mobi

Yes, you can change the definition but here is the important bit The style of technic sets has been changing over time So there is no strict rule of what is Technic. To me, anything with cogs and wheels is Technic. Ultimately it is Lego who decides which sets are Technic and which are not.

Within next few years, 3D printing will become a mainstream technology. Does it mean we shall be able to just print missing bricks? Joking aside, 3D printing will revolutionize small scale manufacturing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lego_Technic

I think there are some sites (Peeron?) where you can select what sets you have and it will calculate what parts are missing if you you try to build another set which you don't own.

Is it possible to put the motor in the place of the engine to power the whole truck?

Is this info released by Lego? I guess Technic is somewhat lower ranking against other popular themes like Star Wars etc.

I have never bought anything from Lego shops. They always sell at list prices where as I wait for deals in Amazon/Argos etc. But if you just want to scoop some standard bricks in buckets for a fixed price, then Lego shops are the places to go.

Out of these 3, my choice would be Unimog. It is still available in shops.

After watching all the 8258 and 9397 clips on YouTube, I do think that 8258 is somewhat better compared to 9397. However, I am not going to pay absurd price for 8258. The 9397 is offering almost all functions of 8258 and it is now available in shops. So, I'll probably go for 9397. In addition, 9397's B model seems quite good too.

I asked Lego whether they would ever consider re-introducing old sets. They said it is not impossible and if enough people ask about particular set being resurrected they would seriously consider re-releasing it. But any limited edition set won't be re-released. Of course, it might be a standard reply to anyone who ask the same question.

Well, gearbox is the crown jewel of Technic sets! May be it is a business decision. They think if they put all functions in single set, people won't buy other sets.

Is there any chance that Lego will resurrect iconic old sets like 8880, 8448, 8479, 8421 etc.? May of the modern Technic sets are worse than older classics. I always wondered why Lego went few step backwards after introducing those complex sets. Now there is an increasing trend of motorizing all trivial functions. Motors don't last after few years where as mechanical parts last over 20 years.

Can someone please explain what features are missing from 9397 which are there in 8258? From YouTube videos I gather that both have very similar crane operation. But 8258 wins on one more axle, pair of extra outriggers and XL motor instead of M motor. I wanted to buy 8258 but missed so I wonder whether 9397 is an equivalent purchase Ebay price for 8258 is twice as much of 9397 price in shops.

Can someone tell me whether the B model is powered by the motor? i.e. whether the whole truck moves forward/reverse via motor. I know in the A model, motor does not power the whole truck but only operates the crane.

8421 is already too difficult to buy from used market.