Rocinante (v2)

I’m excited to share with you all Version 2 of the Rocinante from The Expanse. Version 1 was one of the first things I built when I started into Lego, and I’ve learned quite a lot since then. Version 1 included lots of old parts that are quite rare and expensive, and compared to Version 2 it was held together with hopes and dreams!

Version 2 removes all the old, rare parts and is very solid; you can swoosh it around the room with no worries about the stability!

The new internal structure in Version 2 is very similar to how to the pot in the Lego 10311 Creator Expert Orchid set is put together. There are identical modules which are rotated to offset from one another at 45 degree angles. This provides eight sides on which to mount the structure to, which when they’re tied together with two-wide plates running the length of the model, makes for a rock solid core.

Those keen-eyed among you with notice that not all the changes from Version 1 to Version 2 are under the hood. And it’s true, I did re-work two key parts; the PDCs and the nose.

In Version 1, the nose was a real frustration and I noticed over time the model on my shelf had some connection strength issues. With the re-worked interior and stronger structure, the re-worked nose looks slightly different, but it’s rock solid!

The other part of Version 1 that I changed fairly substantially were the PDCs. The feedback I got on Reddit (which in hindsight is absolutely correct) was that the original PDCs were too big. The original PDCs were also very flimsy, and if you got a poor hold on the binocular piece or the ring plate, it wouldn’t hold together well. I think the new PDCs are sized much more appropriately and they’re very sturdy! I’m super happy with them!

The engine and rear half of Version 2 looks identical to Version 1. All the improvements to the structure are internal ones, and the previously-designed exterior fits onto that new internal structure perfectly!

Specifications:

• Pieces: 2,076
• Weight: 1,618.0 g
• Width (excluding stand): 17.1 cm
• Height (excluding stand): 13.9 cm
• Length (excluding stand): 55.4 cm