- Details
- Category: Greater Than 1000pcs Sets
- Hits: 499
- Set Year: 1997
- Set Number: 8479
- Set Parts: 1269
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
The last two sets which could be called Universal Sets came out in 1997, and the greatest of them (and perhaps the greatest Universal Set ever) was the Barcode Multi-Set. This set is special among the pantheon of Technic in virtually every way. The first programmable models were the Control Centers, 8094 and 8485, but these were only capable of recording actions and replaying them. There was no other way to input a program, no output other than motors, and no logic possible within the program. Enter the Code Pilot, the new computerized brick unique to this set, and the obvious precursor to the first Mindstorms RCX which shares the same form factor. A program could be entered via a barcode reader, a touch sensor could trigger different actions, and output included not only motor control but also sounds. Even the sound waveforms had variety and could be played at different pitches.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 431
- Set Year: 1997
- Set Number: 8459
- Set Parts: 591
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
Set 8459 is nearly the perfect Front End Loader. In fact, it is so good that it was re-released in two future years. The list of firsts and bits of scale accuracy are large. There had been many front end loaders before, but this is the first and only pneumatic version. It is the first with four wheel drive and the first Technic model with an articulated chassis. It does nearly everything right including the scale range of motion, scale cabin, drive system, steering wheel, and accurate side and rear details. The huge 18x10 bucket was new for this model. It still stand up easily to the much newer and larger loaders of decades later.
The model is constructed mostly of traditional plates and Technic bricks with just a few studless parts thrown in here and there. It is a very solid model and eminently playable. If I could have only one loader in my collection, this would be the one.
The later versions are identical in design but vary in packaging and instruction decoration.
Second release in 2001 - 8439 - Front End Loader
Third release in 2004 - 8464 - Pneumatic Front End Loader
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 435
- Set Year: 1997
- Set Number: 8437
- Set Parts: 419
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
The oddly named 843 Future Car was released in 1997. While clearly intended to be a dune buggy, the unusual styling may be a hint at the reason behind the name. This model has huge tires and features steering, suspension, a removable engine, and opening doors and hatch. It has large sweeping curves made from blue flex hoses. Unlike many sets of the era, it is not scaled for Technic figures and does not use the standard monolithic seats but instead builds up very nicely sculpted seats with bricks. It also has a very unusual flex system based steering.
This set is very durable and quite fun to play with. With 4 shock absorbers and a rear swing axle it can take a lot of abuse, and of course it is a source of rare blue parts.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 449
- Set Year: 1997
- Set Number: 8299
- Set Parts: 377
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: USD
The 8299 Search Sub is the first and only submarine in the Technic line (if you don't count the alternate model of 8480) this second version included a CD-ROM with building instructions and a game (This year also released under 8250). This is a large model for the Tech Play line, but still has simple features in line with the other models in the line. Pneumatics had generally been reserved for advanced models, but here they broke into Tech Play and even included the new air tank. The model also includes a pilot complete with a wetsuit and SCUBA gear. The model is quite well sculpted and looks more complicated than it is. For instance, all of the propellers spin only manually.
While the idea was novel and many kids had a computer in the house by this time, the passage of time has shown why this concept is a problem. While the model remains just as good and just and buildable as the day it was made, the software is nearly impossible to run on a modern machine and, even if you can manage it, is hopelessly dated.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 426
- Set Year: 1997
- Set Number: 8277
- Set Parts: 554
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
I remember the 8277 Giant Model Set. I remember seeing it on the bottom shelf in the toy store and looking at the ugly robot on the cover and thinking, "No thanks". And there it sat. Month after month, year after year it sat there while I spent my money on other things. Finally the toy store put it on clearance for $20 and I bought it. I built the giant robot and realized that I had been right about the set so I sold it. It wasn't until years later when I was collecting Technic that I bought it again. So what's the problem here?
Make no mistake, this set is aptly named. Each of the 3 models is as physically large as anything ever released in the Technic line, and there are sixteen 16L Technic bricks included. Other than though, it doesn't have much going for it. The models are large, but generally don't have any more functionality than a micro model. The issue is probably that this set is really for beginners but the size of the set and box intimidated them into not buying it. The advanced users who were drawn to a model of this size weren't interested in something so simple. Even today, it is very inexpensive to acquire this set.
This is one of the last Universal Sets with instructions for 3 models and plan views of 3 others which could easily be built from those sketches alone. It is almost entirely traditional studded bricks and uses a modular building method with a common core and layers attached to it.
I find the helicopter the most interesting, so it is the model I choose to keep on display from this set.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 406
- Set Year: 1997
- Set Number: 8414
- Set Parts: 244
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
The 8414 Mountain Rambler released in 1997 doesn't seem like a real vehicle as much as it seems like an excuse to use the new rubber tracks with some suspension, and at that it succeeds reasonably. This is the smallest Tech Build model of the year but still has an impressive array of features. Sadly the treads have too much friction to roll properly and therefore this model is not as good as it could be. The clear engine cylinders and rust colored pistons are new and make it easier to see the engine. The very long yellow flex tube is also unusual.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 477
- Set Year: 1997
- Set Number: 8250
- Set Parts: 377
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: USD
The 8250 Search Sub is the first and only submarine in the Technic line (if you don't count the alternate model of 8480). This is a large model for the Tech Play line, but still has simple features in line with the other models in the line. Pneumatics had generally been reserved for advanced models, but here they broke into Tech Play and even included the new air tank. The model also includes a pilot complete with a wetsuit and SCUBA gear. The model is quite well sculpted and looks more complicated than it is. For instance, all of the propellers spin only manually.
This model was released under a separate number, 8299, and this second version included a CD-ROM with building instructions and a game (more information coming in future when I can get it to run). While the idea was novel and many kids had a computer in the house by this time, the passage of time has shown why this concept is a problem. While the model remains just as good and just and buildable as the day it was made, the software is nearly impossible to run on a modern machine and, even if you can manage it, is hopelessly dated.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 438
- Set Year: 1997
- Set Number: 8232
- Set Parts: 275
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
There are a whole lot of helicopters in the Technic line, and although Chopper Force is only medium sized, it has some of the best play features of any of them. The main and tail rotors are operated by a lever which can be pushed with the same hand that holds the helictopter, allowing simulated flight. Other helicopters typically use a crank on the side which requires another hand. In terms of appearance this model is unremarkable, although it is somewhat unusual in that it includes a Technic figure pilot.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 432
- Set Year: 1997
- Set Number: 8229
- Set Parts: 185
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
The 8229 Tread Trekker is a very unusual convertible vehicle, not necessarily based on anything real. The tracked vehicle uses the new rubber tracks and sprockets and includes a Technic figure. The upper part of the vehicle detaches from the base and becomes what appears to be a boat. Though the topic is unique, this Tech Play set is pretty simple and offers limited functionality but a good selection of the new parts.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 456
- Set Year: 1997
- Set Number: 8222
- Set Parts: 138
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
VTOL stands for Vertical Take-Off and Landing, a moniker used to refer to airplanes which can take-off and land like a helicopter. This ability has been a dream of aviation engineers since the dawn of powered flight but has proved elusive to achieve. 8222 attempts this difficult feat by means of a tiltwing, a feature that has been tried experimentally but never used in a production aircraft. On the other hand, tiltrotors are used in the Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey which was very likely the inspiration for this model despite the differences, and was certainly the inspiration for the later 8434. Those two models remain the only vertical take-off airplanes in the Technic stable.
This particular aircraft tilts the whole wing with a worm gear. The props are not geared to anything but can spin, and the canopy can open manually. This a single place aircraft and comes complete with a pilot. The wing leading edge is made from flexible tubing. The canopy uses the new angled connectors. A detailed sticker is used for instruments in the cockpit.
The wings of this model are quite fragile due to the fact that the tips are only connected to the root by an axle, and the two sides of the wing are only connected together at the tilt axis.
- Details
- Category: Less Than 100pcs Sets
- Hits: 397
- Set Year: 1997
- Set Number: 8216
- Set Parts: 91
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
This little F1 racer, released in 1997, had an unusual blue and white color scheme with flowing lines created with flexible tubing. Its sole function is front rack and pinion steering. Unlike many other Tech Play sets, it does not have a seat for a Technic figure although one can be made to fit. The stickers in this set feature the familiar Octan racing logo. The model does not have any kind of suspension.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 433
- Set Year: 1997
- Set Number: 8215
- Set Parts: 108
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
The 8215 Gyro Copter was the first and only Auto Gyro in the Technic line-up, although arguably it is actually some sort of hybrid helicopter instead. In a real auto gyro the main rotor is not powered but auto-rotates as air flows over it. It is therefore as analogous to a wing as to a rotor. Forward thrust is provided by a traditional longitudinally mounted propeller. In the case of this model, both the rotor and the prop are geared together. The model uses uncommon yellow flex tubing as a curved cockpit. The cockpit is scaled for a Technic figure although the model does not include one at this low price point. This is an example of one of the very simplest Tech Play models designed for a beginner Technic audience.
- Details
- Category: Less Than 100pcs Sets
- Hits: 460
- Set Year: 1997
- Set Number: 8205
- Set Parts: 64
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
Although released as two different sets with different numbers, the 2129 and 8205 Bungee Blasters are exactly the same model in a different color. They were clearly intended to be used as a pair for competition. They were released in 1997, a year before the official Competition series was launched, but were an obvious prelude to that concept. These were pure playsets with a single function: racing. The availability of a surprisingly durable bungee cord made the concept possible.
- Details
- Category: Less Than 100pcs Sets
- Hits: 440
- Set Year: 1997
- Set Number: 2129
- Set Parts: 64
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
Although released as two different sets with different numbers, the 2129 and 8205 Bungee Blasters are exactly the same model in a different color. They were clearly intended to be used as a pair for competition. They were released in 1997, a year before the official Competition series was launched, but were an obvious prelude to that concept. These were pure playsets with a single function: racing. The availability of a surprisingly durable bungee cord made the concept possible.
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.