2019 summer marks LEGO’s 40 years of the LEGO Space theme and as well the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. The act of imaginations in the aspect of looking up at the stars with the thought of what happens beyond the stars has greatly influenced and inspired generations. Since the 1970s when LEGO began marking individual themes, many designs have been released and older design were modified appearing in new colors including Unitron, Futuron, Blackron, Life on Mars, Space Police III, Alien Conquest, Galaxy Squad, and the latest themed Mars Exploration.
With the emergence of the new space-themed LEGO set, there has been a major uproar within the LEGO city. Many thought we would be getting another rehash from the 2011 City Space sub-theme, but to the greatest surprise of many, it turned out to be a brand new sub-theme called Mars Exploration. However, in comparison with the past examples, it is so evident that this development program strikes a balance between the present and the futuristic technology.
Inspired by NASA, the 60225 Rover testing drive was released in 2019, priced at about CA$39.99 comes with a variety of impressive elements.
The playset includes NASA inspired test rover vehicle with robotic grasping claws, two mini-figures with an updated astronaut helmet, two geodes, a standalone solar panel structure, and a few other bits and bobs.
The Rover Testing Drive Set 60255
This six-wheeled truck type vehicle got its inspiration from the NASA vehicle in comparison. Although it scarcely resembles the NASA Test Drive, it’s pretty much reminiscent of the drive featured in “The Martian”. It features a flatbed section at the rear that can hold additional accessories from the set such as the portable solar panel array and a storage box.
Being the star of the show, the Rover Testing Drive comes with an impressive canopy element and unique trans-light blue headlights that stand out against the surrounding body. That not all, it features an articulated arm with various technic elements and a new gripping attachment and can be folded into the back of the rovers using its four points of articulation.
In comparison with the NASA vehicle, the Rover is a little more open at the front section. With no doors or steps to reach the cab, it comes with a removable canopy which directly covers a printed control panel and space for the astronaut to sit. The interior compartment for the astronaut with space for oxygen when fitted on his back.
The Minifigures of Lego Rover Testing Drive Set
The Lego Rover Testing Drive Set 60255 features two Minifigures including a male astronaut and a female ground crew technician to drive a sturdy Mars rover toy with a large all-terrain wheel. Taking a closer look at these Minifigures;
- the male astronaut looks quite amazing, dressed in an orange spacesuit with an emblem of Mars Exploration printed on his torso. The minifigure was designed with almost Alien Nostrom’s crew suit feel with a metallic silver highlight decoration that continues unto his legs. The minifigure also comes with an updated astronaut helmet that is different from what we have been seeing before with a stationary trans-light blue visor connected on either side.
- the second Minifigure in the Lego Rover Testing Drive set is a female ground crew that comes with a combo of hard hat and hair with an impressive goggle on printed on her face. Her appearance looks more realistic with a dark blue and orange color scheme as well as a badge pinned on her pocket.
Other accessories in the Rover Testing Drive Set
Another element that strikes attention is the introduction of two sets of geode rocks which are volcanic rocks that feature a shining pink inner coloring. The outer section of this element is made with a dark tan while the inner section has a glittering piece which is evident through the transparent covering.
This beautiful playset also features a crate containing a drill, stickered solar panels and a laptop that displays the robotic claws. However, opinions have it that these elements connote the testing process before launching to know if there would be any alterations.
Overall
The Test Drive is amazingly built, its high time you give you young space adventurers a treat with the NASA-inspired rover set. The 60225-Rover testing drive kids toy by LEGO® City features enough fun for kids. However, the price seems fair which makes it perfect for every young space adventurers to start a space-themed collection.
