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Let's see if I'm understanding how to convey sarcasm online... I think TLG needs to simplify the build steps and reduce parts added at each step in their BI. I think official models need to use more bright, clashing, colors. Especially in the chassis. I think 42043 will end the pneumatics vs LA debate once and for all.

They do seem to be repeating quite a bit. I'd like to see more non-vehicles like the braiding machine, manual calculator, or mechanical reproductions of things like vending machines, power tools, or amusement park rides. I know it's been mentioned before, but I would LOVE a fire truck in the scale of 42009!

Some of the architectural sets are also spiral bound and are printed on much higher quality paper. The paper probably has to be much thicker when spiral bound.

As Corvette3 pointed out, I think it's the black 12T bevel gear about halfway back on the model.

By trash it, I hope you mean recycle or donate or something a little friendlier than throwing it in a dumpster. I'm sure there are tons of non-profits or churches or child care centers that would love to be burdened with the task of taking apart a unwanted LEGO prototype.

DROC Drooling Over Creation

I'm sure LEGO is watching, but not because they are thinking of offering this product or something similar. Although the smart brick is a huge improvement over the current PF remote system, this is something that is way beyond LEGO's target audience. As adult fans with disposable income, this is something that really appeals to us. Because LEGO targets Technic at kids 10-16 years, this is not something they could market.

Wow! I can't wait for this one to show up Rebrickable. It looks even better than your American Truck Longnose!

The issue is not whether or not your comment is useful. The issue is that your comment is negative.

You mean the hitechnic gyro sensor, right? The builder that created EV3 self-balancing robot created a NXT version. Here's the link: http://robotsquare.com/2012/02/12/tutorial-building-segway/

I think the very best you could hope for would be to built a lego frame around a non-lego aircraft. Large R/C helicopters have a head speed of around 2000 RPM, and that's for something with a 600 mm rotor. Even if the buggy motor could spin that fast, there's no way it would have the torque necessary to achieve lift with rotors that big. Small RC helicopters and quad-copters spin at 3000-5000 RPM with a rotor of around 150 mm. Lego parts don't have bearings, an absolute necessity for the kinds of loads involved here. The parts would melt and/or break apart. I do like the idea of building a lego frame for a quad copter. They are plenty of DIY kits for building these little aircraft.

My 42009 had the separate instruction books so I haven't seen the new single-book instructions. Do the new books stay open on the table or do you need to prop them open?

I haven't read that anywhere and that sounds very unlikely to be true. I buy all my sets directly from LEGO, either through S@H or at my local LEGO company store using my VIP card. My local LEGO store has a large Technic collection, although it pales in comparison to their City or other theme sections. I would be very sad if I had to get my Technic through TRU or Wal-mart. I'd probably start Bricklinking everything.

While the reason may very well be because of limited capacity in the U.S. supply chain, retailers are perfectly capable of deciding which products they want to put on their shelves. Besides, why wouldn't the U.S. S@H at least sell them so those that want the sets can order them?

It's been out of stock at the USA shop at home for several weeks. At first, it said it would ship in 30 days. A couple of weeks ago, they changed it to simply say out of stock.

I think I would prefer the six books to one single book simply because the thinner books will stay open. That big book doesn't look like it would stay open when you lay it flat. It would be irritating to have to prop the book open with battery boxes while you're building.

You might go to FIRST's web site at http://www.usfirst.org and http://www.firstlegoleague.org/challenge/startateam. You might also see if there is an FRC team in your school district. FRC is the high school level robotics league. FRC teams usually like to adopt or help incubate FLL and FTC teams. It not only helps further the FIRST goals but often creates a farm system for future team members, and even helps the team if they're interested in pursuing a Chairman's award. FIRST has grants and other kinds of assistance available for rookie teams and there are often regional STEM alliances that can assist in this area as well. FIRST's web site will have TONS of information that should point you in the right direction.

I don't have permission to view that topic.

They haven't announced a release date yet, although I read somewhere that it will be available this fall. I imagine they plan to release it next month so FLL and FTC teams can utilize it. I'm sure FLL and FTC are a big part of their market.

I planned on hunting through the forums for a good photo of the bags. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

I bet they sell them as "open-box" items or they return them to TLG for spare parts / missing piece inventory.

I received my copy from USA S@H yesterday and it looks like someone had already opened the set. The box flaps were cut on one side and you could easily reach in. I haven't inventoried the set yet, but the bag with the license plate is there. I don't plan on ever selling the set, and the box wasn't damaged beyond the side flaps being cut. The cuts were right along the corners, and neatly done. My only concern is missing parts, which I'll find out soon enough.

EV3 Retail will hit store shelves on September 1st! As stated before, the Edu set is available today. http://mindstorms.lego.com/en-us/News/ReadMore/Default.aspx?id=493880 In addition, the bonus models were revealed also: http://mindstorms.lego.com/en-us/News/ReadMore/Default.aspx?id=493881

rm8, keep posting this info! I have loved reading about your experience and getting a rare glimpse into how a technic model is developed. The pictures were great. I don't understand how someone can read a thread about the 41999 then complain about getting too much info about the model. You have every right to be excited about this set. I promise, the people that are complaining are just a few. Most of the people are enjoying reading about this model and your participation.

Everyone on this forum is entitled to their opinion. The OP was not disrespectful in any way. They were not trying to tell people to not buy the set, they were simply looking for reasons why someone might not want to buy it. Myself, I'm still on the fence. I make very good money and can certainly afford multiple sets this year. I'm happy to hear the positives and negatives of such a purchase. Just because I can afford to buy this set, doesn't mean it's a wise purchase for me. Truth be told, I think this thread is a good idea because it helps me make an informed decision. While I'm capable of making up my own mind about the purchase, it's helpful to hear other opinions too. Like others have said, if you don't like the thread, don't read it. There's nothing violating forum rules here.