The Squinklorians didn't appear on the surface to be Federation material, but they persevered in their application and were eventually admitted, and have contributed enthuastically to all aspects of Federation culture.
Few make it through the academy without experiencing a Squinklorian LL-259 Training Craft, though as the Squinklorian are considerably smaller than most Federation species, fewer still find it an enjoyable part of their training, and curse Spacey11 for introducing it.
First Contact is always a tricky. The slightest wrong move or cultural misunderstanding can trigger unforgivable insult and lead to generations of bloody war. Fortunately the Classic Space Academy teaches its graduates how to handle such situations, as Stuart Crawshaw demonstrates.
Today we retreat to a quiet backwater of the Federation, where no harm could possibly befall us, for some quiet research with Ralph Savelsberg's L.U.R.C.H. and mobile lab.
Having anti-gravity technology and flying around at relativistic velocities can be a lot of fun, of course, but sometimes you just have to move something large and heavy across the surface of a planet. In that case, a wheeled vehicle is still the way to go. The Federation’s standard vehicle for this kind of task is called L.U.R.C.H., which stands for Large Ultra-Rugged Cargo Hauler. That name pretty much covers it. Rather than going for a high-tech option, this vehicle was built using old-fashioned but highly dependable technology. It has to be rugged. Where this thing goes, there is no breakdown service. There is no road either. In fact, other than a lot of dirt and the occasional scenic view, there generally isn't much of anything.
Chris Giddins has built a lovely little box fighter. Inspired by Sir Bugge and Mark Sandlin, it folds up neatly for easy storage.
I love the way in flight mode it's almost impossible the ship came from a box.
Although we see Neo Classic Space as promarily minifig scale, we've covered a number of microscale builds. Today we go the other way with Holger Matthes's Miniland scale Classic Space sets. He's recently completed his take on the set 894: Ground Tracking Station.
It's a really lovely bit of building, going far beyond the limitations of the original to make it a true Neo Classic Space model. I really like the angled steering column, and the support legs for the trailer. His take on the classic space logo is inspired.
Holger's other models include Miniland sized versions of the 885 Space Scooter and 924 Space transporter.
Today we continue our adventure in Classic Space with one of the Federations's finest fighters, the LL-560 Seraph by Peter L Morris.
The Seraph is a heavy fighter built for fleet defense and attack operations. It features two heavy plasma cannons and two short range photon rifles. The cockpit is well armored, though visibilty is poor. Many pilots initially complain about the tunnel-vision effect, but they quickly fall in love with the overwhelming firepower and superb maneuverability.
Few Seraphs are in service, however, due to their extreme cost and high maintenance requirements.
When you're on the ground facing the enemy, it's important to know you've got support. Nnenn's troop support sled really comes in handy...
The 654th Reserve survived because they had mobilized a TSS (old converted cargo platforms) for M2 recurrency training. But the captured drone confirmed that the Ugokin have a biological neuron network running symbiotically throughout a hardware frame.
However, when the going gets tough, it's nice to know that you can call in air support in the form of the LL-771 support gunship.
Thanks to the Fobulyin Treatise, the LL-771 benefits from both Jeeru-Kon levitation design and regenerative technology... giving it an almost unlimited supply of ammunition for its role in continuous close-ground support.
The men and women of the Classic Space Federation have good reason to be nervous on Friday the 13th as Andrew Becraft demonstrates with his 997 rover.
The LL-997 "Craterbuster" Rover serves as the day-to-day mapping and scientific research vehicle for the permanent human settlement on Earth's moon. Thanks to its paired micro-reactor generators, it can achieve speeds up to 74 miles per hour with power enough to climb inclines of up to 45 degrees. Cargo room in the rear of the rover includes a collapsable shelter, water, and food, enabling lunar researchers to remain afield for up to three days.
The addition of explosive canisters on LL-997's front bumper enables scientists to take out roving space zombies with impunity.
Thomas Öchsner has found an unusual and interesting shape for his interceptors.
Both are loaded with dangerous missiles and look ready for a fight.
Thomas has also come up with a very interesting design for his missile loader. The operater looks a bit nervous though!
Today we feel the need for speed with Jeremy Todd's LL-101 Predator.
When Deep-Space Marine Boon Conray disappeared while flying missions in the Cressida Nebulonic cloud, he was presumed dead. Boon returned after many years a changed man, scarred by deceit and greed. Conray brought with him, from the brink, a technology he wasn't prepared to share with just anyone... especially the Space Federation. Boon's new technology gave already swift ships an unearthly boost. Within a year of his return, every pirate from Galalagos to Mythephony had their very own “BoonBeam” drive. Even the fastest Federation ships were being left in the stardust.