- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 330
- Set Year: 1983
- Set Number: 8841
- Set Parts: 180
- Set Price: 39.90
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Set 8841 was released in 1983, and was the only Technic set released in Europe that year. This is a much more traditional dune buggy than the previous model, 8845, and yet is very similar to the Go Cart 854. It features rack and pinion steering and a 1 cylinder reciprocating engine. The main chassis is constructed of beams, the roll cage and upper frame of axles and toothed connectors, and the colorful seat of standard plates.{phocadownload view=file|id=362|text=Building Instruction|target=b}
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 356
- Set Year: 1983
- Set Number: 1924
- Set Parts: 103
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
Set 1924 was released in 1983 and was available only in the USA. It was by far the smallest Technic set to date, and was actually available to order from cereal boxes in some places. This motorcycle is short on features, but this is not surprising for its size. he front fork is steerable, and the kickstand can be retracted. Toothed connectors are used extensively in construction.
It is safe to say that this motorcycle did not break any new technical ground, but it is nicely proportioned for its size and would mark the path for a large number of even smaller Technic sets in the future.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 354
- Set Year: 1983
- Set Number: 8847
- Set Parts: 250
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
Set 8847 was released in 1983 and was available only in the USA. Do they have top fuel drag racing in Europe? Maybe not, which would explain the discrepancy. This model features rack and pinion steering, a 2 cylinder reciprocating engine, and a rear differential, as well as a host of nice looking aesthetic features including a large rear spoiler.
This set was the first to use the pulleys as wheels, and the first to use the new tire treads for them. This is also the first occurrence of white beams, of which there were four 16L in this set. There are two 2L light gray beams here as well. Despite light gray being a common Technic color, there had never been light gray beams before. Even as of 1983, the light gray and white beams came only in one size each.
This is the only drag racer ever released by LEGO® Technic, and is therefore quite unique. Because of this, and because it was only released in the USA, this is one of the most difficult models to find and purchase on the secondary market.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 364
- Set Year: 1982
- Set Number: 8846
- Set Parts: 379
- Set Price: 69.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
{phocadownload view=file|id=86|text=Building Instruction|target=b}
Set 8846 was released in 1981 but was never available in the USA. It features rack and pinion steering, a ratcheting rear boom hoist, a ratcheting and pivoting wheel lift, and a winch. Construction is primarily studded with the windscreen made up of old hinges rather than the new toothed elements.
This model packs a lot of functionality into a small package. The ratcheting wheel lift supports heavy vehicles very well, and the twin winches really give this model a wide variety of vehicle pulling options.
This is the smallest of the tow trucks which LEGO® would release, but is surprisingly functional for its size and easily competes with the others.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 351
- Set Year: 1982
- Set Number: 8700
- Set Parts: 28
- Set Price: 59.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 370
- Set Year: 1981
- Set Number: 8848
- Set Parts: 398
- Set Price: 78.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Set 8848 was released in 1981 as an "Expert Builder" set. It features rack and pinion steering, a front scoop which lift and locks via a lever in the cabin and can also be dumped, a rear differential with PTO, and a rear bed which dumps via a translating rack system. The great majority of the construction uses traditional studded building techniques, but the mechanical functions are rather unique among Technic.
This vehicle really doesn't have many peers among Technic. It is not really a dump truck although it does have a dumping bed. Neither is it really a loader even though it has a scoop. Its styling is very blocky, but its functions are fascinating.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 323
- Set Year: 1981
- Set Number: 8710
- Set Parts: 124
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 336
- Set Year: 1981
- Set Number: 8845
- Set Parts: 174
- Set Price: 41.90
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
{phocadownload view=file|id=85|text=Building Instruction|target=b}
Set 8845 was released in 1981 and was the smallest set that year. It features rack and pinion steering and independent rear suspension.
This model is an interesting mix of old and new (for the time). The seat is still constructed of standard bricks, as is the bed of the truck and the grille. However, the suspension was new for a small model, and this was the first model to use the new specialized steering elements. It was also the one of the first sets to use the new toothed connectors which this model uses in large quantity to build a body shell around the vehicle.
Many more buggies would be released in the future, almost all of which feature steering and suspension inspired by this one.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 364
- Set Year: 1981
- Set Number: 8859
- Set Parts: 614
- Set Price: 112.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
This set was introduced with a set price of 112.50 guilders.
Set 8859 was released in 1981 as an "Expert Builder" set. It features rack and pinion steering, a reciprocating 2 cylinder engine, a rear differential gear, a PTO, and lifting rear implements including a plow. Both studded building techniques and pinned construction are used throughout. It is somewhat ironic that the USA name for this set is "Harvester" considering that the included implement is a plow which is for planting, not harvesting.
This tractor is considerably bigger than the one it replaces (851 - Tractor), and has increased functionality. The differential, engine, and PTO are all integrated and driven from the rear wheels. Unlike the previous tractor, the body is framed primarily in beams rather than built up out of plates and bricks.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 450
- Set Year: 1981
- Set Number: 8844
- Set Parts: 316
- Set Price: 47.20
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Set 8844 was released under the "Expert Builder"series in 1981. This helicopter features rotating main and tail rotors, and retractable 3 point landing gear driven by chain. For the time, this set had surprisingly little traditional studded construction as the whole frame was pinned together.
This helicopter replaced 852 and took a few steps forward and a few steps back. It lost the cool collective pitch mechanism, but picked up retractable gear (which is pretty unusual for a helicopter). The model makes heavy use of the new toothed connectors for the "bubble" canopy.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 332
- Set Year: 1980
- Set Number: 8857
- Set Parts: 409
- Set Price: 80.75
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
This set 8857 was released in Europe as set 857 the "Technical Set" series in 1979 in Europe. It finally made it to the US in 1980 with the number 8857 as an "Expert Builder" set, the first set which used the now standard 4 digit identification number. This motorcycle featured a steerable fork and a chain driven 1 cylinder engine. Traditional studded construction is used almost exclusively with the exception of the frame.
Despite the fact that many LEGO® motorcycles have been released over the years, this one is unique in many ways. The parts list consists almost entirely of standard bricks, plates, and slopes. The fenders, especially the rear, have compound curvature, yet were made entirely of plates. All of the exterior design details were made in this way with traditional LEGO® bricks. The frame, however, was built from pinned beams, which allowed the unusual angles which could never have been produced with studded construction. This set is also unusual in that the primary functionality, the engine, is completely hidden when the model is completed.
Future motorcycles would usually use unique, narrow wheels, but this set used the same wheels as the auto chassis. It also marked a couple of firsts. The 16 tooth gear was used for the first time here, as was the chain link. Realistic motorcycle functionality really required a chain, so here the engine is driven off the rear wheel via a chain.
Besides that never ever another motorcycle set was released with a sidecar.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 340
- Set Year: 1980
- Set Number: 8858
- Set Parts: 242
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
Set 858/8858 was released as an "Expert Builder"set, and was only available in the USA. It features instructions for 4 different engines: a 3 cylinder inline engine, a V6 engine, a 6 cylinder horizontally opposed (Boxer) engine, and a 2-cycle engine. Ironically, this last engine can not be considered either 2 or 4 cycle because there are no valves or transfer ports, making the term meaningless. All of the engines feature reciprocating rectangular pistons, spark plug wires, and belts. Other features vary by model.
In a way, this set can be considered the first universal set in that it did not have any main model. There is a remarkable variety of functionality here considering the relatively small piece count. Each engine is significantly different and demonstrates different functions and varieties of real engines. Photographs are included in the instructions for motorizing the first 3 engines using the 870 - Power Pack. The instructions for this set are one of only a few examples which actually have a significant amount of text (most are pictorial only). These instructions are in English, and describe the typical function of each of these engines.
Since this set was available only in the USA, and since Technic has always been much more popular in Europe (for some reason), this set is extremely uncommon and very difficult to find.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 392
- Set Year: 1980
- Set Number: 858
- Set Parts: 242
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
Set 858/8858 was released as an "Expert Builder"set, and was only available in the USA. It features instructions for 4 different engines: a 3 cylinder inline engine, a V6 engine, a 6 cylinder horizontally opposed (Boxer) engine, and a 2-cycle engine. Ironically, this last engine can not be considered either 2 or 4 cycle because there are no valves or transfer ports, making the term meaningless. All of the engines feature reciprocating rectangular pistons, spark plug wires, and belts. Other features vary by model.
In a way, this set can be considered the first universal set in that it did not have any main model. There is a remarkable variety of functionality here considering the relatively small piece count. Each engine is significantly different and demonstrates different functions and varieties of real engines. Photographs are included in the instructions for motorizing the first 3 engines using the 870 - Power Pack. The instructions for this set are one of only a few examples which actually have a significant amount of text (most are pictorial only). These instructions are in English, and describe the typical function of each of these engines.
Since this set was available only in the USA, and since Technic has always been much more popular in Europe (for some reason), this set is extremely uncommon and very difficult to find.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 364
- Set Year: 1980
- Set Number: 8860
- Set Parts: 668
- Set Price: 126.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Expert Builder Series 8860 Car Chassis with big wheels and Rack and pinon steering, two-speed transmission, working crankshaft and pistons, Independent rear suspension, differential gears, adjustable reclining seats.
If it's a challenge you want, it's a challenge you'll get with the LEGO® Expert Builder Auto Chassis. You build it from the ground up and you build the working parts right in. It has gears, pistons and universal joints that really move. Add an Expert Builder Pack and it revs to life.
This set was introduced with a set price of 116.50 guilders.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 398
- Set Year: 1979
- Set Number: 856
- Set Parts: 373
- Set Price: 69.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
During its year of introduction this set was priced 62.50 guilders.
Set 856 was released under the "Technical Set" series in 1979 in Europe and in the USA as 951, an "Expert Builder"set. This bulldozer features a bucket which raises and dumps via rack and pinion systems, and rides atop large tracks wound around 40 tooth gears. The body uses mostly traditional studded construction, with the exception of the linkage which makes the bucket functional. A large number of connectors are used to form tie rods.
This bulldozer has one of my favorite mechanisms of any Technic set. Rather than using the expected rotational controls to move the bucket, this model uses two ingenious, interconnected rack systems which translate within the structure. As if that wasn't enough, this model also introduces tracks, a variation on the new chain link parts included in 857. There are 106 tracks in this set and, for a long time, this was the only set in which you could get them. Only two other sets would ever be released which sit atop tracks, and they would be spaced out 10 years. This model also uses a specialized piece for the side of the bucket. This was unusual for 1979 since most parts still had many possible uses and were not highly specialized like this one.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 347
- Set Year: 1979
- Set Number: 951
- Set Parts: 372
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: USD
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 545
- Set Year: 1979
- Set Number: 874
- Set Parts: 38
- Set Price: 7.85
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
This set was introduced with a set price of 7.10 guilders.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 371
- Set Year: 1979
- Set Number: 857
- Set Parts: 410
- Set Price: 80.75
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
During its year of introduction this set was priced 72.50 guilders.
Set 857 was released under the "Technical Set" series in 1979 in Europe. It finally made it to the US in 1980 with the number 8857 as an "Expert Builder" set, the first set which used the now standard 4 digit identification number. This motorcycle featured a steerable fork and a chain driven 1 cylinder engine. Traditional studded construction is used almost exclusively with the exception of the frame.
Despite the fact that many LEGO® motorcycles have been released over the years, this one is unique in many ways. The parts list consists almost entirely of standard bricks, plates, and slopes. The fenders, especially the rear, have compound curvature, yet were made entirely of plates. All of the exterior design details were made in this way with traditional LEGO® bricks. The frame, however, was built from pinned beams, which allowed the unusual angles which could never have been produced with studded construction. This set is also unusual in that the primary functionality, the engine, is completely hidden when the model is completed.
Future motorcycles would usually use unique, narrow wheels, but this set used the same wheels as the auto chassis. It also marked a couple of firsts. The 16 tooth gear was used for the first time here, as was the chain link. Realistic motorcycle functionality really required a chain, so here the engine is driven off the rear wheel via a chain.
Besides that never ever another motorcycle set was released with a sidecar.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 668
- Set Year: 1979
- Set Number: 875
- Set Parts: 38
- Set Price: 7.85
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
This set was introduced with a set price of 7.10 guilders.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 580
- Set Year: 1979
- Set Number: 876
- Set Parts: 38
- Set Price: 7.85
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
This set was introduced with a set price of 7.10 guilders.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 321
- Set Year: 1979
- Set Number: 877
- Set Parts: 24
- Set Price: 7.85
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
This set was introduced with a set price of 7.10 guilders.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 314
- Set Year: 1979
- Set Number: 878
- Set Parts: 52
- Set Price: 7.85
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
This set was introduced with a set price of 7.10 guilders.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 342
- Set Year: 1979
- Set Number: 879
- Set Parts: 87
- Set Price: 7.85
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
This set was introduced with a set price of 7.10 guilders.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 322
- Set Year: 1979
- Set Number: 880
- Set Parts: 22
- Set Price: 39.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
This set was introduced with a set price of 37.00 guilders.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 329
- Set Year: 1979
- Set Number: 950
- Set Parts: 210
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: USD
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 351
- Set Year: 1979
- Set Number: 955
- Set Parts: 512
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: USD
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 333
- Set Year: 1978
- Set Number: 954
- Set Parts: 362
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: USD
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 339
- Set Year: 1978
- Set Number: 952
- Set Parts: 312
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: USD
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 347
- Set Year: 1978
- Set Number: 960
- Set Parts: 22
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: USD
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 338
- Set Year: 1978
- Set Number: 956
- Set Parts: 602
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: USD
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 337
- Set Year: 1978
- Set Number: 948
- Set Parts: 206
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: USD
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 381
- Set Year: 1978
- Set Number: 961
- Set Parts: 78
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: USD
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 415
- Set Year: 1978
- Set Number: 854
- Set Parts: 206
- Set Price: 39.75
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
In its year of introduction this set was priced 39.75 guilders in the Netherlands.
Set 854 was released under the "Technical Set" series in 1978 in Europe. It finally made it to the US in 1979 with the number 948 as an "Expert Builder" set. This go cart features steering using a rack and pinion system, a single cylinder reciprocating engine driven from one rear wheel, and dual rear wheels on each side. Traditional studded construction is used almost exclusively, with the steering wheel supported by axles and connectors. This was the first of many go carts from LEGO®.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 424
- Set Year: 1978
- Set Number: 855
- Set Parts: 512
- Set Price: 89,50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Set 855 was released under the "Technical Set" series in 1978 in Europe. It finally made it to the US in 1979 with the number 955 as an "Expert Builder" set. This crane packs an impressive list of features including telescoping, outriggers, a 360 degree slewing turntable, a luffing and telescoping boom, and a hoist. It does NOT feature steering, and is one of the only wheeled models to ever lack this feature except for the later series of cars with pullback motors which also lack steering. Traditional studded construction is used almost exclusively.
{phocadownload view=file|id=363|text=Building Instruction|target=b}
During introduction year this set was priced 82.50 guilders.
Later its price was raised to 89.50 guilders even to 96.50 in 1981.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 327
- Set Year: 1978
- Set Number: 872
- Set Parts: 77
- Set Price: 37.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
This set was introduced with a set price of 34.50 guilders.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 417
- Set Year: 1977
- Set Number: 853
- Set Parts: 602
- Set Price: 97.00
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
How did Technic get started? We have been fortunate to talk to Jan Ryaa, one of the founding fathers of Technic back in the 1970s, where he worked with another designer, Erik Bach. At some point, these two stopped treating a brick as simply a brick, and they went to work with no more than their tool kit and some good ideas, and changed a few things.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 404
- Set Year: 1977
- Set Number: 871
- Set Parts: 78
- Set Price: 16.25
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
This set was introduced with a set price of 16.25 guilders.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 374
- Set Year: 1977
- Set Number: 870
- Set Parts: 22
- Set Price: 42.50
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
This supplementary power pack was meant to bring some action in your sets. You could motorize the technic sets. The bigger sets were a number to big for the 4.5 volt motors.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 351
- Set Year: 1977
- Set Number: 98959
- Set Parts: 40
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: na
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 408
- Set Year: 1977
- Set Number: 851
- Set Parts: 340
- Set Price: 56.25
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
In its year of introduction this set was priced 50.75 guilders.
Set 851 was released under the "Technical Set" series in 1977 in Europe. It made it to the US in 1978 with the number 952 as an "Expert Builder"set. This tractor features rack and pinion steering, a PTO (Power Take Off) which can power various implements including the thresher of the primary model, and a linkage to raise and lower the implements. Traditional studded construction is used almost exclusively, with the exception of the implement lift. This was the only set released by LEGO® in the first year which used a four bar linkage. To this day, this is one of a very small number of sets which actually use the 40 tooth spur gear.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 387
- Set Year: 1977
- Set Number: 852
- Set Parts: 364
- Set Price: 0
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: EURO
Set 852 was released under the "Technical Set" series in 1977 in Europe. It made it to the US in 1978 with the number 954 as an "Expert Builder" set. This helicopter features rotating main and tail rotors, and a collective pitch mechanism controlled at the pilot stations. Traditional studded construction is used throughout, with with a roughly equal amount of studless construction to accomplish the outer body shaping. This was the only Technic set released by LEGO® in the first year which did not have wheels on the main model, and remains one of the very few such to this day.
Helicopters have been a very popular Technic subject over the years, and a large number of them have been made. This first helicopter is still the only one to feature collective pitch and flybars with paddles. It also has the most realistic rotation speed ratio between the main and tail rotors. In these respects, it has never been improved upon. Some of the newer helicopters have more elaborate bodies and exteriors, but the simplicity of exterior design of real helicopters is one of the things which make them ideal Technic subjects.
- Details
- Category: Expert Builder Set
- Hits: 367
- Set Year: 1977
- Set Number: 850
- Set Parts: 207
- Set Price: 39,75
- Building Instruction: No
- Currency: Guilders
Set 850 was released under the "Technical Set" series in 1977 in Europe. It finally made it to the US in 1979 with set number 950 as an "Expert Builder"set.