- Details
- Category: Greater Than 1000pcs Sets
- Hits: 453
- Set Year: 1996
- Set Number: 8480
- Set Parts: 1368
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
The 8480 Space Shuttle orbiter from 1996 is the model that got me hooked on Technic and the model I would keep if forced to get rid of all the others. Some of this attachment is no doubt nostalgic, but the model is spectacular in its own right. Besides being the first (and only) space themed model from the Technic line, this model just has everything. It was only the second motorized model other than a Universal Set, and as a single model it was able to focus more fully on optimizing the motorized experience. While 8880 introduced the first synchronized transmission, the space shuttle used the same parts to create a function switching transmission which allows the single 9V motor to drive 4 separate functions. If that weren't enough, there's also an independent micro motor on another circuit. Finally, there are also a pair of fully mechanical functions, landing gear and ailerons. The engine function is simulated with the new fiber optic system. The 8 fiber optic cables are routed through the main engines and light sequentially when the function is powered.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 574
- Set Year: 1996
- Set Number: 8456
- Set Parts: 404
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
By 1996 the era of multi-model Universal Sets was largely ended. The few sets which were still to come, such as the 8456 Fiber Optic Multi Set, were no longer called Universal Sets but were usually introduced to showcase a new part or feature. In the case of 8456, this new part is obviously the fiber optic element which is used in 5 innovative ways in the set. However, this set is much more than just an ode to the fiber optic element. Most of the 5 models are good enough to exist without the fiber optic element, and in fact most of them are good enough to exist as separate sets in their own right. This high level of quality across such a wide range of models makes this one of the very best universal sets.
Obviously, each model uses the fiber optic element as a prime feature, but each model ties it to some other moving feature: an engine, or a brain. The 5 models span a wide range of subjects from vehicles representing land (drag racer), sea (hydroplane racer), and air (helicopter) to robots and (robotic) insects. It is worth mentioning that although not the primary color, the use of green in this set is highly unusual in Technic.
I must admit that prior to penning this page I had never actually built all 5 models. I chose the couple I thought looked the most interesting and tried those. Going back and documenting all of them was a pleasant surprise. Firstly, I was surprised at how many of the total parts each model used, each leaving only a handful behind. I was also surprised at how good at the models I previously thought looked uninteresting actually were. If you have the set, I highly encourage building them all.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 688
- Set Year: 1996
- Set Number: 8443
- Set Parts: 335
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
The 8443 Log Loader is a great example of how to pack a lot of really innovative features into a smallish set. There's never been another log loader before or since except as an alternate mode. This set features a pneumatic system for the main boom operation, and a marvelous 6 wheel steering system which combines an articulated chassis with rack and pinion steering. Although it has a seat for a Technic figure, a figure does not fit nor would it be anywhere near the right scale. The model appears mechanically quite simple with hardly any gears, but the two stage motion of the boom and multiple axle steering angles are anything but obvious.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 422
- Set Year: 1996
- Set Number: 8425
- Set Parts: 469
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
The 8425 Black Hawk was the third Technic airplane and was very similar in size to the previous 8836 but somewhat more full featured. It features twin rotating turbo-prop engines, working ailerons, and a retractable tricycle landing gear system with slaved trailing edge flaps.
Like 8855, the wing is constructed using a number of ribs in an airfoil shape like a real semi-monocoque airplane. The empennage is a T-tail configuration but has no active control surfaces. The wing is a simple rectangular planform with no sweep, taper, or dihedral. The cockpit has some stickers representing flight deck electronic detail, though the circuit breakers are difficult to reset.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 379
- Set Year: 1996
- Set Number: 8408
- Set Parts: 289
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
The 8408 Desert Ranger is the smallest Tech Build set of 1996. While it is similar in scale or even smaller than 8286, it is considerably more complex. Like all Tech Build models it does not come with any Technic figures, but it is the right scale and has the seats although no room for their legs.
This dune buggy model features a large angle V-2 engine, a differential, and steering but no suspension. Like many other 1996 models it uses flex tubing as an aesthetic accent, in this case as a convincing roll bar. The model does not really introduce anything new, but it is built with a lot of non-perpendicular angles using pins and axles and therefore has a striking appearance. The front end is especially well rounded. The model is incredibly dense and sturdy and can therefore take a lot of abuse.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 433
- Set Year: 1996
- Set Number: 8286
- Set Parts: 734
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
At first glance, you might assume the title of the 8286 "3-in-1 Car" refers to the three interrelated models: car, trailer, and helicopter. But it could just as easily refer to three modes of transportation: land, sea, and air because the car is amphibious. Either way, the largest Tech Play model of 1996 gives you plenty of features. Besides the three models, this set also came with 2 Technic figures, one of the only sets to do so. The individual models themselves are not particularly innovative, but combining three of them in the same set had not been done since 8872 and that was at a much higher price point. As a Tech Play model, this is still quite easy to build and the features are simple and straightforward. Additionally, the model is particularly robust and can survive some rough play with ease.
The amphibious car features a boat shaped hull and some rear props in addition to the 4 large tires. The helicopter fits nicely on the trailer and can be piloted by one of the figures.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 459
- Set Year: 1996
- Set Number: 8244
- Set Parts: 275
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
If ever there was a set that belonged firmly in the category of "Lego Technic or Other", 8244 Convertables from 1996 would be it. Right from the start you'll note the spelling. If it said "convertibles" you might be tempted to think of some ragtop cars, but the set serves up something quite different, an apparent grand experiment by LEGO® to explore the limits of modular play. The fact that this had never been before makes it innovative. The fact that it has never been done again since speaks to its success or lack thereof. Which in turn is very strange because Lego is about building and Technic is about technology, components and assemblies and building new combinations.
The 9 independent modules within this set can be combined in countless ways, and the image below shows a wide selection of them. The ability to combine a variety of modules in abundant ways seems like a pretty good play feature, but there is a significant flaw in the execution. The problem is that, for the most part, none of the combinations make any sense. There is a rotor but no helicopter, some skis but no snowmobile, a single front wheel but no proper motorcycle, etc. So what you end up with is a bunch of modules that are not particularly interesting to combine. However, as a tool to demonstrate the creativity and imagination that are possible within the system, it succeeds admirably.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 356
- Set Year: 1996
- Set Number: 8230
- Set Parts: 175
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
The third small Tech Play model of 1996 was the 8230 Coastal Cop Buggy. This appears to be some sort of beach buggy and comes complete with a friendly police officer in black. Although bigger than the other two Tech Play models this year, 8230 still has only a single feature: steering. A range of stickers represent the police logo, spotlights, and tail lights. There's nothing really new here other than the use of flex tubing as a roll cage, though the use of uncommon white is welcome.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 420
- Set Year: 1996
- Set Number: 8223
- Set Parts: 123
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: USD
The second smallest set of 1996 was the oddly named 8223 Hydrofoil. Nothing in the design of this little set really suggests a hydrofoil, especially given the complete lack of foils. It appears to be something more like an air boat. The "7" in the title, in any case, is easily explained by the sticker on the front. Watercraft are among the rarest of Technic subjects, so it is always nice to see one. This Tech Play model features only a single feature: a rear propeller which spins as a function of forward speed. The steering wheel is purely ornamental. This model also includes a Technic figure.
How hydrofoils in reality work you can find here via MIT: Click here for the MIT web page.
- Details
- Category: Less Than 100pcs Sets
- Hits: 397
- Set Year: 1996
- Set Number: 8207
- Set Parts: 86
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
This small buggy released in 1996 continued the line of Tech Play vehicles for beginners. Steering and suspension had been present in buggies before, but the new presence of a seat made it possible to put a Technic figure in the buggy, and they fit the scale very nicely if you think of this as a go-kart sized vehicle. This buggy also added a flowing rear arch made from flex system tubing. This use of flex tubing as a decoration would become commonplace even though the flex system itself had been discontinued.
This buggy features rack and pinion steering as well as rear axle swing arm suspension.
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.