The Air Tech Claw Rig
1992 EU Technic catalog
5 new sets, including 2 pneumatic sets, were released. The sets ranged from the 98 piece ATX Sport Cycle to the 957 piece Air Tech Claw Rig. This retail assortment of small, medium and large sets would continue as the typical Lego marketing practice for the rest of the decade.
There were several new parts released including a new toggle joint, 2 new propeller designs and the compressor pump and small pneumatic cylinder. These last 2 allowed for electric operation of pneumatics.
8838 Supply Ship: The red, black and white 8839 Supply ship was the only full-sized Technic boat model ever released. The model featured an interesting steering mechanism with wheels set under the hull. When the rear wheel was turned via a flex cable linkage the 2 rear propellers would turn as well. The supply hoist both moved up and down as well as rotated on a technic turntable. The curved shape of the hull was achieved through the use of hinged plates, a technique that was becoming more common in 3rd generation construction.
8868 Air Claw Tech Rig: Another large construction vehicle, the Air Tech Claw Rig featured virtually every Technic construction system available and was easily the most complex Technic set to date. The major feature was a 3 cylinder pneumatic grabber arm on a turntable. The pneumatic circuit was pressurized by a 9V motor and compressor pump. The model also featured a 6-cylinder engine, front wheel steering via a knob on top of the cabin and 6 large tires. Surprisingly, this was the only set ever to feature the 9V compressor.
There were 6 new models in 1992, 3 of which were very large, 2 medium, and one small. The flex system was continued and expanded, as was the double acting pneumatic system. The small ATV features a unique form of steering. A wheeled loader has a lifting and dumping bucket. A wheeled excavator uses the pneumatic system and one of the new small cylinders. An airplane features ailerons, rear suspension, and a 2 cylinder engine. A fishing/supply ship represents the only Technic boat and features steering via hidden wheels and vectoring props, and a lifting and slewing loading arm. Finally, the crown jewel, the Air Tech Claw Rig. This remains the only set to ever include a pneumatic compressor, and ranks as one of the most complex pneumatic sets ever released. It also has 2 differentials, a V-6 engine, and a loader which pneumatically slews, lifts, and grasps.
By this time models were getting complex enough that their features were not immediately obvious and their construction required considerable skill. This trend would continue over the next couple of years, eventually resulting in models which were arguably too difficult for children to construct. For adults, this was a glorious time.
The number of new parts in 1992 was minimal but important. After a two year absence, double acting pneumatics made a return, with a vengeance. There was a smaller pneumatic cylinder as well as a compressor. Unfortunately, neither was widely used for some inexplicable reason. But the pneumatics of 1992 were glorious and complex.
Parts
Buckets
Two new black buckets were introduced. With dimensions of 10x8 and 4x4x9, they were almost (but not quite) direct replacements for the older 14x8 and 6x8 yellow buckets. While the older buckets seem to be made of the same ABS plastic as standard LEGO® bricks, the new black buckets are made of something softer and somewhat more flexible.
Pneumatic Cylinder and Pump
A pair of new pneumatic items were introduced. The double acting cylinder is functionally the same as its larger cousin, but at only 1 unit in diameter, fits in considerably less space. Because the pressure area is quadratic, it also produces 4 times less output force, so its application has been limited.
The compressor pump has the same basic body and piston as the actuator, but has only a single port at the head end with a relief valve. Unlike an actuator which is driven by air, the compressor is made to be driven by the piston. When compressing the unit pushes air out through the port, but when extending it draws in air from the atmosphere. When the pressure in the system exceeds a certain value, the relief valve allows any remaining pressure to vent. This fantastic system was used only once, a tragedy which has no logical explanation.
Propellers
There were two new propellers, a large twin blade and a small three blade, both with cruciform centers.
Toothed Connector
The venerable toothed connector was modified slightly. It has slots on the sides which makes it easier to remove, but unfortunately also makes it much more prone to cracking.
1992 sets:
- 8826 - ATX Sport Cycle
- 8828 - Front End Loader
- 8836 - Sky Ranger
- 8837 - Pneumatic Excavator
- 8839 - Supply Ship
- 8868 - Air Tech Claw Rig
By Isodomus and Technicopedia