LEGO® Set Review: 6973 Deep Freeze Defender
6973
![[6973 Set Photo]](../pix/6973.jpg)
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Deep Freeze Defender (us)
Ice Planet Tripel- Raumtransporter (de)
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Space System / Ice Planet 2002
Ages 8-12 / 412 Pcs
20 page manual: 1 model, 3+7+5+13+14+18 steps.
©1993
Review Written: 26 June 1995 by Joshua Delahunty
Special Features / Compatibility
Magnets
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Extra Elements
1 Black 1x1 Round Plate
1 Neon-Orange 1x1 Round Plate
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Decals: None, all decorated bricks
Scale: Mini-Figure
Errors: None
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Ratings:
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Set: Good
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Models: Excellent
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Playability: Excellent
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Conclusion
As a Space System enthusiast, I'd definitely insist on this ship for
my collection.
It's large and attractive, and has many exciting features.
Description
6973 Deep Freeze Defender is a large modular spacecraft from the
Ice Planet:2002 line. The color scheme is blue and white as
primary colors, and black and neon-orange as the accents. The ship
disconnects into 4 modules, two of which sit at the front of the
main vehicle as cockpits, and are identical in construction.
A cockpit module uses the pre-fab fuselage and sloping windshield
pieces to form an arrow shaped cockpit. The underside is blue,
and connects to two long white skis (an element originally released
as part of the Technic line). Above those skis sit neon-orange
skis that fit the Mini-Figure pilot driving the craft. Two black
jets on the back sides of the craft, near the top, provide propulsion.
On either side of the craft are two accessory clips for attaching
tools. They are usually occupied by a phaser and a chainsaw blade
in neon-orange. These modules connect to the rocket module through
traditional connector peg and beam construction (with connector pegs
permanently attached to bricks).
The middle 'rocket' module supports the first set of main wings,
and houses the rocket launching station and satellite storage bay.
The front of this bay is a sloped cockpit piece with the Ice Planet
Logo embossed into it. Once raised, this sloping piece allows access
to the top of the rocket, where the satellite can be attached. A
hinged armature in the center of the mod allows the rocket to be raised
into launch position and then launched into orbit. Convenient arrows at
the front of the module indicate the docking connect-points for the
front cockpit modules. The underside of the rocket module supports the
6 drive engines that help propel this module through space.
The rear 'bay' module is the most massive on the ship. It is roughly
rectilinear in shape, broken up by large wings to the sides, and
modular octagonal outer bay lights around the perimeter. The front
of the mod owes to its massive size: Two connector pegs are needed
to keep the intermodule connection with the middle module, and two
hinges, appropriately marked with arrows, hinge down securely to
form a tight seal when the middle module is in place. Two black jets
up top and six white jets on the bottom provide propulsion. By far
the most impressive feature of the bay module is the rocket sled
launch pad. Once the top jets are safely moved up and off to the side
out of harm's way, a segmented bay door is rolled forward to open the
top of the launch bay. Automatically and concurrently, the sled will
rise into launch position. Once it is launched, the door can be sealed
again for protection from the vacuum of space, with the launch arm
lowering back into position. The procedure can be repeated upon the
return of the sled from its mission.
The rocket sled is a small, single pilot vehicle featuring
pilot-ski storage, a compact design, and a side magneto coupler
for attachment to the rockets of Ice Planet 2002. * The sled is
for small towing operations only, so all operators must be aware
of the limitations of the craft in rocket towing operations.
The rear end of the bay module bows outward with its octagonally
shaped bay lights in an attractive space-age design. Two maneuvering
jets per wing, two at the rear, and two larger jets on sloping frames
at the top provide precise control over the positioning of the module
in space. Two long antennae at the wing tips of the module provide
the Deep Freeze Defender with its communication capabilities.
Impression
I've had the set for some time, unbuilt. It was a Christmas
present, and I hadn't had time to build it in the six months
since I got it. Now that I finally made the time, I have realized
what I've been missing out on!
This ship is 928/497 Galaxy Explorer Class, which is to say that it's
of the size and general shape of the LL928 Galaxy Explorer, the first
grand LEGO ship. As such, it doesn't disappoint. With three
astronauts to play with, and lots of skis for action, it's got high
playability value. The modular design makes it two ships in one. You
can take the two cockpits and attach one each to the other modules,
and have two very effective ships, where neither looks terribly
underpowered (one looking pretty sleek and maneuverable, the other
bulky and powerful). The two ships apart are of the Space Cruiser
(LL924) Class, perhaps even slightly larger. Add to that the little
rocket sled for remote missions, and you have the makings of a winner.
I must admit to a feeling of dread after I finished the model, since
the front of the bay mod has a connector peg hole, but the back of the
rocket mod has no corresponding peg. It looks so logical for one to
be there. A quick recheck reveals that no peg is meant for that
location, and the center hole in the bay mod is for the peg on the
back of a cockpit mod.
Another problem I had involved the rocket silo: it wouldn't open
correctly. I eventually diagnosed the problem, narrowing it down to
the rocket. Be careful how the #12 cross axle is placed in the middle
of the rocket. Too far down into the base and the rocket won't sit
all the way down in the silo, and then the silo won't open or close
correctly.
Ratings
Set Rating:Good
The set rating of good reflects the specialized nature of the pieces
in the set, and especially the Ice Planet theme. The neon-orange color
is somewhat unique in the LEGO world (Aquazone being a notable
exception -- if you're into that theme, than this may be a bonus for
you), and the Ice Planet theme uses a lot of it.
The theme also sports a wealth of skis and chainsaws; if that toolset
sounds limiting, there's not much else included with this set (two
phasers are included).
The new helmet visors are unique, as well. While they are attractive,
interconnectedness with other themes suffers since they're new and
they have the neon-orange color.
The back of the box shows a 4 very interesting and varied alternate
designs. The photo in the upper left, in particular, shows a very
nicely done base/ship/land vehicle combination that shows the
versatility of the set despite its specialized elements.
Model Rating:Excellent
I rate the model excellent because of its wealth of features
and sweeping, spaceship look. As a part of the Ice Planet theme,
it fits in perfectly. The theme is one of the larger Space themes
that's come out, and this fits in well in the lineup. The modularity
is a big plus.
Playability Rating:Excellent
The playability of the set is also excellent. The modular
construction -- allowing for many configurations and play scenarios --
coupled with the wealth of gadgetry and moving parts, makes for a rich
play experience. ("It's lots of fun to mess with all the stuff on
this ship, and to take it apart and put it back together in lots of
different ways.") The two separate launch doors, the rocket, the
small space vehicle... there's just so much to do with the set. If
you're a Space Maniac, then upgrade this rating to "Must-Have."
Likes/Dislikes
One complaint I have about the model is in regards to the front of the
'bay' module: it's too squared off. This is especially apparent when
the module is viewed disconnected from the rest of the ship, or when
viewing it from below. It was an unnecessary look. Two 3x3 wing
plates, along with some additional plating, could have angled off
those edges most attractively without a large increase in piece count.
Another attractiveness issue I immediately corrected has to do with
the alternating color scheme of the bay door: I connected all white
together in one block, and the neon-orange in the other. I truly wish
The LEGO Group had gone for one solid color (strong vote for white)
instead of the striping.
Elements
This set has most of the octagonal corridor elements that were
so prized from the Blacktron 6987 Message Intercept Base of the
late 1980s. It is missing the very important inside-corner element,
and the elements are all in a somewhat gaudy-looking neon-orange,
so this is a mixed blessing.
Another piece from that era is the 4x6 sloping cockpit piece with
hinge connect. In the 6894 Invader, 6941 Battrax, and 6954 Renegade,
the element was transparent yellow, while this is opaque blue and
decorated; so it's more of a reminder of past glories in the Space
line than a way to increase your count of Blacktron elements.
Also of note are the 3 sets of large 7x12 wing plates -- most often
used in large airplane models -- and the garage door elements that
are used in the rear of the ship (half, including the handle element,
are white, the other four are neon-orange).
It's nice to see the return of the Technic Figure skis; they're used
nicely for the models of Ice Planet to give them that (what else?)
true 'Ice Planet' look.
The display tray shows a good selection of the elements used, but
doesn't display the female Mini-Figure, which is a little strange.
Fortunately, the three Mini-Figures in the set are shown together
in a group photo on the back of the box. A bit hidden from view,
but better than not showing up at all.
Copyright
This review is Copyright 1995, by the author as named above. This
information may be reprinted, provided (a) all information in the
document is published in full, and (b) no profit is made, directly or
indirectly, by the publishing of this material. All other rights
reserved.
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All views expressed in the reviews on this site are those of the review author, and do not necessarily represent the views of Joshua Delahunty or the University of California.
Set names and photos are copyrighted materials owned by The LEGO Group, used according to its Fair-Use Policy. Set photo scans courtesy of Pause Magazine.
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