- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 272
- Set Year: 1998
- Set Number: 880001
- Set Parts: 2
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 257
- Set Year: 1998
- Set Number: 8483
- Set Parts: 894
- Currency: na
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 297
- Set Year: 1998
- Set Number: 8482
- Set Parts: 894
- Currency: na
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 314
- Set Year: 1998
- Set Number: 8462
- Set Parts: 774
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
The 8462 Tow Truck, released in 1998, was new or unusual in many ways. Apart from the uncommon blue and turquoise color scheme, this flagship model used pneumatics including the new air tanks. The body is a somewhat futuristic "swoopy" shape built from Technic bricks and flexible tubing. Most conspicuously, the new deep dish silver wheels were used. The wheel lift also employed some new bent liftarms which quickly disappeared from the parts catalog.
This is a somewhat divisive set among fans. Many feel that it is a not a very accurate representation of a real tow truck. With its long list of technical functions, it represents the utility of a tow truck rather well, but the body and wheels are more stylistic than accurate. In the end then, whether or not this set is great is a matter of taste. I like it.
This truck is very sturdy with its traditional studded chassis and angled body. Although it does not have a drive train with differentials or an engine, the multitude of pneumatic parts make up for its absence. It also uses stickers sparingly for head lights, tail lights, and a license plate.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 265
- Set Year: 1998
- Set Number: 8432
- Set Parts: 471
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 350
- Set Year: 1998
- Set Number: 8428
- Set Parts: 471
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
The 8428 Concept Car is a very unusual model. Apart from the unique wheels, this model is visually unique because the entire cage assembly is made from angled connectors, axles, and flexible tubing including the new ribbed hoses. But most special of all is the suspension system. Only the rear axle is suspended, but it uses an extremely clever mechanical system to switch between two different suspension geometries.
This model was released under two different numbers: 8428 and 8432. The latter set included exactly the same model, but also included a CD-ROM. The CD had early digital instructions and a racing game using the buggy. Sadly, like other early LEGO® software, it is largely unusable on modern computers and even at the time was supported only on Windows PCs. I no longer have a copy of this software (or a computer capable of running it), so no further information is presently available.
Because of similar design details including matching wheels and width, this model can be towed perfectly by the 8462 tow truck.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 304
- Set Year: 1998
- Set Number: 8417
- Set Parts: 317
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
The 8417 Mag Wheel Master was the first attempt at a sport bike in the Technic line. The title of this set gives us a clue that the special wheels of this set may have been designed specifically for it, with sets 8428 and 8462 getting them just because they had already been made. In any case, no other sets ever used these wheels or tires, and the front narrow tire in particular is unique to this set. However, there were two more chances to get because this set was re-released in 2002 as 8430.
Like the other Tech Build sets this year, this model uses the new wheels and is blue with turquoise seats. Also like the others it makes heavy use of flexible tubes and ribbed hoses as styling elements. Like previous motorcycles, it uses a lot of non-square angles by pinning the frame together. This model does not have front suspension, but the rear suspension is an interesting type with an arm on only one side.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 308
- Set Year: 1998
- Set Number: 8266
- Set Parts: 366
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
This is the only motorized competition model. This set was released under two different numbers, 8266 and 3038, in the same year with the same content. The sets had different names, presumably to appeal to markets on different continents. The two models are completely different and include a flying piloted turquoise hunter and a purple arachnid quarry. The flying machine sports a pair of extensible scissors mechanisms with competition cannon tips. The wings of the model serve as hand holds and allow easy access to the mechanism triggers. The spider, meanwhile, is not an easy target. In wobbles and weaves in an attempt to escape. It has no defensive weaponry, so the only options are defeat or escape. If the target is successfully struck, a spring mechanism ejects the cybernetic pilot.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 294
- Set Year: 1998
- Set Number: 8257
- Set Parts: 367
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
The duelling models in this set are nearly identical, differing only in their drive systems, color, and pilot. They are therefore quite evenly matched. In each case the weapon is a competition cannon attached to the end of a scissors mechanism. The bodies of these models are shaped as a pistol grip making it easy to hold them and reach the trigger. The trigger extends the cannon rapidly. The intent is to strike the target of your opponent: no easy task if they are moving around. A successful hit yields a spectacular result. The pilot of the losing craft is forcibly ejected from the cockpit with a spring mechanism.
This set is among the most fun to play with for two people according to my kids. The models are quite durable and can withstand rough play.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 311
- Set Year: 1998
- Set Number: 8248
- Set Parts: 231
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
The 8248 Technic forklift is quite different than its predecessors or successors in using a unique scissors mechanism to lift the forks. It has a Technic figure operator and a cockpit made from ribbed hoses, but has no mechanism for tilting the forks which are installed in an orientation which is slightly tilted back. This model is otherwise pretty simple and unremarkable, but is actually quite complex for so few parts. It fits the scale of the Technic figure very well.
This model was released again in 2001 as set 8463. The packaging and instruction decoration were different, but the model is identical.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 330
- Set Year: 1998
- Set Number: 8245
- Set Parts: 222
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
This competition set contains some fascinating play features. The purple robotic scorpion serves as prey which the turquoise hunter stalks. Both combatants have their weapons. The hunter has an extensible cannon that can be used strike the scorpion from afar. Meanwhile, the scorpion stores energy in a bungee cord, coiled and ready to strike. When the target on the head of the scorpion is struck, the facial expression changes from benign to angry and releases a ratchet causing the model to drive forward at its attacker. The claws are spring loaded with a rubber band and automatically close when the front bumper strikes an obstacle. The challenge then is to hit the scorpion without being hit by its counterstrike.
The scissors mechanism used on this model was common to many competition sets this year, and was used on other models as well.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 302
- Set Year: 1998
- Set Number: 8239
- Set Parts: 120
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
This set was released under two different numbers, 8233 and 8239, in the same year with the same content. The sets had different names, presumably to appeal to markets on different continents. This was the smallest of the original Competition sets featuring two models and, like its sister sets, was specifically designed for competitive play. In this case, the piloted turquoise motorcycle battles the purple robotic insect. A spring loaded cannon on each model can be launched manually or, if the target is struck, launched automatically.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 283
- Set Year: 1998
- Set Number: 8233
- Set Parts: 120
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
This set was released under two different numbers, 8233 and 8239, in the same year with the same content. The sets had different names, presumably to appeal to markets on different continents. This was the smallest of the original Competition sets featuring two models and, like its sister sets, was specifically designed for competitive play. In this case, the piloted turquoise motorcycle battles the purple robotic insect. A spring loaded cannon on each model can be launched manually or, if the target is struck, launched automatically.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 305
- Set Year: 1998
- Set Number: 8226
- Set Parts: 121
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
The 8226 Mus Masher has only a single function: a very unusual suspension and steering system that operates by tipping the buggy. The roll cage is formed with new ribbed hoses. The model has no other features, but is actually a very good play model since it is so durable and easy to control.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 291
- Set Year: 1998
- Set Number: 8219
- Set Parts: 104
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
The 8219 go kart, released in 1998, is quite an accurate representation of a real go kart. The wheel base is almost square, and the tires are wide and smooth. The center of gravity is low, and a single cylinder engine is rear mounted to a solid drive axle with a tune pipe for exhaust. It even has a single rear brake disc. The steering uses the flexible rack assembly. Although the model is scaled for a Technic figure, the set does not come with one.
- Details
- Category: Less Than 100pcs Sets
- Hits: 319
- Set Year: 1998
- Set Number: 8218
- Set Parts: 70
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
The 8218 trike is among the most complex of the micro models because it actually has 2 features! Other than the blue color, this model is otherwise unremarkable.
- Details
- Category: Less Than 100pcs Sets
- Hits: 306
- Set Year: 1998
- Set Number: 8217
- Set Parts: 64
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
The 8217 Wasp is about as simple a helicopter as can be made and still have a functional main rotor. Released in 1998, this little micro model does nothing else. The white flex hoses are somewhat unusual.
- Details
- Category: Less Than 100pcs Sets
- Hits: 277
- Set Year: 1998
- Set Number: 8213
- Set Parts: 98
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
The 8213 Spy Runner is an an example of the rare transforming Technic models. A simple flip of the spoiler converts this model from a car to something that might be a hovercraft or maybe even a flying car. This single function is simple but special. Other than that, the green color is the only thing making this model unusual. Although the model and seat are scaled for a Technic figure, the model does not come with one.
Of all the models in my vast collection, this is the one that my 8 year old son identified as his favorite and the one he wanted to own himself. Apparently that transforming function has great appeal, and yet there were really never any further models using this theme.
- Details
- Category: Less Than 100pcs Sets
- Hits: 302
- Set Year: 1998
- Set Number: 8209
- Set Parts: 49
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
This little F1 racer, released in 1998, had a single shock absorber supporting a trailing arm suspension but no other features. The red rotor parts used to attach the side fairings are rare as is the red shock.
- Details
- Category: Less Than 100pcs Sets
- Hits: 329
- Set Year: 1998
- Set Number: 8208
- Set Parts: 53
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
This little green cruising motorcycle has only a single function: a steerable front fork. Apart from the functionality, it is rather good looking for a micro model and contains some rare green parts. Some clever techniques are used to obtain the rakish angles in the frame.
- Details
- Category: Less Than 100pcs Sets
- Hits: 317
- Set Year: 1998
- Set Number: 8204
- Set Parts: 41
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
The Sky Flier 1 is a bit of an oxymoron in being one of the larger micro models. This little red plane has a rear spar and horixontal stabilizer made of nothing more than an axle, and a leading edge made from a flexible tube. Unlike the other micro models, it actually has a couple of gears and an real mechanical function.
- Details
- Category: Less Than 100pcs Sets
- Hits: 302
- Set Year: 1998
- Set Number: 8203
- Set Parts: 37
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
This micro rover almost looks like it comes from the Blacktron theme. Released in 1998, it was among 8 new micro models for the year. It has only a single technical feature: suspension.
- Details
- Category: Less Than 100pcs Sets
- Hits: 310
- Set Year: 1998
- Set Number: 8202
- Set Parts: 72
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
Although released as two different sets with different numbers, the 2854 and 8202 Bungee Choppers are exactly the same model in a different color. In fact, they are also nearly the same as 2129 and 8205. They were clearly intended to be used as a pair for competition racing and have only a single feature: a bungee cord which stores energy to launch the models.
- Details
- Category: Less Than 100pcs Sets
- Hits: 293
- Set Year: 1998
- Set Number: 3054
- Set Parts: 30
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
Along with its very similar brother 2544, the 2544 Technic Motorbike is among the very tiniest Technic sets ever made. Although more colorful, this little model has even fewer features than the other microbike. On the other hand, it does have a sweet fairing.
- Details
- Category: Sets
- Hits: 302
- Set Year: 1998
- Set Number: 3038
- Set Parts: 366
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
This is the only motorized competition model. This set was released under two different numbers, 3038 and 8266, in the same year with the same content. The sets had different names, presumably to appeal to markets on different continents. The two models are completely different and include a flying piloted turquoise hunter and a purple arachnid quarry. The flying machine sports a pair of extensible scissors mechanisms with competition cannon tips. The wings of the model serve as hand holds and allow easy access to the mechanism triggers. The spider, meanwhile, is not an easy target. In wobbles and weaves in an attempt to escape. It has no defensive weaponry, so the only options are defeat or escape. If the target is successfully struck, a spring mechanism ejects the cybernetic pilot.
- Details
- Category: Less Than 100pcs Sets
- Hits: 304
- Set Year: 1998
- Set Number: 2854
- Set Parts: 72
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
Although released as two different sets with different numbers, the 2854 and 8202 Bungee Choppers are exactly the same model in a different color. In fact, they are also nearly the same as 2129 and 8205. They were clearly intended to be used as a pair for competition racing and have only a single feature: a bungee cord which stores energy to launch the models.
- Details
- Category: Less Than 100pcs Sets
- Hits: 334
- Set Year: 1998
- Set Number: 2544
- Set Parts: 27
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
Along with its very similar brother 3054, the 2544 Technic Motorbike is among the very tiniest Technic sets ever made. With only 27 parts and 10 studs long, this model isn't exactly packed with functions. However, for the size the functional suspension is rather impressive. This was the first of many micro sized Technic sets released over the next couple of years. This particular model was a promotional item together with Shell petroleum company.
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.