Tunnel Scout

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Art of the Tunnel Scout from the LEGO Rock Raiders video game

The Tunnel Scout is a fictional aircraft in the LEGO Rock Raiders theme. It is depicted as a small helicopter that can transport a single pilot across any terrain. It was never released in a LEGO construction set and is exclusive to the LEGO Rock Raiders video game, though it is largely constructed out of pieces used in LEGO Rock Raiders sets.

Design

The secret prototype pieces

Depiction

Chief flying a Tunnel Scout

In the story of the LEGO Rock Raiders theme, the Tunnel Scout is one of the vehicles used by the spacefaring Rock Raiders to search for power crystals underground.

It is described as being useful for more advanced reconnaissance than vehicles like the Hover Scout and Rapid Rider. It can fly over a variety of terrain, including water and lava.[1]: 77  It is resistant to the heat of lava and is one of the only Rock Raider vehicles that can fly over lava lakes.[2] Its high speed helps it scout quickly and lets its pilot escape from danger.[1]: 77  Though it has two circular saws attached to it, it is not capable of using these to drill.

A Tunnel Transport piloted by Chief appears on the games' loading screens.

Game information

LEGO Rock Raiders (Windows)

In the Windows version of LEGO Rock Raiders, the Tunnel Scout is classified as a Small Vehicle.[3] It costs three Energy Crystals to transport down one Tunnel Scout.[1]: 77  It transports down at the Teleport Pad.[1]: 62  Rock Raiders must be trained as Drivers to use this vehicle.[3]

The Tunnel Scout can travel across land, water, and lava and moves at a speed of 2.5 blocks per second.[3] It can strafe[3] by pressing Z or X, an ability shared only with the Rock Raider, Hover Scout, and Granite Grinder.

Game files

In the game's configuration file, the Tunnel Scout is defined as SmallHeli[3] in the VehicleTypes {} section.[4]

LEGO Rock Raiders (PlayStation)

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 McPhail, Jim (13 December 1999). LEGO Rock Raiders Instruction Manual (UK FRONT, BACK, I/F & I/B COVER). LEGO Media International. Serial no. IB2G-ROC3 2299598.
  2. Harrison, Jon (1999). "Moving Rock Raider Vehicles" in-game message. LEGO Rock Raiders (Windows). LEGO Media International. File path: Data\Sounds\Streamed\Training\Moving2\mov225.wav. "This is the Tunnel Scout. It is ideal for more advanced scouting and can move quickly through the underground caverns and across the water. However, its main advantage is that it can also withstand the intense heat of lava and it is the only vehicle we have that can travel over the lava lakes! To fly the Tunnel Scout, we need a Rock Raider who is trained as a Pilot. Let's get on and train our last Rock Raider to be a Pilot."
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Main Lego Config File, line 2528–2546. SmallHeli {} section.
  4. Main Lego Config File, line 2016–2031. VehicleTypes {} section.