Technic 2016 Discussion and Speculation

[andrewganschow]

We can hope...

But I would't put my hopes high.

yeah i wouldnt either. just a thought

[Jonfensu]

I've been watching some reviews and time lapse buildings of sets with ~700 pieces (42050, 42006, 42028 an so on) and comparing these with the Volvo, I think that Volvo has more than 700 pieces because the chassis, superstructure and cab are more dense, that explain why it looks so messy and why we cannot see any empty space. Does it justify the 1166 pieces? I don't think so, because as many of you stated, the 8043 is larger. I'd say that Volvo look as a ~900 pieces set

Let's wait what can tell us TLG in the official launch and Jim and Sariel in their reviews

[Cumulonimbus]

...

The volvo excavator on the other seems to be a total disapointment (so far), overpriced but with 1166 pieces and still only 3 pneumatic functions, plus 2 simple shortcuts (blade and outriggers). ...

In the 1H wave the helicopter looks amazing, and so does some of the smaller sets, i.e hydroplane boat and the go-kart.

It's funny, I feel the complete opposite of this. I really love the realism which comes with licensed sets. It stimulates TLG to step up their game for the detailing and the proportions of their creations, which is probably the reason for the higher part count This also means that the 1H sets don't really appeal to me (I haven't bought any so far), but I'm really enthusiastic about the upcoming 2H sets.

To me, the Volvo is far from a total disappointment as you state. It the first medium scaled licensed set, it has the new pneumatics (which will lower the prices for these parts on BL) and it's a wheeled excavator which hasn't been done for ages in an official set. I think it will be a very playable set, with a lot of possibilities to MOD. Thumbs up from me and I think I will buy at least two.

Edited February 6, 2016 by Cumulonimbus

[GoldVillage]

It's funny, I feel the complete opposite of this. I really love the realism which comes with licensed sets. It stimulates TLG to step up their game for the detailing and the proportions of their creations, which is probably the reason for the higher part count This also means that the 1H sets don't really appeal to me (I haven't bought any so far), but I'm really enthusiastic about the upcoming 2H sets.

To me, the Volvo is far from a total disappointment as you state. It the first medium scaled licensed set, it has the new pneumatics (which will lower the prices for these parts on BL) and it's a wheeled excavator which hasn't been done for ages in an official set. I think it will be a very playable set, with a lot of possibilities to MOD. Thumbs up from me and I think I will buy at least two.

Thats a comment i make from believing it had 1166 pcs, now iknow that it has no way near that - its more forgiveable! and the price seems ok as well ;)

[Interceptor]

Just my thoughts. This year's 2H lineup is really fascinating. I'm sure TLG listened to us and all the sets aimed at AFOLs in the first place. I will definitely buy all of them and very curious if the designers at Billund can enhance the level further in 2017 (for me a super backhoe using Pneumatic2 and compressor could). But as for 2016 2H sets from my collector perspective:

42053 Volvo: originally I was looking forward to this set the most and I still like it, although, it could have been better. I support the collaboration idea with a real construction or truck company because these have delivered remarkable pieces of Technic so far (Unimog and Volvo loader come to my mind). I don't think this adds to the price anything because of the win-win situation. And it is welcomed they chose the mid range this time for the Volvo. I can believe it has 1100+ pieces to be accurate and Pneumatic2 with new manual pump is the winner for me here. My problem is that outriggers and front blade lack pneumatic, superstructure to be turned by hand, and there is not even a gear system to improve playability of these parts.

42054 Claas Tractor: this thing is a real surprise and completely unique. Driver's cabin lifting-turning and different steering modes are pure awesome. New wheels and rims come handy. I also like the rear crane (it could have been done by using pneumatic but it is good this way either) and sure there will be fantastic rear attechments created by enthusiasts soon after release. There was a comment regarding it is as MOC-able set as the Unimog and I agree. It uses PF but it could have been flagship-like set even with only manual features. I would rate it even higher if it had 4WD and fake engine instead of PF to be honest.

42055 BWE: this is a monster and very special. Like the others, I will hardly find a place for that in my room but this is not a real problem. I think TLG really pushed the limit with this set and tried out a completely different kind of machine, a mining one. We all wanted a diversive thing than just another excavator or crane and here it is. So well done and great thanks to TLG on my part. I'm glad with the colour combination and with the great functions carried out by a single motor. If only lifting the arm was also motorised. Little dump truck adds more playability to this set. Truly a flagship. But wait, here is another one.

42056 Porsche: probably this is the crown jewel, the Technic UCS and the new standard for Technic supercars. But only speculation here. I'm sure it will come in special colour (lava orange or violet) and with superb functions even with PF (lamp on box indicates this) but I see no evidence for RC. I would most like a manual version of the real supercar, a true successor to the 8880 with sequential gear shifting, working brakes, adjustable suspension, 4 wheel steer, adjustable seats and so on. Probably the features are not final yet and set is under testing (and camouflage is there on purpose). Hope we will know the final details around Geneva motor show...

Edited February 7, 2016 by Interceptor

[Ngoc Nguyen]

I've just built the 42042 B model, and I realize that this BWE is at most as high as it. The turret of the Mobile Tower Crane is already 70 studs tall, while its base is 9 studs tall. As for the BWE, its base is about 10 studs tall and the turret 40 studs tall.

If you guys can store the Mobile Tower Crane then you'll have no problem storing this monstrosity.

[GoldVillage]

Funny, the most entertaining part for me is building models. What i don't like is taking apart a model. ;-)

I agree with you on the helicopter, looks like a very fun model.

I don't think you should compare recent Technic sets to much older sets regarding price and parts. Do you remember the 8851 excavator? Only 347 parts (and 110 of them are tracks) and a flagship! I think the Volvo has a lot more to offer than that, and the price is right in my opinion.

Building is always fun but 4000 pieces is just too much. And i didnt compare the volvo excavator with a much older excavator (oh yea, i had the 8851) but with somewhat newer one since i wont consider 8043 as "too old". but it doesnt matter anyway since that comparison was an absolutely overkill, even 8294 & 42006 seems to be way bigger than the volvo,

[Ngoc Nguyen]

i think TLG has taken up another standard this year, which is making the feature: the switch change the direction of a function (like in 42042) instead of changing functions. This feature appears in the Xerion and the BWE. I think we can expect to see this again in 2H 2017.

[bob st-claire]

i think TLG has taken up another standard this year, which is making the feature: the switch change the direction of a function (like in 42042) instead of changing functions. This feature appears in the Xerion and the BWE. I think we can expect to see this again in 2H 2017.

This way (like at 42042 A model) is much better for playability - especially for kids, which should be still main focus of Lego designers.

[Ngoc Nguyen]

I'm still very, very sad at the way Volvo EW160E turns out. When will I have a truly complex, 1H / 2H flagship-level Wheel Excavator... *sigh*

[Rockbrick]

B-Model for the porsche:

its so cute

[Samer]

u mean B model for the Claas Xerion

[Rockbrick]

Yeah probably better suited to the Xerion's wheels

[N-4K0]

My first reaction was "haha, what the f*** is that?"

Is it some kind of terrain mini car or something?

Edited February 10, 2016 by Error404

[Cumulonimbus]

It's unstoppable. Check this article and video and be impressed: http://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/the-russians-make-the-best-truck-in-the-universe-for-5-1758030433

[N-4K0]

Now that's some navigability for such a small truck

[JGW3000]

Skid steering works great on ice and dirt, but what about asphalt? Tires wear out quickly?

[Saberwing40k]

If this truck were a little bit bigger, it would be a great rescue vehicle.

[Samer]

1:01

Is that Putin or what?

[Kman860]

I think it is....

[Victor Imaginator]

No, it's not him, just random russian person)

[1gor]

Just my thoughts. This year's 2H lineup is really fascinating. I'm sure TLG listened to us and all the sets aimed at AFOLs in the first place. I will definitely buy all of them and very curious if the designers at Billund can enhance the level further in 2017 (for me a super backhoe using Pneumatic2 and compressor could). But as for 2016 2H sets from my collector perspective:

42053 Volvo: originally I was looking forward to this set the most and I still like it, although, it could have been better. I support the collaboration idea with a real construction or truck company because these have delivered remarkable pieces of Technic so far (Unimog and Volvo loader come to my mind). I don't think this adds to the price anything because of the win-win situation. And it is welcomed they chose the mid range this time for the Volvo. I can believe it has 1100+ pieces to be accurate and Pneumatic2 with new manual pump is the winner for me here. My problem is that outriggers and front blade lack pneumatic, superstructure to be turned by hand, and there is not even a gear system to improve playability of these parts.

42054 Claas Tractor: this thing is a real surprise and completely unique. Driver's cabin lifting-turning and different steering modes are pure awesome. New wheels and rims come handy. I also like the rear crane (it could have been done by using pneumatic but it is good this way either) and sure there will be fantastic rear attechments created by enthusiasts soon after release. There was a comment regarding it is as MOC-able set as the Unimog and I agree. It uses PF but it could have been flagship-like set even with only manual features. I would rate it even higher if it had 4WD and fake engine instead of PF to be honest.

42055 BWE: this is a monster and very special. Like the others, I will hardly find a place for that in my room but this is not a real problem. I think TLG really pushed the limit with this set and tried out a completely different kind of machine, a mining one. We all wanted a diversive thing than just another excavator or crane and here it is. So well done and great thanks to TLG on my part. I'm glad with the colour combination and with the great functions carried out by a single motor. If only lifting the arm was also motorised. Little dump truck adds more playability to this set. Truly a flagship. But wait, here is another one.

42056 Porsche: probably this is the crown jewel, the Technic UCS and the new standard for Technic supercars. But only speculation here. I'm sure it will come in special colour (lava orange or violet) and with superb functions even with PF (lamp on box indicates this) but I see no evidence for RC. I would most like a manual version of the real supercar, a true successor to the 8880 with sequential gear shifting, working brakes, adjustable suspension, 4 wheel steer, adjustable seats and so on. Probably the features are not final yet and set is under testing (and camouflage is there on purpose). Hope we will know the final details around Geneva motor show...

just one addition in terms of possible future licensing. when you watch this video

at approximately 3:40 you can see some known bricks...

[Rockbrick]

It's unstoppable. Check this article and video and be impressed: http://truckyeah.jal...or-5-1758030433

A lego version that floats on water would be great too - though I don't know about lunging into an icy cold lake with the front window open... I mean one badly timed descent and it will sink or worse still your feet will get wet

I'll just leave this here too: http://i.imgur.com/1CKyG5w.gifv

[Ondra]

just one addition in terms of possible future licensing. when you watch this video

at approximately 3:40 you can see some known bricks...

I think its megabloks, IIRC they make some big model of engine for some company.

[Ngoc Nguyen]

Remember when the MB Arocs was released, everyone was marveling at it and wondering how can TLG outdo themselves in the following year. Now they have indeed outdone themselves with the BWE. So if you're wondering how can TLG outdo this BWE, I think you can rest assured; they definitely will next year.