6894 - Invader

Rating:
Pros: Sleek design; functions well as a small standalone set
Cons: Design may be too plain for some folks; no real surprises
Contents: 156 pieces including 1 mini-fig
Price: Discontinued
Reviewed: 23-Apr-1997
Reviewed by: Joseph Gonzalez

He almost made it out of the city. If it wasn't for the fact that Blacktron Industries were under investigation for subversive activities with off-world forces, the patrolling police unit would have never pulled his ship over. But now, at a floating dock, the Blacktron agent stands fuming while the officer gives the cockpit a thorough inspection.
"I'll have to see your cargo area too," the officer says with a knowing grin. Looking there will undoubtedly uncover the bio-gas canisters the spy was trying to smuggle out in the first place. The agent mutters an access code which the cop quickly begins keying in to open the door, but he doesn't notice the detained figure flicking a small switch on his utility belt.
Inside the tiny cargo bay, robot receivers flash to life as an automaton brain switches over to a Berserker/Survival program. Within seconds, powerful robot arms will begin attacking and tearing at the next moving object before its sensors. Meanwhile, the officer keys in the last few digits of access code...

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The original Blacktron theme is always an interesting subject to cover. It would seem that the very mention of Blacktron means something fantastic and a must-have for serious collectors, but just because it has the name doesn't mean every ship ever produced was a winner. Happily, in the case of the Invader, this model is a definite keeper.
The Invader is a straightforward one-man cruiser that looks more like a bullet or torpedo with its all-out streamline design than any other craft I've seen in the long Lego Space lineup. The craft can be divided into three sections of a cockpit, central cargo section, and a tail. If necessary, the central cargo section can be removed, attaching the tail right on to the main cockpit and taking off again. Because of the ship's simple aspect there really are no surprises with the set but it is interesting to note that the two 4x7 wings on the forward section of the ship are hinged and can turn out horizontally 90 degrees to give the ship a wider wingspan. The cargo section provides an approximate 2x4x3 area for storing things, mainly the simple robot construction that comes with the kit.
No particularly unique pieces here, a wedge brick used in the nose and two diagonal wall panels have the Blacktron logo preprinted on them. The highlight of this model was the simple robot construction. No legs means he probably just functions as a service droid for the ship, but his simple construction gives him personality and I've taken to calling him "Hymie". (Okay, I'm naming robots now, I've got to get out more!)
If you don't pay too much for the kit, this is a model worth looking for to build up your Blacktron fleet.