The complete history of Lego technic
Sets by Year

Lego Technic 1989

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Category: Technic history 1980s
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The 2nd Generation Pneumatics

 

1989 EU Technic catalog

 

7 new sets were released, including 4 new Universal Sets and 3 models. The new 80x4 series of universal sets included a pneumatic set and the short-lived 8054 Motorized set. 2 of the 3 new models featured the new pneumatic system.

 

2nd generation pneumatics

 

The 2nd generation pneumatics:
The 2nd generation pneumatic system included a new spring-loaded pump and cylinder, as well as the older pneumatic switch and tubing. The new cylinder was double-acting; it had an intake port on both sides of the piston. By directing air to either port the piston could be raised or lowered. This system resulted in simpler and more reliable circuits then the single-acting system. This arrangement has served as the basis of Lego pneumatics to the present day.

 

8862 Backhoe:
Considered by many the be one of the best Technic sets, the 8862 was the high point in a long line of construction vehicles. The front scoop could be raised and tilted through a series of cross axle/triangle links. The back hoe was operated via 3 separately controlled pneumatic cylinders arranged exactly as in the prototype. Finally a set of rear stabilizers could be raised and lowered via a pinion gear arrangement. The now common use of beams attached with friction pins was used to create the cab framework resulting in a model that not only successfully duplicated the functions of the prototype, but looked realistic as well.

 


1989 sets:


8024 Universal Set
8034 Universal Set
8044 Pneumatic Universal Set
8054 Motorized Universal Set
8835 Forklift
8854 Power Crane
8862 Back-Hoe

 

 

 

By Isodomus

 

Lego Technic 1988

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Category: Technic history 1980s
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The 3rd Generation Sets

 

1988 EU Technic catalog

 

5 new sets were released, including the 3rd major auto chassis. Lego also updated the packaging with a new box and manual design showing a CAD drawing on a dark blue background. This design would serve as the basis for Technic packaging for the next 10 years.

 

There were several new elements introduced in 1988, such as the propeller assembly and steering arm. Model designs were becoming more complex and realistic and 1988 marked the beginning of ultra-specialized elements. Rather than construct the functional equivalent out of more standard elements, Designers began to use these specialized elements to increase the functionality with compact assemblies.

 

US patent 5.071,384

 

The steering gear:
The new steering gear assembly is a good illustration of these new highly specialized elements. The assembly consisted of a rounded plate with a toothed bracket, a rack/steering rod and a pinion holder. The pinion holder would engage the teeth of the bracket, allowing it it remain fixed in various positions. Because the rack had a rounded profile the pinion could rotate around it and remain engaged. This same functionality would require a much bulkier assembly if constructed out of separate elements. This steering gear has served as the base of steering, especially in small models, to the present day.

 

The 8855 Prop Plane:
This was the first Technic airplane and still stands as their best. By this time Technic sets had mostly lost their block-like construction and were starting to become quite realistic in appearance. The design of the prop plane, especially of the wings and rudder, look like a cutaway of a real plane. This technique would become the staple of 3rd generation set design. The joystick in the cockpit realistically controlled the ailerons and rudder through a series of cross axles and universal joints. The final result is a model that captured the prototype in both form and function. It is perhaps the most underrated Technic set ever.

 


1988 sets:


8712 Technic Action Figures
8832 Roadster
8853 Excavator
8855 Prop Plane
8865 Test Car

 

 

 

By Isodomus

 

Lego Technic 1987

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Category: Technic history 1980s
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A Transforming Robot

 

1987 EU Technic catalog

 

For the 2nd time in 3 years Lego released only 1 new set, the 8852 Robot, as well as the 3rd Idea book. Perhaps after the number of new releases in 1986 Lego had saturated its retail outlets. But whatever the reason it would be the last off year for Technic.

 

8852 Robot:
The Robot represents probably the last of second generation sets. The model was a truck that, when the wheel on the back was turned, transformed into a robot. The set featured a rather complex gear train consisting of a worm gear, several reinforced spur gears and a long rack. Turning the pulley wheel simultaneously raised the cab and shortened the wheelbase. In addition to the now standard use of beams, steering arms, toggle joints and cross axles, the model also used a number of non-technic elements, such as claws and train windows.

 

A rather unusual subject for the Technic line, the design was no doubt influenced by the popularity of robots, especially Transformers, in the mid 1980's, and represented another attempt to add additional play value to the model.

 


1987 sets:


8852 Robot
8890 Idea Book

 

 

 

By Isodomus

 

Lego Technic 1986

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Category: Technic history 1980s
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The Arctic Action Sets

 

1986 NL Technic catalog

 

8 new sets were released in 1986, the most in a single year since the line began. In addition to a go-cart and tractor model, 2 new Universal Sets as well as the Arctic Action sets were released. These were the first sets to appear in the US under the name of Technic, replacing the Expert Builder name. New elements included the worm gear, the action figure and several action figure accessories, such as skis, helmets and chairs.

 

The Arctic Action sets: The 4 Arctic Action Sets comprise the first Technic theme, based around a polar expedition. The series included a small ski car, a helicopter, a 6-wheeled truck and a pneumatic helicopter base and were given 8600 series set numbers. From the 1986 Lego press release: "Imagine a Mountain Rescue Base with a pneumatic powered helicopter platform. Or Snow Ranger vehicles with snow ploughs, and the new action figures which can even wear skis. They all add up to a really exciting new build-and-play idea."

 


The Arctic Action theme

 

The Arctic Action theme was the first attempt to add play value to the sets beyond just their construction and technical functions. It was the only Technic theme until the Competition/Cyberslam theme of the late 1990's.

 

The Action Figure: Lego had been producing figures in some form since the early 1970's, but the action figure was the first to be fully articulated. The head, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees and feet were all movable to some degree. The patent for a new ball and socket joint, originally filed in 1985, shows a hip joint that consists of a pin with a ball at the end. The ball fit into a hollow socket on the thigh, allowing rotation. But the thigh also squeezed against the pin with enough force that the joint could remain in any position by friction, allowing the figure to be posable. This joint formed the basis not just of the Technic figures, but also of several other Lego dolls.

 

DK patent 157,062

 

8620 Snow Scooter:
The smallest of the Arctic Action sets and the smallest Technic set to date, the 8620 was scaled for the new action figure. The model had only one real function-the rack and pinion steering. The steering used not only the typical toothed plates and steering arms but featured an angled steering wheel held in place by cross axles and toggle joints. This small buggy would form the prototype for an increasing number of smaller vehicles over the next several years.

 



1986 sets:


8035 Universal Set
8055 Motorized Universal Set
8620 Snow Scooter
8640 Polar Copter
8660 Arctic Rescue Unit
8680 Mountain Rescue Base
8842 Go Cart
8849 Tractor

 

 

 

By Isodomus

 

Lego Technic 1985

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Category: Technic history 1980s
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A Go-Cart

The lost year for Technic. After the release of the pneumatic sets in 1984, many of which were not released in some markets until 1985, and anticipating the Arctic Action series of next year, Lego produced only 1 new set for 1985, the promotional 1972 go-Cart. which was designed as a starter or trial set.

 

The small blue Go-Cart had only 1 function, front-wheel rack and pinion steering. To its credit, however, it used 8 small wheels to simulate wide tires.

 

 

 

Besides this one set one technic part was released: Gear Worm Screw. This part however did not appear in any technic set until 1986 in 8660: Arctic Rescue Unit.

 


1985 sets:


1972 Go-Cart

 

 

 

Reference: Isodomus

 

Lego Technic 1984

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Category: Technic history 1980s
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Pneumatics

 

1984 EU Technic catalog

 

The first 3 pneumatic sets, including the 8851 Excavator and 8040 Pneumatic Universal Set as well as the 2nd Idea Book were released in Europe. In addition to the pneumatic elements, the threaded cross axles were new for 1984.

 

The pneumatics: The first pneumatic system included a pneumatic pump, cylinder, switch, and a distribution block, which were connected as a circuit with hollow rubber tubing. The original pneumatic pump and cylinder were single acting: pushing down on the pump created pressure in the system and pulling up on the pump created suction on the system.

 

1984 pneumatics

 

Because the original system was closed, Lego designed the piston head in the pump and cylinder to act as the pressure release valve. As described in the 1984 patent application, the piston was constructed from a flexible material that would normally contact the walls and seal the cylinder, when the pressure in the working chamber became too high the head would deform, breaking the seal, and allow the pressure to escape.

 

UK patent 2,139,318 A

 

8843 Forklift:
The 2nd forklift and first pneumatic model. The model's construction was typical of mid 1980's sets. It relied heavily on Technic beams, connectors and rounded plates rather than standard bricks. The model featured rack and pinion steering controlled by a 2x2 round brick on the top and movable forks controlled by a chain and pneumatic piston.

 


1984 sets:


8020 Expert Builder Set
8040 Pneumatic Expert Builder Set
8843 Forklift
8851 Excavator
8889 Idea Book

 

 

 

By Isodomus

 

Lego Technic 1983

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Category: Technic history 1980s
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A Dragster

 

1983 US Expert Builder catalog

 

3 new models were released; a racer, dragster and motorcycle. The 1924 motorcycle was the first Technic promotional set and was available, at least in some places, as a cereal premium. There were no new Technic elements in 1983.

 

1983 US sets

 

8847 Dragster:
The Dragster featured rack and pinion steering connected to the steering wheel via cross axles and 2-cylinder engine attached to the rear axle by a spur gear and differential. A chain drive attached to the spur gear spun a cross axle, simulating a cam shaft. The dragster achieved a somewhat realistic appearance by using pulleys for the narrow front wheels and the large Technic tires for the rear. The tapered body, with an interesting blue and white color scheme, was achieved by using hinged bricks. The original steering linkage proved too fragile and later versions had an insert page showing how to rebuild a stronger linkage. Overall an interesting and rather difficult to find model.

 


1983 sets:


1924 Motorcycle
8841 Desert Racer
8847 Dragster

 

 

 

By Isodomus

 

Lego Technic 1982

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Category: Technic history 1980s
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The Technic Universal Sets

 

1982 NL Technical catalog

 

The first 3 universal sets, including the large 8090 Universal Set, and a new 4.5 V motor, featuring a new battery box and connecting leads, were introduced. In Europe the theme was given a new name - Technic. The new name was used for both advertising and on the boxes. In fact several of the earlier Technical sets, such as the 8848 and 8860 were repackaged in Technic boxes. In the US the name remained Expert Builder, it would not change to Technic until 1986.

 

The friction connector: In addition to the new 4.5 V elements, the friction connector was introduced. The friction connector allowed 2 beams to be joined with a very secure connection and was largely responsible for allowing the beams to be used not just as long Lego blocks, but truly as beams, in much the way a Meccano girder was used. In fact the connection was so tight that Lego gave instructions to make a tool to remove them. It has become one of the most important and widely used Technic elements.

 

1982 US ad: 119K

 

8050 Universal Set:
Lego has always produced specific model sets, but it wasn't until the advent of distinct themes in the late 1970s that this became the primary focus of Lego marketing. Rather, Lego produced generic sets that offered ideas for a wide variety of models, such as the classic 100 series sets of the early 1970's. The Universal Sets were the first generic Technic Set.

 

The 8050 set featured instructions for 6 different models and ideas for several more. It included a general variety of Technic elements, such as beams, gears, connectors, as well as the 4.5V motor introduced in 1977.

 

1982 introduced a new concept in Technic: Universal Building Sets.  Every set up to this point included ideas or instructions for at least one alternate model, but these were the first sets for which there really was no main model, just a variety of instructions for a variety of models.  This was also the first year that the term "Technic" was officially used on the packaging in Europe.

The sets came in three different sizes from small to large, and one set included an electric motor for the first time.  Motors had previously been available in supplemental sets, but this was the first time one was included with a standard set.  The small red set builds mostly vehicles with steering.  The blue set builds similar models but adds a motor.  The yellow set is quite large and also includes a single piston reciprocating engine and a differential gear.

The friction connector was also introduced this year.  It is hard to believe that there was ever a time when Technic sets did not include this part.  It is, without a doubt, the most numerous part in Technic history with some later sets including hundreds of copies!  It would come to dominate the construction method of Technic beams, but this year was the first time it was seen.
Parts:
Friction Pins
Perhaps the most ubiquitous of all Technic parts, the friction pin, was introduced this year.  At first it may look just like a standard Technic pin, but there is an important difference.  Standard pins rotate freely within the holes in beams, and are removed fairly easily.  The friction pin has axial ridges along its length which make it fit snugly.  So snugly, in fact, that it is extremely difficult to remove them.  A later modification to this part would fix the problem, but early pins are notoriously difficult to remove without resorting to metal tools which damages the part.  One solution is to make a tool as shown in the lower picture to push them out.

4.5V Motor
Also new for this year was the first motor actually included in a regular set.  This motor runs on 4.5V using a battery box with 3 C-cell batteries in series.  The motor is DC, so there is no incorrect way to hook up the wires; reversing the polarity simply reverses the direction.  The motor output is a standard Technic axle form to accept gears, but it also has a slot in it which can drive a belt.  The battery box is the same profile as the motor but much longer.  There is also a three position switch (forward-off-reverse) which can be placed in series between the motor and the battery box.

The same motor was previously available in Supplemental Set 870, but with a different battery box.  This motor was only ever included in Universal Sets and Supplemental Sets.
By Isodomus and Technicopedia

 

Lego Technic 1981

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Category: Technic history 1980s
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The 2nd Generation Sets

 

1981 NL Technical catalog
A completely new series of 5 models and 1 accessory set were released, including a large new tractor, the 8859 Harvester,
and truck, the 8848 Power Truck. It is interesting to note that after only 4 years Lego had already replaced the original tractor, helicopter and auto chassis with new, 2nd generation models. This very narrow scope of subjects, primarily cars, trucks, motorcycles, and construction/farm machinery, would continue until the late 1990's.

 

New elements for 1981 include the first of the 'toothed' plates, bushings and toggle joints, as well as the steering arm. These new elements allowed for a new method of construction and further refined the scale of technical functions.

 

1981 US ad

 

8848 Power Truck:
One of the first of the 2nd generation models, the 8848 Power Truck featured rack and pinion steering using toothed plates and the new steering arm, a rear axle differential, the front scoop and rear bed that could be raised and lowered via levers in the cockpit. The model made significant use of the new toothed elements, which allowed the technical functions to be scaled down in terms of size and resulted in a very realistic model.

 

The toggle joint: Connecting elements, such as a cross axle, at angles other than 90 or 180 degrees was always possible but this method of construction was fully realized with the introduction of the toggle joint.
 
The 1981 UK patent application shows a toggle connector similar to the earlier piston rod but with a toothed rim. A pair of toggle joints could be assembled in various positions between 90 and 180 degrees by meshing of the toothed rims and could be locked in place by a connector peg or 1/2 bushing. These and other elements, such as the plate with toothing, allowed for rather compact angular connections and were widely used for years in Technic constructions.
UK patent 2,087,743
UK patent 2,087,743

 

1981 boasted the largest number of new sets (5) since the first year, and included some very important new parts.

A new helicopter replaced the old and added retractable gear.  A buggy was the first small model to feature working suspension.  A tow truck was introduced which has a very large number of features for its size, including two winches and a wheel lift.  A large truck features a dumping bed and lifting scoop.  Finally, a large new tractor (harvester) was introduced with a reciprocating engine and a wide range of available implements.  More pinned construction was used than in the past, and a few new parts really changed the way models were built.

Toothed connector elements were introduced which allowed axles and links to be locked together at a variety of angles.  These parts were used extensively in 1981, and appeared on every model.  A 1/2 pin was introduced which was only one stud wide.  This has become one of the most basic Technic parts to this day.  Finally, and most importantly, specialized steering elements were introduced which replaced the much bulkier 2x2 turntables previously in use.  These parts would be used on virtually every new wheeled vehicle for the next decade, and on many beyond.

Toothed Connectors
A series of toothed elements were introduced which allow assembly at positively locking angles. The basic element, the toothed connector, looks very much like the old connector (which was retained), but has some important distinctions.  The end with the cross hole is now only 1/2 stud wide, and is shifted to one side so that another connector can be mated with it and the pair will remain a total of one stud wide and be centered on the perpendicular axle.  The orthogonal hole has a cruciform slot to lock onto an axle like the old connector. 

The most important areas of the new connector are the toothed ends.  There are a total of 16 teeth around the circumference, allowing the part to be mated with other toothed elements at any angle which is a multiple of 22.5 degrees, including of course 90 and 180 degrees.  A very subtle design detail makes this possible.  The teeth are not perfectly aligned with the axle slot, but are rotated 1/2 tooth width (11.25 degrees).  This makes it possible to mate two parts at parallel and perpendicular angles and be perfectly aligned.

Besides the connector, several other toothed elements were introduced.  A toothed bushing is 1/2 stud thick with an axle slot.  Also, toothed links from length 4 to 8 can be used as regular building elements via studs in the middle, or as specifically angled links using the toothed ends.

1/2 Pin
A new 1/2 pin allows new construction possibilities.  Since it is only 1 stud wide, it is not useful for connecting two beams like the old pins.  However, one end protrudes slightly and has a stud on it which can be used to attach traditional studded elements.

Control Arms
A control arm part was introduced which was specifically designed to be part of a steering system.  This part has an upper and lower pin joint which allows rotation around a vertical axis.  A perpendicular hole along this axis is used for a wheel axle.  Another cruciform hole on an arm is used as the tie rod input.  A sample steering assembly constructed of these elements is shown in the picture.

Wheels and Tires
A new, smaller set of 20x30 foam wheels and tires was released which matches the style of the existing 24x43 tires nicely.

1981 sets:

By Isodomus and Technicopedia

 

Lego Technic 1980

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Category: Technic history 1980s
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The Idea Book

 

The 2nd Auto chassis, an auto engines set and the 1st Idea Book were the only items for 1980. The 8858 Auto engines set, released only in the US, could replace the engine in the 853 Auto Chassis (or presumably in the 8858, which wasn't released in the US until the next year). This was also the year that Lego switched over from 3 to 4 digit set numbers, all new Technical or Expert Builder sets were given 8800 numbers.

 

Several new elements were introduced in 1980. Most important was the shock absorber and crown gear differential, the first of the specialized auto elements.

8860 Auto Chassis:
The second of the major Auto Chassis and the last of the first generation sets, using a high percentage of regular Lego bricks but also utilizing the new shock absorbers and differential gear, the model featured rack and pinion front wheel steering. A three speed manual transmission, rear wheel independent suspension and a 4-cylinder boxer engine. Probably the last of the first generation models, the 8860 still relied heavily on standard bricks and beams, it even used Homemaker faucets as part of the manifold.

 

8888 Idea Book: However limited the early selection of specialized elements and however much 8888 ideabook reliance there was on standard Lego elements, quite complex models were possible. Nowhere was this more evident than the models and ideas presented in the original Idea book, which, even 20+ years later, are quite impressive. In many ways this may be the most inventive of all the Idea Books. Among many other things, the book included instructions for a steam shovel, mechanical dogs, a crane 'programmed' with gear racks and a writing machine resembling a 4-lead EKG.

 

In 1980 only two new models were released, but most of the original sets from previous years were still available.

The new auto chassis replaced the old, and improved upon it in almost every way with an impressive list of old features (reciprocating engine, gearbox, rack and pinion steering, adjustable seats) as well as new features (a working differential, rear independent suspension, and reclining seats).  This set showcased everything Technic could do, but still was constructed with a large number of traditional bricks and plates.  The auto engines set was released only in the USA, and featured 4 technically accurate engine models with full instructions.  Both sets could be motorized using the 4.5V motor available separately.

Some very important new parts were introduced this year including the differential, the 14 tooth bevel gear, and the shock absorber.

Parts
Differential Gear
A specialized differential gear was introduced.  The ring gear, which has 28 teeth, can act as either a spur gear or a crown gear due to the tooth profile (like the crown gear).  This part is made to be used in conjunction with 3 of the new 14 tooth bevel gears.  One bevel gear goes on each side attached to an axle, and a third acts as a planet gear and rides on a pin in the cage.  The assembly acts like a real differential in every way: wheels can turn at different speeds or together, wheels turn opposite directions if the ring gear is fixed, and one wheel drives at double speed if the other is held.

The new 14 tooth bevel gears were the first gears LEGO® made which were purpose-designed to work on perpendicular axes.  The gear is only 1/2 stud thick and the teeth do not have any back iron (webbing between the teeth), so it is a bit weak, but future iterations would correct this.

Shock Absorber
The shock absorber was an important step.  Finally, models could have real suspension.  This part was eventually used for other purposes, including holding mechanisms over center.

The shock absorber consists of a telescoping mechanism inset with a helical compression spring.  The spring is quite stiff compared with the weight of parts it typically supports.  The shock bottoms before the spring reaches solid height.

Pulley
The new pulley is smaller than the previous, and has a nice round groove for driving belts or rubber bands.  It is also only 1/2 stud thick, so it fits in smaller spaces.

Plate
The new 3x2 plate with a centered hole on one end can be used to support axles or pins, and is a way to align studded construction with Technic beam holes, which are located halfway between the studs.


1980 sets:

By Isodomus and Technicopedia