How many pieces are in the Message Intercept Base?

Message Intercept Base contains 575 pieces.

What age is the Message Intercept Base recommended for?

This set is recommended for ages 18+.

When was the Message Intercept Base released?

Message Intercept Base was released in 1988.

🏛 Blacktron I

Set #6987

Message Intercept Base

Name: Message Intercept Base
Brand: LEGO
SKU: 6987-1
Rating: 4.8 (12 reviews)

Message Intercept Base is a Blacktron flagship set.

🏆 Best For: Perfect for LEGO enthusiasts who appreciate classic space themes and enjoy a moderately challenging build. ⏱ 4.5 hr build 🧩 575 pcs

★★★★☆ 4.6 from 12 reviews

Fans appreciate the nostalgia and classic Blacktron design, highlighting the modular construction and iconic minifigures. Some find the building techniques dated compared to modern sets, but the overall aesthetic and playability are well-received.

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📝 Our Take

Message Intercept Base is a Blacktron flagship set. Released in 1988, it embodies the classic space theme with its black and yellow color scheme, modular design, and focus on playability. This set is a nostalgic trip for older LEGO fans and a cool introduction to vintage space for newer builders.

This set is perfect for collectors of classic space themes. The 575 pieces offer a satisfying building experience, and the five Blacktron minifigures make it a valuable addition to any collection. Its modular design allows for easy customization and expansion.

Skip this if you prefer modern building techniques or highly detailed models. While charming, the set lacks the sophistication of contemporary LEGO sets. Consider newer space-themed sets like those from the LEGO City or LEGO Ideas lines for a more advanced building experience.

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🧱 Building Experience

🧩

575

Pieces

⏱

4.5h

Build Time

📊

Intermediate

Difficulty

Build Highlights:

Modular design allows for rearranging the base layout.
Incorporates classic building techniques from the late 80s.
Features a variety of slopes and hinge bricks for shaping the base.
Includes a small rover vehicle for added playability.

📈 Investment Analysis

→ Price stable

B+

Investment Grade

⏳ Active

The Message Intercept Base (6987-1) presents a solid investment opportunity, driven by its status as a highly sought-after set from the classic Blacktron I theme. The set's age, coupled with its relatively high piece count and inclusion of five Blacktron minifigures, contributes to its desirability among collectors. The Blacktron theme enjoys a dedicated following, and well-preserved copies of this set command premium prices on the secondary market. However, potential investors should be mindful of the set's age, which may necessitate careful inspection for wear and tear, as well as the completeness of the set, including all minifigures and original instructions.

Not Financial Advice: Content is for educational purposes only. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Full disclaimer

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Compared to modern LEGO space sets, the Message Intercept Base offers a simpler, more classic building experience. While newer sets boast advanced building techniques and intricate details, this set provides a nostalgic charm and a direct connection to LEGO's space heritage. If you're looking for a complex and highly detailed space model, consider sets from the LEGO Ideas or Star Wars themes. However, if you appreciate vintage LEGO design and the Blacktron theme, this set is a worthwhile addition to your collection.

1 Minifigures Included

Blacktron I (3626a Head)

5x included

The set includes five Blacktron I minifigures, all with the classic black uniform and yellow visors. These minifigures are highly collectible and contribute significantly to the set's overall value.

📦 Full Parts Inventory - 131 unique parts • 545 total pieces

Brick Arch 1 x 5 ...

Part #: 2339 2× Black

Equipment Control...

Part #: 2342 2× Black

Panel 3 x 3 x 6 C...

Part #: 2345 3× Black

Panel 1 x 2 x 3 -...

Part #: 2362a 2× Trans-Yellow

Wedge Plate 10 x ...

Part #: 2401 3× Black

Panel 10 x 6 x 11...

Part #: 2408pr0002 2× Black

Panel 10 x 10 x 1...

Part #: 2409 1× Trans-Yellow

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2412a 1× Black

Wedge Plate 3 x 6...

Part #: 2419 2× Yellow

Plate 2 x 2 Corner

Part #: 2420 3× Black

Technic Rack Wind...

Part #: 2426c01 2× Black

Technic Rack 1 x ...

Part #: 2428 2× Yellow

Tile 1 x 4 with G...

Part #: 2431 4× Black

Bracket 1 x 2 - 1...

Part #: 2436 2× Black

Panel 3 x 2 x 5 2/3

Part #: 2448 1× Trans-Yellow

Slope Inverted 75...

Part #: 2449 4× Black

Wedge Plate 3 x 3...

Part #: 2450 4× Black

Hinge Plate 1 x 2...

Part #: 2452 2× Black

Brick 1 x 1 x 5 w...

Part #: 2453a 1× Black

Brick 1 x 16

Part #: 2465 6× Black

Panel 3 x 2 x 6

Part #: 2466 10× Black

Panel 3 x 2 x 6

Part #: 2466 3× Trans-Yellow

Panel 4 x 4 x 6 C...

Part #: 2467 2× Black

Panel 3 x 3 x 6 C...

Part #: 2468 3× Trans-Yellow

Support 6 x 6 x 1...

Part #: 2681 2× Black

Lever Small Base ...

Part #: 298c01 6× Black

Brick 2 x 2

Part #: 3003 10× Black

Brick 1 x 2

Part #: 3004 15× Black

Brick 1 x 1

Part #: 3005 7× Black

Brick 1 x 8

Part #: 3008 3× Black

Brick 1 x 6

Part #: 3009 7× Black

Brick 1 x 4

Part #: 3010 2× Black

Plate 2 x 4

Part #: 3020 4× Black

Plate 2 x 4

Part #: 3020 1× Yellow

Plate 2 x 3

Part #: 3021 2× Black

Plate 2 x 2

Part #: 3022 16× Black

Plate 2 x 2

Part #: 3022 10× Yellow

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 14× Black

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 3× Yellow

Plate 1 x 1

Part #: 3024 8× Trans-Red

Plate 1 x 1

Part #: 3024 5× Black

Plate 1 x 1

Part #: 3024 2× Yellow

Plate 6 x 12

Part #: 3028 1× Black

Plate 4 x 10

Part #: 3030 1× Black

Plate 4 x 4

Part #: 3031 2× Black

Plate 4 x 6

Part #: 3032 3× Black

Plate 4 x 6

Part #: 3032 1× Trans-Yellow

Plate 2 x 8

Part #: 3034 2× Black

Plate 4 x 8

Part #: 3035 2× Yellow

Plate 6 x 8

Part #: 3036 1× Black

Slope 45° 2 x 2

Part #: 3039 3× Black

Slope 45° 2 x 2 w...

Part #: 3039pr9995 3× Black

Slope 45° 2 x 1 w...

Part #: 3040b 15× Black

Slope 45° 2 x 1 w...

Part #: 3040bpr0008 3× Black

Brick Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 3062b 11× Trans-Red

Brick Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 3062b 2× Black

Tile 2 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3068b 2× Black

Tile 2 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3068b 2× Yellow

Tile 2 x 2 with Y...

Part #: 3068bpr0021 1× Black

Tile 1 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3069b 3× Black

Tile 1 x 2 with S...

Part #: 3069bpr0039 5× Yellow

Tile 1 x 2 with A...

Part #: 3069bpr9981 2× Black

Tile 1 x 1 with R...

Part #: 3070bpr0031 2× Yellow

Plate 1 x 8

Part #: 3460 1× Black

Tail 4 x 2 x 2

Part #: 3479 1× Black

Brick 1 x 3

Part #: 3622 11× Black

Plate 1 x 3

Part #: 3623 18× Black

Fence Lattice 1 x...

Part #: 3633 4× Black

Fence Lattice 1 x...

Part #: 3633 6× Yellow

Slope Inverted 45...

Part #: 3660 12× Black

Slope Inverted 45...

Part #: 3665 11× Black

Plate 1 x 6

Part #: 3666 3× Black

Turntable 2 x 2 P...

Part #: 3679 5× Light Gray

Turntable 2 x 2 P...

Part #: 3680 5× Black

Slope 75° 2 x 2 x...

Part #: 3684 2× Black

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3700 2× Black

Technic Axle 12

Part #: 3708 1× Black

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 11× Black

Technic Axle 10

Part #: 3737 1× Black

Slope Inverted 33...

Part #: 3747a 9× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 3794a 12× Black

Plate 2 x 6

Part #: 3795 3× Black

Plate 2 x 6

Part #: 3795 1× Yellow

Baseplate 32 x 32

Part #: 3811 1× Light Gray

Hinge Brick 1 x 4...

Part #: 3830 1× Black

Hinge Brick 1 x 4...

Part #: 3831 1× Black

Plate 2 x 10

Part #: 3832 3× Black

Wedge, Plate 8 x ...

Part #: 3933a 1× Black

Wedge, Plate 8 x ...

Part #: 3934a 1× Black

Wedge Plate 4 x 4...

Part #: 3935 1× Black

Wedge Plate 4 x 4...

Part #: 3936 2× Black

Hinge Brick 1 x 2...

Part #: 3937 9× Black

Hinge Brick 1 x 2...

Part #: 3938 9× Black

Cone 2 x 2 x 2, O...

Part #: 3942c 2× Yellow

Baseplate Raised ...

Part #: 3947a 1× Light Gray

Bracket 2 x 2 - 2...

Part #: 3956 1× Black

Antenna 1 x 4 wit...

Part #: 3957a 2× Yellow

Antenna 1 x 4 wit...

Part #: 3957a 9× Trans-Red

Weapon Gun / Torc...

Part #: 3959 3× Black

Dish 4 x 4 Invert...

Part #: 3960 2× Yellow

Dish 8 x 8 Invert...

Part #: 3961 1× Black

Equipment Radio [...

Part #: 3962a 1× Black

Tool Screwdriver ...

Part #: 4006 1× Black

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 4070 6× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4081b 2× Black

Bar 1 x 4 x 2 wit...

Part #: 4083 2× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4085b 5× Yellow

Tile 1 x 8 with G...

Part #: 4162 4× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4175 2× Black

Hinge Vehicle Roo...

Part #: 4213 2× Black

Panel 1 x 4 x 3 [...

Part #: 4215a 1× Trans-Yellow

Engine, Strakes, ...

Part #: 4229 2× Black

Hinge Plate 1 x 2...

Part #: 4276b 2× Black

Plate 2 x 16

Part #: 4282 3× Black

Slope Inverted 34...

Part #: 4287a 5× Black

Wheel Full Rubber...

Part #: 4288 4× Black

Box 2 x 2 x 2 [So...

Part #: 4345a 1× Black

Box 2 x 2 x 2 Doo...

Part #: 4346 1× Black

Equipment Weapon,...

Part #: 4349 2× Black

Equipment Camera ...

Part #: 4360 1× Black

Slope 75° 2 x 1 x...

Part #: 4460a 6× Black

Support 2 x 4 x 5...

Part #: 4476b 14× Black

Equipment Metal D...

Part #: 4479 1× Black

Brick Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 4588 1× Trans-Red

Cone 1 x 1 [No To...

Part #: 4589 1× Trans-Red

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4590 5× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4596 2× Yellow

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4596 2× Black

Bracket 3 x 2 - 2...

Part #: 4598 1× Yellow

Plate Special 2 x...

Part #: 4600 2× Black

Wheel 8 x 6

Part #: 4624 4× Yellow

Hinge Tile 1 x 4

Part #: 4625 2× Black

Bracket 8 x 2 x 1...

Part #: 4732 1× Black

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 4733 4× Black

Bar 1 x 3 [Clip /...

Part #: 4735 2× Black

Panel 4 x 4 x 6 C...

Part #: 4737 2× Black

Dish 2 x 2 Invert...

Part #: 4740 11× Trans-Red

Dish 2 x 2 Invert...

Part #: 4740 2× Black

Wedge Plate 3 x 4...

Part #: 4859 1× Black

Panel 1 x 2 x 2 [...

Part #: 4864a 1× Black

Slope Inverted 45...

Part #: 4871 1× Black

Bar 1 x 6 [Open S...

Part #: 4873 4× Black

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 2× Black

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 2× Trans-Red

Flexible Hose 8.5...

Part #: 73590c01b 3× Yellow

Technic Universal...

Part #: 9244 1× Light Gray

The set features a high concentration of black plates and slopes, providing a versatile parts pack for MOC builders interested in creating their own space-themed creations. The trans-red elements add a pop of color and are useful for detailing and lighting effects.

🛒 Where to Buy

💎 Notable Parts

Black Plate 1 x 3 (18x) $0.90

Black Support 2 x 4 x 5 Stanchion Inclined [5mm wide posts] (14x) $2.80

Trans-Red Dish 2 x 2 Inverted [Radar] (11x) $2.20

Black Panel 3 x 2 x 6 (10x) $3.00

Trans-Red Antenna 1 x 4 with Rounded Top (9x) $3.60

Est. BrickLink Part Value

$12.50

💡 MOC Potential

🚀 Blacktron-themed spaceship or shuttle

🏙 Expanded Blacktron base with multiple modules

🚗 Larger Blacktron rover or transport vehicle

📰 Blacktron I News

Community Insights

Real opinions from Reddit and YouTube

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Inventory Statistics

131

Unique Parts

545

Total Pieces

Minifigures

Inventory Version: 1

Intercept the Universe!
The Blacktron Message Intercept Base is here!

Message Intercept Base

📝 Our Take

Ask BlockTalk about this set

🧱 Building Experience

📈 Investment Analysis

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

1 Minifigures Included

📦 Full Parts Inventory - 131 unique parts • 545 total pieces

🛒 Where to Buy

💎 Notable Parts

💡 MOC Potential

📰 Blacktron I News

Lego 6876