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LEGO Technic Surface Space Loader LT78 Space Toy Set 42178
$26.49 reg $27.49
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At a glance
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About this item
Highlights
- Space vehicle for boys and girls – This space toy for exploration features steering, a raising and lowering function, a crane and an operator’s cab for hours of imaginative play
- Raise and lower the crane – Kids can raise the operator’s cab and raise and lower the crane to pick up and move the cargo
- Adapt to different terrains – Young space explorers can put the loader to the test as they imagine what it would be like to live and work on another planet
- A gift idea for kids – This set makes a fun birthday gift for 8 year olds who love building space vehicle toys
- Air lock connects to other models – A special space air-lock element lets kids connect other compatible space gifts (sold separately) for more adventures
- Intuitive instructions – The LEGO Builder app guides your youngster on an intuitive building adventure with tools that let them zoom in and rotate models in 3D, save sets and track their progress
- Measurements – 435-piece set with a model measuring over 3.5 in. (9 cm) high, 8 in. (20 cm) long and 7 in. (19 cm) wide
Description
Inspire kids to adventure into outer space with the LEGO Technic Surface Space Loader LT78 (42178) set. It makes a great birthday gift for 8 year olds who love space toys and construction vehicles. This space exploration toy is packed with realistic details inspired by cutting-edge space engineering designs. Kids can steer the loader and raise the cabin before using the crane to pick up and move the cargo. This space gift also features a special space air-lock element so kids can connect other compatible space LEGO sets (sold separately) for even more space adventures. The LEGO Builder app will guide your youngster on an intuitive building adventure, letting them zoom in and rotate models in 3D, save sets and track their progress. Contains 435 pieces.
Number of Pieces: 435
Suggested Age: 8 Years and Up
Model #: 42178
Educational Focus: Engineering, Gross Motor Skills, Creativity, Fine Motor Skills, Creative Thinking
Theme: Vehicles and Transportation
Includes: Toy Building Components
Industry or Government Certifications: CPSIA Certified
Material: Plastic
Battery: 2 No Battery Used
TCIN: 89144358
UPC: 673419389204
Item Number (DPCI): 204-00-9988
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
If the item details aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.
Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 11.81 inches length x 11.45 inches width x 3.3 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 1.5653 pounds
Return details
This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.
This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup.
See the return policy for complete information.
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Guests are saying
The Lego Surface Space Loader is a delightful set that combines creativity and fun for builders of all ages. Its compact design and engaging mechanisms make it a great choice for imaginative play. While some guests noted issues with fit and functionality, many appreciated the clear instructions and the joy of building together. This set is perfect for both solo and group activities, making it a versatile addition to any Lego collection.
Summary created by AI from text of reviews reflecting recent feedback provided across different star ratings (includes incentivized reviews)
4.6 out of 5 stars with 44 reviews
broad age appeal: 4.5 out of 5
ease of use: 5 out of 5
length of play: 5 out of 5
quality: 5 out of 5
value: 5 out of 5
100% would recommend
2 recommendations
5 out of 5 stars
11 June, 2025
originally posted on influenster.com
Inmaginative set
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The LEGO Surface Space Loader is a fun, imaginative set that hits the sweet spot for young builders and LEGO space fans. It’s compact, creative, and affordable — a perfect little launch into the LEGO galaxy!
2 out of 5 stars
18 May, 2025
originally posted on LEGO
Cool But Doesn't Really Work
This is cool looking model but I've never been more disappointed in the fit/finish of a Lego product. The front wheels touch the adjacent pieces so much they don't spin, so you can't roll it around. The mud flap parts that attach to the wheel hub also hardly fit and pop off the wheels at the slightest touch. It's so bad I was convinced we must have made a mistake but I've taken it apart twice and can't find any errors.
1 reply from LEGO® Customer Service team - 5 months ago
Thanks for letting us know you're having trouble with the wheels of your Surface Space Loader LT78. It must be disappointing to rebuild and experience the same issue. If you get in touch with us at LEGO.build/Service-BV we'll be happy to help troubleshoot your build!
5 out of 5 stars
24 April, 2025
originally posted on LEGO
Social Build
Hello Lego enthusiasts, this set was purchased for our inaugural Lego social meets. Perfect little set to put together while in company. The set had the perfect amount of complexity and everyone at the event each built there own Lego kit. Overall really satisfied with the purchase. Regards. M
5 out of 5 stars
14 April, 2025
originally posted on LEGO
Such a great build
This is one my favourite sets currently available. So much packed into a small build. While I do enjoy the largest of Lego sets, sometimes the small sets is where the magic is; designers finding ingenious ways to fit in cool mechanisms always leave sme with a smile when building. Plus this is a good play set for the kids now it is built. An easy 5/5
5 out of 5 stars
15 January, 2025
originally posted on LEGO
Excellent set
I really enjoy this set. It is a well put together set all around. The size, the playability, the amount of time and work to put it together, all just right. As someone who has been building LEGO since the 70s, this is one of my all time favorite smaller builds.
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
14 January, 2025Verified purchase
Lego review
Grandson loved this lego build
4 out of 5 stars
28 December, 2024
originally posted on LEGO
Blast to build, wish it could pick up the cargo
This vehicle was so much fun to build. Very clear instructions and zoomed in diagrams on every confusing step. My favorite thing about this model was the mechanism that lifted the cockpit and shortened the wheel base. I will definitely be using something like this in my own designs in the future. My biggest personal beef with this model was that it comes with a hazardous material type cargo container and an arm that seems like it would pick up and carry said container, but it doesn't work. You cants pick it up using just the arms of the vehicle, and the container itself will not sit comfortably anywhere on the vehicle. One thing I wish that Lego would make an effort toward is making these types of models (cars likewise) able to easily be converted to RC vehicles using Lego motors and battery boxes. Attaching a small motor to the back of this model made moving the wheel base much easier and more enjoyable to watch.
3 out of 5 stars
23 December, 2024
originally posted on influenster.com
Perfect gift
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] My daughter used this for a perfect white elephant gift for her classroom. She made a peer so happy to get this gift. They couldn’t wait to go home and build it!!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
4 November, 2024
Lego technic space
My 7 year old son had a great time putting this together. I would recommend. Good bang for your buck.
5 out of 5 stars
20 September, 2024
originally posted on influenster.com
Fun Lego set
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] My son and I had so much fun putting this Lego set together. It was easy to follow directions but it took time to get everything lot together correctly which was fun. It is now a fun toy that he can play with and it seems like it will last a long time. We love lego sets.
5 out of 5 stars
19 September, 2024
originally posted on influenster.com
Lego strikes again!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This Lego Surface Space Loader was so fun to put together! I didn't get a chance to take a picture because my grandson loved it so much that he took it back to his house. Easy to follow the directions, great price, and as all Lego sets it was fun to put together. Love Legos!
5 out of 5 stars
9 September, 2024
originally posted on influenster.com
Very cool real like set
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Very cool set. It’s amazing that it is actually functional. You can steer the the car with the steering wheel, it actually turns the wheels. There is a part that you twist to raise or lower the car. It does take a while to assemble, but the directions are easily followed for older kids or with assistance. The age range is pretty accurate as this seems to be more of a car that you would want to display or carefully play with. I would not recommend to play roughly with this car. It’s a space car so there is a lot of attention to detail within the car as it comes with “specimens” to test and detectors. I would recommend this set to others. I received this in exchange for my honest review.
5 out of 5 stars
8 September, 2024
originally posted on LEGO
Complex but fun
It’s multiple ways of articulating the boom are unique.
5 out of 5 stars
7 September, 2024
originally posted on influenster.com
Great Lego set for kids!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This Lego set is great for kids. It has various pieces to allow the user to get creative and engage in building a set. It comes with instructions and the presentation is very nice. The pieces are safe and age appropriate as advertised and when the space truck is complete its very portable. It is nice to play with and also to showcase so it's child friendly and collector friendly!
5 out of 5 stars
6 September, 2024
originally posted on influenster.com
Great family activity!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] My boys absolutely love Legos! It's a fun activity for the young and old alike. This little space loader turned out to be bigger than we anticipated which is a plus. My 8 year old and 17 year old sat down together and built it which was great bc that doesn't happen a lot lol great quality for the price! It's for ages 8 and up due to the small pieces being choking hazards.
5 out of 5 stars
28 July, 2024
originally posted on LEGO
Buy this
This is a kinda of a cheap set and you get a ton of fun!!!
4 out of 5 stars
28 June, 2024
originally posted on LEGO
Pretty good
This is an awesome set for beginners or someone buying it for a quick fun build. This set is an easy and intuitive build with some pretty cool features for play. I bought it to go next to my other sets in the space series and it does it’s job well. It might not be a stand alone set but is still a very fun quick build. I would definitely recommend it.
4 out of 5 stars
4 June, 2024
originally posted on LEGO
Good but not perfect
Good value for money. You get a sleek looking vehicle with a fun mechanism to raise and lower the cabin. The loading function however is clunky and impractical, with the container just dangling awkwardly off to the side. The rover does tie in very well with the VTOL Heavy Cargo Spaceship, both in appearance and interaction. Though probably not intended, it is possible to lift up the rover with the dropship, adding to the playability of both sets.
4 out of 5 stars
10 May, 2024
originally posted on influenster.com
Good, decent with a lot of fun.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] It was an easy build, and really playful to do. My son had a lot of fun building it and is now playing with it. The quality versus price is very good..
5 out of 5 stars
23 April, 2024
originally posted on influenster.com
Fun set to put together ♥️
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Perfect set for somebody who just get started with Lego technic or is looking for a quick build. As a non experienced builder it took me a couple of hours to put this together. Very nice and fun activity to share with someone. Very nice design and well put together. I enjoyed it a lot.