LEGO 4970 Chrome Crusher ~ R.R. Slugger's Rock Raiders Retrospective!

[@l.d.murphy]

The size, detail, and unique design of the Chrome Crusher easily made it the star set of the Rock Raiders line in my eyes. I liked to imagine that the Chrome Crusher was only called out for the most crucial jobs and operating it was an honor for the lucky raider tasked with handling it. Similarly, using it in the PC game always made me gleefully giddy as a kid. Totally agreed with your theory that Sparks was cut from the retail release. I always felt he should have been included so I put him in the co-pilot seat as soon as I got my hands on him. I figured that Axel needed someone to keep tabs on the radar and operate the laser while he focused on driving and drilling after all. By the way, how do you get your hands on all these pre-production materials? It's fascinating seeing the earlier stages of these sets! I am so glad they changed the roll cages to brown, they'd look so much blander without it. Looking forward to seeing what else you dig up for other sets. The Chrome Crusher's unbalanced cockpit is the one thing that holds the set back from perfection in my eyes. However, it's not too much of a problem if you hold it by the turquoise plates where the the laser turret is mounted to. Also, while it is a small change, I do think the little slopes on the engine block round out the look too. I'll have to grab some cheese wedges and do that on mine as well now. Lastly, the drill airship is probably my favorite alternative build. Using the wheels as turbines is so cool. Another fantastic video.

[@RRSlugger]

Another fantastic comment - thanks for that! I'm so glad another long time Rock Raiders fan has found the channel. :) The prototype images of the Chrome Crusher are scanned from certain old LEGO magazines or books - in some cases, the prerelease materials come from old storage drives from DDI that were somewhat recently discovered and are currently being sifted through; most of this stuff can be found on the Manic Miners and RRU Discords, but there is also a new one dedicated to this stuff that is just starting up: Lego Research Realm - it's worth checking out if you're a fan of this sort of stuff!

[@l.d.murphy]

@@RRSlugger Thanks for the info! I am so impressed that there are Rock Raiders fans to this day that have gone to such lengths to keep this relatively small theme alive after all these years. I've been missing out for way, way too long here so I've got some catching up to do on these discords...

[@RRSlugger]

@@l.d.murphy Absolutely - Rock Raiders owes its longevity almost entirely to the popularity of its PC game. None of its Space theme contemporaries had something like it which is why cool themes like UFO, Exploriens, and Insectoids still remain largely forgotten. I don't really talk about the PC game much as I'm about the furthest thing from an expert on it and it's already been covered by many, many others; the sets themselves however, seem to be a bit of an underdog and deserve some love - especially those alt builds! Feel free to hit me up on those Discords - "Rama" is who you're looking for. :)

[@SirYohan]

For my birthday last year, my brother COMPLETELY surprised me with a Chrome Crusher he'd snagged on eBay. Talk about best gift ever!!!

[@RRSlugger]

Wicked!! 😮

[@LegoSonicBoy]

The Chrome Crusher has the honor of being the first big LEGO set I built all by myself, with no help at any step. I look on mine to this day and still feel the visceral, magical sense of pride I did when I was 7; for obvious reasons, no other set has given the same kind of satisfaction even if it was several times the size. It's ironic because the minimum age recommendation is 8, versus the Loader Dozer's 7 which I still struggled with. Turns out I came a long way in just a few weeks. I knew Sparks had to have had a part in this set which is why in my current display, he's atop the laser swapping the lights like Axle is doing in the box art. Since I don't have the Tunnel Transport (yet) I actually took the dynamite tile off the Loader Dozer to build a second dynamite pack. I know the drill bit and radar are meant to be interchangeable but it always bothered me that they were mirrored in the instructions compared to the box art, catalogues, and even the video game. I chose to follow the latter. I really like the alt builds.

[@davidboyd4026]

Thank you for the heads up about the tipping problem. I have damaged brown boulders. Sadly was going to throw them away. Now because of this video I will repair them with some serious weight concealed inside. Fishing lead weights is what I’m thinking 😊

[@RRSlugger]

Those weights will help immensely, I think! 🙂

[@kavariteraa2797]

Fantastic presentation, so cool! you deserve more views

[@RRSlugger]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it! I'm happy that so many other people enjoy Rock Raiders as much as I do. :)

[@CarsSimplified]

I had this one! I remember really liking the way the wheel arches looked, but struggled to use those large pieces in a way that didn't draw attention to its... large-piece-ness.

[@RRSlugger]

It’s a hard piece to use well, I absolutely agree. I think the Granite Grinder makes a good alternate use of it, but other than that…

[@CarsSimplified]

Ah, yeah, I saw your video on that one and it is indeed a smart use of it! I think with a SNOT technique it could make a nice guardrail, especially with the caution stripe print.

[@empatheticrambo4890]

This is one of the best series on LEGO I’ve ever seen. Honestly. Enjoying the progress and so excited you’re keeping up the production value I’m even working on my own revamps now because of this series!

[@RRSlugger]

I really appreciate the compliment! I'm stoked it has inspired you as well!

[@legotwoface]

4:19 the giant zoo image caught me off guard,had to slow the video down as much as possible just to pause at the right time 😂 Am I the only one who noticed it?

[@jeanjohnson5145]

You're like How it's made for niche LEGO

[@chuckschwa]

Nice observation on the missing Sparks! Also, I really appreciate the stop-motion animation you use in your reviews-- Classy!

[@AugustusFGraham]

I love that stop motion bit at 2:44. Really satisfying and well done animation. The little stop motion segments add a lot of character to these reviews.

[@RRSlugger]

Thank you! 😊

[@thrillhouse4151]

Amazing, mining laser blast from the past! Nothing warms my teleport pad like some Rock Raiders.

[@tonyhawkdelmar]

I had the Chrome Crusher as a kid and absolutely loved it! Great Video, I am really enjoying your Rock Raiders Retrospective 👍

[@RRSlugger]

Thank you! Glad to hear you are enjoying the series! ❤️

[@RangerOfTheOrder]

I'm actually surprised how inexpensive these older lego sets can be if you don't mind forgoing the original box and instructions.

[@MortexBerri]

I cannot find this set for a good price for some reason, its like 90$

[@davidboyd4026]

@@RangerOfTheOrder actually these sets came out during my dark age. But because of bulk LEGO lots…. Well😊👍. Finding stuff I can’t live without. That I never knew existed 🤔🤣👍

[@davydigger708]

This was my first Rock Raiders set. I missed out on these sets when they were new, being born in 2004, but in 2014, when I was 10, my grandfather gave me a huge bin full of old Lego's and K'nex that he found at an auction, and while I was digging through, I found parts from this set. I recognized it from a Lego book that I had read a couple of years before. I wasn't sure if it was complete, but I found the instructions on my mom's computer and gave it a shot anyway, and as it turned out - all the pieces were there! I played with this set for hours, mining up Brickonium crystals and surviving the hostile Planet U environment, and I loved this set so much I would carry it around with me wherever I went (well, wherever my parents let me) and have it by my bedside every night! It became my most prized possession for a while - and it was really fun when I got the Loader Dozer - I used them together! Eventually, the set would be taken apart, and for several years, it's parts were used on various MOCs, but eventually, it got rebuild, and I still have it - 10 years later, although it is sadly missing a few parts now! I may order replacements someday. To be honest - I always wish this set had Sparks as well! It felt kind of empty with just Axel, and I thought Sparks seemed like the perfect partner for this set! Also, considering the amount of weapons this set has, I thought it should have had a rock monster or slimy slug included to battle!

[@RRSlugger]

That’s such a great story! It’s wonderful to hear that these toys were so appreciated by the kids who played with them. ❤️

[@davydigger708]

@@RRSlugger And even though these sets came out in the late 90's - I was still enjoying them as a kid in the 2010's! It goes to show that some things never go out of date - plus, I was able to combine the parts from my Rock Raiders sets with my newer 2010's sets! To be honest, I never was into the newer Ninjago, Legends of Chima, etc. sets that were out around that time - I just wanted Rock Raiders, and Power Miners, and stuff like this!

[@davydigger708]

@@RRSlugger Now I really want the Rock Raiders HQ - I've been wanting it since I was 10 - but was never able to get ahold of it.

[@asphaltmemories4597]

This was my favorite set of the line, such a great vehicle. If I had known that the prices for Rock Raiders on the aftermarket would be this ridiculous I would have kept this as well as the Granite Grinder. Amazing retrospective, the fact that you did stopmotion AND music for it is the tribute this theme deserves.

[@plasmawarper5837]

Glad to have 4 copies of the chrome crusher set

[@kabob0077]

7:19 It's like a AQ-5 Waveskimmer but without the center of gravity being obscenely high.

[@DarkAtuin]

Cool I'm not the only one who thought about Sparks being included in this set^^ Not sure if you are aware of it, but the weird shape of the prototype bucket is a leftover from it actually being a redesigned Duplo Toolo part (no. 6311). It was revealed in a 1999 Lego book by Dorling Kindersley that also seems to be the earliest source of some of these prototype images.

[@RRSlugger]

I used to take that book out of my school library so frequently that eventually the school librarian banned me from signing it out. Jokes on her though - I bought my own copy!! 😂

[@mike.94]

Great as always! You made me looking for dark turquoise parts. And I have few minifigures with them! Baby from lego City, Maaray Guards and even Island Keepers-they all have some:)

[@colinroberts2060]

Though not referenced here, this was among the few sets to include 10x2x2 45-degree slopes in the old light gray, with their final "unique" appearances being in two sets (3402 and 3403) from the soccer subtheme of "Sports" in April 2000. Though they would also appear in a re-release of the first Star Wars X-Wing fighter (as 7142) in 2002 before being phased out entirely.

[@AlexHill-si3kd]

This is a really cool set, pretty sure my parents had as I can’t find the base, cockpit part, and wheels among other rock raider parts

[@BatFlightBuilds]

Another great video!

[@davidboyd4026]

Just acquired a bulk lot that has this set!😊😊😊😊 well I mean maybe 80 percent 😊

[@RoninCatholic]

Rock Raider Crew and Hover Scout ( _many_ Hover Scouts!) are the only Rock Raiders sets I personally had. My favorite character other than Jet was Sparks, so it's weird looking back at how the character with the brightest, most saturated outfit is so _absent_ from the sets as a whole.

[@thewanderer7307]

Finally! "I've been looking forward to this."

[@RRSlugger]

Good... twice the pride, double the fall.

[@maniac4bricks_more629]

I've always admired the sheer size of the scent from Afar, and it is still one of the last rock radar sets I need to complete my collection. That and the hoverscout, but Unlike that set, this one I will need to source more pieces to build it from scratch or just buy the set outright. I'm glad you mentioned about this stability issue as I never would have guessed that from looking at it. Aside from fixing flexibility in modification, in modification, I would probably add in add in some different pieces on the bucket in order to make that area more accessible, more thereby adding a tipping motion or a sliding rail, which can also fix the counterweighting. But even as a stock model, I suppose it has enough area to grip the back of it so that during play, the hand operating the vehicle would automatically provide the counterweight.

[@RRSlugger]

If you put some batteries in the laser, that also helps weigh the back down somewhat. 👍 It’s not perfect, but is still doable.

[@michaelpuglisi6767]

I’ve never found you needed that level of work to get the lid on the laser piece off, just pull back on the studs with a little force and it came off easy, but locked back in tight

[@AClassicBrick]

Thanks for another awesome review! Can't wait for the next 2, the HQ and the Tunnel Transport. I think the chrome crusher is my favourite Rock Raiders vehicle, because I love its unique asthetic. It should've included Sparks though, definetely and I agree with your reasoning on why and that he was cut in order to include the laser. They probably felt it wasn't worth putting the laser in just the HQ, so they tried to fit it into one more set. It works really well imo, but missing Sparks or another figure in general is disappointing. Still though an amazing set.

[@RRSlugger]

Great point about the laser and Lego likely wanting to include it in at least one other set - it's a shame they couldn't have squeezed Sparks into the budget as well, but c'est la vie. There's something about the stature of the Chrome Crusher that makes it so dang recognizable - such an iconic set! I'm also looking forward to getting to those episodes; the alt builds in 'em feel like uncharted territory for me! Haha

[@AClassicBrick]

@@RRSlugger Lego back in the day tendet to not make too many pieces exclusive to just one set and the laser must've eaten a fair amount of development budget, so usually with pieces like this they usually didn't make them for just one set. Until Jack Stone came around that is and we all know how well that went 😅😂 I'm especially lookin forward to the HQ since I don't think I have ever seen the alternate builds of that set

[@Ringtail]

I somehow never made the connection about Sparks... I think it could've afforded to be a little bit more pricey with him and a Rock Monster maybe. I do like the Crusher, but the front-heavyness of it is a major issue. I remember trying to build one of the prototype versions years ago (the one in the Ultimate Lego Book concept art - this was long before the DDI hard drive leak) and without the laser it just would not stay on all four wheels. Cool that the big robot has finally been solved! I remember trying to build that thing years ago before higher-quality versions of that commercial were found and just giving up.

[@bronykingamethystrain5676]

I'm still gonna try and get one of these second hand. If its missing a part or two that isn't major, I can easily find a replacement online to.

[@jajos1001]

The center of gravity has to be between the wheels, very close to the front wheels but not in front of them. Otherwise it would always lie on its nose.

[@BruticusMax]

6:06 I've found a combination of Piece no. 2415 (Plate, Modified 2 x 2 Thin with Plane Single Wheel Holder) and 3464 (Wheel Center Small with Stub Axles (Pulley Wheel)) will do the job without any issue (minus some squeaking). only issue is the only colors the come in to match the rock raiders colors is Light gray for both pieces, and red also for the wheel

[@RRSlugger]

Good idea! I never thought to try that because of how much I *hate* that wheel piece, haha. We'll get to "why" when I do the Time Tunnelator episode of Time Cruisers! Haha

[@VortexBricks]

Ok I’m just gonna say it here - axel is my favorite raider.

[@Dinowrestler]

I'm abit shocked. With you being a classic lego fan. You could have made a rock raiders Solor snooper.

[@empatheticrambo4890]

Think you could make a playlist of your set retrospectives? I’d love to easily listen to them in the background to relax (...and so maybe leave the Halloween one off so it doesn’t shift the mood?)

[@RRSlugger]

Done! You should be able to grab the link here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqKskqWae7Nppbc

[@ThunderHouseStudio]

I'M THE ONLY ONE WHO NOTICE THE BLACK METAL ALBUM COVER AT 4:18?

[@dawnbreakerdrake8427]

i think i might have found a connection between the crome crusher and an atlantis set of all things, that set being 7984 the deep sea raider, now the connection isn't just the fact that the 2 sets share some design similarities, but it is the fact that the deep sea raider was made out of a canceled power miners set, which got me thinking was this set supposed to be a modern reimagining of the chrome crusher? now i know that i might be reaching here, but it's an interesting thing to point out

[@RRSlugger]

That *is* an interesting thought! 🤔

[@empatheticrambo4890]

I really like your catwalk build. Are you planning on videos for that kind of thing eventually? I’m not familiar enough to know if it’s a moc or if it’s from the game

[@RRSlugger]

Thank you! I've had a lot of requests to show of my LRR MOCs in a video, so I may have to do that! If you have Instagram, you can find all of my MOCs there.

[@davydigger708]

One thing that always bothered me about this set as a kid is that the drill doesn't stick out very far in front of the cab so it couldn't drill very deep if this was a real vehicle!

[@RRSlugger]

Me too! It’s a pretty cartoonish design, all things considered. 😆

[@Schlelkohov]

Have you made any instructions for the alternate builds? I'd like to try giving them a shot :)

[@RRSlugger]

I haven't... largely because I know I'm wrong on them. 😅 I think using some of the photos in the video description with the back of the box images should give you some insight though!

[@Schlelkohov]

@@RRSlugger Yep! I found the google drive link in the description shortly afterwards haha, but certified or not I'm sure others would be delighted to see some breakdowns of rough estimates I myself have actually built some box-back builds for the old dino 2010 theme as well as some obscure, previously lost japanese combiners for exo-force. The former can be found on Brothers in arms gaming's channel, though I should probably upload those exo-force instructions myself one of these days 😅

[@HalcyonVoid]

This set is my all time favorite. I love it, I still have most of the pieces. And god damnit, Im gunna buy another. They are surprisingly not that expensive considering their age.

[@thee_maj703]

Is there a ROCK raiders discord or group out there, I always loved this theme

[@RRSlugger]

Absolutely! The place you are looking for is Manic Miners - a Discord group for the fan remake of the original PC game! Really easy to search and find the link on Baraklava’s website, but let me know if you need a link!

[@streamroller1974]

how did u acquire the commander-general minifig of rock raiders ? its 500$ in BL. AFAIK it was lego conviction exclusive?

[@RRSlugger]

The sad reality is that I acquired him with money. I paid approximately $200 for him a few years ago, and his value has more than doubled since then - it's really grim to see. 😔 Chief was only sold in a standalone minifigure pack that was available at LEGO mall kiosks, LEGOLAND, and other limited retailers.

[@streamroller1974]

@@RRSlugger wow.. But anyway you make him use best. All those dioramas and backdrops, stop motion films 🙏

[@SylviaMoonbeam1127]

👀 that ‘Blink & You Miss It’ scream frame at @4:18… wtf

[@RRSlugger]

👀 kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJ_dnmCdj7OXgJY

[@taggingbrainchannel6130]

親愛なる日常

[@android17mate]

Hey slugger you wanna explain that? 4:19

[@RRSlugger]

Haha, just a little callback to the “Giant” Zoo episode! 😉

[@android17mate]

@@RRSlugger caught me off guard last night lol

[@Liboo52]

4:18 lol what is this subliminal scary frame 😂 and what does it say?

[@RRSlugger]

You may find answers in the 4960 video... 😉

[@deckie_]

4:18 honestly though, what is that?

[@Pelashi]

Is it actually a laser or is it a light?

[@RRSlugger]

A laser in-universe, but a light in real life. 😊

[@the-NITRON]

>don't recommend this to be your only rock raiders set D'OH! that's what i did when i was a kid DX

[@RRSlugger]

It's still a great set, tbh! :)

[@davydigger708]

@@RRSlugger It was my first one, and was my only one until I got the Loader Dozer, but hey, I got it for FREE along with a bunch more Lego!

[@justthink1616]

This was probably the most disapointing set from rockraiders in my oponion. The sparks is mising, there is no rock monster and the cockpit is too big and exept that Giant bucket there is not much that i like about this set... (if i don't count the exclusive pieces)