6880: Surface Explorer

This set came out in 1982 and contains 82 pieces including one yellow minifig.  Until this year there were only red and white astronauts but this year was the first for the yellow astronauts.

It has seating for two but only comes with one minifig which is good because there are other astronauts from other sets that don’t have much to do so they can jump and control the back arm

These balloon tires were my favorite from this era.  They seemed much more futuristic than the other tires that came from town sets. Having two steering wheels so that it could be operated in either direction was unique from the other Classic Space vehicles.  The articulation arms with a bucket on one side and a jaw on the other so you can dig and pick up.

Exclusive Pieces To Build This Set:

The printed pieces were available in other sets. The light gray articulated arm pieces, especially the jaw piece, are the problem. They were fragile back then and now even more. The challenge is to find unbroken ones. Be careful assembling, these will break!

To Build Or Not To Build:

Yes! 

This one is a must for me for my Classic Space collection.  It has interesting pieces and design.  First year of the yellow astronaut and it has balloon tires.  Can’t go wrong with that.  I am a Classic Space collector and have a lot of favorites but not all the sets are great so these review aren’t all going to be a yes.