- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 506
- Set Year: 1983
- Set Number: 1924
- Set Parts: 103
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
Set 1924 was released in 1983 and was available only in the USA. It was by far the smallest Technic set to date, and was actually available to order from cereal boxes in some places. This motorcycle is short on features, but this is not surprising for its size. he front fork is steerable, and the kickstand can be retracted. Toothed connectors are used extensively in construction.
It is safe to say that this motorcycle did not break any new technical ground, but it is nicely proportioned for its size and would mark the path for a large number of even smaller Technic sets in the future.
- Details
- Category: Less Than 100pcs Sets
- Hits: 512
- Set Year: 1985
- Set Number: 1972
- Set Parts: 98
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
Set 1972 was the only Technic set released in 1985, was only available in the USA, and was only available as a promotional set. Consequently, it is rather difficult to find. This set features rack and pinion steering as it's only technical function, and at the time was the simplest Technic set to date with the possible exception of 1924. Even the engine was just a stack of gray Lego plates mimicking a cooling fins.
- Details
- Category: Universal Building Set
- Hits: 543
- Set Year: 1984
- Set Number: 8020
- Set Parts: 119
- Set Price: 24.75
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Set 8020 was released in 1984 as the smallest Universal Set to date. It includes full instructions for 6 models. There are a number of parts left over when any of the models are built. The set is small but versatile and is an excellent introduction to Technic.
The models in this universal set cover a wide variety of subjects, but most feature the common function of rack and pinion steering and little else. The van, rover, truck, and plow all feature rack and pinion steering. The windmill vanes turns via crank. The helicopter rotor turns via crank.
It is somewhat unusual that this set includes 5 sets of tires and wheels since the 5th is only ever used for overhead steering. This is the only set from 1984 to not have pneumatics included.
- Details
- Category: Universal Building Set
- Hits: 511
- Set Year: 1989
- Set Number: 8024
- Set Parts: 113
- Set Price: 24.95
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
The small set 8024 was released in 1989 as the smallest Universal Set to date. It includes full instructions for 4 models as well as photographs of several other possibilities. There a number of parts left over when any of the models are built.
The models are quite simple, which is to be expected, and most make use of the new steering components, sometimes in innovative ways. The forklift uses the steering rack in a vertical arrangement to lift the forks.
- Details
- Category: Universal Building Set
- Hits: 508
- Set Year: 1982
- Set Number: 8030
- Set Parts: 141
- Set Price: 33.50
- Building Instruction: Yes
- Currency: Guilders
{phocadownload view=file|id=87|text=Building Instruction|target=b}
The small set 8030 was released in 1982 as the very first Universal Building Set. It includes full instructions for 5 models as well as photographs of several other possibilities. There a number of parts left over when any of the models are built, but the Jeep uses the largest proportion of the parts.
Except for the windmill, the models are pretty homogenous, and none of them display much in the way of technical complexity. In fact, only 4 gears are included in the set and they are only used for steering, again except for the windmill. The models are, however, an excellent introduction to the concept of building with beams, and the new friction pin connectors are used extensively. The friction works so well that most of these models take longer to take apart than they do to put together, and I actually broke a 12L beam in half when disassembling a model to make this page, which is a first for me.
- Details
- Category: Universal Building Set
- Hits: 523
- Set Year: 1989
- Set Number: 8034
- Set Parts: 187
- Set Price: 47.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Set 8034 was released in 1989. It is somewhat larger than 8024, released the same year, and does not have any special additions like motors or pneumatics. It includes full instructions for 4 models. There are a number of parts left over when any of the models are built.
The models in this universal set cover traditional Technic subjects. Helicopters, cars, and trucks can be found in virtually every universal set. The only innovative function is the 4 wheel steering of the 6 wheeled car. These models are deceptively large given the part count of this set.
I find the Truck the most interesting, and it is the model I chose to keep assembled for my display of this set.
- Details
- Category: Universal Building Set
- Hits: 526
- Set Year: 1986
- Set Number: 8035
- Set Parts: 174
- Set Price: 39.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
The small set 8035 was released in 1986 as a replacement for the original Universal Building Set. It includes full instructions for a diverse set of 5 models. There a number of parts left over when any of the models are built.
The car has rack and pinion steering and a small trailer. The crane features a ratcheting winch and a boom which locks at several elevations. The Helicopter has rotating rotors and an oversized undercarriage. The wood chopper is really unique and powers an axe via a wind turbine. Finally, a small fan shows just how far you can take gear reduction with LEGO® before bad things start to happen. The parts used in this set are, by now, quite standard so nothing new was introduced here.
- Details
- Category: Universal Building Set
- Hits: 522
- Set Year: 1984
- Set Number: 8040
- Set Parts: 162
- Set Price: 54.75
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
The set 8040 was released in 1984 as the first Universal Building Set to incorporate the new pneumatic system. It is clearly designed to showcase some of the possibilities of pneumatics. It includes full instructions for 5 models as well as photographs of other possibilities. There a number of parts left over when any of the models are built, but most of the parts are used in any case. The set includes one normal sized pneumatic actuator, one pump, one distribution block, one switch, and a variety of tubing. An example of every pneumatic part is included here except for the long actuator.
{phocadownload view=file|id=88|text=Building Instruction|target=b}
- Details
- Category: Universal Building Set
- Hits: 532
- Set Year: 1989
- Set Number: 8044
- Set Parts: 199
- Set Price: 64.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
The set 8044 was released in 1989 as the first Universal Building Set to incorporate the second generation pneumatic system. It is clearly designed to showcase some of the possibilities of pneumatics. It includes full instructions for 4 models as well as photographs of other possibilities. The set includes one pneumatic actuator, one pump, one switch, and a variety of tubing. An example of every pneumatic part available at the time is included here except the T-fitting.
Several of the models are very similar to the pneumatic models of the previous pneumatic universal set, 8040, including the forklift and the log loader, though they are more elegantly realized in the newer set. The forklift features rear rack and pinion steering and forks which pneumatically raise and lower. The car lift features a small chassis with steering and a pneumatic lift. The log loader features a luffing boom and a pneumatically actuated claw as well as steering. Finally, the tow truck features steering and a pneumatic boom. It is very similar in appearance and function to the truck of set 8034.
I find the Forklift the most interesting, and it is the model I chose to keep assembled for my display of this set.
- Details
- Category: Universal Building Set
- Hits: 523
- Set Year: 1982
- Set Number: 8050
- Set Parts: 140
- Set Price: 84.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
The small set 8050 was released in 1982 as the second Universal Building Set, and the first Technic set to ever include a motor. (Note that this does not include the earlier supplemental sets, some of which had motors.) It includes full instructions for 5 models as well as photographs of several other possibilities. There a number of parts left over when any of the models are built, but the Helicopter and Buggy models uses the largest proportion of the parts.
This is the first set to include a motor, which is 4.5V and runs on 3 C-cell batteries (more about the motor on the 1982 page). The motor is used in each of the models to drive a variety of functions. In each case except the helicopter, the motor is coupled to the model via a belt (rubber band) to prevent stalling the motor. The motor is underpowered for some of the applications and the belt either tends to slip or to stall the motor anyway. One of the reasons for this is that the driven axle is often also a structural pin (reacting shear load between two beams), which tends to make it bind and generate a lot of friction.
- Details
- Category: Universal Building Set
- Hits: 534
- Set Year: 1989
- Set Number: 8054
- Set Parts: 196
- Set Price: 99.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Set 8054 was released in 1989 as the last set to use the 4.5V motor. It includes full instructions for 4 models.
The models in this universal set cover a wide variety of subjects and, interestingly, only one of them has steering. Two of the models are actually driven (locomoted) by the motor. In the helicopter, the motor drives the rotor and in the crane, the motor lifts the sheave.
This set would be available for only one year because the introduction of the new 9V motor made it obsolete. Due to this fact, it is one of the more difficult Technic models to acquire.
- Details
- Category: Universal Building Set
- Hits: 517
- Set Year: 1986
- Set Number: 8055
- Set Parts: 188
- Set Price: 92.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
The small set 8050 was released in 1986 as a Universal Building Set, and the second Technic set to ever include a motor. (Note that this does not include the earlier supplemental sets, some of which had motors.) It includes full instructions for 6 models as well as photographs of several other possibilities. There a number of parts left over when any of the models are built.
This is the second set to include a motor, which is 4.5V and runs on 3 C-cell batteries (more about the motor on the 1982 page). The motor is used in each of the models to drive a variety of functions, except for the gate. In each case, the motor is coupled to the model via a belt (rubber band) to prevent stalling the motor.
- Details
- Category: Universal Building Set
- Hits: 516
- Set Year: 1982
- Set Number: 8090
- Set Parts: 267
- Set Price: 97.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
The set 8090 was released in 1982 as the third and largest Universal Building Set. It includes full instructions for 5 models as well as photographs of several other possibilities. There a number of parts left over when any of the models are built, but the Truck model uses the largest proportion of the parts. The part count may not look impressive, but there are ten 16L beams here, so some very large models are possible. There would not be another Universal Set with such large models for a long time.
Unlike set 8030, the models in this universal set cover a wide variety of subjects and complexity levels. The car features a 1 cylinder reciprocating engine, a rear differential, and rack and pinion steering. The windmill features rotating main and lateral vanes. The forklift features rear rack and pinion steering, a 4 bar linkage to raise the forks, and a "kneeling" front suspension. The helicopter features rotating main and tail rotors. Finally, the very large truck features a 1 cylinder reciprocating engine, a rear differential, rear suspension, and rack and pinion steering.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 538
- Set Year: 1980
- Set Number: 858
- Set Parts: 242
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
Set 858/8858 was released as an "Expert Builder"set, and was only available in the USA. It features instructions for 4 different engines: a 3 cylinder inline engine, a V6 engine, a 6 cylinder horizontally opposed (Boxer) engine, and a 2-cycle engine. Ironically, this last engine can not be considered either 2 or 4 cycle because there are no valves or transfer ports, making the term meaningless. All of the engines feature reciprocating rectangular pistons, spark plug wires, and belts. Other features vary by model.
In a way, this set can be considered the first universal set in that it did not have any main model. There is a remarkable variety of functionality here considering the relatively small piece count. Each engine is significantly different and demonstrates different functions and varieties of real engines. Photographs are included in the instructions for motorizing the first 3 engines using the 870 - Power Pack. The instructions for this set are one of only a few examples which actually have a significant amount of text (most are pictorial only). These instructions are in English, and describe the typical function of each of these engines.
Since this set was available only in the USA, and since Technic has always been much more popular in Europe (for some reason), this set is extremely uncommon and very difficult to find.
- Details
- Category: Less Than 100pcs Sets
- Hits: 483
- Set Year: 1986
- Set Number: 8620
- Set Parts: 100
- Set Price: 31.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
This simple set would hold little interest in and of itself, but it compliments the rest of the Arctic Action theme nicely. Arctic rescue is obviously a hazardous profession as is evidenced by the driver's severed arm. Luckily the cold climate froze it immediately so he has it stowed for later re-attachment.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 523
- Set Year: 1986
- Set Number: 8640
- Set Parts: 238
- Set Price: 59.75
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Set 8640 was released in 1986 as one of 4 sets in the new Arctic Action theme. This set features rotating main and tail rotors and one of the new Technic figures with a helmet, skis, and poles. A very large number (24) of toothed connectors are used in the construction which allows the "bubble" shape of the canopy and also the skid supports.
This is the only Technic set released this year which does not have wheels, and remains one of the very few such to this day. This is also the first set to feature the new 2 and 3 bladed rotor pieces.
Helicopters have been a very popular Technic subject over the years, and a large number of them have been made. This example is among the most simple, but is also one of only three to come with a pilot, and is the only one to include any white beams.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 499
- Set Year: 1986
- Set Number: 8660
- Set Parts: 385
- Set Price: 94.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Set 8660 was released in 1986 as one of 4 sets in the new Arctic Action theme. This set features four wheel rack and pinion steering, an opening rear ramp, and two of the new Technic figures with a helmet, skis, and poles. There is also a tracked snow plow which is stowed in the back of the vehicle.
This is the first set to have more than 4 wheels and the first to feature 4 wheel steering which, in this case, is on the front and rear axles. The plow is only the second time the wide chain links were used for a tracked vehicle. This is also the first set to feature the worm gear which is what allows the rear ramp to work without back driving. There are a lot of white beams here, and this remains one of only a few sets to ever contain them.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 518
- Set Year: 1986
- Set Number: 8680
- Set Parts: 523
- Set Price: 169.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Set 8680 was released in 1986 as the largest of 4 sets in the new Arctic Action theme. This set features a helicopter with rotating rotors, an opening front ramp, a pneumatic rear helicopter lift, and two of the new Technic figures with a helmet, skis, and poles (three figures pictured).
The model is not recognizable as any real vehicle that I can identify, but appears to function as an Arctic mobile hospital. Although Technic models would not become highly stylized until much later and typically only represented a skeleton of whatever their subject was, this remains one of the least stylized Technic sets ever. It is basically just a box and uses a large number of big (4x12 and bigger) plates to make up the floor, roof, ramp, and lift. However, if you like white beams and don't have the money for 8480, this is the place to get them. This set has 10 12L white beams and 12 16L white beams!
Except for the first year (1984), this is the only other set which ever included the original style single acting pneumatics, and is one of only two sets to ever include the long stroke pneumatic cylinders. This set also includes the brand new 2 blade rotor element and the new worm gear.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 493
- Set Year: 1982
- Set Number: 8700
- Set Parts: 28
- Set Price: 59.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 462
- Set Year: 1981
- Set Number: 8710
- Set Parts: 124
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 527
- Set Year: 1988
- Set Number: 8712
- Set Parts: 11
- Set Price: 15.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
- Details
- Category: Less Than 100pcs Sets
- Hits: 547
- Set Year: 1988
- Set Number: 8832
- Set Parts: 86
- Set Price: 21.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Set 8832 was released in 1988, and was already the 4th Technic go cart. This set features rack and pinion steering using the new steering parts and a swing arm rear axle suspension. It is the first go cart to feature the specialized seat designed to fit a figure, although no figure comes with the set.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 527
- Set Year: 1989
- Set Number: 8835
- Set Parts: 240
- Set Price: 49.95
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Set 8835 was released in 1989 as the 3rd Technic forklift. This forklift features rear wheel steering as well as forks which raise, lower, and tilt. Raising and lowering is accomplished via a worm driven chain.
This model is similar in appearance and function to 8843 except that the fork mechanism is gear driven rather than pneumatic. It is also the first of only a few models to use the new specialized fork parts. This model has a problem with the forks jamming while being driven up or down. The parts which react the cantilever moment are very small and tend to get stuck, requiring them to be manually straightened before the movement can continue.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 480
- Set Year: 1983
- Set Number: 8841
- Set Parts: 180
- Set Price: 39.90
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Set 8841 was released in 1983, and was the only Technic set released in Europe that year. This is a much more traditional dune buggy than the previous model, 8845, and yet is very similar to the Go Cart 854. It features rack and pinion steering and a 1 cylinder reciprocating engine. The main chassis is constructed of beams, the roll cage and upper frame of axles and toothed connectors, and the colorful seat of standard plates.{phocadownload view=file|id=362|text=Building Instruction|target=b}
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 510
- Set Year: 1986
- Set Number: 8842
- Set Parts: 282
- Set Price: 59.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Set 8842 was released in 1986 and was already the 3rd go cart released by LEGO®. This go cart features steering using a rack and pinion system, a single cylinder reciprocating engine driven from one rear wheel, and dual wheels on each corner.
Unless the engine is very heavy, this go cart would not be balanced very well since the engine is mounted next to the driver resulting in the driver sitting off center. On the other hand, if this engine is to scale, the single cylinder could easily displace 9.4 liters, making this a very fast go cart indeed! (assuming a bore and stroke of 9 inches)
This go cart did not really break any new ground for Technic except for the mounting of the engine at an unusual angle. This arrangement makes it much easier to see the function of the piston as it reciprocates. There are a large number (22) of toothed connectors which are used to form a cage around the body as well as a front bumper.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 555
- Set Year: 1984
- Set Number: 8843
- Set Parts: 270
- Set Price: 69.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Set 8843 was released in 1984 and was one of the first models to use the new pneumatics. This forklift features rear wheel steering as well as forks which raise, lower, and tilt. Raising and lowering is accomplished via the pneumatic cylinder and switch. Traditional studded construction and pinned construction are both used.
This model is a significant improvement over 850 in almost every way. The mechanics are better (the fork mechanism does not stick far above the vehicle when raised), it has pneumatics, and it looks much more realistic with an operator cabin.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 597
- Set Year: 1981
- Set Number: 8844
- Set Parts: 316
- Set Price: 47.20
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Set 8844 was released under the "Expert Builder"series in 1981. This helicopter features rotating main and tail rotors, and retractable 3 point landing gear driven by chain. For the time, this set had surprisingly little traditional studded construction as the whole frame was pinned together.
This helicopter replaced 852 and took a few steps forward and a few steps back. It lost the cool collective pitch mechanism, but picked up retractable gear (which is pretty unusual for a helicopter). The model makes heavy use of the new toothed connectors for the "bubble" canopy.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 482
- Set Year: 1981
- Set Number: 8845
- Set Parts: 174
- Set Price: 41.90
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Set 8845 was released in 1981 and was the smallest set that year. It features rack and pinion steering and independent rear suspension.
This model is an interesting mix of old and new (for the time). The seat is still constructed of standard bricks, as is the bed of the truck and the grille. However, the suspension was new for a small model, and this was the first model to use the new specialized steering elements. It was also the one of the first sets to use the new toothed connectors which this model uses in large quantity to build a body shell around the vehicle.
Many more buggies would be released in the future, almost all of which feature steering and suspension inspired by this one.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 508
- Set Year: 1982
- Set Number: 8846
- Set Parts: 379
- Set Price: 69.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Set 8846 was released in 1981 but was never available in the USA. It features rack and pinion steering, a ratcheting rear boom hoist, a ratcheting and pivoting wheel lift, and a winch. Construction is primarily studded with the windscreen made up of old hinges rather than the new toothed elements.
This model packs a lot of functionality into a small package. The ratcheting wheel lift supports heavy vehicles very well, and the twin winches really give this model a wide variety of vehicle pulling options.
This is the smallest of the tow trucks which LEGO® would release, but is surprisingly functional for its size and easily competes with the others.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 511
- Set Year: 1983
- Set Number: 8847
- Set Parts: 250
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
Set 8847 was released in 1983 and was available only in the USA. Do they have top fuel drag racing in Europe? Maybe not, which would explain the discrepancy. This model features rack and pinion steering, a 2 cylinder reciprocating engine, and a rear differential, as well as a host of nice looking aesthetic features including a large rear spoiler.
This set was the first to use the pulleys as wheels, and the first to use the new tire treads for them. This is also the first occurrence of white beams, of which there were four 16L in this set. There are two 2L light gray beams here as well. Despite light gray being a common Technic color, there had never been light gray beams before. Even as of 1983, the light gray and white beams came only in one size each.
This is the only drag racer ever released by LEGO® Technic, and is therefore quite unique. Because of this, and because it was only released in the USA, this is one of the most difficult models to find and purchase on the secondary market.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 527
- Set Year: 1981
- Set Number: 8848
- Set Parts: 398
- Set Price: 78.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Set 8848 was released in 1981 as an "Expert Builder" set. It features rack and pinion steering, a front scoop which lift and locks via a lever in the cabin and can also be dumped, a rear differential with PTO, and a rear bed which dumps via a translating rack system. The great majority of the construction uses traditional studded building techniques, but the mechanical functions are rather unique among Technic.
This vehicle really doesn't have many peers among Technic. It is not really a dump truck although it does have a dumping bed. Neither is it really a loader even though it has a scoop. Its styling is very blocky, but its functions are fascinating.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 547
- Set Year: 1986
- Set Number: 8849
- Set Parts: 347
- Set Price: 94.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Set 8849 was released in 1986 as the third large tractor in only 10 years. It features rack and pinion steering on a pendular axle, a PTO, and lifting rear implements including a sprayer. Both studded building techniques and pinned construction are used throughout.
This tractor is slightly smaller than the last and no longer has a reciprocating engine or a differential. However, it adds a very nice worm driven implement lift. This model packs a lot of functionality into the rear of the chassis with several gear systems crossing and one rotating axle used as a support for the steering. This is one of the first sets to use the worm gear, and the first Technic model with a pendular axle.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 526
- Set Year: 1984
- Set Number: 8851
- Set Parts: 350
- Set Price: 99.75
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Set 8851 was released in 1984 as the flagship example of the new pneumatic system. It does not feature any traditional Technic geared systems. Instead, all technical functions are carried out via pneumatic actuators which makes this model less mechanically complex than many others of this size. Despite this fact, the model is quite difficult to build. There are many tubes in the chassis which have to be routed just right in order for the whole thing to fit together. In appearance, the pneumatic actuators are clearly intended to look like hydraulic actuators though their diameter is vastly larger than a hydraulic counterpart due to the much lower pressure of pneumatics.
An excavator would have been a difficult model subject without the introduction of pneumatics. This was the first attempt from LEGO®. Several other excavators would follow, some of them pneumatic, some strictly mechanical versions, and one using the new screw driven actuators.
This was the first model to use multiple pneumatic actuators. It is one of only two sets to use the long stroke pneumatic pump. This set also features a large number of track elements, and was only the second set to include them after 856.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 509
- Set Year: 1987
- Set Number: 8852
- Set Parts: 322
- Set Price: 78.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Set 8852 was released in 1987 and was the only set available that year. This set is a truck which features rack and pinion steering. When a crank in the rear is turned, the upper chassis rotates upwards and the wheelbase shortens, transforming the vehicle into a robot. This is the only Technic set ever made with this theme and was almost certainly influenced by the popularity of the Hasbro® Transformer series of toys in the same time period. The mechanism itself is very clever, but the robot is not very interesting once transformed.
This set features almost no traditional studded construction, a sign of things to come. This set is also an excellent source of regular and toothed connectors.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 536
- Set Year: 1988
- Set Number: 8853
- Set Parts: 331
- Set Price: 78.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
This is the first true Technic loader, but many more would follow with very similar features. The bucket used on this model appears only in one other set, the 8862 Backhoe Loader. The rear of the model is rather densely packed with gear systems. The compactness of the worm gear makes this possible.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 541
- Set Year: 1989
- Set Number: 8854
- Set Parts: 518
- Set Price: 134.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Set 8854, released in 1989, is one of the best examples of high function density: lots of functionality packed into a small package. This mid size mobile crane features rack and pinion steering, outriggers, a slewing turntable, pneumatics, a luffing and telescoping boom, and a cable hoist.
This is the first Technic model to feature the metal hook. Despite its relatively small size, it is every bit as capable as the next couple of much larger cranes which would follow, and remains one of my favorite Technic models. Besides it has some resemblance with the German Unimog brand utility vehicles like the set 8848 - Power Truck, though that set had way less technical functions.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 512
- Set Year: 1988
- Set Number: 8855
- Set Parts: 573
- Set Price: 115.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Set 8855 was released in 1988 as the first (and best) Technic airplane. It features a one cylinder reciprocating engine driving a unique 3 blade propeller, and movable ailerons and elevators controlled via a stick in the cockpit. There is also a Technic figure which can sit in either pilot seat.This model of a high wing float plane is something you can see flying tourists from Lake Union to Canada every day of the week in my home of Washington State. The high wing not only keeps the lift away from the water, is also offers excellent downward visibility for the passenger(s).
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 480
- Set Year: 1980
- Set Number: 8857
- Set Parts: 409
- Set Price: 80.75
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
This set 8857 was released in Europe as set 857 the "Technical Set" series in 1979 in Europe. It finally made it to the US in 1980 with the number 8857 as an "Expert Builder" set, the first set which used the now standard 4 digit identification number. This motorcycle featured a steerable fork and a chain driven 1 cylinder engine. Traditional studded construction is used almost exclusively with the exception of the frame.
Despite the fact that many LEGO® motorcycles have been released over the years, this one is unique in many ways. The parts list consists almost entirely of standard bricks, plates, and slopes. The fenders, especially the rear, have compound curvature, yet were made entirely of plates. All of the exterior design details were made in this way with traditional LEGO® bricks. The frame, however, was built from pinned beams, which allowed the unusual angles which could never have been produced with studded construction. This set is also unusual in that the primary functionality, the engine, is completely hidden when the model is completed.
Future motorcycles would usually use unique, narrow wheels, but this set used the same wheels as the auto chassis. It also marked a couple of firsts. The 16 tooth gear was used for the first time here, as was the chain link. Realistic motorcycle functionality really required a chain, so here the engine is driven off the rear wheel via a chain.
Besides that never ever another motorcycle set was released with a sidecar.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 482
- Set Year: 1980
- Set Number: 8858
- Set Parts: 242
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
Set 858/8858 was released as an "Expert Builder"set, and was only available in the USA. It features instructions for 4 different engines: a 3 cylinder inline engine, a V6 engine, a 6 cylinder horizontally opposed (Boxer) engine, and a 2-cycle engine. Ironically, this last engine can not be considered either 2 or 4 cycle because there are no valves or transfer ports, making the term meaningless. All of the engines feature reciprocating rectangular pistons, spark plug wires, and belts. Other features vary by model.
In a way, this set can be considered the first universal set in that it did not have any main model. There is a remarkable variety of functionality here considering the relatively small piece count. Each engine is significantly different and demonstrates different functions and varieties of real engines. Photographs are included in the instructions for motorizing the first 3 engines using the 870 - Power Pack. The instructions for this set are one of only a few examples which actually have a significant amount of text (most are pictorial only). These instructions are in English, and describe the typical function of each of these engines.
Since this set was available only in the USA, and since Technic has always been much more popular in Europe (for some reason), this set is extremely uncommon and very difficult to find.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 515
- Set Year: 1981
- Set Number: 8859
- Set Parts: 614
- Set Price: 112.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
This set was introduced with a set price of 112.50 guilders.
Set 8859 was released in 1981 as an "Expert Builder" set. It features rack and pinion steering, a reciprocating 2 cylinder engine, a rear differential gear, a PTO, and lifting rear implements including a plow. Both studded building techniques and pinned construction are used throughout. It is somewhat ironic that the USA name for this set is "Harvester" considering that the included implement is a plow which is for planting, not harvesting.
This tractor is considerably bigger than the one it replaces (851 - Tractor), and has increased functionality. The differential, engine, and PTO are all integrated and driven from the rear wheels. Unlike the previous tractor, the body is framed primarily in beams rather than built up out of plates and bricks.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 511
- Set Year: 1980
- Set Number: 8860
- Set Parts: 668
- Set Price: 126.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Expert Builder Series 8860 Car Chassis with big wheels and Rack and pinon steering, two-speed transmission, working crankshaft and pistons, Independent rear suspension, differential gears, adjustable reclining seats.
If it's a challenge you want, it's a challenge you'll get with the LEGO® Expert Builder Auto Chassis. You build it from the ground up and you build the working parts right in. It has gears, pistons and universal joints that really move. Add an Expert Builder Pack and it revs to life.
This set was introduced with a set price of 116.50 guilders.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 586
- Set Year: 1989
- Set Number: 8862
- Set Parts: 671
- Set Price: 179.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Set 8862 was released in 1989 as one of the most complex sets to date, and remains one of my favorite Technic sets of all time. The list of features is simply remarkable, with 4 input cranks and 3 pneumatic switches. It uses the new pneumatic system with 3 actuators to power the backhoe boom, jib, and scoop. The backhoe also slews via a gear system. The vehicle has rack and pinion steering and deployable rear outriggers. Finally, the loader can be lifted and dumped via worm driven gear systems.
This set is fairly difficult to find if you should wish to buy one, and sells for a premium. The alternate model combine is almost as good as the primary model. Depending on which year you obtain, there are two different pneumatic versions. The newer set has black caps on the pneumatics, while the older set (pictured) has yellow caps. This is the only set to have the large Technic wheels in yellow.
There has only ever been one other backhoe which is at least as complicated, if not more so.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 563
- Set Year: 1988
- Set Number: 8865
- Set Parts: 902
- Set Price: 205.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Set 8865, released in 1988, was the third generation auto chassis and improved upon the technology in the previous version, set 8860, in many ways. It features a 4 cylinder reciprocating engine in a V configuration, a 3 speed transmission, a working rear differential, working front and rear double wishbone suspension, rack and pinion steering, retractable headlights, and adjustable and reclining seats.
This set introduced many firsts for Technic. This is the first Technic auto chassis to feature a body. The body, while crude, still gives the model shape. It also offers a wealth of parts. At almost 900 pieces, this was the largest set to date and has 24 16L beams. This is the first set with true double wishbone suspension, and the first set to offer suspension of any type on the steered axle. Several new parts are used on the front to accomplish the new suspension. This would be the last set to include the square pistons, which would soon be replaced.
This model is about the same physical size as the previous two auto chassis which remain, to this day, among the largest of all Technic models.
Subcategories
Less Than 100pcs Sets
All technic sets consisting of 100 or less pieces.
Greater Than 1000pcs Sets
All technic setc consistimng of more than 1000 pieces.
Expert Builder Set
All sets belonging to the Expert Builder series from late 1970-ties and 1980-ties.
Pullback Motor
All sets containing a Pullback motor.