How many pieces are in the Message Intercept Base?

Message Intercept Base contains 573 pieces.

When was the Message Intercept Base released?

Message Intercept Base was released in 1988.

🏛 Blacktron I

Set #6987-2

Message Intercept Base

The Message Intercept Base is a quintessential Blacktron I set.

Before you buy

Who it's for: Intermediate build Ideal for LEGO Space fans and those who appreciate classic LEGO sets
Build: 573 pieces · about 4.5 hours Build time is an estimate.
Availability: Retired at LEGO

★★★★☆ 4.6 community rating

Fans praise the Message Intercept Base for its classic Blacktron design and nostalgic appeal. The set is considered a must-have for LEGO Space collectors, although some find the price prohibitive due to its age and rarity.

Best Price

$1899.99

View on eBay

📝 Our Take

AI-assisted editorial summary, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

The Message Intercept Base is a quintessential Blacktron I set. Released in 1988, it perfectly captures the futuristic, slightly menacing aesthetic of the theme with its black and yellow color scheme and trans-red accents.

This set is perfect for LEGO Space collectors and fans of classic LEGO themes. The build is engaging and results in a highly displayable base with multiple play features and those iconic Blacktron minifigures.

Skip this if you are only interested in modern building techniques or complex builds. Consider newer LEGO Space sets like those from the LEGO City Space subtheme for a more contemporary building experience.

✨ New

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How does the Message Intercept Base compare to other Blacktron sets in terms of play features and design? What are some creative ways to expand or modify the base using additional LEGO pieces? What factors contribute to the high value of this retired LEGO set? How should I properly clean and store this set to maintain its condition and value?

🧱 Building Experience

AI-assisted build estimate, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

🧩

573

Pieces

⏱

4.5h

Estimated Build Time

📊

Intermediate

Difficulty

Build Highlights:

Modular design allows for reconfiguration
Incorporates classic LEGO Space building techniques
Features opening doors and a detachable spacecraft
Creates a visually striking and functional base

📈 Investment Analysis

AI-assisted investment analysis, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

→ Price stable

B+

Investment Grade

⏳ Retired

The Message Intercept Base is a sought-after set within the LEGO Space theme, particularly among Blacktron enthusiasts. Its age, coupled with the relatively high piece count for a set of its era, contributes to its value. The set's condition, completeness, and the presence of the original box significantly influence its market price. While the price trend is currently stable, demand for classic Space sets could drive appreciation, but potential investors should be aware of the higher initial cost and the risks associated with older sets.

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

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

Blacktron I • 144 pcs

Compared to modern LEGO Space sets, the Message Intercept Base offers a distinctly retro building experience with simpler construction techniques. While newer sets boast higher piece counts and more intricate designs, this set's charm lies in its classic aesthetic and nostalgic appeal. Consider this set if you appreciate vintage LEGO Space or are looking for a unique display piece.

5 Minifigures Included

Blacktron I (3626a Head)

5x included

The set includes five Blacktron I minifigures, each with the classic black uniform and white helmet featuring the Blacktron logo. These figures are highly sought after by collectors due to their iconic design and association with the classic LEGO Space theme.

📦 Parts Inventory

Piece count: 573
Parts cataloged in this inventory: 132 unique parts, 543 pieces
Minifigures: 5

The piece count includes the 30 parts inside the set's minifigures, which this inventory lists separately. Spare parts are counted in neither figure.

Missing a piece? Check this set piece by piece, with look-alike colors flagged and element IDs for replacements.

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

Brick Sloped Inve...

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

Plate Special 2 x...

Part #: 2476a 2× Black

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 3× Yellow

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 16× Black

Plate 1 x 1

Part #: 3024 2× Yellow

Plate 1 x 1

Part #: 3024 5× Black

Plate 1 x 1

Part #: 3024 8× Trans-Red

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

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3039 3× Black

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3039pr9995 3× Black

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3040b 15× Black

Brick Sloped 45° ...

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× Yellow

Tile 2 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3068b 2× Black

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 6× Yellow

Fence Lattice 1 x...

Part #: 3633 4× Black

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 3660 12× Black

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 3665 11× Black

Plate 1 x 6

Part #: 3666 3× Black

Turntable 2 x 2 P...

Part #: 3679 3× Light Gray

Turntable 2 x 2 P...

Part #: 3680 3× Black

Brick Sloped 75° ...

Part #: 3684 2× Black

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3700 4× Black

Technic Axle 12

Part #: 3708 1× Black

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 11× Black

Technic Axle 10

Part #: 3737 1× Black

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 3747a 9× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 3794a 12× Black

Plate 2 x 6

Part #: 3795 1× Yellow

Plate 2 x 6

Part #: 3795 3× Black

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 4...

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 7× Black

Hinge Brick 1 x 2...

Part #: 3938 7× 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

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 4287a 5× Black

Wheel Balloon wit...

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

Brick Sloped 75° ...

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

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 4871 1× Black

Bar 1 x 6 [Open S...

Part #: 4873 4× Black

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 2× Trans-Red

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 2× Black

Flexible Hose 8.5...

Part #: 73590c01b 3× Yellow

Technic Universal...

Part #: 9244 1× Light Gray

The set offers a good selection of black and yellow bricks, plates, and slopes, making it a valuable source of parts for MOC builders looking to create their own Blacktron-inspired creations. The trans-red elements add a distinctive touch and are useful for detailing and lighting effects.