The Space Shuttle
1996 EU Technic catalog
10 new sets, the most ever for the theme, were released. These included several small sets, such as the 8207 Dune Duster, as well as several rather large sets, including the 8283 3-in-1 Car, the 1300 piece Space Shuttle.
As was typical in the mid 90's a number of new elements were released, including several fiber optic elements, transmission elements, and perhaps most importantly the studless beam.
The Modul system
The Modul System: In an effort to increase the playability of Technic sets Lego introduced the Modul system. This allowed children to build simple modules that snapped together using 2 x 4 blocks with connectors and technic beams to create the finished model. For example the 8244 Convertibles included instructions for 9 different modules that could then be combined into a series of vehicles and aircraft. Over the next several years this construction method would become increasingly common. It was one of the first attempts to change the focus of the theme from construction to play.
US patent D374,465
The rounded beam: The rounded, studless beam, was designed as an alternative to the traditional Technic beam. It consisted of a square body with connector holes and cross axle holes at either end. In many ways this was a radical departure from existing Lego elements. It had no studs, so other elements had to be attached with connectors or cross axles. It also had a different aspect ratio, 1:1 rather than the standard 6:5.
Initially it was used with traditional Technic beams in Technic models, but over the next several years it would become increasingly used on it own, resulting in a completely new system, and the next generation of model construction.
US patent 5,733,167
Fiber Optics: The fiber optic system, an addition to the 9V electrics, was designed to simulate the flow of energy, such as the wires of an engine. The patent shows a light unit consisting of a housing with slits, containing a rotatable disc with an LED on one side and metallic conductor segments on the other. When the disc was spun, collector shoes would contact the conductors and alternately light the LED when it passed by the slits. Transparent fiber optic cables could be connected to the slits and would light up in sequence. Although mostly decorative, the fiber optic system was nevertheless an interesting idea and even found use in several non-Technic sets of the late 90's.
8480 Space Shuttle
8480 Space Shuttle: The 8480 Space Shuttle is perhaps the only set as complicated as the 8880 Super Car and may be even more difficult to construct. The set consisted of 4 different motorized functions all controlled through an ingenious application of the Technic transmission. A single motor could open the cargo bay doors, allow 2-axis control of the Canadian arm and light the fiber optics of the rear engine. Additionally a small satellite had panels that retract/expand by use of a micromotor. Additionally the ailerons were controlled via a gear mechanism and the landing gear was controlled through a novel mechanism using a shock absorber to lock the wheels in place. In addition to the use of hinges the model used quite a few sloped bricks to model the nose, creating a highly realistic set.
This model had as much playability as any Technic set to date, but. like the Super Car, it was probably too difficult for children to assemble. It would be the last Technic set of this complexity, and, along with the 8880 Super Car, stands as the high point of Technic set design.
1996 sported 10 models, the most of any year to date. They were divided evenly with 5 simple Tech Play models for beginners, and 5 Tech Build models for more advanced builders. The sets ranged from very small (82 parts) to the largest set to date (1368 parts) and everything in between. Across the whole range of models, appearance was targeted more closely by the design, and most models used the semi-rigid hoses from the now defunct flex system as decorative elements to great effect.
The Tech Play sets built on the theme of simple building with solid play features and Technic figures, but not surprisingly the 1996 models did not do anything very new or innovative.
The Tech Build sets, on the other hand, had quite a bit to offer. The pneumatic system made a comeback and the brand new fiber optic system was showcased in two models. You can read more about the fiber optic system below, but it can be summarized as innovative and short lived. The illuminated fiber optic elements offered simulated motion and were fun to watch. However, the element was doubtless very expensive to produce. My several copies all still work, but if any of the lights stop working it cannot be repaired. Perhaps it was for this reason that the system lasted only a single year and is a prized catch among collectors due to its rarity. Personally, I found it to be a great addition to the line, but I can understand why it wasn't usable across a wide range of models.
There were only a few new parts in 1996 other than the fiber optic system, but all of them were a sign of things to come. The transmission gates and changeover catch signaled the use of more transmissions in the future, and the 6x4 bent liftarm and 3/4 pin continued to herald the onset of the studless system for those who were paying attention. Every one of the new parts was used in the flagship set from 1996, the 8480 Space Shuttle. Every one of them was needed to make the shuttle work in the very special way that it does, and with the exception of the fiber optics, all of them were used for years to come.
Parts
Fiber Optic Element
The fiber optic element was truly innovative, but sadly only appeared in 1996 in two sets and never again in Technic (and only in 2 other types of sets). This electric element is powered by a 9V wire and has 8 holes into which clear fiber optic cables fit. The far end of each cable fits in a pin hole. Each hole of the electric element has a red light (LED?) which illuminates only when the central axle is in a certain position, and only one at a time. To get the lights to move, the central axle must be turned by and external crank or motor, and then the fiber optic cables visibly light in sequence.
Transmission Gates
While the 8880 had a unique transmission shifting lever, a more standardized solution was needed for other models. These gates (shown in gray) could be used in pairs along with the changeover catch above driving rings to allow shifting in an H-pattern. However, this system was somewhat limited to be used with only 4 gears. Besides the H-pattern on top, the gates also feature a transverse axle hole to support the catch. These parts were relatively rare and are no longer used.
Transmission Changeover Catch
The changeover catch (shown in red) was designed to be used with the transmission gates and driving ring to shift gears in a transmission. Unlike the gate, it remains in use to this day, sometimes for purposes other than shifting a transmission. The axle hole in top and on the side can be useful, and the tiny hole in the tip will fit a flex cable.
1x2 Technic Bricks with 2 Holes
Like the 1x1 Technic brick introduced last year, the 1x2 with 2 holes is fundamentally different than the others because the holes are centered under the studs. This part was critical for the spacing of the gears in 8480.
3/4 Pin
As Technic moved away from studded bricks and towards full thickness and half thickness liftarms, a pin which bridged the two was needed. The 3/4 pin is one stud long on one side but only half a stud long on the other and does not have friction. This part came only in dark gray until the next millennium.
6x4 Bent Liftarm
While a few half thickness studless liftarms had been introduced in previous years, this was the first full thickness liftarm. With 6 studs in one direction and 4 studs in the other, you might expect that this angled liftarm would be some obvious angle like 45 degrees or 30 degrees, but it is actually 53.13 degrees. Why? Because both ends need to fit on a standard grid of studs. With this angle, the axle hole at the end lines up perfectly with a square grid, but the other holes in between do not. This angle would be used for most bend liftarms in the future. The particular part was critical to the payload bay doors on 8480.
1996 sets:
- 8207 - Dune Duster
- 8223 - Hydrofoil 7
- 8230 - Coastal Cop Buggy
- 8244 - Convertibles
- 8286 - 3-In-1 Car
- 8408 - Desert Ranger
- 8425 - Black Hawk
- 8443 - Pneumatic Log Loader
- 8456 - Fiber Optic Multi Set
- 8480 - Space Shuttle
By Isodomus and Technicopedia