For me, the Vehicle Group is the most fun part of this set. They provide the action by allowing our little plastic spacemen to travel and work on their alien world. As action vehicles go they do leave a little to be desired having almost no moving parts but the wheels. There are no ray guns, no missile launchers, no working winch to rescue astronauts who've fallen in deep crevasses. Nope, these are pretty tame, as is the whole set but I still like it because it's a neat set-up of an other-world outpost, one which has the appearance of just beginning. Imagine a new start on an alien planet and this set represents the hard work and sacrifice of those pioneers. Enjoy!
Vehicle Group
Prime Mover with Trailer Lash-up
Prime Mover
5 3/4" (14.6cm) L x 2 1/2" (6.4cm) W x 2 3/4" (7cm) H
For me, this is the coolest vehicle. As I look at its tri-level design I wonder what a real vehicle would be like if it had existed. I imagine myself entering the back door or hatch just above the rear wheels. As you come in there must be a ladder leading up to the hatch on the rear deck. That back room may be empty except for benches lining either side and would be the prep room where the air pressure is adjusted prior to exiting the vehicle. Continuing through the pressure lock one enters another hatch beyond which lies the engine room. To enter the cockpit./observation dome area would mean ascending a steep ladder up to the next level. Perhaps another small ladder, or maybe a small motorized lift just big enough to place ones feet on, leads up to the dome? This isn't a pleasure cruiser, no land yacht. This vehicle has a purpose and it's all business.
Trailer
6 3/4" (17.1cm) L x 2" (5.1cm) W x 1 3/4" (4.4cm) H
Fuel Carrier
5" (12.7cm) L x 1 7/8" (4.8cm) W x 2 1/4" (5.7cm) H
Marx could have just molded three tanks and let it be but they made it a point to identify specifically what each tank holds: Liquid Oxygen, Liquid Hydrogen, Liquid Fluorine, three ingredients essential for rocket propellants.
Tractor With Blade
4 1/8" (10.5cm) H x 2 1/4" (5.7cm) W x 1 3/4" (4.4cm) H
A strictly utilitarian vehicle necessary for building roadways and prepping the landscape for habitats.
Tractor With Hoist
4 1/4" (10.8cm) L x 1 7/8" (4.8cm) W x 2" (5.1cm) H
Another utilitarian vehicle - for towing vehicles from a 'No Parking' zone LOL
