- 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: 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: 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.
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.