Tunnel Scout
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
Like the Hover Scout, the Tunnel Scout is built around a 6×6 "cross with dome" plate (part 30303), which was introduced in and heavily used by LEGO Rock Raiders sets.[1] Its footprint is increased in the front by two black 3×3 wedge plates; as they appear to be clipping through one end of the Tunnel Scout's cross plate, they are likely unreleased versions with a notch for the cross plate. It carries two handheld circular saws (part 30194) attached to tool clips under its steering wheel, and features a Rock Raiders logo plate on its front. It has two small jet engines (part 3475b), like the Rapid Rider, but in black instead of dark grey. Black had previously been the most common colour for this part, produced since 1985;[2] it was first released in dark grey in 1998, during the development of LEGO Rock Raiders.[3] The Tunnel Scout's rear half features two Rock Raiders 3×2 engine slopes that hold down the jet engine parts and make up a large part of its profile. It has a single large brown propeller (part 30332) attached to a 2×2 pin tile (part 2460) on a hinge brick. While this is similar to the propellers used in the Tunnel Transport (which introduced part 30332),[4] the pin tile is coloured dark turquoise, a colour it was never released in.[5]
While the Tunnel Scout was never released in a LEGO set and uses prototype pieces that were never produced, the Kabaya set Heli Transporter slightly resembles it.
Depiction
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.[6]: 77 It is resistant to the heat of lava and is one of the only Rock Raider vehicles that can fly over lava lakes.[7] Its high speed helps it scout quickly and lets its pilot escape from danger.[6]: 77 Though it has two small 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.[8] It costs three Energy Crystals to transport down one Tunnel Scout.[6]: 77 It transports down at the Teleport Pad.[6]: 62 Rock Raiders must be trained as Drivers to use this vehicle.[8]
The Tunnel Scout can travel across land, water, and lava and moves at a speed of 2.5 blocks per second.[8] It can strafe[8] 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[8] in the VehicleTypes {} section.[9]
LEGO Rock Raiders (PlayStation)
References
- ↑ "Sets which Contain Part 30303". BrickLink Reference Catalog. Archived from the original on 12 September 2023.
- ↑ "Sets which Contain Part 3475b in Black Color". BrickLink Reference Catalog. Archived from the original on 12 September 2023.
- ↑ "Sets which Contain Part 3475b in Dark Gray Color". BrickLink Reference Catalog. Archived from the original on 12 September 2023.
- ↑ "Sets which Contain Part 30332". BrickLink Reference Catalog. Archived from the original on 12 September 2023.
- ↑ "Tile, Modified 2 x 2 with Pin". BrickLink. Archived from the original on 12 September 2023.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 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.
- ↑ 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."
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 Main Lego Config File, line 2528–2546.
SmallHeli {}section. - ↑ Main Lego Config File, line 2016–2031.
VehicleTypes {}section.
- Data Design Interactive (25 September 1999). Main Lego Config File. LEGO Rock Raiders (Windows). LEGO Media International. File path: Rock Raiders\LegoRR1.wad\Lego.cfg.
