701-shuttlecraft">LL-701 shuttlecraft</a> by <a href="/builder/louise-dade">Louise Dade</a>.
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<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/bladewood/3292134187"><img src="/sites/neoclassicspace/files/u3/ll701-01-medium_0.jpg" alt="LL-701 Shuttlecraft" width="500" height="375" /></a>
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<p>
<i>Not everything in the Space Agency is glamorous. For every hotshot
Flyboy in a fighter-craft, there are a dozen jobbing shuttlecraft
pilots who steadfastly ensure the logistical needs of the Space Agency
are met.<br />
<br />
The LL-701 is a medium-sized shuttlecraft, an old workhorse with warp
capabilities that is usually used for transporting supplies between
ships and planets. Its minimal firepower means that in times of danger
these ships need to fly in convoy with protection by those flash
Flyboys in their fighters.</i>
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<p align="center">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/bladewood/3274079069"><img src="/sites/neoclassicspace/files/u3/ll701-02-medium.jpg" alt="Loading the shuttle" width="500" height="375" /></a>
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<p>
Louise has done a fantastic job integrating the engine nacelles, and we really love the Star Trek feel of the whole ship. Also noteworthy is the cargo truck it carries - it's only 3½ studs wide, and Louise has invented a rather clever way of attaching the wheels.
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<p align="center">
<img /><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/bladewood/3274900876"><img src="/sites/neoclassicspace/files/u3/ll701-03-medium.jpg" alt="Small truck" width="500" height="375" /></a>
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<p>
The wheels were made by pushing the studs of three stacked 1x1 round
plates into either side of a 1x2 technic joiner plate and then shoving
a tyre over the plates. I used plates rather than a 1x1 round brick
because the ribbing provides a better grip for the tyre (see <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bladewood/3276003787/">diagram</a>).
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<p>
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<div style="text-align: center">
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/bladewood/3274080257"><img src="/sites/neoclassicspace/files/u3/ll701-04-medium.jpg" alt="LL701 from above" width="500" height="375" /></a>
</div>
<p>
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<p>
From the top, the LL-701's nickname, "the Armadillo", is apparant:
the shape of the narrow cockpit and wide cargo-hold resembles the
animal. A long-range sensor on top ensures LL-701 is always in
communication with its mother ship.
</p>