Modern equivalents of these simple Technic sets?

[smoothbit]

When I was a child I really enjoyed playing with these two simple sets:

• https://brickset.com/sets/8034-1/Universal-Set
• https://brickset.com/sets/8720-1/9V-Motor-Set

Is there a modern equivalent? All the "Powered Up" sets I see are considerably more complex and expensive.

Edited June 12, 2023 by smoothbit
Added URLs to links

[aFrInaTi0n]

Simple Answer: No

[howitzer]

A less simple answer:

Last set which could be considered universal set was the Barcode multi set in 1997 so they are long gone. (Assuming you don't count Mindstorms sets, as they are of different theme and with significantly different focus than Technic sets, even if they consist mostly of Technic bricks, and also discontinued recently.)

Power functions parts were released as supplemental sets while it lasted, but it was also discontinued few years ago. I don't think PU stuff is available in similar supplemental set style, only separately (single motor, single hub, etc.) and as proper sets (like the upcoming 42160 Audi.) Of course it's possible to buy PU motors and hubs separately, though they can indeed be pretty expensive. For a simple solution, the PU dumb hub (88015) combined with 2 motors (there are several, like 88013 or 88018) of your choice could be an option.

[Maaboo the Witch]

The most recent universal-type set I can think of is 8433, though that's really more of a Creator set with Technic parts.

[howitzer]

1 hour ago, Maaboo35 said:

The most recent universal-type set I can think of is 8433, though that's really more of a Creator set with Technic parts.

 

How is that universal? Does it include instructions for at least 4 models (not buildable at the same time from the set's parts)?

[astyanax]

Perhaps this question has been obviated in the age of Rebrickable? Small technic sets often get lots of alt builds, often free too. Example: https://rebrickable.com/sets/42102-1/mini-claas-xerion/?inventory=1#alt_builds

[Maaboo the Witch]

28 minutes ago, howitzer said:

How is that universal? Does it include instructions for at least 4 models (not buildable at the same time from the set's parts)?

It includes instructions for a plethora of different models, including dune buggies, dump trucks, and bikes. The builds are arranged by difficulty.

So, to answer your question, yes.

[howitzer]

17 hours ago, Maaboo35 said:

It includes instructions for a plethora of different models, including dune buggies, dump trucks, and bikes. The builds are arranged by difficulty.

So, to answer your question, yes.

So it would seem, I didn't know that! I wonder how it was marketed, as there's apparently still a "main" model (truck  and helicopter) and the alternatives are much smaller.

[smoothbit]

Thanks for all the feedback and sorry for being a bit too vague in my initial post.

What I liked about those two sets wasn't specifically that you could build three different models, (though that was of course cool), rather it was being able to motorise the car and make it drive around.

I was hoping to find something similarly fun for my son and decided to get this:

• https://brickset.com/sets/42140-1/App-Controlled-Transformation-Vehicle

There's also this really nice alternative build:

• https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-151271/brikdlego/rally-car-42140-alternative-model

Thanks again!

Edited June 13, 2023 by smoothbit

[Anio]

@smoothbit I know this is not exactly the set you are looking, but I think that 8436 and 42144 kinda have this universal kit vibe.

 

As for models using a motor kit (8293), here are the references that come to my mind : 9395, 8053, 8294, 8295, 8265, 42029, 42000, 9396, 42039, 42053, 42068.

But I am afraid none of them has this universal kit feeling.

[brikdlego]

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Edited July 27, 2023 by brikdlego
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[grum64]

It is a shame sets like this aren’t made any more. When I first discovered Lego Technic I went through a mad collecting phase (it was a time when good used Lego was cheap to buy). Amongst the plethora of stuff I bought were several of the Technic 8062 cases for no other reason than to keep parts in. Until I bought one that arrived complete with parts and an instruction book I had no idea it was a proper set. They were great. Jake and George had a set each and loved them first building the sets in the book then building their own creations. It was a joy to see them using their imagination to make ever more creative builds. They still play with them now, sadly not as often as they did.

 

 

Edited June 15, 2023 by grum64
Pics added