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Created page with "{{italic title|string=Explorer}} The '''LMS ''Explorer''''' is a fictional starship in the LEGO Rock Raiders theme. The ''Explorer'' is a large ship used by the titular Rock Raiders while they explore the galaxy. In the theme's story, the ship is damaged by asteroids and its fuel supplies are drained, shown in most media to be caused by it falling into a wormhole. It ends up drifting near an alien planet that the Rock Rai..."
 
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{{italic title|string=Explorer}}
{{italic title|string=Explorer}}
The '''LMS ''Explorer''''' is a fictional [[Wikipedia:Starship|starship]] in the [[LEGO Rock Raiders]] theme. The ''Explorer'' is a large ship used by the titular Rock Raiders while they explore the galaxy. In the theme's story, the ship is damaged by asteroids and its fuel supplies are drained, shown in most media to be caused by it falling into a [[Wikipedia:Wormhole|wormhole]]. It ends up drifting near an alien planet that the Rock Raiders mine to collect materials to repair and power it. The ''Explorer'' was designed for the theme's[[LEGO Rock Raiders (video game)|tie-in video game]].
{{Infobox fictional vehicle
| name            = LMS ''Explorer''
| franchise      = [[LEGO Rock Raiders]]
| image          = LMS Explorer - Adventures! Magazine (Rescan).jpg
| alt            = A computer-generated image of a long, blocky spaceship with a widened lower hull, a truncated pyramid bridge structure near the rear end, and a number of smaller structures protruding from the front and top. The ship is largely grey, with teal bands on the top and bottom and transparent neon green structures glowing along the sides and on top. The ship is in space surrounded by asteroids; a planet resembling Jupiter's moon Io is visible in the background.
| caption        = The LMS ''Explorer'' as it appears in the ''[[LEGO Rock Raiders (video game)|LEGO Rock Raiders]]'' video game
| first_major    = [[LEGO Adventures!]]
|first_issue      = issue 7
| first_date      = 28 September 1999
| last_major      = [[Rock Raiders: High Adventure Deep Underground]]
| last_date      =
| creator        = [[Data Design Interactive]]
| designer        = {{ubl|Ian Deary, Dave Garbett (concept)|[[Søren Dyrhøj]] (LEGO model)}}
| affiliation    = [[Rock Raider]]s
| captain        = [[Chief]]
| defence        = [[Wikipedia:Force field (fiction)|Energy shield]]
| propulsion      = [[Wikipedia:Thrusters (spacecraft)|Thrusters]]
| power          = [[Power crystal]]s
| length          = 962.4 studs (7.7 metres)
| width          = 130 studs (1 metre)
| height          = 119.5 bricks (1.15 metres)
}}


The '''LMS ''Explorer''''' (alternatively written as '''L.M.S. ''Explorer''''') is a fictional [[Wikipedia:Starship|starship]] in the [[LEGO Rock Raiders]] theme.
== Origin and design ==
The LMS ''Explorer'' was originally created for the ''LEGO Rock Raiders'' video game. LEGO models of certain sections of the ''Explorer'' were constructed at [[LEGO Futura]] using Data Design's concept renders of the ship.<ref name="Adventures 7"/> Artists at [[Artworld UK]] used photographs of these models to create a full virtual LEGO model of the ship using [[Wikipedia:LightWave 3D|LightWave 3D]].<ref name="Moltenbrey CGW"/><ref name="Adventures 7"/>
The meaning of the [[Wikipedia:Ship prefix|ship prefix]] "LMS" is never stated in any published Rock Raiders media. It is likely a play on the ship prefix [[Wikipedia:His Majesty's Ship|HMS]] ("Her Majesty's Ship" or "His Majesty's Ship"), which is commonly used for [[Wikipedia:Royal Navy|British]] [[Wikipedia:Naval ship|naval ships]].<ref name="Slugger Explorer"/><ref name="Kemp"/> The ship is even referred to as "HMS ''Explorer''" in the "River of Lava!" comic in ''[[LEGO Adventures!]]'' issue 10 (January 2000),<ref name="Adventures 10"/> and as "H.M.S. ''Explorer''" in the comic book ''[[Rock Raiders: High Adventure Deep Underground]]''.{{R|Grant|p=48}}  An early script draft for the game's [[LEGO Rock Raiders FMVs|opening FMV]] refers to the "LMS-''Explorer''" as a "gigantic Lego mining ship",<ref name="DDI intro script"/> suggesting LMS may have been intended to stand for "LEGO Mining Ship";<ref name="Slugger Explorer"/> the game's instruction manual simply calls it a "huge mining ship".{{R|McPhail PC manual|p=10}}
== Depiction ==
Describe its appearances in the games, books, and comics
== Fan-made recreations ==
{{external media
| float  = right
| width  = 330px
| video1 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeD5iT15_34 How to Build the LMS Explorer from LEGO Rock Raiders! Interview with Arthuriel on 1:1 Replica!] by R.R. Slugger at YouTube
}}
Arthuriel's model
== Gallery ==
=== Concept art ===
{{external media
| float  = right
| width  = 230px
| video1 = [https://archive.org/details/RockRaiders-LMSE-DesignExample-avi Explorer Ship Design for Tom] by Ian Deary (via Internet Archive)
}}
Concept art of the LMS ''Explorer'' created by artists at Data Design Interactive during early 1998.
<gallery caption="Bridge by Dave Garbett (15 April 1998)">
NEW BRIDGE PIC1.jpg
NEW BRIDGE PIC2.jpg
NEW BRIDGE PIC3.jpg
NEW BRIDGE PIC4.jpg
</gallery>
<gallery caption="Explorer Ship Design by Ian Deary (11 May 1998)">
Explorer Shape Example - perspective view.JPG | Shape example (perspective view)
Explorer Shape Example - front view.JPG | Shape example (front view)
Explorer Shape Example - side view.JPG | Shape example (side view)
Explorer Bow Detail Example - front view 1.JPG | Bow detail example (front view)
Explorer Bow Detail Example - front view 2.JPG | Bow detail example (front view)
Explorer Bow Detail Example - side view.JPG | Bow detail example (side view)
</gallery>
=== Physical model ===
Photographs of the physical sections of the LMS ''Explorer'' built by [[Søren Dyrhøj]] and photographed by [[Troels Halken]]. This gallery is divided into four parts for each of the four sections known, labelled with the dates the photographs were taken. There were likely more sections constructed, but the photographs for these are not available.
<gallery caption="Bridge (13 May 1998)">
LMS Explorer cockpit PIC00001.jpg
LMS Explorer cockpit PIC00002.jpg
LMS Explorer cockpit PIC00003.jpg
LMS Explorer cockpit PIC00004.jpg
LMS Explorer cockpit PIC00005.jpg
LMS Explorer cockpit PIC00006.jpg
LMS Explorer cockpit PIC00007.jpg
LMS Explorer cockpit PIC00008.jpg
LMS Explorer cockpit PIC00009.jpg
LMS Explorer cockpit PIC00010.jpg
LMS Explorer cockpit PIC00011.jpg
LMS Explorer cockpit PIC00012.jpg
LMS Explorer cockpit PIC00013.jpg
LMS Explorer cockpit PIC00014.jpg
LMS Explorer cockpit PIC00015.jpg
LMS Explorer cockpit PIC00016.jpg
LMS Explorer cockpit PIC00017.jpg
</gallery>
<gallery caption="Middle slice (13 May 1998)">
LMS Explorer slice PIC00001.jpg
LMS Explorer slice PIC00002.jpg
LMS Explorer slice PIC00003.jpg
LMS Explorer slice PIC00004.jpg
LMS Explorer slice PIC00005.jpg
LMS Explorer slice PIC00006.jpg
LMS Explorer slice PIC00007.jpg
LMS Explorer slice PIC00008.jpg
LMS Explorer slice PIC00009.jpg
LMS Explorer slice PIC00010.jpg
LMS Explorer slice PIC00011.jpg
LMS Explorer slice PIC00012.jpg
LMS Explorer slice PIC00013.jpg
LMS Explorer slice PIC00014.jpg
LMS Explorer slice PIC00015.jpg
LMS Explorer slice PIC00016.jpg
</gallery>
<gallery caption="Front slice (15 May 1998)">
LMS Explorer front PIC00001.jpg
LMS Explorer front PIC00002.jpg
LMS Explorer front PIC00003.jpg
LMS Explorer front PIC00004.jpg
LMS Explorer front PIC00005.jpg
LMS Explorer front PIC00006.jpg
LMS Explorer front PIC00007.jpg
LMS Explorer front PIC00008.jpg
LMS Explorer front PIC00009.jpg
LMS Explorer front PIC00010.jpg
LMS Explorer front PIC00012.jpg
</gallery>
<gallery caption="Bridge door (18 May 1998)">
LMS Explorer door PIC00001.jpg
LMS Explorer door PIC00002.jpg
LMS Explorer door PIC00003.jpg
LMS Explorer door PIC00004.jpg
LMS Explorer door PIC00005.jpg
LMS Explorer door PIC00006.jpg
LMS Explorer door PIC00007.jpg
</gallery>
== References ==
{{reflist|refs=
<ref name="Adventures 7">{{cite magazine |editor-last=Yeo |editor-first=Matt |date=28 September 1999 |title=Behind the Scenes: Rock Raiders |url=https://archive.org/details/LEGOAdventures-No07Oct1999-Brickshelf/LEGO%20Adventures%21%20Issue%207%20-%20October%201999/page/30/mode/2up?view=theater |magazine=[[LEGO Adventures!]] |issue=7 |publisher=Egmont Fleetway Ltd |location=[[Wikipedia:London|London]] |pages=30-33 |ISSN=1465-0738}}</ref>
<ref name="Adventures 10">{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/LEGOAdventures-No10Jan2000-Brickshelf/page/4/mode/2up?view=theater |title=River of Lava! |author=[[Artworld UK]] |date=29 December 1999 |magazine=[[LEGO Adventures!]] |issue=7 |publisher=Egmont Fleetway Ltd |location=[[Wikipedia:London|London]] |page=4 |ISSN=1465-0738}}</ref>
<ref name="Grant">{{cite book |last=Grant |first=Alan |date=October 2000 |title=Rock Raiders: High Adventure Deep Underground |publisher=[[LEGO UK Ltd]] |location=[[Wikipedia:Slough|Slough]] |ISBN=1-903276-04-7}}</ref>
<ref name="Kemp">{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/oxfordcompaniont0000unse_t9u3/page/265/mode/2up?view=theater |title=The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea |edition=2nd |editor-first2=I.C.B. |editor-last2=Dear |editor-first1=Peter K. |editor-last1=Kemp |date=2005 |orig-date=1976 |publisher=[[Wikipedia:Oxford University Press|Oxford University Press]] |page=265 |ISBN=0-19-860616-8}}</ref>
<ref name="McPhail PC manual">{{cite book |editor-last=McPhail |editor-first=Jim |date=13 December 1999 |url=https://archive.org/details/LEGORockRaiders-manual-Win-EU-2299598/mode/1up?view=theater |title=LEGO Rock Raiders ''Instruction Manual'' |edition=UK FRONT, BACK, I/F & I/B COVER |publisher=[[LEGO Media International]] |location=[[Wikipedia:London|London]]}} Serial: IB2G-ROC3 2299598.</ref>
<ref name="Moltenbrey CGW">{{cite magazine |last=Moltenbrey |first=Karen |date=March 2000 |url=https://www.cgw.com/Publications/CGW/2000/Volume-23-Issue-3-March-2000-/Legos-Come-to-Life.aspx |title=Legos Come to Life |magazine=Computer Graphics World |volume=23 |issue=3 |publisher=CGW Magazine |pages=54-56 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118103532/https://www.cgw.com/Publications/CGW/2000/Volume-23-Issue-3-March-2000-/Legos-Come-to-Life.aspx |archive-date=18 January 2023 |url-status=live |access-date=14 September 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="Slugger Explorer">{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeD5iT15_34 |title=How to Build the LMS Explorer from LEGO Rock Raiders! Interview with Arthuriel on 1:1 Replica! |author=R.R. Slugger |date=2 January 2022 |type=Video |via=YouTube}}</ref>
<ref name="DDI intro script">{{cite web |url=https://archive.org/details/DDI-RockRaiders-Script-v1_1/mode/2up?view=theater |title=LEGO Rock Raiders Intro Script V1.1 |first=Ian |last=Deary |date=12 March 1998 |type=Developer document |publisher=[[Data Design Interactive]]}}</ref>
}}
== External links ==
* [https://rockraidersarchive.com/rock-raiders-lms-explorer/ LMS Explorer] at Rock Raiders Archive
* [https://rockraidersunited.com/files/digital_models/ldraw/11-lms-explorer-r195/ Arthuriel's LMS ''Explorer'' model] on Rock Raiders United
{{LEGO Rock Raiders}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Explorer, LMS}}
[[Category:LEGO Rock Raiders]]
[[Category:LEGO Rock Raiders]]
[[Category:Fictional spacecraft]]
{{Fict-vehicle-stub}}

Latest revision as of 23:54, 14 September 2025

LMS Explorer
LEGO Rock Raiders vehicle
A computer-generated image of a long, blocky spaceship with a widened lower hull, a truncated pyramid bridge structure near the rear end, and a number of smaller structures protruding from the front and top. The ship is largely grey, with teal bands on the top and bottom and transparent neon green structures glowing along the sides and on top. The ship is in space surrounded by asteroids; a planet resembling Jupiter's moon Io is visible in the background.
The LMS Explorer as it appears in the LEGO Rock Raiders video game
First appearance
Last appearanceRock Raiders: High Adventure Deep Underground
Created byData Design Interactive
Designed by
Information
AffiliationRock Raiders
CaptainChief
General characteristics
DefencesEnergy shield
PropulsionThrusters
PowerPower crystals
Length962.4 studs (7.7 metres)
Width130 studs (1 metre)
Height119.5 bricks (1.15 metres)

The LMS Explorer (alternatively written as L.M.S. Explorer) is a fictional starship in the LEGO Rock Raiders theme.

Origin and design

The LMS Explorer was originally created for the LEGO Rock Raiders video game. LEGO models of certain sections of the Explorer were constructed at LEGO Futura using Data Design's concept renders of the ship.[1] Artists at Artworld UK used photographs of these models to create a full virtual LEGO model of the ship using LightWave 3D.[2][1]

The meaning of the ship prefix "LMS" is never stated in any published Rock Raiders media. It is likely a play on the ship prefix HMS ("Her Majesty's Ship" or "His Majesty's Ship"), which is commonly used for British naval ships.[3][4] The ship is even referred to as "HMS Explorer" in the "River of Lava!" comic in LEGO Adventures! issue 10 (January 2000),[5] and as "H.M.S. Explorer" in the comic book Rock Raiders: High Adventure Deep Underground.[6]: 48  An early script draft for the game's opening FMV refers to the "LMS-Explorer" as a "gigantic Lego mining ship",[7] suggesting LMS may have been intended to stand for "LEGO Mining Ship";[3] the game's instruction manual simply calls it a "huge mining ship".[8]: 10 

Depiction

Describe its appearances in the games, books, and comics

Fan-made recreations

External video
video icon How to Build the LMS Explorer from LEGO Rock Raiders! Interview with Arthuriel on 1:1 Replica! by R.R. Slugger at YouTube

Arthuriel's model

Concept art

External video
video icon Explorer Ship Design for Tom by Ian Deary (via Internet Archive)

Concept art of the LMS Explorer created by artists at Data Design Interactive during early 1998.

  • Bridge by Dave Garbett (15 April 1998)
  • Explorer Ship Design by Ian Deary (11 May 1998)
  • Shape example (perspective view)
    Shape example (perspective view)
  • Shape example (front view)
    Shape example (front view)
  • Shape example (side view)
    Shape example (side view)
  • Bow detail example (front view)
    Bow detail example (front view)
  • Bow detail example (front view)
    Bow detail example (front view)
  • Bow detail example (side view)
    Bow detail example (side view)

Physical model

Photographs of the physical sections of the LMS Explorer built by Søren Dyrhøj and photographed by Troels Halken. This gallery is divided into four parts for each of the four sections known, labelled with the dates the photographs were taken. There were likely more sections constructed, but the photographs for these are not available.

  • Bridge (13 May 1998)
  • Middle slice (13 May 1998)
  • Front slice (15 May 1998)
  • Bridge door (18 May 1998)

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Yeo, Matt, ed. (28 September 1999). "Behind the Scenes: Rock Raiders". LEGO Adventures!. No. 7. London: Egmont Fleetway Ltd. pp. 30–33. ISSN 1465-0738.
  2. ↑ Moltenbrey, Karen (March 2000). "Legos Come to Life". Computer Graphics World. Vol. 23, no. 3. CGW Magazine. pp. 54–56. Archived from the original on 18 January 2023. Retrieved 14 September 2025.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 R.R. Slugger (2 January 2022). "How to Build the LMS Explorer from LEGO Rock Raiders! Interview with Arthuriel on 1:1 Replica!" (Video) – via YouTube.
  4. ↑ Kemp, Peter K.; Dear, I.C.B., eds. (2005) [1976]. The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. p. 265. ISBN 0-19-860616-8.
  5. ↑ Artworld UK (29 December 1999). "River of Lava!". LEGO Adventures!. No. 7. London: Egmont Fleetway Ltd. p. 4. ISSN 1465-0738.
  6. ↑ Grant, Alan (October 2000). Rock Raiders: High Adventure Deep Underground. Slough: LEGO UK Ltd. ISBN 1-903276-04-7.
  7. ↑ Deary, Ian (12 March 1998). "LEGO Rock Raiders Intro Script V1.1" (Developer document). Data Design Interactive.
  8. ↑ McPhail, Jim, ed. (13 December 1999). LEGO Rock Raiders Instruction Manual (UK FRONT, BACK, I/F & I/B COVER ed.). London: LEGO Media International. Serial: IB2G-ROC3 2299598.
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