In Europe, 2 new models, a small go-cart and a large crane, as well as a new supplementary set were released. The theme was finally released in the US under the name "Expert Builder" and were given 900 series set numbers. The initial release included 4 models, the motor set and a supplementary set. This difference between US and European availability has become standard Lego marketing practice, in fact there has never been a year with a common retail Technic assortment.
In addition to the new 16t gear, chain links and gear reducing blocks were introduced in set 872. The blocks connected to the 4.5 V motor and allowed for a 1:20 gear reduction in a much smaller space than would be required with Technic gears.
1978 US ad
855 Mobile Crane:
Another of the first generation Technic sets, the 855 Mobile Crane was the first of the crane models. This set featured an extendable boom that could be raised, lowered or rotated 360 degrees. It also had a hook that could be raised or lowered. Similar to the rest of the first generation models, much of the cranes' construction was with standard Lego elements, especially plates and 2x2 tiles.
In 1978, some of the new technical sets made it to the USA, now under the heading "Expert Builder".
Only two brand new sets were available in Europe. The go cart didn't really do anything new, but brought the piston engine parts down into a much lower price point and included six wheels. The mobile crane was a significant technical achievement, every bit as complex as the auto chassis of the previous year. With realistic boom luffing, telescoping, slewing, and hoisting functions, this set had most of the functionality of a real crane.
A few new parts were available this year, including hose, string, rubber bands, and the incredibly important axle pin.
Parts
Only a few new parts were included in the sets of 1978. By far the most important is the axle pin, pictured. As the name suggests, this part has a 1L axle at one end, and a frictionless pin at the other. The primary use of this pin is for supporting wheels, but many other uses would follow, including the use as a rack gear keeper (to hold it down) on set 855. For many years, this part was available only in light gray.
Also new for 1978 were the hose, the string, and the rubber band. The hose (black) is approximately the diameter of an axle, so it fits through a standard Technic beam hole. The string is really more than standard string. Its braided design makes it strong and stiff, so it doesn't stretch much under load. This string is still in use today, virtually always as crane or winch cable. The rubber band, which might not sound too exciting, is used for a number of uses including to preload a pawl into a ratchet.
1978 sets:
1978 Expert Builder US sets:
- 948 - Go-Kart
- 952 - Tractor
- 954 - Helicopter
- 956 - Auto Chassis
- 960 - Power Pack
- 961 - Expert Builder/Gear Parts
By Isodomus and Technicopedia