Yes, believe it or not, it's a moonbase module. Or, it's just a pile of bricks that's compatible with the Moonbase Project :-)

The primary function of this moonbase is to provide a landing platform and loading/unloading facilities for people and cargo. It has two motorized elevators and one motorized door.

Controls by HiTechnic (4-channel R/C reciever).

I built this moonbase for TexLUG's spring 2003 meeting. We decided to do a space themed layout, and use moonbase modules. Pictures and details of other moonbases can be found at the previously mentioned link.

Dude! This moonbase, like, moves and stuff.

Yes, that's right, my little space friends. Two motorized elevators are provided for your lifting convenience. They are remote controlled utilzing R/C equipment from HiTechnic.

The main lift connects the top platform with the roof of the facilities below. Also, there is a small lift roughly in the center of the building that goes from roof level to the floor (baseplate) below.

The door is acutally two separate panels (one with roof attached), each powered by a separate motor. Both motors are connected to the same output channel on the R/C reciever (HiTechnic).

Three corridor connections are provided with this facility. Each connection employs a "force field" airlock (read more) so that it can be connected to any other corridor, regardless of being open to the atmosphere or not.

The control center for the landing pad was kept low profile to increase visiblilty and clear flight space around the pad. The pad is an old-style (classic space) landing pad. The plate is supported by a truss frame around the perimeter, and also diagonally, underneath the plate.

The entire landing pad structure sits atop four truss legs that are braced with an X pattern of cables. The top structure is very flexible, and can move around a bit. However, it is relatively strong and can support a fair bit of weight.

The gray roof of the facility is a lid that can be picked up to gain access to the base floor of the facility. Or, if you're a minifig, just use the lift! This lower floor is meant to be open to the atmosphere.

A landing pad cannot be complete without something to use it! I build three sleek-looking speeders and two mini single-seat craft. They will all fit on the pad at once, but it looks like a crammed used-craft lot! (if only they had space suits in plaid... ;-)

The speeders are nearly idendical, except for the colors. The engines are a bit different for one. You'll notice quite a few more boosters- this is the "supercharged" option :-)

Nevertheless, I had fun building it! I made it more fun for myself by adding in the motorized features and making them remote controlled.

I must add that I've been interested in, and enthusiastic about, the Moonbase Project ever since it was first announced. It is a great way to unite LEGO Space fans, provides an easy method for us to interact, and helps in creating large layouts, or group creations, at meetings.

This was evident at our recent TexLUG meeting, where we combined 9 moonbase modules built by 8 different people. The modules connected together effortlessly (not one flaw!), thus demonstrating the beauty of the moonbase module building standards.