Technic 2016 Discussion and Speculation

[Zerobricks]

I would say be happy to be in a phase where you can choose axle colors. I am pretty sure the odd colors can be very useful in certain mocs. Now try to grab as many of the weird (or maybe soon to be old?) colors as long as they are available.

[hadidi1999]

True.

[jzlego]

Yer missing quite a few green and white ones from that lot, yep.

Ha, am I? I wasn't aware that green and white ones exist, though I shouldn't be surprised. I've only been interested in Technic for the last couple of years, so my parts bins don't have any older stuff. Unless you mean flex axles, which I have a few red.

It was a somewhat lighthearted complaint. Having more colors is very useful, but it's just another Lego thing to spend money on. Having two or three red axles doesn't do me a lot of good. In terms of the color varieties being useful. if the Porsche is orange, it might look very nice to have some orange axles. If the Porsche is black, it would look very terrible to have orange axles exposed...

I also noticed the change to red and yellow isn't happening evenly, which increased my curiosity. That's why I wanted to hear the thoughts of the group. I'd be interested to hear Jim weigh in on the new "axle theory" he referred to in his review of the Idea's Maze. I have trouble imaging Lego switching entirely away from black and grey.

[Lyichir]

Ha, am I? I wasn't aware that green and white ones exist, though I shouldn't be surprised. I've only been interested in Technic for the last couple of years, so my parts bins don't have any older stuff. Unless you mean flex axles, which I have a few red.

It was a somewhat lighthearted complaint. Having more colors is very useful, but it's just another Lego thing to spend money on. Having two or three red axles doesn't do me a lot of good. In terms of the color varieties being useful. if the Porsche is orange, it might look very nice to have some orange axles. If the Porsche is black, it would look very terrible to have orange axles exposed...

I also noticed the change to red and yellow isn't happening evenly, which increased my curiosity. That's why I wanted to hear the thoughts of the group. I'd be interested to hear Jim weigh in on the new "axle theory" he referred to in his review of the Idea's Maze. I have trouble imaging Lego switching entirely away from black and grey.

To be honest I doubt that red and yellow are replacing black and grey entirely. After all, the main benefit of red and yellow axles (visibility and easy identification) would not necessarily apply in sets that already feature a huge amount of red or yellow. It would not surprise me at all if black and grey axles remained in use for at least a few sets each year, the same way black 2M axles have for the past few years despite the introduction of red. Of course, if this ended up being the case, it'd basically only contribute to AFOL perceptions of "color vomit"—but to TLG, contrasting axle colors are an asset, not a flaw.

Additionally, it may be that some sets (especially larger sets) might use all four colors, to make quick identification of axles even easier. In other words, for some sets it's possible that every FOURTH size might be red/yellow/black/grey, rather than just being split by odd and even lengths. I believe the BWE uses all four axle colors, though I could be wrong about that.

[andrewganschow]

I think I've figured it out.

Yellow axles are for the BWE hand rails and Volvo.

Orange axles and connecters used for the Volvo safety areas, and Porsche.

And red axle for the Xerion.

They're mixed in with the 1H sets in order to determine any flaws in the coloring process, and designer's have probably had access to the different color axles for a year now to design final coloring of sets. The axles then have to be distributed throughout the 1H sets in order to drive prices down, and hear about any flaws in the different color pellets used to make the axles. That's my theory, im pretty sure these axles will continued to be used in future sets for further coloring, but the gray and black axles will still be used for structural, and rotary implementations.

Edited March 15, 2016 by andrewganschow

[N-4K0]

This link shows all the (presumably) known colors of axles on BrickLink:

http://www.bricklink...P&catString=134

It seems the only axle that exists only in one single color, according to BrickLink, is the 5L dark tan axle with stop.

On the other end of the scale, the pole reverser handle exists in 16 different colors.

I don't have so much against it, but I do agree that having so many different colors is a bit overwhelming. In particular when they include new colors for specific axle lengths in random sets, one can wonder why, but IMO it doesn't matter too much at least if the new colors are used in hidden places or in sets where they correspond with the major color of the exterior.

About the prices - wouldn't the yellow and red axles get cheaper if TLG simply produced them in a large quantity? Yellow is probably mainly meant for the Volvo excavator, but if they make too many yellow and red axles and solve the problem by spreading them over random sets to use in more hidden places, it's not that much of a problem IMO.

Also, I suppose the main reason they use so many yellow axles in the BWE, for railings as well as power transfer, could be due to the mentioned cost reduction by spreading the color.

Edited March 16, 2016 by Error404

[Jim]

I also noticed the change to red and yellow isn't happening evenly, which increased my curiosity. That's why I wanted to hear the thoughts of the group. I'd be interested to hear Jim weigh in on the new "axle theory" he referred to in his review of the Idea's Maze. I have trouble imaging Lego switching entirely away from black and grey.

You mean "axle strategy"

I am not sure whether TLG will abandon the grey and black axles alltogether. I don't have any inside information, so we need to wait until the 2H sets are released (or take a close look at the pictures).

Off topic: I have created a new topic where we can post questions for LEGO designers:

http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=123938

[merman]

Well, the 11L axle is on its way. It is in the new LDD update...

[jzlego]

You mean "axle strategy"

I am not sure whether TLG will abandon the grey and black axles alltogether. I don't have any inside information, so we need to wait until the 2H sets are released (or take a close look at the pictures).

Off topic: I have created a new topic where we can post questions for LEGO designers:

http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=123938

Absolutely right Jim, sorry to misquote you. Not sure why I thought "axle theory" made sense. TLG has an axle strategy, and all we have is "axle theory"

We'll certainly see what the axle situation looks like once the 2H sets get released. The new axle colors don't keep me up at night, but I can't help but be curious about them in my new sets when I see them. Part of me wants to wildly speculate about the Porsche being available in multiple colors (red, orange, yellow), hence the new axle colors, but I know we all like to keep speculation out of these threads...

The new topic you created makes for interesting reading.

[hadidi1999]

Well some one stated, (Maybe Jim in a review), that TLG is changing their 'axle theory.'

Sorry jzlego, it was all my fault. I mixed it up. I am to blame. See^

But you are right for now lets keep speculation out of these threads, there is already enough speculation floating around in other threads. :thumbup:

Edited March 17, 2016 by hadidi1999

[Technic Jim]

Part of me wants to wildly speculate about the Porsche being available in multiple colors (red, orange, yellow), hence the new axle colors.

That would be very cool. Would it have all three colour schemes in one box and you could rebuild it into different colours or would there be three different versions each with a slightly different set number: 42056a, 42056b and 42056c. I don't know how distribution would work if that were the case though.

[jzlego]

No problem hadidi1999. I feel bad for saying "axle theory" makes no sense. I was trying to poke fun at myself, not you.

That would be very cool. Would it have all three colour schemes in one box and you could rebuild it into different colours or would there be three different versions each with a slightly different set number: 42056a, 42056b and 42056c. I don't know how distribution would work if that were the case though.

It's so hard to tell if people are serious over the internet. For the record, I was joking about the set coming in multiple colors. It's certainly possible it will happen, but doesn't seem likely to me.

That said... here's how it would work. The Porsche box comes with all the internal parts (blacks, greys, etc.) and Lego ships the orange/red/yellow parts to the store. You pick a color and take those parts home when you buy the set. When you get tired of your Porsche being red, you take the red pieces back and trade them for the orange ones. So you only get one color at a time, but you can swap it for other colors when you want. Now that it's been said, I'm sure we can all agree that this is clearly how it will be done.

[deehtha]

Can you imagine the popular of color change packs? All those panels and beams in matching colors. I would 1 of each color, even if I didn't buy the Porsche.

Too bad TLG doesn't sell a kit with 1 of each panel in 1 color.

[Technic Jim]

For the record, I was joking about the set coming in multiple colors.

Same, except I was speculating a bit more deeply about the actual logistics of making the 42056 available in different colours. Sorry for any confusion, I was just trying to be funny.

[Zerobricks]

The more I look and think, the more I have a feeling we will get some new hubs which are used in porsche and the xerion, since the steered ones we have now have ball joints and I am not sure there is enough room in the Xerion to fit links and steering rack.

[GoldVillage]

Well, the 11L axle is on its way. It is in the new LDD update...

I did spend a long time updating (dirt slow despite my 10mbit) and not one single new technic piece, i had expect for a very atleast all new axle and pins, all PF, the large actuators, the new 5l clutch with all its needed parts, triangle 5x11 panels, all pneumatics... but nothing, what a total joke program!!

For all of you with slower connection: dont update this shit, its not worth it.

Edited March 17, 2016 by GoldVillage

[Zerobricks]

I did spend a long time updating (dirt slow despite my 10mbit) and not one single new technic piece, i had expect for a very atleast all new axle and pins, all PF, the large actuators, the new 5l clutch with all its needed parts, triangle 5x11 panels, all pneumatics... but nothing, what a total joke program!!

For all of you with slower connection: dont update this shit, its not worth it.

There are PLENTY of technic parts including the triangle panel, I have no idea what the 5l clucth you mean, unless you mean new drive rings which also ARE included...

Please look in extended mode and dont post such angry messages before checking.

[GoldVillage]

There are PLENTY of technic parts including the triangle panel, I have no idea what the 5l clucth you mean, unless you mean new drive rings which also ARE included...

Please look in extended mode and dont post such angry messages before checking.

Yes the new clutch/switch that are 5 long assembled instead of 4. BTW i cant access this mode, theres no where to be find. And wouldnt it be easier if they included the new pieces together with other "normal" parts? But however still no pneumatics? then its still not worth the effort

[Paul B Technic]

then its still not worth the effort

For me and a lot of other people it is :)

[GoldVillage]

For me and a lot of other people it is :)

Yeah sry, perhaps it could be! but the few times i managed to get some new pieces... they're all red (dunno why) and can be changed to black, only. And when using some of the new pieces into a build, everything start gettin really slow and laggy.

Edited March 17, 2016 by GoldVillage

[Zerobricks]

Yeah sry, perhaps it could be! but the few times i managed to get some new pieces... they're all red (dunno why) and can be changed to black, only And when using some of the new pieces into a build, everything start gettin really slow and laggy.

I think this would better fit in the LDD subforum. If you need help in ising LDD press F1 or check the help topic there.

[Jim]

I think this would better fit in the LDD subforum. If you need help in ising LDD press F1 or check the help topic there.

Agreed.

It does seem you are having troubles no one else is experiencing. I'd ask in the LDD forum. They will be happy to help you out.

[Victor Imaginator]

Yeah sry, perhaps it could be! but the few times i managed to get some new pieces... they're all red (dunno why) and can be changed to black, only. And when using some of the new pieces into a build, everything start gettin really slow and laggy.

GoldVillage - new parts exist in LDD, but they not sorted into categories. So thay accesible only in extended mode, where by default all is red. It's ok, you can change default color - below parts palette middle button used for that. And after you put parts into the scene - you can recolor it with paint bucket tool.

Sorry for offtopic.

[Kman860]

So is there any upcoming car show or toy fair where we might get new info on the Porsche?

[hadidi1999]

So is there any upcoming car show or toy fair where we might get new info on the Porsche?

well, good luck with that happening.